The Core Equipment 9-Person Instant Cabin Blockout Tent combines two great features, a very easy setup and a dark rest design, and this all at a fair price.
Key features & benefits
- Instant setup.
- Dark rest.
- Two rooms.
- Two doors.
- 4 + 2 Windows.
- Cable port.
- Ventilated.
- Fully closable.
What this is about
Core Equipment has several tents on the market with the same 9-person capacity and the ground dimensions, and this has been so for year. You can realize this if you check their Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent and CORE Lighted 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent. They look similar to the tent presented here, but if you look closely you will notice important differences.
The tent has a number of very good features pointed out in the picture, and they are described in detail in the text below.
The tent can be described as moderately tall with its 78 inches (198 cm) peak height, see the picture below. For many people this will be a stand-up height in the central area of the tent. The walls are steep and straight, so you have plenty of volume inside
Rooms, doors, and windows
The tent has two rooms separated with a sewn-in divider between them, see below how it looks. Each of the rooms has its own door with a large window in its upper part.
But there are two additional window in each of the rooms, so 6 in total. This makes the tent very pleasant, with views everywhere around.
Dark rest design
In this Core Equipment 9-Person Instant Cabin Blockout Tent they use their dark rest technology, and this is behind the word Blockout in the official name of the tent. According to their claims, the tent blocks 90% of the daylight.
This makes it even more pleasant because you can sleep longer in the morning, and being without the usual glare you can take the nap during the day as well. If you plan to camp with small kids that have to sleep during the day, this is the tent to consider.
In view of this feature, I have included it in my list of dark rest tents.
Instant setup design
The tent is pre-attached to the frame, you have 6 leg poles and roof poles that are telescopic and click into place to ensure a quick setup. They recommend that two people do the job, but in principle one person can do it.
The picture below shows a few stages in the procedure, you unfold the tent and then extend the legs and roof poles, and raise the tent from the ground. After that add brim poles and fly.
All the details regarding setup and maintenance you can read in their useful manual. Because of this design, I have included it in my list of best Core instant tents.
Materials
All the elements in the package and pieces are shown in the picture. Note that almost all of them are pre-attached already.
The poles: They use steel here, and this is reflected in the substantial weight of the tent.
The fabric: They use their H20 Block Technology with 1200 mm 68D polyester fabric. You have a fully taped rainfly, sealed seams, and fully zipped windows.
The floor is a fully waterproof polyethylene, a catenary cut design.
Other details include:
- A cable port (the picture below).
- There are 16 stakes in the package.
- 6 Guylines are included.
- Multiple wall pouches for small items.
Ventilation
The tent has plenty of windows for ventilation, they are all with mesh and zippered panels. On the ceiling, you have mesh panels doubled with zippered panels, so you can regulate ventilation as you want.
They have added two useful floor vents, one shown above. I would say that there is not much to object to this design.
Who is it for
Regarding the area, the dimensions are such that you can put 9 sleeping pads on the floor as indicated in the floor plan below. But the area is 126 ft² (11.7 m²), so in the case of 9 users this would mean 14 ft² (1.3 m²) per person.
As usual, it is best to downgrade the capacity by half, and this is what the brand suggest. But I have included it in my list of 9 person tents.
Regarding seasons & climate, the tent is practically fully closable, so you can use it even in a cold climate. It is nicely ventilated and suitable for warm weather, so in principle, you can use it year round.
But it is tall and boxy, and it is best to avoid windy places.
Regarding the weight, with 35 lb (16 kg), this is a heavy tent and you will see how I rate it below.
The packed size is what you would expect for an instant cabin type tent, see the numbers below.
Regarding the price, I would say it is fair for such a nicely designed tent and from such a renown brand.
Specifications
- Weight: 35 lb (16 kg).
- Official capacity: 9 people.
- Dimensions: 14 x 9 ft (427 x 274 cm).
- Inner area: 126 ft² (11.7 m²).
- Inner area per person: 14 ft² (1.3 m²).
- Peak height: 78 in (198 cm).
- Packed size: 49 x 11 x 11 in (124 x 28 x 28 cm).
- Frame: steel.
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In summary, the Core Equipment 9-Person Instant Cabin Blockout Tent stands out as a versatile and thoughtfully designed option for family camping or group outings.
Its instant setup feature, combined with the innovative dark rest technology, ensures both convenience and comfort, allowing users to enjoy quick assembly and restful sleep even during daylight hours.
With ample ventilation, a spacious interior, and practical features like multiple windows, doors, and a cable port, this tent caters to a wide range of camping needs.
While its weight and bulkiness may pose challenges for those prioritizing portability, the tent’s robust construction, fair price, and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for campers seeking a balance of functionality and value.
Overall, this tent earns its place among the best in its category, as evidenced by its inclusion in lists of top dark rest and instant tents. Its ability to accommodate up to nine people, though best suited for fewer to maximize comfort, paired with its year-round suitability, makes it a dependable option for various climates and seasons.
For those who value ease of use, ample space, and a well-ventilated yet protective shelter, the Core Equipment 9-Person Instant Cabin Blockout Tent delivers on multiple fronts.
Campers looking for a durable, feature-rich tent from a reputable brand will find this model a worthy investment for memorable outdoor adventures.
Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all of them here in the site so that you can easily compare:
Core Equipment 9-Person Instant Cabin Blockout Tent
Pros
- Dark rest.
- Ease of use.
- Great windows.
- Versatile.
Cons
- Bulky.
- Heavy.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY:
For more tents of this shape please check in the category Instant Tents.
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