Menu
Hello guys and welcome to another Outdoor Stuff Guides post. If you are an avid camping enthusiast, you probably know that Core and Coleman are two well-known tent brands. It goes without saying that the power of a brand can affect your purchase behavior, but we think that you should learn more things before the final decision.
When it comes to this great debate, things can get really tricky because you will have to pay attention to the smallest details like zipper quality, floor reinforcement etc. We definitely know the struggle so we decided to compile a helpful guide for you. After this guide, you will find 10 detailed Core tents vs Coleman reviews.
Just to start out with, throughout the years we tried different tents. Of course, some of them were bad others were extremely good and core is one of the best tent brands on the market. It is a small company founded in Kansas and consists of a few outdoor enthusiasts just like us, looking to invest in high-quality products.
Additionally, they do not only offer excellent tents, but also other stuff like lamps, chairs, shelters, sleeping bags, and unique T-Shirts. These people united by their love for the Great Outdoors. Hence, we trust in this brand since its products are created by outdoor fans for outdoor enthusiasts.
It goes without saying that a good tent should be made of durable fabrics. Core uses sturdy polyester materials like 68D polyester. The letter “D” stands for denier which is a unit of measurement of how thick the threads are. Core tents typically have high denier ratings so you will be able to enjoy camping a long time.
First of all, it is not enough to make tents just waterproof. There is nothing worse than getting wet during a nice camping trip. Consequently, Core developed a special technology to provide extra waterproofing.
All Core tents feature a special PU coating and that means that the fabric does not absorb water, but rolls off the tent. Personally, I like this feature because I can easily clean my tent after every trip and I noticed that it does not get dirty.
You may wonder how seams could be made to last longer and provide protection from the water. Well, Core uses a unique technique which is called “inverted stitching” to offer extra protection. Furthermore, to make sure that not even a small waterdrop will penetrate the fabric, they use tape to seal the seams. Hence, it will keep you safe from rain, wind, and heat.
Coleman’s story dates back to 1900 when they made the first gas-powered lantern. During WWII Coleman created the first camping stoves and changed the soldiers’ life. They continued to create innovative outdoor products and in the 60s they launched the first tents!
Coleman’s team is dedicated to providing extremely useful gear made of the best materials. In the last 10 years, they also started manufacturing other products like dog toys, shoes, and kayaks. If you love the Outdoors as we do, you probably own some Coleman products. Undoubtedly, it is a reliable brand.
Since we are talking about Core tents vs Coleman, zippers are a very significant factor when it comes to quality tents. Obviously, Coleman is the clear winner of the zipper round.
A damaged zipper can definitely ruin your camping trip as you will not be able to close the front door. Believe me, it is a nightmare.
Coleman zippers are made of high-quality materials and they feature a special innovation that prevents the zipper’s teeth from getting loose. The zipper’s cuff utilizes a weather-resistant material.
Question: What makes Coleman unique? Personally, I believe that Coleman’s outstanding weather-resistant technology makes the brand better than others. Coleman’s engineers admit that a tent is the most important equipment of your camping gear and should be able to protect you.
All Coleman tents feature the special Weathertec technology that protects the seams, uses inverted stitching, and waterproof floors. If you take a closer look at any Coleman tent, you will notice that the corners are welded and it is almost impossible that water comes in. Lastly, another thing that makes Coleman tents unique is the reinforced frame that is able to withstand even 35+ mph winds.
If you cannot choose between Core and Coleman, you should read this section. Both brands have benefits and downfalls, but you will have to take some factors in mind.
Size: It depends on your preferences, but we would like to underline the fact that Coleman constructs big tents. We would recommend Core if you are interested in a small tent.
Season: Most tent brands advertise that their tents are 4-season tents but I would be a little suspicious. If you are not planning to camp under extreme weather conditions, you should look for a tent that features a sturdy rainfly.
