Completely Lost on What Camping Tent to Buy
I’m getting ready for my first camping trip this summer, and the tent situation has me stuck. There are way too many brands and styles, every review contradicts the next one, and I have no idea what I actually need versus what's marketing hype.
Been looking at Coleman since that's what everyone seems to have. They're everywhere, tons of options at different price points, and I know they've been around since forever. But are they actually good or just popular because they're popular? Ozark Trail keeps coming up as the budget alternative - cheaper but supposedly decent quality. Then there's REI's house brands, which cost more but people swear by them.
The price range is all over the place. Can get a tent for sixty bucks or spend three hundred plus. Trying to figure out what's necessary spending versus what's just paying for a brand name. I'm not trying to summit Everest, just car camping at established sites, but I also don't want something that's gonna leak or collapse the first time there's wind.
Actually, I saw some options on Alibaba, including brands like Forenia camping outdoors tent that do inflatable tents with air beams instead of poles. It is somehow convenient, but I doubt if that's practical or just a gimmick that'll cause problems.
Durability's another question. Do I buy cheap, knowing I might replace it in a year or two, or invest more upfront, hoping it lasts? And does lasting even matter if I only camp a few times a year?
Does anyone have actual recommendations based on real camping experience? What brands are actually worth it?