French Military Troop Tent Field Test
Goodbye Civilization! I try to field test as many of our products as possible. By doing that, I can write an honest and real world product description for our customers. Trying out new equipment is one of my favorite parts about working for CMS. The French Military Troop Tent came in just when camping season was rolling around here in Central Pennsylvania. We have a perfect set up on an island in the middle of the big, beautiful Susquehanna River. This campsite carries many nicknames, one being “Coleman’s Proving Grounds”. This is where we field test much of our camping equipment, and most recently I spent a weekend in the French Military Troop Tent. Transporting the tent was easy, it weighs in at just a bit under 6 lbs. and measures 24’’ x 12’’ when packed in its included nylon carry bag. The size and weight is a definite advantage if you are looking to cut down on pack size. Most civilian tents of similar size are a bigger pack size, not to mention they don’t usually even fit back into their carry bag after taking it out the first time. I was able to fit this tent, my ACU Digital Modular Sleep System, Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat, and Swedish Military Pillow into one large dry bag. Couple that with my favorite backpack, the APB03 Assault Pack filled with my personal gear and I am good to go for a two night stay. Speaking of personal gear, I also took the Military Style Hanging Wash Bag for a test drive and am quite pleased. No more hunting around a big bag for all your toiletries, they are conveniently organized and rolled up in this fine bag. 
Very roomy interior. I like a tent that sets up quick because it gives you more leisure time at camp. Set up was relatively easy because there are not many components to this system. It is a very straightforward simple set up. The tent and fly are integrated in one piece so all you have to do is roll the tent out, put 8 stakes on the main tent, put the two aluminum poles together, and stake out the guy lines. The guy lines at the front and back entrance of the tent are used to bring it taut. This tent does have a waterproof tub style floor so a ground cover isn’t absolutely necessary but it never hurts to have one plus it will prolong the life of your tent. The U.S. G.I. MARPAT Reversible Tarp would make a good ground cloth and should probably be in your bag anyway. As the product description states, this tent is surprisingly roomy. This tent is specifically designed for two and would be perfectly comfortable with two people. As a one person tent, this tent will provide you with plenty of room to spread out. I like to have plenty of room in my tent and this set up provides that. It did not rain during my weekend in this tent, but it was a little damp and cool. I had no moisture problems. I imagine this tent would do a good job of keeping you dry in wet weather. As with any tent or camping accessory, a good application of a waterproof camp spray always helps keep water out. A bonus feature I found to be nice are the air vents on each side of the tent. Good airflow in a tent is key to a good night’s sleep in my opinion. With mesh at the peaks on the front and back combines with these lower air vents, you get plenty of fresh air. To summarize my experience; this tent transports easy, is well made, and simple to use. Above all else, it represents a tremendous value. It should provide many years of fun for uses ranging from casual backyard camping with the kids to more advanced camping or backpacking.
The tent displays nicely and blends into the surroundings.
