Coleman Tatra 2 Tent Review
The Tatra2 from Coleman offers protection from the most inclement conditions whether you’re hiking, climbing or walking, this large semi-geodesic tent is exceptionally stable.
Featuring high performance lightweight materials, including aluminum poles and a nylon groundsheet, the Tatra’s front porch has two entrances for extra protection from wind and rain, even if the wind direction changes.
Robust is one word you’d perhaps use to describe the Tatra2, as there’s no doubt it will stand-up to a considerable amount of abuse. Made with great quality parts and materials, this 2-person tent from Coleman offers some excellent features in a package which is substantial, both in size as well as ability but not in price tag.
The sleeping compartment is also well thought out, easily accommodating two people and personal belongings, with a vestibule area to match which is also of good proportions and able to take a modest amount of kit and muddy boots.
We’ve been using the Tatra2 from Coleman a base camp tent for planned activities over a prolonged period; at this it does indeed excel. However, be aware if you’re carrying the Tatra2 over any distance it does tip the scales at a reasonably bulky 3.4kgs
For some this won’t pose any problems and certainly if you split the contents between two people that equates to 1.7Kgs each. However, the fabrics whilst very robust are bulkier and don’t compress down as well as lighter options available on the market. So volume is another consideration which is reflected in the pack size of the Tatra 2.
Looking for something to set-up straight from the boot of your car? I think you’d be hard pressed to better it…
Don’t be put off by these points, unless they’re of major importance to you, as the Coleman Tatra 2 is a very good quality 2-person tent offering fantastic value for money. It’s also an award winner!
Pitching isn’t a major problem, once you’re familiar with the procedure, which is aided by touches such as the colour coded sleeves and poles. At first it felt very tight, which might be due to the substantial materials OR a case of everything bedding in. Another great benefit is the fact it’s single pitch, therefore no need to get you and your inner tent wet if you’re erecting in the rain!
For more information check out the First Impressions tab or visit the Coleman website:
We’ve been using the Tatra 2 from Coleman for a reasonable period of time and have got to know it quite well.
It’s been ideal as a 2-person base camp tent, providing welcome shelter from the elements with a good amount of storage space to boot. In a market awash with 2-person tents, the Tatra2 doesn’t necessarily stand out from the crowd, but it does offer fantastic value for money, especially when consider how robust is it. However, when you look at overall pack weight and the compression abilities of the inner / fly sheet, this is perhaps a reflection of that extremely attractive price tag.
3.40kgs is relatively substantial for a 2-person tent, however consider this. A lightweight 4-season, 2-person tent could cost you somewhere in the region of three times that of the Coleman Tatra2. Ponder this point for a few moments and there’s a great deal to love about the Tatra2.
The Tatra2 utilises the more common geodesic design which sheds off wind and rain with aplomb. When pitched the tent does indeed have a very appealing longitudinal profile:
The flysheet is constructed from a ripstop polyester fabric which is fully waterproof, seamed sealed, with a water column rating of 4000mm. The inner tent benefits from a breathable (no-see-um) mesh to improve airflow and help you get a good nights sleep.
The inner tent will easily take two occupants with a modest amount of personal belongings; which can be stowed in the side pockets for safe keeping. There’s also plenty of ventilation, which when you’re sharing (2-people) help to prevent the build up of condensation; the scourge of all campers!
The vestibule which not cavernous certainly trumps many other more expensive tents out there and provides enough space for rucksacks, muddy and boots and a few other bits and pieces.
Pitching the tent whilst relatively straight forward was a little fraught at first, which I think is probably down to the ‘newness’ of the parts and due to the ‘heavy’ nature of the components:
From a design, manufacturing and construction point of view, the closer you look. Such as the poles and pegs:
The poles are colour coded for the corresponding sleeve
and whilst not the lightest out there are certainly of good quality. The pegs are a little quirky and for the world appear to be cast and machined to size.
They actually work very well, however I do wonder if these may have a tendency to to be brittle; under heavy use.
All other elements of the tent are equally heavy in their engineering, such as the guy points:
Reflective guys lines and lashing points:
As well as the pole eyelets and adjustable fixings for the inner tent:
You even get a field repair kit should you damage a pole or tear fabric:
On balance when you take all of this into consideration, the Tatra2 from Coleman starts to become a very accessible and viable option; especially if you’re on a budget.
Looking for something to set-up straight from the boot of your car? I think you’d be hard pressed to better it; at the price point.
Features
- Capacity: 2 person
- Room: 1
- Set up: Pitch-in-one
- Poles: Aluminium (7001-T6)
- Groundsheets: Polyester 70D/190T
- Fabric: Polyester 68D/210T Ripstop
- Seams: Taped Seams
- Carry bag: Included
- Pack Size: 39 x 16 x 15cm
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Water column: 4000mm
Footprint
The Tatra2 Adventure Tent from Coleman
- Capacity: 2 person
- Room: 1
- Carry bag: Included
- Aluminum poles
- Aluminumpegs
- Field repair kit
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Water column: 4000mm
After a little use the Tatra2 from Coleman really starts to grow on you. It’s robust, dependable, well made and great value for money.
Whilst it’s certainly not the lightest tent out there, it has a great deal to offer and should provide years of happy use. I personally wouldn’t consider the Tatra2 for lightweight hiking, there’s no doubt it’s been fantastic as an out of the boot base camp tent.
For more information check out the Coleman website:
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