subject: Why I think the Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent is the Best Tent Ever Made [print this page] Why I think the Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent is the Best Tent Ever Made
Most people wouldn't use a 4 man tent for backpacking, but I go group backpacking, and I'm sure someone out there might also. Which means accidents happen and some tents do not make it out of where we are alive. Sometimes people forget their tent and we have to sleep a few more to a tent. Other times there is not enough room to set up everyones tent and it is easier to just use a few tents instead of alot.
For it's size, this is pretty light-weight. The included poles that come with hooligan 3 tent fit easily into the frame pack, as does the entire tent. The poles, though fiberglass, have held up nicely so far. The poles in the Coleman hooligan 3 are about 2 inches longer than i would have though would be needed but the extra length keeps the tent tight and adds quite a bit of support when its windy. Nothing is worse than a wobbly tent in a thunder storm.
My first few nights with the Coleman hooligan tent went horribly, but went well. It rained the entire time.. Though there are tags all over the tent that say "do not have near a fire" I started up my whisperlite in the vestibule, using the heat shield to protect the fly. After the initial burst of flame, there was plenty of room to cook in the dryness of the tent; which also raised the temp a good 5-10 degrees.
The tent stands pretty well without being staked down, it is reasonably lightweight. The vestibule is large enough to hold 4 people's packs, so there is no reason 4 people couldn't comfortably sleep inside. It is surprizingly roomy for only supposed to be a 3 person tent. I love that Coleman overdelivered on the Hooligan 3 Tent. Best of all (and why I got a new tent) after a few days of rain, the tent was still dry!
The Coleman Hooligan 3 is an excellent tent for less than ideal spring/summer/fall conditions, but design elements keep me from recommending this tent for all-around use. I rate this tent at 3.5 stars for general purpose use, and 3.75 for those who want at tent better able to handle tough weather. Many times the zippers aren't up to par with more expensive tents, but the Coleman hooligan tent is quite stout for the price.
