2020 update – one more tent!
For the 2020 update I’d like to add the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome tent
This is a great tent featuring fast setup and a little screen room. There is enough room to fit two queen air mattresses making it suitable to sleep 4 comfortably and up to 6 if comfort isn’t a priority.
The separate screen room is a great way to be able to enjoy the outdoor while keep the bugs at bay. Being a separate room might be a good option for people who operate on different schedules. The screenroom would be an awesome place to drink a hot cup of coffee in the morning while not disturbing others who might still be sleeping.
Pros
- Separate screen room
- Fast setup – only 7 minutes!
- WeatherTec system and rain fly
Cons
- A bit snug if camping with a lot of equipment
- The tent really needs to always have the rain fly attached as the back wall is mesh and will constantly open
- Because of the open wall the tent can get chilly quickly.
The Verdict
I like this tent in general and can see how the separate screen porch would be a great addition for many campers. The open back wall and need to constantly have the rainfly does hamper ideal camping conditions for this tent. On perfect warm nights this would be a great tent to sleep in and drink that morning coffee in the bug free seclusion of the screened in room.
Original Article
Coleman are one of the most trusted brands within the camping community.
They’re one of the longest running, the most affordable and easily the most shaky.
What I mean by shaky is that their tents are NOT designed for longevity, torrential rain or high winds.
They are not all high quality or going to last a long time, however, the ones outlined below are definitely the better ones out of the many available.
I’ve reviewed Coleman tents in the past and the 7 in this article are the ones that have stood out to me the most and the reason why they’ve made my top 7 list.
Enjoy.
Who Are Coleman?
Coleman specialize in outdoor equipment and are currently situated in America.
The founder, William Coffin Coleman, began selling pressure lamps back in the 1900’s and became successful with it.
Until this day the Coleman brand have moved onto other outdoor equipment and is currently owned by the Newell Brand.
Because they’re more of a “jack-of-all-trades” type of company, they’re good at lots of things but a master of none, if that makes sense.
Simply put, Coleman have a lot of camping gear at cheap prices but lack quality.
And if we dig even further, you need to do a vast amount of research to find the real quality, which is where I come in with my reviews.
I’ve done the research and discovered what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to Coleman tents.
Keep reading to find out which of their tents are the best!
Coleman’s WeatherTec System
Coleman have a trademarked weather-resistant system called Coleman’s WeatherTec system, and it’s what every single one of their tents possess.
Basically, the corners are welded to strengthen the material and eliminate pin holes and seams are inverted so stitching is on the inside of the tent and not the outside.
The floor also wraps up around the sides to create a “bathtub” effect, preventing ground moisture and rain splashes from seeping through the floor.
Seams are also double-stitched to give it even more protection against the rain.
TL;DR
WeatherTec system:
- Inverted seams – pin holes on the inside of the tent
- Double-stitched seams – strengthens water-resistance
- Welded seams and corners – strengthens floor and hides needle holes
- Bathtub floor – protection against ground water and moisture
1. Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Tent – As luxurious as it gets when it comes to Coleman
The Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Tent is classed as the “ultimate luxurious family camping tent” by Coleman themselves.
It’s packed with features not found on traditional tents. These include:
- Illuminated wall switch with 3 modes
- Angled windows for continued air flow in the rain
- Fast hook-and-loop door system for a quick exit without the need for zippers
- A screened-off porch for protection against the elements and bugs
- Electrical port
- Hinged D-door for even more convenience
- Auto-roll windows
- Mesh roof for stargazing
The Coleman Elite WeatherMaster includes the specially designed WeatherTec system, which almost guarantees you a safe sleep when the weather turns fierce.
It has inverted seams, a fully taped rain fly and welded floors to ensure no rain gets inside.
Wind resistance consists of a wind-responsive frame and guy-out triangles that anchor to the ground, making it stand like a “brick house” during heavy winds.
It has more room than other 6-person tents thanks to the lounge area and 2 rooms.
