Verdict

A brand-new look for a stunning tent that already stood out from the crowd because it was so different to anything else on the market. The option of a front extension makes it work as a traditional family tent, without impacting on the unique glamping feel that makes it so popular

Price: £380 (tent)/ £200 (extension)

Key features of the Coleman Octagon 8 Grey with optional front extension

• Fixed hinge door
• Multiple uses
• Sturdy steel poles
• Full head room throughout
• Extensive ventilation

What is the Coleman Octagon 8 Grey with optional front extension like?

As you would expect from one of the world’s major camping brands, the Coleman collection of tents is pretty extensive. But, for the last few years one model has stood out from the crowd… simply because it is so different.

The Octagon, with its unique yurt-like design, captured the public’s imagination when it was launched in 2015. In fact, it quickly became one of Coleman’s most popular tents and even won Camping magazine’s coveted Tent Of The Year award.

Its unique yurt-like design creates a lovely glamping-style space, with 360° views and lots of living space for couples or small families. The ingenious hinged door is also a big selling point.

It’s already something of a cult classic. But how do you improve on what is obviously a winning formula?

Well, in this case, you give the public what they want. New for 2023, the Octagon now has an optional front extension, something that fans have been requesting for years.

It really transforms the tent – providing the sort of additional living and storage space that makes it work as a traditional family tent, without impacting on that unique glamping feel that makes it so popular.

The extension – attached here to the new Octagon Grey model – significantly increases the tent’s footprint and provides a bright and airy space for a camping kitchen or simply for you to sit of an evening. The front can be zipped closed or can be fully opened out using a pair of king poles to create a canopy.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, while the main Octagon tent can easily be put up by one person, the extension really needs two pairs of hands to pitch.

The hinged door on the main tent remains a key feature on the new Grey model. Inside you’ll find the same large single room with curtained windows throughout, a rear door and plenty of headroom. A bespoke camping carpet is also available for the first time to add to the comfort levels.

As well as its unique look, what made the original Octagon so good was its multitude of uses and the latest version is equally versatile. It works as a luxury glamping tent for two, a playroom for the kids or the perfect tent for up to eight festival-goers. The flysheet can be removed completely, transforming the Octagon into a bug-proof screened room, perfect for the garden.

The easy to pitch, sturdy steel pole construction makes setting up camp a breeze and ensures maximum protection from wind. The flysheet has UV Guard sun protection, a 2,000mm hydrostatic head and taped seams, and a fully sewn-in groundsheet. Safety features like the fire-retardant fabrics and zipper stoppers provide added peace of mind.

The tent comes with a wheeled carry bag and packs down compactly for easy transportation and storage.

Specifications

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