Hey folks - I've just updated my tent categories to a new and improved scoring system, thanks to some useful feedback from viewers. Here's what the updated scores looks like: New Coleman Instant Cabin 6 Overall Score: 4.57 (out of 10) New category scores: 1. Setup: 9 (out of 10) 2. Living space: 5 (out of 10) 3. Waterproofing: 2 (out of 10) 4. Wind resistance: 6 (out of 10) 5. Ventilation: 3 (out of 10) 6. Build quality: 4 (out of 10) 7. Features: 3 (out of 10)
I noticed you spoke really negative about this tent, especially concerning it having no rainfly. It does have a rainfly but you have to buy it separately. With that being said I actually do have this tent. Have camped in it for 3+ years now and have used it in various types of weather conditions. Ive never had it leak once( Maybe because I purchased the rainfly that you said didnt exist) and its been subjected to winds as high as 25 miles per hour and performed perfectly. Sorry but I really disagree with your overall rating on this tent and Ive tent camped for over 30+ years and have been in my share of different tent brands and makes. This tent, for the price, is the best one Ive ever owned.
Hi Michael - I appreciate the thoughtful response here. Part of the difficulty of my rating system, is that it ignores price. As a result, the score I gave it directly compares it with more expensive tents without giving it a score bump. So, if I was doing a rating system that only considered tents priced below $200, then the average score (and also this tents score) would be higher in this case. But I wanted to have some way to also show the level of quality that is accessible at each price point, which is why I’ve used a fixed rating system like this. And regarding the rain fly, I rated every tent only on what was included with it in the bag. And at the time, I didn’t know that there was a separate rain fly. In fact, this tent is advertised as having an “integrated rain fly” so I’m sure there are other buyers of this tent who have been unaware that you can buy a separate rain fly, especially since the vast majority of other tents do come with a rain fly in the bag. Since then, a few commenters have pointed out that a rain fly can be bought separately, and I think that would’ve been good to mention in the video. With that said, it seems like even Coleman considers the separate rain fly as an optional accessory, because on their website it’s description starts with “For added weather protection”. So, in summary, I wish I had known about the rain fly so I could mention it in this video, but I also think it was fair to evaluate the tent without the rain fly since it ships without one and is advertised as having weather protection as-is (i.e. without the separate rain fly).
I have used this tent for about 8 years, 2 to 10 trips per year, it's been a good tent. I purchased the rain fly separately, it never leaked, of course I always seal the seams on all my tents. We have camper in Florida during some severe weather no issues. I like it in cooler weather the ability to close it up does help in the colder weather. It is a good budget tent, spending $500 to $800 dollars for a tent is ridiculous. Enjoy your videos keep them coming.
I have had my tent for 7 or 8 years. I'll give the tent an 8 out 10. This tent has been used in all seasons, here in Minnesota. Through extended stays in November. It did develop a few pin holes this last year and I didn't use a ground cloth, poking a few holes in the floor. Taped these up and no issues. These are user error. The roof hasn't leaked, even in driving rain. Should buy a rain fly but I figure it's getting old. My zippers all work. The door is good size. I set my cots up inside. Haven't meet anyone setting beds out side. I agree with ventilation being so, so - even with windows open. I'm sitting in the tent.
I have used this tent for 2 nights, no rain. It set up within 5 minutes and can go faster. Fair review and it fits my weekender needs. Wife bought it for the instant marketing.
I can set it up in 1 min you may need To get retrained on tents and also , I’ve used mine 18 times now 3 days in a row and we looooove it actually convinced friends and family to purchase several others and everyone loves it …… before giving it a bad name or a low score please use it longer
I try and watch all the reviews for this tent, as I own one and have used it (weirdly) only under poor weather conditions. My only complaint about this tent is the (purchased) rainfly doesn't extend over the door opening and the two meeting door zippers allow water to leak. I used it during high winds and rain and had no breech of moisture through the sides or windows. I recently came back from the Sierras where the lows were below 10, highs about 30 and I had no condensation inside with the top vents open. And it pretty warm without using a heater. No tents come with decent stakes, we all know that. As a solo camper, the set up and take down are fantastic features. Not having a vestibule is fine with me, tent sites can be pretty small and when I do have room, I use my well-used Coleman screen room. I intend on modifying the door opening and then I'll be good. I just got back into camping and wanted a reasonably-priced option, as spending $400 plus wasn't practical right now. And if I gave a rat's bottom about coolness factor, then I wouldn't be a tent camper, lol.