Use them as bedrooms, living spaces or even gear storage if you need to.
Pros
- High enough for tall people to stand and walk around comfortably
- Highly waterproof as it has no trouble keeping rain out
- Good quality construction – material and seams are all high quality
- Really easy and quick to set up and can be done in 15-20 minutes
- Includes everything you need for a luxury camping trip
Cons
- Can’t use the screen porch in light rain because the rain fly doesn’t cover it
- No flooring inside the lounge room so a tarp is recommended
The Verdict
Everyone who bought this tent have fallen in love with all its bells and whistles.
The LED light with wall switch makes it feel like you’re walking into a real room at night and the hinged door makes entry/exit a breeze.
There are so many features it’ll get anyone not keen on the outdoors to at least try it because it feels like “home away from home”.
I’ve actually reviewed this tent many times in the past and the weatherproofing always amazes me.
I’m a big fan of “Coleman’s Elite line”, and this is the mother of them all!
My Final Rating
2. Coleman Elite Montana 8 Tent – Similar to the WeatherMaster 6 but houses 8 people
The second best tent from Coleman is hands down the Coleman Elite Montana 8 Tent.
It is also designed for luxury camping but actually houses 8 people instead of 6.
There is no screen mesh room but it does includes SOME features the WeatherMaster 6 offers.
These features include:
- Overhead LED light with 3 modes
- Hinged door
- Extended door awning keeps you dry when entering and exiting the tent
- Angled windows keep rain out but continue air flow
- Color-coded poles and sleeves
- Auto-roll windows which open in a snap
- Internal storage pockets
- Electrical port
It also has Coleman’s WeatherTec system, a rain fly, patented welded floors and inverted seams, all combined to create immense rain protection.
The continuous pole sleeve ensures an easy and quick setup every time, which is done in a mere 15 minutes.
The ground vent and mesh ceiling increases ventilation when it’s needed and also provides stargazing on clear summer nights.
The polyguard fabric is strong and durable and designed to last for many seasons.
Pros
- Lots of good features for glamorous campers
- Very fast and easy to set up and take down (advertised as 15 minutes)
- It is highly waterproof and doesn’t leak even in torrential rain
- Has lots of space and enough room to fit 3 queen-sized air mattresses
- It is high-value for money as customers really enjoy their purchase
Cons
- Not as tall as the WeatherMaster 6. The Elite Montana only has a 6.2 feet center height
- The velcro sometimes doesn’t hold the door properly
The Verdict
The Coleman Elite Montana 8 Tent is similar to the WeatherMaster but still unique in its own way.
For one, it’s on the cheaper side which is always good, has more room to sleep and a large awning for staying dry when getting in and out of the tent.
The reviews all seem to point to the fact that it really is a great tent and the cons are only minor.
I mean, if you’re over 6.2 foot you won’t stand comfortably, however, the velcro holding the door isn’t that much of a big deal if you ask me.
The pros heavily outweigh the cons and the weatherproofing is outstanding.
The Coleman Elite Montana 8 is highly recommended!
My Final Rating
3. Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch 6-Person Dome Tent – The best “high-value for money” tent from Coleman
Easily one of my favorite tents from Coleman is the Coleman Steel Creek 6-Person Dome Tent.
Not only is it completely affordable and high-value for money but it is extremely waterproof and even includes the screen room just like the WeatherMaster! (but doesn’t cost as much)
The window awnings keep air circulating in light rain and the lounged area has a mesh ceiling for relaxing in without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
The fast pitch system (pre-attached poles, quick setting feet and color-coded poles) is 50% faster to setup than comparable Coleman tents with a conventional setup.
Reflective guy lines create greater visibility at nighttime and is always needed when camping with kids.
It has durable polyguard material and keeps the tent in working order for many seasons and even has enough room for 2 queen-sized air mattresses and storage pockets for keeping valuables safe.
