The 8 Best Tents For Camping or Hiking

Camping is a fun activity. It’s also a great way for friends and family to be one with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. When you are, it is important to know you have a reliable camping tent to take shelter in.

Whether you are in the market for a large family tent, or a smaller hiking tent, we know the best tent matters. You need to know it will stand up to your uses, and be reliable. 

But first, lets talk a little bit about choosing the best tent, and what information is the most important to know.

What Features Are Important?

When investing in a camping tent for your outdoor adventures, it is important to keep in mind the many variables that make up the ideal camping tent. Depending on your budget, number of campers, and camping experience, there is a different camping tent for everyone.

A tent is an investment

When you are shopping for camping tents, invest in a tent that is durable, ensuring that it will last for several years and withstand harsh weather.

How much space you need

It is common for groups of campers to range from two to ten people. When purchasing your tent, it’s important to consider the number of people and the size of people you will be accommodating.

 Usually, tents are measured with the average-sized person in mind, so it’s smart to test out your tent before bringing it to the campground.

The most important feature

It is important to look at the tent’s reviews online or to discuss with a sales assistant to see the level of difficulty the set up process will be. A pop-up tent is surely the easiest to set up, allowing you to quickly jump into the camping fun.

Different Types of Tents

With the wide variety of different tents on the market these days, it should be easy to find the perfect camping tent to suit your camping needs. Should be, but it can be overwhelming on your own. 

It is important to know of the many tent shapes and sizes available before investing in your tent.

A-frame or Ridge tents

The A-frame, or Ridge tent is an iconic representation of campsites and camping tents. A single pole at each end intersects with a horizontal cross pole or ridge forming the recognizable “A” shape.

Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tents

If you are a seasoned camper or adventurer, then the Geodesic & Semi-Geodesic camping tents may be the perfect choice for your endeavors.  Designed with support poles that criss-cross over the surface to create a triangular panel style structure, this tent is your best bet for extreme wind and harsh weather.

Backpacking Tents or One Person Tents

This type of camping tent folds up into a small compact form, making it ideal to carry while hiking.

Tunnel or Tube Shaped Tents

 The tunnel shape offers a lot of internal storage and sleeping space and standing height. Made up of flexible poles forming a semi-circle roof, this tent varies in quality and price point.

Dome-shaped Tents

The Dome-shaped tent is among the most suitable camping tents for enduring windy or snowy conditions. These camping tents are easy to assemble and are stable due to the two, three, or four pole system they are equipped with.

Instant or Pop-up Tents

Among the most convenient camping tents on the market are the Instant/Pop-up tents. Perfect for 2-3 people to share during festivals and events, just unzip the storage bag and pop the tent out.

8 Best Camping Tents

Below, you will find all of the tents that made our list. We’ve done the research so you can simply get the best answers and choose the right tent for you.

1. Coleman Sundome 2-Person Dome Tent

The Coleman Sundome’s key features include a compact yet spacious tent, with a rain fly awning that offers shade and rain protection. The WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams is designed to keep you drier throughout your camping endeavors.

Set up your tent easily within 10 minutes and connect with the great outdoors through the large windows and a ground vent which produces amazing ventilation.

Pros

• Produces amazing ventilation
• Quick and easy set up
• Comfortably fits two people 

Cons

• Not suitable for rain
• Not suitable for wind
• Not the highest quality materials

2. ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent

 

This easy to assemble, free-standing ALPS Mountaineering Meramac tent is designed to sleep two people. This tent has storage pockets, a gear loft, stakes, guy ropes and two zippered window doorways for easy access to the outdoors. The polyester fly repels water and UV damage while providing an awning for each door. This tent is sure to be the perfect shelter for your next adventure.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Free standing
• Has pockets for storage

Cons

• Heavy to carry
• Water leaks through
• Zipper is cheaply made

3. Yodo Lightweight 2 Person Camping Backpacking Tent with Carry Bag

Equipped with a rain fly vented roof and two durable glass-fiber poles, the Yodo backpacking tent will withstand harsh weather. Completed with an entry front door and a two-way zippered mesh window, large mesh side wall vents at the top, you will enjoy ventilation and star gazing while keeping mosquitos out.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Withstand harsh weather
• Carry bag included

Cons

• Flimsy material
• Zippers are on outside
• Small rain fly

4. Alvantor Warrior Pro Backpacking Pop Up

The Warrior Pro Camping Tent is one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market! The strong, durable tent weighs just under 4 pounds, making it perfect for active campers, hikers, and mountain climbers.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Easy assembly and collapsible

Cons

• Not waterproof
• Does not fit two people comfortably
• Cheap zippers

5. ALPHA CAMP 3-4 Person Tent for Camping Lightweight Backpacking Tent

This ALPHA CAMP tent is equipped with durable material and an ECO-friendly PU coating, ensuring the effectiveness of Anti-UV, and a sealed flysheet seam to block out moisture. 

This tent is easy to assemble and can be up in 5 minutes. Take this dome tent anywhere with the portable carrying bag.

Pros

• Wind Resistant
• Side pockets
• Equipped with a cable port

Cons

• Not durable material
• Not spacious

6. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

This mammoth CORE 14-by-9-foot tent will have you set and ready to enjoy the great outdoors in 60 seconds! An outstanding 9 people can sleep comfortably and a room divider and wall storage allow you to make yourself at home!

Pros

• Quick to assemble
• Equipped with an electrical cord access port
• Large interior

Cons

• Not durable
• Poor customer service
• Not waterproof

7. Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent

This Coleman Montana tent will have you enjoying your favorite camping activities in no time. Set up in 15 minutes or fewer! You can sleep 8 people comfortably. Easily enter and exit through the hinged door!

Pros

• LED tent light with 3 settings
• Color-coded pole sleeves and poles
• Quick set up

Cons

• Water leaks through
• Velcro fasteners are not reinforced
• Complex set up

8. Sportneer Camping Tent 2-3 Person Instant Pop Up Tent

You and your whole family can enjoy this instant pop up tent! Designed with you in mind the D-shape zippered doors of the Sportneer Camping Tent give you easy access to and from your tent. Have this tent assembled instantly!

Pros

• Water wicking
• Bonus rain fly
• Great ventilation

Cons

• Tarp rings don’t fit well
• Long stakes make for tripping hazard
• Difficult to attach spikes to tent

The Final Word On Tents

Camping is and always has been a fun adventure for the nature lover. Depending on your specific needs, camping conditions, and amount of camping guests, there is a camping tent to fit everyone’s needs.

We hope this guide enables you to choose the best camping tent for your next outdoor adventure with confidence, making you one happy camper!

Please, let us know down in the comments what kind of tent you are looking for, and which best suited your needs!