Hi, We've been camping for 11 years now, using one or two "store brand" tents. Overall great experiences. We usually use the rainfly AND tarps over the tents, which usually work pretty well for keeping rain out of top and sides of tent. But of course there is always dampness around the edges and floor of tent, sometimes worse than others. I'm thinking of getting a new medium sized tent (6 person) to replace one of our smaller ones. I see that Coleman makes claims that their tents are waterproof, with welded seams, etc. Is this true? Or will water still seep up around the bottom/edges?
Christina
Coleman jobs out their tents to cheap manufacturers and the products show it. Exposed seams and zipper openings, windows, etc. not under full-coverage vestibules and not seam sealed are going to leak and let water in no matter what. Their bathtub floors don't go high enough up the side and the general design invites water in. Lack of mesh in the ceilings due to outdated tent designs can also result in condensation inside the tent, which is just as wet as water from the outside getting in. Coleman produces a good stove and lantern line, but I'd only take their tents if they were free - and my "guests" would be sleeping in them, not me.
The price of a tent isn't so high, that you can't upgrade to a better quality tent for an extra $100 or so. And since you do use them a lot, and keep them for years, it's an investment that is probably worth it to you.
There are better tents than a Coleman out there. I'd do some more research before investing.
Happy Camping
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
Thanks for the answers...so actually, it's not really better getting a Coleman than getting a "store brand" (like Ozark Trail)? Any suggestions for slightly more waterproof tents that aren't for the real hardcore camper (i.e., I don't want to pay $500 for a tent...)
introibo wrote: Thanks for the answers...so actually, it's not really better getting a Coleman than getting a "store brand" (like Ozark Trail)? Any suggestions for slightly more waterproof tents that aren't for the real hardcore camper (i.e., I don't want to pay $500 for a tent...)
Christina
Eureka! carries the Tetragon line, which are pretty watertight for the price. BTW, you don't have to pay $500 for a good tent, I get mine at auction new-in-the-box off EBay, I've bought three at 60% off msrp, paying between $90 and $190 for $200-$500 tents with lifetime guarantees.
Eureka tents have always worked well for us. They are good quality, reasonably priced, andeasy to set up and take down. Kelty makes good tents also, but they are higher priced and the ones that I've used don't seem to be worth the extra bucks when compared to a Eureka of similar size. I would suggest that you stay away from Wenzel. I've tried several of these in my backpacking days and have never been happy with any of them.
We have had lots of tents over 16 years and we were actually happy with the ozark trail dome tent. Then we got the coleman weathermaster 6 and have been very happy with it. I know there are some who love/hate coleman tents but ours have never leaked. We always give our new tents an extra layer of added waterproofing just to be on the safeside.
Good Luck.
David & Mary Ann
2011 F-250 6.7 Powerstroke
2006 Sunline Solaris T-264-SR
2012 Palomino Bronco 1500
We've also had Eureka Tetragon for a few years, we spray sealer on it annually, and have not had problems.
You can get Tetragon for pretty good prices on Campmor and also check Amazon.
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