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Has anyone had any experiences with pop-up tents and what are the downsides?

Gerber makes a nice one with all the bells and whistles... literally ;) Sorry, no clue on tents. Just had to chime in, I'm off to your favorite creek today and all the sudden you post

What the heck is a pop-up tent? Sounds like one of those things they sell in Sportsman's Digest, really cheapo, you just sort of fling it and it pops open?

I use a Quechua pop-up tent for 2 persons. I bought it from Scotland last year and I paid around 100$. I can say that is a great tent for hiking.
These pop up tents are lightweight and easy to transport. The tents interior design is rectangular making them more accommodating. All Quechua tents have a sleeping chamber and a flysheet keeping you completely dry. The only drawback is the folded diameter 18" to 27". It could be easily attached outside your backpack.

My expedition tent is a Spire 2.

The Spire™ is a lightweight, expedition tent with a high strength to weight ratio and trim footprint for placement on ledges. This compact, two-person shelter is designed for rugged winter conditions. Strong Scandium XL poles and our Evolution Tension Arch rebuff gale-force winds and snow. Two dry entry vestibules keep gear sheltered. Superlight option: pitch with fly and Pitch Light™ footprint to shave pounds.

Now they have 3 new models on the market.

How much does it weigh?

The popup tent is 5.94lb (2.7kg)
The Spire2 4 lbs. 9 oz. (2.3kg)

Cool. How was your hike Joe?

Always something new to see, gotta love it!

My buddy, rich, has a "Quickdraw". It's suprisingly 'bomber', that is, when it is adequately staked. Roomy, too!

Google 'Quickdraw tent' and look at the third entry.

With the high cost of equipment I thought some might be interested in an inexpensive backpacker tent with fly and a floor, stand alone, for less than $ 60.00. It weighs less than 3 pounds. I saw it at Sams club and they have lots of them. Great chance to try an overnight and see if you like it.