Showing posts with label family camping tents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family camping tents. Show all posts

Nemo Losi 3 Gear Loft (Spring 2010) Review

Nemo Losi 3 Gear LoftThe gear loft provides an great addition to the awesome NEMO Losi 3P. It not only provides storage but a great way to dry-out wet clothes.

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Product Description:
The Losi 3 Gear Loft by Nemo adds additional overhead storage without compromising on floor space or elbow room. The mesh Gear Loft is perfect for drying clothes or stashing gear for quick access. The Gear Loft also provides two additional side gear storage pockets and two LightPockets. SPECIFICATIONS of the Losi 3 Gear Loft by Nemo Weight: 3.4 oz 2 Gear Pockets 2 Light Pockets Removable Nemo products cannot be shipped to Japan. Please don't hate us.

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Gigatent Wolf Mt - Model FT 002 Review

Gigatent Wolf Mt - Model FT 002After one summer of use, I am able to say I would rate this tent like I did on my first impression. It held up well during five camping trips. One included 50 mph winds and two hours of rain with eight people inside! The only complaint I have is the difficulty getting a large enough and level enough area for this monster tent.
All of the screens and zippers held up and the poles are all straight. The tent holds heat well at night. We slept in 45-50°F with plain sleeping bags: nothing extreme. We had a queen-sized air mattress, a double mattress, two bunk-style cots, a large 32" dog crate and a 3x3 folding table in the tent. We also had our clothes bags and personal items in the tent. There is so much room! Great for families.
So I would recommend this tent for people looking for maximum room and plenty of storage area. I would not recommend this tent for people with limited camping site space or are camping without help to set it up. It is BIG!
Below is my original first impression.

Just to clarify-I have only set this tent up in the basement so far. My wife and I purchased this tent after weeks and weeks of research. It was one of three other tents to review. The other two tents were a Eureka Copper Canyon and the Gigatent Mt. Kingsman. This reason for our choice was two factors. First was price. Based on features, options and size, this Gigatent Mt. Barren wins hands down. The other factor was versatility. We camp with two young children and two dogs. Quite often we have family members or other children join us. The Mt. Barren allows you to divide the tent into one, two, three or four rooms.
The set-up of this tent was fairly easy. The instructions were a bit vague. My nephew and I set the tent up in the basement in about 20 minutes and two disassembles. Now that I have done it once (and labeled the poles) it should be fairly easy to have it up in 10 minutes or so.

Overall, I would say I am happy so far. It has tons of space (210 square feet) and lots of windows. I will post new info after we have camped in the tent a few times. For a good look at the tent use this link.
[...]

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Product Description:
This large modified 3 room dome is easy and quick to set up. It also provides plenty of interior volume and floor space. There are three twin track doors which provide easy access to the rooms. The dividers are removable allowing for one large room or three rooms. There are four windows in the tent and 2 large roof vents for air flow. A bath tub floor helps keep things dry.Season3
Sleeps8
Minimum Weight24 lbs
Pack Weight25 lbs
Dimensions15' 0 x9 0
Interior Height74"
Eave HeightN/A
Floor Area18 x 10
VestibuleN/A
Pack Size31 x 9
Doors3
Window4
Rooms3
Poles5
Pole MaterialFiberglass
Floor Material190T polyester taffeta 500mm coating
Wall Material190T polyester taffeta 500mm coating
Roof Material50D no-see-um mesh
Netting Material50D no-see-um mesh
Fly Material190T polyester taffeta 1200mm coating
Gear loftN/A
Stakes16 7

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Coleman Weathermaster 7-person Screened Tent Review

Coleman Weathermaster 7-person Screened TentThis tent is as advertised. I can add some personal experiences to this tent. Set up was simple, very roomy (2 adults, 2 kids), with more than enough height to stand up in. The roll up "springs" are a great idea, worked like a charm. I have to say the best part was the rigid door. Getting out in the middle of the night in the dark was as simple as if you were at home. No fumbling for zippers, no waking the family, a gentle push and the door opens right up. I noticed the screened in porch has drainage built in - excellent design.I can speak from experience that this tent can withstand sustained 20mph winds, and gusts to 25mph without giving in.
Packing the tent away was as easy as a small backpacking tent (minus the weight). All in all I would recommend this tent for those who like a large tent with a screened in porch. This is the one. Now how about some built in lights?

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Eddie Bauer® Sequoia 7-Person Family Tent - 16x10' Review

Eddie Bauer® Sequoia 7-Person Family Tent - 16x10'I purchased this tent for some Cub Scout outings and have regreted it.It happened to rain and of course the tent leaked.I tried it again on another camping trip and once again it rained and leaked.The design is flawed with rain coming in the side air vents.It can be a cheap poor quality tent in good weather, but don't use to stay dry in rain.

