100 sq. ft.
1
16 lbs. 10 oz
2P, 3P, 4P, 6P
Bargain-basement price; great ventilation.
Questionable build quality and partial rainfly limits waterproofing
(3.9/5)
Performance
Interior Space
We tried an option for six persons in the Coleman Sundome, which has a spacious 10 feet by 10 feet floor space. But, most camping tents don’t perform to their maximum figures in reality, unless you’re planning to be sardines in bed and have little room for equipment or activities during the day, and the Coleman did not disappoint in this regard. To assess the livability of the Coleman, we took two adults with a crib that could be used as a portable bed as well as a dog and discovered it to be Sundome 6 offered ample space to enjoy summertime activities. We could move about without difficulty, and the sleeping area was spacious enough to accommodate the crib as well as a double-wide 52-inch mat. Additionally, the large amount of mesh allowed the tent to feel airy overall. In the real world, we always recommend that you size your tent. Specifically, we believe it’s the Sundome 6 works bests with groups of 3-4 persons. Coleman also has Sundome 4, which is Sundome 4, which we consider ideal for two campers as well as an animal.
Alongside floor space as well as the tent’s peak height, the shape is the other major factor that determines the size of the tent and the level of livability. The 6-foot height was quite tall when standing in the middle of the tent The sloped walls ensured that one step, either way, resulted in our head coming into contact with the walls. With a height of five feet nine inches” in height, and arms spread the tester was capable of touching the edges of the tent when sitting in the middle. This is something that isn’t possible in tents that have more vertical walls such as REI’s popular Kingdom series. The general rule of thumb for the space inside is as follows Budget tents such as the Sundome tend to have more basic poles with walls that are steeply sloped as opposed to more expensive tents that feature more elaborate pole structures that lift the tent up and down which creates more space. If you’re looking to cut costs by using the Sundome the head space is an important compromise.
Weather Protection
If there’s one place that Coleman Sundome 6 failed us, it’s in the area where Coleman Sundome 6 let us down the most, it is the weather protection (or the lack of it). The rainfly extends only halfway down all sides which leaves the bottom of the body of the tent open, and you can’t have any sealed seams to keep the water out. Although the tarp-like fabric on the floor of the bathtub did not let water in the remainder of the construction of the tent was a complete disappointment. We had a moderately wet night at the Sundome and awoke to several puddles on our tent’s floor. Additionally, the walls had been soaked and wet. It is possible that the water dripped down the rainfly and made contact with the tent’s body and then began to flow through the seams between the wall and the seam that is sewn to the floor of the bathtub. In the end, we were quite dissatisfied with its wet weather experience. If you’re worried about experiencing rain while camping You get what you pay for and it’s probably better to consider a different option.
Ventilation
With its double-wall design and extensive mesh used on two sides and on the ceiling, The Coleman Sundome 6 offers very adequate airflow. The other feature that makes it a breeze is it’s rainfly partial that, when tucked away permits a substantial amount of airflow during warm summer evenings. There’s also the option of a mesh zippered door and back wall as well as an air vent on the floor on the rear side of your tent. In the end, we’re pleased by the airiness and lightness and lightness of Sundome 6. Sundome 6 and believe that it’s an ideal partner for camping in warm weather provided you don’t anticipate an excessive amount of rain (see in our ” Weather Protection” section earlier).
Storage and Organization
Like all budget-friendly products that are budget-friendly, there will always have flaws. The Sundome 6 is very limited in terms of storage. In stark contrast to high-end models such as the REI Base Camp 6 and its 14 pockets inside with different sizes and sizes, the Sundome 6 features a paltry two pockets. They are located on the two sides of the tent, around the waist These hanger and flap pockets are built with a cheap mesh. And to make matters worse the small size of these pockets can only handle the basics, such as phones, keys, and a headlamp, or two.
The lack of storage options remains on its exterior. Sundome 6. In contrast to other camping tents, including Kelty’s well-known Discovery 6 model and its rainfly that is full-length Coleman’s design doesn’t provide an area for vestibules. Typically, tent vestibules that are covered can be used to store things like camping chairs, shoes, or any other items you’d like to keep away from the elements. However, this is not like the Sundome. It may not be an issue since your vehicle is likely to be in close proximity however, we’re grateful for the convenience of a vestibule, and this is a shameful omission on this particular occasion.
