Any tent should keep bugs out unless it's ripped, but there's still the problem that you have to get in and out of it... and in really buggy conditions, that means letting plenty of the little buggers in with you. Don't open the door any more than you absolutely have to, and plug the opening with your body as much as possible. Then once you're inside and the zipper is closed, remorselessly murder everything that slipped in with you. Except other people and pets of course. 

Water is a whole other story, in that you mostly get what you pay for. Setting the tent up properly and picking a good spot are both very important when bad weather is coming, but a crap tent remains a crap tent. If you're on a budget, you can always rig a tarp over your tent to save a new purchase. Applying seam sealer to the seams of your tent and fly is something that can also help a great deal (that applies to really any tent). 

Everyone isn't going to say MSR - there are lot of good options out there. But I'm a big fan of MSR products and I use one of their tents (Hubba Hubba NX), and would definitely recommend it. My first trip this year was two days of constant rain followed by two days of snow, and my tent was flawless through it.


 

Uppa wrote:

Any tent should keep bugs out unless it's ripped, but there's still the problem that you have to get in and out of it... and in really buggy conditions, that means letting plenty of the little buggers in with you. Don't open the door any more than you absolutely have to, and plug the opening with your body as much as possible. Then once you're inside and the zipper is closed, remorselessly murder everything that slipped in with you. Except other people and pets of course. 

Water is a whole other story, in that you mostly get what you pay for. Setting the tent up properly and picking a good spot are both very important when bad weather is coming, but a crap tent remains a crap tent. If you're on a budget, you can always rig a tarp over your tent to save a new purchase. Applying seam sealer to the seams of your tent and fly is something that can also help a great deal (that applies to really any tent). 

Everyone isn't going to say MSR - there are lot of good options out there. But I'm a big fan of MSR products and I use one of their tents (Hubba Hubba NX), and would definitely recommend it. My first trip this year was two days of constant rain followed by two days of snow, and my tent was flawless through it.


 

I have to agree with Uppa...  I previously had a 4 person tent which was trying to be all things for all types of trips (family camping and interior portaging)...  We did it, but a couple years ago I finally thought it too much and bought the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 person - Nice and light, no water issues, and great packed size...  They have even lighter models than this, but they didn't seem as sturdy to me if used in a wind storm...  Think you're a solo tripper, where I think they make a 1 person version also...

😃

The same as Steve, had a north wind 4 season for 10 years, then in a windstorm the fly tore and pole broke. Now have the MEC northwind 2.5 and love it. Much lighter, 3 season, and a very roomy vestibule. We portage lots, but the slightly heavier weight does not bother me.
We just purchased a Vango Mirage 2 directly from Scotland due to the exchange rate with English pounds currently it's very affordable and waterproof fly at 5000mm which is high.  Can't wait to try that one out! Lots of different tents in but also outside of Canada.
So lots of choices, it depends on what you want in a tent. For us being dry on multiple wet days in a row is important, and having dry gear is important to us too.

I just got a Hammock. It is comfortable but still getting use to it and then I may make the switch. Most of my trips will be solo. I looked into the first suggestion I received. The nature hike 2 man tent. Grey/white.
Seams like the way to go for now. Lots of good reviews and not one complaint about water getting in. It maybe more fragile not as durable maybe cheaper zippers and thinner material. But the price can't be beaten I just can't justify paying so much for an msr or big name brands. Of course time will tell if I regret it lol an experienced algonquin canoeist uses it and it works for him so it should be more then good enough for me. Thanks for all the suggestions and tips much appreciated.

Not the lightest, but Eureka El Capitan tents have a very heavy duty fly and solid floor (which to me are the most critical spots to have it) I have a 4P for group camping, and its bomb proof, simple, and comes in 2P and 3P sizes as well . . . reasonable cost for performance.

I also acquired a solo size Naturehike (grey silicone version), and my take is that it is somewhat fragile, but heard the Big Agnes versions are as well (ultralight will never be ultra durable)  That said, the fabric is great, and 100% water proof, its just the poles/zipper I'm cautious with, but solo, I see this as much less of a risk as its just me using it.  I'm 5'8" and its basically just a spot to sleep and store clothes, but I can sit up, and pivot around in it, so suits me well.

As with all tents, I would NOT use the footprint under the tent though, it'll collect water.  use it as a liner inside, and you're good to go.





 

It was a Canadian tire tent lol and I think the nature hike will do just fine. Il be careful with it. Has its ups and downs we will see in a couple weeks when it arrives. I'm a solo camper and the specs seam to be good. Just hope there no defects when it arrives

My nature hike cloudup2 came in the mail today. All parts seam to be here and setup was easy. I've only owned Canadian tire tents. Little tight for 2 people but this is alot lighter but more delicate. Not tested in the field yet but I did set it up and simulate rain with the water hose. The only problems I have so far is when the fly is wet and you begin to open it water drips in from the top. Wish it was a bit stiffer at that top section. No big deal. I also noticed while setting it up if you make your connections to tight the bottom side walls and corners begin to rise up. Still fiddling with it. My only real concern is the floor. It's so thin I can see right thru it and worried about water and condensation coming thru or a stick jabbing a hole thru it. I could put a ground tarp underneath but that will just gather water. If I put it on the inside a stick may poke thru. But maybe these are the prices you pay when buying lightweight tents. At the same time the price I paid for the tent was next to nothing compared to msr or eureka. I'm algonquin bound in 2 weeks.

Last edited by Curemd (7/19/2017 10:42 am)

Curemd wrote:

...I could put a ground tarp underneath but that will just gather water...

Any footprint or tarp used as a groundsheet shouldn't gather water as long as the edges are under the tent. (ie: the dimensions of the footprint should be slightly smaller than that of the tent. If you want to be sure any water flows under rather than over the footprint, fold the edges around and under themselves an inch or two.

Personally, I rarely use a footprint due to the added weight and bulk. I just make a point of clearing the area where I set up of any stones, twigs, etc.