If youre going to camp outside, chances are youll need a good mobile roof over your head — unless youre one of those cowboy-camping thru hiker types. And while weve logged some serious shut-eye in hundreds, you wont catch us sleeping on the best camping tents out today.

　　For this guide, we intensely used more than 40 and winnowed down our gear rooms to the 15 best of the best collected here. Our team of experts brings decades of camping experience in every sort of condition imaginable, from national park campgrounds to multiday festivals to long road trips.

　　Some tents are wilder-nests that thrive in a more backcountry-adjacent use, like the Kelty Discovery Basecamp, while others like our top pick, the MSR Habitude 6, are downright frontcountry palatial. We gathered our most camp-savvy testers and sent them into the woods across the country in search of the perfect camping tent for every type of weekend.

　　Editors Note: We updated our Camping Tent guide on February 3, 2025, to add additional comparisons between like-tents and make choosing between them easier.

　　The Best Camping Tents of 2025 Best Overall Camping Tent: MSR Habitude 6 Best Budget Camping Tent: Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 Best Tent for Families: REI Co-op Wonderland X Best Tent for Group Camping: Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 Tent Best Harsh Weather Camping Tent: REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Best Crossover Tent for Camping and Backpacking: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 MSR Habitude 6 $490 at REIcheck price at amazon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 83 sq. ft. (120 x 100) Weight: 14 lbs. Height: 77 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: One Carry Size: 23 x 10 x 10 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Large family camping outings where weather might be variable Pros Smart pole geometry and tough fabrics means this tent is built to last LED porch light integrated into the tent Generous sleeping area Rain fly coverage drops low to prevent gusts from sneaking in Steep canopy walls Cons Single door means you may have to stumble over tent mates to enter/exit Expensive Ryan Baker After many seasons abroad and close to home, weve settled it: The MSR Habitude 6 ($700) is just about the best camping tent on the market today. It brings together a slate of smart front-country features and a tough construction that ensures it’ll be around long into your camping future.

　　Available in both a four- and six-person configuration, the Habitude series of tents borrows much from MSR’s long history in backcountry-style tents to produce one for the more mellow outings of the summer. Supreme livability is the name of the game for this tent, and we greatly appreciated the large vestibule space and 6-foot overhead clearance.

　　Setup is a breeze, utilizing a hubbed pole design and color-coded clips (no pole sleeves to fuss with) to erect the 83 square feet of sleeping space. While many camping-size tents might require an extra set of hands to wrangle it into existence, the Habitude was noticeably easy to erect by a single person.

　　The majority of the tent’s inner is a 68D polyester, with mesh placed smartly to provide airflow and privacy. Studded about are a number of storage pockets and extra hang loops to trick out your home away from home with camping niceties such as lanterns.

　　Unfortunately, this wonderful tent only offers a single entry point. We would have loved the ease of a 1.5-door design — like on The North Face Wawona 4. You might consider the integrated LED porch light lantern a worthy balm, as it is pretty enjoyable to use. For a close-to-identical tent with an additional door, look to the similar MSR Habiscape series — just with less weather protection.

　　Weighing the Habitude against other tents is tough — it was considerably lighter than the REI Base Camp 6 but also $100 more expensive. It offers more standing height than the Marmot Limestone 4P, but it lacks the second door it sports. The scales always have to balance out somewhere, but after many seasons of use, we agreed that the Habitude 6 does it better than pretty much any other tent.

　　Best Budget Camping Tent Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 $120 at REIcheck price at backcountry

　　Specifications Floor Area: 53 sq. ft. (97 x 79) Weight: 8 lbs., 8 oz. Height: 58 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: One Carry Size: 23 x 6 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Casual weekends of car camping, festivals, beach camping Pros Easy and intuitive to set up Inexpensive Pre-attached guylines Storage duffel is easy to stuff and unpack Cons Rainfly isnt full protection Fiberglass poles Ryan Baker While there is a glut of budget camping tents on the market, too many have gone too far in trimming features and comfort. The Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 ($120) isnt one among them, however, and hits all of the bullet points were after — without also coming for our wallets. Done up in an instantly recognizable design, this tent doesnt take many shortcuts.

　　Set up with a crossed-pole design, the Discovery Basecamp makes raising the roof easier, including Quick Corners — which are short pole sleeves to secure the pole ends. From there, modern pole clips suspend the canopy, which, while not our favorite, helps to keep the price down. When testing in Joshua Tree National Park in early spring, we had little issue throwing the tent up sans instructions.

