Coleman Cobra 2 Review – Definitely Worth the Hype

Coleman Cobra 2 Overview

Score 9 OUT OF 10

Technical Specifications

• Weight: 2.05kgs 
• Flysheet: PU coated ripstop polyester, 3000mm Hydrostatic Head 
• Inner tent: Breathable Polyester and no-see-um mesh 
• Groundsheet: PU coated polyester, 5000mm
• Two Poles: Aluminum 7001-T6

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Size and Weight 

One of the things that usually bother backpackers is the pack’s weight. A heavy backpack can weigh you down and make your adventure stressful. But the guys at Coleman know this, and that’s why they designed the Cobra 2 to weigh only 2.05kgs. 

This weight is reasonable for simple hikes, like to your local camping site. However, it can be a bit of an issue for serious hikers. The reason is the packing into a relatively large bag. Plus, you’ll need to place it outside the pack during carriage. 

If you have a small pack, it’s possible to store the tent inside the backpack and tuck the poles on the outer edge using a sleeve. 

Looking at the overall size, Cobra 2 measures 257cm in length and 125 cm in width. There is a usable space of 58 cm by 90 cm at the ends. It’s pretty spacious for one person, including full gear. Still, don’t forget that this tent is lightweight, so more space means using more material and a bulky canvas as a result. 

However, we like that it comes in a purse with a wide opening and two compression straps that make it even smaller. It loads like a sports bag, not in the traditional top-down way. It is worth mentioning that you’ll find it hard getting it into anything smaller than 55L, and it saves room in the car as you can compress its purse.  

Design, Material and Features

When it comes to design, Coleman has no intention of cutting corners.

To make Cobra 2, Coleman went through the pains of considering all sorts of areas you could potentially pitch this camping jewel. Firstly, it is double-skinned and shaped like a structured wedge to resist prevailing winds. It is narrower at the feet and wide at the head area. 

We like that the inner module comes pre-attached to the outer canvas. So, you’ll be able to unroll this tent and pitch it without exposing the inside to the elements.

The outer canvas is made of PU-coated WeatherTec polyester 3000 mm, so it is essentially weatherproof. Feel free to use it in a storm because it can take a beating without letting water in. The inner compartment features a door flap on both sides, and you can zip the flap overlooking the door. 

There’s only one exterior door flap. Sometimes it can be a pain getting out since you have to climb over the other person, but it’s nice to have the door to the side and not by the feet. 

Equally important, the exterior stays separate from the interior except for the roof. It helps to keep the interior warm and dry in inclement weather. You will only encounter occasional condensation when it rains heavily. 

Although there’s only one color choice, i.e., blue-black, the tent is elegant and sleek, so it looks good both in the wild and in the woods. 

• WeatherTec System 

Coleman includes its iconic system WeatherTec in this tent, meaning it has passed a series of tests in different weather conditions in a controlled environment. The Cobra 2 has the WeatherTec seal of approval, which guarantees that:

• It can withstand winds of up to 56kph
• The tent floor is welded in 
• All zippers have flaps 
• It has taped seams

• Breathability 

There’s nothing as annoying as waking up to a stuffy tent. Luckily, in your Cobra 2 tent, The inner material is breathable polyester, and it allows airflow for excellent ventilation. 

In hot weather, you will notice that the tent is breathable and does not hold in humidity because it comes with three vents. One is located at the top complete with an insect mesh. There’s another small mesh by the footwell and another by the door. The vent on top includes a large flap that stops the rain from coming in when the zip is down. 

Also, there are gaps between the interior module and the canvas, which improves breathability. Still, we found that since the interior sides are loose, they tend to flop inwards. It’s a slight quibble because you can’t stretch the inner layer out further. Yet, the outer canvas is sturdy enough to stop the wind from causing too much flopping. 

• Spacious Interior 

It’s important to note that you can sit up without much bending for people as tall as 196cm. And, you’ll have no issues with toes poking the canvas at the end. If the interior vestibules are full, you’ll have to store your gear in the two exterior porches on both sides of the tent.

