Coleman Weathermaster Tent: Rio Sports Sun Shelter Review

Average Reviews:
3.6 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)Considered this tent vs ABO Gear Instent. Decided to try the Rio because of low price, SPF50 and lightweight. Instent costs ~2x, weights about 2x, and is only SPF35. Although I would have liked the Instent's fuller coverage and easy set up feature, I didn't want its extra weight since I was going to use it on beach trips and wanted to cut down on weight I had to carry in/out.

Took this to NJ shore beaches. Set up was relatively straightforward. Two shorter and one longer tent poles. Longer one goes across the long axis (side to side). Shorter ones go vertically along two back spines. If you work with the wind, the tent will spread out and help you thread the poles through. If you are not familiar, practice once first.

Once the poles are in place, you need to put the stakes in. Also tie the nylon ties at the pole junctions for additional stability. You definitely need to use the four metal stakes in sand or grass in any kind of wind because the structure is light as a kite. In calm to moderate draft, it stands relatively well. But in an occasional to sustained gusty wind, typical at many beaches on a nice breezy summer day, the wind blowing from behind could buckle the poles and temporarily collapse the dome, which is not dangerous but annoying. The stakes did a good job holding down the tent (make sure you drive the stakes into the ground at an angle). I would not recommend facing the opening into the wind. Also even without the wind, sitting on a beach chair inside the dome, your head may rub the tent, depending on how deep inside you sit, because of the low dome shape. Not the worst thing but can be annoying sometimes.

Sun coverage depends on the angle of the sun and the direction it's facing. Because it is basically a half dome, you need to consider the combination of wind direction and sun's angle to see if you should even use it on any particular day. If the wind is blowing towards the sun then it's pretty much useless. If both sun and wind are from the same direction, then it's probably worth using. In between, you'll have to gauge.

My 3 yo son enjoyed playing around it, putting sand inside on the floor and in the two inside pockets and windows. But then kids will enjoy playing with almost any kind of tent structure. Don't expect mobile kids to stay put inside. This, and other tents like it, are best for babies and nursing mothers and people who want partial shade and wind break.

Material (nylon) feels a bit thin and the seams are single stitched so I expect them to rip after a while. Not for rugged use. The carrying bag/stuff sack will likely burst after a while unless you compress the tent and roll it tightly in a neat package. I can see the threads in the bag's seam as it is being stuffed.

But for ~$30-35, it's not a bad deal, as long as you don't have strong or kite-flying wind. Overall, I like it for its light weight and SPF50 and reasonable cost.

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Product Description:
Give yourself a rest from the sun with the Rio Beach Sun Shelter, great for the beach, the backyard, or bringing along on car camping trips. It features an SPF50 sun protection for up to 8 hours in the sun. The spacious 7-foot seating area accommodates two full-size sun chairs. It features a lightweight, washable 75D polyester fabric, two interior and two exterior pockets, and a carry bag with shoulder strap.