Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
If you're a budget-minded camper, consider a tent made by Seattle-based outdoor retailer REI. With over twenty affordable and durable tents in its REI-brand fleet (with prices ranging between $99.50 and $399.00 in 2009), you're likely to find a tent that will fit your needs without breaking your pocketbook. For those looking for an affordable and lightweight two-person tent, the REI Quarter Dome T2 is a good option, costing $269.00 as of 2009 and weighing in at a mere 3lbs. 12oz.
Marmot Mountain Works
Founded in 1976, Marmot Mountain Works specializes in mountaineering, climbing, and skiing equipment and, among other well-crafted items, is known for its quality tents. For campers looking for a lightweight but spacious two-person tent, consider the Aura, Marmot's award-winning two-person tent that won a won a coveted spot among Outside Magazine's "Gear of the Year" in 2008 for its spaciousness (35 square feet) and innovative tent-pole design.
Kelty
Kelty, an outdoor-gear manufacturer established in 1952, boasts a variety of tents suitable for families or large groups. Take the Shiro 4, for example, a four-person tent that won a 2009 Editors' Choice Gear Award at Camping Life magazine for its three-room design, interior spaciousness, and sturdy construction. For those looking for even more room, Kelty also offers a six-person Shiro tent model.
Article Written By Susan Heller
Susan Heller is a Seattle-based freelance writer who has been writing outdoor-related articles for five years. Her work has appeared in "University Week," the "Ballard News-Tribune," and backpackgeartest.org. In 2004 she was named a Mary Gates Scholar, and in 2005 she received her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative History of Ideas and Comparative Religion from the University of Washington.
