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A great tent delivers weather protection and comfort, ensuring you stay dry and uncramped regardless of the conditions.
Since 2012, our team has reviewed hundreds of tents across some rugged terrain and in the complex environment of a family with teenagers and two moderately trained dogs. With our years of experience, we've gathered all the information you'll need to pick the perfect tent for your next outdoor adventure.
The best tent we tested is the Marmot Halo 6. It has an incredible amount of space both inside the tent and in the vestibules. The hefty price is worth the craftsmanship and comfort.
Want the fastest tent to set up? The Fanttik Zeta C6 Pro sets up in under one minute and comes at an incredible price, ideal for first-time campers or folks who want the easiest setup possible.
Editor's Note: On October 23, 2025, we added a new budget-friendly, quick-setup-time favorite: the Fanttik.
Pound for pound, the Marmot Halo 6 is the best camping tent we tested. Looks, check. Durability, check. Space, check. We tossed weather, dogs, kids, and marriage at this tent, and it asked for more. And thanks to the halo design feature, you may have the biggest tent at camp without looking like you do. The Halo 6 will easily fit two twins and a full-blown air mattress, with room for bags, dogs, and more. And thanks to the beefy poles that easily slide through the dome-style slots and some color-coated assembly help, you and your partner will feel like a team putting this thing up.
The only real complaint we have with this tent is its price. That, and maybe a little knock for including backpack-style stakes with a 21-pound tent that no one will haul up a trail. You can also expect to put the fly on backward at least once (yes, there is a front and a back on this tent, even though it looks perfectly symmetrical) and some pockets on the ceiling that act more like shelves. But if you are looking for a rock-solid tent with nearly 100 sq ft of floor space and a 32 sq ft vestibule fit for proper cooking protected from the elements, the Halo 6 is hard to beat.
We have tested a dozen instant tents and none are as intuitive and fast to set up as the Fanttik Zeta C6 Pro. The tent assembles in under 30 seconds, and adding the rainfly takes about the same amount of time. You will likely spend a lot more time deciding where to put the tent than putting it together! When a tent is this easy to set up, you use it more at home for an impromptu playhouse for the kids. It has enough space to cram six adults. That said, we used it with a family of four and enjoyed the extra room to spread out. If you are not expecting weather, you can leave the rainfly off for maximum ventilation and stargazing. If the weather rolls in, the waterproof bathtub bottom provides adequate protection, and it withstood 20+mph winds as long as it was staked out and guylined properly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
16.7 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
5'5"
Measured Floor Dimensions
9'9" x 8'8"
Floor Area
84.5 sq ft
Number of Doors
1
The primary drawback is the quality of the components. Nothing broke immediately, but there are a few annoying issues. The zipper easily gets stuck in the side fabric when you open the door. The stuff bag isn't very robust. It will withstand a light rain, but we would not want to be in this tent for days in a downpour. Without a vestibule to store your gear, you need to allocate extra room in the tent for your shoes, bags, and personal items, or plan to store more items in your car or elsewhere. This tent also comes in 4 and 8-person sizes, but we think the 6-person size nails the right balance of space, weight, and value. For an inexpensive tent that sets up quickly, this one is nearly unbeatable.
Are you a camper with a hobby? Then this is the tent for you. The North Face Wawona 6, a long-standing favorite we've tested, is the perfect basecamp for mountain bikers, rock climbers, anglers, hunters, or anyone packing lots of gear that needs to be protected. Why? The vestibule is like a two-bike garage. The main tent packs an additional 85 square feet, creating a remarkable living space. The Wawona has you covered, and all for a very fair price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
21.9 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
6' 4"
Measured Floor Dimensions
10' x 8'
Floor Area
86.1 sq ft
Number of Doors
1
All this space does make a few things less straightforward. Setting up the rainfly and garage in the moderate wind isn't as intuitive as it could be. The North Face went with a pin-and-circle locking mechanism that requires some effort to lock, and because of the height and length of this tent, guylines are essential unless you enjoy watching your tent sail away into the sunset. That said, once it is up, it is massive, comfortable, and withstood some howling winds and rainy nights in Joshua Tree with ease. With some of the best usable space and an excellent price point, the Wawona has been an award winner year after year with good reason. However, if you're willing to splurge, the Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent is a very impressive shelter. The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze is another tent worth mentioning for its excellent weather resistance.
