You can also save quite a bit of money by opting for a tarp instead. These will run you anywhere from $10-20, depending upon your desired level of quality. 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.
Good ventilation is often what sets your basic Coleman tent apart from the higher end tent options with dedicated ventilation features. The biggest tent in the world won’t feel all that spacious when two or three are trying to climb through one door. Another important coleman 6 person tent consideration is the height and size of the people in your group. No, the tent does not have any vestibules to keep your muddy boots and outdoor clothing, etc. No, a floor saver is not included and there is not one available to purchase separately made by Coleman.
Reviewers were generally unhappy with how little storage space there was. Many reviewers have complemented this dome tent on its durability and it can stand up to quite a few years of use. None of the materials feel fragile and most purchasers haven’t noticed defects in the stitching, zippers, or fabric. The Coleman Sundome 6 Person tent is great for people who do occasional backpacking and camping. If you need a larger than average tent for your next camping trip, the Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent, also known as the Coleman Dome Tent, definitely deserves a look.
This gives you a measly foot or so of shade depending on where the sun is in the sky, and keeps a few raindrops from poking in when there’s rain. The Sundome is made of a thick polyester that does an admirable job of blocking light and, thus, heat. The Dark Room Technology isn’t just a thing from a sci-fi movie; it’s really dark inside this tent with the windows and door shut. REI gave their camping tent collection a shakeup for 2022, including replacing their mid-range Grand Hut series with the all-new Skyward. Offered in four- and six-person capacities, we brought the smaller version to Moab for testing this spring and… After just one night of moderate rain, we awoke to find multiple areas of standing water inside the tent.
The fabric is their WeatherTec polyester, they do not provide any information about waterproof rating. It is probably not high but you do not need much in any case if the seams are well done. The floor is most likely a polyethylene, there is no official info about this, and it is with welded corners. I would not use it in areas with strong winds, such a fly is not the best option for such weather conditions.
Two people can share the weight of the tent’s components if they need to carry it for a long distance. The Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6 is your basic dome tent with a very unique, specific, and effective feature at a wholly reasonable price. And if the sun shining in your face while you’re trying to sleep is something that worries you, then this Best Buy Winner will be your new best friend.
These tents will work for six people, as long as they’re bringing nothing but their sleeping bags. Being easy to set up, it’s an amazing choice for first-timers and those who don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to put the tent together. While no one is going to be sizing up the Sundome for a thru-hike on the PCT, it’s far from being overly heavy or big for this category. Except for the black light and disco ball you hang from the ceiling (remember, it’s dark inside!) this is a no-frills piece of gear that simply focuses on being a very dark room. What it does offer is perfectly adequate, it just isn’t going to wow you much beyond its ability to block light and keep the same elements at bay that other tents do as well. Beyond the size and the Dark Room aspect, there really isn’t much more praise to be sung about this tent.
Both tents feature a simple two-pole design, similar floor dimensions and peak heights, and generous use of mesh for airflow. However, with its full-length rainfly 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.
This is added so that the rainwater can go away, and this is primarily important for the tent’s version without the porch because the screen room is not fully protected. This makes the tent well ventilated and you can also enjoy stargazing at night. There is a vent at the bottom to allow airflow and prevent condensation. Although it is a dome tent, the ceiling at the center is high enough. This allows one person at the center to be standing up straight without touching the roof. The tent has large windows and vents on the built-in rainfly which provide a lot of areas for the air to flow in and out of the tent.
Nothing is better than spending some quality time with your friends and family. But I know how challenging choosing your tent can be, especially as there are hundreds of models on the market. The Coleman Sundome series is a great option for beginners looking for their first tent. They are low-cost but reliable and this model is big enough to fit the whole family inside. You help support OutdoorGearLab’s product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.