I just thought I'd pass this on, in case anyone was interested. I know there are a lot of people out there that only buy certain, "name brand" items.... but for those of us that would rather spend money on our climbing, instead of our gear, this may interest you.

http://www.sunnysports.com/Prod/CategoryID_2145/Context_2144/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/CMNTHL2.html?Hit=1

A coleman helios x2 tent for $198.

Not a tent I would pitch on K2.... but lets be honest.... i will probably never step foot on K2.

Im sure there are better tents out there.... but if you can find a better 4 season tent for 200 bones, let me know.

Hope this helps someone!

Looks like a good deal...but it's pretty heavy at nearly 8 pounds. When I'm 4 season camping...it's often combined with ski-touring, backpacking, and getting to the ice...which involves a fair amount of work. For me....a lightweight single wall 4 season tent is the way to go....even if it's 100 dollars more (i.e. my favorite 4 season tent: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en ... irstlight/)

Thanks for the help though! Did you get one?

Yeah, i picked one up... and was pretty impressed with what I got for the money. It was time to replace my old 4 season tent, and the price made the difference between actually buying a tent, and just patching up the old one (again).

I typically roll with just a bivy sack, but on trips where I know the weather is going to suck (and keep sucking), sometimes the extra weight is worth carrying.

Joe White wrote: For me....a lightweight single wall 4 season tent is the way to go....even if it's 100 dollars more (i.e. my favorite 4 season tent: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en ... irstlight/)

-how's the ventilation in the Firstlight? I had a few Biblers (Ahwahnee and I-tent) and gave up on the single wall tent experience, switching to a couple Hillebergs, which I'm quite happy with. I had to all but have the doors wide open in the Biblers or it was like a steam bath, even when it was 10* outside.

hatidua wrote:

Joe White wrote: For me....a lightweight single wall 4 season tent is the way to go....even if it's 100 dollars more (i.e. my favorite 4 season tent: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en ... irstlight/)

-how's the ventilation in the Firstlight? I had a few Biblers (Ahwahnee and I-tent) and gave up on the single wall tent experience, switching to a couple Hillebergs, which I'm quite happy with. I had to all but have the doors wide open in the Biblers or it was like a steam bath, even when it was 10* outside.

The ventilation is really great! Now, any tent is gonna have condensation relative to the conditions....but I have NEVER felt like the breathability wasn't worth every penny.

A tent like this is great for Joshua Tree or other windy areas. No violent flapping.

SpiderSavage wrote:A tent like this is great for Joshua Tree or other windy areas. No violent flapping.

Yeah...actually once in red rocks....we had a few really windy nights and a friend of ours who had a fly on his tent....couldn't take it anymore and rented a room on the strip. The single wall was still loud.....but it was guyed tight and it was bearable.

SpiderSavage wrote:A tent like this is great for Joshua Tree or other windy areas. No violent flapping.

Ya, I tend not to want to bring an expensive tent for desert car camping .. the blowing sand can really mess up the zippers.