Eureka聮s Alpenlite 2XT (www.eurekatent.com) has been around in one iteration or another for what seems like 20 years. Usually it sells for under $200. And in my view it is one helluva bargain. It聮s designed around a modified A-frame structure that is exceedingly strong, sheds snow, rain, and wind, and is fairly easy to set up. A full-coverage fly and ripstop canopy button up well in cold weather, but have sufficient venting so it聮s not uncomfortable in warmer temps. Weight is respectable at around 7.7 pounds. It聮s not the roomiest tent, however, so you won聮t be happy if you聮re snowed in for days on end with a campmate.
Eureka Alpenlite 2XT tent
Alpenlite 2XT tentBut for the price聴wow. I used one several years back and remain impressed by it.
There are a few other options, but not too many in the under-$300 range. REI makes a fine four-season tent called the Mountain 2 ($269; www.rei.com), which is comparable in roominess to the Alpenlite but weighs about a pound more. Kelty聮s Radiant 2 ($260) adds a second door for easier access, and, like the REI tent, weighs in at a bit more than eight pounds. But it聮s a solid tent.
From there, prices rise fast to a tent such as the MSR Fury (www.msrcorp.com), which is extremely strong and fairly light at just under seven pounds, but costs $429. Or the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 (www.mountainhardwear.com), also very tough聴expedition-grade, really. But it costs $450 and weighs nearly ten pounds.
So, considering weight and price, I聮d go with the Eureka and enjoy myself.
Get more advice from the Gear Guy as he picks this season聮s top gifts in You聮ll probably find a few things to put on your own wish list, too.