Made for family camping, the Coleman Weathermaster Tents line are some of the best family-orientated tents.
The Weathermaster 10 person model is known for its sheer size and the smaller 6 person tent with screen room extension is known for its functionality and roominess.
A seriously popular model of tent from a familiar brand, Coleman is renowned amongst the camping community for their outdoor products, offering high-quality at reasonable prices.
The question is though, how to choose between the 6 person, the 10 person or the Elite Weathermaster models?
And do they really live up to their rave reviews?
Today we’re diving headfirst into every detail and feature of this trusted tunnel-style tent. We want to help you decide if it will suit your next camping trip, and whether it will add more fun and comfort to your experience.
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Coleman Weathermaster Tent Reviews
Our First Thoughts
From the off, for all models the design is comfortable and highly functional, resembling a tunnel tent. While cabins or domes are typically preferred over the tunnel shape for this moderate capacity, we think you’ll end up benefiting more from the aerodynamic design than a bit of extra square foot in a cabin tent.
Unlike cabin models where wind can sometimes be an issue due to the flat vertical walls, tunnel and dome shaped tents have an aerodynamic design that allows wind to easily pass by.
It’s also obvious that the love for this model comes from the incredibly fair cost in relation to similarly-sized tents.
Additionally, the Screen porch extension on the 6 person is a huge advantage for family campers. Providing extra shelter and storage while also providing a bit of visibility, a place to chill, if you will.
Due to their versatility, and large interior we recommend these for family or large groups, particularly for long-term camping trips (due to the storage space).
Note: Sure, it won’t withstand heavy downpours, but if its used in the warmer periods (hence the 3 season tent suggestion) it will pay dividends. Also, I would strongly suggest using a waterproofing spray to further increase protection.
Important Specs at a Glance
Type
Tunnel/Mix Tent |
Season
3-Season |
Weight
31 lbs (6p) 32 lbs (10p) 41 lbs (Elite) |
Price (Approx)
$190 (6p) $200-$220 (Elite) $250 (10p) |
Capacity
6 People & 10 People |
Assembly
Traditional Poles & Stake Setup |
Dimensions
11 x 9 ft (6 Person + Elite) 17 x 9 ft (10 Person) 6.8 ft Center Height (All 3) |
Materials
Tent: 68D Polyester Flooring: 1000D Polyethylene Rainfly: 75D Polyester |
Framework
Steel & Fibreglass Poles and Steel Stakes |
Additional Features
Elite – Lights 6 Person – Screen Room Extension |
Overview of Features
- Large Screen Room
- Plenty of Mesh Windows
- Removable Interior Divider
- Full Mesh Ceiling
- 2 Doors with Front Hinged Door
- Removable Rainfly
- Electronic Cable Port
- WeatherTec System for Weatherproofing
- Strong Hybrid Steel & Fibreglass Structure
- Vast Floor Space
- Expandable Carry Bag
- Roll-up Door (Elite only)
- LED Lighting System (Elite only)
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
What do we think makes this model different from others on the market?
We’ve selected these features because we love how they bring individuality to this tent.
GOLD QUALITY – Screen Porch (6p and Elite)
This area is our first on the ranking due to its usefulness and versatility. It is an impressive size of 54 ft². With this space, you can easily set up a table and chairs for dining when you want to remain bug-free.
It’s well separated from the rest of the structure, so people sleeping or relaxing inside can have privacy from those in the porch.
The other cool thing about this section is that it also acts as a second entrance and exit.
This is great for medium-capacity group tents as people can get in and out without interrupting others.
SILVER FEATURE – Hinged Door
We love this type of door because it allows such effortless and hassle-free entry and exit.
Instead of fumbling with some zippers and pushing back the material when you want to get in and out, you can simply open and close it like a regular door.
It has several heavy-duty Velcro attachments that make it close tightly and securely.
Plus, they are durable enough to withstand constant movement. We think this is also a great element for kids, as it’s so much easier for them to use than zips.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Good Amount of Space
You’ll find it so comfortable to stand up and walk around in this tent. There is so much space inside, and on the side porch, that makes it ideal for extended long travel.
