Today, we’re diving into the essential gear that can make or break your outdoor adventure: the tent. Whether you’re an avid camper or planning your first trip, having the right tent can transform your experience. Join me as I explore the features, benefits, and real-life performance of the OEX Coyote III Backpacking Tent.
Why I Chose the Coyote III Backpacking Tent
If you haven’t seen my previous tent review, you’ll know I used to have a dome tent that was large enough to fit a few people. While I loved its spacious bedroom and great value for money, it had a fatal flaw. I managed to pierce a few holes straight through it during a rainy setup, a common problem with dome tents when too much tension builds at the seam points. So, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I needed something with better weatherproofing and thought a tunnel tent might be the answer. The Coyote III appealed to me due to its tunnel design, simple pitching, and promise of two distinct areas.
Key Features of the Coyote III
The OEX Coyote III is the largest tent in the OEX range, designed to provide a spacious and comfortable camping experience for both solo adventurers and small groups.
Effortless Setup and Protection
Setting up the OEX Coyote III is a breeze, thanks to its pre-attached groundsheet. This feature not only saves you time and effort but also acts as a barrier against insects, ensuring a bug-free environment. Enjoy peace of mind and a clean camping space with minimal hassle. Just bear in mind that it does not cover the full footprint of the tent and is only for a section of the inner area.
Ample Space and Flexibility
The central lobby area of the Coyote III offers a small amount of space for storing your gear, making it perfect for those who value a bit of comfort and organization. Though, admittedly, it’s not enough room for me to relax the way I like. With doors on each side, you can choose your entry point based on the wind direction, adding flexibility and convenience. These doors also double as vents, promoting excellent airflow and ventilation during warmer weather.
Superior Durability and Weather Resistance
The OEX Coyote III is equipped with Yunan T6 tent poles, renowned for their high-quality construction. Made from Japanese grade aluminum and engineered in Korea, these poles ensure durability and performance in various weather conditions, maintaining their structural integrity even after years of use.
The tent’s poly flysheet is built to withstand challenging conditions, boasting a high waterproof rating of 5000mm to protect you from rain and moisture. Additionally, the flysheet is treated with a fire-retardant coating, which self-extinguishes upon exposure to flames, adding an extra layer of safety.
Field Test: My Experience
I have camped in the Lake District, Snowdonia, and The Peak District in my new tent. These are just a few examples. I’ve been fairly impressed, though it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for my style, sadly.
Performance
The setup process is fairly simple and can be very quick if you’re used to putting up tunnel tents. I would say it takes around a good 15-20 minutes if you’re on your own and struggling with a bit of wind. The first time might take you 30 minutes.
I am not a massive fan of how the inner bed area is laid out, with the head being close to the zip and more room facing that way. It’s just a simple niggle I have, and I find that for a short guy, I struggle to have enough room to move about in as I touch the sides at either the top or bottom end, though it is wide enough to comfortably sleep 2 people.
The tent has been rather consistent in reliability and durability. The only thing that has broken has sadly been a guy rope; apart from that, the tent has been ace.
Packing away was not a massive struggle. The tent is in two parts and fairly easy to get into the large packing bags that it came with. I’m impressed I don’t have to spend so much time trying to roll and squeeze it in.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and packs down small: No more wrestling with a giant backpack. Those two carry bags are a lifesaver for distributing the weight.
- Easy to pitch: Setting up camp after a long hike shouldn’t be a chore. This tunnel design looks like a breeze, even if the wind picks up.
- Seems built to last: Downpours and strong winds? Bring it on! The flysheet’s waterproof rating and those Yunan T6 poles sound seriously tough.
- Breathable: Mesh doors for ventilation are key. No waking up in a sweaty mess for me!
- Little porch area: Perfect for stashing my pack and maybe even whipping up a camp meal.
- Price is right: This definitely won’t break the bank, which is always a bonus for gear.
Cons:
- Not exactly a three-person palace: Two peeps seem comfy, but squeezing in a third might be a squeeze.
- Fiddly inner tent: Attaching the inner tent to the flysheet in bad weather might require some patience.
- Limited vestibule space: Gotta be strategic with my gear if I’m bringing a lot on this trip.
- Not ultralight: There are definitely lighter options out there, but for weekend adventures, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
The OEX Coyote III tent combines comfort, convenience, and durability, making it an excellent choice for both solo travelers and small groups. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or exploring with friends, this tent ensures you can camp in comfort and safety. My final thoughts is that I possibly wouldn’t refer to it as a back packing tent unless you are splitting the weight between 2.
Have you tried the OEX Coyote III or have other tents you love? Share your experiences in the comments below!
