Columbia Bugaboo II 12-Foot-by-9-Foot 4-Pole 5-Person Dome Tent
Columbia Bugaboo II 12-Foot-by-9-Foot 4-Pole 5-Person Dome Tent
Columbia Bugaboo II 12-Foot-by-9-Foot 4-Pole 5-Person Dome Tent Reviews
After receiving this tent we did not have time to do a “dry run” of setting it up before we left on a three week vacation. Of course the first night we got to camp late and had to set it up in Big Bend National Park in near darkness with wind gusts of 35mph. Due to tent being large it was challenging but with the two of us it went quickly.The color coded poles are great help. The tent withstood the winds and light showers throughout the trip through Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. For two of us and our Jack Russell Terrier the size is great for all our gear and the dog to have room to play inside. I would highly recommend this tent for those who want quick set-up and durability.
THE GOOD: This tent design is great. Was able to fit a queen sized double-height air mattress on one side and still leave the center open for standing upright. There are plenty of cargo loops, pockets and lofts included. There are also two small gear doors by the main door that allowed me to access gear without opening the main door. Contrary to other reviews on this tent, my tent withstood winds of 20+ mph with no problem whatsoever.
THE BAD: I camped with a friend who has an original Bugaboo; in fact, I bought the Bugaboo II on his recommendation. I expected the Bugaboo II to be in upgraded, improved version of the tent. However, in every way possible, the quality of materials and workmanship on the BII are inferior. All of the mesh has larger openings (fortunately, we were not attacked by bugs due to stiff breeze). The floor material is the same as the sides, whereas the original has a heavy duty tarp material for the floor. The window flap on the door, the zipper pulls, the cupholders and the craftsmanship is all shoddy. I could go on, but you get the point.
THE POINT: The Bugaboo is a great tent, but avoid the Bugaboo II – try to find an original on Ebay.
I purchased the original version of this tent. About the only difference I see is that the rain fly covers the windows whereas the version I have does not. I would say this new version with the larger rain fly is a big improvement as it will cover the windows and further insure that water does not penetrate the windows seams or zipper.
I must clarify one point here. I have used my tent many times and almost always it has been used during rainy conditions. In some cases the rain was coming down sideways. Each and every time I would sit and wonder when the water would start to make it’s way in through the window seams or zippers. Never Happened!! The only time water has made it into the tent was when a downpour blew from the back side of the tent and water seeped in through the seam where the “instructions” where sewn into the seam on the back window. Water came in and dripped off the instruction label and puddled on the floor. Not much water but enough to make a few things damp.
I have since removed the label and applied a liberal amount of seam sealer. This has solved the problem.
If this new tent fly covers the windows (as it appears to in the picture) then this problem is likely solved. If this is the case then I can highly recommend this tent to any family camper.
It has survived downpours and very strong winds with myself and my two young daughters. I would pitch it anywhere at any time (winter excluded)and feel confident we will get through the night.
Update: One of the other reviewers mentions that the Bugaboo 2 uses inferior quality materials and workmanship. This is something you should consider before purchasing this tent especially now that the “bathtub” bottom is not made from tarp material. I felt this to be a testament ot durability.
Again, the only obvious benefit I saw to the Bugaboo 2 over the original Bugaboo is the larger rain fly. If Columbia is now using inferior quality materials and construction then the rain fly may be a mute point.
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