Wateproof: When it comes to waterproofing, just a polyester waterproof fabric is not enough. Good tents sport welded floor corners, protective rainflies, inverted and taped seams, and special technologies that block the water. Both brands offer excellent tents with these technologies and another thing we noticed is that Coleman features angled windows as well.
| Image | Product | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
  | Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent | 9-person |
  | Core 6-person Dome | 6-person |
  | Core 4 Person Instant Dome Tent | 4-person |
  | Core Dome 3 Person Backpacker Tent | 3-person |
  | Core 500 Lumen Battery Lantern | 65h runtime |
  | Coleman Sundome Tent 4 Person | 4-person |
  | Coleman Cabin 4-person Tent | 4-person |
  | Coleman 8-person Montana Giant Tent | 8-person |
  | Coleman Dome with Screen Room | 6-person |
  | Coleman Tent Blue | 8-person |
Key Features
Highlights
If there is a tent worth investing in, the Core 9-person tent is a good option. There is enough room for everyone as it fits 3 queen air mattresses. With nearly 72-inches height you can stand freely without sacrificing your comfort. The tent comes with a removable rainfly that protects you from heat, wind, and rain.
The most affordable 9-person tent is created with innovation and practicality in mind. There are electric cord points where you can pass through a cable and connect a portable air conditioner or even charge your laptop. This core tent creates a nice and cozy atmosphere without worrying about any weather conditions.
✅ Roomy Tent
✅ Affordable
✅ 6000mm Waterproof
✅ Sturdy Material
Highlights
Sleep soundly with a durable and weather-resistant tent made by Core. Since we are comparing Core tents vs Coleman, you should definitely take a closer look at this tent. At the bottom of the tent, you can see vent draws that allow cool air to come in.
Core has taken the know-how to the camping world and invented unique tents with plenty of room. Convenience comes first when you are relaxing under the stars, miles away from home. What we liked the most is the window design. There are two panoramic mesh windows that allow maximum airflow.
Key Features
Highlights
There is no doubt that we all love adventures. It is a good opportunity to spice up our everyday routine and do something different. However, if you are planning a quick getaway with your friends or family you want to arrive at the campsite and just enjoy your trip. Setting up a tent could be extremely exhausting!
Here comes the Core Dome Instant tent which you will set up in less than 30 seconds! It is a bit smaller than the other Core tents we reviewed but believe me it is the most comfortable tent you will ever have. It is a piece of cake to set it up.
Additionally, it is the perfect tent for backpackers or kayak campers as it is extremely lightweight. If you take a closer look you will see that it has multiple pockets to keep your valuable items safe.
Key Features
Highlights
Looking for a VFM budget tent? The Core Dome Backpacker tent is the perfect choice for you. The quality of this product is unquestionable and it comes in a minimal design specially created for the weekend backpacker or kayak camper. Since it is a Core tents vs Coleman comparison debate, we would definitely include a small tent.
It is a 3 person tent but if you would like to feel more comfortable, I would admit that it is ideal for 2 people. Like all Core tents it sports the innovative H2O water block system. Raindrops just roll off the material and it does not absorb water at all.
Lastly, a big plus about this tent is the electric cord access point so you can charge your smartphone or camping lantern.
🌟
🌟
Key Features
Highlights
Obviously, this is not another tent review, but a bonus core product we tested. As you already know, our team consists of dedicated outdoor lovers and we buy all our products to test them and provide you all the details you need to know. We got 4 Core tents and a lantern by Core and this lantern was not supposed to be on our list today.
However, I could hardly restrain myself from putting this incredible lantern. If you are camping for more than two days and you cannot charge your batteries somewhere, you definitely need something that will last. Surprisingly, I could not believe that this lantern almost 60h and that’s why we decided to include it here.
Undoubtedly, Core creates incredible products. Noteworthy, it is also waterproof so you do not have to worry about the weather conditions. Click here and learn how to clean your lantern.
✅ More runtime than ordinary lanterns
✅ Extremely Bright
✅ Core offers 1-year warranty
✅ Weather-resistant
Key Features
Highlights
The spacious design of this Coleman tent can accommodate 4 people without sacrificing convenience. There are two color options (navy and green) and it can maintain a nice cool atmosphere thanks to the enhanced ventilation.
However, the most important fact that we would like to mention is that this Coleman tent utilizes the Coleman weathetec technology. This technology offers 100% protection from the bad weather conditions thanks to inverted seams, waterproof fabric, and anti-rust zippers.
When it comes to zippers, the clear winner of the Core tents vs Coleman roundup is definitely Coleman. They are durable and do not snag. It is unquestionable that this tent has a superb balance between comfort and versatility. The only downfall I see here is that the rainfly does not cover the whole tent, so we give this tent an 87% waterproof rating.
