Rating & Comparing Swiss Gear Tents & Coleman Tents

Size

Coleman has the largest number of tents, but the Swiss Gear models will serve a variety of needs. Swiss Gear makes a two-person backpacking tent, three-person dome tent, two-person dome tent and two different five-person dome tents. Coleman specializes in the larger tents but also has smaller tents. Coleman makes 19 different dome-style tents that sleep two to eight people. Coleman also makes two- and three-room dome tents and multiple-room cabin tents. Many of the models are entry level and the prices match Swiss Gear tents, but Coleman also makes high-end tents that cost more.

Materials

Swiss Gear and Coleman use similar materials in the construction process. Ripstop nylon is used for the fly, mesh for the doors and windows and polyethylene for the floor. The fly and floor material of both manufactures are coated with waterproofing material. The high-end Coleman tents use heavy-duty stitching and the seams are tightly sealed. Both companies also have mesh gear holders that can be clipped to the tents.

Construction

The materials used are important but the construction of the tent determines how durable and effective it will be as a shelter. Swiss Gear tents have mixed reviews with some being rated highly for ventilation systems and waterproofing, and others rated poorly for leaking. Users can improve the quality of the tent by applying a seam sealant and spraying a layer of waterproofing material on the fly. The high-end Coleman tents have strong reviews but the models that are in the same price range as Swiss Gear have mixed reviews. Some of the tents are sealed tight, while others need additional waterproofing.

Zippers

Zippers are an issue on all tents. Check all seams and test the zippers on Coleman and Swiss Gear tents before camping. It is not uncommon to purchase a tent with a faulty zipper. The stitching around the zipper also must be checked. It is a difficult area to stitch and mistakes can cause the zipper to fail.