Preparing a camping Tent is the first and foremost thing that you need to do before going camping.

However, it doesn’t mean that you catch any tent and put it in your package. And if you truly do it, be ready to face up tons of issues.

For example, you just want to bring a small tent to avoid carrying a heavy load while you come with a large group. So, who will be in and out of the tent? Or if there is a sudden rain, and your tent is not waterproof, what will happen?

Try to imagine the outcomes and you understand why I suggest finding a suitable camping tent to ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.

Right now, I want to show you my latest Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent Review – a reliable pick at an affordable price and huge benefits. I firmly believe that you will be satisfied with it like me.

Please read on the details of this tent carefully.

Quick View Of The Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent

As a freestanding tent, you can place the Coleman Sundome 6 on any terrain and even pitch it anywhere on grass, rock, or sand freely. Moreover, moving it around or rotating it while setting up is not a BIG problem.

Although this is a good feature, I recommend that you should stake it out in such a way that the air can flow easily. More importantly, staking helps secure the tent against the wind.

Another cool thing is that this tent is a 3-season one. But note that it is okay for mild conditions, not strong rains.

Why do I say that?​​​​

Well, this tent comes with an all-mesh ceiling while its rainfly is not complete-coverage type. So, it cannot keep the warmth well if it is cold outside.

In case you prefer a full-coverage one, it’s okay to think of other choices (though the price will be higher, if you want to know, keep reading because I will suggest some alternatives later).

The last feature that I rather satisfy is its dome design (of course, there are good and bad sides of this style).

In my opinion, this design allows you to set it up effortlessly. Also, they are stable and easy to pack to a small size. On the contrary, the dome-style tent means less volume inside and quite heavy (16.3 lbs) to carry in the backpacks.

Who Is This Tent For?

As its name suggests, the Coleman Sundome 6 is a tent for 6 people.

Its floor area is measured at 10 ft x 10 ft (about 9.3 m2) so that you can place 6 narrow pads or two queen airbeds on the floor.

However, this doesn’t work in reality. It’s best to scale it down to 3 or 4 people if you want some comfort and the gear inside (not outside the tent). Or try to use bunk beds to save the floor area.

As mentioned above, the packed size is ideal (27 x 8 inches). Hence, it can be transported in a car or even a motorbike if you are on an off-road with your friends.

Generally speaking, I think that the Sundome 6 is perfect for:

- Those who want a summer tent for occasional use

- Those who have a limited budget

Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent Review

1. Size

Although this tent is for 6 people, it’s rather compact with a single compartment for two queen-sized airbeds and a bit of space at your feet for gear.

From my point of view, even with two airbeds, there are just four people. Physically, it might be possible to stuff six people in, but you will find no comfort for sure.

If you think of using standard camping mats to replace the airbeds, believe me, you are able to add up to four adults, not six because you need space to get in and out of the tent.

Meanwhile, the height of this tent is good enough. Measured at 6 ft, you won’t meet any issue standing upright and moving around if you are a bit short. Even in case you are tall, there is no problem thanks to the dome design.

2. Storage and Organization

Inside the tent, there are only two hand-sized mesh storage pockets. They are just enough to keep small stuff such as a phone, keys, and other bits and pieces.

I, myself, prefer more pockets included to take the accessibility to the next level.

Since the rainfly only expands the top part of the tent, there is no porch to store your gears outside. That means everything needs to be kept inside the tent with you.

Of course, the tent will have enough space to store them as long as there are only 2 or 3 people inside. However, if you are trying to squeeze in more, you should leave them in the car.

3. Weather Protection

Since this is a budget-friendly tent, its rainfly does a decent job.

In a light or passing shower, you will be dry. However, if it’s a whole day of rain or heavy rain, get ready to be soaked.

It’s because the rainfly only spreads out about halfway down on all sides and leaves the floor and lower sections of this tent exposed. Even, you won’t see any sealed seams to keep the water out.

Meanwhile, the floor is covered by the WeatherTec System to protect it from water soaking. This tech comes with welded corners that can keep the water from seeping through needle holes. Also, it included welded seams that cannot only strengthen the floor but also remove the water entry well.

However, as I said, the rest of this tent’s construction is a major let-down.

Hence, if you reckon you might experience rain on the camping, you should be ready for what you pay and it’s likely best to look for somewhere else (I will mention later).

4. Ventilation

It can be said that ventilation is one of the excellent features that I like in the Coleman Sundome 6 person tent review most.

Thanks to a double-wall design and use of mesh on the ceiling and two sides, you will never feel hard-to-breath while staying in this tent. Ever so wonderfully, symmetrically-arranged windows allow airflow to circulate freely to increase ventilation.

Since the ceiling is made from mesh, it delivers excellent ventilation to prevent hot temperatures and discomfort inside. Furthermore, a floor vent at the back and the zippered door make it not too hot when the windows are closed at night.

Although the rainfly doesn’t cover the tent, it won’t block the air. So, it is a good point, especially in the hot days.

