Coleman Instant Tent: AUS vs US Versions

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 12:59

ThreadID: 89499 Views:11879 Replies:2 FollowUps:8

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ejecta

Hi all,

Newcomer and all that...

I have been reading a lot of reviews on these tents and they seem to fall into two catagories; the best thing since sliced bread and 10% seem to say it leaked & they got wet.

So I wanted to know if anyone actually had one of these and how they found it? At the moment we're using our tiny hiking tent for car camping and after a week on the road putting it up/down everyday and sleeping on ultralight bedding we've purchased a queen self inflating mattress and now want a decent tent to put it in.

The two I'm looking at is the 6 Person US Version which is $220 delivered but has no fly (claims not to need it) and the 6 Person Australian version which does have a fly but costs $345 delivered.

Does anyone have one? If so which one, what's your experiences and are there any recommendations?

Thank you in advance.

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Reply By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:12

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:12

Tent Review

Not sure that the Australian version is any different other than perhaps it includes a fly.? (Don't hold me to this). I have not used this tent, but have read reviews which rate the tent as great, no fly needed. (See link for review)

For $220 delivered this is amazing value based on the reviews. I have an Oztent which is great, a little heavy and annoying to pack back up but the quality is first rate.

AnswerID: 467333

Follow Up By: ejecta - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:31

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:31

My concern mainly is buying the US version its getting shipped from the US so whilst $220 delivered is super value, it also knocks out the possibility of return if I later find out in a rain deluge it leaks badly.

Have read some people have had issues with heavy rain soaking the material then the water just streams in, yet then there is a quite literally 100 reviews saying it doesn't need a fly and is waterproof.

Is tempting to go for the AUS version at the $125 premium simply for return piece of mind, sun insulation in summer & that the fly enables the windows to be opened on a rainy night rather than zipped up closed.

AUS Version: http://www.snowys.com.au/images/product-images/38312-1.jpg

US Version: http://outdoorthing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Coleman-6-Person-Instant-Tent.jpg

I have to say I am leaning more to the AUS, although I am loathe to spend the extra $125 for an extra sheet of material.

FollowupID: 741432

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:05

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:05

I think you have answered your own question, buy the Aussie version. I would point out though you don't buy a tent and then return it because it leaks. You establish whether it leakes before purchase, I doubt some leak and some don't, if the design is not to leak then thats how it should be if your talking brand name products. I note from reading reviews most people said it doesn't leak, perhaps those that had a leak did not zip it up properley, however if you are buying the one with the fly once again you have answered you own question, it won't leak with a fly.

FollowupID: 741437

Reply By: Mr Pointyhead - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:18

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:18

What are the instant-tent like to packup ?
Also, how do they go when setup camp and breaking camp in the rain ? Do they stay dry inside ?

Thanks

AnswerID: 467336

Follow Up By: ejecta - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:25

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 13:25

From my research the standard seems to be a leisurely 3-5 mins up & down or 1 min up if you're racing.

If zipped up they stay dry, but squishing the air out with it zipped up is more difficult.

FollowupID: 741431

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:08

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:08

Packing up instant tents takes longer than unpacking I'd reckon. Getting the tent back in the bag usually takes some practice.

FollowupID: 741439

Follow Up By: chisel - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:34

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 14:34

Can't comment on the coleman ones but the blackwolf takes only a couple of minutes without a fly - probably most of that is arranging it and pegging the corners - but another 5-10 mins with fly especially if you have one of the plus sections (extra poles for that).
Packing it up takes about 10-15mins too ... a few mins to get the pegs and poles out, roll up ropes etc - then a few more to roll the fly up and finally the tent which takes a few minutes. It's not particularly quick to pack up to be honest.

FollowupID: 741443

Follow Up By: Honky - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 15:50

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 15:50

BBQ Galore had a 2 man Oz tent for $70.
Up in seconds.
Pack up takes longer trying to work out how it folds.

Honky

FollowupID: 741456

Follow Up By: gordon_adel - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 16:29

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 16:29

We have a blackwolf with the extra canopy and screen room. Have timed ourselves at 12:30 for the complete set up. That includes putting mat underneath and all pegging. That's not even rushing it.

If it's pouring out we just set up the tent in under a minute and then wait until the weather clears we'll set up everything else. Also, we always pack rain gear and keep it in the car, that way if weather is bad we can put them on first and not get soaked setting things up.

As we are never in a rush to leave, it's normally 30 minutes to pack up. But that includes cleaning all moisture and sweeping bottom of tent as we roll it up.

FollowupID: 741462