[Ape_Man]

Hi everyone,


I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Coleman Instant Tent 8. It isn't available in Australia but with the Aussie dollar going pretty well it has really piqued my interest.

Click here to see it at the Coleman Site

It is a 14x10 foot tent that is like the Blackwolf lite tents but a fraction of the cost. I'm tall so the 6'5 height really appeals to me. The only thing I would query would be how it would stand up in a decent wind.

At the minute Amazon are doing it for only US$170.

Amazon link

Not sure how much shipping would be though.

It looks like it could beat spending a grand or more on a large Blackwolf or OZ tent.

Here is a video of a first time set up.

You tube link to doofus

I'm after a fast set up tent as I usually end up having a hissy fit when setting up my 8 man dome tent.

Hopefully someone has some experience with it or any opinions.

Cheers

 

[truckster]

the faster they are to setup the bigger they are to pack away... Some you require a roofrack just to carry them they are that long.

How many people do you need to take away.. I dont think you can beat single pole tents.

 

[Ape_Man]

I agree Truckster, space is always at a premium.

The tent is for the wife and I and our dogs. As well as the occasional tag along.

I have one of those instant pop up tents for when it is just the 2 of us. We want a larger tent for extended stays with room for at least a travel bag or 2. Also being able to stand up would be a great benefit. I also like the doors at either end.

In the video is is remarkably small. It is a HEAP shorter than the OZ tents and looks to be smaller than even the large Blackwolf turbos. I can't find find the exact size of it packed up though.

The more I look into it the more I think I will take the plunge.

 

[Grahame]

I'd go with it Ape Man. It's definitely smaller than the BW Turbo 300 so it should fit in your car or trailer easily. My BW Turbo 300 fit across the back seat of my GQ and even goes on the back seat of my Jeep. I've got two other smaller dome tents with the same mechanism and I swear by them. I got this one in the US from Gander Mountain, a great overnight tent that I can stand up in:

Don't be tempted to not peg it down, otherwise this happens:

 

[truckster]

I have one of these

southern cross ultimate deluxe touring tent

4 pegs and you can use it as single pole inside or dual.. the outside poles dont take long at all to setup with 2 making it easier.



its done 2 adults and a portacot and kid for 4 days stay before.
We also have the large awning, and like any awning, they are the time waster.

Awning i have is this, goes to ground on both sides of tent.. very handy for wind/weather protection

 

[Ape_Man]

I know the feeling Grahame.

I definitely won't be forgetting the pegs. I lost a gazebo in Hawks Nest a couple of months ago cause I was 'going' to peg it down once I'd finished erecting it.

The frame was bent to buggery.

 

[bloke83]

I want one of those Quechua 2 second tents!

Yet I got a Carribee Kestral 5 for my birthday last week, and um yeh, its pretty crap quality. :S

 

[A4B]

I looked at importing the Instant tent a while back, it is quite big a heavy and they wanted about $400 just for postage !

 

[Ape_Man]

Amazon tells me AUD $237.96 delivered to my door. That's for the tent and the postage.

Pretty good I reckon.

I'm working on in now with the wife

 

[heyhey]

Amazon tells me AUD $237.96 delivered to my door. That's for the tent and the postage.

Pretty good I reckon.

I'm working on in now with the wife

Farking bargin, even if it is a dud! :iconbana:

 

[Ape_Man]

I've missed the chance to get it before Christmas when I wanted it.

Guess I have more chance to think about it and re-visit it in the new year.

There are a few tents I have my eye on now. I'll update this thread when I make my decision.

Thanks all for your input.

Cheers

 

[Ape_Man]

It has been ordered.

I couldn't get away from the price. I could be on to a winner here.

I'll update when I get my hands on it.

 

[UR-50-LO]

How did you go with this tent?
I have found one locally but am a bit hessitant as they do not have a rain-fly.

 

[Ape_Man]

Sorry I haven't updated the thread.

We got the tent in time for Xmas. It is bloody easy to set up, first go took about 2 minutes to erect. Then just pegged it down.

There is heaps of space and I must say it was a pleasure being able to get dressed in a tent for the first time since I was a kid. Only a few bumps of the head but not annoying enough for hissy fits.

A few things of note.

It is pretty large and heavy. Though it will easily go on the back seat of the Patrol it does take up a bit of space. I had in on the roof rack so no big deal.

It is fast and huge. I camped a few spots down from a Black Wolf 300 Turbo Lite Plus and this thing absolutely dwarfed it. We had 2 Queen size beds, a heap of luggage and space to spare. It was even more spacious than I imagined.

The front door totally open ups from wall to wall which was great to get things in and out during pack up and down. Where the 3 zips come together don't form the best insect guard. Creepy crawleys could easily get through. I stuck an aeroguard soaked sock in it and never had a problem. Which was a blessing. The second time I used it was at Tom Groggin and the insect life was crazy. Biggest marsh flies I've ever seen. Painful blighters they were too.

We only camped one night in rain. It was steady but not torrential. We were nice and dry all through the night. The floor goes up a couple of inches so didn't walk any in either.

I'm not sure how it will go in a big storm if I ever get caught out. It is very vertical so could be blown around. There are heaps of guy ropes and the little wind we encountered didn't cause any issues.

The poles are more sturdy than I expected. I was thinking they would be thin crappy metal that I would bend on the first try. But they are really quite solid, which is the main contribute to the weight.

All up we have loved it in its 2 outings. Quick up and down with heaps of space. I might go soft and get one of those elevated queen beds for easy morning get ups (or alcohol induced midnight toilet runs)

For around $260 delivered you can't go wrong.

Hope that helps anyone interested. If you have any questions just let me know.

 

[truckster]

Any tent thats fast to put up with take up lots of space. Thats why they are quick to put up.

Your not the first one to say March Flies are mad this year

Got fotos of your setup?

 

[Ape_Man]

I have some pics at home. I hope we have a decent one to put up.

I have that bad habit of sitting down with a beer at camp and forget about taking photos

 

[heyhey]

I have some pics at home. I hope we have a decent one to put up.

I have that bad habit of sitting down with a beer at camp and forget about taking photos

We cannot fault you for that, at least you were focused on doing something.

:worthles:

 

[PaulnLou]

I'd like to see the photos too pls. I saw the tent on the Coleman site and thought it looked pretty good. I've got a bit of Coleman gear and I have to say I'm a fan. All the stuff I have is well made, easy to use and does exactly what I thought it would do.

 

[T0nka]

ive got a oz tent that sets up in about 1 minute too (6man) . but as truckster said when its packed its in the shape of a very large hoop and awkward for packing. great tent none the less.

 

[truckster]

ive got a oz tent that sets up in about 1 minute too (6man) . but as truckster said when its packed its in the shape of a very large hoop and awkward for packing. great tent none the less.

everyone in my old club with them, chucked em on the roofrack, and threw ropes over em.

still love my 9x9 canvas tent. 4 pegs, 1 pole and your in.