An adventure through the heart of Mother Nature rejuvenates both the body and mind. A camping trip with your loved ones may be just what you need to de-stress. Camp time calls for a lot of shopping, with you needing to load up on utilities and supplies, and the most confusing of all- picking the right tent.
If you are new to camping, you might be debating what kind of tent to choose from the hundreds that flood the online market.
Fret not!
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this article will provide you with all the camping information you’ll need and a list of the top 5 best instant camping tents in the market and its specifications so that you can make an informed choice.
The options provided are cheap, affordable and these tents come in different sizes. The list is given in no particular order as the suitability of these instant tents varies based on personal requirements.
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Quick Comparison: Top Hiking Hats
- Core 9 person instant Cabin Tent
- Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent
- Coleman Instant Cabin 10 Tent With Fly
- Core 9 person extended dome tent
- Browning Camping Big Horn Family/Hunting Tent
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Why Instant tents?
Camping involves a lot of planning and proper implementation. However, camping should not become an elaborate and hectic process. Setting up a traditional tent is a very time-consuming process that requires proper skill and technique.
Modern instant “pop up” tents unfold in less than 60 seconds and help save your precious time. But keep in mind that not all instant tents are wired the same way.
You need to look for a few key features while purchasing an instant tent, as it will ensure you pick the most user-friendly and camp friendly choice out there.
How to Choose your Instant Tent?
Comfort
Make sure you pick the tent size based on the number of people accompanying you as well as their personal preferences. If someone prefers having more room while sleeping, you might want to, for instance, choose a four-person tent and not a two-person tent. Also, consider children or pets are accompanying you on the trip.
- Tent floor-length: Typical range is 84 -88 inches, Might need 90 inches if you are taller.
Seasonality
Tents are designed based on the seasons they are to endure. These can be broadly classified into four types.
1-2 Season: This is usually meant for the summer season and keeps you cool. It has a very thin layer of waterproof coating and can only stand mild precipitation. The price is usually low. Such tents are the best option for casual, family campers who do not want to spend much on their tent.
3 Season tent: These endure a variety of mild to moderate climatic conditions. It can endure moderate rainfall, spring, heat, strong winds, and even mild snowfall. These tents come with rain flies. Since they are made of sturdier materials, they are a lot more expensive than single season tents. If you like camping in a variety of weather conditions, but for shorter durations, this is the perfect choice for you!
4 Season tent: These are sturdier and more expensive than 3 season tents.
5 Season tents: These are meant for extreme weather and violent cold. It has better insulation and is stronger than the 4 season tents. These are usually very expensive and are meant for extended camping in extreme weather
Material
Fabrics with high denier or high weight per unit length make better materials for the canopies and rain fly as they are coarse. They also help prevent leakage in rainy conditions.
Cabin style Tents V/s Dome Style Tents:
Dome style tents: are freestanding and do not need guy lines (chords that keep tents standing). These have extra poles that support every inch of the tent, but they still stay within the lightweight range. These are the best choice for rugged, cliffy terrain camping. These have sloppy walls but are tall at the center.
Cabin style tents: Cabin tents are built to last. They are bigger and more spacious than dome tents. The walls are vertical. These have peak heights varying from 6ft to 8ft (excellent peak height) and come with multiple windows. These are very heavy and are more suited for single location camping than backpacking.
Other features to look for:
Darkroom technology: These block 90% of the sunlight for sleeping in during summer mornings.
E port: Helps bring electrical power inside your tent.
Guyout loops: These are loops on the outside of the tent for attaching guy lines.
Vestibules: These are shelters attached to your tent for additional storage.
Other Gears you need with your Instant Tent:
Review of Some of the Best Instant Tents
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Features:
- 60 Second to Setup;
- Space for nine people
- CORE H20 Block Technology
- Adjustable ground vent
- Room divider with wall storage pocket
- Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not in use)
- Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
Pros
Cons
FEATURES:
- Weathertec system helps keep the tent dry
- Set up or take down in about 60 seconds
- Pre-attached poles
- Strong frame withstands 35+ mph winds
- Dimension - 14 ft. X 10 ft. With 6 ft. 7in Center height; fits four queen-size airbeds.
Pros
Cons
Features:
- Dome Tent
- Spacious interiors
- Setup in less than 10 minutes.
- WeatherTec system
- Large windows and a ground vent for ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with a 4-foot 11-inch center height
Pros
Cons
Features:
- Nine people can sleep; Center Height: 72"
- CORE H20 Block Technology
- Adjustable ground vent
- Features gear loft with lantern hook and pockets
- Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not in use)
- Includes tent, tent poles, rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
Pros
Cons
Features:
- The freestanding design comes with fiberglass poles and steel uprights for extra strength and support
- Extra tall center, straight walls and wall divider for two rooms.
- Two large doorways, six windows and mesh roof offers easy entry
- Mesh storage pockets, polyester fly, guy ropes and steel stakes.
- Pole diameter: 12.5 mm
- Base Size: 10' x 15', Center Height: 87", Total Weight: 34 lbs. 11 oz.
Pros
Cons
Our Recommendations on Instant Tent for Backpackers
Apart from the list mentioned above, these are a few special recommendations for backpackers and single campers who want to avoid the hassles of having to carry too much weight.
Coleman Sundome 2-person tent
Check Price on Amazon
Coleman makes the list once again with this easy setup dome tent. It sets up in under 10 minutes.
It features their patented WeatherTec system and has large windows for superior ventilation.
This tent is very affordable and an excellent choice for new campers! It weighs less than 7 pounds and is easily portable.
Check Price on Amazon
This Instant Tent is even cheaper than Coleman 2 person tent. It weighs just about 3 pounds. It is not of great quality as compared to Coleman.
But if you are on a tight budget, this is the choice for you.
Though you cannot expect it to last very long, this is the perfect choice for single, short duration campers.
How to Maintain your Instant Tents?
So you have splurged a lot on your brand new tent. You paint dreams of all the future camping trips you are to set off one.
But how do you make sure the tent is in great condition during and after your trips?
Worry not! We know how to do just that!
Wash your tent: Make sure your tent is cleaned properly before and after your trips. However, there is a method to this process. To avoid damaging the fabric make sure you always use mild soap for the purpose. This video will give you a step by step insight into the process.
Avoid over sun exposure: Extreme sun exposure over extended periods of time will damage the tent fabric. So chose a shady place for camping whenever possible
Always store the tent after completely drying it to avoid odor.
Sweep the tent before packing to make sure stones, and dirt does not get trapped in.
Make sure the windows are kept open for a good amount of time to avoid moisture gathering inside the tent.
Make sure you always properly fold your tent according to the instructions given before storing it.
With these tips and tricks, you and your tent is sure to enjoy a long period of togetherness. With that said, happy camping folks!