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coleman signature tent in the woods

Coleman Instant Dome 5 Tent Review

Today we take an in-depth look at Coleman’s 5 person instant dome tent, also known as the ‘ligature’ tent,  it has a striking design, an integrated rain fly, and attractive price point,.

It has a lot going for it upon first glance, but what lurks underneath the surface?

We’re going to have an overview of the tents materials, its framework and build style and also its overall performance on the field, including its pitching method. 

We are going to see if it’s  worth the above average price tag, or whether its better settling for an instant cabin tent for example. This article will break down every single aspect of the tent, giving you all the pertinent info you need before making your decision.

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Coleman Double Hub Signature Tent (Dome 5)

Coleman Instant Dome 5

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Coleman says this is a 5 person tent. Theoretically, that may be true, but 5 people in a 70 square foot space with a dome ceiling won’t be the most comfortable time for anyone involved. By keeping the maximum number of people limited to 3, you will get the most out of this tent.

Everyone will fit well, the integrated rain fly and Weathertec system will keep you dry during rainy days, and setting it up will take all of 1 minute. This model also has little features here and there that help maximize its ROI.

Awnings over the windows and door, interior storage pockets, guy lines that are reflective, and high quality fabrics with lightweight fiberglass poles just to name a few.

This model is also priced very competitively compared to similar models on the market, as well as what you get out of it. It’s definitely one that should be on your radar if you are looking for a new tent for a few people to crash in.

Tent Specs

  • Dome Tent For Up To 5 People
  • Pre-Assembled 60 Second Setup
  • 70 Square Feet of Interior
  • Weathertec System with Integrated Rain Fly
  • Door and Window Awnings
  • Reflective Guy Lines for Night Illumination
  • Includes Carrying Bag
  • 1 Year Limited Warranty

Features Overview

  • Style: Dome
  • Setup: Instant
  • Dimensions: 10 x 7 ft (70 square feet)
  • Center Height: 64 inches (5 ft. 4 in.)
  • Weight: 13 lbs.
  • Capacity: Fits Up to 5 People
  • Seasons: Spring/Summer/Fall
  • Waterproof: Weathertec Features, Integrated Rain Fly With Awnings
  • Price: $120 USD

 

Our Favorite Features

Easy Style

The ease of setting up this tent makes it a quick pitch style that ensures you will be up and running in under a minute. Once removed from its carrying case, the tent unfolds to reveal a pre-attached mixture of poles and fabric.

You have to attach the ridge pole over the roof pole in a cross formation, which then slips into side pockets on the roof’s canopy to give it a structurally sound dome shape. Once that is done, the legs need to be extended out to give it some height.

Coleman Instant Dome 5 assembly step 1

Step 1 of the Pitch

That’s more or less all there is to it! With your tent pretty much assembled at this point, you can pull the corners down to make it taught. Finally, use the included stakes to secure the corners and guy lines to the ground. Aside from pop-up tents, the “instant style” is the fastest pitching kind on the market.

Say Goodbye to Rain

Save yourself and your gear from getting soaked. Not only does this model come with an integrated rain fly, but Coleman also throws in their Weathertec features throughout this tent.

Reducing leaks by using inverted stitches, covers over the zippers, taped seams, and a fully welded / reinforced bathtub floor, you should have zero issues with rain entering this shelter.

Coleman Instant Dome 5 assembly step 2

Step 2 of Assembly

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They’ve even included used a heavy duty fabric for the flooring to help reduce ground water moisture from seeping in. Additionally, the rain fly has awnings over the windows and doors allowing you to stay bone dry inside while watching the wet weather outside.

Spacious Interior

This tent has 70 square feet of space that can be used however you choose. It also gives you a height of 64 inches at the dome’s peak. This allows you ample amount of room to sit up in bed without hitting your head on the ceiling, and while anyone over 5’4” will have to crouch while standing, it won’t be back breaking.

Coleman Instant Dome 5 assembly step 3

Voila, 3 easy steps and it’s pitched

While it is marketed as a 5 person tent, sleeping that number of people inside it will make for a tight squeeze. A better number of people is 1 to 3, as you will still have some room inside the tent for storage and moving around freely. 1 or 2 campers would love a tent like this as you can fit a mattress, plus a small table, plus your gear, and still have room to spare.

 

Tent Overview

Quality Goods

Coleman tents are usually outfitted with quality materials, and they keep that tradition going here. This model uses a mixture of steel and fiberglass materials for the frame. The steel gives the corner legs a strong foundation for the fiberglass poles to be housed in.

Fiberglass is not only lightweight, but also flexible, which is an imperative characteristic for a dome tent frame to possess. As for the fabrics, Coleman uses a few different types in its construction.

Coleman storage pocket

Meshed Storage Pocket Prevents Condensation

The rain fly is made from 75 denier polyester taffeta, while the canopy uses a slightly thinner 68D poly taffeta. Using these fabrics ensures the tent stays relatively lightweight, provides excellent protection against the elements, and is also UV-repellent.

The tent floor is comprised of 1000 denier polyethylene, which is a heavy fabric for standing up well to foot traffic.

PRO TIP: Always invest in a footprint that your tent can be pitched on to prolong the lifespan of its floor.

Adjustable Airflow

Coleman makes sure you have adequate ventilation in this tent. While it isn’t a particularly small model, it’s still at a size where a lack of airflow can cause disruption in your camping experience.

Improper venting can lead to condensation on the interior walls (aka “wall sweat”), as the interior heats up and reacts with the cooler temperature outside. Those who use gas heaters definitely need ventilation, as they give off odorless carbon dioxide which can easily sneak up and cause fatality.

Coleman Dome  Instant 5 interior view

Large Internal Space

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Venting can be done by unzipping the large front door to let clean air in, but an even easier way is to make use of the zip-up/roll-back windows to give you a nice cross breeze. The nature of these flaps also makes it easy to dial in the precise amount of airflow for your situation.

All-Around Function

A tent that operates well is really the sum of its parts, and in many cases, it can make or break your camping weekend. The fast pitch setup is perfect for when you need to set up camp in the dark or in the rain, and reflective guy lines add a level of detail that will keep you from tripping over them when the sun has gone down.

Instant Coleman  Dome 5 no rainfly

An interior storage pocket is another nice touch that makes sure you always have your essentials with you, and the integrated rain fly that provides awning coverage over the entrance and windows adds further value. Coleman little touches here and there make this a that is fun and easy to use.

 

Conclusion on Coleman 5 Person Instant Dome

In the end, all the above features will add up to either give you a great tent, or a lousy one.

In this case, Coleman gives you a great tent that can provide 1 to 3 people a lot of comfort, in a high-functioning package. With excellent waterproofing, premium construction, and a quick setup, your time spent in nature will be enhanced by investing in this tent.

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Tyler

Tyler is our editor-in-chief at the Tent Hub. He is a dedicated backcountry explorer and a trained Wilderness First Responder. Tyler has hiked every mountain range in the US and summited Highpoints in several US states as well as Germany. His favorite outdoor destinations are the Canadian Rockies, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mt. Tongariro in New Zealand, and the San Juan Region of Colorado.

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