The Coleman 8 Person Instant Camping Tent 14 x 10 is a large and tall 2-room tent that can accommodate up to 8 people. This tent’s express setup feature and integrated rain fly make it an affordable option for families or groups on a budget.
However, it’s important to note there are two versions available, and in this review, we’ll take a closer look at the tent’s features to determine if it’s the right choice for your next camping trip.
Key benefits & features
- Incredibly easy setup – one person can do this.
- Very affordable price.
- Built-in rain fly.
- Single-layer design.
- Heavy-duty materials.
- Freestanding tent.
- 7 huge windows.
- 2 doors.
- 2 rooms.
- Very tall tent.
Confusion with the name
It’s worth noting that there are two variations of the Coleman 8 Person Instant Camping Tent available. The version being reviewed here is the 14 x 10 ft model, which includes an integrated rain fly. However, there is also a 14 x 8 ft version that comes with a separate rain fly included.
It’s important to be aware of these differences as you may come across conflicting information online. Don’t get confused if you see different descriptions or specifications, and make sure to double-check which version you’re considering before making a purchase.
What type is this
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Camping Tent is a cabin-type tent that provides instant setup. Its pre-attached telescopic poles allow for easy unfolding and extension, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly.
With nearly vertical walls and a height of almost two meters, the tent has a spacious and comfortable cabin-like design. Its floor space of 140 sq ft (12.9 m²) is larger than many other tents on the market, making it a great option for groups attending outdoor gatherings or families with parents and up to 3-4 kids.
The tent is designed as a single-layer structure with the fly built in, which makes setup easy but also affects ventilation. While the tent’s large windows are great for comfort, the lack of mesh on the ceiling means that ventilation can be an issue when the window panels are closed.
Stability is a key feature of this tent, as it’s a freestanding structure that can be pitched on any terrain. However, it’s still recommended to stake the tent out using the included stakes and guylines for added stability, especially in windy conditions.
At 36.3 lb (16.5 kg), the tent is highly portable, making it a great option for car camping. However, it’s not designed for winter environments and should only be used in mild weather conditions.
Who is it for?
The Coleman 8-person Instant Up Tent is designed to accommodate a large group of people. With an impressive floor area of 140 sq ft (12.9 m²), this tent can provide ample space for a group of up to 8 people. However, keep in mind that there is no vestibule, and all gear must be stored inside the tent. This means that if you’re going on a camping trip with your family, the tent can comfortably fit parents and 3-4 kids maximum.
Transport and weight
One thing to keep in mind is that this tent is quite heavy, weighing in at 36.3 lb (16.5 kg). Additionally, the packed size is not very compact, with a carry bag that measures roughly 47 x 10 inches (120 x 25 cm). This means that you will need a car or another means of transportation to carry the tent, and it’s not suitable for backpacking or hiking trips.
Beds
The Coleman 8-person Instant Up Tent can comfortably accommodate two full-size queen beds, one in each of the two rooms. If you’re looking for a camping bed from the same brand, consider the Coleman Queen size camping bed, which will fit easily inside the tent. Another option is to use bunk beds, especially for kids, as the tent’s steep walls and high ceiling make it easy to fit bunk cots inside. Keep in mind that if you use bunk beds or cots, you’ll have extra space underneath to store your gear. Alternatively, you can use air mattresses on the ground, but they will take up most of the available space.
Space and Comfort
With 1.5 square meters of space per person, the Coleman 8-person Instant Up Tent provides more space per person than many other tents on the market. Additionally, the tent features large windows, providing great ventilation and allowing you to enjoy the surrounding views. This tent is ideal for summer camping, but it can also be used at high mountain passes in the summertime as long as there are no strong winds. The closed design without mesh is ideal for keeping warmth inside the tent.
Winter Usage
The Coleman 8-person Instant Up Tent is not suitable for winter camping, despite its single-layer design, which is a similarity shared by winter tents. This tent is designed for mild weather conditions and is ideal for summer camping. However, it can be used at high mountain passes in the summertime as long as the winds are not strong.
Weather Protection:
When it comes to camping, the last thing anyone wants is to wake up in a damp or wet tent. Thankfully, the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent has got you covered with its fully waterproof walls. Each window panel is equipped with an inner layer that provides rain protection, while the outer layer is made of mesh to keep insects out. The panels are secured with zippers and flaps on the outside, with horizontal flaps designed to prevent water from getting in.
However, during heavy rain and strong winds, water can force its way under the vertical flaps and through the zippers. While this is not a major issue, it is something to be aware of. For ultimate protection, it is recommended to close all panels during wet weather conditions.
Doors:
When it comes to the doors, the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent provides an excellent water protection system. The vertical zippers on the doors have double flaps and Velcro tabs to secure them in place. This ensures that no water can seep through the doors, no matter how strong the wind or how heavy the rain. The horizontal flaps are designed similarly to those on the windows, providing full waterproof protection.
Floor:
One downside to the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent is that the floor is not a bathtub type, which means water can potentially seep in from below. However, the tent does have a Weather Tec patented system that utilizes welded floors. This plastic welding creates a strong and durable seal that is even stronger than the surrounding material. So, while it is not a bathtub type, the welded floors do provide adequate protection against water.
To Buy or Not to Buy
If you plan to camp in areas with heavy rain, it is recommended to invest in a rain fly for the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent. While the tent is already fully waterproof, a rain fly can provide additional protection and peace of mind. You have the option to purchase the tent with a rain fly included or order it separately. The rain fly covers the roof and some protection for the zippers, ensuring that no water can get in.