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Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 6+2 Six-Person Basecamp Tent Review

Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 6+2 Six-Person Basecamp TentSierra Designs WuHu 6+2 Annex is a great tent!

I was a little worried before purchasing because of other reviews but once my tent got here those went away. The footprint and fly clip to the jakes feet along with the poles and although the jakes feet are plastic they are very sturdy and certainly capable of holding up to tensioning of the rainfly. Sierra Designs must have listened to complaints because the bedroom section now has attachments for attic as well as has pockets on wall. The tent is incredibly spacious and easy to set up and take down.

I set the tent up in 30 minutes alone except for the fly which I needed help to get over tent as it is taller than I am. The tent is incredible in the rain and wind. We had rain for 4 days and wind up to 40 mph on two different days. Not one drop of water inside and the tent withstood wind with hardly any movement. I had all 12 stakes in base and 6 guy lines hooked up. Ventilation is great even with the fly closed up thanks to vents in each fly door. On nice days the fly can be rolled back or removed for a great view of the stars. Everything including optional footprint fits in duffle style bag for transport.

This is just an incredible high quality tent for up to 8 and I highly recommend it!

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Product Description:
The two room Wu Hu 6+2 use innovative Tunnel Dome pole structure to create a strong and spacious freestanding family tent.The rain fly covers the entire tent in inclement weather, but rolls back to expose just the front room, "short sheets" from the bottom up if you want to add ventilation, or removes entirely in nicer weather.A back door allows quick entry/exit to the main sleeping area, and the front room affords room for two more people in larger groups.

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Utah 10 Man Family Camping Dome Tent Review

Utah 10 Man Family Camping Dome TentWe've only used this tent once so far but it has definitely lived up to our expectations.The only thing I will change is the tent pegs that came with it as they are the usual flimsy little metal pegs, and I don't think they will hold a tent this big in the wind.

My partner is 6' 2" and he can stand up inside this tent quite easily.It can easily hold two double mattresses in the center section, plus a mattress in each of the little rooms.It took us about 40 minutes to set it up the first time.It only has one mesh panel that can't be closed, and it is not very large and is above the main entry door, so it shouldn't let much dust in - we will be camping in the Nevada desert so this is an issue for us.It even has skylights.EDIT: Now that I've used it in the desert - it did hold up to the wind quite well once we attached the guy lines - BUT the mesh windows in the small rooms can't be completely sealed, the flap that covers them does not attach at the bottom - so they did let quite a bit of dust in.It wasn't a huge issue as we slept in the center room, but next time I'll seal these up.

It is HUGE though so you'll need to camp somewhere with lots of space.Which should be obvious, but most tents that say they can hold 10 people would really only work for 5 or 6 - this one can *comfortably* sleep 8 adults.The center portion is somewhat free-standing but you do need to peg the side rooms and the front vestibule out or they will not stand up.There are lots of pockets to put things in inside the tent and there is one hook in the center to hang a light.

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Product Description:
RAIN FLY: Mesh vents are built into the rain fly to help promote air flow, reduce condensation build up and keep bugs out! Rain fly pitch first210T polyester taffeta UV coated 6-7 stitches per inch INNER TENT:Large, separate inner tents offers occupants privacy Huge living area perfect for storing equipment, eating meals or lounging around Solid fabric doors with built in mesh door panels and mesh vents to help promote air flow, reduce condensation build up and keep bugs out! Add or remove sleeping rooms depending on how many occupants you have an how much storage space you need Leave out one or more inner tents and you have a large, free standing shelter 190T breathable polyester FLOOR: Polyethylene, totally waterproof - fully sewn in ground sheet in the SLEEPING AREAS A tub style, fitted, removable ground sheet in the LIVING AREA that is attached to the rain fly with the use of hooks and toggles REMOVABLE means you can easily detach and clean the floor and the rest of the tent including the sleeping areas and rain fly! GUY ROPES: Polyester interwoven with reflective 3M Scotch-lite thread for increased visibility in low light conditions, Large PP webbing straps: are strategically placed at the apex of each tent pole at either end of the tent for maximum resistance and tension to help keep the shape of your tent and maintain the curvature of the rain fly so that the water resistant fabric sheds moisture and prevents build up and penetration of the fabric TENT STAKES: Durable, zinc plated steel tent stakes bolt your tent firmly into the ground so that the structure maintains its shape in strong wind conditions - Please note however that these tents are intended for summer, family use and are not guaranteed against gale force winds or hurricane-like conditions! TENT POLES: Ubertech shock corded poles 45% stronger than regular fibreglass poles Color coded with the tent sleeves for easy set up

