looking for a tent.

What exactly kind of tent are you looking for? 3-season, 4-season, double-wall, single-wall? How many people will your tent be sleeping? What type of terrain while you be hiking in? What time of year? Will you find yourself often setting up camp above treeline? Several different things factor in.

I can only assume that you are here because you are interested in lightweight backpacking, and thus you are curious about a lightweight tent.

For economic starters, it is tough to go wrong with a TarpTent (www.tarptent.com) for 3-season backpacking. I've never owned one, but based on what I've read, the value is tough to beat. Keep in mind, that TarpTents are single-wall tents which definitely have their drawbacks compared to more traditional, heavier double-wall tents.

In my experience, a tent is something that I always find dissatisfaction with; so looking back, I wouldn't want to start out with a $300+ tent.

When choosing a tent, keep in mind the fundamental purpose of a tent — to protect you from the elements, and for some, to protect you from bugs and other noisome wildlife. As with all gear, all tents have their limitations; so a tent inherently becomes a packed piece of gear that should be incredibly personalized for your trips in a way that your dangers and discomforts are minimized.

Bear in mind that there is likely no tent that will be ideal for all environments you hope to encounter. This is precisely the reason why I intend on switching to a floorless shelter and bivy combo next year — to provide a bit more flexibility.

I am confident that this community can steer you in the right direction if you just provide some more pertinent information. Good luck!

Tons of options. So to narrow it down:

1. How many people should it accommodate?
2. What kind of weather will you be in?
3. Do you want something bug proof?
4. Do you carry hiking poles?
5. Price?

I think we are going in the winter time. So it going to be cold. Its a one person. i dont want to send to much money. we are going to the Red River Gorge.

i was looking at this tent. Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent.

Not to be vague or anything, but for a one-time, short trip, just about any 2-person, 3-season backpacking tent should be suitable in your case. Expect to spend $200+ for anything with a reasonable carrying weight (ie. under 6 lbs); and if you expect snow, then be prepared to pat snow throughout the night to prevent collapse.

Again, for something inexpensive and light, check out the TarpTent Squall, Rainbow, or Double Rainbow if you carry trekking poles.

"….first time, winter, cold, one person, don't want to spend much money……"

RENT, don't buy. Go to your nearest REI store and they will rent you a tent – probably a Half- or Quarter-Dome.

"i was looking at this tent. Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent."

Eric, while there are many better options IMO, I used to have the Eureka Solitaire and used it year round. It got the job done and are cheap and light…however, there is a reason that I "used" to own one.

Can you see the little solitaire down at the bottom?

Closer look.

$60 is hard to beat for a first tent. I would put off investing a lot into gear until you've gone a few times with whatever you can scrounge up. The biggest weight gain is free; don't take as much stuff.

There is a lot of good info on these forums. You could even post a list of what you are planning to take and there will be no short of suggestions.

Eric
You will find that most here have tried a number of different tents before ( often temporarily…) settling on a particular model. If you can, beg,borrow or hire a few different designs so that you can figure out what you like.
My most expensive tent was more than 4 times the price of the one I use most of the time. So price is not an indication.
Franco

he is the list of things i just got

1. tent. (Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent)
2. sleeping bag (Coleman Crescent)
3. under armor.
4. backpack 5000cube in
5. boots.
6. stove
7. hat.

any ideas on what else I need?

thanks! for helping me too

You're asking for trouble with such vague questions. To be completely fair to everyone you should spend some time reviewing a common gear list, there is an entire forum dedicated to them, and make a list of your own. I am sure the people here will be happy to help you refine your list to make the most use of your resources and you will be more content with your knowledge and options if you put in the work. For the sake of you're own enjoyment please do a little bit more research and report back so that we may all help you with valuable detailed information.
I don't know that sleeping bag model, haven't looked at it but just by the name I would say its not even remotely close to the best option. Get motivated, take the initiative to have an awesome trip and good luck.

by scanning through you can look at what other people are usuing and a sense of what you might need. Then you can put togeather ideas and come here for feedback, or maybe someone with enough time would look for the most affordable options that could still qualify as somewhat light and put togeather the best ways of getting them.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/display_forum.html?forum=37

We start accumulating gear how we can, so take it with a grain of salt when we talk a slightly different language now as many of us probably started out where you are now. The Coleman Crescent is a five plus pound non water resistant covered bag rated at a non-described 15 degrees, i.e. comfort or survival rating no one knows for sure. Be that as it may, one can’t beat the price at around $40.00 or more plus shipping. There are other much lighter, longer lasting, and better compressing synthetic insulated bags on the market but not in that price range. One article that will keep what ever sleeping bag you choose functional is adequate ground cover, I also agree with the other posts to refine your list first then post it for comment. Thanks for being on this site.

What did you end up choosing stove-wise? I would highly recommend a single burner, white gas (naptha) stove designed for backpackers. I've found canisters and alcohol stoves somewhat problematic in colder temps.