I've had REI for years and have had no complaints...I alternate, dpepending on the length of the trip and the gear I have, between a Taj 3 and their Half Dome 2...They also rent if you just want to try out one of their tents...Get the footprint, it'll save you in the end...Been looking at going with a bivy for this years season since we're looking at doing Baja in February...thought it would be nice to be able to just throw it out of the stuff sack and crash but, I'm not sure about the whole claustraphobic feeling...I also recommend one of the lightweight rip-stop hammocks for summer camping...I know a number of folks that tried it last year during the nice parts of the season and now swear by them as an alternative to the tent - thye just set up between two trees, toss the sleeping bag in and they are done...very comfortable as well...

-Todd