The wind, a persistent whisper at the edge of the treeline, had me checking the stakes one last time. Even with years spent assessing gear, the flimsy plastic ones Coleman ships with the Sundome always give me pause. That’s the first thing you’ll want to replace, by the way. A few heavy-duty aluminum stakes will make all the difference, especially if you’re not just car camping but facing anything a little more exposed.

Let’s be clear: This isn’t a mountaineering tent. Its 7.5-pound weight rules that out immediately. But for weekend trips, a spot of hiking in, or even a quick setup for a music festival, the Sundome punches above its weight. The simplicity of the setup is almost a joke – you’re talking about minutes, even for a novice. I timed myself: under ten minutes solo, from bag to ready to go. Seriously, it’s that simple.

The dimensions are generous for two. You’re not crammed shoulder-to-shoulder. 84” long gives you plenty of wiggle room. Headroom is a bit limited at 48” though. If you’re over six feet, expect to be doing a lot of crouching. But it’s a compromise you accept for that price point.

Speaking of price, that’s where this tent truly shines. You’re not going to find a better value. Compared to, say, a North Face Stormbreak 2, which has a more robust rainfly, the Coleman offers more space for the money. You could spend a bit more for a slightly better rainfly, but unless you’re regularly expecting downpours, the Sundome’s integrated rainfly does the job. Sure, I’d prefer a fully seam-taped design, but you’re going to encounter those kinds of compromises.

Now, about that floor. It’s a bathtub style, which is good for keeping water out. Just be mindful of your ground sheet. A cheap tarp will do the trick. That’ll prevent any wear and tear on the tent itself. Honestly, this isn’t a fault. It’s a practical adaptation, and it’s one of the reasons you can afford it.

So, who is this tent for? If you are looking for a backpacking tent for multi-day treks, look elsewhere. If you want a basic, reliable, and easy-to-set-up tent for casual camping, this is an excellent choice. Just grab those extra stakes, and you’ll be good to go. You won’t regret it.