Ok, excuse me if this appears to be a dumb question. I've seen many mentions on this forum about tents being for 2, 3 or even 4 seasons. How do you know how many seasons your tent is suitable for? I've looked on the instructions of our new tent and there's no mention of it
Any insight most appreciated.
------------- Nicola
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Thanks for the info mrselvis. My tent says "Flysheet fabric: Polyester, 6000 mm PU coated, taped seams". Does this mean the Hydrostatic Head (HH) is 6000?
Hope so, coz that'll mean it's suitable for year round use so i'll start planning a new year camping holiday!
------------- Nicola
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Hi nlr020474
With the seasons come other stuff than rain. It only takes one peg to fail for a tent to end up pancaked no matter what the hydrostatic head of the fabric. There are so many variables when it comes to pitching any tent in bad weather that manufacturers are reluctant to make "seasonal" claims about their product. They can give facts regarding components such as the fabric's HD or how much force it takes to yank a peg out of the ground.
Your Coleman looks strong, especially the poles, have you had it up in the wet?
We're going on holiday tomorrow to Cornwall for the next 2 weeks and judging by the weather forecast, we'll see how the Coleman stands up against the downpour that is predicted. It's the first time we've used this tent away so we haven't any previous first hand knowledge. I hope my tent is an "all season" one so we can get the maximum out of it, whatever time of year.
The season rating doesn't just refer to the hh of the fabric though, it's also based on the type of poles and the style of the tent, eg a 4 season tent is usually metal poles and geodesic in style, meaning that 3 or 4 poles cross each other to form a very secure dome shape. The ridge tent which Vango still produce is another 4 season style. Most four season tents are low in height too.
------------- Jean
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Nicola, I have seen your tent listed as a 2 Season tent on some reputable websites. As mentioned above, rain is not the only element a tent is subjected too...wind is probablly the most destructive, especially the strong gusty type. Your tent is also a Tunnel design and whilst this offers great space and headroom it is also less capable of shedding wind due to it's shape...which if you think about it...is rather sail like. Take heart though, your tent is one of the better spec family camping tents and though really meant for camping in more clement weather, normally on fairly well protected sites, your tent will stand up to the elements better than some, especially in theory, to heavy rain.
The best advice for camping, if you like, out of season...ie,winter, early spring...is to check the weather forcast carefully and act on that, many people do exactly this and have a great time. Lets face it, heavy rain and strong gusty winds would not be fun to camp in anyway...and you do have a tent...not a brick built bungalow!
True 4 season, expedition or mountain tents you will notice are completely different beasts to your normal family tent. They are a totally different design and size and are targetted at a different type of user.
------------- "All right, let's not panic. I'll make the money by selling one of my livers.I can get by with one." Homer Simpson.
Thanks everyone for all your advice, it's all starting to make sense now! We've just returned from Cornwall today and the weather was very varied with a fair amount of both wind and rain at times but i'm pleased to say the Coleman did us proud and withstood it all.
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Topic: 2/3/4 season tents?
