Looking to buy a tent on the cheap? You’ll be glad to know that you can easily find the best tent under 100 dollars in the most unexpected places.
The best part is that a lot of the tents in this price category are available in different colors and designs, so you’ll have different options to choose from. Of course, $100 is not that much so you’ll have to be selective and shop wisely.
That’s why we’ve made it easier for you with this review of the best one available on the market for under 100 dollars. The following review article includes a list of tried and tested budget-friendly tents in all types of different styles, shapes, and materials.
We’ve also considered the fact that different campers will have different needs, so you’ll find that each tent offers a unique variety of options to suit different requirements. Read on for more.
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Best Camping Tents Under $100
Nowadays, the large variety of budget-friendly tents available means that a low budget is no excuse to not get the model of your dreams. Will you need to make some concessions?
Sure, but that’s a small price to pay for what you get in return, which in most cases is a high-quality tent with all the features you need to enjoy comfortable outdoor living.
1. Coleman Sundome Tent
If you’re planning a trip to the woods with your family, then you should definitely consider the Coleman Sundome Tent as the best 2 person tent under 100. Coleman is one of the best tent manufacturers around and they certainly don’t disappoint with this one.
This particular one is large enough to encompass a family of four comfortably and it’s designed for different outdoor conditions. It has dimensions of 9 feet by 7 feet and it’s stable and durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like winds and storms. Basically, many of the unexpected weather conditions you’d expect when camping.
However, despite its quality construction, this tent is portable and lightweight enough to fit into a kayak, truck, and canoe without taking up too much space. As such, this is a very versatile model that can be used for different applications.
It’s also worth noting that this tent comes with sufficient ventilation to ensure a comfortable stay regardless of the weather conditions. You can rest assured that you’ll get enough airflow thanks to the ventilation provided, as well as the beautiful dome design. Plus, it’s made from highly durable fabric that can last for many years to come, even with frequent use.
Not only that, but it’s waterproof and comes with a welded floor and high-quality 1000D polyethylene materials.
2. Wenzel Alpine 3 Person Tent
This is the best 2 person tent under 100. It’s lightweight at just 8 pounds and comes with all the features of an expensive type but without the price tag.
There are several vents included with this tent, one of which can be used as a dog door making it the perfect mobile shelter for a dog owner.
It’s simple and easy to install, thanks to its small size, and it even comes with a screened awning to help store extra items. However, what earns this one a spot on this list is the fact that it’s made from high-quality materials with lots of ventilation and portability. It’s also easy to use, assemble, and remove.
Most campers will love this tent because it’s budget-friendly and perfect for quick weekend trips to the country or isolated parks to get away from it all.
3. Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent
This high-performing tent from Coleman is the best 4 person tent under 100 and is a backpacking superstar. It’s jam-packed with useful features and it comes in three different sizes and types to suit different needs.
This is waterproof and will protect you from the elements, including rainy and cold weather conditions. It has a polyester rainfly that’s coated with UV protective coating to further protect you from the elements. It’ll stay in place no matter how wet it gets, and don’t even get us started on stormy weather!
The structure is made from polyester material with stable walls and it has a normal bathtub floor. This means this tent will most likely last you for many years with little to no trouble.
It’s rather easy to set up and use. It’s also well-ventilated with plenty of mesh as well as door and window openings to ensure plenty of air circulation. If you want to take a look at more Coleman tents, click here!
4. Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
This Featherstone budget camping tent is comfortable as it’s lightweight. It’s made from light, breathable and durable materials which make it ideal for backpacking trips.
With a floor space measuring 84 by 51 inches, it’s big enough to comfortably fit up to two people at the same time. It comes with two storage vestibules which are complemented by two doors for easy access.
Because it’s constructed from rugged 75-denier Ripstop Polyester coated with 3000mm polyurethane hydrostatic, it’s perfect for use across three different seasons. The flooring is made from the same materials so you can expect the same protection and durability underfoot and will be protected from leaks and water coming unexpectedly from the ground up.
You can set this up with only one aluminum pole following the provided design and thanks to its freestanding style, this tent is easy to assemble and move around. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty at a very affordable price point.
5. Bessport Camping Tent
Looking for the best 2 people backpacking tent under 100? Your search might be over thanks to this sprawling, 2-person model from Bessport. It’s made from lightweight materials and is easy to carry and travel with. It also comes in two versions, which provide you with even more options.
First, you have a version that accommodates a single traveler and has central height dimensions of 87.8 inches x 33.5 inches with 42.1 inches. The other one measures 86.6ft x 48.4ft with a central height of 43.5 inches. It comes with a storage bag, as well as two vestibules to keep all of your important essentials.
You’ll be glad to read that it’s weatherproof and can protect you from the wind and water. This is thanks to the polyester fabric cover and waterproof heat-seat seams that work double-duty to prevent leakages.
