Whether you’ve been inspired to embark on a fantastic trip by amazing pictures, or quotes, there are essentials that you should not risk leaving behind like backpack, ice chest, or an instant tent. The best instant tent is super-easy to set up, and several models have accessories like dividers and a weatherTec system that boost your experience while camping or hiking.
Our team reviewed over 30 instant tents then narrowed down into the best ten that are great for solo, group camping and other outdoor activities. Our editors selected the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent as the best model due to its durable design and features. It’s straightforward to set up, especially if 2 to 4 people collaborate. The other products that we reviewed include the Coleman 8-Person Camping Tent, Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent, Wenzel 8-Person Klondike Tent and six others.
We spent hundreds of hours consulting instant tent experts and sellers. We also reviewed all the products on top sites like Amazon to know the customer experience. We factored in the height, size, materials, protection against elements, set up time and other features during our hunt. A great instant tent requires less time when setting it up. It should also be designed from durable materials that make it waterproof and resistant to different weather elements. We have prepared an in-depth table, reviews of the ten instant tents that we choose and a buying guide to aid you to choose the best instant tent.
Other features: fits two queen air mattresses; CORE H20 Block Technology and adjustable ground vent; large T-Door, room divider and wall storage pockets; electrical cord access port; includes rainfly, tent stakes, and carry bag; 48 x 11.5 x 11.5 in. pack size; 30.5 lbs. pack weight, telescoping steel poles, steel 7in stake
The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent fits two queen size mattresses and can host up to 9 people. It features an adjustable ground vent, a core H20 block and electrical access port that you can fully close when not in use.
Its advanced vents often draw fresh air and allow the hot air to escape through the large mesh ceiling. Most users loved its removable rainfly. Some even mentioned they enjoyed the views of the sky when it was raining.
Several users claim that one person can set it up within 3-5 minutes, but it can be much easier if 2-4 users grab each corner. Other loved its waterproof coating.
Unfortunately, this tent doesn’t have the hinged door with Velcro, and it closes with zippers. It leaves up to an area of “28×48” for your belongings for users with two standard queen size beds.
Some users stated that its poles are sturdy and heavy enough to stand by themselves. It also comes with several windows you can open anytime and enjoy the breeze.
This tent is tall enough for you to stand up, but it takes time to adapt, especially if you’re used to crouching. However, some users complained that some of its windows lack tie-up straps, and there’s no access door on both sides of the tent.
Other features: a built-in closet, a patented hinged door, rainfly, color-coded poles and hub, storage pocket, fits two queen airbeds, zipper protection, E-port, WeatherTec system, rainfly included
Coleman 8-Person Camping Tent comes with a weatherTec system, cabin tent features and a fast pitch design that allows you to set it up in less than 9 minutes. It can host up to 8 people, and you can use the room divider to foster privacy in the tent.
Its built-in closet is creatively designed and allows you store essentials without consuming much floor space. It has a hanger bar and shelf for keeping your clothes and gear organized. Its mesh pockets are perfectly sewn inside your tent’s walls for stashing small essentials.
The sellers and most users mentioned that it’s rainfly is efficient, and you can adjust it to different angles to divert water. One user claimed that it has port door though its zipper is cheaply designed.
It comes with a bag that is three and ½ feet and fits everything when you take down your tent. One user claimed that its closet sags too much though he used it for storing camp bins and bags. Like several tents, you will struggle to get this tent inside its bag when you take it down. Experts advise users to change the color of their zippers at the door. Overall, it’s a great cold-weather tent for camping activities.
Other features: built-in LED lighting, pre-attached poles, rainfly, advanced venting system, powered by 4D batteries or portable power bank, H2O Block Technology, front and back doors, two room dividers, telescoping steel poles, steel 7in stakes
With 950 lumens of built-in light, wall-mounted light switch and three brightness settings, the CORE Lighted 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent is perfect for hosting up to 12 people.
This tent has specially designed diffusion panel that spreads light evenly in the tent and eradicates the menace of point source lights with blinding glare. This makes you feel as if you’re in the comfort of your home.
Its poles are pre-attached to the tent for you to unpack, unfold, lift its leg into position with ease then extend its legs until it fits in place. Several users recommend it for stargazing during clear summer nights. The advanced venting system is designed to keep you fresh during all seasons.
