Coleman has already established itself as a trustworthy brand on the market of beach essentials and this shade shelter is no exception. Costing less than $60, it is a reliable tent that can serve you well in a variety of circumstances and provide protection against the sun.
After only a 5-10 minute setup process, enjoy laying on the beach without getting burned under this tent’s UPF 50+ sun protection canopy. You can unzip the back window for better airflow and extend the front floor for more room to relax.
With included ground stakes, the tent will be sure to stand up in sand, dirt, or grass. You’ll be able to use it at a park picnic, kids’ sports game, or on a camping trip. However, you’ll want to avoid using it during very windy weather, as some reviews mention it doesn’t handle strong winds well.
Continue reading for more pros and cons to this tent and to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Overall, the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter tent is an affordable tent that’ll keep you cool and protected against the sun for many beach trips.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Provides great sun protection
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Back window unzips for ventilation and front door provides privacy or can be used as a floor mat
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It’s versatile and can be used for other outdoor outings
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Includes extra features such as a drying line for towels and interior mesh pockets for other beach items
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It’s affordable
Things we don't like:
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Not sturdy in very strong winds
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Some users complain the poles break easily
Specs & Features
- Material: Polyester Canopy/Fiberglass Frame
- Dimensions: 14.7 x 6.6 x 6.6 inches
- Item Weight: 5 Pounds
- Price: $44-$60
- 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
A Beach Tent You Can Depend On
For a beach tent that protects against the sun, provides shade for up to four people, and can be taken to other outdoor outings, consider getting the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter.
This Coleman tent is made of durable materials that are designed to endure not only beach conditions but also other outdoor elements. It’s a decent size for either couples or families to fit comfortably under.
A few extra features like a drying line and interior pockets provide a better user experience and a rear window provides ventilation for those warmer days.
There are a few things about the tent that users complain about, which include bad experiences with wind resistance and faulty tent poles. However, Coleman offers a 3-year warranty for any mishaps and provides replacement parts if needed.
Here is our in-depth review of the Coleman Beach Shade Shelter.
Materials
Let’s take a look at the tent’s materials and construction.
In addition to the polyester canopy and fiberglass poles, your tent will also include the following:
- Guy lines
- Ground stakes
- Sandbags
- Carry bag
The polyester canopy holds up well against the elements at the beach such as sun, wind, sand, and water. It’s also easy to clean by simply wiping it down with a wet cloth.
The fiberglass poles are flexible and strong. Some users report the poles are “brittle” and have snapped during setup, but Coleman offers a 3-year warranty and replacement parts are available online should it break outside of that timeframe.
The guy lines, ground stakes, and sandbags are there to ensure an easy setup process that’ll keep the tent secure and standing up against normal winds.
Traveling with this tent is made easy with a lightweight carry bag.
Portability & Size
The tent and its parts fit snugly in a compact carry bag – weighing a total of 5 pounds. That’s pretty impressive, considering the size of the tent.
We’d consider this one of the bigger beach tents available on the market, fitting up to 3 adults and a few small children if sitting together on a blanket.
If you also want to set up a few beach chairs inside the tent, you’ll be more comfortable with two people.
Either way, it’s a nice size for individuals, couples, or small families.
Another thing we like about its size is how tall it is compared to other beach tents. The center height is 4 feet and 9 inches tall, which is comfortable enough to change into or out of your bathing suit.
In comparison, other beach tents like the Gorich Large Sun and Coleman Weatherproof are about 4 feet tall.
Beach Tent Features
With so many beach tent options out there, features are one of the things that can really make a tent stand out from the rest.
The Coleman Beach Sun Shelter comes with a few extra features that are useful for a day at the beach.
A drying line is incorporated into the tent to hang wet clothes and towels. (Because no one likes packing damp clothing back into a beach bag.)
The inside of the tent includes four hanging mesh pockets at each corner to store your personal belongings and other small beach items. Your sunglasses, phone, and water bottles can stay safe and sand-free.
Beach tents can get stuffy inside if they don’t have proper ventilation. That’s not an issue with the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter, which comes with a large back window to let the ocean breeze in.
