Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

I have the Coleman instant cabin for car camping, it’s super heavy but it has lasted many years of hard use through rain, snow, hail, and 115F desert trips. It’s way too heavy for anything besides car camping, but it sets up in about 2 minutes max, and has been really sturdy. The 4 person model fits a queen sized mattress in it.

We moved from a Coleman 4P to a 6P, and it was a game changer, WAY more space for cots, and you don’t feel like you’re rolling over someone to get out at night. I’ve heard great things about Gazelle tents, especially for their quick setup, but I also agree they run a bit tight if you’re factoring in cots rather than foam pads. If vertical space matters (standing up, changing clothes, or convincing the dog to not sleep on someone’s sleeping bag), I'd say go for the biggest tent you can justify lugging in your car. Comfort > convenience when you’re camping with the fam.

For car camping, I’d get a Coleman 4p. I’ve had one for 5 years. Use it 3-4 times a year when I’m not backpacking. Then you can afford to get yourself a nicer backpacking tent. 3p Tarptent. Or 3p Marmot. I wouldn’t go down to 2, if you’re taking the pup.

Both of my kids have them and use them often. I have borrowed them a couple of times and really loved the fact that they block that unwelcome morning sun. They don't seem heavy, they are just coated with a different material that maybe adds ounces. I am speaking of the Coleman 4 man tents however.

Two people in a two person REI Backpacking in a four person Coleman with a blanket on the top of the two person. The four person had ice on it , but we were cosy warm inside. Some gear inside the 2 person. Some gear between the 2 and the 4 person and some gear in the vestibule.

And Coleman has a super popular four person tent, that will accommodate two comfortably, has that expanding bag, and easy set up and take down. The stakes are junk of course.

I picked up a used Coleman four person tent for my boys for $40 on eBay. They started sleeping in it when they were 4 and 6 years old.