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Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 4+2 Tent 4-Person 3-Season Review

Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 4+2 Tent 4-Person 3-SeasonI used to be a go light camper.I now have a family and we needed more room.This tent fit us well.Plenty of room for my wife and kids and not so heavy I feel like I took the house.Fairly Easy to setup... well the tent and pole colors could be a little more different on the sleeves.There are 2 grey ones.One light and one dark. Having 2 rooms is great.If we take it to the beach we use the small room as a porch letting some bug in. Then sleep in the large room bug free since we only opened the door once.If you need a big tent that is flexible, bright, tall, and much better made than most big tents this is it.We haven't gotten stuck in a real downpour but I know it won't be a problem with this big fly.Have fun

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Product Description:
When your group needs the open, high space of a tunnel tent and the freestanding, covered entrance design of a dome, set up the Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 4+2 Tent at base camp. If storms keep the group hunkered down, set up a card game in the front room or make room for the couple of strangers who might stumble upon your backcountry abode in desperate need of accommodations.

Product Features

    Material: [Fly] 75D polyester, 1500mm; [Body] 68D polyester, dye-free white; [Floor] 75D nylon , 1800mm
    Freestanding: Yes
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: DAC DA-17 Green Anodizing aluminum
    Doors: 5
    Clip / Sleeve: Clip & Sleeve
    Floor Space: [Main] 93 x 90in (236 x 229cm), 57sq ft (17.4sq m); [Front] 93 x 67in (236 x 170cm), 42sq ft (13sq m)
    Interior Height: 69in (175cm)
    Vestibule Space: [Front] 14sq ft (4.3sq m); [Back] 11sq ft (3.4sq m)
    Packed Size: 26 x 9 x 9in (66 x 23 x 23cm)
    Ventilation: Mesh walls, vestibule vents
    Weight: 19lb 9oz (8873g)
    Recommended Use: Group camping, base camp
    Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime


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Embark 9 Person Cabin Tent With Screen Porch - 14'x15' Review

Embark 9 Person Cabin Tent With Screen Porch - 14'x15'We bought this because we needed a big tent for our family of 5.I treated the rain fly with water-proofer.First of all, the set up is very easy, with color-coded poles and tent slide-throughs.The poles are typical fiber glass and steel.It took me about 20 minutes, with whatever "help" 7-year-old twin boys give. Second-- It's very roomy inside. Enough for a queen-sized air mattress and three smaller ones.I like the flimsy room divider because it's great for privacy while changing clothes.I doubt we'll use it as an actual room divider while sleeping.It rained the first night and rain did not get into the tent or the screen porch (wasn't a huge rain storm). Next time we camp, I'll bring a tarp to use as the floor of the screen porch, as it doesn't have a floor. They mfg recommends a smaller tarp for under the tent itself. Take-down was easy and it actually fit into the bag when we were done. We've only used it once, so I don't know how it'll hold up over the long haul.Overall, I think this is a great tent for the price.

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Copper Canyon 1312 Review

Copper Canyon 1312This is a great tent.I shopped around quite a bit before deciding on this tent.I chose this tent because I have used Eureka tents since I was a kid.I also liked the size and it looks good.

I have a family of four and there is ample room in this tent for all of us.I easily set it up with the help of my 10 year old daughter.It was incredibly windy when we camped with it the first time so I had to stake out the corners while setting it up.It is definitely a two person job especially when it comes to putting the rainfly on.The awning is a nice touch but seems to be pretty much useless.It is too short to block much sun and the poles are so tall that they make it slope back towards the tent.

As others have stated it is big and heavy.It's not a tent that you want to have to pack in and you absolutely want to consider the size of it when you chose a campsite.The place we camped at for the first time only had a handful of sites that would accomodate it.Luckily, for us, it wasn't a busy weekend.

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Product Description:
The Copper Canyon 1312 Tent is ideal for family camping or base camp use. The 2 rooms and vertical walls of these freestanding tents maximize space inside; their detachable awnings provide shaded area outside!

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Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent Review

Coleman Hooligan 3 TentI purchased the Coleman Hooligan 3 for car camping and used it for the first time this past weekend.I did not purchase through Amazon as I found it locally for $20 off, but I feel the Amazon price is fair and would not hesitate recommending it at the current price ($79.99 on 28 Jul 2009).

The first thing I did upon bring it home was un-pack it and set it up, followed closely by applying a silicon water repellant spray to the entire rain fly.This is imperative, especially with a tent at this relatively low price point, since factory waterproofing often leaves much to be desired.

Setup was quite simple and pretty quick.I set it up alone during the at-home shake down, but had my fiancée to help at the campsite over the weekend.It does go a little faster with two, but it's very doable solo.The poles are typical fiberglass with shockcord and insert into sleeves on the tent; I would have preferred clip-on hooks rather than sleeves so the tent can be erected after you bend the poles individually, but for the price of this tent it's acceptable.