I've had this tent for three years and LOVE it. Condensation does suck but it's stood up to quite a beating in rain and wind many times. I like the quality of your channel and your attempt at a rating system. Just don't agree with where the rating ended up and your recommendation. price / value for me is important. Also most would get the rain fly even though because its separate and doesn't fit in your system. I highly recommend this tent for car camping. Positives are setup, sturdiness, weather, height, huge windows, tough floor, how cool it is (9 outa 10) and price. Negatives of this tent imo are vents on the ceiling, and pack size (like all instants). I would love a deluxe model that had a vestibule, extra pockets, color choices, and other pluses.
I own this tent and camp in it four times. I do agree with your assessment on the zipper. It could be a one-piece unit instead of two. Other than that I have no problems with the tent. The lack of storage compartments doesn't really bother me I just shove everything in the corners! Had a fairly Heavy Rain one night and there was no leakage at all. Yes it's virtually impossible to set this tent up in one minute as it's advertised. If I move fast I can get it up in 5 minutes. Overall I think it's a really good tent.
Who blows their air mattress up 1st and then puts it in the tent? It's much easier to put the air mattress in the tent 1st and then blow it up. I have the 8 person tent and it holds up through any season any weather.
You seemed to not like this tent but I have been camping in mine for the last two years in Florida and it has held up very well but I also have the rain fly that you say doesn't exist. As for comparison purposes you mentioned the eureka copper canyon lx 6 which sells for almost double the price at $314.95 and is not close to as easily set up.
This is how you do a Coleman review when you hate Coleman. Headroom, give 3/10. I guess he likes flat roof tents. Hates the zippers because they aren't YKK, dumb. Tests it's rain resistance without the rain fly, also extremely dumb. Don't listen to this guy because he gives terrible advice. I have had this same tent for 3 years now and a buddy that has had one for around 2 years, and neither of us have had a single issue with this tent. In fact, they have been really great tents.
I owned the previous model for over 10 years. I agree with that the pole mechanism introduces a lot of risk and fragility. A couple of segments on mine do not "lock in" like they used to. I also agree it got extremely hot since my model did not have vents, even with all the windows open.
I guess I'd support this video more if it was graded on the goal of the tent. It's kind of built as a fall/winter tent with the option to open it up with the mesh vent windows. For a single wall tent that can be completely sealed for cooler weather, it's built pretty nice. I think you're on to something with the zippers. In some places I found the zippers had seam sealer up to and on the zippers, which was a little scary the first few times we used them. Not sure on the longevity of that but the poles, build, and the material was all excellent quality imho.
I'd love to see your thoughts on Coleman Carlsbad 6 person dark room tent. I have the Coleman 15x13 screenhouse that has these pre-attached poles, and I completely understand the point about how long the bag is
Thank you for your review, it was very informative. In the video you said floor area is 1080 ft (I assume this meant ft^2). That would mean a tent that's, if square shaped, 33 ft X 33 ft. The product page for this tent says 10 ft X 9 ft, which = a floor area of 90 ft^2.
Hey Jeff - yeah, you’re correct. I realized that mistake after I recorded the video. The floor area is actually 90ft as you mentioned. Thanks for giving me a heads up on it though, catching stuff like this will help me make future reviews better. I’m actually gonna go ahead and pin your comment to the top of the page too, so others will be able to see your correction. Cheers!
I think you give 2 out of 10 for the door is for people who don't care and doesn't take care of their tent. That was obviously to me when I saw you jerking the zipper in a rush. So therefore there is nothing wrong with the door. You have a nice day!
Well I can tell you it survived 40plus mph winds today and we got more storms coming tonight. So far its been great for the price. We'll see how it does in the next few hours.
I disagree with this review. I love my Coleman Tent, in rain, wind, and even snow. (I have a Crua insulated tent I fit on the inside in winter). This cabin tent has always protected me from the elements. I give it overall score of 8.5 out of tent. For a $170 tent, you can’t go wrong.
I thought you did a fantastic review. Given that, I"m now torn between the review and the comments many of which say its a decent tent. I'll continue my research but I think BOTH can be true (good review, some people like the tent alot). Subscribed
I got this tent two years ago and have the rain fly. Mine leaks even with a canopy over it. My guess is that the newer ones have poorer quality then the folks that got this tent years ago as they’re saying their tent doesnt leak.
I just found your channel and I LOVE IT!! We are a family of 6 and are planning on starting out tent camping next year and we are getting all our plans in place. Your videos are very clear and informative. I will be watching more! Thanks for all your hard work!
