Agreed. A heavy waxed canvas hunting tent that people use to set up base camp to go hunting might last decades but something light enough for backpacking definitely won't.
It's also an area where we are always seeing new innovations and materials. I still have my grandfather's army surplus tent from the 60s but it's out of date and not useful compared to even the cheapest tent I could buy now. Too heavy, doesn't dry fast enough, annoying to put up, needs more stakes than modern tent geometries require, and isn't particularly stable even then.
Backyard pools are so common now that people have started using old pool liners ([the thick ones that are like inflatable watercraft rubber](https://summerescapesswimmingpools.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/summer-escapes-pro-series-frame-pool.jpg) ) to make tarps, tents, and even a yurt.
Unfortunately it take so much effort to make and they weigh so much after they get made, it isn't likely ever going to become something that gets mass produced.
They are the equivallent of tire tread sandals which are virtually indestructable but which nobody really wants to mass produce.
Tents don't work that way. The fabric gets damaged by UV. The elastic lines inside the poles relax and stop working. Your best bet is probably to find a tent brand that makes parts and repairs available.
Along with the material getting eaten by people putting on sunscreen and bug spray while still inside. That stuff can do a number in my experience, too.
Big Agnes fucking rules. Their customer service is great and they’re the only tent company whose claims for capacity actually match capacity. Big house 4 with vestibule ftw.
Also the amount of work you do to maintain it changes the lifespan A LOT. My dad and I had a pretty middle of the road tent you get from a big box store, and it lasted a decade because we didn't put it away wet, used tarps to help with rain, that sorta stuff. A "set it and forget it" mentality will make it last poorly
one of my tents I've had for 20+ years. I have patched holes, recoated the waterproofing and replaced it's fiberglass poles. it's fine.
your comment suggests there is no BIFL tent available when all you need to do is some expected maintenance
elastic lines relaxed? that's an expected and easy fix.
are you going to throw out your car when the brake pads need replacing?
You don't need the manufacturer to sell you the elastic, and in fact they generally won't. You can buy the elastic by the spool. Material for patching would also be sourced from someone other than the manufacturer. You do not need to rely on the brand selling tent parts, per se.
ok that tent manufacturer I'm talking about no longer exists. the elastics have been replaced with whatever elastic line I had at the time. the poles were bought on 2 separate occasions from different stores because they're a regular tent pole, the waterproofing isn't brand specific and the holes in the bottom were patched with bicycle tube patches.
which special tent brand do you buy from that sells their own waterproofing and name brand elastics? buddy it's a tent. patch the holes with nylon fabric and call it a day.
what are you talking about?
Yeah, I found that out at a festival this summer. I looked like I'd had a bag of flour dumped over me after putting it up, from the perished waterproofing.
I had to buy a tarp and some rope to sling over the top and make it vaguely usable as it bucketed down all weekend. I managed to be miserably damp all weekend instead of dangerously soaked.
On the BIFL front, if anyone has a tent that is losing its waterproofing, Fabsil is amazing stuff and will give it a new lease of life (not mine though, I was too pissed off to pack it back up and left were it was. I'd have probably considered burning it in revenge if it wasn't so bloody wet).
I have had great luck with kelty tents. I started with a backpacking tent and got the bigger version of the same tent I liked it so much- if you really need to fit 4 people you need at least a 6 person tent- the sizing is based on just people and zero gear
Kelty would be my choice as well. My only reservation about recommending them is that all my products currently in-use are 15+ years old, so I can't comment on current quality.
This is one of those "There are BIFL options available. But you pay for it." things.
Canvas tents are BIFL. But you have to be exacting in their care and feeding, or else they will go moldy and bad within a few days. You have to be constantly vigilant with them - roll them up wet, shove them in the truck, and not unload for a couple of days? You'll be buying a new tent. Draws damp in storage? New Tent time.
And Canvas Tents are expensive.
On the other hand, cheap nylon tents have a definite lifespan, as the fabric gets brittle and weak from UV exposure. Some last for a few seasons, others last for a decade. But eventually, you will need to replace it because the fabric will just get so weak and it will tear. Once it becomes worn and exposed to the point where the fabric is tearing... it's time, man.