It’s good to see that an 80L pack can easily fit in the porches with plenty of room to spare. Still, animals can access the exterior storage, so it’s better to place food in tightly closed containers. You don’t want animals to try and eat through the tent to get food.

• Groundsheet 

Coleman Cobra 2 comes with a bathtub floor, and it curves into the sides of the inner wall to provide superior waterproofing. 

The sheet material is PU-coated polyester with a hydrostatic head rating of 5000mm. You can pitch the tent on rough and uneven ground with sticks and rocks, not to mention thorns and stones. Still, it’s best to look for even ground for a good night’s sleep.

Using this tent in the wilderness can take six weeks of daily use before the groundsheet loses some of its waterproofing capabilities. Thus, if you use the tent in wet conditions, it’s advisable to dry it as much as possible before storing it for use at night. The material has a knack for seeping in water during storage. 

• Fire Retardant 

The whole Cobra 2 tent has a flame retardant application. It is not entirely fireproof, meaning flame retardants will slow the spread in case of fire. Hence, Coleman advises against using an open flame inside the t, and it would help if you also lit a stove away from the tent. 

Pitching the Coleman Cobra 2

The simple design of the Cobra 2 makes it super easy to pitch. It’s a fly-first pitch that prevents the inner layer from exposure to the outdoors in bad weather. Again, the inner tent is pre-attached to the outer fly. All you need is to unroll the tent and pitch without worries about the elements coming into contact with the interior material.

Also, this tent is short considering tent height. It pitches close to the ground, which gives it further resistance against adverse conditions. Also, its low clearance helps when erecting it among trees. 

We found the Cobra 2 simple to pitch for one person. It can take only 5-10 minutes in good weather and up to 20 minutes in the wind. Nevertheless, it’s possible to pitch the tent on your own in bad weather. 

You’ll see pitching instructions on the carry sack, and it’s a thoughtful feature by Coleman since you’ll never lose them.

The package comes with a rolled-up tent, a standard peg bag, and a pole bag. We particularly like that the bags have fixed fasteners instead of the usual ribbons. 

It’s advisable to pitch the tent at least once before taking a trip.

• Pitching Instructions 

According to Coleman, you should pitch the Cobra 2 in an area measuring 2.2m2. This recommendation is to allow for the tent to stretch fully. This way, it can make the most out of its weatherproofing and waterproofing capabilities. Nevertheless, it can take less space in emergencies.

There are two color-coded poles made of aluminum 7001-T6. The material is light which further shaves the weight off the tent and prevents it from swaying in the wind as the aluminum has a high strength to weight ratio.  

First, you need to roll out the tent and peg it to secure it. Then, assemble the two color-coded poles. 

The red pole (short one) goes into the red mesh pole sleeves at the back of the tent. The long one is aluminum (not colored). It slides into the rest of the canvas through the black mesh. Then, insert the poles in the canvas eyelets. You’ll now need to peg the front at 45 degrees. This allows for maximum resistance against the wind. 

Next, pull the tent back, and peg it down. At this point, proceed and peg out the rest of the tent using the guylines. 

After this, you’ll use the clips already attached to the tent to clip each side of the long pole. This action will pull the flysheet high and tight. 

Lastly, pull the elastics of the inner tent over the pegs to tension. 

You get 17 aluminum pegs, but you’ll use 16 as one is just a spare. The pegs are incredibly rugged, and you can stick them into hard ground without them snapping or bending. 

Another thing to like is toothed groove grips on the guy lines. They work better than the usual figure of eight loops used on many guy ropes.

It’s relatively easy to take down the Cobra 2 tent and roll it down for storage. Fortunately, the storage sack can quickly strap horizontally across your pack. 

If the exterior tent is wet, it’s possible to dismount the interior layer from the separate packaging. Still, it’s advisable to use a dry towel or a t-shirt to dry the tent’s exterior before packing it. 

• Repair Kit 

If you don’t have a proper shelter, your adventure will be over. The tent’s canvas cannot damage easily, but you can patch it up with the repair kit if it ever happens. 

Besides, there’s also an aluminum section to fix any of the poles if breakage ever occurs. 

