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Just realized the Coleman 4-person tent was the wrong choice for my family
Two years ago I had to decide between the Coleman Sundome 4-person and the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 for our trips to that campground near Lake Tahoe. I picked the Coleman because it was $120 cheaper and I figured we only go camping a few times a year. After two trips with my wife and our two kids, I regret it. The rain fly barely covers the mesh and water got in through the corners during a storm last June. The poles are flimsy too I had one snap on the third setup. We ended up sleeping in the car that night. Anyone else find that the more expensive tent pays for itself after a few uses?
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the_wesley2d ago
The Outdoor Gear Lab review I saw pretty much said the same thing you're saying. They tested the Sundome and basically said the rain fly is a joke for anything past a light drizzle. I've got the REI Base Camp 4 and my buddy has the Coleman, we've camped together twice. First trip was windy, his tent was flapping around all night while mine was solid. Second trip it rained, he was scrambling to keep stuff dry while I was dry and comfy. The extra money for the REI sucked at first but after three seasons and zero problems I don't even think about the cost anymore.
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michaeld482d ago
Right, so your buddy basically bought a flappy rain sponge disguised as a tent. Love that for him. Nothing like waking up at 3am to chase down your own gear in a puddle. The REI tax hurts at checkout but pays for itself the first time you don't have to sleep in a wet sleeping bag. Kinda funny how the Coleman guys always act like we're rich snobs until their pole snaps on a breezy afternoon.
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daniel1406h ago
Man that sucks. Nothing worse than a tent failing in the rain and having to pile everyone into the car for the night.
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