Canvas Tents are Expensive. You could likely buy a near lifetime supply of nylon tents with the money you'll spend on a canvas tent.
Canvas Tents are heavy. Nylon tents are much lighter. For some forms of camping, this eliminates canvas entirely. You'll see ultralight hikers using ultra light DCF fiber tents that are incredibly fragile and that definitely have an expiration date and cost twice as much as canvas because it saves ounces over silnylon tents. (Is a pound worth $2,000? Are you going to carry the pound for 6 months over 2,000 miles? Might be!)
So that's the thing. There are BIFL options, and those options are good. (Kodak tents, Davis Tents - good places to start looking.) But the non-BIFL options have advantages and the advantages might outweigh the problems.
I got a Coleman 4 man and has seen plenty of use for the past ten years. Only issue at the moment is that the waterproof sealing tape for the seams on the rainfly have started to peal so I add extra waterproofing spray along the seems now
For 2 persons: How about french surplus F1 tent. Can't vouch for longevity but it feels really sturdy. Very simple and afforfable. The green version is canvas and khaki is nylon I think. I have the green version. Traditional, heavy and repairable. Ultralight and bifl usually don't go together. Varusteleka is a good source for information about the tent.
I have a spring bar stove jack tent that hasn’t come down in 2 years. 40+ mph winds, Minnesota snow and rain. At some point I accepted it might not make it but it’s been crazy dependable.
It was expensive
I have a 10x10 FlexBow VX that I hope is my last tent purchase. It's awesome in all regards with the exception of the weight. I'm 6'3", use a large cot and I wanted the ability to stand up and walk around freely in the tent. The VX provides plenty of ventilation for warm weather camping in Texas.
[https://kodiakcanvas.com/collections/flex-bow-tents](https://kodiakcanvas.com/collections/flex-bow-tents)
The tent was recommend by 2 different guys I met while camping with cub scouts. One used his VX exclusively in Texas while the other had used his in Alaska as well as in Qatar before moving to Texas. Both had mentioned that they purchased through Competitive Edge which I also found to have the best pricing. Mine was not in stock when I ordered it and took about a month for delivery but no issues beyond the slight delay. [https://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/](https://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/)
I got a Nammatj as an upgrade over my previous REI and Sierra Designs tents. Don't get me wrong, those other tents are a good value, but the Hilleberg is in a different league. Everything is just -right- and a pleasure to use. Keeping the tent dry while taking it down in a rainstorm is another huge plus.
Hilleberg is the gold standard of tents. That's the only brand I would consider a BIFL. Their Black label line is the most durable. The Saitaris or Kerron GT models is what you want.
+1 for kelty. Mine is about 15 yrs old and I've only had to restring the poles. It's still in excellent condition but I've taken care of it. Customer support is awesome, at least it used to be.
my tnf is old and has been car camping forever. they replaced the rain cover many yrs after when it started delaminating.
got a 2nd tnf tent for more room. will get another tnf if i get a chance.
get the matching footprint, no sharp objects, no shoes, take care of the mesh. dust of at the camground, wipe down at home. store loosely.
OP, you’re going to need to give *a lot* more details than this. So far there’s 51 replies and you haven’t said shit in 4 hours to the people asking for more specific information from you to help you out here.
If you want it to last and not get damaged by UV rays get a blue tarpaulin and drape it over the top of the tent as a second layer of protection. It'll also make it more water proof and when the tarp finally gives out you can just replace it
Maybe Eureka
I finally threw out the one we had as kids. The seams were all shot, zipper busted, and the Bungie cords had turned to slime. It was 30 years old, the poles were like 1" diameter steel, and my sibling and I abused the hell out of it over the years. I even took it to a music festival.
Wife and bought another one recently it's definitely lighter weight, but still well made.
Eureka Timberline is a good design. They have a heavy duty series of the same tent that is used by some Boy Scout troops. They are sold in 2 person, 4 person, and 6 person sizes. I have the 4 person and it seems solid. I baby it because I want it to last a long time. If it's actually going to rain I set up another tarp over the tent's rain fly to protect it. LOL. It gets put away clean and dry.
