Stacked up against the Sundome, the Montana 6P is smaller with 84 square feet of floor area, shorter with a 68-inch peak height, and costs a little more at $117. Where the Montana gets the edge is livability with an included awning and taller side and end walls. In the end, we prefer the 8-person version of the Montana ($220 at the time of publishing) for families wanting to spread out, while the taller Sundome is the better budget choice among 6P options. With a double-wall design and generous use of mesh on two sides and the ceiling, the coleman screen tent 6 offers very good ventilation.
Keep in mind that as you size down in capacity, you do lose a significant amount of headroom. The Sundome 2, for example, has a maximum peak height of just 4 feet compared to 6 on the Sundome 6, and that’s a very significant difference. As with most budget-oriented products, there are bound to be shortcomings, and the Sundome 6 is very limited in terms of storage.
I bought this tent for “just in case” events and also for the infrequent times we go camping. I was thinking about a two-person tent for my wife and I, but after reading a ton of reviews, decided something bigger was the better decision. This is a great option for first-time campers and budget-wise campers as myself. It handles rain very well in my opinion and winds of up to 20mph.
The Sundome 4 sleeps 4 happy campers and includes a large door for easy entry/exit with a hooded fly to provide ventilation even in rain. A large rear hooded window also provides airflow for cross ventilation. The Coleman Sundome is made with heavy-duty polyester fabric and a thick, reinforced, waterproof PE bathtub bottom for reliable protection against the elements. The seams are also welded for superior protection against water penetration. On the other hand, the Skydome tent utilizes patented Ripstop polyester fabric that is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear from harsh weather conditions.
It also reduces heat inside the tent for more comfortable rest at any time. Enjoy superior weather protection thanks to an included rainfly and the tent’s WeatherTec™ system, which uses welded corners and inverted seams to keep water from getting in. The exclusive WeatherTec system is guaranteed to keep you dry. Inner tent has a mesh vent for increased ventilation as well as a rugged floor with inverted seams. Another Kelty tent to have on your radar is their Tallboy 6.
Another relatively inexpensive alternative to the Sundome is the Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6. Both tents feature a simple two-pole design, similar floor dimensions and peak heights, and generous use of mesh for airflow. However, with its full-length rainfly (on the sides of the tent) and seam-sealed construction, the Meramac 6 is superior in the weatherproofing department.
The coleman ice chest can be set up by one camper – even one without any experience. As always though – we recommend you practice setting the tent up at home before you head out on your trip. It helps you feel more confident in your ability and will speed things up considerably. Whilst the tent does come with two storage pockets (which is an improvement on the smaller models), there is still no vestibule with the Sundome.
Afterward, we’ll compare Vs Skydome in some critical areas to see which will best suit your needs. For this guide, we’ll use the 2-person and 4-person tents. However, we’ll also highlight the other size options available. Although it has a relatively durable floor and a decent choice of materials for the canopy and rainfly, the fiberglass poles cause concern. For occasional use, this tent should serve its intended purpose, but we’d recommend you prepare yourself for potential issues down the line.
You’ll also find a zippered opening near the door to run an electrical cord through so you can run a fan, or C-PAP machine in my case. The Coleman Sundome is designed with inverted seams and a welded flooring system to help keep water out in heavy rains or storms. Additionally, it has unique vents built into its design, allowing plenty of air circulation to reduce condensation buildup inside the tent.