　　Some other budget-minded tents attempt to shave ounces (and dollar signs) by hemming the rain fly up high and tight — exposing windows to wind-driven rain, but the Discovery Basecamp makes use of a brow pole to set the porch coverage back far and protect the door window. When fully staked and with the rainfly guyed out, this tent does a commendable job keeping its inhabitants dry, especially considering the price.

　　While it only has one door, that door is huge, so access is easy. Each side is lined with a few storage pockets, so youll have no problem staying organized and keeping the floor free of knick-knacks. While the Discovery Basecamp takes a more traditional approach, it isnt the tallest tent, and those looking for more vertical should look to the Eureka Copper Canyon LX — a cabin-styled tent that trades weather protection for comfort.

　　Available in both a 4- and a 6-person size, the Discovery Basecamp 4 is an easy choice for folks looking for their first camping tent, or even just a beater you arent worried about leaving up on the lawn. Dont expect it to last forever at $120, but for the money, there are plenty of summers in this tent.

　　Best Tent for Families REI Co-op Wonderland X $999 at REI

　　Specifications Floor Area: 70.5 sq. ft. (100 x 100) Weight: 35 lbs., 1 oz. Height: 75 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Four Carry Size: 27.4 x 14 x 12.8 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Mondo-sized camping trips with the whole crew Pros Huge tent for four people Doubles as a massive shelter for cooking, entertaining, or eating Extremely durable The sleeping area is very large and protective from the elements Cons Expensive Too big for smaller campsites Ryan Baker Read Review: REI Wonderland X Tent Review: A Versatile 4-Person Palace for Car Campers

　　The REI Co-op Wonderland X ($999) is a very large and unique tent that makes an incredibly spacious abode. Designed as a four-person car camping tent, the Wonderland X is so much more. Weve tested this tent since the spring of 2022 and are still blown away by the unique tunnel design with interior sleeping quarters — perfect for a weekend with the entire family.

　　While optimized for a group of four, the Wonderland X not only serves as a giant camping shelter but also as a big hangout space. By removing the interior sleeping quarters, the shelter becomes a 13 x 9-foot floorless shelter. It can easily cover a picnic table, the tailgate of a truck, or even a small car.

　　REI built the Wonderland X with extremely heavy materials, ensuring a very long life if properly maintained. And at 35 pounds, this tent is definitely not coming backpacking — but for those looking at an alternative to canvas wall tents or just a very robust, large car camping setup, this tent is the pinnacle.

　　Put to the test, the tent performed perfectly in windy and rainy conditions, where the enormous awning provided space for lounging and cooking for four adult men. Copious guylines can be a bit much to get your head around, but in truly unsettled weather, theyre the perfect solution to keeping the Wonderland X where it belongs.

　　Those looking for a similar design but at a lower price should also consider the Wonderland 4 and Wonderland 6, which work on the same principles but use lighter, less expensive materials. For the real-deal family palace, however, its the Wonderland X for us.

　　Best Tent for Group Camping Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 $507 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Floor Area: 62.5 sq. ft. (96 x 90) Weight: 18 lbs., 9.4 oz. Height: 68 Footprint Included: Yes Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 26 x 13 x 13 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Camping with the whole crew, or bringing along the kitchen sink in gear Pros Vestibules are huge, and can fit entire bikes or coolers if needed Many pockets inside the sleeping area and vestibules Saloon-style doors open up to easily combine areas Simple rope-bag style stuff sack Cons Not the easiest to set up single-handed Pretty pricey Ryan Baker Borrowing DNA from the brand’s mountaineering roots, the new Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 Tent ($780) hits all the marks we’re looking for in a group camping tent — and that’s before you even open the door. Twin vestibules boast more square footage than even the sleeping area, making a tent that’s as much about hanging out as it is snoozing in.

　　Starting from the inside, the Bridger 4 keeps the living large with 62.5 square feet of sleeping quarters, and steep walls that meet at a 66-inch peak height. The tent is supported by a classic two-pole configuration, with an additional ridge pole that props up the peaks of the entry and exits.

　　A full-coverage rain fly encompasses everything on the exterior and extends 7 feet for the front vestibule. When we initially tested this tent in the spring of 2023, our campers flocked to this spot to kick back and store gear in. It easily accommodates a handful of camp chairs, a cooler, or even a couple of parked bikes — and now with a few seasons under the belt, its still the tent to hang in.