Wow - that’s so nice to hear! Welcome to my channel, and if you have any camping questions feel free to send them my way. I’m planning some upcoming videos, so your questions might turn into new video topics :)
@@wyseguy77 I seriously did the same and love it. It's very nice and on sale for $140 right now! Bought the rainfly just to make sure but it's been good!
Super biased unless he revisits this review. I don't expect a 9 or 10, but damn. It holds 6 easily, it is rainproof with and without the rainfly if the zippers are closed at the bottom. Easy set-up. Looks pretty cool. It's our fall and early spring tent.
Hey folks - I've just updated my tent categories to a new and improved scoring system, thanks to some useful feedback from viewers. Here's what the updated scores looks like:
New Coleman Instant Cabin 6 Overall Score: 4.57 (out of 10)
New category scores:
1. Setup: 9 (out of 10)
2. Living space: 5 (out of 10)
3. Waterproofing: 2 (out of 10)
4. Wind resistance: 6 (out of 10)
5. Ventilation: 3 (out of 10)
6. Build quality: 4 (out of 10)
7. Features: 3 (out of 10)
the other rating you should have is the weight and bulkiness of carrying the tent around. this is a heavy tent...
I noticed you spoke really negative about this tent, especially concerning it having no rainfly. It does have a rainfly but you have to buy it separately. With that being said I actually do have this tent. Have camped in it for 3+ years now and have used it in various types of weather conditions. Ive never had it leak once( Maybe because I purchased the rainfly that you said didnt exist) and its been subjected to winds as high as 25 miles per hour and performed perfectly. Sorry but I really disagree with your overall rating on this tent and Ive tent camped for over 30+ years and have been in my share of different tent brands and makes. This tent, for the price, is the best one Ive ever owned.
Hi Michael - I appreciate the thoughtful response here. Part of the difficulty of my rating system, is that it ignores price. As a result, the score I gave it directly compares it with more expensive tents without giving it a score bump. So, if I was doing a rating system that only considered tents priced below $200, then the average score (and also this tents score) would be higher in this case. But I wanted to have some way to also show the level of quality that is accessible at each price point, which is why I’ve used a fixed rating system like this.
And regarding the rain fly, I rated every tent only on what was included with it in the bag. And at the time, I didn’t know that there was a separate rain fly. In fact, this tent is advertised as having an “integrated rain fly” so I’m sure there are other buyers of this tent who have been unaware that you can buy a separate rain fly, especially since the vast majority of other tents do come with a rain fly in the bag. Since then, a few commenters have pointed out that a rain fly can be bought separately, and I think that would’ve been good to mention in the video.
With that said, it seems like even Coleman considers the separate rain fly as an optional accessory, because on their website it’s description starts with “For added weather protection”.
So, in summary, I wish I had known about the rain fly so I could mention it in this video, but I also think it was fair to evaluate the tent without the rain fly since it ships without one and is advertised as having weather protection as-is (i.e. without the separate rain fly).
“Coleman says it’s a 6 person tent. After testing it can indeed fit 6 people. I give this rating a 5 out 10” lol that one got me
@@FiremanTy I lolled at your comment. My thoughts exactly. so it does what it advertised, great, bare minimum pass...lol...wtf...
Naw bro they writing the whole Declaration of Independence in these comment section
Let's not be spoiled now.. its a tent, you can sleep in it. Good enough. (:
I have used this tent for about 8 years, 2 to 10 trips per year, it's been a good tent. I purchased the rain fly separately, it never leaked, of course I always seal the seams on all my tents. We have camper in Florida during some severe weather no issues. I like it in cooler weather the ability to close it up does help in the colder weather. It is a good budget tent, spending $500 to $800 dollars for a tent is ridiculous. Enjoy your videos keep them coming.
Hey - thanks for weighing in. Always good to hear a perspective from long term users of these tent. And thanks for watching!
I have had my tent for 7 or 8 years. I'll give the tent an 8 out 10. This tent has been used in all seasons, here in Minnesota. Through extended stays in November. It did develop a few pin holes this last year and I didn't use a ground cloth, poking a few holes in the floor. Taped these up and no issues. These are user error. The roof hasn't leaked, even in driving rain. Should buy a rain fly but I figure it's getting old. My zippers all work. The door is good size. I set my cots up inside. Haven't meet anyone setting beds out side. I agree with ventilation being so, so - even with windows open. I'm sitting in the tent.
I have used this tent for 2 nights, no rain. It set up within 5 minutes and can go faster.
Fair review and it fits my weekender needs. Wife bought it for the instant marketing.
Literally used this tent this weekend. Took my buddy and I 45 seconds to put up! We timed it. 45 seconds no joke!