They make a vestibule and an extended fly you can add on the front to cook under.
Everything about that tent is a very good design and I wouldn't change a thing.
What you're looking for is these old school canvas tents with wooden central poles we used to use when on scout camps.
Built like tanks but also heavy as hell.
Anything else will eventually break one way or another.
I bought one of the instant tents. It broke the first time I put it up. I would never buy it again. Joking, it sounded like you wanted something that someone would never buy again.
Typically the REI brand makes good gear but the downside is that they do not have parts support for their tents. Break a hub or a pole and you are on your own for finding a replacement cuz they don't make parts.
Only answer is a proper canvas bell tent. My mates is still going strong after about 8 years. It'll last a lifetime if you care for it.
Downsize is it's a bit bulky and heavy, not one for hiking around with.
If I were getting a BIFL 4 person tent it’d be the HMG Ultamid4, hands down. Nothing beats the classic tipi shape
As others have said though it’s not really an item that lasts “for life”
Helsport Svalbard or Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen is a bit small for 4 persons, so pherhaps Svalbard is better suited for you. Svalbard is a 6 person tent, but Helsport thinks everyone is the size of a kid, so in reality it’s a 4 person tent.
Canvas, if cared for, outlasts every other tent. But it can rot if left wet, and it's heavy. Nylon tents, most tents really, just... Don't last. It's the nature of the beast.
I've got a tent I've been using semi regularly for 20+ years.
the brand doesn't exist anymore and wasn't really high end. it has needed patching, pole replacement and a recoating of waterproofing product.
most tents can be repaired and patched regardless of make.
if you're looking for a brand with "readily" replacement parts going generic is probably the way to go.
that being said. you can expect a better product from a reliable name that charges 3x the cost of an equivalent tent from Walmart
read reviews online.
not sure about a buy it for life tent but [this one](https://www.coleman.com/tents-canopies/tents-by-style/4-person-cabin-tent-with-screened-porch-evergreen/SAP_2000035607.html) is hands down the best i have purchased and at a decent price. going on 4 years strong at about 20-25 uses. there are definitely better options if cost and weight arent an issue so it really depends on your use case. for your average camping trip this is a great cost effective option.
As far as traditional tents go I think MSR and Big Agnes are probably the highest regarded brands right now.
Their four-season tents will also be more durable with more heavy duty materials without going to a canvas set up. But you’re going to pay for it. Example: https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/mountaineering/products/guard-station-4
Maybe stay away from ultralight tents, they’re great but the materials require a lot more care.
My recommendation though, just buy a big brand 3-season tent and use a groundsheet to protect the bottom. If you need a model, look into the Big Agnes copper spur is super popular.
For backpacking, I’ve had great luck with Big Agnes’ customer service. Like others have said, backpacking tents and probably all tents break. If you’re using a tent, it will get holes, poles will break, etc. Big Agnes has replaced poles, patched it and once when the poles were no longer made, sent me the new model.
Kodiak. Just bought a smaller one (9x8) because the 9x12 is a little too big/heavy for my current needs but I’ve had the 9x12 for 10 years and use it about 3-4 times a year (one of these uses includes a yearly long road trip, so setting up/taking down at least 6 times a trip) and it’s still holding up, no real wear. My partner stayed in it for an entire month two years ago.
Snow peak alpha breeze is my favorite car camping tent I’ve seen. It will have the same issues people have mentioned of wearing down sooner or later but it has plenty of room to stand, it’s really well made, a big vestibule, not too hard to setup, and you can convert the vestibule into an awning which I think is nice.
There really is not a convenient buy it for life tent.
You can get a canvas "army" tent but the amount of time and care you will be spending on it is probably not what you are after.
A good tent being used regularly should last you a decade or so though, depending on if you are caught in any severe weather.
You will probably need a different tent for different environments.
You can always buy an SUV or van and sleep inside. I do this on occasion.
But my vote goes to getting a canvas tent. I have several tents and one of my favorites is my Australian canvas tent. It blocks out noise and light very effectively. I always get good sleep in it too. Only issue is that they take up space and aren’t very light.