The tent itself is composed mostly of screen material with a door on one side and a small zip open vent on the other.If you want any kind of privacy at all, the rain fly needs to be on the tent at all times.The floor of the tent is made up of heavy duty plastic tarp material and looks like it will hold up well if taken care of.The floor of the tent is large enough for a Intex® Camp Air Bed with Pump with about a foot of room to spare on two edges if you push it into the corner.With a smaller air mattress or just sleeping bags you would easily have room for a substantial amount of gear if you kept it to two full-size occupants.

The rain fly goes over the tent and covers it pretty much to the ground.There are no windows, save the entryway and a small ventilation opening opposite, but it's not really big enough to be considered a window.Don't expect to have much of a view from inside the tent.The rain fly attaches by hooks at the corners of the tent (rings where the tent poles attach) and hook-and-loop strips which wrap around the poles to keep it aligned.The system works pretty well, but could certainly be better, though that would raise the price of the tent.

One of the key features of the tent, at least for my application, is the vestibule.This was a rather important item for me as I bought this tent for family camping and wanted to be able to put a porta-potty nearby for my fiancée and three year old daughter to use in the night without traipsing all about the wilderness.I haven't actually used it for this yet, as the campground we stayed at had facilities very nearby, but based on the amount of space it should work out fine.Aside from the potty, it also makes an idea place to store shoes and any wet items that shouldn't come into the tent itself.We had a small (15 gal) tote and a couple pairs of shoes out there and still had more than enough room to get in and out of the tent.There is no floor in the vestibule, but I remedied that by getting a ground cloth that was a bit larger than the footprint of the tent and using the excess to form the floor.Works great and helps keep the inside of the tent free of dirt and mud while keeping your shoes nice and dry.

Our first night out in the tent it thunder stormed pretty hard; we were confined to the tent for almost an hour and were unable to converse with our friends (in their tent no more than 10' away) over the rain, even when shouting.The tent held up to it great, though how much of that is due to the tent and how much the extra waterproofing I can't say.There were a couple of very small drips, but nothing that would have ruined our night had it continued raining.I intend to touch up the waterproofing before our next outing in two weeks and this should solve the drips, hopefully.VERY impressed with this tent in wet conditions, overall.

One thing to be aware of is that the entry into the vestibule is relatively low and somewhat small.I am average height (67" 170 lbs) and had no trouble getting in and out, but someone a bit larger and/or less spry might have problems getting in and out.

A couple of issues:

The stakes are cheap aluminum and will bend if you are trying to drive them into hard soil.I bought a 4 pack of nail-style steel stakes and used them for the corners of the tent and they worked out fine.I will be getting a few more to use for staking out the vestibule and the guy lines for the rain fly as well, but for light-duty camping in good weather and soft soil you might be able to get away with the cheap factory stakes.

There is a small pole that holds the ventilation opening open that I had trouble with as it kept popping through the grommet meant to hold it in place.Not a big deal, and only took a second to fix, but annoying none-the-less.I'll rig something up to prevent this next time we go out, should be a simple matter of a small washer or a swatch of cloth.

Overall I am very happy with the tent, especially since I found mine on sale.It has a few quirks, but will work for me until I save up enough for a nicer tent and probably a while after that too.It sets up and packs away easily and would be difficult to beat for the price.Don't forget to waterproof, it is VERY VERY worth the time and money to keep yourself (and your stuff) dry.

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Product Description:
A great choice for casual campers/backpackers, motorcyle riders, RV campers and scout troops, the Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent is designed for easy setup. The Hooligan 3 sleeps 3 people comfortably, with an 8'x7' footprint and center height of 4'10". The full rainfly and dry-entry vestibule provide convenient access and adjustable airflow as part of Coleman's Comfort System; the entirely-mesh inner tent provides maximum ventilation. Continuous pole sleeve and an exclusive pin-and-ring design make setup a breeze with the 8.5mm & 6.3mm fiberglass poles.

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Columbia Conrad Ridge Screen Dome Tent Review

Columbia Conrad Ridge Screen Dome TentWe have used this tent for 2 nights.It is large!Our family of four slept in the "inside" room, and kept our luggage and chairs in the "outside" room.The divider is pretty flimsy, but it serves to provide a bit of privacy.We had an REI tent before, and my husband thinks that the REI one was built much better.But, it was too small for our family.It rained during our trip lightly, and there were no leaks.We used it in 35 degree weather at night, and I felt a bit cold.The only side of the tent without a full rainfly is the "inside" room.You can zip up the window, but there is still a draft on cold nights with that side.I guess it allows the tent to breathe, but I would not recommend this tent for people who camp in the cold frequently.Overall, the kids loved having room to spread out, and it was a great buy!

