Columbia Frosty Ridge II

I picked up the Frosty Ridge II tent at the beginning of June, 2006. I was impressed right away by the compact nature of the tent. Weighing in at only 4.5 lbs was probably the single biggest reason I chose the Frosty Ridge II. I prefer to backpack as lightly as possible and this tent fit the bill perfectly.

The package includes the tent, fly, two lightweight but very strong aluminum polls, ground pegs, tent bag, and two compression straps.

I think Columbia has mislead consumers somewhat as I still cannot understand how two people can sleep in this tent. I use the tent simply for solo camping; and for that it is perfect.

The tent material is excellent quality, and the craftsmanship is second to none. It really shows when you get the tent home and setup. Following the tent directions, I set it up and soaked the seams with water. Apparantly this allows the seams to expand somewhat and waterproof the tent further. I have added no third party product sealers of any kind.

The performance in rain and bad weather is great. It poured rain on my first outing, and not a drop seeped through anywhere. I did cut a groundsheet to size to protect the bottom of the tent. If you do this, make sure your groundsheet is marginally smaller than the footprint of the tent. You really don't want it sticking out the side, beyond the fly, where water could be whisked underneath the tent.

The size is small. Don't kid yourself. But with that said it is perfect for one person. I spend so little time in my tent during the day that the small size really doesn't matter. There is enough room though to toss and turn and get a great night's sleep.

I would recommend this tent to anyone who wants to try solo camping, and you should, it is very liberating. Columbia has created a very solid package here and for the price, you simply cannot go wrong.

I bought this tent while I was in Tokyo and had it delivered to my home in Eastern Canada. I love this tent! Was unsure at first because of the shape and size but quickly changed my mind. Stayed in it for two weeks while back home on vacation - every night!

When I brought it back to Tokyo, my friend laughed at the shape but he quickly was impressed with how it repelled water. I sprayed nothing on this tent and had no ground cloth but she would not give in. I think this tent would float if given the opportunity. I was pooling away water from underneath with my hand but nothing got in.

I'm 165cm (5'6") and it is perfect for me or someone a bit taller - I'd say 175cm-180cm max. It is light and easy to put up. The only downfall is that it is not free-standing and requires soil in which to drive the pegs. Other than that, this thing is worth the money.

This tent is great. I have used nothing but it for solo journeys since I bought it. While Columbia says it is a 2 man tent, I don't think two men would be comfortable that close in a tent!! It is perfect for one man and a dog though.

The Frosty Ridge II breathes great and so far hasn't leaked a drop in the rain. It has a pleasantly large vestibule for stashing gear from the elements and plenty of headroom for me(6'0") to sit upright when needed. I also have about one foot of free space past my head while sleeping for lights, H2O, and other things needed in the middle of the night. From the looks of the fly, it will stake out pretty securely for those nights with high winds(though I have not tested that yet). Setup takes only minutes and is easily done alone. Its weight is perfect too. I would definitely recommend this tent for any solo traveler.

Ive had this tent for over a year now and have taken it hunting and camping. Like the other reviews say it's a 1 man tent and room for your gun and gear with some room to move. The bottoms open so wind will get in but with a good bag it does well.

The small size makes it perfect for backpacking and it sets up in no time. On frosty mornings there's dew on the top but I haven't got wet yet. You don't need anything but what is provided to set up the tent, no trees required.

Picked up this little tent for my fiancee and I and have taken it on multiple overnight and extended trips as I work in the outdoor industry in Australia. LOVE IT! Comfortably and more importantly, DRY-ly survived a couple of days in heavy rain during the late summer months on the Victorian high plains north of Melbourne. I'm talking sideways rain and wind to match - the tent did REAL WELL! Good value for sure :)

PS - agree on the size being small but if it's lightweight, compact and affordable you're after, go get it!