It can fit 2 queen-sized mattresses inside with a little storage space leftover.
Even though the declared capacity is 6 people, we recommend around 3 to 4 people max in order to utilize the space in the best way.
We love the tunnel design because it allows lots of space like a cabin but isn’t as bulky.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Season Type
This is considered a 3-season model, we do think it’s more suited towards warm and mild weather camping. Even with the WeatherTec System, where the materials and features are extremely durable and high-quality, without additional waterproofing (spray) it won’t withstand heavy rain.
You need to keep an eye on screened room also, as its meshed, sweeping side winds with rain could potentially lead to some water penetration. Be careful when storing things there and keep them covered if you think it might rain.
The WeatherTec System is a strong weatherproofing system that consists of several aspects. The fabric is all polyester, apart from the thicker PE flooring, so it’s also resistant to rips and other wear and tear.
Seams are all leak-free because they are inverted, so water can’t get through the stitching. All these seams are taped and sealed, including the rainfly, doors, and windows. Floor corners are all-welded for added protection, and there are cuffs on the zippers to shield them from the elements.
Second Separate Room
As we mentioned before, the sheer size of the sleeping rooms in all models is a major plus. For the 6 person and Elite you also have the added storage space from the screen room. Use it as a relaxation area protected from bugs and the sun, storage space in dry weather, a spot for pets, and anything else you can imagine.
Keep in mind that this part has no flooring. You’ll need to bring a tarp if you want to use it as another sleeping area. We don’t think this is a disadvantage as it stops water from pooling if there was flooring there, you can just leave it to get soaked into the ground.
Between this area and the main part, you have a double-layer door. First there is a mesh door with a zipper, and then you have a waterproof opaque panel also with a zipper.
These layers ensure that no bugs can get inside the tent, even if they get into this additional room. This door is great as it allows people to enter and exit from there without disturbing others.
Ventilation
This is a very well-ventilated tent, which is reassuring considering it is intended for warm weather use. Apart from the obvious screen porch, which is completely made from mesh, there are 6 openings on the main part.
The 2 main windows in the center can be left open in light to moderate rainfall.
This is because the fly creates small awnings over the openings, so rain is directed away.
Thanks to the tunnel shape the slopes down, the end window angled downwards and has a hood-like structure over it. This stops a significant amount of precipitation from getting through, so you can leave it open and get airflow when it gets too stuffy.
Straightforward Set Up
The assembly process pretty much follows the standard pole, stake, and guyline method. After unfolding the tent and spreading it out, it’s important to immediately stake it to the ground before you insert any poles.
Then, you’ll weave the roof poles into their dedicated sleeves, attach to the side legs, then fix it all together through the side hooks at the corners. Before putting on the fly, you can extend the poles to the length you wish so it raises fully.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
Does It Come with Everything You Need to Set Up?
Yes, everything required to assemble this tent is provided. The poles, stakes, and rainfly are all included, as well as some detailed instructions to help you with the process. If you’re concerned about its ability to withstand winds depending on your location, perhaps bring your own heavy-duty pegs or guylines for increased stability.
How Long does Assembly Take?
This ultimately depends on your experience with setting up tents. For frequent campers, it shouldn’t take any longer than 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re not used to assembling, it could take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. We suggest to always practice setting it up before you leave for your trip. This will keep you prepared in case you need to install it at night or in bad weather conditions.
How Does the Room Divider Inside Work?
Inside, there is a curtain divider panel that is positioned in the very middle with a supporting pole in the center. Something to keep in mind is that if you have this divider up, you should probably enter through the side screened room, instead of the front door.
Is There a Floor in the Screened Area?
No for both the standard 6 person and the Elite model, there is no floor. However, you can create a makeshift floor with some tarp if it is absolutely necessary you have a floor.
Our Final Thoughts
As a truly comfortable and very functional family outdoor camping tent, this Coleman WeatherMaster certainly does the job well. If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced spacious tent with an added screen room, there’s no question that this is the way to go.
There’s plenty of ventilation for humidity-free summer trips, and the screened porch offers an airy relaxation or storage area for dry weather. This tent provides warm weather camping at its best.