SummitPost.org

I'm new to the forum and looking for some help on buying a good 2 person tent for many purposes. I am living in Peru and looking to do some climbs in the Cordillera Blancas, so I need it to be quite durable. I also plan to use it for camping in the Northwest U.S. when I move back.

I have seen other posts about the Flashlight, but I think I might be a bit too tall for that. I'm 6'3" so I need a little extra room. I heard about the Eureka Alpenlite XT. IT seems good for the price, but I would like to here what the people think. Any advice would be helpful. I'm starting the gear-accumulation process so I would like to keep the price low as the costs are beginning to mount.
Thanks again

"All-around" to me means a light double-wall tent that can take a beating in the alpine, and still breathe well enough down low.

I use an MSR Hubba Hubba HP. The "HP" version adds cost to an already pricey tent, but it really makes it a solid 4-season alpine tent.

4lb plus stakes.
Comfy for two, fits three in a pinch, luxurious for solo trips.
Bomber in high winds and heavy snow.
Breathes in humid conditions

And it's been quite durable.

For all-around purposes I'd recommend the REI Half Dome for two -- it meets autoxfil's standards and it's only $150. It's not a mountaineering tent, though I've taken it to about zero degrees F on snow.

See the SP page: http://www.spgear.org/gear/2385/rei-half-dome-2-hc.html

I just purchased the four-person version for a group trip last summer and my novices were snug and happy with that one too. Since it's new, I can't vouch for its durability. Our harshest weather was only 32F and light rain for the 4p. In contrast, I've taken the 2p through wind, rain and snow and been very happy with it.

The HD series are THE bargain in tents, IMO. If you are willing to trade 1lb for the cash, that tent will serve you very well. I was more concerned about the weight, and the HP is a smidge more ready for the odd mountain storm, but looked long and hard at the REI HD.

And I don't even like REI.