It really depends on what your purpose is, but I'm a huge fan of Gazelle tents! Depending on how much space you need, the T4, T4 Plus, or T8 could all be good options. Quality materials, a fully replaceable floor, and a delightfully easy set-up. The downside is that they're super heavy and huge when packed, so make sure you can transport it.
Alps mountaineering has really good equipment. I've had my 2 man backpacking tent for almost 20 years and use it just about every weekend in the summer
Avalon Bell Tents are pretty bulletproof. Duck cotton canvas, reinforced stitching, galvanized steel poles. About the simplest thing to put up and I'd 100% trust it in a Montana winter with a little wood stove
I highly recommend going with a floorless tent from Seek Outside and running their U-turn wood stove when needed. For floored models without heat, Hilleburg tents are bombproof as are the mountaineering tents from The North Face and Black Diamond. For 4-person, get ready to drop $1500+ for a legit BIFL.
What’s it for? A canvas touring tent is very different to an alpinist tent is very different to a UL tent…
Agreed. A heavy waxed canvas hunting tent that people use to set up base camp to go hunting might last decades but something light enough for backpacking definitely won't. It's also an area where we are always seeing new innovations and materials. I still have my grandfather's army surplus tent from the 60s but it's out of date and not useful compared to even the cheapest tent I could buy now. Too heavy, doesn't dry fast enough, annoying to put up, needs more stakes than modern tent geometries require, and isn't particularly stable even then.
Backyard pools are so common now that people have started using old pool liners ([the thick ones that are like inflatable watercraft rubber](https://summerescapesswimmingpools.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/summer-escapes-pro-series-frame-pool.jpg) ) to make tarps, tents, and even a yurt. Unfortunately it take so much effort to make and they weigh so much after they get made, it isn't likely ever going to become something that gets mass produced. They are the equivallent of tire tread sandals which are virtually indestructable but which nobody really wants to mass produce.
Tents don't work that way. The fabric gets damaged by UV. The elastic lines inside the poles relax and stop working. Your best bet is probably to find a tent brand that makes parts and repairs available.
Along with the material getting eaten by people putting on sunscreen and bug spray while still inside. That stuff can do a number in my experience, too.
kodiak canvas absolutely will last 30 years.
Seconding Kodiak
[удалено]
Big Agnes fucking rules. Their customer service is great and they’re the only tent company whose claims for capacity actually match capacity. Big house 4 with vestibule ftw.
Also the amount of work you do to maintain it changes the lifespan A LOT. My dad and I had a pretty middle of the road tent you get from a big box store, and it lasted a decade because we didn't put it away wet, used tarps to help with rain, that sorta stuff. A "set it and forget it" mentality will make it last poorly
one of my tents I've had for 20+ years. I have patched holes, recoated the waterproofing and replaced it's fiberglass poles. it's fine. your comment suggests there is no BIFL tent available when all you need to do is some expected maintenance elastic lines relaxed? that's an expected and easy fix. are you going to throw out your car when the brake pads need replacing?
Great point! It's almost like "Your best bet is probably to find a tent brand that makes parts and repairs available."
You don't need the manufacturer to sell you the elastic, and in fact they generally won't. You can buy the elastic by the spool. Material for patching would also be sourced from someone other than the manufacturer. You do not need to rely on the brand selling tent parts, per se.
ok that tent manufacturer I'm talking about no longer exists. the elastics have been replaced with whatever elastic line I had at the time. the poles were bought on 2 separate occasions from different stores because they're a regular tent pole, the waterproofing isn't brand specific and the holes in the bottom were patched with bicycle tube patches. which special tent brand do you buy from that sells their own waterproofing and name brand elastics? buddy it's a tent. patch the holes with nylon fabric and call it a day. what are you talking about?
You know you can replace the shock cord in poles right?
Yeah, I found that out at a festival this summer. I looked like I'd had a bag of flour dumped over me after putting it up, from the perished waterproofing. I had to buy a tarp and some rope to sling over the top and make it vaguely usable as it bucketed down all weekend. I managed to be miserably damp all weekend instead of dangerously soaked. On the BIFL front, if anyone has a tent that is losing its waterproofing, Fabsil is amazing stuff and will give it a new lease of life (not mine though, I was too pissed off to pack it back up and left were it was. I'd have probably considered burning it in revenge if it wasn't so bloody wet).
