Tents

[shane_c]

We're looking to pick up a tent for the two of us and the two dogs. So I'm guessing a 4 person tent. We don't want to spend a fortune either but I know you get what you pay for. Any of the tents I've been checking out in the $200 range all seem to leak pretty bad. I've read some decent things about Columbia tents though that are cheaper than $200. Anyone have any experience with them? MEC tents seem to get good reviews too but are more expensive. Any suggestions for different brands to check out would be appreciated.

[McMack]

Originally Posted by shane_c

We're looking to pick up a tent for the two of us and the two dogs. So I'm guessing a 4 person tent. We don't want to spend a fortune either but I know you get what you pay for. Any of the tents I've been checking out in the $200 range all seem to leak pretty bad. I've read some decent things about Columbia tents though that are cheaper than $200. Anyone have any experience with them? MEC tents seem to get good reviews too but are more expensive. Any suggestions for different brands to check out would be appreciated.

I still haven't figured out what FATA stands for... But, this topic recently came up for discussion if you use the search feature. I believe most people around here are fans of the MEC tents you mention. If you have more time than money, you can buy a cheaper tent and invest time applying seam sealer to all of the seams.

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by McMack

I still haven't figured out what FATA stands for...

I'm not sure either, but I do know that people like to call it and even pre-maturely sometimes.

It seems MEC is probably the way to go but if there is a worthwhile, cheaper one like Columbia then I'm all for saving money.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by McMack

I still haven't figured out what FATA stands for... But, this topic recently came up for discussion if you use the search feature. I believe most people around here are fans of the MEC tents you mention. If you have more time than money, you can buy a cheaper tent and invest time applying seam sealer to all of the seams.

Its not just seam sealing that is an issue with cheaper tents. It is the quality of all the parts. Example: The old tent I had that was a gift to my g/f had a terrible design, water could sit on the seams since they were put too far up the side of the tent. There is no amount of seam sealer that will not allow water to come through when it is sitting on a seam.

If you are not a frequent camper and do not plan on going in the rain then get a Wally-mart or Canadian Tire tent and you will be happy.

I am super happy with the tent I got from MEC. It went up in no time, the poles/pegs are much higher quality than my other tent. The fly is awesome as well.

Check out Campers Village, you might find on there for a price range in the middle of MEC and Walmart.

As far as Columbia I don't have experience with their tents but I do know they put a ton of R&D into their jackets.

[McMack]

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/columbia/tents/

I think if I were buying a Wallymart tent, I would at least spring for a Coleman.

[McMack]

Originally Posted by shane_c

http://www.shanecostantino.com/
CP members save $5 on 8x10's and 11x14's.

Couldn't you write off your tent... if you used it a couple of times for "business" purposes?

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by McMack

Couldn't you write off your tent... if you used it a couple of times for "business" purposes?

I don't consider myself a business because nobody buys anything from me In my 'career' I've sold one 8x10 and traded an 11x14 to my brother in law in Ottawa for a guitar which I haven't received yet. I better not quit my day job. Good try though.