Coleman Instant 10 Person Dark Room Tent Review

With dark rest tents taking the camping community by storm, this renowned Coleman Instant 10 Person Dark Room Tent model is a favorite for families and groups of around 4 to 7 people.

Tents with dark rooms are becoming some of the most popular options for camping because they help to provide a deeper sleep.

As it’s rated as one of the best instant pitch tents on the current market, we want to see if it’s really all it’s cracked up to be.

What are its best features?

What makes it different from other models in the same category?

Today we’re revealing all its popular qualities, and hidden ones, so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth your money for your next camping trip.

Coleman 10 Person Dark Room Cabin Tent Review

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Our First Thoughts

Coleman has always been a very safe choice for family and more serious campers, and this tent is no exception. For the price, you’re getting high-quality materials with a stable structure, plus the darkroom aspect is a huge advantage.

We like that is sticks to the very traditional and classic cabin shape, but this does mean that it may not do very well in super high winds. We see this as a great 3-season tent, as you’re getting thick durable fabric for the body and fly, with a strong construction.

It doesn’t have a full-coverage rainfly, so we don’t see it lasting in extreme conditions, but that’s why it’s more suited to summer or autumn camping trips. However, with a bit of reinforcement with extra guylines and waterproofing spray, it could really hold its own out on the field. 

Important Specs at a Glance

Overview of Features

• Dark Room Technology Blocks 90% of Sunlight
• Heat Reducing Properties
• Fast 1 Minute Pitch
• Removable Room Divider for 2 Rooms 
• Patented Coleman Waterproof WeatherTec System
• Hinged Door
• Detachable Rainfly 
• Full Mesh Roof
• E-Port for Cords
• Illuminated Guylines
• Carry Bag Included 

What We Love – Our Top 3 Features

GOLD QUALITY – Dark Rest Technology

Exclusive to this brand, Coleman Instant 10 Person Dark Room Tent uses a special type of fabric that is designed to block out a large portion of sunlight. Unlike some other similar models from other manufacturers, it is also designed to reduce the heat that would otherwise build up inside.

Sleep Inducing Blackout Rooms

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With the absorbing fabric, it seems easy for the structure to trap heat very easily, causing humidity and stuffiness inside. This reduces the overall temperature inside so everyone can still get a comfortable sleep.  

SILVER FEATURE – Speedy Pitch

Another favorite feature is the incredibly fast set up time. In just one minute, you can have this tent up, with a few extra minutes left to secure it down with the guylines and stakes. For a larger capacity tent, this is a massive benefit.

Hassle-Free Pitch, More Time for the Family

You can do it by yourself, you don’t have to insert any poles and risk getting it wrong, and you can even do it at night since it’s so fast and easy. Taking it down also takes only about a minute, since you don’t need to remove any of the framework.

BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Removable Divider

With the detachable curtain inside Coleman Instant 10 Person Dark Room Tent, you can create 2 spacious rooms. We love this feature because you can use one space for sleeping and the other for storage, or even as a living area.

Alternatively, if you’re camping with friends or you just want your privacy while sleeping, you can separate it into 2 sleeping zones.

It reaches down to the ground and very close to the walls, which we appreciate because some other models have large gaps, and don’t give much privacy. When not in use, simply fold and tie the curtain back so you’ll have a more open feel.

Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail

Pre-Integrated Framework

A one to two minute set up is incredible for a large capacity tent, which is what this model does so well. Once the initial tent is assembled, attaching the fly is also a breeze with the Insta-Clip suspension system, which allows you to effortlessly clip the fly to the poles.

Rainfly Clips onto the Pre-Attached Frame

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Even with this instant frame, the sturdiness of this tent is not compromised. It’s just as stable as any other tent with a regular set up, plus the fiberglass poles are robust yet lightweight.

Another great part about the installation is the reflective guy lines.

Hinged Door for Easy Access

Not only do they make it easier to secure to the ground at night, but they help with preventing any tripping and falling when walking around in the dark.

When you’re ready to leave, it packs down effortlessly into the carry bag. This bag is expandable, which means stuffing the tent inside is much easier and doesn’t take as much effort.  

Darkness

Sleep in past sunrise with the ingenious technology that creates a black-out dark space for resting. In comparison to other tents with dark rooms, this model blocks 90% of sunlight for a truly dark and restful experience. It also protects you from potentially harmful UV rays, which is also a big benefit when camping with kids.

Great Value in the Bundle Package

Heat is lessened with special fabrics, which is important because most of the coloring is black or dark blues. Even with the entire interior covered in deep black fabric, the temperature is controlled to avoid overheating.

Great Weatherproofing

With the innovative WeatherTec System, things are kept dry inside and leaks are prevented. It is made up of several factors. Firstly, you have the inverted seams, where the stitching holes are protected from moisture to avoid seepage. Next are the welded corners, which helps with reinforcing an otherwise weaker part of the structure. Finally, you have the tub flooring, with raised sides that stop splashes of water from getting in.

Another element of weatherproofing is the materials. You’ve got 68D polyester fabric, which has double the thickness than regular kinds. The floor is extremely durable and thick, made from 1000D polyethylene.

Ventilation

6 expansive windows and a full mesh roof are all made from mesh. As well as providing great air circulation, they also create lovely panoramic views of the outdoors. Plus, they are resistant to bugs. This means you can leave everything open during the day and night and not worry about any creepy crawlies getting in.  

For added airflow, the rainfly also has some vents. This is a great addition as it encourages any hot air that rises to escape from the top. With increased body heat from more people sleeping inside, this is a welcome feature, especially if it’s raining. It greatly boosts the airflow and makes things much more comfortable.

Door Design

The hinged door is another notable detail that we think works great for a larger tent. With more people using a smaller space, it’s normal to experience higher traffic with people wanting to enter and exit at different times.

It has a very wide D-shape and allows hassle-free access for entry and exit by one or even two people at a time. We like that you can leave it open without worrying about constant zipping like regular tent doors. One setback is that it would be nice to have some mesh on this entrance, to stop bugs entering if you leave it open, but you can keep it closed and leave the mesh windows exposed if you want airflow during the day.

Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered

Can You Pitch This Inside?

Since this has a freestanding frame, you can set it up indoors. It doesn’t need to be secured down if the weather isn’t too windy, so you can install it on any flat surface – even in your own living room.

Does The Rainfly Come with It?

Yes, the 10-person version of this tent does come with a rainfly. It is also fully removable, so you have the option to have the mesh roof exposed or protect from rainfall. Keep in mind it’s not full coverage, so it will only withstand light to moderate precipitation. 

Is it Suitable for Use in Dust Storms?

As this tent isn’t made for extreme conditions, we do not think it would hold up well against lots of dust and sand. This is because of the vents in the rainfly, as dust can easily travel inside and get through the mesh roof. If you want to take it to a festival, consider bringing an extra tarp or sheet for added protection.

Our Final Thoughts

Our final verdict is that this is a great dark room tent with an incredibly fast pitch and some cool added features. For a family of 4 or a group of 3 to 5 campers, this is a fantastic choice.

It stays extremely dark inside which makes sleeping in past the rising sun a cinch. You can also nap during the day to recharge for all your outdoor adventures.

It has fantastic ventilation, even with the fly on, and you can control the amount of sunlight by opening or closing the windows.

Heat is greatly reduced thanks to the special fabric technology, and the hinged door is awesome for easily getting in and out.