Build Quality and Durability
Despite its low cost and the lack of features overall The Coleman, Sundome can be described as a sturdy camper that will be able to stand against the test of time. The floor of the bathtub is constructed from a durable material that resembles tarps and the mesh and body aren’t in any way fragile. Even though the seams could be lacking seals of any kind, however, the stitching is clean and appears neat overall. However, there are two areas to be concerned about. First, the zippers on the door as well as the back vents are incredibly expensive and often get caught when used. We’re also not big fans of tent poles made of fiberglass. We find aluminum more durable and less susceptible to breaking. However, the majority of people who are just casual campers and take good care of their equipment will enjoy many years of camping in the Sundome.
Weight and Packed Size
With a weight of 16 pounds 10 ounces Sundome, 6 weighs 16 pounds 10 ounces. Sundome 6 is simple to transport from the car to the campsite and put away when it’s when not in use. To give you an idea it is worth noting that the Sundome 6 is around a 1 pound heavier than Kelty’s Discovery 6 (15 lbs. 4 oz.) and is on par with the Meramac 6 from Alps Mountaineering. (16 pounds. 1 oz. ) The more expensive and more well-equipped the REI Kingdom 6 comes in heavier at 21 pounds and 6 8 ounces. To carry it, the rectangular bag that comes with the Sundome is basic in its design however the zipper’s full length and sturdy handles will make it easy to carry. We would like to have internal dividers similar to those on the REI Kingdom bags however they would likely have inflated prices for Coleman. Coleman.
Set up and Take Down
After testing a variety of tents that accommodate six people and are pleased to say that the Coleman Sundome 6 was one of the most simple to put up and tear down. The two identical poles were easy to put together. Additionally, the absence of color-coding to distinguish them from the body of the tent made it easier to avoid any confusion or mishaps on the route. In addition to the simple installation was the tiny rainfly that is easy to throw across the top of the tent. The Sundome 6’s assembly by yourself was easy that took less than 10 minutes from the beginning until completion at a relaxed pace. Even though Coleman places the directions on the outside of the storage bag we think it’s still an excellent idea to conduct an exercise in your backyard before going to the beach.
Other Capacities and Versions
In this review, we tried the six-person Sundome that we believe is ideal for families consisting of three to four members. For smaller groups or those that are restricted by campsites with small spaces, Coleman offers three other sizes. For groups that fall in the two-to-three-person range, We believe that it’s the sundome’s four-person model will be about enough. If you’re camping on your own or with a furry companion We suggest you go with the three-person model or the two-person one. Be aware that when you decrease the size of your capacity, you’ll reduce a substantial amount of headroom. The Sundome 2 is an example is a peak height of only 4 feet as compared to the 6 in the Sundome 6 which is quite a significant distinction.
Apart from the many options, Coleman also makes the distinctive and intriguing Dark Room Sundome. It is constructed with the same structure that is used in the regular model (it’s only available in sizes of 6P and 4P) The design makes use of a specific fabric inside the tent’s body and rainfly, which blocks 90 percent of light. What’s the reason to bother? First, it’s got significant potential appeal for parents who want to have a cup of coffee without interruption early in the morning. The dark fabric can also help keep the tent cool which is a major benefit during the summer seasons. In terms of cost, it is worth the extra money. Dark Room will set you around 30 dollars more (depending on current sales prices) in comparison to the regular Sundome.
What We Like
- A fantastic cost for a camping tent. It’s hard to find a more affordable option from a well-known outdoor brand.
- Sundome 6 is a great option for storing your items. Sundome 6 is easy to put up, tear down and to store.
- We are awestruck by the durable and thick bathtub floor, which will be able to withstand several decades of camp.
- The extensive mesh construction and the partial rainfly create an air-conditioned tent that performs well even in hot temperatures.
What We Don’t
- The Sundome is built with a steep slope and is therefore not as livable and space of larger camping tents.
- Poor performance in wet weather. After only 1 night of mild rainfall we awoke to numerous areas of standing water within the tent.
- While the partial rainfly can be ideal for encouraging airflow but it also leaves the bottom of the tent open to the elements and prone to being soaked through.
- There’s a general deficiency of storage space. The two pockets within the tent have little to do to keep things tidy There is also no vestibule at the outside.