　　The doors also feature a saloon-style zip, meaning the interior can be melded into the hang-out zone. Then there’s the storage: 8 pockets on the interior, as well as 2 organizers that hang inside the vestibule space — each sporting 3 pockets. We found these especially handy during the day, as we didn’t need to enter/exit the tent to snag what we needed.

　　In terms of set-up, the Bridger does take a few minutes to set up. The extended vestibule is a dream once in place, but it did make single-handed setup a bit of a wrestling match. Breaking down the tent goes smoothly, however, and it packs away into one of the nicest zip-up storage bags we’ve seen in a tent.

　　Perfect as a camping basecamp for a group, the Bridger Tent brings the party from inside to out, and while its nearly the most expensive on our list, its amenable to many different camping scenarios and ensures it’ll be around for endless campfires. If the price just wont fly, consider the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 — a $549 option with more sleeping space, but less room to hang in.

　　Best Harsh Weather Camping Tent REI Co-op Base Camp 6 $549 at REI

　　Specifications Floor Area: 84 sq. ft. (110 x 110) Weight: 20 lbs., 11.5 oz. Height: 74 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 24 x 11 x 11 Seasons: 3-4 season Best For: All-weather camping where comfort is in high-demand Pros Huge vestibule Excellent weather resistance Easy to set up Cons Heavy Expensive Ryan Baker The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 ($549) reigns supreme when it comes to weather resistance. It may not be the largest, the tallest, or the most affordable, but it does have everything it takes to make camping easy. With 84 square feet of floor space, there’s plenty of room for up to six campers to slumber under the stars.

　　With a mountaineering-inspired design, the Base Camp 6 employs a durable polyester rainfly that provides full coverage and a sizable vestibule for gear storage, creating 27 square feet of covered space in the front and 17 in the back. Four poles gird the main body and gain strength by intersecting one another, while a final brow pole bumps out the vestibule for added space.

　　Useful features like pockets, a three-point ventilation system, and reflective trim that shines in the light of a headlamp make this tent the place you’ll want to hang out when the weather is fair or foul. Large doors at either end make for an easy exit when nature calls, without having to crawl over all of your tentmates.

　　Our team of campers had no trouble erecting the tent in Colorado this spring thanks to the intuitive color-coded poles and attachment points. For the uninitiated, very clear setup instructions are sewn into the tent’s storage bag. Compared to the similar Mountain Hardwear Bridger, we agreed the Base Camp is slightly easier to set up.

　　This tent is freestanding, meaning it can stay up without stakes or guylines. While this is quick and convenient for when you roll up to your campsite in the middle of the night, going the extra mile and using all the included stakes and guylines is well worth the effort. Once fully staked out, the Base Camp 6 is impervious to rain and also stands up well against heavy winds.

　　The Base Camp 6 is just a hair over 6 feet at its apex, so taller folks won’t be able to stand straight up, and with a packed weight of 20 pounds, it’s limited to car camping. It’s also one of the more expensive models on our list, but if you’re fortunate enough to get out camping a few times a year, this tent is worth every penny.

　　Best Crossover Tent for Camping and Backpacking Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Check Price at REI

　　Specifications Floor Area: 42.5 sq. ft. (90 x 68) Weight: 7 lbs., 1.2 oz. Height: 48 Footprint Included: Yes Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 25 x 7 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Do-it-all camping and backpacking for folks who dont want to have separate tents Pros Compact packed size Roll-back rainfly for star viewing Spacious twin vestibules Amenable to car camping or backpacking Cons Hubbed poles can be finicky Not as spacious as other 3-person camping tents Ryan Baker Car camping or backpacking this weekend? While the choice might not always be easy, choosing which tent to bring shouldn’t be. The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 ($375) makes a strong case for a dual-purpose shelter that is just as happy in the campground as it is out on the trail.

　　We recently tested the Mineral King on Washingtons Olympic Peninsula and found it to be a well-balanced piece of kit. At about 6 pounds trail weight, this tent isn’t so heavy that it’ll be out of place in your weekend backpacking kit, but we found that it shined as a camping tent for two.

