Although this simple dome-style tent comes with a convenient carry bag which makes it easy for car camping, it’s a little too heavy to be used for backpacking. At almost 10 pounds, it would be too heavy for carrying over long distances. The 4 person tent is not just for newcomers looking for a budget beginner model. Even for more seasoned campers, perhaps looking for a second versatile tent for storage space, this Coleman offers amazing value to meet their needs. Much like with all Coleman tents, their main selling point is often the overall value of the tent rather than special design features that make it stand out. However, we did find a couple of things that piqued our interest.
And although it has a rather durable floor and a decent choice in materials for the canopy and rainfly, the vulnerable fiberglass poles give cause for concern. In addition, Coleman’s somewhat infamous build quality coleman screen tent gives the Sundome a questionable lifespan. However, for occasional use this tent should serve its intended purpose. Last but not least, Coleman offers another intriguing budget option in their Montana tent.
The Sundome is freestanding, so you won’t need to stake anything out while getting the tent erected, and you can take your time between setting up the tent and adding the rainfly. The exclusive WeatherTec system is guaranteed to keep you dry. Inner tent has a mesh vent for increased ventilation as well as a rugged floor with inverted seams. Unfortunately, the lack of storage options continues to the exterior of the Sundome 6. Unlike most other camping tents, such as Kelty’s popular Discovery 6 model and its full-length rainfly, the Coleman’s partial design does not create any vestibule space.
For smaller groups or those confined by small campsites, Coleman offers three other size options. For groups in the two to three-person range, we think the Sundome four-person should be just about right. If you are camping solo or with a furry friend, we’d recommend opting for the three-person or two-person models.
If you’ve never been camping before but want to give it a go, looking for your first tent can be intimidating. Finding a low-cost, reliable tent with a simple design can be a challenge for newbie campers. All packed up, the Sundome 6 weighs 16.6lb, and the packed size of its travel bag is 28”x13”x8”. Once you’ve put together coleman instant tent the main tent, adding the rainfly is a fairly simple process. As such, the front of the tent doesn’t offer quite as much rain protection, and water started seeping into the flooring seam here after 15 minutes. There’s also a third ground vent in the Sundome Tent, but it’s pretty small and doesn’t do as much for ventilation.
Set up camp in a compact yet spacious tent with the Coleman® Sundome® 3-Person Dome. If it rains, this tent Keeps You Dry…Guaranteed™, 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. Meanwhile, the compact dome shape and a strong frame are tested to withstand 35+ MPH winds. You’ll get even more weather protection from a door awning and an included rainfly.
Although the seams may lack sealing of any kind, the stitching itself is free of defects and looks neat in general. First, the zippers used on both the door and back vent feel especially cheap, often snagging while in use. Second, we’re not a fan of fiberglass tent poles—we find aluminum to be sturdier and less prone to splintering.
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. While I have yet to sleep in this tent, I was able to pitch it several times and get a feel for the overall quality and functionality. Plan B was to set the tent up on the BSA summer camp standard issue wood platforms covered by an old canvas tent.