Boasting nearly 115 square feet of comfy living space, the Coleman Skydome XL 8 is a mammoth of a tent. It is most likely the largest we've ever tested, with the 101.5-square-foot Coleman Sundome 6 being the second largest in the lineup, for comparison. We love the spacious design and feel it will hit the spot for families or large groups seeking a larger, reliable shelter that won't break the bank. Specifically, the Skydome can comfortably sleep eight if every camper is dozing upon smaller sleeping pads or foam. If your group is less than eight, our tests revealed there's enough room for a whopping three queen-sized air mattresses.
Along with its real estate, we love this tent's tarp flooring. It's easy to clean and can withstand the inherent wear and tear that comes with kids and pets. This tent also features an incredible mesh roof, great vents, storage pockets, an electrical port, and fun string lighting that mounts to the ceiling.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
20.3 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
6' 1"
Measured Floor Dimensions
16' 2" x 7' 1"
Floor Area
112 sq ft
Number of Doors
1
There were aspects of the Coleman Skydome XL 8 that we didn't like: It's large, bulky, and not that easy to set up. Its size makes it somewhat unstable, so it requires a full arsenal of ground stakes and guylines to keep it sturdy, especially in the wind. We also think the rainfly is a bit thin, and the overall structure is not as rugged as many of the tents in our lineup. However, for the price, we can't deny this 115-square-foot monster's incredible value. If you don't quite need such a large shelter, the Kelty Wireless 6 (87 square feet) is an affordable tent that sleeps 6, and the Gazelle T4 Hub (61 square feet) is an easy-up model that sleeps 4.
The Marmot Tungsten 4 is a big departure from the giant and heavy tents in this review. It's compact, easily stores in its stuff sack, and is light enough to take on a short backpacking trip. This makes it one of the more versatile tents we tested. The materials are high-quality, and the setup is as easy as it gets for this tent style. The massive vestibule helps free up floor space and protects all your valuables from rain. The quality of the materials is exceptional, meaning this will last a long time and withstand wind and rain.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
7.9 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
4' 4"
Measured Floor Dimensions
7' 9" x 6' 10"
Floor Area
52.7 sq ft
Number of Doors
2
The major downside to this tent is its limited space: calling it a 4-person tent is a stretch. Two adults and two kids fit, but it is tight. Our tester noted, “It was ok to sleep with our family of four in the Tungsten, but had bad weather rolled in and forced us to spend all day in the tent, we would have driven each other mad.” While we love taking this tent on backpacking trips, we can see how some people might find it in an awkward spot: a little too heavy for backpacking and a little too small for comfortable campsite camping. All that said, it's the best four-person tent we have tested.
Its manufacturer touts the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 as one of its most weatherproof general camping tents ever, and we agree. This three-season shelter is engineered to withstand Mother Nature, and in fact, it even features design elements that pay homage to more rugged four-season tents. Features like full-length pole sleeves, high-end aluminum poles, a low-hanging rainfly, and a large pole-supported vestibule all indicate a more robust shelter system that can withstand the elements. The Base Camp 6 also has tons of pocket storage, two massive doors, and a full array of gear loops — and don't let us get started on its optional REI Co-op Base Camp Vehicle Connector. This little beauty takes the Base Camp 6 to a whole new level by connecting nearly any car directly to your camp.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
20.8 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
6' 2"
Measured Floor Dimensions
9' 2" x 9' 2"
Floor Area
84 sq ft
Number of Doors
2
Although our gripes are minimal, there are a few things we weren't thrilled about. We found the setup (especially with the Vehicle Connector included) a little cumbersome and time-consuming during testing. And while it stands well, we don't feel the Base Camp 6 is a true free-standing tent, since it absolutely requires ground stakes to take on its best form. This is particularly vexing if you're desert camping on sand or rock (where stakes are useless) and you must find alternative ways to make your tent sturdy. We listed a few other annoyances in our review (such as sticky zippers), but overall, this is a superb system and one of our favorites that we tested. If you were drawn to the Base Camp because you like out-of-the-box designs, check out the Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent and Gazelle T4 Hub. They both offer whole new slants on camping tents.
The Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent has made metal or fiberglass poles a thing of the past. With just a few pumps, each of this tent's four sturdy air tubes comes to life. Yes, we were a little skeptical at first, but after using the Air Tent several times, we have become completely sold on it. This beast is legit. And although its air-tube frame makes it unique, it isn't why we fell in love with this tent. Our first crush was its massive interior, followed instantly by its construction quality. Tall is an understatement when describing the Air Tent's peak ceiling height (6 feet 11 inches). Likewise, the word rugged doesn't do justice to its incredible durability and weather resistance. This tent was designed to withstand long periods, and in our experience, it can handle most anything Mother Nature throws its way. Additionally, it allows tons of natural light, features two private sleeping quarters, and boasts a massive vestibule that could almost accommodate a game of horseshoes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
53.6 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
6' 11"
Measured Floor Dimensions
13' 1.2" x 10'
Floor Area
130 sq ft
Number of Doors
2
For certain, the Air Tent does have its flaws. First, it packs up very large and it's quite heavy (53.6 pounds). Additionally, if you haven't checked yet, it's also quite expensive. Pumping up the air tubes is fun, but the rest of the setup can be time-consuming, a little tedious, and requires a fair amount of physical labor (it's not impossible, but it's not easy either). Lastly, packing this thing up at the end of camp is a real pain. It's simply massive, heavy, and very challenging to roll into a tight ball. That being said, we still consider it one of the best tents we've ever tested, and if you're willing to invest a significant amount, we believe you'll get what you paid for. Another unique model in our lineup is the Gazelle T4 Hub, as mentioned earlier. We loved its out-of-the-box design. On the other hand, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 makes a great base camp at a more palatable price, but it's not as spacious.
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is ideal for campsites or occasional short backpacking trips. It's also great as a solid backup, sitting in the garage ready to toss into the car with a moment's notice. In our tests, we achieved an impressive 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and we improved upon that time as we became familiar with the design. It features an all-mesh build for incredible views, and the fly can be configured in multiple ways, allowing for both scenery and quick protection from the weather at any time.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
7.1 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
4' 0"
Measured Floor Dimensions
7' 6" x 5' 8"
Floor Area
42.5 sq ft
Number of Doors
2
The included footprint adds additional value to this well-constructed tent. The mesh is made of 40D polyester, the tub floor is constructed from 68D ripstop polyester, and the poles are made of DAC Pressfit aluminum. The interior square footage is small, but dual vestibules help to keep everything you don't need for sleeping separate. While very lightweight, you'll sacrifice headroom in the tradeoff. Overall, this tent is small but mighty and a great addition to any camper's toolbox, depending on your needs. Another lightweight option is the Marmot Tungsten 4. It weighs slightly more but offers the same quality.
No assembly required sums up the Gazelle T4 Hub. This tent is so easy to set up that the average camper could bypass reading the instructions and still have it fully operational in under two minutes. The T4 Hub is our favorite instant shelter because it's stable, weatherproof, and full of conveniences. The best thing about this shelter is that it's completely self-contained, so that you can say goodbye to bundles of bungee-connected aluminum poles — no more assembling, crisscrossing, bending, or clipping. Instead, to set up the T4, plop it on the ground, pull on each of the four sidewall handles until the wall pops into place, and then lock in the rooftop with a push. We love this tent's removable floor, two large doors, eight massive windows, and seven humongous storage pouches.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
31.6 lbs
Measured Max Inside Height
6' 5"
Measured Floor Dimensions
7' 10" x 7' 10"
Floor Area
61 sq ft
Number of Doors
2
The two main downsides we encountered in our tests are weight and size. The rapid setup and solid stability are made possible by thicker fabrics and an intricate pattern of fiberglass poles. The result is a heavier tent (31.6 pounds) and a packed length of nearly six feet. Bottom line, transportation and storage are not strong suits of the T4 Hub. Additionally, it lacks a vestibule feature, making it difficult to stuff back into its duffel bag. Nevertheless, if you love the unconventional conveniences and the design's simplicity, you won't mind this tent's slight imperfections.
Our first time setting up the T4 Hub. We didn't read the instructions and were able to pitch it in just under 60 seconds - our best solo time was 27.5 seconds.
Footprint included, color coded clips, poles, and fly
Fly rolls back and secures halfway for stargazing, footprint included
Fast-fly capability for covered shelter without the tent body
Integrated string lighting system
Close line across the top
Included awning poles, seam sealer
Removable floor, fully assembled
Side vents for airflow while fly is on, large internal pockets for easy storage
Pole pockets for easy setup
Gear loft, welcome mat
E-port for electirical power
Lightweight
Integrated rainfly protection
Three of our top-performing tents enjoying an evening under the stars.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
How We Tested
To prepare for this review, we scoured the internet, read personal accounts, and delved into the thoughts of bloggers and YouTubers on the best tents on the market. After selecting the most promising options, we purchased 17 of the top-rated camping tents on the market and began testing them. We measured, weighed, and inspected each before carting them to the woods and desert for proper testing. We tested them side by side in various Lake Tahoe locations, in the hot and harsh conditions of Joshua Tree National Park, across the great state of Utah, and in the ripping wind of Reno, NV. Our team conducted over 60 individual tests to help you find the perfect tent that matches your needs and budget.