Wow - that’s impressive! I definitely couldn’t have hit that by myself, but with an extra set of hands maybe I could do that too.
It takes me about 40 seconds to put this tent up (stakes not included) -‘most seems like he’s got an axe to grind with Coleman.
I can set it up in 1 min you may need To get retrained on tents and also , I’ve used mine 18 times now 3 days in a row and we looooove it actually convinced friends and family to purchase several others and everyone loves it …… before giving it a bad name or a low score please use it longer
I try and watch all the reviews for this tent, as I own one and have used it (weirdly) only under poor weather conditions. My only complaint about this tent is the (purchased) rainfly doesn't extend over the door opening and the two meeting door zippers allow water to leak. I used it during high winds and rain and had no breech of moisture through the sides or windows. I recently came back from the Sierras where the lows were below 10, highs about 30 and I had no condensation inside with the top vents open. And it pretty warm without using a heater. No tents come with decent stakes, we all know that. As a solo camper, the set up and take down are fantastic features. Not having a vestibule is fine with me, tent sites can be pretty small and when I do have room, I use my well-used Coleman screen room. I intend on modifying the door opening and then I'll be good. I just got back into camping and wanted a reasonably-priced option, as spending $400 plus wasn't practical right now. And if I gave a rat's bottom about coolness factor, then I wouldn't be a tent camper, lol.
Great & honest review. Agreed with u, this tent can't hold rain, which I consider the basics of any tent.
For $180 dollars, I’m good if the trees and squirrels don’t think I’m cool. If it lasts two years I’m still ahead of the game for cost of ownership
I've had this tent for three years and LOVE it. Condensation does suck but it's stood up to quite a beating in rain and wind many times. I like the quality of your channel and your attempt at a rating system. Just don't agree with where the rating ended up and your recommendation. price / value for me is important. Also most would get the rain fly even though because its separate and doesn't fit in your system. I highly recommend this tent for car camping. Positives are setup, sturdiness, weather, height, huge windows, tough floor, how cool it is (9 outa 10) and price. Negatives of this tent imo are vents on the ceiling, and pack size (like all instants). I would love a deluxe model that had a vestibule, extra pockets, color choices, and other pluses.
I own this tent and camp in it four times. I do agree with your assessment on the zipper. It could be a one-piece unit instead of two. Other than that I have no problems with the tent. The lack of storage compartments doesn't really bother me I just shove everything in the corners! Had a fairly Heavy Rain one night and there was no leakage at all. Yes it's virtually impossible to set this tent up in one minute as it's advertised. If I move fast I can get it up in 5 minutes. Overall I think it's a really good tent.
Who blows their air mattress up 1st and then puts it in the tent? It's much easier to put the air mattress in the tent 1st and then blow it up. I have the 8 person tent and it holds up through any season any weather.
You seemed to not like this tent but I have been camping in mine for the last two years in Florida and it has held up very well but I also have the rain fly that you say doesn't exist. As for comparison purposes you mentioned the eureka copper canyon lx 6 which sells for almost double the price at $314.95 and is not close to as easily set up.
This is how you do a Coleman review when you hate Coleman. Headroom, give 3/10. I guess he likes flat roof tents. Hates the zippers because they aren't YKK, dumb. Tests it's rain resistance without the rain fly, also extremely dumb.
Don't listen to this guy because he gives terrible advice. I have had this same tent for 3 years now and a buddy that has had one for around 2 years, and neither of us have had a single issue with this tent. In fact, they have been really great tents.
I owned the previous model for over 10 years. I agree with that the pole mechanism introduces a lot of risk and fragility. A couple of segments on mine do not "lock in" like they used to.
I also agree it got extremely hot since my model did not have vents, even with all the windows open.
I came to your channel for ten reviews. This is now my ultimate camping channel.
Awesome - thanks! Feel free to send me any topic ideas you have for videos. I’m always adding more to my list.
I guess I'd support this video more if it was graded on the goal of the tent. It's kind of built as a fall/winter tent with the option to open it up with the mesh vent windows. For a single wall tent that can be completely sealed for cooler weather, it's built pretty nice. I think you're on to something with the zippers. In some places I found the zippers had seam sealer up to and on the zippers, which was a little scary the first few times we used them. Not sure on the longevity of that but the poles, build, and the material was all excellent quality imho.
I have this tent and love it. The separate optional rainfly works great.
I'd love to see your thoughts on Coleman Carlsbad 6 person dark room tent.
