Anyone have experience with the Coleman weather proof tents where you are guaranteed to stay dry? For example WalMart sells the Coleman Villa Del Mar for around $80 that has this guarantee. After all, if we can put a man on the moon, why not a dry tent...ha,ha.
I was checking out a nice looking Northwest Territory tent with screen house entrance, but I noticed owners comments were that it leaked like a sieve everyplace the rain fly did not cover. I realize that the Coleman brand today probably either means made in Bangladesh or China, however they are bold enough to give you a guarantee you will stay dry. On a tent that is less than $100 that seems pretty good, but does it really keep you dry?
I have a Coleman weathertec (guaranteed to keep you dry) Red Canyon tent, and it sure does stay dry. No leaks of any kind for us and we've been camping in it a lot of times...even in rain. I still seam sealed it, though....as a precautionary measure.
Sandra
Card carrying member of O.A.T.C. (openly Addicted to Camping)
I have a 5 year old Red Canyon,7 YO deluxe Outdoorsman, 2 YO Flatwoods all Coleman. I've had to seal seams and thats it. The Red Canyon is my favorite. Lot's of room!
It doesn't really matter if it was manufactured in China, India or even in North American. If a tent is poorly designed and engineered, it will fail in any severe weather condition. Most brand-new tents will keep you dry the first few times you take it out since it hasn't been stretched out yet. It is still a good idea to seam seal it though, even with the "stay dry guarantee".
If it is raining or snowing especially with wind, you will get water in the tent because you have to open the door to get in and out and you are also wet. The basic stuff, like putting a tarp down using a good tent, seal the seams, repairing the holes (or knowing where they are and setting up you bed on the other side) all help. But never expect to be completely dry. I have used an easy up in front of the door to the tent to help keep things dry.
I thought all tents were made in China also. However either the Swiss Gear or the Coleman Weather Proof (can't remember which one) at Walmart was made in Bangladesh (no doubt by a Yoga practicing Swami contemplating his navel). As was mentioned, it doesn't matter where they were made as long as they were properly designed and fabricated.
robandjeanne wrote: I thought all tents were made in China also. However either the Swiss Gear or the Coleman Weather Proof (can't remember which one) at Walmart was made in Bangladesh (no doubt by a Yoga practicing Swami contemplating his navel).
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