Our Amazon purchase of a Coleman Evanston Screened 8 Tent encouraged me to write this happy product review. My tent preferences were under $300, 8 person minimum, 6’ + standing room and a screened porch.
After months of research and procrastination I settled on the Coleman brand tent because I couldn’t beat their price and popularity. The popularity of Coleman allowed me to read a lot of reviews and Coleman tent designs seemed to match-up nicely with my preferences.
Ease of Set-up
I chose to erect this tent by myself. My disclaimer is I have never set-up this type and size of tent. I have erected military style canvas tents and a small 2 person dome tent some time ago.
The Coleman Evanston Screened 8 Tent carrying bag has the directions sewn inside the bag. Not the most convenient for reading, but I can see the importance for not losing them. I took pictures with my cell for easier reference.
With lots of sweat (96 degree day), a few choice words and several breaks, I managed to get it raised by myself, but 2 people would be a heck of a lot easier!
Precautions
It took a lot of adjusting of the tent material, especially in the center where the poles cross, to get this tent to raise-up. It would be easy to break a pole with this size of tent if you just bend the poles up to raise. Do you remember the game Twister? That was me.
Recommended Tools and Accessories
I didn’t use a tarp under the tent, but would advise it when placing on hard dirt. The flooring material is not real thick and could be damaged by rocks and such.
A rubber mallet was needed for driving the stakes into our hard ground. I purchased a Tent Peg Remover and extra Galvanized Steel Tent Pegs because the directions stated not to use the tents attached rings or nylon tabs for pulling out the pegs.
Our new battery operated fan was a life saver and a Coleman LED Lantern hangs nicely on the ceiling hook. The two mesh pockets, one on either side of the tent, are handy for a few small items.
Dog owners may want to consider buying the Tent Repair Kit. I’ve already had to repair a small section of screen in the porch area due to our Rottie trying to exit through the side…she’s a slow learner.
Features
- Double Zippers operate smoothly
- Screened Porch and 4 Windows have loop and toggle style tie backs.
- Rain beaded-up and rolled off nicely.
- No leaks after rainstorm.
- 2 reflective lantern images on outside of tent.
- 2 mesh pockets, one on either side, measures 9” x 8”.
- Large back window, center width measures 60”
- No closure on back window, but rain cover provides privacy.
- All windows begin 34” off the ground.
Specifications
Screened Porch:
Tripled zippered entrance height 68”, bottom width 105”, top width 60”, depth at door 58”, and a height of 64”.
Porch flooring has a mesh strip along the front that allows rain water to drain
Tent Entrance:
8” door sill, center door width 31”, double zippered door height 54” + sill totals 62”, windows 28”x28”.
Amazon Affiliate Links
I’m all about writing a product review when I’m very happy with a product I purchase. I will write a negative review if I’m sorely disappointed with a products quality in relation to its price and/or performance.
Because I research purchases extensively and read a lot of the customer reviews I’m rarely surprised or disappointed by my choices. I have included some Amazon Affiliate links to products mentioned above.