Its bag carries the tent, room dividers, tent stakes and a battery compartment for carrying 4D batteries. Some users appreciated its H20 Block Technology with a water-resistant coated fabric for keeping moisture out during rainy seasons.
The seller mentioned that this tent does not have an air conditioner hole. You can also use a stick and duct tape to improvise the pole if its breaks. One user stated that it’s easy to use, and he set it up within two minutes with his friend. Another customer claimed that its battery box is low quality and there’s a gap preventing it from working.
Other features: fits two queen airbeds, a “camping porch”, inverted “T” style door, 2 inside flap zippered windows, removable seam-sealed fly, mesh roof vents, shock-corded fiberglass roof frame with steel uprights and corner elbows
The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent comes with a removable seam fly, mesh roof vents, a convertible screen room and a shock-corded fibreglass roof frame. It provides a friendly environment for hosting up to 8 people.
It’s crafted from polyester fabric, and the sellers mentioned that its water-resistant work perfectly to safeguard your tent from rain. The two mesh windows and full mesh proof ensures that your tent is bug-free, and it also lets in a breeze, especially during the hot summers.
Its interior has enough space for a queen air mattress, and you’ll still have ample space around it. Its headroom has a height of 6.5 feet. The sellers mentioned that it’s designed for anyone seeking to camp with friends or family and its zipper, webbing and threads are treated with top-notch water repellency applications.
One user stated that it has a guide with instructions that are easy to comprehend, and it only took him 5 minutes to set it up for the first time. He also mentioned that he didn’t experience any problems fitting the tent and its accessories in the storage bag. This 8-person tent offers space that is enough for two queen-size mattresses. Its thick yellow tent pins are prone to be loose overnight, especially in places experiencing high winds. It lacks a hole for pulling an electric cable through.
Other features: built-in LED lighting, pre-attached poles, rainfly, mesh ceiling, front D door, large T-door, room divider, advanced venting system, H2O Block Technology, telescoping steel poles, steel 7in stakes
Like the CORE Lighted 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent, the CORE Lighted 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent has a built-in led lighting featuring wall mount that controls its three brightness settings.
The seller mentioned that it’s comfy and requires two minutes to unpack, unfold and make its legs click into position. It’s spacious, and you can stand up, store your gears and split the rooms into two using the divider when you want to create private rooms.
It has a T-door to complement the D-door design. This allows you to create a large opening in the sides of your tent. The sellers confirmed to one user that one of the doors is positioned in the front while the other one on the side.
You can use the mesh pockets for stashing small stuff though experts claim they are too small. There are several stitches on this tent, but you won’t experience any leaks unlike models with poor stitching.
One user advised anyone purchasing it to disconnect their USB on the batteries when packing to avoid turning the lights on. Some users complained that breaking it down is relatively daunting than setting it up. Another user insisted that the zipper on the front door got stuck when trying to unzip.
Other features: pre-attached poles, fully taped, fits two queen airbeds
The Coleman New Outdoor 6 Person Instant Tent requires 2-3 minutes to set it up and take it down. It has a weatherTec system for keeping you dry, and it’s spacious enough to fit up to 2 queen airbeds.
It’s also made of 150D fabric which is twice as thick as the fabric of regular tents. The sellers mentioned that its floor is thick though it’s best to insulate it using a blanket to keep your feet warm during cold seasons.
Some users claimed that the seams are sealed and you’ll see them when using it. Others confirmed that it doesn’t leak and there’s no need of investing in a rainfly. Depending on where you’re camping, you can splurge on a heavy plastic tarp or a blanket to insulate your tent.
This tent is ten by ten, and unless you’re over 6 foot tall, you can walk inside it while standing. One user claimed that six people could perfectly fit well in this tent though it’s great for hosting two people.
Overall, this 6-person tent is spacious, high enough and resistant to both wind and water. One user was dissatisfied that it lacks several connection points inside and chances are you won’t be able to hang your towel inside. Other recommended users to invest in a rainfly since its top center is prone to cause leakage, though you can contain it using a towel.
Other features: 3 in 1 tent, versatile, waterproof tent material and the poles are joined permanently; flysheet and inner mesh layer; roomy hexagon interior, D-shape zipper door
The Hewolf Instant 2-4 Person Tent is a great family instant tent that is super-easy to set up. You only need to pin down its corners with six stakes and eight guy lines to boost its stability and resistance to wind.
