Tuesday 1 November 2011

Coleman Pictor X3


Sleeps: 3
Weight: 4.3kg
Dimensions:  Internal 220x180cm, External 200x150cm
Pack size: 51x33x21cm
RRP:  £200

Review:  For a reasonable priced, easy to pitch, lightweight summer tent there are few that can beat the Coleman Pictor X3.  With four big doors that open up the tent completely in nice weather and also a big enough external porch to fit two camping chairs during rain showers, this is pretty much the perfect tent for festivals or as a campsite base.  With a width of 180cm, there are certainly narrower three person tents on the market, but when used for just two this tent feels huge.  All the usual Coleman quirks are here too, colour coded poles, high quality materials, and reflective strips on the guys to help find the tent at night.  On top of all that, it weighs just 4.3kgs which is comfortably in the 'lightweight' end of the three person tent spectrum. If we were being critical, the groundsheet has a hydrostatic head of 5000mm, which is less than most competitors, but unless you're pitching on stony ground or being particularly reckless, this should be more than enough for summer camping.

Best bits:  Big doors, ample external space, lightweight and easy to pitch
Worst bits:  Groundsheet is a bit thin, might not stand up to really bad weather
Alternatives:  The Vango Omega 350 is a bit tougher and a bit heavier

RRP:  £200
Where to get it cheaper:  Click here: £108