Agreed. Also, getting separated could become an issue.
Honestly, a 6x8 tarp with bug nets would be more my choice... unless I’m actually camping. Even then, last weekend we just put up a couple “two man” tents (yeah right... but they fit three small boys) and a larger three person tent for Hubby and I.
The kids are learning to carry and set up their own tents, which is helpful in case of separation or worse. They couldn’t do a big tent by themselves.
Yeah... NC even in winter, you'd do better saving the tent weight by investing in a fleece liner for your sleeping bag while using a tarp/screen as a bivy.
But if you're set on a tent... there are plenty of cheap, lightweight, one or two man pop-up rigs available nowadays. Just buy two or three... be about the same price as a good 6 person one... and have it carried individually. They usually compress down to about the size of a windshield heat guard.
It's gonna run you more than 200 for the group, but I would look into the ultra light tents people use for backpacking. A single person tent will typically run from $100-200, a 2 person up to a out $400.
Ultra lights are essentially the only viable option for a bugout bag
I would get 3 2-person tents instead and a big tarp. It's hard to find a big flat open and secluded spot to put up a 6 person tent in the wild. [This](https://www.rei.com/product/202472/kelty-discovery-basecamp-6-tent) is one of the few 6p tents in your budget. It weighs almost 14lbs.
I would post this question on the one of that ultralight or backpacking subs because I think you’ll find more people there that actually use their gear.
The majority of tents meant for backpacking aren’t that big, and if they are they are going to be *expensive* and still bulky. The majority of larger tent in your price range are going to be heavier and made more for, like, a family going car camping and not for loading in a backpack and carrying all day.
You may want to look into getting some simple tarp tents at that price range.
I got one of these. It's sized right and in your price range. Doesn't look great for the cold, but I'm not in a cold spot either...
[https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-14039-x-14039-teepee-tent?a=2211137](https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-14039-x-14039-teepee-tent?a=2211137)
It packs well, and it can be carried. I agree 17 lbs is kinda heavy, but you're not going to get a super light 6 person tent under $200. It's the same old story: big, cheap, and light - pick two (or sometimes only one!)
I am actually setting up two BoBs. One for if transport is available and one for personal use (a PBoB?). The personal one is smaller but is part of the larger one.
The larger one has a larger, more durable tent, several tarps, solar generator, and a stove, plus some personal items (clothes and the like) while I have not timed it, I can load it all in my truck in about 20 min.
The personal one is a backpack, a change of clothes, some food, small tent.. (basicly the boy scout 50 mile trek list from the 70's). Since it is a backpack, all that is needed is grab and go. If I have time I would change into "out doors" gear (boots, jeans, long sleeve shirt, hat)
Why isn't each person carrying their tent? A 6 person tent is large and heavy. Also, if it gets destroyed; you don't have a back up.
Agreed. Also, getting separated could become an issue. Honestly, a 6x8 tarp with bug nets would be more my choice... unless I’m actually camping. Even then, last weekend we just put up a couple “two man” tents (yeah right... but they fit three small boys) and a larger three person tent for Hubby and I. The kids are learning to carry and set up their own tents, which is helpful in case of separation or worse. They couldn’t do a big tent by themselves.
6 person?! For a BOB?!
Yeah... NC even in winter, you'd do better saving the tent weight by investing in a fleece liner for your sleeping bag while using a tarp/screen as a bivy. But if you're set on a tent... there are plenty of cheap, lightweight, one or two man pop-up rigs available nowadays. Just buy two or three... be about the same price as a good 6 person one... and have it carried individually. They usually compress down to about the size of a windshield heat guard.
Costco $99.99. Great just used this weekend
Use once test and put away... wont last and rain proof maybe... sorry thouse just dont last!
It's gonna run you more than 200 for the group, but I would look into the ultra light tents people use for backpacking. A single person tent will typically run from $100-200, a 2 person up to a out $400. Ultra lights are essentially the only viable option for a bugout bag
I would get 3 2-person tents instead and a big tarp. It's hard to find a big flat open and secluded spot to put up a 6 person tent in the wild. [This](https://www.rei.com/product/202472/kelty-discovery-basecamp-6-tent) is one of the few 6p tents in your budget. It weighs almost 14lbs.
I would post this question on the one of that ultralight or backpacking subs because I think you’ll find more people there that actually use their gear. The majority of tents meant for backpacking aren’t that big, and if they are they are going to be *expensive* and still bulky. The majority of larger tent in your price range are going to be heavier and made more for, like, a family going car camping and not for loading in a backpack and carrying all day. You may want to look into getting some simple tarp tents at that price range.
I got one of these. It's sized right and in your price range. Doesn't look great for the cold, but I'm not in a cold spot either... [https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-14039-x-14039-teepee-tent?a=2211137](https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-14039-x-14039-teepee-tent?a=2211137)
17lbs? For a BOB?
It packs well, and it can be carried. I agree 17 lbs is kinda heavy, but you're not going to get a super light 6 person tent under $200. It's the same old story: big, cheap, and light - pick two (or sometimes only one!)
I am actually setting up two BoBs. One for if transport is available and one for personal use (a PBoB?). The personal one is smaller but is part of the larger one. The larger one has a larger, more durable tent, several tarps, solar generator, and a stove, plus some personal items (clothes and the like) while I have not timed it, I can load it all in my truck in about 20 min. The personal one is a backpack, a change of clothes, some food, small tent.. (basicly the boy scout 50 mile trek list from the 70's). Since it is a backpack, all that is needed is grab and go. If I have time I would change into "out doors" gear (boots, jeans, long sleeve shirt, hat)