User Review: Coleman Inyo 2

Summary

Warm, comfortable, fairly light and compact when packed, and economical (if you can still find one!).

Setup is pretty simple for a non-free standing tent. Holds up well to wind and rain when staked properly. Plenty warm with rain fly staked down, especially considering all the mesh. 

Camped in this early one spring at Fontana in N..C, just off the AT. Rained most of the night then turned to snow toward morning. I was quite comfortable and actually a little too warm in my 20 degree sleeping bag. Woke to temps in low 30s and heavy wet snow on the ground combined with some ice hanging from surfaces above the ground. Tent was completely dry inside inspite of all the wet weather. Good ventilation - condensation is not a problem with this one. 

There is plenty of room for one person plus gear and a good sized dog inside the tent. With two people you need to use the vestibules for packs/gear and probably the dog! Actually, two average size women would find it roomy enough for two, and maybe the dog also (if it's not a Great Dane or St. Bernard). Two average sized men would be uncomfortably cramped. 

Tent, fly, stakes and poles all pack easily into the included stuff sack with room left for a footprint if you can find one or make one. It's a little heavy as a backpacking tent for one, but for two, not bad. Just a matter of how much you like your space and wheather you're willing to add a few ounces for comfort. 

My teenaged niece uses it now and loves it. Plenty of room for her and a friend.  (Like I said, roomy enough for two women.)

I would recommend this older model if you need something for less than $100. You can still find them sometimes in second hand stores and on eBay. Don't forget to re-waterproof the fly and floor on a used one — silicon spray from Walmart or Kmart on the outside — since the waterproofing tends to wear off with sun exposure, use and age.