8 Person Tent

We had purchased another large family tent that was supposed to be easy to set up. It most assuredly was NOT. It was impossible for one person, hard for two. Not that it was heavy or anything like that - just awkward and clumsy trying to get it set up.

This is not a problem with this Coleman 8 person tent. They call it the "Instant Tent" and they aren't kidding - with two people, we've got it done in literally less than two minutes. (These guys in the video down below are even faster than us, but we're old and I'm short :D )

It's all thanks to the external poles, and how the whole thing - poles and tent - come attached as a unit. It's so easy - just unfold it all and spread it out, then extend the poles until they click and lock into place!

I also love that it's so roomy - I mean, we're both pretty short - I'm 5'4", my husband is only 5'6", but still, this tent is over six feet tall at the highest point - that's plenty of head room for most of us, right?

The tent is also strong - it stood up just fine for us when the wind was blowing. We didn't have rain, but the Coleman has a coated fabric that helps to keep it from leaking. It has a welded waterproof floor and the seams are inverted - meaning their inside so they don't suck up water on the ground and wick it into the tent through any needle holes.

What I like best about it is the versatility. We can use it as one big room during the day, and then separate it into two rooms at night, so I don't have my 12 year old kicking me all night!

It's also got two doors and seven windows, so I never felt claustrophobic and there was plenty of breeze going through all day.

And when you're ready to go, it all packs up into one easy carrying bag!