I'm looking at both. Have the Coleman instant up Silver but looking at the North Star because it's got built in lights and a vestibule which is very handy. Will probably just get a cheap king's swag for myself.
Currently only have the tent for the family but I snore and keep my wife up so I'm looking at buying a swag so I can sleep next to the car or something.
If the budget can afford it, stepping up from the Coleman Silver to the Gold/Northstar range is a significant increase in quality and experience. Treat it well and it will last for years.
I bought a Coleman Instant Up 6 on the BCF boxing day sales in 2012. It's only just died. The fly ripped where the ropes attached and the UV was starting to make the seam tape brittle and fall apart. I could just get a new fly I suppose. The base is still good. Pretty happy for 10+ years use.
I have Coleman 6 person Instant-Cabin with rain fly. Easy to setup under 5 minutes and big enough for a queen size and double air mattresses with room to spare. Knowing that you have a family and your hands will be tied, this ready to deploy tent will be way better experience to set up than traditional tents and push poles. I've had mine for 5 yrs now it's been a breeze setting up. I've patched the floor here and there due to abrasion against sharp rocks and rocky gravel campsites. Overall it has been robust for the price and have dealt with multiple rainstorms (with the rain fly and never had any leaks) and it's still holding up well. Reviews claim that some have leaks during light rain but I have never experienced any.
BusinessBear53
