The Sundome 2, for example, has a maximum peak height of just 4 feet compared to 6 on the Sundome 6, and that’s a very significant difference. As with most budget-oriented products, there are bound to be shortcomings, and the Sundome 6 is very limited in terms of storage. In stark contrast to premium models like REI’s Base Camp 6 and its 14 interior pockets of varying sizes, the Sundome 6 features a paltry two pockets. Located on both sides of the tent around waist height, these hanging and floppy pockets are constructed of cheap feeling mesh. To make matters worse, their small size is only able to handle basics like keys, a phone, and a headlamp or two.
If there’s one thing I love more than spending time in the outdoors, it’s trying out new camping gear. A friend asked for my thoughts on the Coleman Sundome 2. My initial plan was to use the tent while I was at Boy Scout summer camp in Talihina, OK. However, when we arrived, I discovered that our camp site was situated on steeply sloped, rocky terrain. I bought this tent for “just in case” events and also for the infrequent times we go camping. I was thinking about a two-person tent for my wife and I, but after reading a ton of reviews, decided something bigger was the better decision.
The easy and simplicity of set up also makes the Coleman Sundome a smart choice for family camping trips. Not only does it cut down set up time and leave more time for enjoying your trip, teaching kids to set this tent up is made easy thanks to the design. 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.
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. Having said that, most casual campers who take decent care of their gear should see many summers of camping with the Sundome. The coated polyester fabrics on the fly and walls are rugged and durable.
However, with its full-length rainfly (on the sides of the tent) and seam-sealed construction, the Meramac 6 is superior in the weatherproofing department. Furthermore, we like that the Meramac features two doors as opposed to the Sundome’s one, making entry and exit easier should you need to get up in the middle of the night. And finally, the materials used throughout the Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6 are noticeably better. coleman screen tent For us, the combination of increased weather protection and nicer materials make the more expensive Meramac 6 well worth considering. Although it has a relatively durable floor and a decent choice of materials for the canopy and rainfly, the fiberglass poles cause concern. For occasional use, this tent should serve its intended purpose, but we’d recommend you prepare yourself for potential issues down the line.
The downside, the poles that support it are made of what appears to be a fiberglass material that with age have started to disintegrate. Excellent for Scouting, camping, and overnights at the beach. Coleman is a trustworthy name in camping that has been around for many years.
A classic dome structure, single door, and vented roof make pitching this tent relatively easy, though we had issues with the rainfly. The floor is also cheap polyethylene material — you will basically be sleeping on a tarp — and we had some pole malfunction right out of the gate. However, coming in at 9.8 lbs with 63 sq ft of tent space, a family of four can certainly make due. For this review, we tested the six-person Sundome, which we think is just about ideal for families of three to four people. For smaller groups or those confined by small campsites, Coleman offers three other size options.