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Reddit Reviews
I loved having a Coleman instant cabin when I had toddlers and putting up a complicated many pole dome tent was not an option. Lay it out, extend the poles, rainfly, done. But it was a heavy beast. Now that the kids are bigger, I got a Kelly bodie 4 dome tent. It's less than half the weight of the cabin tent, still tall enough inside for me to stand, and with a 5 year old helping me I can still get it erected in 5 minutes or less. When all 5 of us camp together, the biggest kids take the oldest's little dome tent that he uses for cub scouts leaving 2 adults and a 5 year old in the big tent.
You're safe! I have similar tents... My fave is my first Kelty dome tent. I won't tell you how old it is, but it's small, waterproof, and a breeze to set up. I also have a Kelty 6 wireless, a Gazelle 3t, a coleman that I've never even set up, a 2 person random cheap tent that I have used twice, and another little dome tent that I have no idea where it came from. And, I'm still looking. I have issues.
How tall is the air mattress? What time of year do you want to go and how many people will help with set up? I’m in middle TN and really only fall and spring are where storms are less unpredictable. Sounds like you are perfect for a larger tent from Walmart like a Coleman. An REI/kelty dome tent is also a good option if your air mattress is not very tall. Get something cheaper to figure out what you do and don’t like/need.
A dome tent should work just fine at that height. They are easy to set up solo and don’t break the bank. I would advise looking into the Coleman tents since they are cheaper and normally a bit bigger but I have spent many nights in a kelty dome tent. Look into the exact set up for the rain fly on staking it out, that will help if there is a storm forecasted. When going on tent size know that if it says 3 people that means 2 people can be comfortable and 3 people need to be super close so always go down 1 person vs what the tent actually says.
it fits my kelty 6 comfortably with space on the size. it was very tight with my kelty 4
Well if you want advice on a tent I could probably try to help you out! Just took a quick pass through the tent options and I’d recommend the core 4 person instant tent for $150 just because they’re already an established tent making brand with great reviews. I personally own a 4 person kelty tent and the quality is really good imo and they’re easy to setup. Some of the kelty tents have these sleeves that the bottom of the poles go into and it makes solo setup a breeze. My issue with instant tents like the one you mentioned, the gazelle t4, etc. is that they’re heavy and they don’t get very compact. But if you have both storage space and space in your vehicle go for it.
I have had a normal kelty 4 man and the daydreamer 6. The 4 held up great for almost a decade of use (~6 trips a year with that tent) before we needed more space and upgraded. The day dreamer 6 is pitch black inside which is great for getting kids/dogs to sleep in later than sunrise. The thick fly to keep out light definitely adds a pound or two to the day dreamer vs a normal tent.
Not sure. I have a 4 person Kelty. First time I set it up was in a brisk 10mph wind. I literally had one hand on the directions and one hand holding the tent. Worked out fine and I was and am really happy with this tent. Fwiw I am middle aged
Are you backpacking or car camping? That makes a huge difference. I have a 4 person kelty for when I go car camping with my wife and dogs. For when I go backing with just one of my dogs I have a big Agnes copper spur 2p. When we go car camping, we have a foldable memory foam mattress, it’s quite large and takes up most of my roof box, it’s my trade off for comfort. There’s this company HEST, that makes these memory foam rolls for car camping. They look awesome, I just haven’t been to an REI lately to check them out. They are pricey but look to be really nice. I have my old ridge rest that I roll out to protect the tent floor from their paws. If your car camping and have the room, those floor mat puzzle pieces are also a great floor protector.
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