Our Coleman Event Shelter review will detail exactly what you can expect from this iconic campsite structure – features, pitch difficulty, and whether it’s worth the investment.
We’ve all been there. You are planning the perfect camping trip. You picture sunny barbecues, kids playing on the grass, and relaxing with a cold drink. Then, the British weather forecast updates.
Suddenly, you aren’t picturing sun; you’re picturing huddling inside your tent while the rain lashes down, trying to keep the kids entertained in a space the size of a cupboard.
This happened to us on a recent trip with friends. But one family brought a “secret weapon”: the Coleman Event Shelter. It didn’t just save the trip; it transformed it. It became “The Hub” – a communal living room, a dining hall, and even a stage for the children’s evening talent show.
In this review, we are going to look at the Coleman Event Shelter Pro (the one with the silver lining and green trim on this link) to see if it really is the must have accessory for your next family adventure.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredible Weather Protection: The dome shape sheds wind and rain far better than standard camping gazebos.
- Social Hub: Creates a massive covered outdoor space for dining and socialising.
- UV Guard: The silver lining provides sun protection (SPF 50) and keeps the shelter cool.
- Sturdy: Steel poles and aerodynamic design offer excellent stability in the wind.
Cons
- Heavy: The steel frame means it isn’t lightweight (approx 15-18kg).
- Setup: It is definitely a two-person job to pitch comfortably.
- Add-ons: Side walls (Sunwalls) are often sold separately, but you will definitely want them.
About the brand
Coleman is a titan in the camping world. Originating in the US, they are famous for their durable gear, from lanterns to coolers. In the UK, however, they are arguably most famous for the Event Shelter. Walk around any campsite in August, and you will see these distinctively curved shelters everywhere. They have effectively replaced the traditional rickety garden gazebo as the gold standard for outdoor events.
Features & Specifications
The model we are looking at is the Event Shelter Pro . It is important to distinguish this from the standard model. The “Pro” version features a silver coating on the inside of the fabric and green trim on the legs.
This silver coating isn’t just for style; it is Coleman’s UV Guard, offering SPF 50 sun protection. Perhaps more importantly for a hot summer day, it reflects heat, keeping the area underneath significantly cooler than being in direct sun.
The flysheet is made from polyester with taped seams (a key upgrade over the basic model) and a 1000mm hydrostatic head. While it isn’t a sealed tent, this offers good weather protection against showers.
The frame is constructed from steel poles connected by robust plastic hubs. Unlike cheaper pop-up market stalls that buckle in a breeze, this arched design is aerodynamic. It allows the wind to flow over it rather than catching it like a sail.
It comes in a full range of sizes. The Medium (3m x 3m) is great for smaller gardens or couples. The Large (3.65m x 3.65m) is the most popular for families, fitting a large table and chairs easily. There is also an XL (4.5m x 4.5m) if you have a massive pitch!
Using the Coleman Event Shelter
I can sum up the camping experience with the Event Shelter in one word: community.
On our recent trip, we positioned the shelter between our tents. It immediately created a shared outdoor space where we could all hang out. Even when it was drizzling, we could sit outside, enjoy the fresh air, and cook dinner without getting wet.
The Setup
Be warned: the first time you set this up, you need to read the instructions! It is not difficult, but it is big. It works by building the roof arches first and then lifting them onto the legs. It took two of us about 15 minutes – it’s much easier if you have four people, one for each corner. The poles are steel and feel reassuringly heavy and durable. Once it is up and pegged out with the guy lines, it feels rock solid.
We experienced a fairly breezy afternoon, and while other camping gazebos on the site were looking like they might take off, our shelter just swayed gently. The protection it offered was impressive.
The “Hub” Factor
The sheer size of the Large model meant we had a full kitchen setup and a dining table underneath. It became the default spot for entertaining. The high arched roof gives you loads of headroom, making it feel spacious and airy, unlike some shelters that feel claustrophobic.
We also had a couple of Sunwalls (the clip-on side panels). I highly recommend buying these. They clip onto the poles in seconds and block out the wind or driving rain. They also gave us extra privacy in the evening when we wanted to relax without being on display to the whole field.
During the day, the silver lining did its job. It felt noticeably cooler under the canopy, and because the sides are open, you get plenty of natural light and a breeze.
Verdict
If you are family camping or going away with a group of friends, the Coleman Event Shelter Pro is arguably the most useful piece of kit you can buy.
It solves the biggest problem with UK camping: where do we go when it rains? By creating a durable, weather-resistant living room, it ensures that your socialising doesn’t stop just because the sun has gone in.
Is it perfect? It is heavy to carry, and pitching it requires a bit of teamwork. But the trade-off is a sturdy, versatile space that serves as a kitchen, a dining room, and a play area all in one.If you are hosting a garden party, heading to a festival, or just want to upgrade your camping setup, this is the must have shelter. We wouldn’t go away without one now.