Camping won’t be complete without a tent. You can head off to the most remote wilderness, bring a whole set of survival gear, and stay there for many days, but without a tent, it’s just a picnic, an escapade, or whatever you want to call it—but not camping.
Of course, other temporary shelters—a trailer, a motorhome, or a cabin—may fit the criteria, but nothing gives off that rip-roaring camping vibe more than a well-setup tent.
That said, tents are not made the same. Some are bigger and more durable than others. They also come in different sizes and styles to suit various camping needs. So, before purchasing a tent for your upcoming camping trip, you must consider the following things.
- Purpose – Are you going hiking? Is it windy where you’re going? Do you have to leave your vehicle and walk for several miles to get to the campsite? You need to ask these questions because your comfort and well-being depend on the answers. For instance, a backpacking tent is ideal if you are hiking because it’s light and easy to pack up. Meanwhile, you can bring a larger and heavier tent if you are camping where you will park your car.
- Size – How many are sleeping in the tent? Is everyone comfortable with sleeping with other people? A family tent will be ideal if you’re camping with your family. But that’s slightly difficult to set up and store. However, you can consider setting up several smaller tents and splitting the group.
- Material – What is the climate at the campsite? What does the weather report say? Preferably, you should choose a waterproof tent to protect yourself from rain. There are breathable tents that can repel moisture while keeping the inside of your tent well-ventilated. Apart from the covering, the frame must also be hard-wearing and corrosion-resistant.
- Setup – You don’t want a tent that takes too long to set up. You’ll probably travel for hours, and the last thing you want once you arrive is to get irritated by a tent that’s almost impossible to assemble. Well, most tent assemblies are complex for beginners and take some getting used to. It’s best to buy a tent several days before your camping trip so you can try setting it up at least once.
- Design – Lastly, what tent style do you prefer? A dome tent with its two crisscrossing semi-circle poles? A tunnel tent, which is like a dome tent but with the poles parallel to each other? Each tent design offers a different interior structure. Better choose one that will serve your specific camping needs.
These are just the general criteria for choosing a tent. As you gain more camping experience, your benchmarks also change. You become meticulous and concerned about more specific product details.
For instance, you start comparing brands and reading legitimate online reviews to gain more insights into expert tent selection.
Comparing Coleman Flatwoods vs Coleman Sundome
While shopping around for a tent, two specific products will crop up as the best choices—Coleman Flatwoods and Coleman Sundome.
They are both suitable for various camping requirements, providing comfortable and safe shelter in all kinds of environments. Here’s a quick look at their features.
| Feature | Coleman Flatwoods | Coleman Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 9x7 feet | 9x7 feet |
| Capacity | 2 to 6 persons | 2 to 6 persons |
| Weight | 4 kg | 4.4 kg |
| Setup Time | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Seasonal Suitability | spring, summer, and fall | spring, summer, and fall |
| Material | Rainfly: polyester Poles: fiberglass Welded floor seams | Rainfly: polyester Poles: fiberglass Welded corners and inverted seams keep water from entering |
| Protective Properties | wind and water resistant | wind and water resistant |
Both tents offer similar features, some of which, such as the welded floor seams, are presented differently but mean the same. This means you can’t tell which one is better unless you try both in the same environment.
That’s why reading independent reviews helps you choose wisely. Nonetheless, let’s discuss some essential features and how you can maximize them.
Dimension and Capacity
These two properties go hand in hand, as larger tents offer more capacity. But whether a tent’s size is enough depends heavily on individual taste.
After all, not everyone is comfortable sleeping with three more people in a tent, even if Amazon says the tent can accommodate four people.
Nonetheless, Flatwoods and Sundome are big enough for six people, so a group of five can bring just one tent, assuming they’re keeping their luggage in their car.
Weight and Setup Time
Here comes the interesting part, and it may well be the clincher. Most shops claim Coleman Flatwoods weighs only four kilograms, and Coleman Sundome is 0.4 kg heavier.