For more information on our testing processes, see our how we test article.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Why Trust GearLab
Our co-founder Chris McNamara leads the latest update. He brings over four decades of camping experience and over 1000 nights spent camping. With a family of four, he pays special attention to the durability testing his 3- and 6-year-olds put the tents through.
Rob Gaedtke is no stranger to the outdoors or adventure. He has raced across India, done an IronMan in Mexico, and Jeeped through the African safari. He is also a rock climber, backpacker, and avid camper. Over the past 20 years, Rob has established hundreds of base camps across various terrains. We took this experience, coupled with a rigorous and detailed testing plan, and got to work finding a diverse set of tents for consideration.
Jason Wanlass, who has spent the last 20 years of his life exploring the outdoors, joins Rob. He is an experienced backpacker who has trekked in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Argentina, and the Patagonia region of Chile. Closer to home, he hikes weekly in the foothills above his home in Utah and has backpacked countless miles in nearly every Western state. Whether wandering vast U.S. mountain ranges like the Sierras, Tetons, and the Cascades or catching a plane headed for one of the remote corners of the world, Jason knows a thing or two about gear, and he uses his knowledge of backpacking tents to help him pick out the best features of the tents in this review.
We took these tents far and wide to ensure they were top-notch and ready for your camping journey.
Analysis and Test Results
We put these camping tents to the test against the elements, battling kids, wind, dogs, dirt, heat, and a very opinionated husband-and-wife team. From setup and breakdown to weather resistance and durability to the quality of the space for both hanging out and sleeping, we put these products through a lot to help you find your best match.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you don't need top-tier weather protection, the Fanttik Zeta C6 Pro is the best value for most people. It costs hundreds less than the competition and sets up in under a minute. It is also just the most intuitive tent for people just starting to camp.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Another value-packed camping tent is the Kelty Wireless 6. We rarely find a quality 6-person tent at this low price point. And, if you need even more floor space, we believe the Coleman Skydome XL 8 offers considerable value.
Great design, quality materials, and a low price point. The Wireless 6 is a high value choice.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
On the flip side, if you are looking for a small but extremely versatile tent, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 packs tons of value into a little package. Since it serves both short backpacking trips and camping, the value increases.
The Mineral King is the perfect tent for a quick father-daughter campout on Noble Canyon Trailhead, California.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
We would be remiss if we didn't give a huge value nod to the Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup. This little tent is inexpensive, sturdy, and a great option to set up with just a moment's notice.
Space and Comfort
This is arguably the most important category for camping. When your campsite is only a few yards from your trunk, a little extra weight for better comfort and space is an easy choice. For this metric, we measured the overall footprint of each tent, including the vestibule. We checked the height and headroom, doors and windows, and the general airflow with and without the rainfly. And finally, we looked at pockets, clips, and storage options.
The Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent is certainly the thousand-pound gorilla in our lineup. This tent is simply massive. It sports a maximum ceiling height just one inch shy of seven feet. It is one of the most comfortable tents we've ever used. It has two entrances, numerous windows and vents, a stunning vestibule, and unmatched floor space.
Getting a brief tour of the Air Tent's comforts.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Marmot Halo 6 not only has incredible floor space, but the “halo” design means that you can walk around in the entire tent: not just the peak. Price-wise, the The North Face Wawona 6 is a more reasonable choice for space and comfort. When you combine the spacious and tall interior (6'6" max height and 85 square feet of floor space) with the large double-doored vestibule (and additional 44.7 square feet), you have a comfortable masterpiece. The new design also allows the Wawona to be used without the vestibule, adding a great option for warm-weather camping. We also love the tall, full-sized door, which lets you enter without ducking.
The giant vestibule of The North Face Wawona 6 is by far one of the most comfortable to relax under.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 also receives great marks here. With 83.3 square feet of floor and a super tall interior measuring 6'5" plus two vestibules, this tent can provide both space and comfort for a family of four, all sleeping on air mattresses. The overall pocket count could be improved, but it is adequate, and numerous hanging options are available.
The large floor plan of the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 fits a family of 4 and then some.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 provides 84.3 square feet of floor space and has a maximum height of 6'2". This tent can comfortably accommodate six people and offers numerous thoughtful extras, including two massive doors, 14 storage pockets, gear loops, two generous vestibules, and a large mesh rooftop. The Base Camp is also compatible with the REI Base Camp Vehicle Connector, which provides an additional 62.2 square feet of canopy coverage and seamlessly connects your tent to your car.
