Coleman Peak 1 Budget Tent Review

Bottom Line

The Coleman Peak 1 is a well-designed 2-person shelter on our guide to the best budget tents from another trusted brand name in the outdoor world.

With a wide selection of sizes, the Peak 1 is available in two, three, four, and six-person capacities. At 6.1 pounds, the 2-person Coleman Peak 1 has a 68-denier polyester fabric used on the fly, floor, and canopy, with taped seams and a 2000 mm watershed rating.

Combined with the included footprint, extra guy line pull-outs, and 7000-series aluminum poles that can withstand 45+ mph winds, this tent is a very durable and weather-resistant shelter suitable for harsh weather.

When it’s clear and warm outside, you can open up the stargazing roof panel for amazing views and added ventilation. The rainfly and inner mesh tent panel are designed to work together. You can roll back the rainfly and enjoy the mesh protection of the inner tent or unzip and tie back both layers for a fully open sunroof and easy access to the tent’s interior. Dual doors and vestibules add to the already great accessibility and storage features of the Peak 1. With an added ridgepole for increased ceiling width and headroom, this 31 sq ft tent doesn’t feel cramped or lacking in space.

Comfort

The Peak 1’s design is imbued with plenty of attributes that make it more comfortable than most. With dual doors, big vestibules for outdoor storage, and increased ceiling width and headroom thanks to a ridge pole, there’s plenty of room to move around freely and comfortably without feeling cramped. Two triangular sidewall pockets and a removable gear loft make this tent a comfortable and livable shelter.  

During testing of the 2-person Coleman Peak 1, we found that two air mats easily fit side by side with a few inches to spare at the head and foot; when sitting on the air mat, our gear analyst had about 4-5 inches of vertical headroom. This is enough space to freely move around if camping solo, but with a partner space would feel snug. If accommodating 2 people, the vestibules would have to be utilized for shoes and packs to free up interior sleeping space. 

Despite the doors being only 28 inches high, the low height is compensated for with a super wide 4 foot opening that makes entering and exiting the tent a breeze. The ridge pole is set off to one end of the tent so that it doesn’t interfere as much as ridge poles in other tent models – another thoughtfully designed aspect of an already great shelter. The zippers seem durable and glide freely, but they do require a second hand when rounding the top corner of the tent door.

When the fly is off, the inner tent side walls are cut at an angle for partial privacy, and from our experience, it is better to sleep with your head in the higher cut portion for added warmth and wind protection.

Weather Resistance

The Coleman Peak 1 is enhanced with a WeatherTec Plus system which includes all around 68-denier construction for the floor, fly, and canopy. A set of 7000-series aluminum X-poles easily clip onto the inner mesh and a ridge pole provides added stability and a wider ceiling for more headroom. In addition to providing the stability and rigidness needed for harsher weather, the Peak 1 comes with premium 7000-series aluminum poles rated to withstand 45+ mph winds and high quality aluminum Y-stakes that are sure to stay secure. 

The taped bathtub floor provides water-tight protection and added durability if used in conjunction with the included footprint. The unique tapered cut of the tent’s inner walls provide privacy, additional ventilation on the lower 7 inch side, and increased warmth and wind protection on the higher 23 inch side. In warmer weather, the fly doors can be rolled back and the stargazing panel can be opened for a ventilation boost.

Durability

This tent’s top to bottom construction, with its 68D polyester and taped seams, requires minimal maintenance. It’s a tried and true fabric strong enough for rough use, dog owners, and rugged terrain. It features quality stitched seams and reinforced stress points ensuring longevity in the face of tough elements; the thick fabric also effortlessly sheds water and won’t sag after prolonged rain exposure. The zippers are built to last and glide smoothly, with enough fabric tension to avoid getting snagged. 

