Tent Question

[Bdawgsc]

I figured before I made a purchase, I'd come to the experts for some advice.

After my trip, I've tossed the old dome tent. It was about 10 years old and the fabric was actually starting to disintegrate. Also, it was mostly mesh and the rain fly covered that, but when it's cold that doesn't do much to keep the drafts out.

So I'm certainly looking for something larger - probably a cabin-style tent. Any advice on one that can be sealed up a little tighter to keep heat in at night? It looks like a lot of the cabin ones have windows that zip closed. Is what I'm looking for not something you typically find in a tent?

 

[ftwildernessrick]

The only tent that would truly fit the bill, would be an expedition/base camp/lodge style tent. However; prepare to pay some bucks for one. I had one years ago, it was the canvas base camp type, weighed a lot and cost around $300.00 used. But it had a lot of room and the walls were straight and you could easily walk around inside without bending.

As you have probably found out, most tents off the shelf today are designed for summer time usage, which means a lot of screen for ventilation with a rain fly.

The cheapest way around this would be to get a regular tent, then cut a piece of plastic that will cover the screen portion of the roof, then put the rain fly over that. You may have to use a little self sticking velcro to hold it in place.

However; if you are going to going to keep this for a while, you may want to go a head & buy a 4 season tent, like a base/lodge tent. These tents can be later added on with screen rooms, air condtioning, heat, indoor wood stoves/heater, etc.

This is similar to what I had, but mine had a screened porch addition.
http://www.basspro.com/Montana-Canvas-Blend-Wall-Tents/product/104764/-1547914

 

[Total Joker]

Rick gave great advise! I have been looking at tents as well. Check walmart.com they have some of the best prices I can find on tents and a lot of plp review the tents there. I'm really liking this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wenzel-Klondike-16-x-11-Tent-Taupe-and-Light-Grey/13228635

hope this helps... TJ