So, I am going to do this camping malarky. I need to get out more and hiking is something I really enjoy. Some of the places I want to go are over 200km away so that makes for a very long day trip when you factor in the walk too.
Looked at a few tents and whilst cost is a factor and also want something that is decent and fairly roomy. I have it down between two Coleman tents, Sundome or Highline II. The Highline is made exclusively for Walmart and the other is at Canadian Tire. They are the same tent except for the footprint, the Sundome is square at 10ft x 10ft and the Highline II is rectangle at 12ft x 8ft.
I have 5 tents, varying sizes. I will always recommend the square over rectangle. Also be aware of the weather you are going in. Always Dome.
Smaller = Hotter (winter), Better for winter months (usually 2-5 people tent size)
Medium = Good for anytime, really, but be careful in the winter, might be too big. (4-6 is usually considered medium)
Big = Great for the summer, but also don't get it if it's just you. (6-8+)
We have a 10 person, an 8 person, a 6 person, and a 5 person tent (my fav) and another 10 person tent that just feels massive. I think we use the 5 person tent more often than none, it's a self setting one and a Coleman tent. I bought in Portland when our 6 person tent that my gf packed on our camping trip to Seattle was without the poles and pins because you know, she's fantastic at packing (not).
This is the one we use the most (5 person) -
Coleman - Outdoor Camping Gear & Equipment
We were staying so close to Portland that we just drove in and went to Costco, originally just looking for something cheap, we saw that Coleman one for 98 bucks and was like, lol f*** yes. I wish I bought another one.
Buy a tarp to put under your tent, get extra pins/hooks as you'll likely bend or break a few and might need it for the tarp as well, also get a tent repair kit that are usually 20-30 bucks max. Just your simple starter stuff to have around.