This is our review of Coleman WeatherMaster 10 person tent.
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10 is an excellent tent for campers in need of a spacious sleeping arrangement.
This cabin-style hybrid tent can sleep up to ten people or hold three queen-sized air mattresses.
At 31 pounds, this tent might seem heavy – but due to its large capacity, it still qualifies as a “backpacking” tent for large groups.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Best for: Families, large groups, and car campers
- Pros: This cabin-like tent has reverse-angled windows to allow for ventilation, even when it rains. It can also divide into 2 rooms with separate entrances for privacy. Plus, it comes with an attachable screened-in area!
- Cons: This tent is not ideal for backpacking large distances, although it’s feasible to carry. Additionally, it’s recommended that you swap the plastic stakes for metal ones, which adds a few dollars to your cost.
- Alternatives: UNP 10-person Camping Tent; Core 12-person Instant Cabin Tent; OZARK Trail Family Cabin Tent
Detailed Review
The Coleman WeatherMaster is not a tent designed for heavy conditions, but rather summer weather and starry nights. Let’s take a look at the details to find out more.
Size and Floor Plan
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10 uses a cabin-tunnel hybrid structure. The long, rectangular floor plan and near-vertical walls mean that you have plenty of living space, even in the middle of the woods.
The floor measures at 17 x 9 feet for a total of 150 square feet of floor space. Plus, with the ceiling peaking at just under 7 feet, most people will be able to stand up with ease!
While this much room can sleep 10 people in a pinch, it’s best for families or groups of 5 to 7 people. This allows for extra luggage room and even space to play games.
But, if you have a full house, you can easily fit 3 queen-sized mattresses.
Tent Design
The Coleman WeatherMaster series comes with a mesh roof so you can lie beneath the stars while in the safety of your tent. If it starts to rain, you can quickly throw on the rainfly by attaching it to the tent’s main support poles.
But you don’t have to sacrifice your ventilation in order to stay dry. This tent comes with downward-angled windows, which means you can enjoy fresh air even if you have to cover up in a storm.
The Coleman WeatherMaster also comes with a hinged front door, which is great for quick access and those with children. (Though there is a second “back door” that does have zippers.)
One of the best features of this tent is the additional screened-in porch. You have to set this up separately from the body of the tent, but after it’s added, you’ll have extra space to keep your gear – or just enjoy a mosquito-free sunset.
Setup
One of the most important features of a tent is the setup. After all, if you can’t put the tent up when it matters, it’s useless!
In the case of the Coleman WeatherMaster 10, the setup is straightforward, if time-consuming. The tent comes with all the poles and stakes you need, and the directions are easy to follow.
Plus, all of the poles and sleeves are color-coded, so you can identify the matching parts.
Typically, one person can set up this tent in 30 minutes, while 2 can get the job done in about 20. (It’s still good idea to set it up in your yard first so you know where everything goes!)
Weatherproofing
Despite the name, the Coleman WeatherMaster series is ideal for summer nights or mild fall weather. This is largely due to the tent’s cabin-style design, which won’t withstand heavy rain, snow, or wind.
If you do intend to use this tent in light rain, it’s advised that you spray the tent with waterproofing to reinforce seams against leaks.
However, this tent does include several features from their WeatherTec system, such as inverted seams and flaps over the zippers. The downward-facing window design will also let you keep the windows open during light summer rains.
Price and Value
The Coleman WeatherMaster series comes in two options: regular or Elite. The Elite series comes with a higher price tag due to its added features.
However, both versions offer all the basics you need in a sturdy, family-sized summer tent.
Overall, the Coleman WeatherMaster is a mid-range tent offered at a moderate price – though the stick cost may seem shocking at first.
But, when you compare the features of the alternatives, it’s clear this tent may be one of the better investments for casual summer campers.
What I Like
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10 is a great cabin-style tent for large groups or families who need the extra space.
Although the tent is marketed for up to 10 people, you’ll sleep more comfortably with 7-8 max. But, if you’re not bringing a lot of gear, you can fit ten people in a pinch. (Plus, you can use the screened-in porch for added gear storage!)
One of this tent’s best features is the room divider to add privacy to a small space. Plus, with the two doors, you don’t have to worry about stepping on each other in the middle of the night!
What I Dislike
There’s not a lot to dislike about the Coleman WeatherMaster 10 as a summer tent. This large, family-style cabin tent includes plenty of extras to make you feel cozy away from home.
However, there is one thing about the WeatherMaster that I found disappointing: the expectations the name gives you. With a name like “WeatherMaster,” I thought that this tent would be an all-seasons design.
However, Coleman markets this tent as a summer seasonal tent – and rightfully so, as the cabin design wouldn’t hold up to heavy rain or wind.
Plus, with thin material and a wide-open space, the tent can’t hold in heat in colder climates.
The Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Coleman WeatherMaster 10 series, there are several suitable options on the market. Consider looking into the:
This 10-person tent is slightly smaller, but it’s also lighter weight (and easier on the wallet, too).
However, it also has far less waterproofing and does not include a screened-in porch.
Core 12-person Instant Cabin Tent
This instant tent from Core is a more expensive cabin-style option, but it comes with an impressive 180 square foot floor plan.
Additionally, this tent pops up in a mere 2 minutes, as opposed to twenty – and you only need one person!
On the other hand, due to the lighter design, it’s not meant to withstand anything heavier than a summer shower.
This 10-person cabin tent is the cheapest alternative on this list. It also includes a divider curtain for privacy and a screened-in porch off the front door.
Plus, the low-set design and 4-season capabilities make it sturdier in the case of storms or other bad weather.
FAQs
Does this tent come with everything needed to set it up immediately?
Yes, this tent includes a rainfly, stakes, and directions to get you set up.
However, it’s recommended that you purchase some seam sealer and seal both the inside of the tent and the rainfly before you try it in the great outdoors.
What is the difference between the Coleman WeatherMaster and the Coleman Elite WeatherMaster series?
There are three main differences between these two camping tent lines (aside from price!):
- The Coleman WeatherMaster series is brown, whereas the Elite series comes in blue
- The Coleman Elite series includes auto-rolling window shades
- Coleman’s Elie series has a built-in LED lighting system
How many people does it take to set up the tent?
We recommend that you have at least 2 people to set up this tent. This is especially true if you plan to put up the rainfly, which requires a tight fit to work properly.
Final Verdict
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10 series is a great tent for summer camping. From the wilds of Yellowstone to the dry sun of the Mojave Desert, it can withstand a variety of summer conditions.
With WeatherTec construction and a separate rainfly on your side, you can keep the rain and condensation out – without compromising your ventilation.
The cabin-style construction and privacy divider make this tent ideal for groups and families.
And, with the addition of the screened-in porch, you’ll have plenty of space to store your gear, enjoy the sunset, and even play games well into the night.
