Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent vs Wenzel Bristlecone 8-Person Cabin Tent

The Coleman W825 is the roomier, taller tent: 112 square feet of floor, a 79-inch peak and a 44.7 square foot vestibule, so adults can stand and gear stays out of the sleeping area. The Wenzel Bristlecone is lighter at about 17.6 lbs, uses a shock-corded fiberglass frame, and its fly rolls back at both ends for stargazing. Owners of the Coleman-style instant tents praise the 60-second setup but report the 25 lb weight and bulk; Wenzel owners like the storage pockets and ventilation but note the lower ceiling and thinner floor. Buy the Coleman for standing room and a covered entry; buy the Wenzel if you carry the tent yourself and want to sleep under the mesh.

• Choose the Coleman 8-Person W825 if you want stand-up height, a covered vestibule for gear and a setup that takes about a minute.
• Choose the Wenzel Bristlecone if you want a lighter pack, a roll-back fly for stargazing and a simpler pole frame.