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jon15tx 
Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: Jan. 2013
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 2:48 pm |
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Hey guys, i'm new to backpacking but trying to find a good start up tent. I've seemed to narrow my choices between the marmot limelight 2p or the rei half dome 2 plus. Any recommendations between these 2 or others to look into. I'm really not trying to spend much more than $200 on this one. Any input would be greatly appreciated but I am looking for a 2p tent.
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hikerjer
Group: Members
Posts: 9129
Joined: Apr. 2002
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 2:50 pm |
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While I know Marmot makes good stuff, I've never had one of their tents. I have had a number of REI tents over the years and have always been pleased with their performance and price. Best bang for the buck IMO.
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"Too often I have met men who speak only of how many miles they've traveled and not of what they've seen." - Louis L'Amour
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QCHIKER
Group: Members
Posts: 1728
Joined: Oct. 2009
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 2:52 pm |
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Plus with the REI tents if you have a problem at any time you can take it back and get a new one or money back.
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10475
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 4:11 pm |
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The REI tent is the one I would personally go with. I have had two REI tents that I upgraded from only when I wanted to. Well made and weathered many a storm over the years.
Mind you, I have nothing against the Marmot tents either. I just think that the REI halfdome is a great "starter" design. Basic, functional, and works out of the box...errr, bag. The warranty is just icing on the cake. REI has the best warranty in the business.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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Walkinman
A rainbow
Group: Members
Posts: 6612
Joined: Nov. 2002
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 4:21 pm |
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I'm not sure how the warranty is any different for either one. Buy a Limelight at REI and you have exactly the same offer.
They're both good tents. I have a Limelight I ought thru the REI attic, so it has no warranty at all. It's a good tent though.
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Guided Alaska backpacking and hiking trips
"What good is a used up world and how can it be worth having?" -- Sting, All This Time.
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| Post Number: 6
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treelinebackpacker
Group: Members
Posts: 402
Joined: Aug. 2011
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Posted on: Jan. 19 2013, 6:39 pm |
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I used the REI tent for about a year. Really great tent, with good ventilation(that little vent helps a lot), but it was a bit heavy. Are you in a humid area? If so, the vent is priceless. Condensation isn't fun.
I eventually upgraded to something lighter, so maybe going with the Marmot would be a better initial investment if you intend to go lighter in the future.
It really comes down to weight or ventilation.
Both are very reliable, and built to last.
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| Post Number: 8
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Bazarov
Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: Jan. 2013
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Posted on: Jan. 20 2013, 2:26 pm |
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For 200 dollars you should get a tarptent Contrail. Check out Tarptents cause they are seriously good. Find em at Tarptent.com . They have lots of options like if you wanted to do some touring you could use the rainbow well. The scarp is double walled for a lack of condensation. Ventilation is less important then have proper tent setup and location. But these tents have excellent ventilation for comfort and its adjustable. Please do yourself a favor and check it out. Also a good community to check out is backpackinglight.com for reference and research and gear deals.
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| Post Number: 9
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no_granola
minor deity
Group: Members
Posts: 12549
Joined: Dec. 2004
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Posted on: Jan. 20 2013, 8:09 pm |
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Tarptents are good, but maybe not the best 'starter' tents. Both of the tents you're looking at would work well. Pick one and get out there.
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The difference between people who think for themselves and those that follow the herd is that thinking people aren't afraid of reality.
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toesnorth
Group: Members
Posts: 2500
Joined: Jan. 2007
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Posted on: Jan. 20 2013, 9:23 pm |
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Also, though I have never owned an REI or Marmot tent, I used an REI half dome in hurricane force winds in Mexico and it held up just fine while other tents failed.
Did have an inch or two of sand in the tent in the morning but hey, nothing's perfect!
And, you can't beat that return policy.
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"Failure is never as frightening as regret."
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High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39513
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Jan. 20 2013, 9:44 pm |
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The Contrail is a solo tent while the OP wrote they required a two person. So, yeah, there's that......
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vinovampire
Winter is Coming
Group: Members
Posts: 637
Joined: Dec. 2007
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Posted on: Jan. 20 2013, 11:14 pm |
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I don't think anybody mentioned this yet: The REI Half Dome has two doors, while the Marmot Limelight only has one. Since the OP mentioned needed a 2-person tent, this feature may be worth noting. Having two doors means: (a) more vestibule space for boots and stuff; (b) no crawling over each other in the middle of the night, should you have to get up; and © better venting options. Also, it's nice to have two door options if the wind changes or such.