But both can be set up within 10 minutes, which isn’t surprising since you can exert extra effort rather than spend more time setting up the tent to compensate for the 0.4 kg weight difference.
Another way of looking at it is that the added weight may indicate a difference in quality. Perhaps the Sundome’s rainfly has more material that makes it a bit heavier, but it also makes it more waterproof.
Weather Resistance
You can scan pages of information about these tens, but ultimately, it all boils down to which one can better protect you from the elements.
Thanks to advancements in manufacturing technology, today’s tents are much more resilient. They are made from more durable materials and with more energy-efficient designs.
New features like Coleman Flatwoods’ WeathertecTM system, including inverted seams and welded floor, make the tent waterproof on all corners. The poles are also made of steel (a mix of carbon and iron), which is resistant to corrosion.
Meanwhile, Coleman Sundome has large windows and a ground vent for better aeration. Its frame is also notably strong, able to withstand up to 35+ mph winds. There’s even an e-port, allowing you to bring power inside the tent more easily.
How to Take Care of Your Tent
Coleman Flatwoods and Coleman Sundome get their share of bad reviews, whether about their poles flexing or the fabric getting ripped apart quickly.
One thing you should keep in mind, though, is that these tents aren’t made to last forever. They will snap at some point. But when that will happen is primarily up to you.
Think about it, why do some tents break easily while others last, even if they all come from the same brand? It’s because those that last long are well taken care of. Here are a few tips on how to do the same for your tent.
- Be careful when taking the tent out – Before leaving your home, see that you know precisely how the tent was previously stored. Knowing where each component is in the bag lets you pull them out gently. If one of the poles or stakes gets caught in the flysheet and you force it out, it will rip the flysheet apart.
- Protect the tent fabric from ultraviolet rays – Do you know why clothing experts advise against sun-drying clothes? It’s because they know the sun’s UV rays are the real culprit to color fading, not the bleach or the washing machine. UV rays can destroy any pigment. So, if you want your tent to look crisp and vibrant for longer, protect it from the sun. Cover it with a tarp during the day if you can pack it up immediately.
- Always clean it after each use – Many insects may have crashed onto your tent throughout your camping trip, and you don’t know. If they get smashed in the process, their bodily juices, which will decay in a few days, may damage your tent’s fabric.
Conclusion
Choosing between two tents with almost similar qualities is indeed tricky. It would help if you try both of them or inspect them personally rather than rely on online details. Reviews are also helpful because you learn about other people’s valid opinions.
Ultimately, once you’ve decided and bought the product, using it properly and taking care of it are the key to maximizing its qualities.
FAQs
Is Coleman Darkroom worth it? ›
Coleman's Dark Room technology is phenomenal at not only keeping light out of the tent during the day and at night, but also at keeping heat out of the tent. Coleman's Dark Room tents are definitely a luxury for hot summer days and also for sleeping in while camping.
Does Coleman Sundome tent come with stakes? ›So this Sundome 4 came with 1 tent body, 1 rainfly, 2 tent body poles, 1 rainfly pole, 1 doormat, 2 guy out lines, and 9 stakes.
What is the price of Coleman Sundome 4 person tent? ›Buy for ₹7,658.08
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The Coleman Sundome 2-Person Tent is designed for quick and easy setup, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors. Great for camping in warm weather, this backpacking tent is designed with large windows and a ground vent to help push warm air up and out to keep you comfortable.
Which is better Lightroom or darkroom? ›So, if you are a beginner in photography and need affordable tools for basic photo editing, Darktable is free and comes with the necessary photo editing features. However, if you are a professional photographer who needs advanced editing tools, performance, speed, and stability, you cannot go wrong with Lightroom.
Are darkrooms obsolete? ›Darkrooms used red lighting to allow photographers to control light carefully, so that light-sensitive photographic paper would not become overexposed and ruin the pictures during the developing process. Because of the popularity of digital photography today, darkrooms are not as popular or necessary as they once were.
How long should a Coleman tent last? ›Coleman tents can last at least 5 years if they are well taken care of, and are used lightly. This includes but is not limited to using a footprint while camping, cleaning and drying the Coleman tent after use, and storing it properly when not in use. This is a picture of me unboxing the Coleman Sundome 6 Tent.
