Summer is the most popular time to camp or backpack through the mountains, so bringing a lightweight, comfortable tent is tantamount to having a great experience in the outdoors. But with the ample amount of tents available, how do you know which is the best tent for you?
When it comes to the best camping tents, there are many options and variables at play when choosing the right fit. The first can be size or cost and others that follow are weather, material and weight. If you’re car camping, an 18-pound tent is no big deal to haul down a short trail. However, if you’re backpacking, 18 pounds is a serious nonstarter. Based on where you’re going, be it the mountains, a river or a beach, we have some options for you. A rain flap is also an important key factor because, at high elevation, you never know when you’ll get a little rain. Decide what type of camping you’re going to do and how much weight you want to carry, then check out our options for tents below.
Remember: whichever tent you choose to bring along will be your main shield against mother nature, so choose wisely. Find something that you’ll feel comfortable and safe in after the sun goes down. These are the best camping tents to get right now.
1. REI Co-op Kingdom 4
BEST OVERALL
This roomy four-person tent is our top choice for many reasons and the biggest one is the nearly 70 square feet of floor space. Camping with a lot of people? Then this is a great option because four people will fit comfortably and you may be able to easily squeeze in a fifth. The Kingdom 4 weighs 18 pounds which makes it great for car camping but not backpacking. It has an amazing rain flap that covers the entire tent, which is an unusual feature for most tents and makes it almost completely weatherproof. It has a tall circular door which means you don’t have to stoop upon entering and the rain flap creates a small room for your shoes or other gear.
One of the best features is the amount of storage: 20 mesh pockets line the inside of the tent and there is also plenty of room for gear to be tucked alongside your sleeping bags. In larger versions of the Kingdom, there is even a wall divider that can be placed to separate the tent into two rooms, handy if you have kids or pets.
Buy:
REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent
$300.00
2. Half Dome SL 2+ Tent
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
This cozy two-person tent is our favorite option for a smaller, lighter tent because it is easily tucked into a backpack for a longer hike to the campsite. At 3.6 pounds, it is extra light and easy to carry around but is a little too heavy for a backpacking trip; the extra room means extra weight. With 34 feet of floor space and reaching almost four feet in height, this is a very comfortable tent to spend your time in if you aren’t going too far or if you’re willing to carry the weight.
One of the best features, aside from all the space and storage pockets, is the zipper opening from the inside instead of the outside. This comes in handy when it’s raining and offers easier access to the entryway where you stored your shoes. An overall top pick for a two-person tent, the Half Dome SL 2 Plus is great for cozy camping.
Buy:
Half Dome 2 Plus
$279.00
3. Extremus Mission Mountain Camping Tent
HONORABLE MENTION
This two-person tent is an excellent choice for a longer hike that leads to a secret camp spot high in the mountains or out by an obscure lake. It’s also a great option for one night of backpacking because it only weighs 4.8 pounds, which is very doable for a night or two in the backcountry. This tent is waterproof and has an easy setup that can be accomplished by just one person. Made from UV-resistant material, this tent will keep you dry and protected from the sun or rain.
Buy: Extremus Mission Mountain Camping Tent $49.99
4. Sundome 4 Coleman
BEST DOME TENT
The Sundome Coleman is an essential dome tent; it holds up to basic camping needs with an easy setup and space for a charging port to run through. It is the most affordable option on our list and succeeds in being as roomy as the more expensive, lighter options. If you aren’t going backpacking and are looking for something to fit your basic camping needs, this is a great option based on price and setup. The only downside is that it’s not rainproof; water seeps into the bottom of the tent during a heavy storm so be sure to seal up the bottom or check the weather before you head out. Overall, the Coleman dome tent is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an average tent.
Buy: Coleman Camping Tent | 4 Person Sundome Dome Tent, Green $99.99
5. Skydome 2 Coleman
EASY SETUP
Campers eager to make it to the site before sunset will appreciate the easy set up of this tent. Although it is on the heavier side, this is still a great option for quick weekend getaways and boasts enough room for a queen-size air mattress. It has ample storage room overhead for gear or lanterns but doesn’t vent as well as it should, which may leave you hot and stuffy in the morning. Water may creep in so be sure to keep your valuables tucked away from the windows if the weather turns. Overall, a great option for those seeking an easy setup at an affordable price.
Buy: Coleman Camping Tent | Skydome Tent, Blue, 2 Person $69.99
6. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
BIGGEST TENT
If you’re looking for the biggest option possible, the Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is the winner. An optimal tent with enough room for all of your closest friends, this tent is sturdy, reliable and easy to assemble. It boasts a shocking 60-second setup and enough room for two queen air mattresses, although reviewers say it’s more like a three to five-minute setup for one person, which is still great.
Coming in under $250, it’s also a killer deal for the amount of room you get. Be cautious of the material and how long it’ll last though, tents rip easily with that many people around and it may not be worth it to get it fixed. At a staggering 27 pounds, this is the ultimate car camping tent. But if you’re in for a party at a reasonable price, this is a great option.
Buy: Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent - 14' x 9', Green (40008) $231.08
7. Ezone Waterproof Instant Pop-Up Tent
BEST VENTILATION
This tent is made for three to four people and has a two-door system which makes for great ventilation and easy access, making it look and feel roomier. It has an easy setup design and is made from waterproof polyester fabric which will keep you dry all night. As a traditional dome tent, it has a spacious design and comfortably houses four sleeping bags. This is an excellent, easy option for those not looking for a serious backpacking tent.
Buy: Instant Pop Up Camping Tent Waterproof 3-4 Person Camping Tent, Quick Set Up, Outdoor Hiking Backpacking Tent Shelter (A) $46.99
8. Pacific Pass Camping Tent 2 Person
ALSO CONSIDER
This tent has enough room for two people in a cozy scenario under the stars. Stay dry and comfortable with a detachable rain flap, large windows for ventilation, and plenty of space to share with a friend. The Pacific Pass tent is an affordable choice for any type of camper and weighs only 5.7 pounds, which makes it great for car camping or a short hike in to your campsite. It’s a little heavy for backpacking, but if you love it, you could make it work on a longer trip through the trails.
Buy: Pacific Pass Camping Tent 2 Person $38.30
9. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
BEST FOR TRUCK CAMPING
If you’re into glamping but don’t have the necessary materials, a tent that is meant for the cab of a truck is your best second option. You’ll stay off the ground and dry if bad weather occurs, plus the floor of the tent is extra thick for more support. Weighing 13 pounds, this tent includes a rain flap and is specifically designed to sit in the back of a truck. Enjoy camping any way you like with a Napier Backroadz Truck Tent.
Buy: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent $168.00
Survive Your Camping Trip No Matter the Weather With These All-Weather Sleeping Ba
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