Looking for a quick, lightweight tent?
Before we moved into our travel trailer full-time, we were mostly weekend campers. We’d stuff our car trunk with gear and head out for a couple days. When you’ve only got a short time to camp, who wants to waste it wrestling with tent poles? That’s exactly why we fell in love with pop up tents, they let us start relaxing way faster.
The Coleman 2 person pop up tent goes up in seconds, weighs next to nothing, and squishes down flat. It’s perfect for throwing in the car and even the RV to use as a spare bedroom!
In this review, I’ll tell you what worked great for us, what didn’t, and why you might want one for your next adventure, especially if you hate complicated setups as much as we do.
See Also: Best Pop Up Screen Tents & Camping Shelters
Tip
To make packing up the Coleman 2-person pop up tent easier, leave the door flap open and shake out any dirt before folding, it saves time and keeps the inside clean without needing to sweep.
Coleman 2 Person Pop Up Tent
Key Features
- Sets up in just 10 seconds.
- Weighs only 6 lbs (with stakes and bag).
- Folds into a flat 49.5-inch circle.
- Waterproof design with removable rainfly.
- Two-layer door with mesh and solid panels.
- Fits a full-size air mattress (tight fit).
- Great ventilation with 3 mesh roof panels.
- Comes with standard tent stakes and guy lines.
- Packs into a zippered carrying bag with handles.
Quick Review
We used the Coleman 2-person pop up tent for more than 3 years of weekend trips, and it never failed us. Setting it up is crazy fast, just pull it from the bag, undo the strap, and watch it pop open.
Packing it back up is a bit tricky at first, but after a few tries, you’ll get the hang of the folding part. The rainfly slides on and off easily, which we loved for watching stars on nice nights or keeping dry when it started pouring.
Two adults will feel pretty squeezed in there, but it’s totally fine for quick getaways or if you’re camping alone and like having room to spread out. The low, rounded shape actually does great in the wind, and there’s space at both ends to stash your stuff.
It’s nothing fancy, but this tent survived everything we threw at it, like windy nights, rainstorms, dusty campsites. And being able to set up camp in seconds makes it tough to beat for regular camping trips.
Buy This If You:
- You want a fast, no-fuss tent that sets up in seconds.
- You mostly camp solo or need a small tent for kids.
- You’re looking for a lightweight, compact tent for weekend trips.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- You need more room for two adults and gear.
- You plan to camp in very cold or snowy conditions.
- You prefer a tent with more standing height or extra features.
A Closer Look
The Coleman 2-person pop up tent might seem basic, but it’s packed with clever touches that make weekend camping way easier. The best part? How tiny it gets when you pack it up.
It folds down to a flat circle about 49.5 inches wide and only a couple inches thick. The bag comes with two handles, so you can easily slide it in your trunk or carry it around camp.
The tent floor measures 7 feet 6 inches long by 4 feet 6 inches wide in the middle. It gets a bit narrower at the ends, but you can still squeeze in two sleeping pads or even a full-size air mattress (though the corners will be snug).
You get some extra room at each end for your backpack or shoes, which keeps your sleeping space from getting cluttered. The dome gives you about 2 feet 11 inches of height in the middle, enough to sit up if you’re not super tall.
Up top, there are three mesh panels that let air flow through and give you a view of the stars. The door has two parts, a mesh layer for bugs and a waterproof layer for rain. Inside, there are two mesh pockets where we kept our phones and flashlights handy.
The stakes that come with it are pretty basic but do the job in regular dirt. If it’s windy, you’ll want to bring some beefier stakes just to be safe.
The rainfly stays attached to the back with stretchy bands, so you can’t lose it, and flipping it on takes seconds. We’ve tested this thing in desert windstorms and downpours, and it kept us totally dry inside. For such a simple tent that sets up this fast, they really thought through all the little details that matter.
Coleman Pop-Up Tent Full Review
What I Like
The best part about the Coleman 2-person pop up tent is the setup speed. It seriously pops open in seconds. Even after using it for years, I still get a kick out of watching it spring up from the bag. Folding it back down needs some practice, but after doing it a few times, you’ll get the hang of it.
Cleaning is super simple too. I just unzip the door, grab the tent, and give it a good shake. All the dirt and leaves fall right out, no sweeping needed. The rainfly is a breeze to work with. It unhooks fast so you can easily flip it back when you want fresh air or to see the stars. It’s attached at the back, so you’ll never lose it.
I’m also impressed by how it handles wind. The low, rounded design keeps it stable even in gusty spots. We’ve camped in some pretty breezy places, and with good stakes, this thing doesn’t budge. The fabric might feel light, but it’s tougher than it looks, ours has lasted years of weekend adventures without any problems.
What I Don’t Like
Calling this a two-person tent is a stretch. Two adults will feel pretty squished, though you can manage for a weekend. Looking back, I wish we’d gotten the four-person size (click to view on Amazon) for more room. That said, it’s awesome for solo camping, and kids think it’s the coolest thing ever.