What is Coleman Sundome tent made of? ›| Brand Name | Coleman |
|---|---|
| Closure Type | Zipper |
| Fabric Type | Fiberglass,Polyester,Tricot |
| Water Resistance Technology | 10 |
| Base Material | Polyester |
For maximum holding power it is important to place the tent stake straight into the ground. Don't be tempted to angle the tent stake. This is because just a slight angle of the tent stake towards the tent reduces holding power a lot.
How much does a 6 person Coleman Sundome tent weigh? ›| Special feature | Rainfly |
|---|---|
| Capacity name | 6 |
| Style | Led Light System |
| Frame material | Fiberglass |
| Weight | 20 Pounds |
What size tent is best for 4 people? ›
As a general rule, a family of 4 will need at least a 6 person tent. A family of 5 will likely need an 8P tent and a 6-person family will need a 10P tent. However, these guidelines aren't always accurate. Some very large tents will actually only sleep four people comfortably, especially if you are using air mattresses.
What is the easiest tent to set up for 4 people? ›| Name | Setup Time | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Nemo Hornet OSMO™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent | 10 min | 3 people |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent | 5 min | 4 people |
| Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup | 60 sec | 4 people |
| AYAMAYA Pop Up | 10 sec | 6 people |
Floor Size (Front x Depth): 9 ft. x 7 ft. Center Height: 4 ft.
What is the size of a Sundome? ›| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 23.46 x 6.93 x 6.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.75 x 6.75 x 23.75 inches |
| Brand Name | Coleman |
| Model Name | Coleman Dome Tent for Camping |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
For new users, Darkroom will cost $3.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
What is the downside of Lightroom? ›When it comes to disadvantages, Lightroom falls short for creating raster images or creating vector shapes. Other cons include: No advanced editing tools: Most of the editing functions you're used to seeing in Photoshop aren't included. If you need heavy image editing, Photoshop is a much better choice.
Is darkroom any good? ›Easy to use but powerful. If you're a professional photographer, Darkroom is a great piece of software to have in your collection. It's very user friendly and easy to learn, and has many options and functions for your photography. I also like the dropbox intergration.
Are dark rooms better? ›Sleeping in complete darkness is very important for your sleep quality. Light exposure during sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Creating a dark room for sleeping can be tricky, but it's worth it for a good night's rest.
How long do darkroom prints last? ›Traditional darkroom prints should last for hundreds, if not thousands of years if properly processed and stored. I use a two-stage fixing process, tone prints using selenium to increase their permanence and wash them using an archival print washer.
Do you need to waterproof a Coleman tent? ›Do Coleman Tents Need to be Waterproofed? Coleman tents need to be waterproofed if it will be subject to more than 30 minutes to 1 hour of heavy rain. If so, seam sealant is to be applied to at least the inverted flooring seam inside the Coleman tent.
Is Coleman good for camping? ›
It's no secret that Coleman campers aren't the top-of-the-line. However, they're an excellent option if you're looking for an affordable and easy-to-use camper. You'll want to set your expectations accordingly and understand you're not purchasing a luxury rig.
What is the longest lasting tent? ›Canvas tents Last For A Long Time
Canvas tents can last a very long time and is made from thick, durable cotton that is heavy but ideal for car camping in winter camping due to its insulation properties. It's also very UV resistant compared to most manufactured materials.
Snag-free pole sleeves make setup fast and easy while a convenient, expandable storage bag makes packing and toting this 8.7-lb. camping tent a breeze. The Coleman Sundome 3-Person Dome Tent includes a 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty.
Are Coleman tents nylon or polyester? ›Coleman tents are usually made from polyester, not nylon. As a general rule, most Coleman tents have tent bodies made from 68D polyester, while the rainfly is usually made of a slightly thicker polyester, which is 75D polyester.
