I went from small domes that I couldn’t stand up in to larger ones that I can, to an Oztent to hiking tents and now have a 2 man instant swagger.
All have their pros and cons, but as a solo traveller who’s 192cm tall I’ve realised I’d prefer to compromise on a smaller tent which is lighter, smaller and usually easier to set up. I just make sure there’s a vestibule to protect the entrance and room enough to sit in the rain
Honestly, it’s a great tent. I use it for car camping cos it’s relatively easy to throw on the roof of the 4wd, and I have a sea to summit for motorbike camping.
I’ve used the swagger in the rain and it was great. Better for me than a swag.
I wanted to add that, as the kids get older, you/they may want more space. We're a family of 5. We used to all camp in a 10p Coleman. Once my eldest turned 11, he wanted his own tent. Now my kids are 11, 15, and 17, and we use a 6p (me and husband), 4p (11 & 15 yr olds), and a 2p (17 yr old). It is definitely much easier to find a flat spot to set up with smaller tents. The kids also set up their own tents. It's easier to keep a smaller tent warm too.
For a family of 7, I'd suggest 2x 6p tents. We used our 10p Coleman tent for 11 yrs before we stopped using it. Our smaller Colemans get used at least 7 times per year. They're still going strong.
A few of our scouts use Coleman tents; one has a two-person, and one has a 4-person. They lack a vestibule for storing gear to keep it out of the rain, but they are quick to set up and they aren't horrible quality. Our scouts have been using theirs for a couple years now.
You probably already know, but a 2-person tent will only sleep two tiny people, and 4-person MIGHT fit three.
I feel like location may be a big factor. My troop mostly car camp. Very infrequent backpacking.
I’m in Missouri and a $40 Coleman 2 or 3 person is a great starting point. If they stick with it upgrade from there.
Inner_West_Ben
