I am researching backpacking tents, any suggestions on a inexspensive quiality tent <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I don't if this is what is what you are looking for, but I may pick myself one up.
http://www.tarptent.com/
Biscuits

With tents you have to ask some questions. Will this be a three season tent or capable of winter use? How many people will be inside the tent ( remember a good portion of your gear comes inside also.) Do I want a floor and sill ( critters,rain and sanitation.) How easy is it to set up? Putting something together in your backyard is different than making an emergency bivouck in high winds and fading light. Do you want subdued colours ( why advertise to thieves,) or something from the quilting championship at the state fair?

I got three things for backpacking. One of them is a Mountain Hardware bivy. I slap my bag in there, lay down on the mat and I "survived" some pretty hard rain in that. It's really not that great when weather is hot but it is small and lightweight and with addition of nylon tarp shelter it is really all you need.
Mountain Hardwear Bivy

In Africa I used similar version of the above but it had a screen netting that made my bag bug proof and cover was more breathable.

Another thing that I use if I have more space is MSR Zoid tent. It is perfect when you know you really need protection from elements. Transition from big tent to small one person shelter is little harsh. You are wondering where all the room went and trying to change inside is really hard but packing wise it is so small that you won't even feel the weight.

I find myself hiking a lot with just a tarp and a bivy because it is more flexible. But that solution may not be suitable for everyone. I camped on an island that was so overun by bugs that I was glad I had my tent with me. And even if none of them was poisonous having things crawling in the sleeping bag is not the thing you want to experience in the middle of the night. Also on my outing this weekend temp droped to low 30s,wind chill made it even colder and it was also raining so my Zoid was perfect for this situation.

Matt

I've enjoyed using a Kelty Dart II, which is a bivy-style, single layer, one-person tent. Very light and can be had for around $120-150 U.S. There are also other similar models (some of which I suspect are better than mine), like the Shires TarpTent, the Mountain Hardwear Bivy (both mentioned above), the REI Roadster, the MSR Zoid, and the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight CD.

Some pics of me and my tent:

for something really light for 3 seasons you might consider this.

Rusty,

A number considerations come into play. Some of our rules of thumb are as follows:

A one-walled tent can be much lighter than a conventional two-walled tent (counting the rain fly). It will also be less versatile. The single wall must be a compromise between being water-repellent and airy. On a double-walled tent, the rain fly can be made very impervious to rain, whereas the main wall can be relatively porous for good ventilation. But then sometimes light weight trumps protection. In evaluating the weight of a tent, divide it by the number of people who will use it since the weight of the tent or its equivalent can be borne by all.

Check the size of the tent for yourself. Manufacturers ridiculously exaggerate the number of people who can fit in a tent. Consider your own dimensions in evaluating the actual roominess/snugness of a tent. Many products do not realistically take into account the real sizes of people.

The more the rain fly covers the tent, the more likely the tent is to be waterproof.

A floor which attaches to the walls on the sides (a bathtub design) rather than at the corners will be much more waterproof.

Be sure the tent allow for good ventilation even with the rain fly deployed. Otherwise, you may feel you are drowning in the humidity.

Look for a design that allows excellent ventilation, and preferably cross-ventilation to provide comfort in hot and balmy weather.

If possible, try to find a store where you can actually see the tents that interest you. Don't just rely on a catalog description or the manufacturer's specs.

Ask about the tent's wind resistance.

Finally, think how you will put up the tent. Some designs make it easy and quick. Others seem to call for party of mechanical engineers in a wind-free warehouse with unlimited time.

Incidentally, we just had the same quest. But we were looking for tent to be backpacked which would be comfortable for 2 large people (6'2" x 200#) and some equipment (e.g., rifles) even for prolonged periods. We ended up getting a convertible 3 to 4 season tent. It has ample ventilation to be comfortable in hot weather without the fly (and hopefully in rain storms as well with the fly). It will also see some cold winter use. It appears to have sufficient integrity for windy and rainy conditions. We have previously had significant problems in wind, rain, and hot weather. We ended up getting the Sierra Designs Alpha. It appeared to be the best fit our needs, however we haven't been able to try it out yet. We'll see.

Good luck on finding one that fits your own individual needs,

John

Rusty:

Your request really is hard to answer. I have no real idea as to your anticipated needs, where and when you will use the tent, and what qualifies as "inexpensive". To some people $300 is a cheap tent. To others it is outrageously expensive.

As far as tents go you have several issues to reconcile.

Size/portability issues. Big tents are comfortable, but weigh a TON. There is a BIG difference between a 7.5-8 lb lightwieght 3 person and a 16 lb monster. Of course, lighter tents are smaller...

Materials/Construction: This accoutns for much of the cost. Cheap heavy tents have cheap fiberglass poles. Lighter, higher grade tents utilize lighter aluminum poles. Unfortunately, the aluminim poles cost $$$$$$.

Anticipated use: Most tents are three season tents. Four season tents are of a heavier construction, and typically use an additional pole or two (or three) to support a modest snow load. Of course, more poles = more $$$ and more Lbs...

Cost: You can find anything from $50 Walmrt specials to $800 top of the line tents. Take your pick. In my case, I recently looked for a high quality back packing tent. I needed room for three people. Wieght was an issue. I wanted a three season tent. I also anticipated use during the hotter times of the year, so I insisted on decent ventilation. After searching all the decent manufacturers I could find I opted for a Cabelas XPG backpacking tent. Cost $179, supposedly sleeps four (if it's family of dwarves) and weighs 7 lb 12oz.

www.cabelas.com

Its moderately priced, of very good construction, is a free standing two pole design, has great ventilation, and is actually light enough to use. It is quite adequate for me (6' 230), wife (5'4" 125) and our kid (now 6). This tent is a real pleasure to use. I like the rectangular, useable florr much more than the usual octagon shape. However, being a two pole design, this tent should not be relied upon as a four season tent. Cabelas makes (or made) a four season variant that sold for $100 more or so. Unfortunately, It was also about double the weight.

Tents are like most other things. They are always about compromises. The idea tent weight 1 lb 4 oz, is as stout as a brick $hithouse, can withstand a class five hurricane, sets up in 30 seconds in a blizzard and cost $18. Unfortunately, it doesn exist. Tents are alwasy about compromises: Rigidity vs weight, ventilation vs weatherpoorfing, etc

Good luck

Frozenny

I'd recommend that you pick up The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher and C.L. Rawlins. The book contains solid advise as well as pragmatic equipment reviews based upon the asuthors' experience. It was recommended to me on this forum some time ago and have not regretted the purchase. Amazon is selling it for $16.00 Well worth the investment.

An excellent book. I would also recommend The Backpacker's Handbook, 2nd Edition by Chris Townsend.