It’s an excellent tent for camping at the beach and safeguards users from the sun and rain. The roomy hexagonal interior suits family combinations and experts claim that two adults, one child or four teenagers can fit comfortably even with luggage in the tent.
The Hewolf Instant Tent 2-4 Person has a double wall that is made from flysheet, and it comes with essential features like a mesh, rainfly and a zippered screen. The sellers mentioned that there is enough room for setting up a line for hanging your clothes or overhead light to boost visibility in your tent.
They also claimed that it could fit the sleeping pad B00VINAE2C, and you can also target an air mattress that is 8 inches thick. Several buyers confirmed that Hewolf is a reliable American Brand and they do prompt replacement and offer after-sales service if you purchase a tent with manufacturing defects.
Run water over it using a hosepipe to confirm if it’s waterproof. Some users complained that there are no instructions for setting it up. Many users mentioned that they gave it a less rating because it doesn’t hold up in the wind.
Other features: pre-attached poles, integrated vented rainfly, WeatherTec systemfits two queen-sized airbeds, two storage pockets, D-door
The Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent has a rugged, polyguard thick fabric, a weatherTec system, integrated vented rainfly and pre-attached poles that you can set up in less than two minutes.
Its inverted seams and welded doors will aid you to stay dry, and it has enough space to contain up to two queen sized airbeds.
The carrying bag is large to fit its accessories after taking it down. One customer mentioned that the center of the canopy has an excellent design that fosters hanging your lantern inside the tent. The sellers also claim it can withstand windy conditions though it’s wise to invest in a tent cover.
Several users confirmed that this 6-person instant tent is super-easy to set up and take it down. One user, however, advised buyers to invest in stakes made of bigger plastics that are often safe and strong to work against winds and storms.
Other users complained that it’s not fully waterproof and it leaked in several points. The sellers also insisted that its bag is free, but the cover is sold separately.
This 4-season tent offers little outdoor temperature difference, and you should carry clothing and sleeping gear that matches the climate acclimation of your area. It’s intended to safeguard you from the rain and wind.
Other features: Heat and Weather Shield Technology, 3/4 rainfly, fully taped seams, two room dividers, 8 windows, utility port for electrical cord access, ground vent, tent stakes included, comes with 4 Ozark trail camping chairs and 2 Queen Intex Classic Downy airbeds
The Bushnell 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent comes with three rooms, steel construction with several windows and it’s suitable for anyone planning to engage in outdoor activities during warm weather.
Its frame is pre-attached to the tent, meaning it’s set up is instant though you’re bound to struggle if it’s your first time using an instant tent. This tent has two removable dividers that you can use to separate your rooms and enhance privacy. However, don’t expect much of it since the dividers are small curtains.
The peak height of this tent is 80 inches, and you can stand when moving to different rooms you’ve divided. There are also eight windows with effective mesh and zippered panels. One customer claimed that this tent is durable and easy to set up
He, however, experienced a few drops while inside the tent. Other users claimed that they had no issue placing their tent back with a little pressure and patience.
Its windows are large and offer impressive airflow, and you will see everything around you with ease. One user claimed that her tent was blown away when he set it up in an area experiencing wind storm.
Other features: portable screened shelter, UVGuard 50+ UPF sun protection, 2 large doors, easy-pull wheeled carry bag
The Coleman Screened Canopy Tent comes with a 2X durable thick fabric, portable screened shelter, two large doors and an easy-pull wheeled bag that fits inside several cars.
One user mentioned that it’s possible to set it up in less than 3 minutes, but it can be daunting to extend its metal frame without it getting stuck in sand etc.
One person can handle the fabric work, but it’s best to get another person if you’re planning to move its frame. It deflects rain off its side. Some users, however, complained that it’s not waterproof and water drips through its roof seams.
One user even complained that he experienced several drips during a normal shower rain. Experts advise everyone to lubricate the zippers on its screen.
It’s great for camping but not ideal for use as a permanent summer fixture. The sellers mentioned that this instant canopy tent takes less than three minutes to set it up after you’ve read the guide and learnt how to set it up.
Consider getting someone tall to help you out if you’re short as you might encounter challenges extending the tent frame and pitching its top.
Camping is one of the best activities you can indulge in with your friends or family. You rejuvenate and relieve the stress from your tedious job by relaxing all day. An instant tent is the most vital equipment that every camper should always carry in every vacation.
