Looking for the best instant tent you can find? You’ve come to the right place! As fellow nature lovers, we’ve gone through our fair share of instant tents over the years, camping in all types of terrain and weather conditions. We can attest to the fact that there’s nothing better than being able to set up a tent within a couple of minutes when you can’t wait to get warm and rest after a long hike.
We’ve also noticed that instant tents have gotten better over the years and are easier than ever to erect. You no longer have to worry about nylon ties, tent pegs, or figuring out which pole goes where.
Modern-day instant tents aren’t only quick to erect but they’re easy to use and you don’t need prior experience to enjoy them. So, if you want to enjoy the fastest tent to set up and experience the best camping trip of your life, keep reading for our review of the best instant set up tents!
Best Instant Set Up Tents
To bring you this comprehensive review of the best instant tents on the market, we endeavored to test all of the top brands available. We spared no expense and really put each model through its paces to make sure that we explore all aspects of its functionality and construction.
It’s also important to note here that we discovered a lot of new brands that you’ll be introduced to here since some of the more established brands were running low on stock due to the pandemic. In fact, there was a global shortage of many things this past year and it looks like tents weren’t spared.
But, we were able to find a lot of great alternatives that ticked all the boxes of what we were looking for. So, without further ado, here’s your guide to the best instant tents you can buy.
1. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
This is the best quick setup tent for large groups of people and it’s known as the Core 9. It measures 14 by 9 feet with 78 inches of overhead height and it’s separated into two different rooms.
It can fit up to 9 people comfortably and their gear. Now, that’s saying a lot, and we think it’s perfect for families traveling with kids because you always need a lot of space with kids around.
Other great features include electrical access ports to keep your devices powered up safely. The great thing about this tent is that despite its spaciousness, it’s still incredibly easy to set up, which is why it’s on our list of the best instant tents.
The setup is a dream, as you can easily put the frame into place effortlessly.
2. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
Next, we have the Coleman model, a well-made model that’s super easy to set up even for beginners. It’s built to handle all types of weather conditions and it’s easy on the pocket too. Of course, this comes as no surprise since Coleman is a pretty established tent manufacturer that has been around since the 1900s.
This particular model is available in various sizes including a 4-person and 6-person version making it ideal for adventure-loving groups of friends and families.
The 4-person model is also perfect for a glamping date since it can fit a queen-size bed and both are made from the rugged material that we’ve come to expect from a brand such as Coleman.
This includes their patented WeatherTec system which ensures total weather protection so you can stay dry and comfortable no matter the weather. The fabric is made from Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric which is uniquely created by Coleman for long-lasting durability.
3. Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Cabin with Private Room
Another great instant cabin tent is this Ozark Trail which is uniquely constructed to provide a luxurious experience. It’s designed similarly to an 8-person model and it comes with a convenient awning that weighs about 76 inches providing ample shade for easy entry and exit as well as headroom.
This tent is so big that it can fit up to 11 people considering its 14 x 14 dimensions, causing many to say that it even performs better than the Core 10 and Core 12 which is quite something considering how renowned those two models are.
Although large, this tent makes great use of space with a room divider giving you two separate rooms to choose from. This tent is perfect for large families and groups of friends as well because the two areas offer privacy and comfortability.
In fact, you can use one of the areas just for storage and it’s large enough to fit 1 or 2 queen-sized mattresses.
4. TETON Sports Quick Tent
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight tent, then you’ve found it. The TETON Sports Vista weighs just 5 pounds with the 2-person version coming in at 6.6 pounds.
Due to its size, this is the type of tent that would be perfect to place over a double cot and it makes for a fantastic backpacking tent option.
Other notable features of this quick tent include a full mesh room which serves as a nice skylight while providing much-needed ventilation.
And in case of bad weather such as rain or snow, there’s a rainfly to keep the water and cold out.
5. MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent
This Moon Lence tent is one of the most unique camping tents we’ve seen. First of all, it has a unique dome shape and is constructed from sturdy fiberglass poles that can stand up to a lot of weather conditions. It’ll definitely stay stable no matter how windy it becomes outside.
The tent itself is made from durable polyester with 4 huge mesh windows that’ll bathe the entire tent in sunlight all day long.
