FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Tent shopping

I am in the market go buy a tent. I figure it's time to move out of the back of my truck and onto the ground, where there is more space. I've decided to go with REI, first of all because I have a 20% discount and a warranty of some sort.

I'm looking for a tent that fits what I am going to use it for. Since I am throwing it in the back of my truck, I am willing to give up light-weight for luxury. Something strong, wind-proof, relatively easy to set-up and if it looks cool, that's a plus.

What sort of tents do you guys have?

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Permalink Reply by cypilk on May 4, 2009 at 2:30pm

Wow, that's beefy

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on May 4, 2009 at 2:26pm

windproof?...why, thinking of something for SnT? :-)

i have been happy with my MSR Mutha Hubba and it saves a lot of weight. a good thing considering the amount of crap i lug on extended day runs.

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Permalink Reply by caddo on May 4, 2009 at 2:21pm

We have a Alps Mountaineering Orion 4 for several years now. pretty easy to set up and it hasnt fall apart yet.. It's Death Valley (wind) and Alaska (rain) tested..

Not sure if you can still get it these days since we picked it up at REI outlet a couple years back (4 or 5 years maybe?)

PS. funny how you are thinking about moving out of the truck to a tent when we are thinking about ditching the tent and sleep in the truck.

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Permalink Reply by cypilk on May 4, 2009 at 2:31pm

Hah, well. On nice nights, it would be nice to set up camp and sleep where I can move more freely. Especially if I bring a friend.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on May 4, 2009 at 4:11pm

Thought that BZ was your friend at SnT !!

LOL

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on May 4, 2009 at 2:36pm

sleeping in the truck definitely has its advantages, especially if you have a flatbed system like sonof40 or daveF2 and the rear cargo door lock release.

i slept in the truck during RockyFJ's birthday party monsoon after lots of beer and bruises from playing Capture the Flag without any lights (whose damn idea was that anyway?). i compensated for the gap between the front seat and flat seat back with my duffel bag and other crap and used a folding egg crate-style foam mat to level out the middle hump. i still had to sleep diagonally (i'm 6'3"), but managed to get some decent sleep. getting out was a hassle though - especially with rain, mud and pink elephants getting in the way.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on May 4, 2009 at 4:11pm

I hate those pink elephants

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Permalink Reply by Romanski on May 5, 2009 at 9:22am

I have a #3 tent. I went with REI brand because of the feedback, quality and price. For me the main factors were easy to setup which is important if you need the tent up quickly and if you are doing it in the dark. I've been stuck on obstacles with slow progress and was late to camp only to have to setup the tent with only a flashlight. The REI tent has withstood heavy winds and cold weather. It is the most comfortable tent that I've owned.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on May 5, 2009 at 2:08pm

I also do not use a tent when going around with the FJ. What is more comfortable, wind/rain proof than the truck? You can even turn on heating if needed :)

I have bought a $12 air mattress at target that fits nicely inside the truck.