Eddie Bauer Tent Tips
And Experience.

The biggest advantage to an Eddie Bauer tent is that fact that they are inexpensive. If you are someone who buys on price alone and nothing else is important, then you may want to have a look...

For those of you who demand more, let me mention that there are plenty of other tents that offer much more value for your money. Even if some of the others haven't been around since 1920.

I used to equate Eddie Bauer with high quality and I really liked their products, but lately they've disappointed me... and it appears I'm not the only one. It seems they've been more hit-or-miss lately. I have a couple of older shirts of theirs that held up well over the years, but some of their new shirts seem thin and cheap. This "cheapness" was mirrored in an Eddie Bauer tent I helped set-up this summer.

I've heard of everything from snapped poles, to leaks, to tears, to more leaks (even after the seams were sealed), to zipper problems, and even zipper leaks.

As for tears, I experienced this firsthand last year camping with my parents who had just got their new Eddie Bauer tent (I wished they would have talked to me first, but hopefully I can save you some trouble). As we put it up for the first time I slid the pole through the sleeve and it easily tore a hole right through it. Let me clarify, I wasn't forcing anything, but obviously it was enough to tear the tent. If this happens on the first outing, I really don't want to see how well it holds up over time. The rainfly wasn't very impressive either as it only covered the top 1/4 of the tent.

If you insist on an Eddie Bauer tent, it seems that Target is a good place to look. Three of the top camping gear and hiking equipment stores I highly recommend (open new windows), Backcountry, REI, and Altrec don't carry them. If you're looking to pick one up at the lowest possible price wait until they go on clearance in the late summer to early fall. Don't wait too long though, you know how fast clearance items can sell. If you're not too picky and/or only camp in dry weather they might work for you, I just know I wouldn't be happy with one. It also seems that Eddie Bauer may not make their own tents...

From Eddie Bauer's website: "Eddie Bauer and American Recreation Products teamed to bring a camping collection that equips you for the great outdoors." eddiebauer.com/about/license/camping_gear.asp?referringurl=&cm_se=&cm_cg=T424

Per Yahoo's Company Profile: "American Recreational Products, a subsidiary of Kellwood Company and part of its Other Soft Goods segment, makes outdoor gear including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, and related camping accessories. Brand names include Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, and Wenzel. The company's products are sold through sporting goods stores and outdoor specialty stores, as well as through mail order via the firm's brand Web sites."

I'm not sure what the deal is because some of the Kelty tents and Sierra Design tents are great, but I know that at least Sierra Designs works with more than one company. Maybe Kelty does too, I'm not sure. Also, I'm sure different companies have different design parameters. You can find Sierra Design tent recommendations here as well as Kelty tents.

I've also heard of some people having problems with refunds and or warranty issues with their Eddie Bauer tent. My suggestion, if you still feel you have to have one, is to buy it at Target because they'll probably be your best bet as far as returns go. But I wouldn't count on it, especially if it's a clearance item.

If you end up getting any "cheap tent" (cheap until you have to buy another to replace the first, and/or have to listen to your partner complain the entire trip) make sure to pick up some seam sealant even if the seams are "sealed" with waterproof taping as sometimes there are small pinholes that you can see light through. I've also seen people string a tarp at a slope between trees or even drape it over the top of the tent. I can't say I recommend this but I guess it worked for them in a pinch. Also if you have a leak around the door, check the zipper first as it can be a problem.

I hope I've saved you some headaches. When I come across a great new Eddie Bauer tent, I'll let you know. Until then, the camping tent page will point you in a better direction. :-)