Coleman Sundome Vs Flatwoods (2023) – Two close friends of camping beginners

Founded in 1900, Coleman is a leading brand in manufacturing outdoor recreation products, including lanterns, tents, sleeping bags, etc. Throughout its long-standing history, Coleman meets its customer needs thanks to high quality, diversity, and customer service. Talking about Coleman, we cannot forget to mention its essential product line – tent. Coleman Sundome vs Flatwoods is two of the most famous bestsellers, which helps explain the reputation of the brand. 

This article will aim at helping you choose the most suitable tent for your next trip. Sundome or Flatwoods? The answer will be explained clearly below for your reference.

Sundome Vs Flatwoods – Which is the best one?

In brief, after researching carefully about two types, I can say that Coleman Flatwoods is a better option than Sundome. Despite being a best-seller, the main reason why Sundome is not widely favored is its low quality.

It is evident that a tent with many design faults can fully ruin your camping experience. So if you wish to own a safer and superior tent, Flatwoods is highly recommended instead of Sundome.

Key features

Sundome

See Latest Price

Being Coleman’s best seller with excellent rankings, Sundome stands out thanks to these key features. Sundome guarantees a fast 10-minute setup due to snag-free continuous pole sleeves. Moreover, Sundome is made from Polyguard fabric to better protect the tent from tearing. It means that you can expect durability and longer longevity.

Worried about the upcoming rain? Included rainfly, WeatherTec system with welded corners and inverted seams will ensure a dry and comfortable inner space.

For enhanced air circulation, Sundome provides large mesh and ground vents to push warm air up and out, hence less condensation and more fresh air in the room.

A special point of Sundome is its E-port for easy access to electrical power outside the tent. When camping in areas with electricity, don’t forget to bring an extension cord and you can access power in case your phone or other electrical devices run out of battery.

Sundome’s E-port

Source: Coleman® EMEA Official Channel

Flatwoods

See Latest Price

As a companion for camping beginners, Flatwoods will not let you down because of its basic yet helpful features. For better air circulation, Flatwoods is equipped with huge mesh panels and vents on the rainfly.

Besides, its special WeatherTec system with welded floors and inverted seams is well known for keeping your tent completely dry in damp conditions. Furthermore, Flatwoods’ protective qualities do well in protecting you from high winds and water. Therefore, extreme weather won’t be your main concern in your adventure.

Pros

Sundome

 Source: Coleman® EMEA Official Channel

Various useful features: doormat to keep your feet clean before entering your tent, zipper in the corner to bring electrical power into your tent, a loop to hang your lantern at the top of the tent 

Flatwoods

Source: chuck kososky

  • The six-inch bathtub floor is a plus point on rainy days for keeping water out
  • Good water and wind resistance.

Cons

Sundome

  • The little zipper in the corner for the outside power source and the seams make the tent leak seriously in the rain.
  • The small awning of the rainfly cannot protect the tent from raindrops.
  • Poor quality poles
  • Low-quality material as it is easy to rip

Flatwoods

  • The six-inch bathtub sometimes makes it difficult to get in/get out

Sun dome Vs Flatwoods in comparison

Similarity

Pros

  • Fast and easy setup
  • Unlimited sky view without the fly
  • Great ventilation because of big mesh and vents on the rainfly 
  • The bathtub floor helps keep the tent dry

Cons

  • Only 2 walls are made from solid material. The other 2 are full of mesh that cannot be closed. => Suitable for warm weather, but not supportive in extreme environments
  • Only 1 D-style door => Fairly small and inconvenient for 4 people
  • Lack of vestibules leads to limited storage space and stale air
  • It-Not wide enough for 4 people

In general, Coleman Sundome vs Flatwoods shares 4 similar features.

Firstly, they have almost the same floor dimensions and center height. Users of both types usually complained about cramped inner space and discomfort. This size is considered as more ideal for 2, good for 3, but too narrow for 4 people.

Secondly, both are full praise of the mesh top without solid fabric since campers can enjoy nature and stargazing activities at night. However, the big mesh design on the two sides of the tent does not support its insulation function. In cold weather, the rainfly is not enough to keep warm, while it can absorb all the heat in the summer. Additionally, because the fly only covers half the tent, you are likely to feel cold when the high wind can easily flow into your tent. Therefore, there should be supporting flaps with zippers to cover the mesh.

