Coleman Phad X3

(Sleeping Capacity 3 persons)

The Tent

The Coleman ‘Quartz 3’ has been re-branded for 2007 as the Coleman ‘Phad X3’ (more of that later) but both are designed for the lightweight Backpacker, Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Light Tourer or anyone who requires a quality fast pitch small tent to rest their weary heads. The ‘Quartz’ (and ‘Phad’) are also available in 2 berth models (‘Quartz 2’ and ‘Phad X2’) weighing in at 3.4 kg and 4.1 kg respectively. As the ‘Quartz 3’ and ‘Phad X3’ models weigh in at 3.9 kg and 3.95 kg respectively then it may be worth investing another £20 or so for the comfort factor that comes with the extra space of the ‘Quartz 3’ or  ‘Phad X3’.  

The semi-geodesic design gives this little beauty strength and stability and the reflective trims on the zipper cuffs make it a little easy to find on those dark nights. As well as the large sleeping area and storage space, a window with full zip for extra ventilation and integrated porch groundsheet (that can be zipped on and off) the tent has the following specifications:-

Ok, so why have Coleman re-branded from the ‘Quartz’ to the ‘Phad’ for 2007 and what has changed? Why? - who knows, maybe the ‘Quartz’ sounded too much like a watch?  What? – well, not a lot that I can see with the ‘Phad X3’ , it has new colours (and a big ‘X’ printed on it) but does has a UV protective coating and is 0.5 kg heavier. The big difference comes with the ‘Phad X2’, it’s a totally different tent design than it’s predecessor  the ‘Quartz 2’  as the ‘Phad X2’ has 2 small storage porches at either end and there’s a big difference in weight (‘Quartz 2’ weighed in at 3.4 kg but the ‘Phad X2’ weights in at 4.1 kg). This is something to bear in mind when choosing between the 2 or 3 berth as the ‘Phad X2’ is heavier than it’s larger cousin the ‘Phad X3’.

Pitch Footprint, Size And Weight 

Width: 190 cm

Length: 335 cm

Height: 105 cm

Packed Size : 42 x 20 cm

Total Weight (kg): 3.9

Erection / Pitching

Pitching is everything you would expect from this type of tent, quick and easy.

Only 3 lightweight poles (colour coded) to push through their sleeves. Each end of a sleeve is ‘blanked off’ with a pegging point attached and the other end of each pole slots into it’s respective eyelet (pegging point attached).

Peg out the guy lines and the rest of the pegging points and you’re up and ready. First attempt at pitching took me about 10 minutes but halved that in my second attempt to 5 minutes…….could maybe pitch it quicker if I was attempting it in the pouring rain!!!

Pros and Cons

The Verdict

It’s not often a reviewer gets to spent the night in a tent in a field full of cows. It was a very damp night with only a gentle breeze and I was impressed on how comfortable the tent was. I didn’t feel at all cramped or claustrophobic (as I thought I might do in these smaller tents) and with plenty of ventilation there was not a drip of condensation insight. My only concern is that there’s quite a gap between the porch flysheet and the ground which may be a little drafty in stronger winds but as it was a night with only light winds then this couldn’t be confirmed. If you are thinking of purchasing a lightweight tent then you’ll be foolish not to take this one into consideration before making your final decision.

The Cost

£100 - £120

Information and Links

For further information on Coleman and their products visit Coleman

Reviewed by Camper Pete
Note We recommend with all tents that you see them fully erected and satisfy yourself that the product is right for you prior to making a purchase.