Getting the full scope of the Base Camp 6 and its vehicle connector accessory.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Coleman Skydome XL 8 also received top marks in this metric, specifically for its gargantuan 114.5-square-foot floor space. This monster tent can sleep eight, and even has the space for three queen-sized inflatable mattresses. The Skydome maxes out at 6'1" in height, has a massive mesh rooftop, offers six pockets, and interior string lighting.
Measuring the flat length of the Skydome. We almost didn't believe what our eyes were seeing. This tent is huge.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
A few other tents also scored respectability in this category. The Big Agnes Bunk House 6 has a max height of 6'9" and offers a unique shelter option, giving you more versatility.
The shelter mode feature with the Bunk House 6 makes for an awesome covered eating area.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
It's late afternoon, and it's almost completely dark inside our Coleman.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Floor Plans
Be sure to review the floor plan images for a tent before committing. If you are like us, you have air mattresses and chairs that you would like to use inside, so the floor plan can help you map it out. And remember, most of these tents say they sleep a particular number, but that is usually elbow to elbow.
Both the Big Agnes Bunk House 6, Marmot Halo 6, and The North Face Wawona 6 have massive outside storage areas. These tents offer ample storage and covered cooking and cleaning stations, and are spacious enough to accommodate a large amount of gear.
The Bunk House 6 has the biggest vestibule in our lineup, offering plenty of room for covered hangouts.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Weather Resistance
Getting wet, poles breaking in the wind, and roasting in the hot sun. These are all deal-breakers when camping, especially if you have children. For the weather resistance category, we considered the following factors: hot-day options, cold-day options, rainfly coverage, aerodynamic properties, stakes, poles, and guylines. We tested these in a mix of real-world and fabricated situations, thanks to a sprinkler rig and a backpack blower. We got these tents in all kinds of weather: hot, cold, wet, and windy. Here is how they stood up.
We feel the Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent is king of the hill when it comes to battling Mother Nature. This tent is simply a fortress, but it will cost more money. We also put the Marmot Limestone 4 up against the wicked hot days of the southern California desert and the windy nights of Reno, NV. Its shape held up perfectly to both, and the full-covered rainfly kept everything dry. Two extra poles on the tent's roof add just enough extra height to feel open without turning it into a flat-walled sail.
We pitched the Marmot Limestone so its slanted front vestibule faced into the wind.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Also scoring top points are the Marmot Tungsten 4, Marmot Halo 6, and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze. The Tungsten is very capable in both hot and cold weather. The included guylines and slanted vestibule face make this tent very windworthy. The Alpha Breeze features thick canvas and a robust, A-frame-inspired design — characteristics made to handle the elements with ease. It also features super thick poles, metal guylines, and a whopping 20 stakes. Bad weather, watch out.
A perfect view of the unique shape found on the Alpha Breeze.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Several other tents scored among the best in the weather resistance category. The Wawona 6 rainfly only covers the side mesh slightly, allowing moisture to sneak through in windy situations, but it remains a sturdy tent in every other way. The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 features an impressive, reinforced rainfly that nearly reaches the ground on all sides, providing two spacious vestibules. One of the more surprising tents to score so well in this category is the very tall REI Co-op Wonderland 4. Thanks to a substantial number of stakes and guy lines, this tent remains sturdy in adverse weather conditions. With its large mesh top and large side vents, the tent breathes quite well.
Loads of guylines and stakes hold the massive 4-person Wonderland tent securely to the ground.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Stake It Out
Wind resistance often comes down to how well you stake down a tent and use the guylines to keep it taught. Unless you're assured of a balmy, windless night, staking out the guylines as you set up is a good habit to get into, as it will keep you from scrambling around (and likely getting soaked) if bad weather hits. We highly recommend buying an extra cord, burlier stakes, and a mallet for most tents.
Ease of Use
Setting up and tearing down camp can make or break your trip. We have all been there, rolling into camp at 11 pm, tired and ready to relax — the last thing you want is a fight with your tent or your partner about the tent. We took one for the team here and got the frustration out, so you can be prepared. We also noted whether each tent easily fit back into its bag, the total packed size, and the packed weight.
Before digging in further, we should point out that any tent you pitch enough times will get easier to pitch. However, we made it a point to judge the first pitch, as many folks only use their tent once or twice a year, and who knows what you'll remember after most of a year has passed. Especially if you happened to throw out the directions.
The Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup scored the highest in this category. This thing went up in under 60 seconds and came down nearly as fast. However, ease of use isn't just about setup and tear-down. We deducted one point here due to its weight being on the heavy side for a small 4-person tent and the struggle required to fit the tent back into the bag. We also hope the mechanisms that make this tent so quick to set up stay smooth and easy to use over time. But if you're looking for a camping tent you can toss up after a few beers or in the dark, check this one out.
Relaxing after pitching the Coleman Cabin in 43 seconds. Plenty of time left to look off at the other campers still unpacking their tents.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The Gazelle T4 Hub sets up even faster than the Coleman Instant. In fact, some of our testers managed to pitch it in under 40 seconds, making it the easiest tent on our list to set up. However, in this metric, we also considered weight and packed size, and the Gazelle T4 falls a bit behind, as it's the heaviest tent in our lineup and has one of the largest packed sizes. But, when graded solely on its ease of setup and many convenient accessories, the T4 scores very well and is very easy to use.
Showing off some of the many conveniences that make the T4 Hub easy to use. One of our favorites is the removable floor.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 not only went up quickly but was also a snap to take down and pack back into the bag. Add to that the simple fly deploy, perfectly sized bag, and intuitive center clip, and you have a hassle-free tent. While not our favorite, the hub also makes solo pitching easy. It's the only 3-person tent in our lineup, weighing 7.1 pounds for the full package and 6.2 pounds for the trail weight. This tent is light enough to trek a few miles into the wild.
The Mineral King 3 is lightweight and easy to set up thanks to its center clip.
Another notable tent here is the Marmot Tungsten 4. Pitching this tent yielded one of our fastest times, and at just 7.9 pounds, it is the second-lightest tent in our review. A large carry bag lets you fold and roll look less than perfect when you need to hit the road, and excellent design elements, such as color-coded poles and clips, are the icing on the cake.
The hub system allows for the Tungsten to be pitched solo with very little frustration.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The Kelty Wireless 6 has two features that enhance its ease of use. Kelty added what they call Quick Corners to aid solo setup — essentially pockets on all four corners that keep the poles standing upright without needing to hold them. They also have just a single side that is color-coded. While this may seem unusual, having only one color to look for, rather than two, is a significant simplification that we hope other brands will adopt.
The Kelty Quick Corners make pitching this tent a breeze, even when solo.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
While this category of tents is primarily focused on camping, weight still matters. Lugging a heavy tent across a field or a few campsites away can add up when you are hauling over 20 pounds.
Don't Forget the Footprint
Consider buying a ground cover — a.k.a. “footprint” — for your camping tent and laying this out first. It helps keep moisture and mud off the underside of your tent (thus making repacking a much more pleasant task). It also helps your tent last longer by protecting it from abrasion. Most manufacturers sell a footprint separately (usually made of the same material as the tent) that fits the exact floor size of your model tent. Despite the extra cost, it's worth taking along. The savvy camper's alternative is a cheap plastic tarp, similar to what you'd use to throw down in your living room to paint. You can often pick one of these up for a fraction of the cost of an official manufacturer's footprint, though it won't have features like rivets to accommodate your stakes. Be cautious when buying a tarp that is too large, as it can inadvertently collect rainwater and direct it under your tent. Keep this in mind when setting up your tent. If there is a minor slope, ensure the high side of the tarp is not collecting water and directing it downhill under your tent. Additionally, we recommend selecting a brown tarp that doesn't stand out as much as the more typical bright blue tarp.
Tyvek “Home Wrap” is our favorite footprint for car camping and basecamping because it's waterproof, highly puncture resistant, and exceptionally durable. We prefer clear polycro plastic groundsheets for weight conscious applications.
Credit: OutdoorGearLab
Family Friendliness
Family Friendliness doesn't just mean actual family. It begs the question: How useful is the tent for a small group? Will it fit two dogs and a friend or three and still be comfortable? We evaluated how comfortably each tent could accommodate at least four people, whether it offered phone/jewelry storage, whether it provided a space to clean your feet before entering, whether it offered multiple room options for privacy, and whether it was dog- and animal-friendly — among other factors. Although some of these aspects fall under other categories, we felt it was essential for our readers to revisit them with this perspective in mind.
The North Face Wawona 6 and Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent check most of the family-friendly boxes, easily sleeping a family of four with great height, storage, and covered outside space. Because of their large, tall vestibules, we were able to set up a camp shower for a quick rinse or store gear and coolers out of the sun — with room to spare for sitting and relaxing.
