Our reviews and buyers guides are always either based on reviews we’ve done ourselves, or aggregated from trusted sources. A sample tent was provided by Majestic Expressions for the purpose of this review, however, all opinions are my own. Pockets are awkwardly placed, within smacking distance of your head.The biggest drawback was that it leaked in the corners when we water tested. The inside corner seams are taped with what looks to be really flimsy version of duct tape that was already peeling up at the corners. The hills were alive with the sound of rocks.Plan B was to set the tent up on the BSA summer camp standard issue wood platforms covered by an old canvas tent. That plan was ultimately thwarted by all the missing slats in the most level platform I could find.
If it rains, this tent Keeps You DryGuaranteed, thanks to the WeatherTec system, which uses a tub floor with patented corner welds, protected seams, and a covered zipper to help keep water out. Meahwhile, the compact dome shape and a strong frame is tested to withstand 35+ MPH winds. You’ll get even more weather protection from a door awning and an included rainfly.
The power port is pretty convenient and the vent window located near the ground allows for air circulation. The Coleman Sundome Tent is an economical dome tent that has been designed and tested by a well-known camping-equipment manufacturer. Campers looking for a bargain dome tent that will perform satisfactorily in warm weather and moderate rain should consider this model. Even with the added privacy vent, I find ventilation for this tent to be a little less than impressive. The front and rear windows are fairly small, only covering the top portion of the tent.
For us, the combination of increased weather protection and nicer materials make the more expensive Meramac 6 well worth considering. In terms of windows, you’ll find two large mesh panels on the upper half of the side walls as well as smaller, closeable windows on the back wall and at the top of the front door. The panels provide excellent views on cloudless nights, but these will be lost with the attached rainfly.
Coleman tents are tested in winds up to 35 miles per hour to ensure they will stand up to mild winds. This is helped in part by the 11mm shock-corded fiberglass tent poles. They are thicker than poles designed for backpacking which are usually around 8.5mm. The coleman instant tent is a basic dome tent, not intended for camping in extreme weather conditions. If you’re heading into heavy winds and rainy nights, you’re best looking for something else. This means any camping gear or equipment has to be stored inside the main body of the tent, cutting down on space for campers to sleep.