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Product Description:
Bring the family to the campsite and still have room to spare with the Columbia Conrad Ridge screen dome tent. The Conrad Ridge--which sleeps up to eight people--is spacious and versatile, with a pair of rooms that function either as two sleeping rooms or as a bedroom and screened-in shelter. As a result, you'll have plenty of elbowroom while you sleep, and you won't have to pack an extra tarp for rain protection. The tent also includes four large no-see-um mesh windows, roof vents, and side vents, so you'll enjoy optimum ventilation even during rainstorms. And thanks to the factory-sealed fly and floor seams and the polyester bathtub floor--which wraps up the sides and is protected by a rain shingle--the Conrad Ridge keeps the wet weather at bay.
The tent also stores plenty of gear in addition to its eight campers, with two mesh interior pockets, a gear loft for smaller items, and two hanging cupholders. Finally, the tent sets up easily thanks to its freestanding design and combo clip-and-sleeve assembly. Other features include a single large D door, a rain shingle, a room divider, a woven reflective zipper pull, and a flashlight loop. The Conrad Ridge tent comes with poles, stakes, and an oxford nylon carrying bag with expandable gussets.
Key Features:

    Capacity: 8
    Dimensions: 15 by 10 feet
    Weight: 33 pounds, 2 ounces
    Area: 150 square feet
    Interior height: 6 feet 8 inches
    Pack size: 28 by 10 inches
    Poles: 4
    Pole size: 9.5mm (2), 11mm (2)
    Pole material: Fiberglass
    Doors: 1
    Hooded fly: Yes
    Windows: 4
    Gear loft: Yes
    Floor material: 190T polyester taffeta, 1,000mm coating
    Fly material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating
    Wall material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating/no-see-um mesh
    Roof material: No-see-um mesh/190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating
    Netting: No-see-um
    Style: Modified dome
    Use: 3 seasons

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.
Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.
The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- Foot by 10-Foot Eight-Person Tent Review

Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- Foot by 10-Foot Eight-Person TentI had gone camping many years back and needed to upgrade my tent now that I had kids of age. This tent worked well for a family of five! We did a dry run of setting it up and it was fairly easy. I also took the opportunity to seal the seams. When we got to the campsite the dry run helped me to set up the tent in no time at all! Especially since it was starting to rain. The tent was dry throughout the night!

I also recommend a 16x10 tarp that can be placed underneath the tent. this will give you 4 feet of overlap that can extend from the tent entrance to place shoes etc. Great tent!

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Product Description:
A great choice for car camping or use as a base camp, the Eureka Tetragon 1210 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps eight people and includes a divider to create two separate rooms. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, combination sleeve and clip assembly, and color coded webbing.
It's well ventilated, thanks to large no-see-um mesh ceiling panels, six windows, and two doors. The hooded fly provides enough coverage over the front and rear door windows to enable you to leave the window partially open for even more ventilation even in rain. Other features include:

    Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
    External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
    Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
    Attached hinged gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
    Clothes line loop, flashlight loop
    Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
    Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:

    Area: 120 square feet
    Floor size: 12 feet by 10 feet
    Center height: 6 feet, 5 inches
    Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
    Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
    Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75DStormShield polyester
    Pack size: 8 by 28 inches
    Weight: 17 pounds, 11 ounces

About Eureka
Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka's long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company's annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka's new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women's Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy cheap Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- Foot by 10-Foot Eight-Person Tent now Get 23% OFF

Columbia Destination Point 4-Pole Dome Tent Review

Columbia Destination Point 4-Pole Dome TentOver the years I have owned many different tents. I have mainly used Coleman, but I have noticed that as the years have gone by that Colemans quality is depreciating pretty badly. I decided to finally buy a Columbia tent and see how that turns out. One thing I hate with tents is the white color or light color companies like to churn out so they get dirty real easy. That was one of the draws this tent had for me since it was a brownish color and wouldn't look as dirty after a few uses.

First let me say that the description on Amazon for this tent is pretty lackluster so I tried to go externally and find a description on this particular item. What I found was NOTHING. After a few days of casually browsing the net on and off I finally found the dimensions. I then ordered it and this is what it is.

