User Review: Columbia Bugaboo Dome

Columbia Bugaboo Dome
Above: The current Bugaboo Dome, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed June 25, 2007 by Steve Riley

Rating: rated 3 of 5 stars
Design: Bugaboo Dome Tent
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: Easy to set up
Weight: about 10 lbs
Price Paid: $249 ( Canadian)

I bought this tent about two years ago and have used it probably 8 -10 times.

I have enjoyed the tent with my two sons, where the camping has been relatively easy. I think if I was doing something a little more rugged, I would look for a lighter tent.

That said it has performed well with respect to rain protection and ventilation. I like the room inside, especially when it rains and you and all your gear and kids are inside.

As has been noted, we have had some trouble with the main door zipper as well. It does tend to trap fabric lower down in the doorway, but we have been trying to impress on the kids the need to be more careful. Still, you would think that some rough use is expected. Recently the zipper failed, not keeping the teeth together behind the head. It became effectively useless. I have "repaired" the zipper for now, but expect this may be a short term solution. Poor zipper quality reduces the overall rating.

On another note, I tried to contact Columbia, not to complain, simply to inquire about repair locations, special model / style of zipper etc. Well, they could not distance themselves fast enough. They said the tent was manufactured by North Pole and gave me a phone number to call. Why not forward my email to North Pole directly, as part of their customer service. North Poles web site requires a password, so I don't know how they expect to get any visitors.

Add poor customer "on line" service. I decline to call it help as they have not done that yet.

Check it out, the Trailspace website talks about North Pole Gear and the Columbia tent is not even listed as a product, now or in the past? What gives?

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