INTERESTING EBAY TENT…TARP TENT COPY?

http://ebay.to/1s6uNpR

how’s this

I saw this recently and thought it was cool until I saw the 7 foot length. With that length and low foot end, you have to be tiny to fit.

Big5

It's a $30 tent in every sense of "cheap." It's a heavy 3 lb impossible-to-pitch-taut monstrosity that leaks in light rain. That vestibule is a mess.

the Ebay listing is more expensive than if you walked into Big 5…

You're not planning on making those scouts camp in Florida are you? Blech.

Notice some of the reviews:

“weak tent. ripped on first 10 day outing. but great seller fast shipping”.
I think the SMD Scout tents are stronger, less weight, but just for a little more money.

“Not really a 2 person tent but all well.” Maybe good for one scout.

But most noted “Fast shipping!! Great packing too. Wonderful price” which means there’s not many decent reviews.

One scout may go through 3 of these tents in one season. So it seems much cheaper to spend a little more up front for less headache and lower cost in the end.

-Barry
-Have fun with those scouts :)

Scouts have been using the Eureka Timberline series for years.

NOT the lightest tents, but relatively inexpensive ($150 for a two person tent), split up is about a reasonably 3 lbs ea for the two person model , reasonably weather resistant and (perhaps the most important) able to take a beating from your typical 12-15 year old boy. :)

Would I backpack with one of these today? Heck no.

But, I'd like to think I take better care of things more so than my 12 year old self. :)

These tents will last a while more so than the $50 tent you found on e-bay. Decent enough for below treeline winter camping, too. In other words, for a scout troop these tents are cost effective in the long run.

If you want light and inexpensive, go with a tarp. Good way to practice those boy scout knots, too!

Just my .05 worth.

http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/product/tents/478242-149276/tioga-v-lite-2-person-tent.html

$50.

I saw one on the Wonderland Trail the day after it rained buckets (which I fortunately missed). I didn't ask the guy how it held up but he seemed fine.

I have one and I fit in it fine with one of my kids. I'm 6'3".

I've yet to use it in a rainstorm.

I think it's about 2.5 lbs if I use my trekking pole instead of the included tent pole.

+1 on using tarps instead. They will learn more and get closer to nature. For bugs, get each Scout a head net.