Specs:

10' X 7'
Sleeps 4 across
2 cup holders that attach to the inside wall
Gear loft attachment for the top middle inside
Columbia Rain Protection
Air Flow Ventilation System
Attached door mat
Bottle of Seam Sealer
2 pole side to side
2 pole front to back on sides
2 pole rainfly
1 pole middle to separate the side to side poles
Normal zip D style door
Tub Style Floor with taped seams in the middle to connect the floor

Overall it seems solid so far and I have yet to seal the seams which I plan on doing real soon. Overall I am happy with my purchase. I am bumping this to 5 stars after finally using it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia Destination Point 4-Pole Dome Tent

Product Description:
Columbia Destination Point 3-5 person Tent

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Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent Review

Columbia High Trail Family Dome TentDon't mess around with cheap $100 tents. Spend the extra money on this one and you won't go wrong. I tried the $119 Costco special and was extremely disatisfied. The Kelty tent had too many large panels that kept catching the wind and waking us up all night. This tent is especially great in the wind and stays solid even for one this size. It's light weight and packs up nicely. The best feature is the room divider that will divide the tent into two symetrical individual rooms...A great feature when two couples are camping together or if you want to put the kids in their own space. Each side even has its own door so you won't disturb the whole tent when getting up for the bathroom in the middle of the night.

We used the tent without the rainfly for the first time last trip and loved sleeping under the stars with full mosquito netting over the entire ceiling.

This is a well-made tent that will rival The North Face tents costing $450 or more. My Dad took his North Face tent back to REI and bought this one for $200 less at the Columbia outlet store.

Happy camping!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent

Product Description:
Bring the family to the campsite and still have room to spare with the Columbia High Trail dome tent. The High Trail--which sleeps up to eight people--is spacious and versatile, with a room divider that turns the tent from one large room to two smaller rooms. As a result, you'll enjoy plenty of elbowroom while you sleep. The tent also includes four large no-see-um mesh windows, roof vents, and side vents, so you'll enjoy optimum ventilation even during rainstorms. And thanks to the factory-sealed fly and floor seams and the polyester bathtub floor--which wraps up the sides and is protected by a rain shingle--the High Trail keeps the wet weather at bay.
The tent also stores plenty of gear in addition to its eight campers, with two mesh interior pockets, a gear loft for organization, and two hanging cupholders. Finally, the tent sets up easily thanks to its freestanding design and combo clip-and-sleeve assembly. Other features include two large D doors for easy entry and exit, a woven reflective zipper pull, a flashlight loop, a small Camp Port for stretching electrical cords into the tent, and two mud mats sheltered by an overhanging semi-vestibule. The High Trail tent comes with poles, stakes, and an oxford nylon carrying bag with expandable gussets.


Key Features



    The High Trail sleeps up to eight campers and offers a roomy 165 square feet of space.
    Capacity: 6 to 8
    Dimensions: 15 by 11 feet
    Weight: 28 pounds, 2 ounces
    Area: 165 square feet
    Interior height: 6 feet 6 inches
    Pack size: 29 by 10 inches
    Poles: 9
    Pole size: 19mm steel (2), 9.5mm fiberglass (7)
    Pole material: Fiberglass and steel
    Doors: 2
    Hooded fly: Yes
    Windows: 4
    Gear loft: Yes
    Floor material: 190T polyester taffeta, 1,000mm coating
    Fly material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating
    Wall material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating/no-see-um mesh
    Roof material: No-see-um mesh
    Netting: No-see-um mesh
    Style: Modified hybrid dome
    Use: 3 seasons

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.


Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.


The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.


Amazon.com Tent Guide


Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:


Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.


Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.


For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.


Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.


Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.


Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.



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Wenzel Great Basin 18 X 10-Feet Nine-Person Two-Room Family Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Taupe) Review

Wenzel Great Basin 18 X 10-Feet Nine-Person Two-Room Family Dome TentThis tent was a lot bigger than I expected it to be, which is a good thing.It is very roomy, so if you have a lot of people (or just a lot of stuff), this will work great.There is enough room for multiple adults to stand up straight without hitting their heads on the ceiling.Despite the fact that it is so big, it is very easy to set up (I set it up on my own, with no help).My only complaint is that the air circulation is rather poor.The windows are rather small compared to the size of the tent, so unless you have the rain fly off, it is very stuffy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Great Basin 18 X 10-Feet Nine-Person Two-Room Family Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Taupe)

Product Description:
Spacious and weather-resistant, the Wenzel Great Basin 18-by-10-foot dome tent sleeps up to nine campers in its two rooms, making it ideal for large families or smaller families with lots of gear. The Great Basin is made of rugged, weather-repellent Weather Armor polyester with a polyurethane coating for reliability, helping it keep water out and warmth in. The sonic-sealed polyethylene tub-style floor, meanwhile, is welded and not sewn, eliminating needle holes that might otherwise attract water seepage. And campers will love the variety of ventilation points--including two mesh back-to-back D-style doors and two polyester mesh windows--all of which are aided by an updraft ventilation system that improves the overall airflow.
The Great Basin is also easy to set up, with a shock-corded fiberglass frame and a pin-and-ring system. And when it comes time to hit the sheets, you can either create one huge sleeping room or roll down the divider curtain to create two separate rooms. The rooms can function as individual bedrooms for the campers or as a sleeping room and living room. Other details include two gear lofts for storage, two hanging pockets, a removable fly with a hoop frame over the door, and a storage duffel.
Specifications:

