I’ve learned to value simplicity and resilience above all. The ideal festival tent isn’t about exotic features; it’s about becoming a reliable refuge in under ten minutes, with space to actually enjoy yourself. The Coleman Coastline 3 Plus enters this conversation with a reputation for being just that—a straightforward, sturdy tunnel tent for those who value their time and comfort.
After putting it through its paces and digging into what makes it tick, let’s see if the Coastline 3 Plus could be your perfect camping companion.
More Than Just a Sleep Pod: Unpacking the Coastline 3 Plus
First off, let’s talk about that name: “3 Plus.” In the world of tents, this is almost always marketing speak for “it can sleep 3, but you’d all better be very good friends.” The real sweet spot for comfort, headroom, and gear storage is usually one person less. So, while the Coastline 3 Plus is technically a 3-person tent, it’s absolutely perfect for two people and their kit, or a very luxurious solo camper who values their living space.
Coleman is a heritage brand that’s been around for over a century, and they’ve built a reputation on creating durable, user-friendly gear for the everyday adventurer. The Coastline series sits within their broader range, designed specifically for car campers and tourers who don’t want to compromise on space or comfort.
Why a Tunnel Tent?
The tunnel design is the star of the show here. Unlike a classic dome tent, a tunnel shape is longer, creating a more usable internal volume. Think of it less like a bubble and more like a hallway. This design is renowned for its excellent stability in wind (when pitched correctly, with the tail into the wind!) and its high ratio of living space to packed size. a greta place to sit outside in between bands at your festival weekend.
Standing Room Only: Key Features We Love
So, what makes this tent stand out in a crowded field of options? A few key features really make a difference when you’re out in the elements.
- The Rising Groundsheet: This is a genius feature for a few reasons. The sewn-in groundsheet doesn’t just rise a few inches up the sides; it integrates with the tent’s walls to create a robust bathtub floor. This is your first and best defense against ground moisture, driving rain, and those pesky puddles that can form around a tent. It’s a hallmark of a tent built for more than just perfect weather.
- Fibreglass Poles & Quick Pitch: Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys a complicated pitch. The fibreglass pole system on the Coastline 3 Plus is color-coded and straightforward, making it a job for one person, even after a long drive. While not as lightweight or high-performance as aluminum poles, fibreglass offers a great balance of flexibility, strength, and cost-effectiveness for this category of tent.
- That Giant PVC Window: This is the feature that sells the tent. A large, clear(ish) PVC panel on the side of the living area completely transforms the space. It floods the interior with natural light, eliminates that “cave-like” feeling of many tents, and provides a wonderful view of your surroundings from the comfort of your sleeping bag. It’s a simple addition that massively boosts the quality of life inside.
- Ample Storage & Ventilation: A few well-placed storage pockets help keep your phone, headtorch, and book from getting lost in the abyss. Good ventilation is also crucial to avoid condensation, and the Coastline includes ground-level air vents to encourage airflow.
Coastline 3 Plus vs. The Competition: Where Does It Stand?
How does the Coastline 3 Plus stack up against other popular tents in its class? To make it easy, let’s break it down in a table comparing it to two other common types of tents you might be considering.
| Feature | Coleman Coastline 3 Plus (Tunnel) | Standard 3-Person Dome Tent | An Instant/Pop-Up 3-Person Tent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitching Speed & Ease | Very Easy (10-15 mins) | Easy (10-15 mins) | Extremely Easy ( <2 mins) |
| Internal Space/Comfort | Excellent (High ceilings, long area) | Good (Good headroom, less floor space) | Fair (Often cramped, low ceilings) |
| Weather Stability | Excellent (Aerodynamic, stable in wind) | Good (Stable, but can flatten in high wind) | Poor (Can be a kite in strong wind) |
| Pack Size & Weight | Bulky (Long pole bag, heavier) | Moderate | Very Bulky (Large circular pack) |
| Best For | Weekend tours, festivals, couples | Casual campers, fair-weather trips | Ultra-fast setup, last-minute trips |
As you can see, the Coastline’s strength lies in its masterful balance of space, stability, and ease. It’s not the lightest or the smallest when packed, but that’s the trade-off for a tent that feels like a proper basecamp.
The Verdict: Who is the Coastline 3 Plus Really For?
After looking at all the angles, the Coleman Coastline 3 Plus isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It has a very specific, and very appealing, audience.
Buy it if:
- You’re a couple or two friends who want ample space to sleep and store your gear without tripping over it.
- You frequent festivals or campsites where you drive to your pitch and value comfort over a tiny pack size.
- You want a tent that can handle a surprise downpour or a breezy night without turning into a flapping, stressful nightmare.
- You appreciate little luxuries like a big window and a truly weatherproof design.
Think twice if:
- You are a backpacker or wild camper who needs to carry their tent for miles. This is a car-camping tent.
- You strictly need a 3-person tent for three adults. While possible, it will be a very cozy fit with little room for bags.
- Your budget is ultra-tight. While it offers great value, there are cheaper (though less feature-rich) dome tents available.
Coleman’s reputation for creating family-friendly, durable gear is well-documented by outdoor experts and is a key reason they remain a top choice for many campers.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Weekend Wonder
The Coleman Coastline 3 Plus lives up to its promise. It’s a thoughtfully designed tunnel tent that makes camping more enjoyable by removing common pain points: difficult pitching, gloomy interiors, and fear of bad weather.
It’s the kind of tent you buy not just for a single trip, but for years of adventures. It’s the reliable hub for your festival weekend, the cozy base for your coastal touring holiday, and the sturdy shelter that lets you laugh at the weather rather than worry about it.
In the dynamic world of camping gear, where ultra-lightweight and ultra-affordable often steal the spotlight, the Coastline 3 Plus carves out a perfect niche for those who believe that on a camping trip, your tent isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your home away from home.
Ready to check it out for yourself? You can find the full specs and see more customer reviews on Coleman’s official website.
