The humble family tent has come a long way! Old style canvas tents and dome tents with sleeve-fed poles can be difficult and time-consuming to set-up and pack-up which really limits their practicality for those quick overnight stops.
The Coleman Instant Up 10P Lighted Northstar Darkroom Tent offers several innovative features designed to address common camping challenges. Let’s explore what makes this tent stand out and why these features matter for your camping experience.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Quick Setup Design – The Coleman Instant Up Northstar features is the instant-up frame system enabling set-up of the inner tent in just 3 minutes.
- Revolutionary Darkroom Technology – The tent features a ‘darkroom’ coating on the fly which blocks 95% of sunlight. This prevents early morning light from disrupting your sleep schedule while also reducing the internal temperature by up to 5°C, making the tent more comfortable during warm weather.
- LED Lighting Built In – The integrated silicone flexible strip LED lighting system transforms how you use the tent after dark. Unlike traditional camping lanterns that create harsh shadows and uneven lighting, this built-in system provides consistent illumination throughout the space. The LED lights can be powered from D cell batteries or a USB power bank (not supplied).
- Multiple Living Zones – The tent’s three-room configuration with zippered mesh and privacy doors offers a good balance of communal living and personal space.
- Climate Control and Weather Protection – The circle ventilation system promotes air circulation, crucial for reducing condensation and maintaining comfortable temperatures. Welded floors and inverted seams provide robust protection against ground moisture. The mesh screen doors with awnings allow for ventilation while providing protection from rain.
- Storage Solutions – The Coleman Northstar includes multiple storage pockets along the tent walls to help you stay organised. Ideal for phones, keys, torches, wallets and other gear you need to keep easily accessible.
- Additional Features – The tent comes with four awning poles, allowing you to create protected outdoor spaces adjacent to the tent extending your living space and provides a sheltered area for activities like cooking or relaxing outside while staying protected from sun or light rain.
Dimensions and Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | 3 |
| Sleeping Capacity | 10 Person |
| Recommended Capacity | 6 Person + Living Space |
| Sleeping Area | 210W x 230D | 175W x 230D | 210W x 230D cm |
| External Dimensions | 610L x 240W cm |
| Packed Dimensions | 120L x 32W x 32H cm |
| Weight | 30 Kg |
| Max. Head Height | 190 cm |
| Material | 75D 185T Ripstop Polyester Fly | Dark Room Coating |
| Inner Material | Polyester |
| Floor Material | 420D Polyoxford PVC |
| Frame Material | Steel | Fibreglass |
| Waterhead Rating | Fly 3000mm | Floor Not Specified by Coleman |
| Light Source | Integrated LED Strip Lighting |
| Batteries | 4 x D Cell | USB Power pack | Not Included |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
Reviews:
For my first camping trip, it’s very easy to setting up and packing away, and is very suitable for new campers. There is a lot of space, and we put down 2 single ,1 double, and 1 queen inflatable mattress. It is very good and the children like it very much. We were lucky to choose this tent camping.
Great tent with lots of room. Definitely blacks out a lot of sunlight. Really great for our family and love the internal light system. Definitely easier with 2 ppl setting up and packing away.
So easy to put up, lots of room to spread out. We did buy some stronger pegs though. We love it. Next trip we will be putting the fly over the top before we extend the poles or putting some rope on the fly to throw over and pull across as I am on the shorter side and found it hard to throw over. All up the tent is fantastic and we have had no issues with it.
Price:
$799 at time of publishing
Where To Buy:
Available at Snowys who offer Australia wide delivery.
Product Images:
Written by Steve Baile, Founder of Expedition Australia and creator of 'The Big Lap' film series.