The sturdy frame is well-balanced and safe so you can rest assured that it’ll stand up to Mother Nature’s unexpected whims. This tent is also well-ventilated with plenty of mesh panels to keep the air circulating. Double zippers are included for ease of entry and exit as well as the vestibules. It also comes with a welded floor for extra protection from water leaks.
6. Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent
This is one of the best waterproof tents on the market and it can also be used for about three seasons at a time. It’s perfect for backpacking and is large enough to fit an entire family. The best part is that it has the most fascinating features.
For one thing, it’s really easy to set up within a few minutes and comes with a handy ventilation window to avoid the buildup of moisture and keep you cool in the hotter months. This is what makes it comfortable for use by up to three people, or a small family.
It’s quite versatile and can be used in a variety of scenarios. This is all thanks to its protective materials which allow it to survive and protect those inside in even the most extreme weather conditions.
You’d think that with all these features this tent would be heavy and difficult to carry, but really, it’s light for backpacking. This is definitely a quality contender in our ‘best tent under 100’ list and is one of the finest in this price category.
7. Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent
Do you consider yourself an outdoor adventurist? Then you’ll love this one! It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking, backpacking, and hunting. Although it’s designed for one person, it’s made from sturdy materials that allow it to last for up to three seasons. It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to travel with at just 1.32 kg of weight.
However, what really makes this tent stand out is its extraordinary price. We don’t know how the manufacturer managed to keep the cost so low but we’re impressed, especially by the fact that it comes in so many different variations.
You can choose one that suits your purposes and enjoy a double-wall tent that’s made with a non-freestanding structure. Thanks to it, you’ll enjoy full protection from elements like heavy downpours and wind.
We’re glad to say that this is a bivy tent which means that you can prop it up to stand low and enjoy even better privacy when you’re outdoors. It has versatile dimensions of 2 feet and 4 inches or 71cm.
8. Clostnature Lightweight 2 and 3 Person Backpacking Tent
The manufacturer did a good job with this backpacking tent under 100 and you’ll soon see why it’s included in this list of the best tents under $100.
It has dimensions of 7’3” x 4’11” x 3’10” and once assembled, has a height of 45 inches. However, when you roll it up, its dimensions come up to a compact 16.5” x 5.9” x 5.9”. This is small enough to fit into your camping backpack along with a few other items.
It’s made according to a freestanding design using a few small pegs and two aluminum poles. It has an interesting curve design that’s perfect for camping in precarious windy conditions, and thanks to the interior mesh walls, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy optimal ventilation no matter how bad the weather gets. It opens up courtesy of two D-shaped doors which give way to a sprawling interior that comes with two storage vestibules.
It’s made from an interesting bathtub and groundsheet design, as well as a 210T thread polyester rainfly to ensure waterproof and weatherproof functionality. It’s also coated with the thick water-resistant residue to protect from all manner of harsh weather conditions.
9. Eureka! Solitaire One-Person Tent
Thanks to its unique design, this Eureka one-person tent is a one-of-a-kind design with double walls and an inner mesh to provide comfortable ventilation.
Also, it has a top opening which makes it easier to go in and out of the tent effortlessly. All you have to do is roll up the fly and make your way in. This is a game-changer for anyone because it means you’re no longer limited to the tiny front entrance.
It offers comfortable sleep thanks to a design that allows for ease of occupation whether you’re out during the summer or the autumn. Unlike the previous tent, this model isn’t heavy-duty but is rather made for stealth and easy travel. To assemble it, you’re given aluminum poles that are more durable than fiberglass and contribute to its lightweight design.
Not only that, but this model is designed using the best materials on the market, including storm shield polyester which is known for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including storms.
10. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
Another tent that belongs on our list of the best tent under 100, this one-person model from ALPS Mountaineering Tent is compact and easy to carry.
Its dimensions are 7 feet and 6 inches by 2 feet and 8 inches. At its center, it has a height of 36 inches and weighs only 4 pounds with the ability to compress it further so that it ends up weighing just 3 pounds. Basically, this is a lightweight and portable tent that’s perfect for backpacking and it’s made from rugged polyester.
Things like accelerated damage and UV light penetration will be the last of your worries when using it because it’s made from sturdy materials and it has a leak-proof and waterproof fly to keep you safe when it gets wet.
The duo of half-mesh walls makes for easy ventilation and the vestibule that’s included means there’s more than enough space to fit your extra items. The vestibule also contributes to air circulation and in keeping the interior dry.
Lastly, you can use it during mild temperatures in the seasons of autumn, summer, and spring. It’s really easy to install and doesn’t require any prior experience. There are ropes, aluminum poles, and storage pockets provided to ensure easy installation.
