Coleman Weathermaster Six to Eight-Person Three-Room Cabin Tent

The Coleman Weathermaster Three-room Cabin Tent has room for as many as eight of your closest friends or family members. The exclusive WeatherTec system guarantees to keep you dry in this 17-foot by 9-foot, three-room shelter. The center height reaches a roomy 76 inches and you can hang room dividers for added privacy. There are two doors for easy access to the outside. This tent features separate storage bags for tents, poles, and stakes, and the easy-to-follow instructions are sewn right into the carrying bag for your convenience. The shock-corded poles make pitching this tent quick and easy.

Feature Detail:

• Coleman's WeatherTec system will keep you dry
• 17 by 9 feet, 3 rooms, sleeps 6-8
• 76 inches of vertical space at center
• Hanging dividers to separate rooms
• Fitted fly for an extra layer of protection from the elements
• Easy-to-follow set up instructions are sewn into the carry bag
• Separate storage bags for tent poles and stakes
• Cool-air port for access to outside
• Poles: 19 millimeter steel shock-corded

Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.

Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.

For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.

Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.

Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.

Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.

Customer Review: Weahters Great
We've had ours for about 5 years. First time I set it up was in the dark, and it was raining, no problems. I've used it in the high winds of Land's End peninsula in England, no problems. Last Summer we went camping in Flagstaff, AZ. We had a major downpour that tore my brother-in-law's tent apart. That night we had more rain. I have never sealed the seams, the only water ever to get inside is the minimal condensation, and there's no way to avoid that. The only ding I have on this tent is that the loops they have to hang the room dividers break easily.
Customer Review: Used to love it until the tent poles snapped
First, the positives: The size is great! You can stand up in the tent. I am able to lay my air mattress down on one side, and place my suitcases on the other side, and still have walking room. The windows provide ample fresh air. It is easy for two people to put together. Now, the reason for the low rating: I have used this tent for three years. The last time I went camping, two of my tent poles snapped as I was taking them down. I have attempted to buy new poles from the company, and Coleman has stopped making replacement poles. They gave me a special number to call a place that specializes in making custom poles. I called there to find out that it would cost about $45 to replace 2 poles! I only paid $100 for the tent!! I have decided to purchase a new tent, since the replacement poles are half the cost of my tent...and I am skeptical as to how long the remaining poles will last!

When spring starts is a great time to look for a discount hiking backpack before hitting the trails. Hiking provides great exercise for both body and mind. It brings you closer to nature and the beauty of the outdoors. When hiking you want to travel as lightly as possible while taking everything with you that you might need when you are hiking off the beaten track. Where you are going you are unlikely to find a convenience store.

A good quality backpack is a necessary purchase, and can sometimes even be a life saver. You need to choose the right backpack in order to carry everything you'll need on the hiking trip. Depending on the length of your trip you can choose between a day pack or a multi-day hiking backpack.

Choosing Your Hiking Backpack

When choosing your backpack, ensure that it has wide sturdy shoulder straps which have plenty padding and curves. Don't just look at it ... try it on and load it up with appropriate weight. Make sure it is still comfortable when fully packed. Check the zippers. They are very important; usually zips with big teeth are more durable and stronger. Look for waterproof zippers. A waist strap is important when hiking. The waist strap will allow your backpack to move with your body as you walk. A backpack without a strap will often move counter to your stride and bump and chafe you. Look for a backpack made from ripstop nylon or polyester. These are lightweight water resistant fabrics. Search out end-of-season sales to find a discount hiking backpack at a reduced price.

A few hiking necessities that you shouldn't leave home without:

* Water is always the first necessity. Take as much as possible; it is easy to become dehydrated when hiking, especially in cooler weather when you are less likely to be aware of it. Your body always needs water.

* Water purification tables are useful if you will be relying on streams as a water source.

* Food of course. Try and pack meals separately so you don't have to open and expose food every time you are hungry. It will save on space and it encourages you to only take what you need. Dehydrated meals can be useful and light in weight to carry if you will be away overnight.

* Carry a detailed map of the area you are planning to hike.
* Compass.
* A small first aid kit.
* Lighter.
* Torch plus spare batteries.
* Sunscreen and insect repellent cream.
* Rope.
* Knife.
* Small roll of toilet paper.
* Lightweight wet weather jacket
* If you are planning on staying out overnight you'll also need a sleeping bag and cooking implements.

Packing for your hike is an important issue. You'll need to be very organized and pack related items together. This will make it easier for you to find them when needed.

Check online at surplus stores, and watch for end-of-season and closeout sales for discount hiking backpacks. Always check the specifications of the pack and make sure that it has the capacity that you need and that the weight is manageable.

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Hiking And Camping Website to assist hikers, campers and backpackers with camping recipes and equipment tips.