The pre-attached guy lines feel thick and come with included line locks for adjusting tension. These components, combined with the low profile of the tent, ensure unmatched stability. Despite the durable 68D fabric, it’s important to still use care with the inner mesh portion when setting up on rougher terrain. During testing, we found that small spiky stickers at the campsite were able to embed themselves in the mesh. We had to be extra careful when removing them to avoid ruining the fine weave of the material. However, all other aspects of the Peak 1 prove its undeniable sturdiness and resilience.

Portability

The 2-person Coleman Peak 1 weighs in at about 6 pounds and is too heavy for long distance backpacking. You could attempt to split the burden with a partner for a shorter trek, but you’d still be carrying a fair amount of weight. It’s much better suited for car camping and overlanding.

However, we did appreciate the heavy duty, drybag-style storage sack that the tent comes with. It has ample space for looser pack jobs and becomes a useful item at camp when it’s not needed for the tent. Aside from storing any extra tent components, you now have a usable dry bag for extra storage until you’re ready to break camp. Even though the main poles are 21 inches long and the ridgepole is 19 inches, the drybag has extra space to easily accommodate all pieces of the tent, making it easy to transport by hand.

Ease of Use

The Peak 1 features a simple to use X-pole design with a 12 clip system. The ridgepole is easily inserted into the opposing grommet tabs and, during setup, we found that this particular ridgepole can be placed on top of the main poles for added rigidity. It can also go underneath them too, but then it rests on the mesh and lessens the structural integrity. During the setup and breakdown of the ridgepole, be careful when trying to insert or release it under tension. Your fingers can get pinched so it’s better to do it before it’s fully taut.

The pre-attached guy lines are already assembled and ready to use if you anticipate wind, while the included stakes are high quality 7 inch aluminum Y-style stakes that don’t easily bend like the standard ones accompanying most tents. With the included footprint, you have the option to use the minimalist mode which only requires the rainfly, poles, and footprint to assemble. Once placed into the grommets, the poles attach to the fly via the small straps on the underside of the material and then you’re good to go. 

Overall, the Peak 1’s simple, yet very effective design is familiar, durable, and  equipped to keep you protected from the elements all while providing maximum comfort and top-notch, usable features that will make your trip more enjoyable.

Should You Buy the Coleman Peak 1?

The Coleman Peak 1 is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-use shelter with standout features that are equipped to handle any three-season environment. Featuring a 68D polyester fabric with a 2000mm coating and taped seams, this durable 2-person shelter weighs 6-pounds and offers reliable weather protection. It is always trail-ready right out of the bag and available in three other sizes if you need more capacity. If weight is less of a concern and you just need a reliable tent to keep in the car for quick weekend getaways, the Coleman Peak 1 is your tent. 
On the flip side, if you’re in the market for backpacking gear, this tent would likely be too heavy for longer distance trips. The collapsed poles are still pretty long and the heavier polyester material doesn’t compress well, even if splitting the weight with a partner. There are many other lighter, more suitable backpacking tent models in the Budget Tents Category lineup.

What Other Budget Tents Should You Consider?

Clostnature Polaris 2: For a much less expensive price and weighing only 5.34 pounds, the Clostnature Polaris has a bigger interior square footage. Users will appreciate the familiar and simple X-pole design and clip system. Although there is no ridge pole, the fly comes equipped with a deployable shade awning for those extra sunny campsites with no shade. The Polaris is also wider and taller than the Peak 1. 

Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2 Review: With the largest interior space of the lineup, the Morrison EVO 2 is heavier than the Peak 1 at 6.9 pounds, but boasts 36 sq ft of interior room with an incredible amount of storage. It also features convenient door stow pockets and includes a footprint for durability and an optional minimalist mode. This tent is a great option for those seeking similar weather resistance and durability but with more interior room and unsurpassed storage capability.   

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout 2 Review: For those seeking a tent that is more suitable for backpacking with a lighter weight and slightly smaller size than the Peak 1, check out the Skyscape Scout – an ultralight, 1-person backpacking tent under 2.5 pounds with extended length and ultimate ventilation that features superior stargazing capability.