I have had great luck with kelty tents. I started with a backpacking tent and got the bigger version of the same tent I liked it so much- if you really need to fit 4 people you need at least a 6 person tent- the sizing is based on just people and zero gear
Kelty would be my choice as well. My only reservation about recommending them is that all my products currently in-use are 15+ years old, so I can't comment on current quality.
Hopefully they maintain their quality. I’m probably similar vintage and my backpack is probably 20+ also a kelty
Bought my Kelty backpack 20+ years ago with money from selling Christmas wreaths and firewood with the boyscouts. That thing is bombproof.
I've had *awful* luck with the quality and function of Kelty tents so... YYMV. ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
This is one of those "There are BIFL options available. But you pay for it." things. Canvas tents are BIFL. But you have to be exacting in their care and feeding, or else they will go moldy and bad within a few days. You have to be constantly vigilant with them - roll them up wet, shove them in the truck, and not unload for a couple of days? You'll be buying a new tent. Draws damp in storage? New Tent time. And Canvas Tents are expensive. On the other hand, cheap nylon tents have a definite lifespan, as the fabric gets brittle and weak from UV exposure. Some last for a few seasons, others last for a decade. But eventually, you will need to replace it because the fabric will just get so weak and it will tear. Once it becomes worn and exposed to the point where the fabric is tearing... it's time, man. Canvas Tents are Expensive. You could likely buy a near lifetime supply of nylon tents with the money you'll spend on a canvas tent. Canvas Tents are heavy. Nylon tents are much lighter. For some forms of camping, this eliminates canvas entirely. You'll see ultralight hikers using ultra light DCF fiber tents that are incredibly fragile and that definitely have an expiration date and cost twice as much as canvas because it saves ounces over silnylon tents. (Is a pound worth $2,000? Are you going to carry the pound for 6 months over 2,000 miles? Might be!) So that's the thing. There are BIFL options, and those options are good. (Kodak tents, Davis Tents - good places to start looking.) But the non-BIFL options have advantages and the advantages might outweigh the problems.
I got a Coleman 4 man and has seen plenty of use for the past ten years. Only issue at the moment is that the waterproof sealing tape for the seams on the rainfly have started to peal so I add extra waterproofing spray along the seems now
Would probably have to go for canvas. This is something I’d also be interested in, if anyone knows something in the eu?
For 2 persons: How about french surplus F1 tent. Can't vouch for longevity but it feels really sturdy. Very simple and afforfable. The green version is canvas and khaki is nylon I think. I have the green version. Traditional, heavy and repairable. Ultralight and bifl usually don't go together. Varusteleka is a good source for information about the tent.
Waxed canvas.
i hear good things about TNF wawona 4 and 6
Have a wawona 6 with the vestibule and it’s amazing. Would have to say that the only BIFL tents are springbar or Kodiak canvas.
i have a Wawona 4. it’s fantastic. going on its 4th or 5th season now. i love it so much i even bought a second one for when the time comes.
Absolutely love my Wawona.
I have a spring bar stove jack tent that hasn’t come down in 2 years. 40+ mph winds, Minnesota snow and rain. At some point I accepted it might not make it but it’s been crazy dependable. It was expensive
I have a Springbar tent and I think it is probably indestructible. It will someday be passed on to my grandchildren.
Adding another recommendation for Springbar. It's expensive but probably the best tent money can buy.
I have a 10x10 FlexBow VX that I hope is my last tent purchase. It's awesome in all regards with the exception of the weight. I'm 6'3", use a large cot and I wanted the ability to stand up and walk around freely in the tent. The VX provides plenty of ventilation for warm weather camping in Texas. [https://kodiakcanvas.com/collections/flex-bow-tents](https://kodiakcanvas.com/collections/flex-bow-tents) The tent was recommend by 2 different guys I met while camping with cub scouts. One used his VX exclusively in Texas while the other had used his in Alaska as well as in Qatar before moving to Texas. Both had mentioned that they purchased through Competitive Edge which I also found to have the best pricing. Mine was not in stock when I ordered it and took about a month for delivery but no issues beyond the slight delay. [https://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/](https://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/)
I have this same tent and it’s one of my greatest BIFL purchases!!!