Chilling out in style. Take note of the open floor in front which can easily extend the sleeping area.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The Coleman Skydome XL 8 is another family favorite, thanks to its impressive size and spill-safe flooring. This tent boasts 114.5 square feet of sleeping space. It also features a tub-style tarp floor that is extremely durable, easy to clean, waterproof, and ready to withstand the rigors of camping with kids and pets.
The Skydome's tarp flooring is durable and very easy to clean -- a plus for any large family.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 is another fantastic family-friendly camping tent with a little funky style. The high ceiling, large footprint, and dual vestibules provide this tent with ample room and options for everyone.
Enjoying the views from the cozy Aurora Highrise.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The Kelty Wireless 6 comfortably accommodates two adults, two kids, and two dogs, and its dual vestibules provide even more storage and organization. Add in the ease of setup, a nice carry bag, and excellent stargazing, and you have a solid tent. And given the bargain price of the Wireless 6, it's hard to pass it up.
Getting ready to start a new day after a cozy night in the Wireless 6.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Typically, this section is reserved for larger 6-person tents; however, the Marmot Tungsten 4 packed enough family-friendly features to cut. If you are looking for a smaller, lighter alternative to a 6-person tent that can still handle a family, this is a great tent to explore.
The view from above shows the added privacy of the white mesh walls found on the Marmot Tungsten 4.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Every Family is Different
Sometimes the most family-friendly tent isn't the biggest or the most feature-rich. Instead, it is a wonderful blend of ease of use, features tailored to your family and pet situation, and an ideal build for your typical camping environment.
Quality
For this metric, we examined the materials used, the overall feel of the poles and stakes, and details such as the construction of the stitching and seams. We also draw on our experience and knowledge to assess overall quality and potential long-term durability. But let's face it, when it comes to buying long-lasting gear these days, the age-old saying does hold: you get what you pay for.
Once again, the Zempire Evo TM V2 Inflatable Air Tent is at the top of our list. Although no tent is perfect, the Air Tent oozes quality. Everything about this tent is well-built and ready to withstand the elements. In fact, we believe it's the most durable tent we've ever tested, and its price tag backs up our claim.
We simply love the quality of the Air Tent. It's built to stay in place for days or weeks at a time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Wawona 6 is a long-standing champ in our review for many reasons, not least of which is how well it has withstood the test of time. The main tent is made of 150D polyester taffeta, the floor is made of 68D polyester, and the poles are DAC MX, which are strong and lightweight. And, of course, all seams are seam-sealed with a tub-style floor.
The North Face Wawona 6 has quality materials all around.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is another high-quality tent, built to last. It offers high-end aluminum poles, thick polyester fabrics, double-stitched sealed seams, and full-length pole sleeves. Many of the features on this tent resemble those of more robust four-season tents.
Full-length sleeves give greater strength to the tent's aluminum pole structure, allowing it to better resist wind and the weight of snow.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Several of our tents scored high in this category, but one worth calling out is the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze. This tent features a 300D fire-resistant, PU-coated Oxford polyester floor, thick poles, metal guylines, smooth zippers, and soft pole sleeves… the list goes on.
Even with the vestibule in awning mode, the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze stayed firmly in place even during heavy winds.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
For anyone hoping to set up something with feet inside the tent (like a cot or small table) without puncturing the floor, the Marmot Limestone 4 and Coleman Instant Setup sport 150D polyester material floors.
If you are looking for a budget camping tent, the single best upgrade for durability is swapping out the fiberglass poles for a set of aluminum ones. Poles and mesh are where budget tents fall short. Except for the impressive Kelty Wireless 6, the mesh areas on the budget tents we reviewed are at least twice as large as those of the other tents and feel significantly inferior in quality. Get better poles and be cautious around your mesh, and a budget tent can last you for years.
Exposing the high quality mesh top after a warm nights sleep in the Kelty Wireless 6.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Consider the Long-Term Investment
Unless you're only planning on going camping once or twice a year on an idyllic beach, it's worth taking the long view when it comes to the quality of your tent. We are fans of quality gear that performs well season after season, which often means investing more upfront.
The North Face Wawona 6 is a tent with a true garage, ready to store all your toys
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
How to Pick the Best Camping Tent for You
While many forms of camping exist, from sleeping on top of your car to spending the night miles away in the backcountry, camping tents are best used for campsites near the car. These tents are large, comfy, and ready for the whole family. If you're looking to sit by the fire with your cooler full of goodies and a cozy camp bed waiting for you, you're looking at the right kind of tent.
