small tent advice needed

[bell]

Hey all, i don't want to sleep in my car at this year's rolex24 in Daytona so i need to get a small tent for just me.....having looked at sizes i want a 2-4 person tent.....
budget is tight, what are the good cheap tents out there?
Walmart had Coleman 4 person for around 40 bucks.....i need something that will block the wind/rain as weather for the 24 is about as predictable as the winner lol

I can order online too if needed.....

[ckelly78z]

I like the Eureka Apex tent for $99 at Campmor, it has tightening straps, and overhead dry storage, is fairly small and bright orange so no one runs over you. I would get a waterproof sleeping pad and a nice sleeping bag....don't forget the foam earplugs so you can fall asleep.

[Seahawk]

There are so many tents to choose from that fit your needs.

A tent is the easy part (rain fly, durable waterproof fabric, raised floor seams, bathtub floor, screens and a full coverage fly, provide reliable protection from the elements) so I can't help but ask a few questions, sorry:

- are you camping near your car?
- what kind of car?
- car cig lighter/12v power plug work?
- access to a cot or inflatable mattress?

The answers to the above would drive my choice. Also see below. SP is right on the money.

[SeanPizzle]

Craigslist is your friend. Lots of people buy nice tents and use them once or twice and sell for 20 cents on the dollar.

[bell]

Tent will be in front of my car.....
i have a big 12v snap on jump pack.....
Will probably find an inflatable mattress....

[LWJ]

Tarp. Seriously. Since weight isn't an issue go to Harbor Freight and buy a ground tarp. Take some sticks and guy lines and loft a roof over it with another tarp. Secure it all with stakes or rocks or similar so it won't blow away. and presto - shelter!

Use google for tips and ideas. I have slept backpacking in a tarp folded over me. It was great.

Larry

[Evans, Marv]

Campmor is a good source, and prices are reasonable. Since you want to keep out wind, I would think a tarp may not be a solution. Having said that, I have used a tarp exclusively for years on mountain trips. They make good ground covers under the tent. With a tarp, you definitely have to dig a rain trench around the periphery and one or more drain trenches to channel water away. You should also do that with a tent too.

[gprsh924]

It's easy to recommend a nice high-dollar tent, but seeing as you will use this thing once or twice, go cheap.

During college I would camp 4-6 weekends in the first semester at waterski tournaments. In poured at a bunch of them. My $30 ozark trail tent from Wal-mart always kept me dry and went up in just a few minutes.

[Head416]

For car camping, I use a $50 Coleman and it does the job, and is nice and roomy.

For backpacking I buy fancy high-dollar tents, but they are overkill for this, and will be smaller and less comfortable.

However, if you want a tent that will hold up for a long time, I strongly urge you to get one with aluminum poles rather than fiberglass.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by bell

Tent will be in front of my car.....
i have a big 12v snap on jump pack.....
Will probably find an inflatable mattress....

Then the tent world is your oyster since Tenzing Norgay isn't going to be your rommie

The key now is comfort for you since your stuff can stay dry in the car if need be: I'd have an air mattress, sheets, pillows, the works. I'd also look at used walk in tents for ease of entry exit.

A man has to know when comfort is king.

[bell]

Think i scored a bnib 3 person tent on cl......Going later to check it out.....I'll post later
thanks everyone

[bell]

Done deal. ...i love cl......
20 bucks, brand new never set up.....

[bell]

I'm going to get an extra tarp in case we get hit with rain......i went the cheap route lol
the brand is ozark....they sell them at Walmart.....should serve is purpose.....

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by bell

I'm going to get an extra tarp in case we get hit with rain......i went the cheap route lol
the brand is ozark....they sell them at Walmart.....should serve is purpose.....

Perfect!