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I have a variety of tents based in the situation I am camping in. Backpacking -REI half dome 2SL Car camping short trip - Ozark trail 6 person instant tent (used to have a core instant tent that was better quality. Started leaking on a trip after around 100 nights of use and did a quick replace at Walmart due to continued rain in the forecast. This is also the one I lend out to friends when needed.) Car camping longer trip - Coleman 8person skydome Car camping but walk in site of 1 mile or less Core 6 person dome tent with vestibule.
My 8 man Skydome has kept me dry through multiple severe thunderstorms without additional waterproofing or even being guyed out (it’s my music festival tent.) Just set it up in the backyard and see how it does through a rainstorm.
I just bought the 8 person version this year. Have set it up and taken it down 3 times so far, no issues getting it back in the bag. There's also a strip on the bottom of the bag that can be cut to make the bag larger that I still haven't cut, but in theory will solve the issues you're describing.
I have the 8 and 12 person version of this tent, no issues, and pretty sure I paid more than that for the 8 person. Just be aware that not all tent pads are longer than 8 to 12ft so this may not fit all campsites, which is why I have both.
I have the 8-man version of this tent. SOLID tent, easy to setup, and my main go-to!! The darkroom rainfly also makes it nice for skipping out on early-morning sun and for better privacy during night too.
8 gives me plenty of room as a 6’ 2” guy to stand in and stretch and keep all my stuff in. But you mention 3-4 people….I’d spring for the 10-man model. I’d use the 8-man for two people max, unless you plan to pack everyone in like sardines each night, depending on their size. Also the models below 10-man have no walls in them, it’s just one big space.
Sure thing!! Yeah unless Coleman has changed things since I got mine two years ago, it’s just one big dome tent with one big space. It’s easy to setup and tear down. I’d say the rain fly is the most complicated part of the tent for setup, and even then it fits only one way and will be obvious because of how the logo lines up with the tent door.
I stayed in a 8 person Skydome last week in absolutely torrential rain. We stayed dry, other than were the tent fabric "cupped" as a result of not being pulled taut.
I have the Coleman sky dome. It has lasted me over 6 years. No problems at all. Would highly recommend. Keeps me dry and there is plenty of space. However, six people would definitely be super tight in there. Would not recommend going over four people
Got the Coleman sky dome used, it was awesome! Very roomy. No rain fly for the porch though.
Something to be said for a simple freestanding dome tent. I have 5 tents currently, ranging in size, price, and style. I have no complaints with the Coleman sky dome. I mean… I have complaints about all of them, but still use them all. Even the cheap ozark trail. If you want an expensive brand, I can recommend a couple, too.
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