    Base: 18 by 10 feet
    Center height: 76 inches
    Area: 159 square feet
    Capacity: 9 people
    Stakes: Steel and plastic
    Carrying weight: 24 pounds

Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all-purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in. If you're a backpacker, alpine climber, or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to buy something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall, and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are specifically designed for summer backpacking or other activities. Many premium tents will also feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain fly for enhanced waterproofing.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types: freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and tents that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floorplan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being lighter. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy cheap Wenzel Great Basin 18 X 10-Feet Nine-Person Two-Room Family Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Taupe) now Get 12% OFF

Coleman WeatherMaster Screened 6 Tent Review

Coleman WeatherMaster Screened 6 TentI've camped for many years, first as a Girl Scout and then as an adult.My husband had never camped, let alone in a tent.I took him out in this tent to a National Forest campground in the Shenendoah mountains, and it rained steady for a week.This tent saved the vacation.The middle room served as our dining and rec center, providing ample space for our small camp table where we ate and played cards.The screened porch was a perfect vestibule, and on sunny days it's a great place to relax, nap, read and escape from the bugs.The sleeping room is perfect for two adults and a queen-sized air bed.The middle room will comfortably sleep an entire family, or serve as the "living room", gear room, work room, etc.It has a high ceiling with a loop for hanging a light.The over-cover and Coleman construction make this the driest tent I've ever experienced.After a week of steady rain, not one seep, weep or drip.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman WeatherMaster Screened 6 Tent

Product Description:
Ideal for family car campers, scout leaders & extended camping excursions, the Coleman WeatherMaster Screened 6 Tent is designed for easy setup. The WeatherMaster Screened 6 sleeps 6 people comfortably in two rooms; it has a footprint of 17'x9' and a center height of 6'4". An additional floorless screened room provides extra ventilation on warm days, a great place for meals and gathering, rain or shine, and protected storage space. Coleman's Comfort System allows control of airflow with Variflo adjustable ventilation, including the vented Cool-Air Port, privacy vent window, and electrical access port. Continuous, color-coded pole sleeves, an exclusive pin-and-ring design, and InstaClip attachments make setup a breeze with the 19mm steel poles.

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Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent Review

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome TentBUY THIS VERSION! The tent listed here is model number CB-9001-10. The other third party buying options listed on amazon are CB-9001. I first called amazon and they couldn't give me an answer about the difference. I then called North Pole at 1-866-706-9377 and got the low-down. The CB-9001-10 is the newest, 2010 version.

After a tremendous amount of research, I decided this tent was definitely the way to go for our family of four. I will not repeat everything previous reviewers have said here (read all reviews under other buying options on this site as well as additional reviews outside of amazon), but I do want to pass on newest model info.

The difference with newer model:
1. Added awning: a good addition, but it is not over the door, which would have been more helpful, especially if you wanted to leave muddy shoes at the door.
2. Pole issue has been resolved.
3. Floor is now made of nylon. The rep says this cuts down on noise and is also less prone to holes. They do strongly advise using a tent saver underneath. Most "tent savers" I researched seemed very flimsy. A tarp works fine. Make sure it is slightly smaller than the tent footprint, otherwise when it rains, water will pool underneath your tent.

Additional Info missing from previous reviews:
1. Rainfly has a 800mm coating. Tent buying guides usually recommend 1000-1500mm, but this tent does seem water resistant.
2. Mesh netting is no-see-um rated.
3. Seams are factory sealed, however rep said you can use Kenyon 3 sealer as extra insurance. A bottle comes with the tent. It's a good idea to seam seal before each season.
4. Columbia does not recommend coating the tent. This can have a reverse effect on moisture control!
5. There is a limited-lifetime warranty on tent, but you must save original receipt.
6. Yes, the second room does not have its own entrance, but we have a 5 and 4 yr old, so it is decidedly a safety PLUS for us.

Hope this helps! I researched the bejeezus out of family, cabin-style tents and this one seems to be by far the best all-around tent for the price, factoring features, materials, quality and price. The only other tent I seriously considered was Eureka's Titan Luxury Family Tent. It does have slightly higher quality materials, but at nearly $200 more, not enough of a difference to justify the price jump.

In Summary: This is the newest model of this tent (verify model #CB-9001-10). Amazon's price is the same as competitors (I researched that too) and you get free shipping. Happy camping!!!

