This review delves into the Coleman Skydome 4-Person Tent, examining its setup process, interior space, and weather resistance. We detail the ease (or lack thereof) of assembly and disassembly, providing a time estimate for both. The review then assesses the tent's actual dimensions versus advertised measurements, evaluating its capacity for sleeping pads and gear, and commenting on the available headroom. A thorough examination of the features, including the door, windows, storage pockets, and ventilation, is also included.Crucially, the review focuses on the Skydome's performance in heavy rain, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses in its water resistance. We discuss the materials used in construction, the quality of stitching, and the presence (or absence) of taped seams. Finally, a comparison with the Coleman Sundome 4 is provided, offering a balanced perspective and helping readers determine which tent best suits their needs.
Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
Setup and Takedown
Setting up the Coleman Skydome 4-person tent is a straightforward process. The tent body is laid out, the fiberglass poles are assembled and inserted into pockets on the tent floor. The poles then crisscross at the top, secured by clips.
The rainfly is draped over the tent, ensuring the Coleman logos are aligned. S-hooks attach the rainfly to loops at the tent corners. The rain fly pole is inserted into its sleeve and secured.
Setup took approximately 9.5 minutes. Takedown was the reverse process and took about 10 minutes. A separate video details the steps more comprehensively.
Space and Dimensions
The Skydome 4 measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches in length and 6 feet 11 inches in width – slightly smaller than advertised. This comfortably fits four regular sleeping pads or two double pads.
While two double pads fit, sleepers are close together with minimal space for gear. A queen-sized air mattress offers better comfort and more storage room.
The peak height is 59 inches, limiting standing room even for a person of average height. Individuals will need to bend or stoop inside the tent.
Features and Design
The tent features a large front window (approximately 47 inches long, 21 inches wide) with Coleman zippers, a bug net, and a window latch. The window also serves as part of the single door.
The door is impressively large (4 feet long, 39 inches wide), making entry and exit easy. It has a triangular storage pocket for the door fabric, and two internal pockets (one triangular, one rectangular).
Additional features include a lantern loop at the top and four gear loft loops. A gear loft is provided. However, there is no e-port.
Weather Performance
A 45-minute heavy rain test revealed a significant leak at the front bathtub flooring seam due to the lack of taped seams. Other seams, inverted instead of taped, remained dry due to the longer rainfly.
The shorter rainfly at the front did not provide adequate protection, leading to water flowing into the tent when the door was open. The lack of a vestibule is a drawback.
Despite the leak, the rain fly effectively diverted rainfall away from the window, keeping the mesh mostly dry. The large vents offered ventilation, and even with the tent open and staked out, no water entered via the vents.
Materials and Construction
The floor is made of polyethylene with a bathtub feature extending about 6.5 inches. The rest of the tent is polyester, except for mesh windows.
Most seams are inverted but not taped, except for those on the rainfly. The seams are double-stitched and generally well-made, with only one minor loose thread found.
The mesh is standard, not no-see-um mesh. Coleman zippers functioned well, with no snagging issues except for occasional interference from the rain cover.
Overall Conclusion and Comparison
The Coleman Skydome 4-person tent offers a large door, ample storage, and good ventilation. However, its rain protection is a major drawback, particularly the untaped seam at the front.
The low peak height restricts standing room. Setup time is longer than advertised, and a manufacturing defect (incorrectly sewn pole pockets) was encountered.
Compared to the Coleman Sundome 4, the Skydome offers similar setup times but lacks superior headroom or rain protection. The Sundome’s higher peak height and improved rain protection make it a more compelling option.