The bath-tub floor and welded corners stop ground moisture seeping through and into the tent.
The advertised wind resistance rating is 35+ MPH winds.
Pros
- Includes many useful features, my favorite is the screen porch and illuminate guy lines
- Very quick to setup thanks to the “fast pitch” system (7 minutes flat)
- Enough room for 2 queen-sized air mattresses + equipment
- Good rain and wind resistance, which can handle 35+ MPH winds
- Highly affordable considering everything it offers
Cons
- No rain fly coverage over the screen porch
- A little difficult getting back into the carry case
The Verdict
The Steel Creek 6 is the most high-value for money tent I’ve come across from Coleman and the reason why I always recommend it in terms of features, ease-of-use and pricing.
It’s aesthetically pleasing, withstands rough weather and keeps all rain out.
I mean, a little over $100 bucks makes it a no-brainer if you ask me and almost a steal.
Everyone seems to love their purchase and the only complaints I could find was that there is no floor in the lounge area and no rain fly coverage (over the lounge).
Other than that it is a bargain at this price and definitely one of my favorite Coleman tents.
My Final Rating
4. Coleman Evanston Screened Tent – The built-in porch floor creates a more livable lounge area
So the Coleman Evanston Screened Tent is actually available in 2 sizes: 6-person and 8-person.
It ALSO has enough room for 2 queen-sized air mattresses and a screen porch area for bug-free lounging.
Water-resistance consists of Coleman’s special WeatherTec system, patented welded floors and inverted seams.
The advertised pitching time is 15 minutes, has interior storage pockets for keeping valuables safe and window awnings for keeping windows open during light showers.
What makes the Coleman Evanston stand out from the other tents is the flooring that’s built-in to the lounged porch area.
This provides an extra room for sleeping on warmer/clear nights and a much more livable space during the day.
Simply remove the rain fly for more outside visibility and stargazing opportunities.
Pros
- The screen porch actually has a built-in floor so gear isn’t sitting directly on the muddy ground
- Has great ventilation thanks to the 4 large windows and mesh ceiling
- Has amazing water-resistance and a strong frame to withstand the wind
Cons
- No illuminated guy lines for at night. The kids are more prone to tripping over and hurting themselves
- No rain cover for the screen porch area
- The window awnings block a little of the outside view when the rain fly is on
The Verdict
The feature that stands this tent out from its competitors is the built-in lounged floor, and that’s what everyone else seems to loves about it too.
The Coleman Evanston definitely has its cons but it still makes the list for the simple reason it’s high quality, has good weather resistance and the pros outweigh them by a mile.
In my opinion, the cons aren’t much of a big deal; not when it offers a lot for such a low price point.
It is actually cheaper than the Steel Creek and another one of Coleman’s finest tents for the reasons talked about above.
My Final Rating
5. Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent – No stargazing opportunities but one of the best summer tents
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent is much different than the tents above as this one is shaped like a cabin and not a dome.
It pitches in literally 60 seconds thanks to the pre-attached poles.
It just needs unfolding, extending and securing and you’ll be ready to camp in no time (a good idea if you arrive at your campsite in the dark).
It features Coleman’s specially designed WeatherTec system and double thick fabric to withstand years of use and outdoor weather conditions.
There are 6 extremely large windows for continued air flow and outside views during the daytime.
The door is actually the entire wall and can open right up to bring in even more ventilation and breeze to avoid the tent overheating and feeling like a sauna.
It has enough room for 2 queen-sized air mattresses, internal storage pockets for keeping valuables safe and off the floor and stores away in the included carry bag with ease.
Pros
- Actually fits into the carry bag without a struggle
- Super strong fabric, which is double the thickness than its competitors
- Has some of the best ventilation I’ve seen on a tent
- Has awesome rain resistance thanks to the bathtub floor, welded floors and inverted seams
- A tall center height so anyone under 6.5 feet can stand and walk around comfortably
Cons
- No stargazing opportunities which is kind of a big deal considering it IS a summer tent
- Reports of condensation buildup on the roof since there is no mesh
The Verdict
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent hasn’t had the best reputation throughout the years, mostly because customers have received bad quality tents.
