Message Forums

I would highly suggest seeing the tents you like in person. Even the polycotton tents are made to different standards. We have the Outwell Bear Lake 6 and the Vango Sumatra. They are both polycotton but the Bear feels more like fabric than the Sumatra. That being said, I have felt the Coleman polycotton and it feels more like plastic.

So if I'm looking to buy a polycotton tent, I at least want it to feel like cotton fabric and not a polyester tent.

We love both our tents and they feel so much nicer and cozier. I love the zig in the Bear Lake. They are heavier and do take up more space so you do have to consider size and weight when choosing as well.

I love the canvas frame tents, always reminded me of when I was a kid. However, my hubby doesn't really like them so for now, they are out.

Quote: Originally posted by MamaBear on 08/7/2008

---

I would highly suggest seeing the tents you like in person. Even the polycotton tents are made to different standards. We have the Outwell Bear Lake 6 and the Vango Sumatra. They are both polycotton but the Bear feels more like fabric than the Sumatra. That being said, I have felt the Coleman polycotton and it feels more like plastic.

---

I think there is a big difference with the fabrics and I've felt a few of the Colemans and they have all felt as though there is a plastic coating on them. Even my Sumatra, you can feel a slight plastic coating. The Outwell is the only one that doesn't feel like there is a coating on it at all. I feel that the more you can feel this coating the less breathability you will get, kind of defeats part of the reason for a polycotton. You'll still have that warm cozy feeling and it will feel like fabric on one side but you will notice on some that there is a plastic coating on the other.

For this reason, I suggest seeing the tents in person.

Quote: Originally posted by MamaBear on 08/7/2008

---

I think there is a big difference with the fabrics and I've felt a few of the Colemans and they have all felt as though there is a plastic coating on them. Even my Sumatra, you can feel a slight plastic coating. The Outwell is the only one that doesn't feel like there is a coating on it at all. I feel that the more you can feel this coating the less breathability you will get, kind of defeats part of the reason for a polycotton. You'll still have that warm cozy feeling and it will feel like fabric on one side but you will notice on some that there is a plastic coating on the other.

For this reason, I suggest seeing the tents in person.

---

Is yours an older version? I ask because the ones I'm referencing to are this years models. Next time you're out and see one, feel it and you will understand what I'm talking about. But trust me there is a difference with this years Colemans.

I'm no trying to get you to agree with me just trying to stress that they should see and feel the tents in person. There are even differenced with polyester so I would say the same for those as well.

There is a store actually selling your Coleman for £149!!!! What a deal

There is a member asking for ideas for a tent for coming back into the world of camping, I think you'd be the right person to give them a review. His budget is only 75 but feel he should stretch it a bit. The layout of the Coleman looks like it would suit them really well.

This our second sumer with this one so I suppose it is an older model. It would be a shame if Coleman have changed their materials since then, this is a great wee tent. At that price I'd be tempted to get another one!.

Edit, Mamabear can you post a link? The only Columbus I can find is the "6" and isn't polycotton. Thanks

Sorry! Found it.

I didn't even think of the model year when I first brought it up, it was only after I did a search for it that I saw the colors and it made me think that.

I wonder if they have changed materials because of the cost of putting one together, inflation has been horrible this year. It is ashame because they really are nice looking tents. We were torn between the Sumatra and the Coleman Sahara that we saw at the NEC for 224 but it was so new, couldn't find it anywhere. I was so happy we didn't buy it when we finally saw it on display and you could feel the plastic in it. As I said, you can feel the coating in our Sumatra but not too bad.

Here is the link, oh and thanks for replying to the tent request. That's a smaker of a deal and worth every penny.

http://www.qksrv.net/click-1428744-10297635?URL=http://www.wildday.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?id=7365