However, this isn’t a tent for backpacking because it weighs over 10 pounds. But, I’d still choose it any day especially for backcountry camping. Another downside to this tent is that although it comes with a rainfly, it doesn’t work well when it comes to keeping the water out.
Of course, you can always put a tarp over it if you come across a spot of inclement weather.
6. Timber Ridge Camping Tent 6 Person
Here we have the fantastic Timber Ridge tent which is large enough to fit 6 people and that’s just the icing on the cake.
It’s designed to have an open system so you can enjoy an indoor-outdoor feel that connects you with nature. It has dimensions of 120 x 120 x 78 in inches and a center height of 198 cm.
In terms of weight, it’s fair to say that it’s medium-sized as it weighs only 26 pounds and it comes with features like an electrical cord access port to connect and power up all of your devices, an O-shaped entry door for easy entry and exit as well as 3 large windows for optimal ventilation all day long.
The floor is also quite unique in that it has a bathtub-style design that’s designed to keep the water out when it’s raining or snowing. It even comes with a medium-sized storage pocket to store gear.
7. Columbia Mammoth Creek Cabin Tent
The Mammoth Creek is the best instant tent from Colombia. Despite being a relative newcomer, this tent has a lot to offer. First of all, it’s a medium-sized tent that can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people at the same time.
Also, it’s available in 3 different sizes including a 6-person, 8-person, and 10-person model so you can take your pick and choose the best option for your needs at the time. They all come pre-assembled, of course, so you can easily set them up and they’re all available in the same cabin design.
Now, this tent has a lot going for it as well but some of its more notable features include its pull-out windows. You can open and close them easily, providing optimal ventilation as well as visual appeal.
The best part is that you can keep it open even in inclement weather due to the funnel shape of the windows.
8. Guide Gear 10′ x 10′ Teepee Tent
Here we have a teepee tent from relative newcomer Guide Gear. This tent is known as a 4-season tent and that’s because it’s designed for use all year round, which makes it ideal for avid adventurers who have a constant hankering for the outdoors.
It’s made from polyurethane-coated polyester which is held together by a strong steel pole in the middle. The whole thing is waterproof and will keep the water out effortlessly. However, there have been some complaints that it’s unable to keep out heavy rain despite how durable it is. That’s why it’s important to waterproof it before a trip if you expect inclement weather.
Note that this tent is 6.6 inches high making it ideal for people of different heights, including super tall individuals. However, the height does vary towards the periphery of the tent due to its conical shape.
But it makes up for this with its 3 mesh windows designed for optimal ventilation. Coupled with the tent’s unique teepee shape make for a very comfortable environment to be in while enjoying the wonders of nature.
How to Buy the Best Instant Tent
Because this is a review of the best instant tents, a quick setup is guaranteed.
Each of the models featured on this list is quick and easy to set up regardless of your experience level but that’s not the only thing to consider when looking for a tent in this category.
Here are a few other considerations to make when shopping for your tent.
Vents
As you may have noticed, most of these tents come with mesh ventilation which is perfect for summertime camping.
Vents are also important in inclement weather when you’re not able to keep the windows and doors open due to the rain.
That’s why it’s important to ensure that there are alternative forms of ventilation for year-round camping.
Poles
You may have also noticed on this list that some of the larger tents come with steel poles to hold them together in the middle.
This makes for a durable setup that’ll remain stable no matter the weather. Roof poles, on the other hand, are usually made from steel or aluminum and while fiberglass is an option it’s not the most durable one.
Number of Doors
When it comes to doors, your tent should at least have two, unless it’s a small one-person or two-person model then a single door is justified.
The most important thing is to be able to get in and out easily.
Height
When it comes to height, you want to go for a tall tent with a raised center. For the most part, domed tents work best in this department.
Color
When it comes to color, it’s purely a matter of preferences and it depends on your personality. Some people are naturally loud and flamboyant in which case a brighter colored tent will be perfect.
However, if your goal is to blend in with the natural environment then you might want to go with a camouflage pattern such as the tents that are typically used on tactical scenarios and hunting trips.
Shape
You should also consider the shape of your tent in addition to its size and height because you might not be able to stand to your full height once inside the tent.
A-frame and dome tents are usually suitable for people of different heights because they are higher in the middle, thus allowing for some height clearance.