Thirdly, their “bathtub” floor is an outstanding strength. This high wall between the ground and the door not only keeps you and your personal items dry, even in a torrential rain, but it also prevents insects from entering.

Finally, the design of both doesn’t have vestibules, so you may sacrifice a lot of inner space for storing your stuff. Vestibules are also helpful in keeping your tent dry and clean as you don’t want to put your wet shoes inside.

Difference

Waterproofing

Sundome’s waterproof feature is a notable weakness. Water can drip into the tent seriously through the seams and the little zipper in the corner for an outside power source. Many 1-star reviews said that all their stuff got fully wet and they were not able to use the tent. After a rainy night, you may be unlucky to see some puddles in the corners.

Unlike Sundome, Flatwoods receive compliments for its rainproofing function. Some reviews said that though in heavy rains, the tent was not affected by raindrops or dampness.

 Wind resistance

People had no problems in high wind with Flatwoods. The tent was actually stable in the wind and there is no sign of whipping or rattling.

On the contrary, there were some disappointing cases when heavy wind or rainstorms made Sundome collapse because of its delicate poles. Extreme weather can break the fragile poles as fiberglass is not a durable material.

Quality

Quality can be your most important consideration when deciding to pick Sundome. Its quality is strongly criticized as buyers usually have problems after a few times of usage or even after arrival. The carry bag and fabric have small holes just after purchase. Flimsy poles, regularly splitting zippers, and bent stakes all fell short of users’ expectations.

In contrast, Flatwoods saw no upset feedback about its quality. It is considered durable, well made, and worth the price.

Click two videos below for detailed descriptions from real-life reviews:

Sundome:

Flatwoods:

FAQs

1. Do I need to buy an additional tarp under the tent?

The question of whether to add a tarp actually depends on where you place your tent. If you go camping on the flat ground such as a thick layer of grass without any stone, a tarp is unnecessary. Otherwise, you can use a tarp for rugged areas.

However, if you want to maintain the tent’s durability and simplify the cleanup process, it is advisable that you remember to put a tarp under your tent.

2. Can I set up a 4-person tent on my own?

Thanks to the simple structure of both Coleman Sundome vs Flatwoods, you can set up the tent alone. But of course, it would be easier and quicker if you have support from another adult.

3. Can I use 2 types for 4 seasons?

In my opinion, warm seasons are ideal to use Sundome and Flatwoods. The reason why you should not use them in the winter or in cold weather is the large mesh on 2 sides and half rainfly.

As a result, you are likely to feel chilled and tremble. Make sure to bring your own sleeping bags, heat bags, or blankets!

Conclusion

As you can see above, Coleman Sundome vs Flatwoods has quite similar designs. However, small differences regarding weather protection and quality can help you easily make your final decision to choose a Flatwoods tent.

Although Sundome has more helpful features, it also made users quite disappointed due to unacceptably poor quality and rainwater leakage. I guess no one wants to have this kind of negative camping experience.

With Flatwoods, there is no need for you to worry and you are more likely to enjoy your trip with your partners.

Tags: Rightline Gear Suv Tent Vs Napier, ALPS Mountaineering Vs Marmot, Wenzel Vs Coleman Tents, Campros Vs Coleman, Geertop vs Naturehike, Geertop vs Lanshan, Vidalido vs Coleman, Alps Mountaineering vs Kelty, Core Tent vs Ozark Trail, Naturehike vs Big Agnes, Naturehike vs MSR, Thule Tepui Vs Smittybilt, Alps Mountaineering Vs Coleman, Napier Sportz Truck Tent Vs Backroadz, Big Agnes Blacktail Vs Msr Elixir, Naturehike Cloud Up Vs Mongar, Big Agnes Vs Marmot Tent, Msr Hubba Hubba Nx 2 Vs Elixir 2, Msr Hubba Hubba Vs Access 2, Kodiak Canvas Vs White Duck, Marmot Limelight Vs Tungsten, Coleman Sundome Tent Vs Dark Room Tent, Marmot Limestone Vs Halo, Coleman Sundome Vs Skydome, Marmot Limestone Vs Limelight, Forceatt Vs Bessport, Marmot Limestone Vs Tungsten, Big Agnes Vs North Face Tents, Coleman Sundome vs Flatwoods, ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Taurus, ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Vs Velocity, ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Vs Zephyr, MSR Hubba Hubba vs Naturehike Mongar

Rate this post
Exit mobile version