I’m new to backpacking, did my first trip this year with a hammock and had a great time.
Trying to get my wife into it with me. We’re planning on going to Iceland in September, no trees. Plus she sleeps cold so she’ll probably be more comfortable if we’re in the same tent.
I’m looking to spend as little as possible, we’re really not sure this will be our thing going forward, it might just be something I do solo. And we already have a big six person tent for glamping with a big air mattress.
I’m hoping for under $200, less if possible.
But I also don’t wanna buy garbage, or carry something excessively heavy.
Suggestions?
Edit: this seems popular and well liked? https://www.rei.com/product/185632/rei-co-op-half-dome-sl-2-tent-with-footprint
To answer your question directly, I have an MSR HUBBA HUBBA 2 and would recommend it as a great piece of kit for the money, if perhaps slightly over your ideal budget.
However, as both a keen camper and having been to Iceland myself, I’m not sure what you propose sounds like a good idea to me. Iceland is a pretty sparse place once you get beyond the ‘Golden Circle’, and in September average temperatures are between 5°C and 10°C (about 41°- 50° Fahrenheit). Backpacking with a tent is going to be very cold and you’re likely going to miss out on seeing a lot of the island.
In my experience there are two good approaches to exploring Iceland. Firstly you can base yourself in Reykjavik and focus on exploring the ‘Golden Circle’. This is easily achievable by coach day trip(s) from Reykjavik. Secondly, you can hire a car from the airport and do a lap of Route 1. This way you’ll break free from the most well trodden tourist sites and see a broader array of landscapes and places of interest.
The joy of camping is a great thing to want to share with your wife, but a sparse, cold island formed primarily out of volcanic rock isn’t the right starting point; if getting into backpacking is an important goal for your September break I suggest you consider mainland Europe instead.