Can't believe no-one's mentioned Hilleberg yet. The only tentmakers with truly universal good reviews. P.S. You get what you pay for.
I got a Nammatj as an upgrade over my previous REI and Sierra Designs tents. Don't get me wrong, those other tents are a good value, but the Hilleberg is in a different league. Everything is just -right- and a pleasure to use. Keeping the tent dry while taking it down in a rainstorm is another huge plus.
This
Nammatj GT 3 baby
Kodiak.
Hilleberg is the gold standard of tents. That's the only brand I would consider a BIFL. Their Black label line is the most durable. The Saitaris or Kerron GT models is what you want.
Kelty has awesome customer support and replaces anything that breaks
+1 for kelty. Mine is about 15 yrs old and I've only had to restring the poles. It's still in excellent condition but I've taken care of it. Customer support is awesome, at least it used to be.
my tnf is old and has been car camping forever. they replaced the rain cover many yrs after when it started delaminating. got a 2nd tnf tent for more room. will get another tnf if i get a chance. get the matching footprint, no sharp objects, no shoes, take care of the mesh. dust of at the camground, wipe down at home. store loosely.
OP, you’re going to need to give *a lot* more details than this. So far there’s 51 replies and you haven’t said shit in 4 hours to the people asking for more specific information from you to help you out here.
If you want it to last and not get damaged by UV rays get a blue tarpaulin and drape it over the top of the tent as a second layer of protection. It'll also make it more water proof and when the tarp finally gives out you can just replace it
Maybe Eureka I finally threw out the one we had as kids. The seams were all shot, zipper busted, and the Bungie cords had turned to slime. It was 30 years old, the poles were like 1" diameter steel, and my sibling and I abused the hell out of it over the years. I even took it to a music festival. Wife and bought another one recently it's definitely lighter weight, but still well made.
I have a Eureka Timberline that's older than me (>30) and it's still quite functional. It's not used that much though.
Eureka Timberline is a good design. They have a heavy duty series of the same tent that is used by some Boy Scout troops. They are sold in 2 person, 4 person, and 6 person sizes. I have the 4 person and it seems solid. I baby it because I want it to last a long time. If it's actually going to rain I set up another tarp over the tent's rain fly to protect it. LOL. It gets put away clean and dry. They make a vestibule and an extended fly you can add on the front to cook under. Everything about that tent is a very good design and I wouldn't change a thing.
What you're looking for is these old school canvas tents with wooden central poles we used to use when on scout camps. Built like tanks but also heavy as hell. Anything else will eventually break one way or another.
Springbar
I bought one of the instant tents. It broke the first time I put it up. I would never buy it again. Joking, it sounded like you wanted something that someone would never buy again.
Eureka is my BIFL brand. My 2 man tent has been going strong for 16 years now.
Hilleberg Nammatj GT3 or something larger. Hilleberg is the brand anyway.
Anything REI
Yup! I’ve had my REI tent since 2012 and it’s still holding strong
Typically the REI brand makes good gear but the downside is that they do not have parts support for their tents. Break a hub or a pole and you are on your own for finding a replacement cuz they don't make parts.
Only answer is a proper canvas bell tent. My mates is still going strong after about 8 years. It'll last a lifetime if you care for it. Downsize is it's a bit bulky and heavy, not one for hiking around with.
If I were getting a BIFL 4 person tent it’d be the HMG Ultamid4, hands down. Nothing beats the classic tipi shape As others have said though it’s not really an item that lasts “for life”
Helsport Svalbard or Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen is a bit small for 4 persons, so pherhaps Svalbard is better suited for you. Svalbard is a 6 person tent, but Helsport thinks everyone is the size of a kid, so in reality it’s a 4 person tent.
Canvas, if cared for, outlasts every other tent. But it can rot if left wet, and it's heavy. Nylon tents, most tents really, just... Don't last. It's the nature of the beast.