This is quite common with Coleman but it shouldn’t be this bad if you ask me.
However, it is still a great tent even though there’s reports of condensation buildup and no stargazing opportunities.
I mean, it has some of the best ventilation I’ve ever seen due to the 6 large windows and extremely large door.
It has LOADS of room for people to sleep and gear, sets up in 60 seconds flat, has awesome waterproofing if a sudden downpour hits and it’s tall enough for people to stand and walk around in!
What more could you want out of a summer tent? I highly recommend the Coleman 8 Instant Tent!
My Final Rating
6. Coleman Sundome 3-Person Tent – A high-value for money 3-person tent
Coming in at a much cheaper price than all other tents mentioned, is quick and easy to set up (advertised as 10 minutes) and has a roomy interior is the Coleman Sundome 3-Person Tent.
The Sundome 3 is apart of the Coleman Sundome series and includes 4 sizes, however, I find that the Sundome 3 is the best as it has the best reviews and I think you and I both are tired of talking about family tents! (lol)
The dome shape and snag-free continuous pole sleeves allow for a quick and easy setup every time.
It features 2 large windows for outside viewing during the day and ground vents for extra ventilation.
The rain fly awning keeps you dry in the rain while you enter and exit the tent and the WeatherTec system keeps rain out.
The internal storage pockets allow for quick and easy access to your valuables.
Just pack it in the included carry case when you’re ready to move onto your next adventure.
Pros
- The zippers are high quality, smooth and watertight and do not snag
- Holds a queen-sized air mattress with enough room for gear
- Has good ventilation and doesn’t have condensation buildup, not even during the night
- Has good rain and wind resistance thanks to Coleman’s WeatherTec and Insta-Clip pole attachments
Cons
- May leak at the seams without any seam sealer applied to it
The Verdict
This tent has received over a thousand reviews and the only major issue I could find was the poor seams.
That is almost expected anyway with a tent of this price and obviously because it’s Coleman.
It is extremely low cost and the way to keep it waterproofed is by applying seam sealer before every trip.
It’s not rocket science, not difficult and not expensive.
That is the beauty of the Coleman Sundome 3; just apply seam sealer and it’s ready to go without faults.
I absolutely love this tent and so have thousands of other customers.
It is true high-value for money and that’s what I personally think about the Sundome 3 😀
My Final Rating
7. Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent – A low price, high-value tent for backpackers
The Coleman Hooligan is available in 3 sizes: 2 person, 3 person and 4 person but I will be reviewing the Hooligan 2 since it has received good feedback from the camping community.
All seams have been factory sealed (rain fly and tent body) to make it ready to go straight out-of-the-box.
The welded corners and bathtub floor increase the water-resistance even more and allows it to keep out heavy rain.
The rain fly does NOT stretch or sag when wet and has great UV-ray resistance to increase total life span.
It has a full mesh body to promote panoramic viewing and stargazing opportunities when the night is clear.
The vestibule provides a safe shelter for your backpack and boots.
Setup is super easy as it only has 1 pole and continuous pole sleeves while reducing total weight!
Bonuses include a flashlight loop for an even glow of light throughout and a storage pocket to keep your valuables off of the ground and easily accessible.
Pros
- Keeps you bone dry even in torrential rain, which is a surprise considering the low price of this tent
- It’s so basic and lightweight yet packs a punch at the same time especially with the full mesh body
- Has vertical walls so you can actually sit up comfortably without touching the sides
- Has panoramic viewing opportunities and lots of ventilation
- Does a remarkable job at standing in strong winds
Cons
- Has strict setup instructions that need to be followed correctly even if you’re an avid camper
- Much heavier than other backpacking tents
The Verdict
I’ve reviewed the Coleman Hooligan 2 in the past and after seeing it again, I’m still in love with it.
