Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review: 2026 Guide
Compare setup, space, weather, and price to choose wisely. Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review with real pros and cons. This in-depth review helps campers, hikers, and budget buyers choose between the Hooligan 4 Tent and Coleman Sundome Tent with real-world pros, cons, and buying tips.
Both are strong budget tents: Hooligan thrives in storms; Sundome wins for fair-weather ease.
A soggy weekend and a clear summer night taught me a simple truth: the best tent is the one that suits your trip.
In this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review, both shine, but in different ways. I’ve camped with each in wind, drizzle, and backyard calm. Below, I share what stood out, what fell short, and who should buy which, so you can choose with confidence.
Is Hooligan 4 Tent Good?
Yes—if you camp where rain and wind are real threats. The Hooligan 4 is a classic full-fly dome with a sizable vestibule. It’s heavier than the Sundome, but it shrugs off bad weather. I like it for shoulder-season trips and anywhere mud, gear, and wet boots need shelter outside the sleeping area.
It’s not my pick for fast setup or light packing, but for storm insurance on a budget, it is hard to beat.
One blustery night in the Appalachians, the Hooligan’s full coverage rainfly, taut guy lines, and low dome profile kept us dry and stable while nearby camps packed up.
Another humid July night, I propped the vestibule door half-open; airflow stayed decent, and our boots stayed out of the sleeping space. It’s a practical, confidence-boosting shelter.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Full-coverage rainfly with front vestibule for wet gear and boots
- WeatherTec-style bathtub floor with welded corners and inverted seams
- Low-profile dome and guy-out points for better wind resistance
- Mesh inner tent for airflow and stargazing when the fly is off
- Roomy 4-person footprint (fits one queen airbed) with single-door entry
What I Like
- Excellent storm protection for the price
- Vestibule adds real-life storage and a drip-free entry
- Stable in gusts when guyed out
- Easy to manage condensation with fly vents and mesh
- Durable floor keeps ground moisture out
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and bulkier than the Sundome
- A single door limits entry/exit options
- Setup is not “instant” and takes a bit more care
My Recommendation
If you expect wind or steady rain, choose the Hooligan 4. It trades a little weight for a lot of weather confidence and useful vestibule space.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Stormy or shoulder-season trips | Full rainfly and low dome handle wind and rain well |
| Gear-heavy weekends | Vestibule stores muddy boots and packs outside the sleeping area |
| Budget weather insurance | Strong protection without premium pricing |
Is the Coleman Sundome Tent Good?
Yes—especially for fair-weather campers who want quick setup, great airflow, and value. The Coleman Sundome feels brighter and airier than the Hooligan.
It pitches fast, has big windows, and includes an E-port. It will keep you dry in a passing shower, but it is not built for prolonged, sideways rain like the Hooligan.
I’ve put up the Sundome in minutes as daylight faded; dinner was cooking before headlamps came out. During a calm lake weekend, cross-breezes through the windows and ground vent kept temps pleasant.
A brief rain rolled through, and we stayed dry, though in stronger, gusty rain I noticed a bit of spray at the door—manageable, but a reminder of its partial-fly design.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Fast, simple pitch—often in about 10 minutes
- Large windows plus a ground vent for strong airflow
- Partial-coverage rainfly with small door awning
- E-port for running a power cord inside
- Offered in 2/3/4/6-person sizes to match your group
What I Like
- Quick setup is ideal for beginners and short trips
- Airy interior with better views and daylight
- Comfortable in warm weather thanks to cross-breeze
- Value pricing with the right essentials
- Available in multiple sizes for flexibility
What Could Be Better
- A partial rainfly is less protective in prolonged storms
- More mesh means cooler nights can feel drafty
- Fewer guy-out points than a full-fly design
My Recommendation
If you camp in mostly fair weather and want a fast, affordable shelter, the Sundome is the smarter pick.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Weekend and backyard camping | Fast setup, airy feel, and simple features |
| Warm-weather trips | Windows and ground vents keep air moving |
| New campers | Easy pitching and intuitive layout |
Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review: Side-by-Side Test
I tested both in real weather and relaxed campouts to see where each wins. This Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review section lays out the trade-offs so you can match the tent to your trips.
Weather Protection: Which Handles Storms Better?
Both can take a shower, but one is built for real rain and wind.
| Feature | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Rainfly coverage | Full coverage to the ground | Partial coverage with a door awning |
| Vestibule | Yes, roomy for gear | No full vestibule |
| Wind stability | Low profile, more guy-outs | Taller profile, fewer guy-outs |
| Storm performance | Strong in prolonged rain | Good in light-to-moderate rain |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 9/10 | Sundome – 6.5/10
In this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review category, the Hooligan 4 has the edge for serious weather due to its full rainfly and vestibule.
