Or for something a little different, check out the Coleman 4 person instant cabin tent review. In researching this we came across a user who had even used the tent successfully in snow – which is some really impressive durability and protection from a tent that won’t break the bank. This tent is also better suited to backpacking than the Sundome. There are plenty of other options to consider if the Coleman sundome doesn’t feel like the right tent for you.
Coleman also offers the Sundome 4, which we think is ideal for two campers and a dog. In terms of windows, you’ll find two large mesh panels on the upper half of the side walls as well as coleman ice chest 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.
We will notify you on the dispatch of your order to our courier partner indicating your order tracking number. Inside the tent, you have two mesh pouches to keep small items, which is really useful. You also have a zippered port in one of the corners, for electrical connection.
They are thicker than poles designed for backpacking which are usually around 8.5mm. 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. Weighing in at 16 pounds 10 ounces, the Sundome 6 is easy to haul from the car to the campsite and store when not in use. For carrying, the included rectangular bag for the Sundome is simple in nature, but the full-length zipper and well-placed handles get the job done. We would have loved to see internal dividers like those found on the REI Kingdom bags, but those likely would have raised the price of the Coleman. Does the Sundome 4 tent have internal storage pockets or a gear loft?
While we love the idea of setting up a tent super fast, we’re not convinced the Instant Cabin is worth the extra cost and questionable rain protection. Another Kelty tent to have on your radar is their Tallboy 6. It’s a step up in price from the Discovery above at $230, but you do get a number of upgrades, including a lighter coleman screen tent weight (14 lbs. 1 oz.), taller peak height (72 in.), and smaller packed size. The Kelty uses slightly higher-quality materials than the Sundome, but we find it hard to justify spending more for less space and similar overall performance. Unfortunately, the lack of storage options continues to the exterior of the Sundome 6.
Having said that, most casual campers who take decent care of their gear should see many summers of camping with the Sundome. We tested the six-person version of the Coleman Sundome, which offers a healthy 10 feet x 10 feet of floor area. To gauge livability, we brought along two adults, a portable crib, and a dog, and found that the Sundome 6 provided more than enough room for summertime adventures. We were able to move around comfortably, the sleeping space easily accommodated the aforementioned crib and a double-wide, 52-inch mat, and the generous amount of mesh made for an airy feel overall. In practice, we almost always recommend sizing up your tent, and we think the Sundome 6 work bests with groups of three to four people.