Are Coleman tents blackout? ›Coleman family tents will often feature their innovative blackout bedroom technology that helps to keep you asleep past sunrise by keeping the bedroom pods dark.
What is the most stable tent shape? ›Geodesic or Semi-Geodesic Tents
The overlapping tent construction creates a very stable structure. They are almost always freestanding. Geodesic tents are also usually a round shape as this allows rain, wind, and snow to go over the tent.
To prevent water-related issues: Seek higher, drier ground so you have less moisture in the air to form condensation inside the tent as temperatures drop.
What is the best shape for a tent? ›A round end tent will disperse the wind much easier than a square end simply because of its shape. It will do this whether it is a small or large tent. A square end will tend to catch more wind on its flat sides.
How tall is Coleman Sundome tent? ›If you're just getting into backpacking, one rule of thumb is to keep the weight of your first backpacking tent under 2.5 to 3 pounds per person. It can be lower than that, but that's a good upper limit to shoot for and one that's still relatively easy to carry in a backpack.
What is the most popular tent size? ›
Any events organizer, promotor, or tent rental company expert will know that there's no real 'standard' when it comes to tent lengths. While 30' and 40' wide systems are the most popular, end-customers often expand their tents to unique lengths to suit the needs of their events.
What size tent for 60 people? ›| Number of Guests | Seating Only | With Bar & Buffet |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 20' x 20' 400 sq ft | 20' x 30' 600 sq ft |
| 60 | 20' x 30' 600 sq ft | 20' x 40' 700 sq ft |
| 80 | 20' x 40' 800 sq ft | 20' x 50' 1000 sq ft |
| 90 | 30' x 30' 900 sq ft | 30' x 40' 1200 sq ft |
4P Tents - Luxurious for 2-3 people with interior gear storage space. Tight but possible to fit 3 people and a child or dog. A very tight fit for 4 average adults. 6P Tents - Comfortable for 4 plus gear.
Is a 4 person tent too big for 1 person? ›However, it is not a good idea to choose the exact size tent for the exact number of people. Even though it says a 4-person tent, it will only be a good idea for up to three people to sleep in that tent.
What is the easiest and fastest tent to set up? ›Pop-up tents are the fastest tents to set up. They're already assembled, with all the extra-bendy poles already inside the tent sleeves, and packed into a round package. You simply need to take the pop-up tent out of the bag, and, as the name implies, it pops open.
Does a 4 person tent actually fit 4 people? ›4 People do fit into a 4-person tent, but this would only give 4.5″ between each shoulder for an average adult. Most people would be more comfortable with 3 people in a 4-person tent, or even two people if gear will be stored in the shelter.
How long is a Coleman Sundome pole? ›A: Dayana, The Coleman poles are 27" long each (68.58 cm) so they are longer than what you cu…
How big is the Coleman tent 4 person? ›Get to the fun faster with the Coleman 4-Person Instant Up Tent with Darkroom Technology. The Instant Up frame is simple and quick, resulting in setup in less than 2 minutes. With a 2.4m x 2.4m floor, this tent is big enough to comfortably fit one queen airbed and still have room to move.
Can a queen air mattress fit in a 4 person tent? ›A 4 person tent can fit a queen size air mattress. A single-tall queen size air mattress is usually 80” x 60” x 10” (L x W x H), and a 4 person tent is an average size of 100” x 85”.
What is difference between Sundome and Skydome? ›What is the difference between Skydome and Sundome tents? The Coleman Skydome is a cabin-shaped tent compared to the Sundome's dome shape. It has vertical walls and a more spacious interior with 20% more headroom which is ideal for campers taller than 6'.
How much does a Sundome 2 weigh? ›
How much does the Coleman Sundome tent weigh? The Coleman sundome 2 person tent weights 7.3 lbs or 3.3 kg.
What's the best tent for cold weather? ›- Quick cold weather tent Recommendation. ...
- best cold weather tents compared.
- Marmot Thor 2 Person Backpacking Tent.
- DANCHEL Cotton Bell Tent (4/5/6/8 Person)
- Mountain Hardwear Trango 2/3/4 Person 4 Season Tent.
- ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2/3 Person Tent.
- REI Co-op Base Camp 4/6 Person Tent.
- MSR Advance Pro 2 Person Tent.
Which Tent Fabric is the Most Waterproof? DCF is likely considered the most waterproof tent material, followed by polyester, cotton canvas, and then nylon. DCF doesn't require any waterproof coating, whereas polyester and nylon both do.
Do dark room tents really work? ›Do Blackout Tents Work? Because the walls of a blackout tent are much darker and better at blocking light, they absolutely work better than a regular tent without this feature. Not just by a little but by a lot. They are one of those items that does what it says on the tin.
Are darkroom tents good? ›Dark room tents are designed to block daylight, and in some of them this goes to up 98-99%. This is the main function of this design. With this you can definitely sleep longer in the morning. But in a direct daylight, the interior of any tent will become warm.
How much do you make from darkroom? ›| Percentile | Salary | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|
| 25th Percentile Darkroom Attendant Salary | $29,305 | May 25, 2023 |
| 50th Percentile Darkroom Attendant Salary | $33,139 | May 25, 2023 |
| 75th Percentile Darkroom Attendant Salary | $40,473 | May 25, 2023 |
| 90th Percentile Darkroom Attendant Salary | $47,151 | May 25, 2023 |
While anything darker than white — be it a pink or a light blue — is going to be slightly warmer, any light-colored profile will be significantly cooler than a blackout canopy. Bright-colored tents are always cooler than dark-colored tents.
What is the most comfortable thing to sleep on in a tent? ›Inflatable sleeping mats offer the best combination of low weight and sleeping comfort. Down sleeping bags offer the best warmth to weight ratio, but in damp conditions synthetic is better. A three-season tent is usually more than adequate.
Why is a dark room better? ›According to sleep experts, darkness helps to stimulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep quickly. It also helps to keep you asleep until you complete all sleeping cycles. Additionally, darkness also promotes relaxation which helps you fall asleep quickly.
Is Coleman darkroom tent waterproof? ›The WeatherTec system's tub-like floor, welded corners, waterproof 3,000mm waterhead fabric, and inverted seams and taped seams on rainfly and tent body help keep water from getting in; strong frame has been tested to withstand up to 35 mph winds.
Does a darkroom need ventilation? ›
It is essential that there be adequate filtered and humidified air introduced into the room, and that sufficient exhaust is provided out of the darkroom in order to remove fumes. There should be a positive pressure in the darkroom, drawing air in through a vent in the door.
What is the best make of tent to buy? ›- Hilleberg.
- Big Agnes.
- MSR.
- Vango.
- The North Face.
- Black Diamond.
- Alpkit.
- Nemo.
Top 10 alternatives to Darkroom includes InPixio, Fotor, ShootQ, SmartSHOW 3D, Adobe Photoshop, Studio Ninja, GIMP, PicMonkey, Tave Studio Manager and ACDSee. Analyze a range of top Photo Studio software that offer similar benefits at competitive prices.
Are darkrooms safe? ›We use darkrooms as a means of creating images that are sensitive to light in a way of exploring one's creativity. However, working in a darkroom exposes the occupants to many toxic chemicals in a short amount of time and continued exposure to these chemicals can be potentially hazardous to one's health.
How much is darkroom booth 3? ›The upgrade to 3.0 is $195 and is an "in app" purchase. To start the upgrade process simply download, install and run Booth 3.0 over your currently activated 2.
How dark does a darkroom need to be? ›HOW DARK SHOULD A DARKROOM BE? Stand in your dark area for at least five minutes and preferably 15 to 20 minutes. Hold a sheet of white paper up in front of you. If you can see the white paper or anything else, your dark area is not dark enough.
Can you use a bathroom as a darkroom? ›THE BATHROOM DARKROOM
If you need more space, a darkroom in your bathroom or a spare room will work. Make sure you use light-safe bulbs whenever you're exposing screens in your bathroom. If you don't have a screen rack, you can always create your own rack like in the closet darkroom.