Wind Resistance
The beach is a place where you’ll likely face some wind. So how does the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter hold up against windy conditions? Here’s where the mixed reviews come in.
Some users have reported great experiences with the tent performance and durability in strong winds (we’re talking 30-40 MPH wind speeds).
But more users have complained of difficulty not only setting up the tent in windy conditions, but also experiencing issues with the tent actually staying put in the wind.
It’s important to note there are a few factors that could be going into the varying user experiences.
- Setting the tent up correctly can ensure it performs better in normal winds. The sand bags are provided for extra security, so they can help with keeping the tent in place. Filling up the sandbags completely and then burying them will further add to the tent’s stability.
- Almost every tent will be harder to set up in windy conditions versus calm weather. So with that in mind, try having a friend around to help with setup when faced with bad weather. Planning ahead and having the right expectations will make a difference.
If you’re in need of a beach tent with more reliable wind resistance, we’d recommend taking a look at the TAGVO Pop-Up Sun.
Escape From The Sun
Having a cool shade to lounge under is nice, but what really matters is staying protected against the sun’s harmful rays.
This is where the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter really delivers with a UPF 50+ canopy – enough to keep you and your party safe and sunburn free.
Not only will you stay comfortable and have a spot to escape from direct sunlight, you’ll also protect your skin from harmful UV rays. That’s a thumbs up from us.
Privacy
A nice perk about most beach tents is the privacy the walls and zippered windows provide, which are included on a few other of our favorite tents such as the Alvantor Coolhut Outdoor and Sport-Brella Portable.
The Coleman Beach Sun Shelter goes even beyond that with a front “porch” mat that can be zipped up into a door.
Having this additional feature means you’ll be able to change clothes or nurse children in complete privacy, which most families can appreciate.
The Bottom Line
As far as beach tents go, the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter is a reliable option that’s a favorite among beachgoers because of its sun protection, versatility, and dependability.
We would recommend this tent to couples or small families that are looking for a tent that’ll keep them cool and safe from the sun, while also providing ample space and comfort.
Keeping your options open? A complete list of our top beach tents of 2022 can be found here.
Please share your questions and thoughts in the comment section below!
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Provides great sun protection
-
Back window unzips for ventilation and front door provides privacy or can be used as a floor mat
-
It’s versatile and can be used for other outdoor outings
-
Includes extra features such as a drying line for towels and interior mesh pockets for other beach items
-
It’s affordable
Things we don't like:
-
Not sturdy in very strong winds
-
Some users complain the poles break easily
Frequently asked questions
A high quality tent should protect you from the sun, be spacious enough for you and your belongings, and be durable enough to take on many beach trips.
The best beach tent for each individual will vary based on other factors such as features, size, and price. Need help choosing which beach tent to buy?
We’ve rounded up the best beach tents of 2022:
- Crossover Canopy Tent: Sport-Brella Portable
- Most Features: Pacific Breeze
- Best Value: OILEUS X-Large Beach
- Most Versatile Pop-up: WolfWise Beach Tent
- The Roomiest: Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Deluxe
- Most Reliable: Outdoor Master Pop Up
- Great for Kids: Keumer (Zoomake) Pop Up
No, the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter is not a pop-up tent like the ISILER Automatic or Outdoor Master Pop Up.
The Coleman tent would be classified as a Classic-Style Beach tent. Check out our guide on How to Set Up a Beach Tent for more information about each tent type and their setup processes.
Coleman doesn’t specify how many people fit into the Beach Sun Shelter, but users have reported that it can fit up to 4 adults snugly or 2-3 adults comfortably.
Traveling with a big beach party? You might want to check out the OILEUS X-Large Beach Tent and TAGVO Pop-Up Sun.
Is the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter waterproof?
The canopy of the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter is water-resistant. It can handle light rain.
For a completely waterproof beach tent, we’d recommend the Keumer (Zoomake) Pop-Up Tent.
With a UPF 50+ sun protection, spacious interior, and a door for privacy, the Coleman Beach Sun Shelter is a good tent for families.
Below are a few more of our favorite family-friendly beach tents:
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