Rei Camping Tent

- What do I need to know about buying a camping tent?
I have been shopping for an approximately 10x10 camping tent for car camping (not backpacking). I have looked online at REI, Campmor, EMS, Sierra Trading... and in the store at Walmart and Dick's Sporting goods. I've compared features so I know what's typically available. I'm trying to find out why there is such a huge variance in prices... what is the value of a $200 tent vs. an $80 one with nearly the same features. (is it the material?) I'm looking for other people's advice and experiences!

A Things like double-layered fabric, sealed seams and ripstop fabric make for a better and more durable tent that will keep you warm & dry. Same goes for aluminum poles and stakes. I think REI gives really good value for the money, especially their campdome series - I have had one for years and it's still in great shape. They also are very easy to set up. If you plan to use it more than one or two times, a quality tent is worth the money. Sure, you could get the Motel 6 of tents, but I think the Holiday Inn Express is worth a few more dollars. I do not recommend the "Four Seasons" of tents (like Mountain Hardware or North Face) unless you've got $$ to burn or plan to use it more than you use your bed.

- Looking for an extreme weather tent that is still good for summer camping?
Hello! We are looking for a good tent for family camping. From the Midwest, so the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Summer camping trips can often go from 100 degrees+ to tornadic weather in a matter of minutes. However, most extreme weather tents have poor ventilation and are practically stifling in hot weather. We had a North Face one (not sure the model) but ended up returning it after many sweaty, sleepless nights. I currently have my eye on the REI Base Camp 6 tent and the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model and XWT model tents (probably the 8 person versions) Any experience with these or other extreme weather tents for summer camping? We do car camping, so no, weight is not a consideration. Also, I realize we should not be camping in tornadic weather. But we have weathered quite a few severe summer thunderstorms, and Coleman tents often do not stand up to the challenge.

A Ok, I'll stick my opinion here too, I have the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent. http://www.rei.com/product/779625 This puppy is not light by any means a whopping 20lbs and we got it on sale a while back so the sticker price was not to bad for us. It holds nicely in heavy winds and we camp a lot in Joshua tree with it. Taking the fly off it breathes well enough for us and I also use a battery powered fan at night to keep cool in it but haven't camped in scorcher weather, Joshua tree is just too dang hot in the summer. We also have a Coleman tent, had it for years and use that for general camping for long stays. We like to use cots and to be able to stand up in the tent keeps us dry and breathes very well has the built in tarp and we set out tables and stuff for showing info to through hikers along the PCT we have been assisting in resupply for through hikers for many years. The Coleman has been a very reilable tent for us.