Tent recommendations for 1 adult and 1 (possibly 2) kids

I would also consider the TarpTent CloudBurst 3 and RainShadow3.  Of those two in particular, I’d get the CB 3 with liner for the condensation protection.  We have the StratoSpire 2 and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3.  I prefer the Copper Spur for three people (My wife, our 9yo grandson, and me).

I think the tents you are considering would work great. I will add that when my kids were about your age I was doing the same math trying to find the best tent to add to my 2-person tent. I was planning on getting another 2-person tent but I ended up getting the 4-person Hogback. It was a great decision to be able to have everyone in the same tent. With three people it works great too. Being able to sit in one tent as a family and play cards on buggy evenings is awesome. At 4 pounds it really opens up the family trip possibilities.

I have never complained about a tent being too big–and that’s even more true when the difference between a  3man and a4man may only be 1/2 a pound

I have frequently wished a small tent were larger.

My wife and I now use a Tarptent rainbow 3 for the two of  us.  That means it has plenty of space for packs and moving around,  And on a rainy afternoon, that extra space is well worth the additional 8 ounces or so…

I’ve owned both the 2P Xmid and the SS2. Both are quality but I prefer the Xmid. It’s easier for me to set up. I think both would probably fit an adult and 2 kids without the inner net set up. Probably not with the net though – I think the limiting factor will be the pads. The 2P Xmid inner is 50″ wide iand 52″ for the SS2.

Personally, I sleep better in a separate 1P tent or my hammock. I’ve trained my kids to sleep together without me. ;)

Thanks to all who posted for your feedback and experience. A few tents were mentioned that I had not considered before so I will take a look at those as well.

I have a 10 year old and a 4 year old.  We do not all fit in the xmid-2p or a slingfin portal.  Just too small for 3 people, even small ones.  Get a 3 or 4 person tent for 3 people, even if they are kids.

Nemo Dagger 3p tent??  You will all have plenty of room  in there. 

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is another you could consider.

However, with younger kids you might also want to avoid the lightest shelters that use the thinnest and most fragile materials to shave weight — young kids may not be as mindful as you in treating the fabric gently.