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28/11/2012 Share this review   Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon
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Coleman Da Gama 4

Coleman Da Gama 4

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OTHER INFO

Price £299.99
Packed size 72 x 32 cm
Materials
Outer Polyester
Poles Steel
Waterproof 3000mm hydrostatic head
Dimensions
Outer 208 x 505cm
Height 200 cm
Bedrooms 210 x 260cm (total)

CONTACT

Coleman
01275 845024
www.coleman.eu
 
Let’s start with a very quick history lesson. Vasco Da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and navigator and the very first person to sail directly from Europe to India back in the 15th Century. He might seem like a strange person to name a tent after, but when you think about it, attaching his name to a touring tent makes perfect sense. OK, you’re not going to be heading off into uncharted waters aboard a rickety wooden ship with only some weevil-infested biscuits to munch on. But camping with a tent like this allows you to discover some places closer to home that you might not otherwise get the chance to see.

Probably the most important thing to consider when it comes to choosing a touring tent is how quick and easy it is to pitch. If you are moving from site to site, you don’t want to waste a lot of time struggling with poles and flysheets when you could be out exploring what the local area has to offer.

With its tunnel style, the Da Gama 4 is very easy to put up. The steel poles slide into colour-coded sleeves that go over the top of the tent and the poles are then attached to the flysheet with plastic clips. Once the poles are in place, it’s simply a case of lifting the whole thing up and pegging it out. It’s straightforward enough for one person to pitch alone in around 15 minutes – with an extra pair of hands you could easily knock five minutes off that.

One of the compromises you often have to make with a touring tent is living space, but the Da Gama provides more than many of its competitors.

The living area is a good size for a couple – with enough room for a couple of chairs and a table. The upright side walls mean there is good headroom throughout and there is plenty of light coming in via the large PVC side windows. The side door also has a ‘no-see-um mesh’ backing (see below for an explanation), which means it can be left zipped open on hot days without the fear of bugs (even weevils) taking over. Vents under the front windows and at the rear also provide cooling airflow.

In addition to the living area, there is a small porch to the front of the tent. It’s not quite big enough for sitting out under, but does provide some shelter from the elements when cooking.

Although it’s a very comfortable tent for two, if you’re touring with children, you might find it rather cramped, so the optional front extension might be worth considering. There’s certainly enough sleeping space for four.

Depending on your needs, the bedroom area can be set up as one single large room or split into two with the zipped divider. Both rooms are capable of taking a large double airbed.

VERDICT

A good, easy-to-pitch touring or weekend tent for two people. Probably not ideal for a family but suited to couples exploring what the country has to offer.