Columbia tents??

[kb4ns]

Are Columbia tents any good?

I learned long ago (the hard, rainy way) that cheap tents suck. Now I'm looking for a larger tent for the family and ran across a good deal on a 2 room Columbia tent.

[Bubbatn]

I don't know first hand or anything, But my guess would be yes. Columbia is a great brand known for quality outdoor apparel/gear...so if I had the money and needed one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Columbia tent.

[kb4ns]

I don't know first hand or anything, But my guess would be yes. Columbia is a great brand known for quality outdoor apparel/gear...so if I had the money and needed one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Columbia tent.

That's kinda what I've heard too, but I have never owned any of their stuff.

[Sandman]

I had one. Worked great! No leaks or anything. I had to sell it because I found out the hard way that it remains waterproof when your drunk friend pisses on the inside of it.

[peejman]

Backpacker Magazine - Gear Finder: Tents

[kb4ns]

Backpacker Magazine - Gear Finder: Tents

That's a cool link, but I can only get it to search for tents with a capacity of up to 4 people. Which (in reality) means it'll comfortable hold 1, maybe 2, people and their stuff comfortably.

[daddyo]

As a former Scout leader, I have done my fair share of researching camping and backpacking gear (and even using it sometimes!).

Before buying any tent, I would make sure that it has taped seams and a full fly, and even then I would apply some extra sealer after I bought it. Otherwise it will be flooded if you get caught in a rainstorm.

[JReedEsq]

We have a Columbia tent. It was an excellent value. If I were going to do a LOT of cold weather camping I might spend more for a MTN Hardware, NorthFace or Marmont. It has been sufficiently waterproof for me. It isn't the lightest or easiest to pack up, but for my use, I would buy one again. The majority of the time I think Columbia stuff is just as good as the most expensive stuff.

Edited April 15, 2010 by JReedEsq

[peejman]

That's a cool link, but I can only get it to search for tents with a capacity of up to 4 people. Which (in reality) means it'll comfortable hold 1, maybe 2, people and their stuff comfortably.

Most of their staff reviews discuss that very issue. The 4 person tents should sleep 4 people comfortably, if somewhat snug. Most have vestibules and such for gear.

If you're backpacking with the family, I suspect you'd be happier with 2 smaller tents rather than carrying one huge one. If you're car/truck camping, leave your stuff in it.

[JReedEsq]

If you're backpacking with the family' date=' I suspect you'd be happier with 2 smaller tents rather than carrying one huge one. If you're car/truck camping, leave your stuff in it.[/quote']

+1; We use our Columbia tent for car-camping. It's huge. I wouldn't want to backpack with it; but it's been great for my family.

[Guest pjblurton]

I'm a scout leader and our troop just bought 3 Columbia tents for the adults to use. I don't know the model number on them but they are freakin' huge. Looks like this one:

Works really well for two big guys with tons of gear that need to spread out. I wouldn't hesitate to load up a family of four in there. Take the advice on taping the seams. We always tape the seams and spray on a waterproofer on all our new tents.

[kb4ns]

I'm a scout leader and our troop just bought 3 Columbia tents for the adults to use. I don't know the model number on them but they are freakin' huge. Looks like this one:

Works really well for two big guys with tons of gear that need to spread out. I wouldn't hesitate to load up a family of four in there. Take the advice on taping the seams. We always tape the seams and spray on a waterproofer on all our new tents.

Where'd you buy from?

[robin48]

I had one. Worked great! No leaks or anything. I had to sell it because I found out the hard way that it remains waterproof when your drunk friend pisses on the inside of it.

That would be drunk former friend lol

[Guest mosinon]

After a lot of searching I ended buying the bugaboo II. The included spikes blow but it went up pretty fast and also packed up quickly thus minimizing my time spent camping. I consider that money well spent.

Seemed fine to me, I'll use it on the next cub scout camping I am forced, um I mean, "get" to go on.