Comparison Table
| TENT | PRICE | FLOOR AREA | DOORS | WEIGHT | Height | CAPACITIES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Sundome 6 | $108 | 100 sq. ft. | 1 | 16 lb. 10 oz. | 72 in. | 2P, 3P, 4P, 6P |
| Kelty Discovery 6 | $200 | 97.5 sq. ft. | 1 | 15 lb. 4 oz. | 71 in. | 4P, 6P |
| Kelty Tallboy 6 | $230 | 86 sq. ft. | 1 | 14 lbs. 1 oz. | 72 in. | 4P, 6P |
| Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6 | $164 | 100 sq. ft. | 2 | 16 lb. 1 oz. | 72 in. | 2P, 3P, 4P, 5P, 6P |
| Coleman Instant Cabin 6. | $147 | 90 sq. ft. | 1 | 25 lb. 8 oz. | 72 in. | 4P, 6P, 8P |
| Coleman Montana 6 | $117 | 84 sq. ft. | 1 | 17 lb. 0.8 oz. | 68 in. | 6P, 8P |
The Competition
For those looking for budget-friendly tents for camping in cars, Kelty’s Discovery 6 is another well-liked choice. The Sundome 6 – which is often purchased for less than $100 on Amazon-is superior to that of the Discovery 6 ($200) in cost, however, the Kelty provides a substantial increase in performance. With our locale in the humid Pacific Northwest, we place an emphasis on the Discovery’s long-length rainfly. This is not only beneficial with waterproofing and its spacious vestibule is an ideal storage space for items to be stored overnight or even during the daily rain showers. In addition, we believe the materials used in Discovery 6 are of a superior quality to those that are used in the Sundome. If you don’t often camp or you are on a budget and are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Sundome is a great option. If you want to upgrade your specifications and performance we recommend the Discovery.
Another Kelty tent worth keeping in your sights is Their Tallboy 6-inch. It’s a significant increase in price over the Discovery above, which is $230. However, you receive several enhancements, including a lightweight (14 pounds. 1 oz. ), taller peak height (72 in. ), and smaller packed size. However the Tallboy offers a much smaller surface area, with 86 square feet and the rainfly provides only limited protection (like the Coleman one, it leaves the majority of the door, and a portion of the lower area exposed to weather). The Kelty is made of slightly better materials than the Sundome but we’re not able to justify spending more on less space and with the same performance.
Another option that is relatively cheap for the Sundome can be found in an alternative that is relatively inexpensive to the Sundome, which is Alps mountaineering Meramac. Both tents are simple two-pole designs, with identical floor dimensions, and peak heights, and a large mesh to allow airflow. With its full-length rainfly (on the sides of the tent) and seam-sealed construction, it is the Meramac 6 is superior in the area of weatherproofing. Additionally, we appreciate that the Meramac comes with two doors, in contrast to the Sundome’s single that makes getting in and out easy should you need to wake up at the early hours of the night. The materials used in this Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6 are significantly superior. We believe that the combination of improved protection from weather and better materials makes the more expensive Meramac 6 well worth considering.
Within Coleman’s own line-up we like The Cabin 6. Cabin 6-foot. Both tents accommodate two air mattresses of queen size and have only one door to allow entrance as well as exit, and come with six feet of headroom. The 2 Coleman tents vary in several important areas. For instance, the Instant Cabin’s quick set-up time (a stated 60 minutes) is an outstanding feature and difficult for Sundome to beat. The second reason is that it’s important to note that the Instant Cabin doesn’t include a rainfly, even though the tent’s body is claimed to be water-proof without one. The sturdy frame that is quick to deploy on the Instant Cabin adds significant weight–it is approximately 10 pounds more weight than the Sundome. Although we like the idea of putting up a tent quickly we’re not convinced that this Instant Cabin’s worth it with the price and that it’s not the best rain protection.
Then, last but not least, Coleman offers another intriguing budget option for the Montana tent. It is stacked up against the Sundome and the Sundome 6P, the Montana 6P is smaller at an area of 84 square feet. area, but is shorter, with a 68-inch height at its peak, and is priced a bit larger at $117. The area where Montana gains an edge is its livability, thanks to an awning that is included and a higher wall at the end and side. But neither design is particularly appealing in the wet. The Montana rainfly provides more protection than Sundome’s however, it leaves the lower part of the tent’s body exposed to the elements. We prefer the 8-person version of Montana ($220 when we were publication) for families who want to spread out, whereas the larger Sundome is the best budget option among the 6P options.