Key Features
Highlights
The best part of a nice camping weekend is waking up under the trees and feeling the nice cool breeze on your face. If you like being surrounded by nature and want to feel like home as well, you should take a closer look at this Coleman tent. 
First of all, it is the sturdiest tent in our Core tents vs Coleman list as it features 150D Polyester which is better than 75D. Another thing we liked about this tent is that it blocks the sunlight so you can enjoy the fresh morning air.
Setup is a breeze with this tent thanks to the preassembled poles and innovative design. The only thing that you will have to do is unzip the carry bag, open it up, and it is ready!
Some people may notice that the tent does not come with a protective rainfly. Indeed, it is not included but actually it is not really necessary thanks to the reinforced 150D material. 150D means that the tent is almost 100% waterproof.
Key Features
Highlights
The Montana Coleman takes only 15 minutes to set up thanks to the preassembled poles. Just unzip the carry bag, unpack and lift the poles! This tent offers a feeling as if you are in the comfort of your house.
Furthermore, 8 people can sleep comfortably and there are side and front mesh windows to increase fresh air ventilation. A big plus is that you will not have to worry about rain or wind with its welded corners and waterproof rainfly. To my way of thinking, this is the best 8-person tent you can get, as it provides the ultimate family camping experience.
If you look inside the tent you will notice multiple storage pockets, so you can keep your stuff safe. Believe it or not, pockets are very important. This is not just another tent that comes in such a beautiful design. Coleman creates every tent with practicality and convenience in mind.
Key Features
Highlights
Do you need a tent that gives you sufficient space to relax without being bitten by mosquitoes? This tent utilizes an innovative design as it has a large mesh room, where you can relax. Admittedly, your camping lantern definitely attracts insects. With this tent, you will enjoy the fresh air under a mesh room.
Another big plus is that you can sleep with an open door! Sometimes it is too hot to let the door zipped. Additionally, we would like to underline the fact that the tent sports special window awnings that increase fresh air circulation and they also keep the rain out.
The tent can easily accommodate 2 queen-size air beds which are not only a convenient sleeping space but also enough to store multiple camping equipment. Honest confession, I need my camping cooler within the tent, because I like to drink cool water. If you are interested in getting a cooler, you can take a look here
Key Features
Highlights
Lastly, I would like to introduce the Montana Blue 8-person tent. It is a perfect roomy tent that combines versatility with comfort and security. It comes with mesh windows so natural light and air come in and the windows are slightly angled to keep the rain out.
The fabric is high-quality and breathable polyester that maintains a good temperature inside. Coleman’s frames have been tested and proved that they can withstand even very strong winds. Furthermore, if you want to get power in your tent, you can simply use the e-ports.
Q: Is a 150D tent better than a 75 D tent?
A: All tent materials are measured in terms of denier which measures how heavy a single strand of material is. Hence, a higher denier tent might be stronger, but it is heavier as well. A 75D tent is a great balance between durability and convenience.
Q: Many tent companies claim that it takes only 15 minutes to set up. Are they pop-up tents?
A: Actually not. These tents come with preassembled poles and the only thing you will have to do is lift the poles to the right position and insert the stakes in the ground.
Q: Does the capacity number really represents the truth?
A: Theoretically yes, practically no. If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort, keep in mind that a 4-person tent is better made for 3 people.
Q: When it comes to tent color, does it play a significant role?
A: Many people would say that color is not an important factor, but all camping enthusiasts know that a dark color tent works better for everyone. Personally, I cannot sleep if the sun rays hit the tent in the morning, so I choose dark color tents. In addition, many tents utilize special sunblocking materials.
Summarizing, a good tent makes a big difference when you are far away from home. If you are camping regularly, you should definitely invest in a VFM tent. On the other hand, if you are camping with your family or friends you probably need some privacy. Click here and take a look at the best two-room tents on the market.
We hope that this guide was able to help you and clarify some things about Core and Coleman tents. Both brands make high-end tents that are both reliable and will last a lifetime if you take care of them. Here are some tips about how to clean your tent properly.
My grandfather always said the early bird gets the best worm which means that you have to make a good decision before buying any tent. Thank you for reading and stay tuned!
© 2021 by OutdoorStuffGudies.com
OutdoorStuffGudies.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
