TOM C I would not say it is instant, but it is not hard. It is a two person job. The poles do have to be put together, but are interconnected with flexible cord. The tent can be put up in about 10 minutes.

JULIE T The tent is very easy to set up. Poles are connected with internal bungie cords and assemble easily. We call our tent the taj mahal of tents because there is so much room!

SHAWN M The poles are shock corded together and you just have to assemble them into a straight pole. It is very simple. It is a big tent and is very easy to put up with two people but can be put up with only one if you are experienced with the tent.

KERI F This is a great tent! However it is not an instant setup- you have to assemble the poles. It is easiest with 2 person setup. It is to fit 8 people... but it was most comfortable with 4 people plus gear. Good luck!

PATRICK D I'm not sure that this tent is an "instant" tent, though I'm not 100% sure what that means. After you set up this tent a time or two, the setup is very easy . . . now I am an experienced camper so setting it up once or twice, it becomes very easy. Donna, I can tell you that I love this tent. I have slept my family of five in it very comfortably. I have slept four grown men in it and it was very spacious. And I have slept in it with eight second grade boys with enough room. The poles are the ones with the elastic band between the sections of pole . . . you put them together and the tent "hooks" onto them. Alone, I can set this tent up in 5 to 7 minutes. Enjoy it . . . we do!

KAREN M The poles snap in place quickly. They are not like the old poles that need to be put together and taken apart. They are pieces of one long pole with an elastic cord to pull them together when you start to straighten them out. The set up of the main body of the tent is quick for a family tent, the rain fly is more involved. We really like the tent. It holds 2 adults, 2 children and 1 dog very comfortably with enough space for all our gear. Hope that helps.

ANDREW L I would not consider it "instant", it is not difficult as one person can do it. It is easier with two people. My only complaint is the width of the tent. I wish it was about two feet wider. Good luck!

DAVID E No, this is not an instant setup tent. It takes two people about 10-15 minutes to set the tent up completely once you know how it goes up. Took me longer the first time cause I had to figure it out from instructions. General steps include unroll tent, assembly of poles (7 poles), install poles and lift tent, put on rain fly, stake and tie off to hold tent down tent and rain fly. Once you have it set up, it is huge inside, plenty of room for my family of 4 and our dog, and all of our camping gear. I am very happy with this tent. It is also very good quality. Our first time out camping for a week, we had 2 days of solid rain, but it didn't have any leaks. The door uses 2 of the poles, which makes is so easy to get in and out, with velcro and/or zippers to seal it shut. Three zipper windows to adjust ventilation. I have had it for one and a half years, used it 3 times (a week each) and I am fully satisfied with this purchase. A great buy if you are looking for a serious camping tent, but probably too much effort if you are looking for a quick pop up tent.

MARK P The poles are stored in segments, cleverly connected by an elastic cord inside the hollow interior so you don't have to guess how to unfold and assemble them. We did a dry run setup of the Montana 8 at home in about 40 minutes, and cut that to under 25 minutes on our first try at a campsite. Trickiest part to figure out from the diagram (sewn into the bag) is the entry overhang. Hinged door is a great feature.

CHRIS U No I would not consider this an instant tent. I would recommend at least 2 people, it is not difficult, but I have a Boy scout troop and we setup about 9 different styles, I would rate this on the harder side to setup. Great tent though. Coleman makes a lot of nice tents.