What To Look For
As you begin shopping for an Eddie Bauer tent, you should focus on strength and durability. Many newer reviews of Eddie Bauer tents point out flaws with the design, such as poles that break or rip through the sleeve meant for holding the pole. There are also stories of broken zippers, poles that break on the first use, leaks on the roof and rips appearing on the surface. Try pulling on the seams of the tent, try the zipper several times and generally ensure that the tent is as strong as possible.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake you can make when buying an Eddie Bauer tent is buying the wrong size. If you need a tent for the whole family, look for one of the larger tents such as the Telluride Cabin Tent, which sleeps up to eight adults. On the other hand you might want a smaller tent, such as the Sport Dome varieties, for camping with your spouse. When you buy a tent that's the wrong size, you're basically wasting money--most retailers won't take back a tent once it has been opened or used.
Where To Buy
The best place to purchase Eddie Bauer tents is through Target, the exclusive retailer of the brand. You might find used versions at Play it Again Sports, eBay or another used sporting goods stores. But buying the tent new from Target provides a full warranty and ensures that you're given a refund or a new tent if the tent breaks because of a manufacturer problem. You can buy the tents both online and through Target stores in your area.
Cost
Most Eddie Bauer tents retail for $200 and less, though most sold by Target cost $150 and up, including the Hyak Family Dome Tent, the Telluride Cabin Tent and the two-room Mammoth Tent. Some tents no longer made or sold by the company are turning up at the Eddie Bauer outlet stores, with a retail price of around $100. If you're buying the tent used, you can expect to pay $75 to $200 depending on the size and model. The larger tents that sleep seven people or more are typically more expensive.