How to Pick the Best Tents Under 100
Looking for the best tent under 100 is no easy feat. That’s why it’s important to have a checklist of factors to keep in mind as you do your search, as it makes it easier to make the right choice in the end.
We’ve compiled a list of the most important factors to keep in mind when searching for a budget-friendly tent.
Materials
It’s important to make sure that your Toogh camping tent is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and stay intact during different weather conditions.
Ensure that it can protect you from the rain, wind, and even storms if possible. To make sure that the tent you’ve chosen actually performs as advertised, check out reviews from previous users.
Height
You should also consider height when searching for your tent, as this will contribute to the level of comfort that different users experience when getting in and out of it.
Look at the dimensions featured on the specs for details of all the features.
Season
Consider how many seasons you want to take your tent with AC port out on. For obvious reasons, three-season tents come highly recommended. That’s because you can use it for most of the year.
The good news is there are plenty of tents in the $100 and below price range that are suitable for multi-season use. Just make sure the brand you’re buying from has a reputation for good quality construction and you can’t go wrong.
Ventilation
Avoid a stuffy tent by making sure that it has enough ventilation for proper air circulation.
No one wants to wake up to a musty tent with wet clothes and damp bedding due to condensation but this is all a possibility without proper ventilation and it adds to the burden of having a tent and takes the fun away from it all.
The best way to avoid all this is to have a camping air conditioner or make sure there’s enough ventilation in your tent including a rain fly and well-placed openings.
Setup
It’s important to note that not all tents feature a helpful instruction manual. However, this isn’t a problem for an avid and experienced backpacker. You can easily set it up in a few minutes as you usually do.
But, if you’re new to camping then you’ll benefit from one of the many helpful videos available online which are designed to help beginner backpackers. Generally, it takes about 5 to 7 minutes to set up a tent but this may vary according to the size and design as well.
Flooring
Flooring is yet another important issue you need to closely look at when shopping for a tent. You want to avoid a poorly constructed tent that’s made from fabric that can easily tear or cause leaks.
Look for a tent with rugged flooring and place a tent footprint or tarp underneath the tent floor to ensure a comfortable stay. Sure, this ups the cost a little bit, but it’ll help you strike the perfect balance between comfort and cost.
Weight
Weight is another important consideration to make when buying a tent, regardless of the price tag. If you plan on taking your tent hiking or kayaking regularly, then you should opt for a featherweight model and avoid anything that can cause a heavy load.
A lightweight model makes it easier to stay mobile and allows you to travel from different areas with ease.
Zippers
You’ll know you’ve bought a cheap tent if the zippers start giving you trouble. But, this isn’t to say that you can’t find a good quality tent with rugged zippers at a reasonable price. Another issue with flimsy zippers is that they tend to get stuck onto fabric and they break easily.
Unfortunately, this is the case with a lot of tents in this price category but as we said, you don’t necessarily have to settle for that. If you look hard enough, it shouldn’t be hard to find a good-quality model with rugged zippers.
How to Maintain Your Tent
Follow these tips to maintain your backpacking tent once you’ve found one and it’ll last you for many more years to come:
Wash It Regularly
Backpacking isn’t always sunflowers and hammocks. Things can get messy quickly. Sometimes, your camping spot will be wet and muddy.
That’s why we advise that you remove any debris that’s leftover in your tent. This includes things that can damage the coating such as mud, salt, and dust. It’s fairly easy to do if you have a water hose.
Whatever you do, never use a chemical cleaner and you should never place them in a washing machine because this can damage its coating even further.
Dry It
It’s advisable to avoid rolling up your tent under 100 while it’s wet. That’s because it’s easy for mildew to form on a compressed, wet tent. Not only will this make it ugly, but it’s also a health hazard for you and your traveling companions.
Not only that, but the moisture collected in a wet tent can also damage the polyurethane coating on the rainfly. This coating is important because it makes it easier for the tent to dry when it gets wet so you can fold it up quickly.
All this to say, make sure to hang your tent to dry whenever it gets wet in order to remove all the moisture before you fold it up for storage.
Reseal It
You can easily re-seal your tent using a spray-on coating agent. It’s normal for a tent to develop wear and tear due to regular use and exposure to harsh and extreme weather conditions.
That’s why you should regularly apply a water-resistant coating to avoid leaks and tears.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? What’s the best tent under 100?
In our opinion, the Coleman Sundome Tent is the best in this price category because it ticks all the boxes of what makes an ideal backpacking tent. It’s lightweight, durable, and portable.
It’s made from high-quality 1000D polyethylene fabric with a welded and waterproof floor. If there’s one model that can take you from different terrains and weather conditions, it’s this one. Just keep in mind that it can only fit two people at a time comfortably.
Otherwise, it’s super easy to install and dismantle and it has enough room to enjoy a relaxing stay after a long kayaking trip or hiking trail.