It’s super-easy to set it up, and require two to three minutes or even less when collaborating. There are lots of great brands you can make purchases from. In this guide, we will focus on the features to consider when choosing an instant tent for your friends or family, the frequently asked questions, and our verdict.
There are several instant tents in the market, and this makes the process of selection tricky. You can find little ones that suit families and big models that are great for group camping or other outdoor adventures.
Experts and sellers recommend you to consider the number of people you intend to host, the area you’re heading to, the type and shape of your tent and the weather conditions in the area you are travelling to when selecting your tent.
There are several factors besides price that will aid you in landing on a great instant tent that matches your needs. You need to target a tent that is made of durable materials that will withstand regions with harsh weather conditions.
In this guide, we will look at key features like the size, height, materials, protection against the elements, tent stakes and poles, set up time, doors, windows, ventilation, and price.
The size of the tent you purchase depends on the number of people you intend to host. You can invest in a small instant tent like Hewolf Instant Tent for hosting two to four people or a spacious model like Bushnell 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent, or CORE Lighted Instant Cabin Tent to host up to 12 people. Check the tent sample to confirm if it’s the perfect size for your needs before purchasing.
The shape of your tent does not only determine the interior space but height. Camping tent height is the distance from the ground to the top of your tent’s interior.
Subtract two to three inches from the stated peak height to get the ideal interior height.
The materials that your tent comes with determines if it will stand the test of time. Your vacation can be a nightmare if you get a tent made of weak materials that foster water leakages. It can even be blown away by the wind.
You can purchase a great tent like the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent that is made from polyester material if you’re seeking a summer tent that is light yet breathable. Instant tents made from nylon also suit several seasons.
Instant tents like the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent comes with a waterproof fabric, but you can invest in a cover that fits over its roof. The rainfly is excellent for use in areas where it’s likely to rain or if you need extra warmth in your tent. Experts recommended anyone without a rainfly to splurge on covers to offer maximum protection from rain and wind.
The poles that your tent comes with should increase internal space and offer great strength. Tents like the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent comes with fiberglass poles that are heavy but effective. Aluminum poles also provide a great balance between weight and strength. Instant tents like CORE Lighted 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent often prove resistant to harsh winds. The tents with few poles and stakes, on the other hand, are fast to set up. Experts advise users to purchase poles and stakes separately since the ones that most tents come with are often ineffective.
Several people prefer the best instant tents like the CORE Lighted 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent which takes less than 3 minutes to set up. Some models like the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent come with a guide to make your work easier when setting it up while others like the Hewolf Instant Tent 2-4 Person don’t have a manual. Ensure you do a test at the store and ask the salesperson to help you out. The bigger the tent you purchase, the longer it will take you to set it up.
You can pick a tent like the Bushnell 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent with nice windows and doors for proper ventilation, especially during the summer.
Some tents have doors acting as windbreakers and a double canopy that offers extra space. You can consider a model with double zips to open your door from the bottom or top. Other tents come with porches though it’s best to ensure that they’re effective and space improves usability. Some tents have windows that can make their interior light and airy.
The price of an instant tent directly reflects the quality of its accessories, the environmental proofing, and how robust it is. Costly instant tents like the Bushnell 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent have high-quality fabrics, and you will enjoy its accessories like rainfly, divider, etc.
Some like the Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent is cost-effective yet durable, and experts have confirmed that they function seamlessly across different seasons.
You only need to find an ample, flat, and open space, prepare the ground by removing rocks and other obstacles. Lastly, choose the direction you want your tent to face. It can be a sun path direction or a shady area.
The poles are not always rigid, and your tent can collapse if they flex at the hinge. Another disadvantage is durability. It’s common for their poles to snap or break while in use.
Whether you’re planning to hike or camp, getting the right instant tent that suits your outdoor activities shouldn’t be daunting. Ensure you look into the key details above like size, price, and materials then confirm if it matches your needs.
Several instant tents are super- easy to set up and access. They’re also lightweight, and you can pack them fast with less hassle. You can consider purchasing the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent which is our top pick. It’s spacious enough to host up to 9 people, and most users have confirmed that you can set it up within three to five minutes.
The Coleman 8 Person Camping Tent that is our second pick is the best 8-person instant tent that leaves enough room for moving around. Its design is awesome, and it has top-notch accessories. Our third pick is the CORE Lighted 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent with built-in light and advanced venting system to boost your outdoor experience. Several users praised its H20 Block Technology.