Even, the awning’s design at both the front and the back allows it to leave the windows open during the rain (but remember that it’s just ok for mild rain).

5. Durability

For a low-budget option, the Sundome 6 is quite durable.

With a thick and tarp-like material, the tent doesn’t look flimsy. Although the seams might lack sealing, the stitching is free of faults and looks organized in general.

On the other hand, I also found some weak parts while using it; however, they might last for years if you treat them gently, in my opinion.

For instance, the poles are made from fiberglass which is less tough than aluminum. Besides, you should watch out for the zippers for both the door and back vent because they sometimes snag while in use.

One more thing that you should do to make this tent more durable is to upgrade the tent stakes.

6. Assembly

The good news is that this tent is one of the easiest ones to set up and take down.

Since the poles are kept standing by sleeves, all you just do is to put them together. Then toss the rainfly over the tent, but remember to use the third pole to support it above the entrance.

No matter who you are, a pro camper or beginner, you can assemble this tent within 10 minutes.

As a beginner, it’s best to follow the instructions included inside the bag to complete easily (I think you should try in your backyard before going camping).

My Own Experience with the Sundome 6

To be honest, I rather like this unit after using it a couple of times.

One of the biggest reasons why I picked it is that it had a good space for my group of three people and more importantly, a reasonable price for my budget.

Instead of stuffing enough six people, I need more space to relax as well as storing my backpacks. Though I didn’t like the small storage pockets inside the tent, even it doesn’t have a gear loft.

Overall, everything was okay for my first trip.

My second one was not good at all.

Since I thought that the WeatherTec System was helpful for keeping the water out, it was only right in dizzy weather. After a heavy rain, I woke up and found some puddles on the tent floor. Moreover, the walls had wetted out and soaked through.

Perhaps, the water ran down the rainfly which only covers about halfway down on all sides. Then it made contact with the tent and leaked through the seams where the wall is attached to the floor.

Hence, for the third time, I decided to buy a tarp that is around 20 x 10 feet to place on top of the tent. And it really did it. No water inside the tent though I experienced a rainy night.

Despite these things, the rest of this tent is good enough for its price.

Enjoying fresh air is the thing that I prefer most. Simply open the roof vent of the tent to get free flows of air. A zippered mesh door and back wall with a floor vent also adds more the breezy air.

Let’s Show You the Good and Bad Points Again

1. Pros

2. Cons

Best Alternatives

In fact, the Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent is a hard-to-defeat option at the cheap price range.

However, if you try to expand your wallet a little bit, this tent will step in competition with other opponents from other well-known brands.

Be curious to know?

Down here now, guys!

#1. ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 6-Person Tent

As compared to the Sundome 6, the ALPS Mountaineering Meramac comes with a relatively inexpensive price range. It also has a simple two-pole design, generous use of mesh for airflow, and similar peak heights and floor dimensions.

But this one offers the full-length rainfly on the sides and seam-sealed construction. So, it is better quality in the weatherproofing area. Additionally, it includes two doors, allowing entry and exit simpler. Ah, one more thing is that the materials used throughout this tent are superior.

For me, the Meramac 6-person tent is well worth considering.

#2. Coleman Evanston Screened Tent

Although the sleeping compartment of both tents is equivalent, the Evanston features a large porch to give extra space to lie around or store extra gear.

Furthermore, the mesh on the front is designed to prevent bugs, especially if you are going camping in mosquito-ridden places. And this feature is a big plus so that you have somewhere to sit or relax without being disturbed.

#3. Coleman Instant Cabin Tent

Another 6-person tent from Coleman that I want to introduce in this part is the Instant Cabin. This one is similar to the Sundome 6 with the same floor dimensions for two queen-size airbeds, one single door, and 6 feet of headspace.

The only difference might be the quick assembly as its name suggests.

In fact, it just takes about 60 seconds and then everything will be finished perfectly. Ever so wonderfully, it features the quick-deploying and strong frame, making this version heavier than the Sundome 6.

Although I like the idea of quick setup, I’m not convinced about paying an extra fee to get this one.

#4. Wenzel Evergreen Tent

When it comes to the size, the Wenzel Evergreen Tent is similar to the Sundome 6 (unlikely to fix enough 6 people); however, this model has more extra features.

The first thing is that its rainfly covers much further down the tent, offering extra weather protection. Aside from two small storage pockets, it includes a gear loft so that you can store your kits. Ah, a removable curtain allows you to separate the tent into two compartments.

If you live its layout, opt for it. Just remember to be gentle with the poles because they are pretty delicate.

FAQ

Conclusion

At the close of the Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent review, this product stands well as compared to other competitors above regarding its features. But if mentioned in its price range, no tent can compete for sure.

The ventilation is good while the packed size is also great for carrying around. Although I’m not satisfied with the leaking when the rain sets in, it’s okay if you prepare a tarp for covering the top of the tent.

And for a low price, you cannot say fairer than that.

If you think that this tent is a proper choice for your next camping trip, ORDER IT NOW.