Camping

Coleman Skydome 2-Person Camping Tent

Alex Buchnev

May 5, 2023

Spring’s almost over, and guess what? That means summer is right around the corner! Time to break out the gear you packed away and dust it off because camping season is here. 

If you are in the market for a simple, fuss-free tent that is a breeze to set up, the Coleman 2-Person Skydome Camping Tent is a sturdy, affordable camping tent that can fit a queen-sized mattress or air bed. With 20% additional headroom offered by the near-vertical walls, the wide door design makes moving mattresses, bags, and gear in and out with ease. 

The poles come pre-attached and set up can be easily done in under 5 minutes even by an inexperienced camper. No more tricky threading through fabric sleeves! 

Even if you get hit by a chance summer shower, the WeatherTec’s patented system of welded corners and inverted seams will keep the water out, while the sturdy frame is built to withstand winds of up to 35 mph. 

Key Features

• Dome tent 
• Super affordable
• Extremely easy setup and tear down 
• Pre-attached, shock-corded fiberglass poles
• Weather-proof
• Fits a queen-sized bed or mattress 
• Patented WeatherTec system 

Comfort and Space

The peak center height of 4 feet is significantly more than other comparable tents. At 7” x 5”, this tent can fit a queen-sized bed and still leave some wiggle room, making it extremely roomy for two people. 

The large openings allow you to set up and break camp with ease, and the mesh cover in the entrance allows for plenty of air circulation. 

The mesh storage pockets and gear loft will give you easy access to your knicks and knacks, while the fly attaches to the tent’s base, allowing you to swivel the tent even after it’s fastened. 

Breathability and Ventilation

The upper section contains a door and a single window in mesh, zippered panels which keep the air flowing and the bugs out. 

The flysheet blocks most of the ventilation, which can get uncomfortable on hot and humid days. However, if you’re confident in the weather enough to leave the sheet off, the mesh cover will let in plenty of air. 

Weather Resistance

This sturdy tent’s frame is designed and built to withstand winds of up to 35 mph, and while that is at the absolute end of its range, the wind resistance of the construction is far superior to other similar tents. Indeed, when the tent is fully closed, it is almost a double-layer tent that is remarkably aerodynamic. 

The WeatherTec system consists of patented welded corners, a tub-like, polyethylene floor, and inverted seams to keep the water out. 

Durability

Two fiberglass poles are included for the dome, and one for the brim. The attachment of these poles is to the corner pockets in the pole end, as opposed to the traditional pin and ring system or grommets with holes.

Fiberglass is not as strong as aluminum, and while this tent is supposed to be a 3-season tent, that would be quite a stretch, and we’d be more comfortable labeling this a 2-season tent for summer and fair weather. 

The tough nylon fabric is rip-resistant and can significantly minimize glare, making this tent a wonderful choice for hot summer days. 

Ease of Use

Even campers that have never set up a tent in their life don’t struggle with this tent with its uniquely pre-attached, shock-corded poles. Many reviewers claimed their setup took less than 5 minutes with the tear down taking even less. 

Packed Size and Weight

For a casual camping tent, this isn’t the lightest. Weighing in at 8.73 lbs (4kg), and measuring ‎23 x 6 x 6 inches, it is likely to take up much of your packed weight if you’re backpacking. 

Space-wise: With a stated capacity of a very reasonable floor space of 35 ft2 (3.2 m2) for two people, this tent provides a comfy 17.5 ft2 (1.6 m2) each. 

Weight-wise: Because of its 8.73 lb. (4 kg) weight, this is a not camping tent that you would want to take on a multi-day backpacking trip where weight matters and ultralight is key. 

Packed size: The packed size is 23.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (60 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm), making it easy to transport in a car, bicycle, or any other vehicle while being extremely bulky for a backpack! 

Price-wise: The incredibly affordable price makes this tent ideal for summer adventures with the family or casual camping trips. 

This 2-person tent is ideal for car camping or backpacking trips. Skydome tents come in a variety of sizes (2-person, 4-person, 6-person, or 8-person), as well as with or without Dark Room technology.

Specifications

• 2-person tent
• Can fit a queen mattress
• 8.73 lb. in weight (4 kg)
• 7 feet x 5 feet in size (213 x 152 cm)
• 35 square feet (3.2 square meters) of living space 
• 17.5 ft2 (1.6 m2) per person of living space
• 4 ft. at the highest point (122 cm)
• Size when packed: 23.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 in (60 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm)

Pros and Cons

Sturdy, durable and weatherproof, this tent is an ideal buddy for your upcoming summer adventures. Sure, it might not be worth lugging it around on a strenuous hike or backpacking trip, but it will work great for casual outings with the family. 

RELATED: Coleman Tents: Full Model Lineup and Reviews

Pros

• Simple to use
• No-frills, durable, and will do the job
• Able to withstand winds of up to 35 mph
• Excellent value

Cons

• Bulky 
• Heavy
• Fiberglass poles not as strong as aluminum

Ratings

Rate the tent (1 to 10) on each of the following criteria:

Final Thoughts On The Coleman Skydome 2-Person Tent 

This is a no-frills, fuss-free that can be the companion to many of your summer adventures. I wouldn’t take this tent up Mt. Everest or even the foothills for that matter, but for a casual summer outing in fair weather, this tent will do just fine. 

And the cost is hard to beat! Thanks for reading, and happy camping!