Setup
Setting up the Coleman 8 person instant up tent is a breeze. You do not need any special skills or tools to get it up and running. The poles come pre-attached to the tent, so all you have to do is unfold it, extend the legs and lift it up.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find a level spot: Look for a flat and even surface to pitch your tent.
- Unfold the tent: Open the tent from the bag, and locate the corners.
- Extend the legs: Push the legs out to extend the tent’s height.
- Extend the poles: Extend the poles to form the frame of the tent.
- Secure the poles: Attach the poles to the tent by slipping them into the corresponding grommets.
- Raise the tent: Lift the tent up by extending the poles.
- Stake the tent: Use the included stakes to secure the tent to the ground.
- Add the rain fly: If necessary, attach the rain fly to the tent.
Tips for Easy Setup
- Practice setting up the tent at home before your trip.
- Make sure to stake the tent properly to avoid it from collapsing in high winds.
- Use the included guy lines to further secure the tent.
- If possible, set up the tent with the help of a friend for easier and faster assembly.
Other features
In addition to the impressive features already discussed, the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent boasts several other noteworthy features.
Durable Materials
One of the most notable aspects of this tent is the high-quality materials used in its construction. The fabric is made from 150D polyester, which is known for its exceptional durability. This is significantly thicker than the 63D polyester used in the Eureka Sunrise EX 6 tent. Additionally, the tent’s heavy-duty steel poles provide sturdy support in any weather conditions.
Expandable Carry Bag
Another standout feature of the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent is its expandable carry bag. The bag is designed with a tear-away strip on the bottom and a gusseted baffle underneath, allowing it to expand to accommodate the tent even when it’s not packed tightly. This makes packing up and storing the tent much easier, especially when you’re in a hurry.
Limited Storage Pockets
One potential downside of the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent is its lack of storage pockets. The tent only comes with two small mesh pockets for storage, which may not be enough for larger groups. This is a missed opportunity, considering there is plenty of unused space around the tent’s windows.
Privacy Divider and Two Rooms
However, the tent does offer a privacy divider, allowing users to create two separate rooms with their own entrances. The divider is attached to the tent’s side walls with toggles and loops and can be rolled up and secured to the ceiling when not in use. Both rooms are spacious enough to fit queen-size beds comfortably, making this tent an excellent choice for families or groups.
Dual Door Design
Finally, the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent features two doors with different designs. One door has an inverted T-shaped zipper, while the other has a D-shaped zipper. Both doors come with panels and mesh, so they can be used as windows if desired. This design allows for greater flexibility and convenience when entering and exiting the tent.
Great Headroom
One of the most notable features of the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent is the generous headroom it offers. With a center height of 6 ft 5 in (77 in; 1.96 m), the tent provides ample space for even the tallest of campers. Unlike dome-style tents, the walls are almost vertical, providing an overall feeling of volume and home comfort.
Ventilation and Condensation
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent has excellent ventilation thanks to its many windows with mesh. This feature ensures there are no issues with condensation, which can be a common problem in many tents. However, if it rains and the window panels are closed, the situation may not be as great.
Weight and Transportation
The tent’s weight is not necessarily a disadvantage because it is due to the strong and durable materials used in its construction. If you plan to use a car for transportation, a few extra kilograms won’t matter.
Importance of a Vestibule
The lack of a vestibule may pose a challenge during long spells of rain, making it important to consider this factor when deciding whether to purchase the Coleman 8 Person Instant Up Tent. If you plan to camp in areas with heavy rainfall, a tent with a vestibule such as the Nemo Wagontop 6 might be a better option.
Windows and Water Resistance
The tent’s many windows are a great feature, but it is worth noting that the vertical zipper sections can be susceptible to water passing through in rainy conditions.
Packed Size
The tent’s packed size may not be ideal at 47 inches (120 cm) in length, but if you plan to transport it in a car, it may not be a significant issue.
Specifications
- Type: instant cabin-type, freestanding, 3-season.
- Capacity: 8 people.
- Weight: 36.3 lb (16.5 kg).
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 ft (168 x 120 in; 4.3 x 3 m).
- Floor area: 140 ft² (12.9 m²).
- Area per person: 17.5 ft² (1.61 m²).
- Peak height: 6 ft 5 in (77 in; 1.96 m).
- Packed size (L x D): around 47 x 10 in (120 x 25 cm).
- 1-year limited warranty.
- Fabric: 150D polyester.
- Taped seams.
- 2 vents.
- Doors: 2.
- Windows: 7.
- Carry bag included – note it is expandable.
- Stakes and guylines included.
Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent vs Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent and the Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent are both instant setup tents, but the Coleman tent has a larger floor area and is made with heavier materials. The Core tent has a vestibule and more storage pockets. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and needs.
Pros
- Very easy setup.
- Great size.
- Great price.
- Very tall tent.
- Freestanding.
- 2 Doors & 2 rooms.
Cons
- No vestibules.
- Not so great packed size.
- Heavy.
- Few pockets.
- Not for heavy rains and winds.
Conclusion:
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent is a great option for families or groups of up to 8 people who need a spacious and durable tent for mild weather conditions. Its large floor area, high headroom, and multiple features such as two doors and a room divider make it a comfortable camping option.
However, the lack of a vestibule and limited storage pockets may be a drawback for some users. Overall, it’s a reliable and easy-to-set-up tent for a fun outdoor experience.
