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Any of you guys got any recommendations for a CHEAP tent or bivy that packs up small?

I don't know if Mountain Equipment Coop operates in the states, but they always have good quality stuff rooting around at a good price. I got all my camping gear there, and it all fits on the bike easily.

I have always had good luck with REI Co-op. Their website has a tent finder to help you choose the right tent for your purposes.

http://www.rei.com/camphike

fireguzzi wrote:Any of you guys got any recommendations for a CHEAP tent or bivy that packs up small?

How cheap, and how big? For light camping (no heavy weather)and one person, I've made do with the small dome tents from the discount stores like Target or K-Mart. I believe they're made by Academy Broadway. There's not a lot of room and only a small rainfly on the top 1/3, but they do meet the criteria of small and CHEAP, and they work fine as long as you're not trying to weather a hurricane.

If there are two of you, then the larger (7x7) 3-man version will do. The bigger ones also have better rain protection.

I do a lot of camping on both the bike and in my plane, so size and weight (and CHEAP) are big issues for me. Three years ago I splurged and picked up a Eureka Getaway 2 for about $70. It's got much better rain protection (full fly, tub floor) than the cheaper discount store tents. 2 poles to set it up and 7x5 interior. Looks like Eureka has replaced it with their Apex models. They look the similar, but they don't have a full rain fly. Price is about the same, $70 at Campmor.com.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... d=12500226

This is a fantastic deal on a killer 2-person tent.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... d=12500226

This is a very good 2-person tent as well.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... d=12500226

Cheaper but smaller 1-person.

While we're on the subject, one of the cooler tents I've owned has been the 60 Second Set Up tent from Campmor. If you hate setting up tents like I do, this is your dream come true. I used one for about 5 seasons and it really does set up in less than 60 sec.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... d=12500226

Thanks all for the replies, Sev I don't think they have a usa store but thanks anyway.
Flynrider, I think I may end up going the target or (evil) walmart route, becuase they are soooo cheap.

Buuut, those are some pretty good deals jonnythan and are exactly what Im lookin for. I just hope the deals last until I can afford one. I need to buy the kid some new clothes for summer before I get anything for me. (I tried to tell the old lady to just cut his pants into shorts, but she rolled her eyes and mumbled something about me being ghetto. )

yeah anyway a little 2 person is what i am lookin for so I can put it on the motorcycle and take off solo or I can pack up the kid in the jeep and take him too.

fireguzzi wrote:Thanks all for the replies, Sev I don't think they have a usa store but thanks anyway.
Flynrider, I think I may end up going the target or (evil) walmart route, becuase they are soooo cheap.

Buuut, those are some pretty good deals jonnythan and are exactly what Im lookin for. I just hope the deals last until I can afford one. I need to buy the kid some new clothes for summer before I get anything for me. (I tried to tell the old lady to just cut his pants into shorts, but she rolled her eyes and mumbled something about me being ghetto. )

yeah anyway a little 2 person is what i am lookin for so I can put it on the motorcycle and take off solo or I can pack up the kid in the jeep and take him too.

Campmor seems to *always* have some super cheap, high quality, lightweight 2-person tents. No worries