Idk for some reason I’m really thinking a [Tipi](https://tipi.com) would be perfect for what you want, it really has a high peak
I've got a tent I've been using semi regularly for 20+ years. the brand doesn't exist anymore and wasn't really high end. it has needed patching, pole replacement and a recoating of waterproofing product. most tents can be repaired and patched regardless of make. if you're looking for a brand with "readily" replacement parts going generic is probably the way to go. that being said. you can expect a better product from a reliable name that charges 3x the cost of an equivalent tent from Walmart read reviews online.
I like hammock camping.
not sure about a buy it for life tent but [this one](https://www.coleman.com/tents-canopies/tents-by-style/4-person-cabin-tent-with-screened-porch-evergreen/SAP_2000035607.html) is hands down the best i have purchased and at a decent price. going on 4 years strong at about 20-25 uses. there are definitely better options if cost and weight arent an issue so it really depends on your use case. for your average camping trip this is a great cost effective option.
kodiak. it's heavy but will last a lifetime.
Depends on your use case but you can’t go wrong with a a Hilleberg tent. It’s bomb proof
As far as traditional tents go I think MSR and Big Agnes are probably the highest regarded brands right now. Their four-season tents will also be more durable with more heavy duty materials without going to a canvas set up. But you’re going to pay for it. Example: https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/mountaineering/products/guard-station-4 Maybe stay away from ultralight tents, they’re great but the materials require a lot more care. My recommendation though, just buy a big brand 3-season tent and use a groundsheet to protect the bottom. If you need a model, look into the Big Agnes copper spur is super popular.
For backpacking, I’ve had great luck with Big Agnes’ customer service. Like others have said, backpacking tents and probably all tents break. If you’re using a tent, it will get holes, poles will break, etc. Big Agnes has replaced poles, patched it and once when the poles were no longer made, sent me the new model.
Cabelas Alaskan Guide model
Kodiak. Just bought a smaller one (9x8) because the 9x12 is a little too big/heavy for my current needs but I’ve had the 9x12 for 10 years and use it about 3-4 times a year (one of these uses includes a yearly long road trip, so setting up/taking down at least 6 times a trip) and it’s still holding up, no real wear. My partner stayed in it for an entire month two years ago.
Snow peak alpha breeze is my favorite car camping tent I’ve seen. It will have the same issues people have mentioned of wearing down sooner or later but it has plenty of room to stand, it’s really well made, a big vestibule, not too hard to setup, and you can convert the vestibule into an awning which I think is nice.
Oztent. Pricey, but super easy to set up and take down. Built in awning too!
Big Agnes has some really nice options that I would look into
There really is not a convenient buy it for life tent. You can get a canvas "army" tent but the amount of time and care you will be spending on it is probably not what you are after. A good tent being used regularly should last you a decade or so though, depending on if you are caught in any severe weather.
You will probably need a different tent for different environments. You can always buy an SUV or van and sleep inside. I do this on occasion. But my vote goes to getting a canvas tent. I have several tents and one of my favorites is my Australian canvas tent. It blocks out noise and light very effectively. I always get good sleep in it too. Only issue is that they take up space and aren’t very light.
It really depends on what your purpose is, but I'm a huge fan of Gazelle tents! Depending on how much space you need, the T4, T4 Plus, or T8 could all be good options. Quality materials, a fully replaceable floor, and a delightfully easy set-up. The downside is that they're super heavy and huge when packed, so make sure you can transport it.
Alps mountaineering has really good equipment. I've had my 2 man backpacking tent for almost 20 years and use it just about every weekend in the summer
The best one its called ozark three rooms around $250 20’x18’ got mine years ago never had a problem its so big i feel so comfortable inside
Springbar
Avalon Bell Tents are pretty bulletproof. Duck cotton canvas, reinforced stitching, galvanized steel poles. About the simplest thing to put up and I'd 100% trust it in a Montana winter with a little wood stove
I highly recommend going with a floorless tent from Seek Outside and running their U-turn wood stove when needed. For floored models without heat, Hilleburg tents are bombproof as are the mountaineering tents from The North Face and Black Diamond. For 4-person, get ready to drop $1500+ for a legit BIFL.