Tent Type
Just any ol' tent should be good enough. Well, maybe, but you probably won't be all that comfy. You'll want something spacious enough for the whole crew and durable enough to handle a storm, or if you're family camping, kids and dogs running in and out. Camping tents are best suited for established campsites or within a campground.
Four-Season: These tents are slightly more durable than three-season tents and can handle temperature drops in the winter. They have a lower profile to handle wind gusts and snowstorms. Four-season tents might be a little overkill if you're more of a warm-weather camper, and they cost quite a bit more. If you camp in the snowy winter, a four-season tent is your best option.
Double-Wall: This review mostly covers double-wall tents and is likely what you have in mind when thinking of a camping tent. They have two “walls” of fabric: the tent itself and the rain fly. The tent walls are breathable, not waterproof, and often feature mesh windows—perfect for a night under the stars. The rain fly layers over the top of the tent and is waterproof. Because camping tents are carried a stone's throw from the car, there is little need to choose ultralight materials. If you specifically want a lightweight option, opt for a single-wall or backpacking tent.
Single-Wall: Primarily used in the backcountry or on mountaineering trips, these tents are very light, compact, and aren't designed to be comfy. Instead of a separate rain fly, the main body of the tent is waterproof but lacks the ventilation of a double-wall version. Interested in a lightweight tent? We have an entire review on backpacking tents that might interest you.
Tent Sizes
Camping tents are typically available in 4-person and 6-person sizes. This number refers to the number of people who can sleep in the tent shoulder to shoulder. While you can fit four people in the 4-person tent, it'll be a tight squeeze. Our rule of thumb is to subtract two from the indicated number. So, two people will comfortably fit within the 4-person. If you're a group of four, opt for a 6-person tent. Is a bigger tent worth it? If you can afford the space in your car, we think bigger tents can be more enjoyable, especially if you're family camping.
Camping with a whole family? A large tent like the Wawona 6 is an excellent choice.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Key Tent Accessories
Burly tent stakes - most tents come with flimsy tent stakes. These will work in sheltered areas, but if you are exposed to high winds, we recommend 8-12" burly tent stakes. Standard stakes will require a hammer. Or go with our preferred option: screw in tent stakes. You need to bring a drill, but these are extremely secure and can penetrate just about anything except solid rock.
Extra guy lines
Other Notable Tents
Coleman Sundome Dome 4 - This is one of the most popular tents of all time. It is simple, straightforward to set up, and a great value. While many components, like the poles and rainfly, are not of the highest quality, they work and offer reasonable durability. While this tent is not as spacious or weather-resistant as some of the highest-rated tents, you do save $100.
Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6 - If you have little kids who nap or just love to nap yourself, this is a great option. Few tents get this dark during the day. The tradeoff: this tent cooks in the sun. It is not ideal for hot weather.
Thule Approach M - If you've ever been intrigued by vehicle rooftop tents and think you're ready to take the plunge, this is the best model from our rooftop tent review. It attaches to the top of your vehicle via a mounting track. Once you've completed the initial installation, setup is a breeze. That said, rooftop tents are not for everyone. You'll need to be okay with climbing up and down a ladder to get in and out of bed. More importantly, you'll need to assess whether your vehicle can handle the weight. If you're interested in a vehicle-mounted tent but the Approach isn't within your budget, the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander is a great buy.
Marmot Limestone 6 - This is a high-end tent with excellent quality and ventilation. It has steep walls and a high peak, which allows you to easily walk around the entire tent. When the weather rolls in, this tent is robust enough for everything but heavy snowloads. It has one of the more versatile front doors that can double as an awning.
Big Agnes Bunk House 4 - This is the transformer of tents: the rainfly can be used to keep you dry in a big storm. Once the sun comes out, it can become a freestanding sun shade or the perfect garage for your gear. The premium price of this tent comes with premium features, including an excellent transport bag and high-quality poles and stitching, especially at critical wear points.
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 - While there is nothing particularly incredible about this tent, it comes at a great price. It also has a large footprint, large windows, and doors.
Coleman Evanston Screened 6 - This value tent is ideal for buggy terrain as the vestibule is completely screened in. While it is not a ton of space, few other tents in this price range offer large screened sitting areas.
Conclusion
A camping tent is one of the most essential items to purchase for camping, so selecting the right one is crucial to a successful adventure. Think about the type of camping you intend to do and what you find most important in a shelter. Innovations are happening all the time, so if there's a feature you want, you'll likely be able to find it. Now, go get yourself a tent and get outside!
