The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent is an extended dome style tent that boasts a hinged door, a cabinet, and four windows for great ventilation and storage options. Despite its size, the tent is easy to set up and take down, making it a convenient choice for families or groups of friends.
Key features & benefits
- Extended dome type tent.
- Hinged door.
- Fiberglass poles.
- E-cable port.
- Floor vent.
- Closet with shells.
- 4 Windows.
- 1 Door.
Where to Buy
The Coleman Bayside 8 Person Tent with hinged door and closet can be purchased on Amazon, which offers competitive pricing, fast shipping, and hassle-free returns.
Tent Overview
Construction and Design
The Bayside 8 is a single-room construction and extended dome style tent with a partial coverage fly. It has one D-shaped door and four double-layered windows with mesh and zippered panels for privacy and protection. The windows have toggles to keep the panels’ top tight in place. The two front windows are located under the awning, which means they can be kept open with mesh all the time. The side windows are partially protected by the fly, ensuring proper ventilation even in rainy weather.
The tent is not freestanding, meaning there are several poles supporting the side extensions and front awning. Proper staking is required for stability.
Hinged Door
The tent’s hinged door design is one of its standout features. The door is D-shaped and has two poles that run along its perimeter, making it easy to open and close. The poles are in their sleeves, and adding them is very easy. The hinged door design saves you from the hassle of dealing with the usual zippers. Although the tent still has zippers, you don’t have to use them all the time, making the tent more user-friendly.
Closet
The Bayside 8 also comes equipped with a closet on the backside, which provides extra storage space. The closet’s floor dimensions are 38 x 20 inches (97 x 51 cm), which gives you around a half square meter of area. The closet has three shelves, providing ample storage space for your camping gear. The closet’s floor is a part of the tent’s floor and is supported by the tent’s poles. The rain protection is provided by the tent’s fly. The closet is covered by a curtain, which provides privacy and separates it from the rest of the tent.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in a camping tent, and the Bayside 8 has it covered. The tent relies on mesh to keep the air flowing, which is present on all windows and the door. The ceiling is all in mesh, which helps generate enough vertical airflow. The tent has a large ceiling all in mesh that helps generate enough vertical airflow. When it’s raining, you have to keep the windows closed, but the tent has a floor vent that helps maintain ventilation. The floor vent is visible in the picture above and provides enough ventilation to make you feel comfortable even in hot weather.
Space and Capacity
The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent is marketed as an 8-person tent, but its actual capacity may not be as advertised. While the tent’s official dimensions are 15 x 10 ft, its actual dimensions are closer to 15 x 15 ft due to the awning and windbreakers supported with the awning pole. However, the tent has only one side without windows, as shown in the picture.
The tent provides an estimated total floored area of around 113 ft² (10.5 m²), which means that it offers approximately 14.1 ft² (1.3 m²) per person if used by eight people. However, it is doubtful that eight people could comfortably fit inside the tent. This tent is more suitable for a maximum of five people. Two queen-size beds can easily fit inside the tent, as shown in the picture above. If you’re looking for a slightly larger option, you may want to consider the Coleman Bristol 8P Modified Dome with Hinged Door.
Seasons and Climate
The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent is designed for warm weather camping in areas with low rain and wind. The tent’s fly and awning may not hold up in strong winds, making it unsuitable for windy conditions. However, the tent’s ceiling is all mesh, making it great for summer camping. The mesh allows for ventilation, which helps to keep the interior cool. However, it may not be comfortable to use this tent in cooler environments, as it lacks insulation and can get chilly.
Weight and Packed Size
The Bayside 8 person tent is a heavy structure, weighing around 26 lbs (11.8 kg). It is also a bit bulky when packed, with packed dimensions of 28 x 10 x 10 in (71 x 25 x 25 cm). This makes it more suitable for places with motorized access, where you can drive up to your campsite. In comparison to its competitors, the Bayside 8 person tent is heavier and bulkier, as shown in the comparison table below.
When it comes to weight and packed size, it’s important to keep in mind that the Bayside 8 person tent is a budget tent. It is not meant to be ultra-lightweight or compact, but rather to provide a comfortable camping experience for a group of people at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a more lightweight and compact tent, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end tent that is specifically designed for backpacking or other outdoor activities that require more mobility.
The Materials and Construction
The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent is constructed with a combination of materials that ensure durability and waterproofing.
Poles:
The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent comes with eight fiberglass poles that are lightweight and flexible. Two of the poles are used for the hinged door, one supports the awning, and the rest support the central dome and the extensions. Fiberglass is not the most durable material, but it is cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for a budget tent.
Fabric:
The tent’s fly and walls are made of polyester with a waterproof rating of 800mm. The waterproof rating refers to the amount of water the fabric can withstand before it starts leaking. With a rating of 800mm, the tent’s fabric can withstand light rain, making it suitable for use in mild weather conditions. All seams are taped to prevent water from seeping in. The tent’s floor is made of polyethylene, which is highly waterproof and can withstand heavy rain. The floor is designed with a bathtub construction and welded seams, which prevent water from seeping in through the bottom.
Other Features:
The Coleman Bayside 8 person tent comes with ground stakes and a carry bag for easy transportation. The ground stakes are essential for securing the tent to the ground, while the carry bag makes it easy to transport the tent to and from the campsite. The tent also has a couple of storage pockets on the walls, which provide extra storage space for your gear. Additionally, the tent has an E-cable port for powering electronic devices while camping.
Setup Time:
Setting up the Coleman Bayside 8 person tent takes at least 20 minutes. While this may seem like a long time, it is typical for a tent of this size and complexity. However, with practice, you can set up the tent in less time.
Specifications
- Declared capacity: 8 people.
- Weight: 26 lb (11.8 kg).
- Dimensions: 15 x 15 ft (457 x 457 cm).
- Closet area: 5.4 ft² (0.5 m²).
- Total inner area: around 113 ft² (10.5 m²).
- Inner area per person: 14.1 ft² (1.3 m²).
- Packed size: 28 x 10 x 10 in (71 x 25 x 25 cm).
- Peak height: 72 in (183 cm).
Coleman Bayside 8-Person Tent vs Competitors
The Coleman Bayside 8-Person Tent offers an excellent balance of features and value when compared to its competitors. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, it provides a comfortable and functional shelter for a reasonable price.
It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable tent for warm weather camping with family or friends.
Pros
- Great price.
- Very pleasant tent.
- Hinged door.
- Cabinet.
Cons
- Only one door.
- Heavy.
- No lantern hook.
Conclusion:
The Coleman Bayside 8 Person Tent with hinged door and closet is a great option for camping in mild weather conditions. With its affordable price, excellent features, and sturdy construction, it offers a comfortable and functional shelter for up to 5 people.
