Some tent researching...

I was not being a cheap-skate but I will certainly admit to being shocked. Shocked that a simple nylon tent in a span of 25-30 years has increased in price 1000% and gone way down in quality. I researched many of the popular designs and read many of the reviews both pro and con. In short it seems unless it's by sheer accident you will indeed have to spend $600-1000+ to get a tent worth using more than occasionally. That range would classify as a really, really good model. Even some of the recommended models Misfits have that are only a few years old seem to have gone way down in quality with a 25% increase in cost. Read reviews very carefully, looking for consistent complaint issues, there probably is a problem. Something that used to be a good design might have been changed for the negative.

The old Canvas Coleman tents from our youth are now valuable collectables! Too bad they mildewed so easily. Boy they were heavy too, but for their shortcomings (needing wa, they lasted.

Sizing has always been an issue. Two man really means one person and some of his less expendable gear but not much else. Two men comfortably with some gear is what is now called a 6-man size. (Maybe, some models of 4-man) The old canvas tarps of the old timers were very effective and offered variable technique suited to the specific setting or need. I love the old pictures, they can teach a lot.

Having a beast of burden really helps and affords more option. I mostly would like a tent I can use for motorcycle camping in almost certain light showers. So I can afford more weight and pack size than one you have to carry. Ditto for water travel. That sounds fun too. I loved Blake's photos, great memories and I wasn't even there!

Thanks for the photos Blake. They really conjured up some timely hope and motivation to pursue adventure. While we can.

My wife back in the 1990's somewhere in MO.