My old tent just hit 50 nights out in the field

I was cleaning out my gear closet and decided to count the little hash marks I make in the stuff sack after each trip. I got to 50! This is my basic three-person dome tent I bought on sale for $80 about eight years ago. It's been through rain in the Smokies, wind on the Oregon coast, and a lot of dusty desert trips. I honestly thought it would have given up by now, but it's still dry and the zippers work. Has anyone else had a piece of gear just keep going way past what you expected?

3 comments

3 Comments

valallen2mo ago

Wait, you got an $80 tent to last eight years? I mean, I've had way more expensive stuff fall apart after like two seasons. That's honestly wild.

ivan8732mo ago

No way, @valallen, eight years? I mean, my cheap stuff is usually toast after like three trips.

janaf911mo ago

Wait, are you saying yours falls apart that fast? I used to think the same way honestly. I always figured cheap gear was a waste of money because it wouldn't last. But hearing about that tent changing my mind a bit. Maybe it depends on how careful you are with it or the brand. I'm starting to think some cheaper stuff can hold up if you take good care of it.