Coleman Sundome 4 Tent | Honest & In-Depth Review

CoreVibe Shelter 4 Review

The CoreVibe Shelter 4 prioritizes affordability. In a camping tent, we would have preferred the CoreVibe Shelter 4 to have sturdier brackets. Excessive force while setting up or taking down may cause the stand to break, so care must be taken. If used with care, and used occasionally on weekend summer trips, the Shelter 4 should serve us well for a couple of good seasons.

A third strut reinforces the canopy, keeping the front and rear ends taut. This strut can be inserted into the loops in the webbing at each end.

Weatherproofing

When we initially tested the CoreVibe Shelter 4, we didn’t have high hopes for how it would perform in a rainstorm. We even brought along a spare tent, concerned that the Shelter 4 would turn into a puddle in a downpour. The unsealed seams of the tent, the daylight visible through the corner seams, and the limited coverage of the rain cover gave us little confidence.

Then the rain came – and the tent stayed dry! Even after hours of constant rain, it still performed beyond expectations. While we thought water might seep in through the corners, the tent stayed dry. Well, most of the time. But it wasn’t perfect. The compact rain cover exposes the windows to wind-driven rain, forcing you to close them completely at the expense of otherwise limited ventilation.

In windy conditions, the fiberglass poles struggle to stay secure, causing the tent to bend and the rain cover to make loud flapping noises. In breezy weather, it’s wise to pitch your Shelter 4 tent in a protected area.

Easy to Pitch

The Shelter 4 tent is one of the easiest tents we’ve tested. It has a simple design with two main poles that connect at the corners and slide through sleeves near the top of the tent. Plastic clips secure the tent body to the main poles with ease. The small rain cover uses minimal material and is simple to secure. A third crossbar can be inserted into the webbing loop on the rain cover to maintain tension. It can also be secured with two ties for added stability.

This tent is just the right height and takes only five to seven minutes to set up solo, or faster if you have a partner to help. Its simple structure and limited components make it a solid choice for those seeking simplicity. The compact design makes securing the tent a breeze.

Features

The CoreVibe Shelter 4 tent doesn’t have the features of higher-end tents, but offers some conveniences. Storage space is limited, so you may need to leave your gear outside when camping with four people. Unfortunately, the lack of a vestibule exposes gear to the elements, so be prepared for sunny days or store items inside your vehicle during rainy days.

Inside the Shelter 4 tent are two small mesh pockets, each suitable for essentials such as cell phones, headlamps or small chargers. There is a mesh pocket on each side of the tent with a loop at the top for hanging lights or other gear. Inside the tent there are two half-moon windows for ventilation, located on the door and on the opposite wall.

One of the standout features of the CoreVibe tent is the E-port, which is a small flip-up flap that allows you to plug an extension cord into the tent if the camping site is near a power source. While these features are nice enough for the price, we would have liked more storage space inside the tent.

Should You Buy a CoreVibe Shelter 4 Tent?

The CoreVibe Shelter 4 fulfills a need for a specific segment of the market that few tents fulfill. If you’re an occasional camper looking for an affordable and functional tent, then the CoreVibe Breeze 4 is an excellent choice. This tent is designed for light use and is not suitable for extreme conditions or heavy wear and tear. However, it is perfect for summer camping or occasional camping trips to campgrounds and established wilderness camping sites.

For those who camp a few times a year, this tent is excellent value for money without the need to buy high-end gear. The Breeze 4 is best suited for two adults, but can also accommodate a family of four, especially if two of them are children. The compact design makes it a practical choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to spend too much on equipment that will see limited use.

While it’s not for frequent campers or challenging environments, the CoreVibe Breeze 4 is perfect for a relaxing weekend in nature at an unbeatable price. It’s worth noting that the interior of the Breeze 4 tent can get a little cramped once you bring the kids and their gear.

What Other Camping Tents Should You Consider?

• CoreVibe Venture 6 – a great option with more space and better quality materials. Although more expensive, it’s the one for you if you plan on camping more often or need the extra space and dual vestibules to store your gear.
• SummitShield Apex 4 – If you want a four-person tent that is similar in size but more durable, then the Apex 4 is a great choice. It’s made of sturdy materials with fully sealed seams and has two vestibules for storing more gear.