We went camping, very hot and not much shade, so we brought our own. After MUCH research and review reading this is what we purchased. Very easy to set up, follow the directions and you should have zero problems. 2 persons are better than 1 for this job but could be done with one and a bit of patience in the extension of the 4 legs. Just do a bit here then move to the next corner for a few inches of extension and repeat till fully extended but 2 minimum persons for raising the unit should be a must but could be accomplished by one following the suggestions above.
I also purchased a screen room, not for this model but from thorough research the frame is the same on the 10 ft (roof) unit as the 13 ft unit which provides much better shade coverage and rain protection. Due to the fact that you have more available floorspace with the 13' roof just because you can place tables etc a bit further back from the center. Will not be able to do this with the screen attached. Also the roof itself is a bit lower around the perimeter which helped keep the wind driven rains off of us! a big plus. Mr. is 6'2" and had NO trouble at all coming and going.
The screens will fit this unit, BUT, there will be a bit of a gap between the roof itself and the top of the screens. This is usually covered on the 10 ft model due to the fact that the 10 ft unit has a "skirt" of several inches that goes straight down the sides of the frame from the top, thus creating a gap free application.
We are hoping this gives us years of sun protection and will definitely help keep the sun off of our coolers as well as us and gives a very cozy feeling. We also set up the small BBQ pit for breakfast toward the outer edge to allow for a very rainy am pot of coffee and breakfast with no problem with the roof being too near the heat thus suffering no damage at all.
OK now for the guy line stakes, surprisingly a bit and I mean a bit more substantial than the included tent stakes of a recent Coleman tent purchase, these were useless. The thicker stakes for the legs were very good. However, as I said in my tent review, purchase the coleman tent stakes separately and use these for everything. They are inexpensive and will last a lifetime. One big gust of wind made us actually hold it down for a couple of minutes and from now on the Mr. WILL stake this down, AND use the guy lines for each use, rain forecasted or not. LOL
Not that we tried this but the roof can be lowered about 3 ft, allowing for closer proximity to the ground and would most likely survive, intact, a gusty storm. My thoughts are that if storms are expected and you will be away from campsite or for overnight storms just lower the whole roof and it would not be nearly as susceptible to wind gusts and offer a bit more protection for whatever is stored under a bit better as well.
We knowingly purchased screens anyway and are not sorry that we did. Even though we only gave them a test run to check for fit, the gap is nothing. After all you are camping and even if it fit snugly at the roofline bugs will get inside as we all get tired of constant zipping and usually let the screen doors flap anyway. When screens are attached there is a 1 1/2' extension beyond the actual screening on all 4 sides that provide a great deal of extra coverage and rain protection and even supply enough cover for some supplies set just outside the 10' frame perimeter. Where we camp it is a crapshoot as to whether we will be bothered by insects or not. If they are there and in biting mode they are relentless and painful so screens can be a necessity at times, but only a couple of times per year just impossible to predict when they will be in attack mode this is why we really wanted screens, for occasional use. The gap should be of no consequence with this unit.
Without the screens, 4 adults with chairs, a 6 ft table, coolers underneath, 2 end tables, dog bed and bowls, and other misc. items would NOT feel cramped at all or trip over each other. With screens, all would still fit but not as much floor space making walking around each other and stuff a bit more like an obstacle course.
As for other reviews as to its durability I foresee no issues as this is very well made but it is NOT for permanent use and the reviews on its durability that seem to be negative seems to have been due to applications where they were using this on an everyday semi-permanent basis. Just as one would not use a tent daily nor is this designed for that purpose.
As an addition to your camp gear this cannot be beat. The whole thing went very smoothly back into a very well designed storage bag. Thank you coleman for a great storage bag; if only your tents had the same thought and care put into their storage bag designs. HINT
UPDATE
We were lucky enough to go camping one last time this year and rain was a threat for much of the trip. It did rain some, a storm at night, we had discovered upon setting up this for the second time that there are 3 height settings for about a 1 ft. difference. the holes are about 6 inches apart and decided to lower this the night the storm was expected to lower its wind resistance. Mostly for peace of mind while sleeping. He did have to slightly duck his head to the side entering and exiting canopy area. So based on the forecast we set up the tent, then the canopy placing the canopy about 6" over the tent entrance, YES we stayed dry going to and fro in the morning WONDERFUL! We will most likely use this set up permanently. Although the tent got some to a lot of excess water run off from the roof all was good.
Coleman Evanston 6 Screened Tent
Also as noted on other reviews we thought we would need to purchase or invent some type of additional weights for the legs and found that my excess of girl stuff hanging from my pole-r-bear
Umbrella Hook for Towels/Camera/Bags
umbrella hooks seemed to do the trick.
The space required under canopy for the tent entrance was minimal and not terribly obstructive at all with 2 persons, gear, 6 ft. table chairs and a dog. However if 4 wanted to use the dry space it would have been crowded.
Two full camping seasons and still going amazing. Would definitely purchase again and highly recommend.
| Brand | Coleman |
|---|---|
| Material | Blend |
| Color | Multi |
| Item Weight | 46.5 Pounds |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Beach |
| Ultraviolet Light Protection | True |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel |
| Closure Type | Folds |
| Pole Material Type | Alloy Steel |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 50 x 11 x 9.1 inches |
| Package Weight | 22.68 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 49.4 x 10.24 x 8.27 inches |
| Brand Name | Coleman |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty Description | See manufacturer |
| Model Name | 2000023972 |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Coleman |
| Part Number | 2000004407 |
| Style | Canopy |
| Included Components | Shelter with wheeled carry bag |
| Size | 13' x 13' |
| Sport Type | Camping & Hiking |