UPDATE: Our tent has been set up and camped in, and we absolutely love it! Can't think of much I'd like improved, except the location of the awning (in front of door would have been much better). We had one night of driving rain, with it pooling on the rain fly because hubby hadn't staked it tightly enough. Same said hubby also admitted he hadn't finished seam sealing. A few drops of water was the only price we paid. We especially love the big windows and ventilation.

If you're thinking of buying this tent, don't hesitate! I can confidently say you will be very happy with your purchase. It's a great value--well built, good looking, with great features all around. We look forward to many outings and building lifetime family memories with our children in this tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent

Product Description:
Columbia Cougar Flats II 6-10 person Tent

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Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers Review

Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot LockersFirst off, this is a great tent for the money. The directions call for a 2 person assembly but I was able to do it on my own. The foot lockers are somewhat misleading. I was expecting a seperate compartment that held the shoes while keeping the inside of the tent clean. Instead, the foot lockers are a mini doorway into the main tent compartment. It also rained during my trip which sent us all (7 people) into the tent for shelter. The cyclone venting system was AWESOME and nobody felt like it was too stuffy. The next morning it only took the tent 2 hours to completely dry off which isn't too bad considering the sheer size of it ( a.k.a "fabric mansion"). OVERALL, you will definately be happy with this tent!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers

Product Description:
Bring the family to the campsite and still have room to spare with the Columbia Bugaboo II dome tent. The Bugaboo II--which sleeps up to five people--is equipped with both a Cyclone venting system and a GoBe Dry rain protection system. The Cyclone system greatly increases the air circulation within the tent, helping you stay cool on warmer days or dry out after a nasty rainstorm. The GoBe Dry system, meanwhile, includes taped seams and an elevated floor to keep the pounding rain outside.
The Bugaboo II also includes plenty of room for storage, with two footlockers, four pocket organizers, a gear loft for packs or valuables, and even multiple cupholders for coffee, soft drinks, or beer bottles. Other details include color-coded fiberglass poles and sleeves for easy setup, a polyester taffeta body and rainfly, and reflective zipper pulls. The Bugaboo II measures 12 by 6.16 by 9 feet (W x H x D) and weighs 21 pounds.
Key Features:

    Sleeps 5 campers
    GoBe Dry ultimate rain protection system
    Camp Port to allow easy passage of cables
    Cyclone venting to allow for better air circulation when rainfly is in use
    2 external storage lockers, internal pockets, cupholders, and gear loft
    Color coded fiberglass poles and sleeves for easy setup
    Polyester taffeta body and rainfly
    Weighs 21 pounds

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.
Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.
The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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Coleman WeatherMaster 8 Tent Review

Coleman WeatherMaster 8 TentWe bought this tent based on reviews and were not disappointed.We used it for our family of 4, our dog, and a lot of extra gear that we didn't even need.There is a lot of extra room in this tent, and I'd say it can sleep 6 very comfortably, and 8 if you don't have any gear in the tent with you.There is the potential for 2 "rooms" in the tent via a partition that clips in place in the middle of the tent, with a zipper down the center.We didn't use the partition, as our children are young and wouldn't stay on their side anyway.There is a neat little zipper in the rear of the tent for an electrical cord access, which we did use from our campsite.

There was plenty of headroom, and I could easily stand up in the tent and walk from end to end without ducking, and I'm 5' 10".With all the windows open, there is a LOT of airflow, and ventilation was not a problem during the day when it was hot.The only thing we experienced that we didn't expect was that night the temp dropped into the 30's, and with only 4 people in the tent and so many cubic feet of airspace, it got pretty chilly in there, even with all the windows up.(Keep in mind that we didn't pack for cold weather.)

Setup was a snap, and directions are printed on a sheet sewn into the inside of the bag so you won't lose it.I set up the tent to inspect it after I received it, and it took about 30 minutes with me really taking my time.Second attempt on the campsite, the directions were unnecessary as the setup was simple, and it took only 15 minutes with help only for draping the rainfly over the large tent.

In short, I would recommend this family tent without reservation, and look forward to having many camping trips with family and friends in it.

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Product Description:
Roomy enough for the whole gang, the Coleman WeatherMaster 8 Tent is designed for easy setup. The WeatherMaster 8 sleeps 8 people comfortably in three rooms; it has a footprint of 14'x8' and a center height of 6'4". Coleman's Comfort System allows control of airflow with Variflo adjustable ventilation, including the vented Cool-Air Port, privacy vent window, and electrical access port. Continuous, color-coded pole sleeves, an exclusive pin-and-ring design, and InstaClip attachments make setup a breeze with the 19mm steel poles.

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