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Reddit Reviews
I would go with a Coleman Skylodge Instant Tent, at minimum 8-person. I have the 8 person and the 4 person and they both are solid. The 8-person should allow for a queen size air mattress and plenty of room for "stuff". If you can swing it, the 10-person may be better because your family can grow with it as you need more space. I wouldn't get it directly from Coleman, they are cheaper elsewhere.
Yes, they make a 10-person Skylodge. I have only used the 8, and it wasn't hard to put up alone. I had it staked and up in about 4 minutes. The 10 shouldn't be much different. Instant tents are very convenient for set up.
My setup is a 10'x20' Costco carport with a Coleman 10 person pop-up tent inside one half (with mesh windows zipped), and the other half of the carport has a rug/carpet floor with a table, a couple chairs for a simple living room of sorts. All under $500.
I'd choose the rectangle one over the dome. Domes in my experience are harder to keep dry. Also limited headroom. I have an instant up 10 man I got from Sams Club and would highly recommend that one. The rectangle one said set up was 20 minutes. Domes are usually longer. My big instant up takes 2 minutes from being spread out to it is standing fully. Same taking it down. Super quick. Plus has stood up great in storms. So might look at some instant up styles.
We use a 10 person Coleman instant tent It is easy to set up and break down, it does have two separate entrances, you can put a rainfly on it but any tent is as waterproof as you make it.
Coleman 10 person lighted. Have to get it when Costco stocks it, but it’s a solid tent
Try Coleman Skylodge Instant tent. Extremely easy to use. Only downside is occasional leakage.
I've got a similar issue. I've got 2-3 tents that I've narrowed down to but haven't pulled the trigger. For size, it really depends on if you want lounging space inside. A 3-4 person tent is good for two adults with gear inside. If you want to set up chairs inside then a 6 person would be better. With a 4yr old you might even be able to get away with a 4 person but a 6 person would allow for growth. Coleman and Kelty have a lot of nice tents that would be fine for what you want. A Skydome with the screen room has the vestibule for a reasonable price. Not to mention being a darkroom tent so you're not having to wake up at first light. Something like the Coleman Skylodge would allow you to walk around inside. If you want to use cots then bigger might be better. I went solo camping with a 4per dome and my cot took up most of the space. There's no chance to fit a second one in there for sure.
I had a 10-person Coleman for about 15 years that I loved and was an amazing tent. It finally got worn out to the point I needed to replace it. This year I got 9-person Core tent that is really nice. It’s instant set-up and lighted, so pretty nice features. HOWEVER, even though we bought the footprint that is made for the tent, the floor of the tent started wearing through anywhere there was little bump on the ground the very first time we used it. It ended up leaking through those spots. I’m wishing I would’ve gone with Coleman again.
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