Coleman Cobra 2 Performance 

• Can Weather a Storm

Cobra 2 will see you through windy, wet, and sunny conditions. It is generally a 3-season tent. Whether you’re hiking Hadrian’s wall trek or choose to brave the winds at Cornwall, you’ll be safe inside this tent. It comes with taped seams that offer excellent waterproofing. 

Also, this tent is double-walled. The interior experiences almost zero condensation because the flysheet captures it. As an extra feature, the inner mesh gives you better privacy because it is not transparent. 

We like that the exterior porches do not turn into a swamp in bad weather. Plus, the bottom of the tent remains nice and dry when packing it away. Since it is a bathtub floor, it protects against accidental flooding in a small campsite.  

Another advantage is that the dark color scheme may absorb some heat, and makes it cooler in the day and warm at night. 

• Not for Subzero Temperatures 

The Cobra 2 is not insulated. Remember, the interior material allows air to follow through. You will need a sleeping bag to keep you warm when temperatures dip at night. And that’s in summer, early autumn, and late spring. 

If you ever choose to use this tent in snowy conditions, you will need an insulated sleeping mat, foil ground layer, a 4-season sleeping bag, and thermal clothing. As you can see, the Cobra 2 offers sufficient protection against rainy and stormy conditions, but it’s not the best pick for subzero temperatures. 

• Weight Performance

The weight of the Cobra 2 together with camping gear means feeling every gram of the tent during long expeditions. But considering the protection, you’re getting value for your dime.  

Another thing we like is that you camp in a rough area like among thorns, and this tent is going to come out unscathed. It incorporates ripstop fibers which are resistant to tears, and we can see it lasting a long time in decent condition for the same reason. 

Cleaning and Storage Tips 

Before storing your Cobra 2 tent, it’s best to ensure it’s dry, especially after a rainstorm or morning dew. Also, avoid snapping the poles together. Instead, expand the poles section by section and thus extend their life. 

After your camping adventure, you’ll want to hose down the Cobra 2 tent. You can use a sponge or brush and mild soap to remove dirt and mud, and Coleman advises against cleaning the tent in the washing machine. 

After cleaning your tent, it’s essential to let it air-dry before storage. 

So, when folding it down, we found that doing it along the original lines is more practical. Although they fade over time, it becomes easy when you get accustomed to folding it almost the same length as the poles. 

Potential Drawbacks 

Like any other product, Coleman Cobra 2 has its snags. 

• Single Door Design 

With only one access to the tent’s exterior, you may have to store the gear by the door. If you keep it towards the rear, it’s going to be a pain getting to it. Also, you can only access the second vestibule from inside the tent. 

• No Storage Space for Two 

Since this is a two-people tent, you don’t have room for gear on the inside. Luggage has to go in the exterior pouches. The pouches do not have a groundsheet, and luggage can get wet if you leave it out. In other words, you may want to use a waterproof cover over your gear. 

• Not Roomy 

You may feel a bit claustrophobic if you have a rather large build as there is very little space, especially if you’ll be reading or cooking inside the tent. 

• Poles Degrade Over Time 

The aluminum poles will become hardy and weathered over time. As a result, they will become brittle and snap. 

• It’s Not Self-Supporting 

For an igloo-like tent, we’d have expected it to self-support. This feature is necessary if you want to install it on reasonably hard ground. 

It also needs a bit of effort when bending the longer pole to get into the designated eyelet. But once done, the tent becomes firm and taut. 

Who Should I Buy the Cobra 2?

This tent is for backpackers, bikers, and campsite campers. Thanks to its lightweight construction, you can look forward to a compact carriage and easy pitching. It’s also for people on a budget looking for a well-priced tent whose performance is not cheap. 

Conclusion 

If you’re looking for the best backpacking shelter, look no further than the Coleman Cobra 2. It does not empty your pockets, it considers your pack weight, plus it’s cozy for one or two backpackers.

The Cobra 2 can handle a wide range of weather conditions. We are talking about downpours, light snow, and even sustained hot and windy weather. With ample mesh panels, airflow is on point. And, with fewer poles, it’s one of the lightest options for 3-season camping.

So, are you ready to hit the trails? Choose the Coleman Cobra 2 for peace of mind.