4/18    Sodan backpackers/campers/tentowners I have questions for you.
        1. Is REI Overpriced?
        2. I found a 7' 8" x 6' 8" x 48" h.
        hexagonal tent  at http://texsport.com/tents.html (Item # 01113) for $30,
        it could either be a great deal, or $30 of crap.   My uses aren't
        for backpacking or cycling,  I just need a tent to stay over for
        car-camping stuff (drive to location, stay overnight, pack up in
        the morning).  It is known to rain where I am at - about 45% of the
        time; it's more of a sudden downpour and then dampness and then hot
        sun.  Just wanted to get your opinions on 1. and 2. (is that tent
        worth $30?).  Thanks in advance.
        \_ Yes and no.  You pay a premium, but they have a great warranty.
           If you ever have a problem, you take it back.  I've done so
           years later, and they've "made it right," so it has been worth
           it for some items.  Plus, if you're a member you get 10% back
           eventually (dividend).
        2. I found a 7' 8" x 6' 8" x 48" h.
        hexagonal tent  at http://texsport.com/tents.html (Item # 01113) for $30,
        it could either be a great deal, or $30 of crap.   My uses aren't
        for backpacking or cycling,  I just need a tent to stay over for
        car-camping stuff (drive to location, stay overnight, pack up in
        the morning).  It is known to rain where I am at - about 45% of the
        time; it's more of a sudden downpour and then dampness and then hot
        sun.  Just wanted to get your opinions on 1. and 2. (is that tent
        worth $30?).  Thanks in advance.
        \_ Seems reasonable for the purposes you list.  Many of the REI
           tents are more geared towards backpacking, I think, so you'd
           be paying for lighter weight that doesn't benefit you.  You
           might check places like http://campmor.com and http://sierratradingpost.com
           to see what they have cheap as well.  BTW, I'd assume a tent
           like that should be free-standing, but they don't list that in
           the description... (along with how difficult it is to set up)
           It also disturbs me that they don't list weight at all (just as
           a general principle - yes, it doesn't matter to you in this case,
           but that statistic should be there for all of the tents!)
           \- basic tent factors are 1. price 2. design/strength
              3. weight/size. if you are not hiking with it, you can
              afford to get a heavy, large/comfortable tent for cheap,
              although one concern may be the large tents may not do
              well in high winds. i also like free standing tents.
              i domt know how cheep tents do in rain. the cheep route
              for water proofing is to sacrifice breathability ... which
              is probably a bigger deal in a small tent. if you are looking
              for a walmart tent, dont go to REI. i also like tents with
              2 doors, but also a bigger deal in a small tent you are
              sharing with gear and such. --psb