I own an old Half Dome and a good friend of mine has the Limelight. So, it's likely that you'd be happy with either tent. Good luck with your purchase!
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JRinGeorgia
Group: Members
Posts: 294
Joined: Jul. 2012
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Posted on: Jan. 21 2013, 7:12 am |
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What about the Kelty Salida 2? It's much lighter then either the Marmot or REI, same floor space as the Marmot, and much cheaper than either. Has only 2 poles so might feel tighter inside (walls may not be kept as vertical without a brow pole) and has only 1 door, but has a trail weight of 3.75 lbs and can be found for under $150. Backpacker Mag editor's choice 2011.
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- JRinGeorgia
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| Post Number: 16
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treelinebackpacker
Group: Members
Posts: 402
Joined: Aug. 2011
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Posted on: Jan. 21 2013, 7:51 am |
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Kelty Salida. I second this motion.
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Ldyblade
Blade Mistress of the Olympics
Group: Members
Posts: 3456
Joined: Jul. 2002
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Posted on: Jan. 21 2013, 8:17 pm |
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Having owned a Half Dome and now a Quarter Dome T3 Plus, I have to say that these are solid tents. Living in the Olympic Peninsula, the typical weather here is rain, monsoon, then more rain. I am picky about not getting water in my tent and both of these pass the test. The bonus on the T3 is the space...When it's dark from 4pm to 8am in the winter, I want space to move around in and a spot for my wet gear. So, definitely a good call on the Plus...
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| Post Number: 18
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Drift Woody
Group: Members
Posts: 5299
Joined: Feb. 2006
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Posted on: Jan. 21 2013, 9:34 pm |
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(jon15tx @ Jan. 19 2013, 1:48 pm)
QUOTE I've seemed to narrow my choices between the marmot limelight 2p or the rei half dome 2 plus.
The big difference between those two tents is the Half Dome has 2 side doors & 2 vestibules, while the Limelight has only 1 side door. If you're planning to have 2 people in this tent, 2 doors is a huge plus. This gives each person access to his/her gear in the vestibule (the covered space under the rainfly, just outside the door) and you won't have to crawl over the other person (or have him/her crawl over you) when nature calls.
Personally, I would not consider any 2-person tent that doesn't have 2 side doors with vestibules. There are some outstanding lightweight 2 person tents with a single large opening at the head that allows 2 people to sit side-by-side with their legs out, but that configuration does not have the ease of entrance/egress and access to the vestibule that you get with 2 side doors.
2 more factors you need to consider:
1) How much room do you need? If you're snuggling with a significant other, extra room might not be as important. But you may find that extra room is worth some extra weight. Also consider peak height; you want to be able to sit up without your head pressing against the inside roof.
2) What weather extremes (wind, snow) will you encounter? I had the original Half Dome and it was a very sturdy tent. My current tent is the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo tarptent. It is very roomy and weighs only 41 ounces but the new model is $310, and it's though not quite as bombproof as the Half Dome it can withstand some pretty harsh weather if pitched properly with extra guylines.
I've decided to switch to hammock camping whenever possible. I borrowed a Warbonnet Blackbird for a trip in October, and everything I heard from hammock devotees proved true for me -- I slept more comfortably and my back felt better in the morning. Hammocks have a major advantage over tents in that you can hang anywhere suitable trees can be found. Sometimes finding a nice level spot in the backcountry is difficult, especially if you've hiked all day to reach a destination and the only good spots have been taken. Also, your gear will stay drier. Hang the tarp first, then you have shelter for emptying your pack and hanging the hammock. In the morning you don't have to deal with a tent bottom that is wet, muddy, full of grit, and possibly punctured.
Anyway, that's my $.02. Happy Trails 
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We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
-- Native American proverb
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kykcamper
^ that stands for kayak
Group: Members
Posts: 3511
Joined: Jan. 2009
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Posted on: Jan. 21 2013, 11:49 pm |
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I have the Burn Ridge 3, and I can tell you it is a great tent.
Personally, I'd prefer the two, but wanted the space of the 3 in case I ever need to share with a friend.
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Psylocide - "Well... on one side you have uneducated red necks and on the other you have pseudo-intelligent hippy liberal douches."
Paulbrown - "a deck of cards is heavier than many admit, will you really use them? consider replacing with a plastic bottle filled with booze."
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High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39513
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Jan. 22 2013, 12:46 pm |
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One thing: do you want this for two people or just a 2 person tent for the additional room for yourself?
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