Space & Livability: Which Feels Roomier?
Same footprint, different vibe inside.
| Aspect | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Floor size | Approx. 9 x 7 ft (fits 1 queen) | Approx. 9 x 7 ft (fits 1 queen) |
| Center height | About 58 in | About 59 in |
| Windows/views | Mesh inner; views with fly off | Large windows for light and views |
| Gear storage | Large vestibule outside | Inside only; small door awning |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 7.5/10 | Sundome – 8.5/10
The Sundome feels airier and brighter, so in this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review category, Sundome wins for livability.
Setup & Portability: Which Is Easier?
Both are straightforward, but one is faster and lighter.
| Item | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Typical setup time | 10–15 minutes with fly and guy lines | About 10 minutes or less |
| Pole system | Dome with full-fly and guying | Simple dome; fewer steps |
| Packed weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Packed size | Bulkier | More compact |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 7/10 | Sundome – 9/10
For quick, low-fuss pitching, the Sundome takes this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review category.
Ventilation & Condensation: Which Stays Comfier?
Warm nights and wet mornings reveal the differences.
| Vent Feature | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh coverage | The mesh inner fly can limit airflow | Large mesh windows |
| Ground vent | Not prominent | Dedicated ground vent |
| Hot-night airflow | Good with vestibule door propped | Very good cross-breeze |
| Condensation control | Solid with full-fly vents | Good unless the fly sealed tight |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 7.5/10 | Sundome – 8/10
In warm, calm weather, Sundome breathes better; in this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review metric, Sundome edges out.
Durability & Materials: Which Holds Up Better?
Both use budget-friendly materials but differ in design resilience.
| Build | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Poles | Fiberglass; stable when guyed | Fiberglass: simple structure |
| Fly & body fabric | Polyester; full-fly protection | Polyester; partial-fly exposure |
| Floor | Bathtub design, welded corners | Bathtub design, welded corners |
| Zippers & stress points | Protected by full-fly | More exposed to storms |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 8/10 | Sundome – 7/10
Design matters: the Hooligan’s full-fly boosts long-term resilience in rough weather, winning this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review category.
Features & Extras: Which Adds More Convenience?
Small details can improve camp comfort.
| Extra | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibule | Yes, large | No |
| E-port | No | Yes |
| Interior pockets | Basic storage | Basic storage |
| Door awning | Covered by full-fly | Small awning |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 8/10 | Sundome – 8/10
Call it a tie in this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review point: Hooligan’s vestibule vs. Sundome’s E-port and windows.
Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?
Price shifts, but use-case value is consistent.
| Value Lens | Hooligan 4 | Sundome |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Often a bit higher | Often lower |
| Best use | Storm-ready budget shelter | Fair-weather comfort and speed |
| What you gain | Weather insurance + vestibule | Ease, airflow, versatility |
| Warranty | Limited (varies by seller) | Limited (varies by seller) |
Ratings: Hooligan 4 – 8/10 | Sundome – 9/10
For most casual campers, Sundome offers better value; in this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review category, Sundome wins on price-to-comfort.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Hooligan 4 if the weather can turn rough. Its full rainfly, vestibule, and stable profile make it the safer bet in wind and long rain. It’s heavier, but it protects like a pricier tent.
Pick the Sundome if you camp in fair to moderate weather and want speed, airflow, and price. It shines on warm weekends, festivals, backyard sleepovers, and new-camper trips.
FAQs Of Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review
Which tent is better for heavy rain and wind?
The Hooligan 4. In this Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review, its full-coverage rainfly and vestibule make it more storm-ready than the Sundome’s partial fly.
Which is faster and easier to set up?
The Sundome. It usually takes about 10 minutes with fewer steps. If speed matters most, the Sundome wins in the Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review.
Which is more comfortable in hot weather?
The Sundome. Big windows and a ground vent deliver strong airflow. In warm, dry conditions, it feels brighter and breezier than the Hooligan.
Can both fit a queen-size air mattress?
Yes. The common 4-person versions offer about 9 x 7 ft of floor space, which fits one queen airbed in both tents.
What’s the main trade-off highlighted in this review?
This Hooligan 4 Tent Vs Coleman Sundome Tent Review shows a clear split: Hooligan 4 for weather protection and gear storage; Sundome for quick setup, airflow, and budget-friendly comfort.