I mean, it’s less than $50 and has more features other tents with a higher price range.
It’s not exactly lightweight but if you split the weight between you and your camping buddy you can make it work for you.
It stands strong in the wind, keeps all rain out, allows for a peaceful stargaze when the time is right and even has a vestibule for storing equipment!
It is extremely high-value for money and exactly why it’s one of the top Coleman tents!
My Final Rating
Final Words – Which Coleman Tent Is The Best?
For the absolute best luxury camping experience you’ll want to go with the Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Tent.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget and still want the benefits of the screen lounge, easy setup and lots of space, you can’t go wrong with the Coleman Steel Creek.
The reason why most of the tents in this list are of bigger size is simply because that’s what Coleman specialize in, and I’ve found that out firsthand.
They’ve definitely got some good smaller tents but their family tents perform best.
So to conclude this article, and to let you know what I think the best Coleman tent is, it is hands down the Coleman Elite Montana 8 Tent.
The amount of benefits and positives it provides with little-to-no negatives is astonishing.
It’s definitely not cheap but not expensive either, it is just right for those who want something high-value without breaking the bank.
Well that concludes this article and if you have any questions or concerns, please ask me in the comments below!
Otherwise thanks for reading and have a great day 😀
Great reviews. I really enjoy the outdoors and going camping. These Coleman tents look great and I never knew that some of them could get so big. I found the cabin shaped one to be quite interesting as well. It sure is a great feature to have the tents be water resistant or that sure could cause an issue!
Large family tents have been around for a very long time and Coleman are one of the most affordable brands for family tents, hence why most family campers you see will have a Coleman tent. They are high value for money.
I enjoyed learning some of the luxury tent options. With my wife and 3 daughters, we are definitely luxury campers!! It’s awesome that some tents come with LED lighting now, I did not know that!
One question: you mentioned an electrical port on some of these models. Is this just a protected opening where a power cord can be fed through while the tent remains closed?
That is exactly what an electrical port is TJ. They are located near the bottom of the body but under the rain fly so no rain can get inside.
Wow I never realized how many perks there were in tents. You really did an in depth analysis. That first one looked amazing, you got me at mesh roof for stargazing, I’ve always wanted to see the aurora borealis and I never realized until I read it what it was designed for. How amazing would that be?
The Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch 6-Person Dome Tent looked and sounded like the next runner up however. Great perks and more economical. I honestly have never much been into camping but with perks like these I can see myself making it happen.
The good thing about camping is that there’s something for everyone and I’m happy you’ve discovered that for yourself.
With all the perks of the Coleman Steel Creek and the fact that it’s the most high value for money from Coleman, you can’t go wrong if you choose this tent.
Great find my good friend and I wish you all the best!
I always knew that Coleman was the best but wow! This was so detailed and informative. I know where I am going to get camping gear from now on. Thank you so much for all the info!
They sure are AJ! And thanks for your kind words brother, I hope to see you around here more 🙂
Wow! I am not an outdoor person, but looking at these tents for camping, they are awesome. I feel like I wanna go try camping. You really do some deep research on these products. It is very informative.
Hello Precilla.
If you’re new to the outdoor game the tent I recommend for you is the Coleman Steel Creek, as it’s proven time and time again to be waterproof, it’s extremely affordable and has lots of useful features fit for a newbie (porch, illuminate guylines, fast pitch option, etc.
Hope this helps with your decision making.
Hi Brandon!
This was a really interesting and educational article. Camping has certainly come a long way since I tucked my sleeping bag in the bed of my Grandpa’s pickup truck and slept under the stars! (along with all the mosquitos)
I had no idea there were tents large enough for 8 people with led lights and electrical ports built in!
I liked that you pointed out the differences in the actual construction, things I would not have known to ask about.
Great job, thanks for the education!
Kyle Ann
There are actually larger tents than 8-persons and can go right up to about 12-16 person! Although they do start getting highly expensive at that point.
