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Edited January 8, 2022
at 04:36 AM
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Noticed that the 2018 version of the ASL 2 (2 person 3-4 season backpacking tent) is on sale for $258.93
>Now $198.93 (usually $399.00) which is 35% off! Just in time for winter!
I was wondering what the difference between 2018 and the current version of this tent was, so I got on chat with REI support. They noted that the only difference between the two models is that the 2018 is treated with flame retardant whereas the current model is not. Other that that they are the same (confirmed that the tech specs are all but identical except some wording differences on the poles). Not sure how accurate that is, but was enough for me to pull the trigger on the 2018. Hope this helps get you out there in winter on the cheap!
https://www.rei.com/product/13624...-tent-2018
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When you go with REI you are getting quality, durability, weight difference and essentially the best bang for your buck. There are more expensive brands and cheaper brands too but i think REI hits the sweet spot, while still pricy its the best balance you can get. Also id look into it but this one stays warmer too.
With that being said my broke ass still has a cheap random tent 😂
Some of us aim for a bit more adventure than car camping, thanks.
If you plan to camp at a campground near a road, you don't need this tent. There are much cheaper tents that will suit you perfectly.
If you only go ultralight, you don't need this tent. There are lighter tents out there, although oftentimes more expensive.
If you don't plan on camping in the winter/snow, you don't need this tent. There are cheaper, lighter tents for the other 3 seasons.
This tent is for backpackers who want a reasonably light double-walled tent with adjustable ventilation that will serve them from summer through winter and stay solid through moderately heavy winds near the treeline.
Plenty of people can make do with a Coleman tent or their car and that's perfectly fine. This isn't for you. But don't tell other people what they need, as if all of us camp in the same way. Hell if I'd bring an Ozark Trail tent on the PCT.
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Personally I'm just taking a Home Depot tarp and a sleeping bag. I call that "The Bearrito" especially when I store all my food in my pockets.
One upside to the Bearrito: there's that second or two where you'll get a sweet, sweet tongue bath right before your torso is disemboweled.
If you plan to camp at a campground near a road, you don't need this tent. There are much cheaper tents that will suit you perfectly.
If you only go ultralight, you don't need this tent. There are lighter tents out there, although oftentimes more expensive.
If you don't plan on camping in the winter/snow, you don't need this tent. There are cheaper, lighter tents for the other 3 seasons.
This tent is for backpackers who want a reasonably light double-walled tent with adjustable ventilation that will serve them from summer through winter and stay solid through moderately heavy winds near the treeline.
Plenty of people can make do with a Coleman tent or their car and that's perfectly fine. This isn't for you. But don't tell other people what they need, as if all of us camp in the same way. Hell if I'd bring an Ozark Trail tent on the PCT.
Is there UV or super UV resistant tents?
Would like to do that again.
If you were are wondering it cost like $50 to camp there 1/4 mile away from beach. I thought it would be nicer and cheaper to boot if we just had car packed. Set alarm for 3AM, drive to beach, get there when the opened at 5:30AM, pay the $20 instead of $50, and set up on beach and sleep in, then wake up on beach. Worked except the sunburn, which made it mostly a fail.
Search for black out tents. They make tents now that block out almost all light (99%) you can find a really decent one for like $150. Amazing how dark it can be in broad daylight. Coleman makes a bunch and decathlon has a few 🍻
Possible seam rot. Almost 4 years in a box,
But if you do car camping (like myself)... I think you would be a lot happier with a bigger tent.
I have Cabela's Alaskan tenant for 8 people... love this tent. My tent is about 34 years old and is currently falling apart. I since purchased a high end 4 man tent from REI but I find it way to small... two adults and one kid.
I will buy another Cabela's Alaskan 8 man tent when on sale one day.
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