🌲 Coleman Montana Camping Tent Review (6/8 Person Family Tent)

If you're a camping enthusiast or a family looking to reconnect with nature, a reliable and spacious tent is essential. The Coleman Montana Camping Tent promises a convenient, weather-resistant, and family-friendly camping experience. Marketed as fitting 6 to 8 people with room for multiple queen airbeds, this tent is a popular option for groups and families alike. But does it live up to the hype?

This in-depth review’ll cover everything you need to know—from setup to durability, comfort, and real-world usability. Let’s pitch in.

🌟 Quick Overview

• Brand: Coleman

• Model: Montana Camping Tent

• Capacity: 6-Person or 8-Person models available

• Key Features: Included rainfly, carry bag, extended door awning, WeatherTec system, spacious interior

• Set-Up Time: ~15 minutes

• Best For: Families, small groups, casual campers, festivals, weekend trips

🛠️ Setup Experience – Is It Really 15 Minutes?

One of Coleman’s big selling points is the promise of a 15-minute setup. While that may be achievable by experienced campers or two adults working together, first-time users should realistically expect around 20–30 minutes. The tent comes with color-coded poles and a clear instruction manual, which certainly helps.

Highlights:

• Straightforward pole sleeves and Insta-Clip pole attachments

• One person can set it up alone, but it's smoother with two

• Carry bag is decently sized and can fit all components

Tip: Practice setting it up at home before heading to the campsite for the first time.

🏕️ Interior Space – Roomy and Comfortable

This tent comes in two sizes: 6-person and 8-person. The 6-person model measures 12 x 7 feet with a 5-foot 8-inch center height, while the 8-person version offers more floor space and headroom.

• Easily fits two queen-size airbeds

• Room for sleeping bags, gear, and even a small table or dog bed

• High ceiling in the center allows most adults to stand comfortably

For a family of four with kids or a group of 3-5 adults, the space feels just right. Eight people would be a squeeze unless you’re packing light or using just sleeping bags.

🌧️ Weather Protection – The WeatherTec System Delivers

One of the tent’s strongest suits is its weather resistance. Coleman’s proprietary WeatherTec™ system features:

• Patented welded floors

• Inverted seams

• Rainfly for added protection

• Angled windows that can stay open in light rain without letting water in

During moderate rain and wind (up to 35 mph), this tent holds its own impressively. The floor remains dry and the structure stays sturdy. However, in heavy downpours or storms, you may experience some moisture—common in most tents at this price point.

Pro Tip: Always use a ground tarp or footprint underneath the tent to add an extra layer of protection.

💨 Ventilation – Comfortable in Warm Weather

The tent includes:

• Large windows with mesh screens

• A vented rainfly

• A ceiling vent in the 8-person model for airflow

It performs well in warmer weather and doesn't feel stuffy, thanks to the multiple airflow points. Still, for hot, humid climates, having a portable fan or extra mesh ventilation might enhance comfort.

🚪 Design Features – Smart and Practical

There are some small but smart design elements that make this tent particularly family-friendly:

✅ Extended Awning Over Door

The angled front awning keeps rain from dripping into the tent when you unzip the door. It also provides a nice shaded area for shoes or gear.

✅ Hinged Door (in some models)

The 8-person version comes with a hinged D-style door, which feels more like a real door and is super convenient, especially for kids going in and out.

✅ Storage Pockets

Interior mesh storage pockets help keep smaller items off the floor—great for phones, flashlights, and snacks.

🔧 Build Quality and Durability

Coleman tents are known for their affordability, but they don’t compromise much on quality. The Montana tent features:

• Durable polyester fabric

• Shock-corded fiberglass poles

• Zippers with cuffs to resist snagging and water entry

It may not feel as robust as high-end backpacking tents, but it’s more than sufficient for weekend trips, family outings, and even multi-day festivals.

Caution: The zippers can occasionally catch on the fabric if you're not careful. And the stakes are on the thinner side—consider upgrading to heavy-duty stakes for rough terrain or windy conditions.

📦 Portability and Storage

Once packed into its included carry bag, the tent is reasonably portable for car camping. It's not suitable for backpacking due to size and weight.

• Packed weight (6-person): ~20 lbs

• Packed weight (8-person): ~24 lbs

The carry bag has enough room for everything, although getting it repacked neatly may take a bit of effort the first few times.

✅ Advantages

1. Spacious Interior: Comfortably fits two queen airbeds; ideal for families or small groups.

2. Weather-Resistant: WeatherTec system does a solid job in wet conditions.

3. Fast Setup: With practice, 15–20 minutes is realistic.

4. Smart Design: Hinged door, extended awning, mesh pockets.

5. Good Value: Affordable price for a tent of this size and quality.

6. Well-Ventilated: Mesh windows and ceiling vents reduce stuffiness.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Bulky When Packed: Not ideal for hiking or lightweight camping.

2. Zipper Snags: Can catch on the fabric if rushed.

3. Basic Stakes: Consider upgrading to better quality tent stakes.

4. Not Great for Cold Weather: Best suited for spring, summer, and early fall.

5. Waterproofing Isn’t Absolute: Additional seam sealing and a tarp are recommended for heavy rain.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Q: Can it really fit 8 people?

A: Technically yes, but only if everyone is using sleeping bags and you don’t mind being snug. For comfort, we recommend:

• 6 people if using airbeds

• 4–5 for extra space and gear

🔹 Q: Is the tent freestanding?

A: Yes, it is. However, to maintain its full shape and rain resistance, staking it down is essential.

🔹 Q: Does the hinged door come with all models?

A: No. Only certain versions of the 8-person model have the hinged door. Check the product listing carefully to confirm.

🔹 Q: Can I use it in winter?

A: It’s not a 4-season tent. While it may work in mild cold, it’s not recommended for snow, freezing temperatures, or harsh winter weather.

🔹 Q: Is the floor waterproof?

A: The floor is made with Coleman’s welded corners and a polyethylene material that resists water well, but placing a tarp or footprint underneath is still advisable, especially on wet ground.

🏁 Final Verdict

The Coleman Montana Camping Tent is a fantastic option for families, casual campers, and festival-goers who want a roomy, weather-resistant, and easy-to-pitch shelter at an affordable price. It’s not built for extreme backcountry conditions or winter camping, but it excels in spring to fall recreational use.

With thoughtful features like the hinged door, extended awning, and spacious layout, it brings a touch of home to your outdoor adventures.

⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

• Ease of Setup: ★★★★☆

• Comfort & Space: ★★★★★

• Weather Resistance: ★★★★☆

• Durability: ★★★★☆

• Value for Money: ★★★★★

If you're planning your next family camping trip or summer adventure, the Coleman Montana Tent is a strong contender that balances price, comfort, and performance beautifully.