
The North Face
Wawona 6
Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
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Coleman sundome. Get the one with dark room technology. Not all the mesh is zipped up, but it’s pretty close. Keep the fly on and you’ll be OK
Yes, a Coleman darkroom Sundome or Skydome will be very reliable
I had a stoic madrone 4 and water came in through the floor. On the other hand, my 8 man darkroom Sundome keeps me totally dry in severe thunderstorms even though the rainfly doesn’t reach the ground. The tent body is also waterproof.
Go with a darkroom Coleman Sundome or Skydome
Coleman Sundome and Skydome are cheap, easy to set up, and sufficient for all of my car camping needs
I would go with Coleman over CORE. The Sundome and Skydome are both pretty easy set up. I’d recommend a darkroom tent also.
The Coleman Sundome and Skydome are very easy to set up. I like the blackout variations. I can set up the 8 man Skydome in about 15 minutes by myself, but a 4 or 6 man would be even easier. They are very waterproof and there is a reason that they are very commonly used for scouting. If you buy from Amazon, check for a cheaper “used” version - it won’t be
Well, it’s probably not a “tent house” but a 6 or 8 man Coleman darkroom Skydome is a good tent, easy to set up, and durable and waterproof through storms. The Boy Scouts often use Coleman Sundomes because they are so durable.
HikerDirect member? I generally use a Coleman Sundome 6P Darkroom. It is what my cot fits in and I can stand up. I joke with the other leaders that I camp like a Cub Scout leader. A few times I’ve gotten much better rest due to the Darkroom and ear plugs. Occasionally another adult will share with me, but depends on the location and which troop I’m with that weekend.
Coleman Sundome 6 Dark Room
I mean, it isn’t anything super fancy, but I’ve had it since 2018. First few years were family campouts/Cub scouts 1-2x a year. The last 3 have been an average of 1 weekend a month. I have replaced 4 pole sections after they cracked and have 1 more remaining, then I have a newer one to start using. The current one has also been set up and played in by Cub Scouts a good dozen or so time. The skin is greeting worn, but still waterproof. My daughter’s scout troop has been using 4 person ones exclusively for a few years. A bunch got flattened in a wind storm, but it was like 80mph gusts. Coleman replaced most of them and we repaired the rest. They are not ALPS or REI, but for low cost simple tents, they will last a long time if you treat them properly.
I use my Darkroom Sundome 6 year round in all kinds of weather. About wore the first one out after 7 years of scout trips. Next one is ready to go when it dies.
I’ve used a 6P Darkroom year round, including in/on snow, including an 8” overnight drop. I do use a cot and either alone or with 1 other person, also on a cot.
Got our Coleman Darkroom 6 person tent from Costco about 5-6 years ago. Still going strong and we camp 5-10 times a year. It holds up through rain too. I think it was about $65. Really cheap. We use it for just the 2 of us but 3 people could sleep cozy but comfortable.
I reckon get a 6 person tent, those ones you mentioned are too big. We also have a 3yo, and we got a 6 person Coleman darkroom. It means jr can sleep in summer when the sun is still out
The Coleman darkroom is the best tent I've ever owned, my toddler can nap in it during the day in summer. Slightly more work than a Coleman dome, but I put a camping fan on in it and wake up at 7:30-8 in the morning
I got the 6 person too, it's so nice
Coleman dark room tent is great with kids, if you put a camping fan in there for some background noise they'll be napping in no time. I don't take kids camping in bad weather, but the Coleman is sturdy enough if you peg all the ropes in that there won't be a problem
I second this one! Our family of 3 uses this and it’s held up through tropical rain and wind really well. The extra space also makes it less stuffy so everyone sleeps better

The North Face
Wawona 6
Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.

Gazelle Tents
T4 Hub Tent Series
Fastest setup, durable, but bulky and awkward door.

Durston
X-Mid 2
Ultralight, spacious 2P, but not for very strong winds.

Durston
X-Mid 1
Budget ultralight 1P, spacious, but large footprint.

Naturehike
Mongar 2 Backpack Tent (Nylon)
Budget 2P, spacious for price, but not for 4 seasons.

Ranked #1
Durston - X-Mid 2

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Gazelle Tents - T4 Hub Tent Series

Ranked #1
Gazelle Tents - T4 Hub Tent Series

Ranked #1
Durston - X-Mid 2

Ranked #1
The North Face - Wawona 6

Ranked #1
SlingFin - Portal 2