The Core 6-Person Lighted Instant Pyramid Tent is a tall and pleasant family-friendly gem that comes with built-in LED lights and 6 windows.
Key features & benefits
- Tall tent.
- Fast and easy setup.
- 5+1 Windows.
- Built-in LED lights: Wall switch with high, low, and night-light modes for cozy nights or late-night diaper changes.
- Cable port.
What this is about
This Core 6-Person Lighted Instant Pyramid Tent (Model 40395) is a part of their mini-series of two tents with very similar features. They also have a larger cousin for 10 people, the Core 10 Person Lighted Instant Pyramid Tent 16′ x 9′.
The tent is on Amazon under the name CORE Instant Cabin Tent with LED Lights, just to know that this is the same tent.
With 80 inches (203 cm) center height this is a tall tent, but note that the ceiling is angled so you have the stand up height in the central area only. This shape is behind the word Pyramid in the official name of the tent, and the design is quite unique.
But the front and rear walls are completely vertical as you realize from the pictures, so with this and the mentioned peak height you have lots of volume in this tent.
Some of the most important features pointed out by the brand are shown in the picture below, and I am going to discuss them farther in the text.
Windows and door
The partial coverage fly leaves the front and rear side of the tent free for views around. On these two sides you have no less than 5 separate windows in total. All of them are double-layer with a fixed mesh and zippered panels.
With such a construction and a mesh canopy, the tent is almost completely double-layer. Only the brown colored areas close to the ground are a single layer part of the tent.
There is a single U-shaped double-layer door, the picture above, so you have a zippered mesh and a separate panel. In other words, here you have yet another huge window on the door as well.
Integrated light
This is a stand-out feature of the tent, and I have all good reasons to include it in my list of best lighted tents. Below you see how it looks when the lighs are on.
There are separate modes, and an integrated switch is on the wall. More details are shown in this picture, note that batteries are not include:
Instant design? Not really.
This feature is pointed out in the official name of the tent. The pictures below describe what they mean by that. When you unpack the tent, you unfold it and extend the four legs.
So the biggest part of the frame is pre-attached, this is the central part with four legs and four roof poles that converge to the top hub element shown in the picture below.
But there are four short corner poles that must be put in place, and then the tent becomes fully functional after you stake the corner out. All the details you can see in the manual which they provide.
This is why I would not describe it as a true instant tent, but all in all it is still very easy to use. However, make sure you have somebody to help attaching the fly, the tent is quite tall. If you do the job alone, then put the fly on before you extend the central leg poles.
Materials
In the picture below you can see all the parts, but these are not all separate elements. For example, the hub element, corner joints, leg poles, and the inner tent itself are all pre-attached to each other.
Note that they give parts numbers. This is a good side of this tent and the brand, you can always order an element if it is accidentally damaged after you use the tent.
The poles: You have steel poles. They are sturdy but add weight, making this tent best for car camping. I have seen a complaint that the central extendable legs tend to stuck.
The fabric: The tent is made of 68D polyester with a water-repellent coating and sealed seams (this is their H20 Block Technology).
The official waterproof rating is 1200 mm, and this is more than enough. They write that all seams are taped, but I have seen a complaint where the customers write this is not so at the very important seam where the tent body and floor meet. Check at your side and seal it if necessary to avoid unpleasant surprizes.
The floor of the CORE Instant Cabin Tent is made of polyethylene, so this is a fully waterproof and thick material.
Ventilation
Just like with its larger cousin, here again they write “Large panoramic windows and a removable rainfly provide adjustable ventilation to keep the tent cool on warm summer nights”.
Bur the reality is that when it rains you have to keep all the windows closed. In such a situation you would want to have floor and roof vents, however both are missing.
Now, the ceiling is indeed all mesh and this structure goes very low on the two sides. The fly can be staked out at the two low ends, and this is almost like having low vents. With this, you will have air getting into the tent from the sides under the fly.
Who is the CORE Instant Cabin Tent with LED Lights for
Regarding the area, the 84 ft² (7.8 m²) provides about 14 ft² (1.3 m²) per person for six campers, but it is most comfortable for up to four people with gear.
Below you can see what they say about the capacity. The tent is perfect for a couple as well, with lots of space for a queen air mattress and bags.
Regarding seasons & climate, the tent is ideal for spring, summer, and fall in mild conditions. It handles light rain well, but the pyramid shape isn’t built for high winds or heavy storms, so secure it with stakes in breezy weather.
Regarding the weight, this tent weighs 28 pounds (12.7 kg), which is manageable for car camping, but too heavy for carrying longer distances. It is perfect for short carries from the car to the campsite.
The packed size of 49 x 11 x 11 inches (124 x 28 x 28 cm) is not the best feature of the tent. Make sure that your car trunk is big enough.
Regarding the price, I would say it is well-priced for the features and the brand behind the tent. Check current pricing on Core Equipment or Amazon.
Specifications
- Weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg).
- Official capacity: 6 people.
- Dimensions: 12 x 7 ft (144 x 84 in).
- Inner area: 84 ft² (7.8 m²).
- Inner area per person: 14 ft² (1.3 m²).
- Peak height: 80 in (203 cm).
- Packed size: 49 x 11 x 11 in (124.5 x 28 x 28 cm).
- Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty.
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In summary, the Core 6-Person Lighted Instant Pyramid Tent is a good choice for car camping with family or friends. Its standout features, built-in LED lights, tall 80-inch center height, and easy semi-instant setup, make it practical and comfortable for up to four people, though it is rated for six.
The 84 ft² space, six windows, and mesh ceiling offer decent ventilation and views, but the lack of floor or roof vents limits airflow in rain.
At 28 pounds, it is hefty, and the bulky packed size demands a spacious car trunk. The 1200 mm waterproof rating and sturdy steel poles handle mild weather well, but it’s not built for extreme conditions.
Priced fairly for its features, it is a reliable option for casual campers seeking convenience and comfort.
Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all of them here on the site so that you can easily compare:
Core 6 Person Lighted Instant Pyramid Tent 12' x 7'
Pros
- Easy setup.
- Lighted.
- Tall tent.
- Great windows.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Bulky.
- Complaints about seams and poles.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY:
For more tents of this shape please check in the category Tents for 5/6 people. Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below.
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