Tent setup for 85$ shipped

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. In the market for a new tent setup. I don't know if you guys would recommend anything other than a tent, maybe a tarp, footprint or new stakes. But I have 85$ to spend total, including shipping and tax. I live in CT so the weather varies. I need something that can fit me and my girlfriend, two backpacks, 2 pair of shoes, some food for a weekend and maybe some odds and ends. I'd like it to be waterproof, weight isn't an issue. Tents in the past we've had either broke in wind storms, leaked or just didn't fit us well, and we never had the money for a "good" tent. So, thanks in advance.

 

[Coyja]

Eureka Apex 2 XT. Think you can make that work for $85. I have one and it has held up fantastic for several years and made it through the worst cloudburst I have ever been out in this past year. Still watertight...
Also very warm in the cold weather with two people inside.

 

[Guyon]

Check outlet sites like Sierra Trading or REI Outlet. Usually, you can find last year's models at discount prices with the same quality and warranty you'd get in a newer version.

 

[baldtaco-II]

It's a tricky one to advise on without spotting specific deals for you. With weight not being a factor but strength and space being paramount I think the biggest affliction you are likely to suffer is glass poles. Avoid glass poles like a pox. No decent tents have glass poles and with good reason. They're ok for festival tents but in “varied weather” not a chance I'd be using them. I've had them from several manufacturers over the years, either with the tent or after market, and they are all as shit as each other. Then there's the amount of dead tents I find in the summer that usually consists of a pile of garish debris that ants now nest in and a couple of fractured glass poles marking the pathetic event. It doesn't need to cost a lot to achieve this minimum standard, but he sure whatever style/make you go with aluminum are a minimum requirement.

For example: I know nothing about these save for users seem to like them from what I've read and it's in the $ class that usually only gets you glass poles. Shop around. example

 

[mcjhrobinson]

Eureka Apex 2 XT. Think you can make that work for $85. I have one and it has held up fantastic for several years and made it through the worst cloudburst I have ever been out in this past year. Still watertight...
Also very warm in the cold weather with two people inside.

i 2nd that tent....it served me well on all my outings...dont like the color much though!

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

Eureka Apex 2 XT. Think you can make that work for $85. I have one and it has held up fantastic for several years and made it through the worst cloudburst I have ever been out in this past year. Still watertight...
Also very warm in the cold weather with two people inside.

I have one and have for years now, excellent tent, vestibule etc. can't go wrong, I'd buy one again...

 

[mdole]

I got a great 8+ man canvas tent on cra***list for around 50 bucks. It's warmer than anything you'll need (canvas doesn't really breathe), and with some patience you can score one in good condition with many years left in it for not too much cash. Mine is for car camping with the missus and we love it. Good hunting!

 

[Mannlicher]

Another vote for the Eureka Apex II