The other minor annoyance is the inside door zipper. It gets stubborn when you try to close it completely, especially if the tent fabric is stretched tight. The zipper pulls against the seams in a way that feels awkward.
We figured out that staking the corners a bit looser helps take the pressure off, but it’s still something that bugs you the first few trips.
Durability
After using it regularly for years, the Coleman 2-person pop up tent has held up way better than we expected. We’ve pitched it on sharp rocks, used it in rainstorms, and weathered some serious desert windstorms without any real damage.
The seams are still solid, the zippers still zip, and the pop-up mechanism works like new. Just take care of it, throw a tarp under it and shake the dirt out before packing, and this thing will last through tons of weekend adventures.
Portability
This tent is ridiculously easy to haul around. It folds down to a flat circle that slides into its own zippered bag with two handles. At only 6 pounds, it’s light enough to carry anywhere or toss in your car without thinking twice.
Sure, the 49.5-inch circle looks huge at first, but since it’s flat, you can stack other camping gear on top without it eating up space.
Usability
The Coleman pop up tent is perfect if you’re new to camping or just want something dead simple. It goes up in seconds, and once you figure out the folding trick, packing takes no time either.
We’ve used ours for quick camping trips, afternoon naps at the park, sleepovers in the yard, and even kept it in the car as backup shelter.
Since it’s so easy to use, you’ll actually use it, unlike those complicated tents that stay buried in your garage.
Conclusion
The Coleman 2-person pop up tent is hands-down one of the simplest camping tents you’ll ever use, which makes it perfect for first-timers, weekend warriors, or anyone who hates complicated setups.
It springs open in seconds, squishes flat for storage, and stands up to wind and rain like a champ. Thanks to its light weight, built-in ventilation, and no-fuss rainfly, it works great for solo camping, kids’ adventures, or quick trips with a partner.
Two adults will feel cozy in there, but that tight space actually keeps you warmer when it’s chilly, plus it’s super easy to lug around.
Similar Pop Up & Instant Tents
If the Coleman 2-person pop up tent isn’t quite the right fit for you, there are a few other instant tents worth checking out. Below are two popular options that offer similar fast setup times with different features, sizes, and price points.
Abco Tech Instant 2 Person Tent
My Verdict
A budget-friendly pop up tent that works well for solo campers or shade at the beach, but it’s not great for wet weather.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Two doors with mesh panels
- Very fast setup
- Great for fair-weather camping or indoor use.
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Tight fit for two people
- No removable rainfly
- Limited ventilation on hot days
Zomake Pop Up Tent
My Verdict
A roomy, easy-to-set-up pop up tent with good ventilation and space, best for families or anyone who wants extra room, but not the best for heavy rain.
Pros
- Fits 3–4 people comfortably.
- Four doors for great airflow.
- Quick setup with decent weather protection.
- Nice star-view panel on the roof.
Cons
- Bulky when packed.
- Rainfly is small and not fully waterproof.
- Not as stable in strong wind.
- May be too large for solo campers or small spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleman Pop Up Tents
Is the Coleman pop up tent waterproof?
Yes, the Coleman pop up tent has a waterproof rainfly that goes over the top and sides. We’ve camped through rainstorms and even had water pooling around us, but we stayed mostly dry.
Does the Coleman 2-person pop up tent have windows?
You get three mesh panels up top and a little mesh window in the door. Take the rainfly off on clear nights and you’ve got an awesome view of the stars.
Will a full-size air mattress fit in the Coleman 2-person pop up tent?
A full-size mattress will squeeze in there, but the round corners might press against the tent walls. Forget about a queen, you’d need the 4-person tent for that.
How does the Coleman 2-person tent perform in cold weather?
It’s fine for cool nights since the small space traps your body heat pretty well. But this isn’t a snow camping tent, if you’re heading out in freezing weather, get something made for winter.
How do you fold up a pop up tent?
It’s tricky the first couple times, but you’ll get it. Coleman puts picture directions right on the bag.
Are pop up tents good for camping?
Pop up tents are awesome when you want fast and easy. They’re perfect for weekend getaways, road trips, and one-nighters, just don’t expect them to handle crazy storms.
Is the Coleman pop up tent good for kids?
Kids love this tent. It’s perfect for backyard campouts or as an indoor fort. The easy setup means older kids can even set it up it themselves.
Can one person set up and take down the Coleman pop up tent?
Totally. It basically sets itself up, and once you know the folding trick, one person can pack it away no problem.
Does it come with everything you need?
You get the tent, basic stakes, some guy lines, and the carry bag. The stakes work fine in regular dirt, but bring heavier ones for windy spots or hard ground.
How heavy is the Coleman pop up tent?
Just 6 pounds with everything included. Light enough to carry around camp or keep in your trunk without noticing it’s there.
Is the Coleman pop up tent UV resistant?
The fabric and rainfly block some sun, but it’s not heavy-duty UV protection. On super sunny days, try to find a shady spot to set up if you can.
good review on the coleman 2 person pop up tent. I just purchased it on Amazon and am excited to use it. it will just be me so it sounds perfect for my needs. happy trails!
Thanks John, hope you like it!