Wow a really well written article, it was very informative and detailed you have put so much work into it and it will definitely help people who want to purchase a good tent for a great camping trip, well done keep up the good work.
Thanks Helena. I wish you all the best 🙂
Great information, I have always thought Coleman was one of the better camping lines out there. Guess I need to look past the hype. We camp regularly in a Mountain region that is prone to changes in weather about every other minute. It is good to be prepared for all sorts of weather including snow in the middle of summer where we are. I am not sure any of these would be great at this. Is there a tent line that you would recommend for tougher environments and weather?
Of course they are good and all, but you just have to be careful with them because some tents are really good and high value for money and some are downright bad and a big fat rip off.
One brand you’ll want to check out is the Eureka tent line. They are great for mountain camping and anywhere you’ll experience unpleasant weather conditions.
Hope this helps and answers your question Maryanne.
This a FANTASTIC review on Coleman’s products and quality rating. Going after the design and stylish structure, I have my preference to go for Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Tent which is the first image shown in order.
Though I am not a camper, your review had given me a bird’s eye view of all the existing tents of Coleman by citing details and inclusion the cost. Who knows what the future holds? If any trip for camping elsewhere crops up, I will definitely recall your useful review and act accordingly.
You have done a great job and thanks for the review.
All the best in your online manoeuvre .
Cheers!
That is a great choice my friend and you certainly cannot go wrong with that tent if you’re after a total glamping experience.
Cheers for the comment and I hope to see you back when you’re ready to purchase 🙂
I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and we have used Coleman gear for many years. From lanterns to sleeping bags to camping stoves. Never actually had a tent because we liked sleeping right under the stars. But, now that I am older and retired, I am really happy to see this review. Your number one tent is awesome. It is cool that some come LED lights now, very convenient. One thing I was wondering, are these pet friendly? My son takes his dogs with him camping and fishing. Would the floors hold up under large dog claws?
Great information that is really useful for outdoors folks.
I love the Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Tent as well.
It definitely has a tough floor and I have no reason to think it can’t withstand the dogs claws because so many people love how strong the floor is.
If you’re really worried, leave the dogs in the porch area as there is no floor and prevents damages from occurring in the first place.
Hope this answers your question, Curtis.
Wow! Some really great insight! I love camping and being outdoors but haven’t been able to for a while! I’ll have to get me one of these when it is time!
You should really consider even just a weekend trip in the great outdoors.
A weekend getaway is always better than nothing and it offers amazing benefits.
Hey Brandon,
Thanks for this awesome tent review! I’ve purchased a few Coleman products and that particular brand has never disappointed.
I’m looking to go camping for the summer, but I’ve always had a facility to bunk in, so I’ve never had the true experience of living in a tent.
Maybe I’ll try it for once in my life!
– Eric
You should try it Eric, as it’s truly a different experience than a normal bed or cabin and these Coleman tents are highly affordable, especially for newbie outdoorsman like yourself.
Wow, so much great information from your article. I’ve never heard of Coleman products. I know several of my friends are obsessed with camping and they are always looking for camping supplies. So this article is very helpful. I will definitely forward this information to them. I will also bookmark your page too. My husband and I are planning to go on a trip sometime next year, I will consider maybe getting a tent. I will be back when the time comes. Thank you so much for the article.
Hello Hong. As I talked about in the article, Coleman are well known and have built up a strong reputation for outdoor products so I’m really surprised you haven’t heard of them yet. More information on Coleman can be found here.
This is one of the best reviews out there on Coleman’s tents. I love each and every detail written on each product.
It does help a lot to make an educated decision which tent is right for each person and their time and place where they like to camp out.
Thanks for this review. 🙂
Hello Sylvia. I’m so thankful that you say something like that. I put a lot of time and effort into my reviews so your kind words mean a lot 🙂 Have a wonderful day! Heck, have a wonderful year!