Keep in mind that the shape of a tent can also affect its aerodynamic capabilities which is to say how it stands up to different weather conditions.
Warranty
If you’re the type of person who enjoys camping regularly, then you should definitely make sure that your tent is backed by a reliable warranty.
Most good quality tents come with a warranty to cover any accidental defects and such and it’s just a nice thing to have just in case your tent gets damaged.
Cost
You also want to consider your budget because instant tents are available at different price points based on the features that they have available and the quality of materials used.
So, you’re going to have to weigh your options accordingly.
What Are Instant Tents
The great thing about an instant tent, whether it’s a Coleman tent or an instant tent 4-person model from another brand is that they’re always super lightweight and easy to use.
You can set them up effortlessly and they’re waterproof so you can use them in all weather conditions.
Part of what makes instant tents so convenient and easy to use is the fact that they’re made with a locking mechanism that clicks into place when it has been successfully assembled. All you have to do after that is attach the tent stakes into place through the guy lines and you’re good to go.
Of course, you’ll want to have a rainfly in there somewhere to keep your tent protected from water infiltration once pitched. Otherwise, you should have your tent set up and ready for occupation in 1 to 3 minutes easily.
Types of Instant Tents
Instant tents come in all types of different varieties and one of the distinguishing factors between the various models is the structure.
Keep reading to find out what sets each type apart and determine which one is best for you!
Dome Tents
Dome tents are the most popular and well-known shape because that’s what most people are accustomed to.
They’re so-called because of their characteristic dome shape which is made possible in part by its curved poles which meet at the center to create a dome-like structure.
Dome tents typically feature a hexagonal or square-shaped base. This is based on the number of poles that are used, whether 2 or 3.
The only downside with dome tents is that even though they have a high center, they tend to taper off on the periphery which means that if you’re tall then you’ll be most comfortable in the middle.
Pop Up Tents
Next, we have pop-up tents. This type of tent is super easy to erect using the included bendy poles which pretty much anyone can figure out.
This is what makes a popup tent the best instant tent according to most people because setting it up is as easy as literally popping it into shape so that it comes up in a matter of seconds.
However, the problem arises when the time comes to fold the tent away and this process certainly takes longer than putting it up.
Also, pop-up tents aren’t built for windy conditions or inclement weather either. They’re best used only in the summer when conditions are optimal.
Cabin Tents
Cabin-style tents feel more like a house because they have a square-shaped foundation with a rectangular shape overall while the walls are often at an angle or vertically shaped.
This kind of shape makes it easier to move around the tent, especially for taller people because there’s more than enough space from the top to the bottom of the structure.
Due to their spaciousness cabin tents typically feature a room divider to allow for privacy or just to separate the space into two sections, one for living and another for storage or whatever the occupants want to use it for.
Because of their size, it’s easy for cabin tents to come with taller doors so that it’s easier to enter and exit them.
The only issue that most people have with cabin tents is that they lack the stability of dome tents which means that they can mainly be used during the spring and summer only but not in the autumn or winter because they can’t stand up to inclement weather.
A-Frame Tents
A-frame tents are another highly popular option among avid campers and outdoor enthusiasts. As the name implies, this tent is characterized by an A- or triangle shape.
However, A-frame tents use much heavier poles compared to the more lightweight aluminum or fiberglass poles that are utilized to erect cabin tents, for example.
Due to being heavier to carry and more difficult to set up, A-frame tents fell out of favor over the years as more convenient options came to the fore.
However, they still do offer certain benefits and advantages such as their stability and durability. Some have also found a solution to the tent’s heavy poles by replacing them with hiking poles instead so that you can take it on camping trips comfortably.
Teepee Tents
Instant teepee tents typically have an octagonal or round base and are erected using several poles that are placed firmly on the ground to keep the tent stable, and then the poles meet at the top center of the tent to hold everything up.
Many people prefer teepee tents because they’re spacious and because of their conical shape, they’re incredibly well-ventilated and perfect for camping along a lake or the mountain at the height of the summer.
Final Thoughts
If we were to pick one option as the ultimate best instant tent out of all the models that we tested, it would be Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent.
As mentioned above, this tent is spacious enough to fit a family or a group of friends and the gear comfortably.
It’s super easy to erect, exit, and enter and the best part is that it can be utilized all year round.