I have the Coleman 15x13 screenhouse that has these pre-attached poles, and I completely understand the point about how long the bag is
If it fits 6 people even though it's tight .. why did you give it a 5/10 that seems silly to me
It’s compared to other tents. 5 is average. Tents with 8 are more space comparatively. And likewise for low scores.
@@littlecampfires the tent met it's claim. Should be 10/10 in that category.
Your NASCAR pit crew comment cracked me up 😂 I agree. There's no way one person can set this tent up in one minute
Why does nobody use the seperately sold rain fly. Most criticised thing on the tent which they made one just for that critcism.
"It's not very intuitive" 9/10!!!
"It fits six people as expected, which isn't always the case" 5/10??
Thank you for your review, it was very informative.
In the video you said floor area is 1080 ft (I assume this meant ft^2). That would mean a tent that's, if square shaped, 33 ft X 33 ft.
The product page for this tent says 10 ft X 9 ft, which = a floor area of 90 ft^2.
Hey Jeff - yeah, you’re correct. I realized that mistake after I recorded the video. The floor area is actually 90ft as you mentioned.
Thanks for giving me a heads up on it though, catching stuff like this will help me make future reviews better. I’m actually gonna go ahead and pin your comment to the top of the page too, so others will be able to see your correction. Cheers!
@@littlecampfires sounds good! Glad to help =)
I must apologize for mishearing the review. I thought he gave it a high rating. After watching it again I see he rated it a 37. That's about perfect.
I think you give 2 out of 10 for the door is for people who don't care and doesn't take care of their tent. That was obviously to me when I saw you jerking the zipper in a rush. So therefore there is nothing wrong with the door. You have a nice day!
Well I can tell you it survived 40plus mph winds today and we got more storms coming tonight. So far its been great for the price. We'll see how it does in the next few hours.
I disagree with this review. I love my Coleman Tent, in rain, wind, and even snow. (I have a Crua insulated tent I fit on the inside in winter). This cabin tent has always protected me from the elements. I give it overall score of 8.5 out of tent. For a $170 tent, you can’t go wrong.
I’d love for you to review core 6 person instant tent
This is great tent for two people!!! I own one and VERY HAPPY!!!! is this guy for real?
I thought you did a fantastic review. Given that, I"m now torn between the review and the comments many of which say its a decent tent. I'll continue my research but I think BOTH can be true (good review, some people like the tent alot). Subscribed
I got this tent two years ago and have the rain fly. Mine leaks even with a canopy over it. My guess is that the newer ones have poorer quality then the folks that got this tent years ago as they’re saying their tent doesnt leak.
Bangin review, thank you
Excellent video!
I just found your channel and I LOVE IT!! We are a family of 6 and are planning on starting out tent camping next year and we are getting all our plans in place. Your videos are very clear and informative. I will be watching more! Thanks for all your hard work!
Wow - that’s so nice to hear! Welcome to my channel, and if you have any camping questions feel free to send them my way. I’m planning some upcoming videos, so your questions might turn into new video topics :)
If it is rated for 6 people, and you can get 6 people inside, shouldn't it rate as a 10/10?? Especially if most mfg don't get that right.....
What is the diferences to skylodge insta tent coleman?
My husband and I can easily set up this tent in 1 minute. It takes me about 3 mins on my own. Not sure why it took you 10! lol
To be fare Coleman sells a rainfly.
Sort of surprised by the high rating he gave this tent. Leaks, small door, poor quality zipperas, hot, storage limited, poles that may not last?🤔
I have one I use for storage. It leaks and sits cocked
Need full fly option
This review is biased - 5/10 for meeting its claimed sleeping capacity of 6 people. Clearly biased. This review is not credible.
Amen, I'm buying this things based on this guys hate for it.
@@wyseguy77 I seriously did the same and love it. It's very nice and on sale for $140 right now! Bought the rainfly just to make sure but it's been good!
@@brandonkeith67 mine will be here Friday
Like to see 4 side stakes tether than 2
This tent is a waist of money leaks everywhere on the bottom
Lol, lost me when he gave the tent a 9/10 on set up
the zipper is will go be before the poles
Cool factor for a tent? 🙄
Never seen somebody more out to lunch. Yikes dude.
Onde fica a loja ou o Sait
2:03 maybe 180 sqft...its not the size of a house 😸
who cares what it looks like ? its yours
WTF !!! 🤣🤣🤣
Kinda bias
Super biased unless he revisits this review. I don't expect a 9 or 10, but damn. It holds 6 easily, it is rainproof with and without the rainfly if the zippers are closed at the bottom. Easy set-up. Looks pretty cool. It's our fall and early spring tent.
The thing is junk