　　The set-up was a cinch with a pole and snap design that’s familiar, as well as a rainfly that attaches using buckles as opposed to grommets. This rainfly configuration hides a brilliant feature, as we found out, which allows the fly to be pulled back over half of the tent, leaving the moon roof open to star-gazing.

　　In addition to fitting three typical backpacking sleeping pads, the Mineral King will also easily accommodate two 25” wide camping-style pads. Having the space to spread out while camping was a luxury, although shoehorning three into the tent for casual camping may not be the most comfortable.

　　While the pole structure is sturdy, the hubbed-pole style isn’t our favorite, and the pinnacle attachment point is directional, meaning it’ll need to be pointing down to function. We found that after a couple of false starts, we got the hang of it, but it is something to be aware of.

　　Perfect for campers and hikers who like to do a bit of everything (and keep their gear closets from bursting), the Mineral King 3 is the tent we’d suggest for an excellent crossover option. You may also consider the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+, a slightly larger shelter that is 2 pounds lighter, but more expensive at $399.

　　Other Camping Tents to Bed Down In There are plenty of camping tents on the market, thats for sure, and the six we awarded above are the best weve encountered in all of our collective time sleeping outdoors. That said, there are several other worthy shelters out there. Consider the line-up below before making your purchase.

　　The North Face Wawona 4 $450 at REI$320 at Amazon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 58 sq. ft. (96 x 90) Weight: 13 lbs. Height:  68 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 27 x 10 x 10 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Camping with extra kit to store in the vestibules, or just kicking back beneath the shade Pros Unique second door design Plenty of interior storage pocket options Cons Rainfly isn’t the most intuitive to put on Rear door isn’t covered by rainfly Ryan Baker Recently updated, The North Face Wawona 4 ($400) got a second skin, going from a single- to double-wall design, and its poles have been re-engineered for easier setup — both worthy upgrades.

　　It’s the small things that make the Wawona (which, if you’re wondering, was the name of a famous giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park) tick. A unique hooped pole design kicks out the large vestibule to a comfy 28 square feet of space and provides plenty of dry room to shuffle gear about.

　　Then there are the interior features: A smaller rear door doubles as an organizational center, while an interior height of 68 inches allows for easy walking about inside the tent. We greatly appreciated the breathability built into the Wawona on a night camping in Washington’s San Juan Islands — where moisture from the sea can be heavy and keeping air moving is a priority. 

　　We struggled with the rainfly the first go around, as it has an unusual shape that goes to the ground at the vestibule and then up to window height along the body of the tent. Once we figured out which way was up, snapping it into place was an (adjustable) breeze. 

　　There also is the issue of the fly not covering the rear door — although it does sport a waterproof zipper. Our testing hasn’t shown this to be a weak point necessarily, but we have our doubts the tent would keep a heavy rain entirely at bay. Its because of this that the more weather-resistant MSR Habitude 6 ranks higher in our line-up.

　　For more fair weather conditions, however, the Wawona 4 offers a boatload of space for families that bring plenty along on their camping trips. Just consider what the weatherperson has in store for you.

　　NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P $252 at REIcheck price at backcountry

　　Specifications Floor Area: 62.5 sq. ft. (100 x 90) Weight: 15 lbs., 14 oz. Height: 75 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 25 x 8.5 x 8.5 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Camping with the whole family, sleeping on cots, and tall parents Pros Steep side walls bumps up livable space Fun print on interior floor Both doors stow away completely Cons Rainfly doesnt provide 100% coverage Ryan Baker Forget hunching over — the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P Tent ($400) has got headroom to spare. Sporting a tent pole design that bumps out the exterior walls to near vertical, we had no issues with bumping around inside this tent, and no scrunching was needed.

　　While the 75-inch peak height isn’t quite the tallest in our testing, this height extends far out from the interior, allowing for easy maneuvering for sleeping pad set up, or just squeezing past a tent-mate. A cabin-style tent like the Eureka Copper Canyon will have more headroom overall, but will suffer much more with high winds.

　　Behind the two doors (which can be folded away into what NEMO calls the Door Jamb pocket), is a full 62.5 sq. ft. of floor space, which has been printed with a fun argyle pattern to lighten up the tent. It’s the little features like this that really up the livability, and after spending a week in the Aurora this spring in Joshua Tree National Park, we came to love our groovy space.

　　During testing, we found the dual vestibules to provide plenty of space for storing equipment during the night, though not quite large enough to lounge under shade. The four-person version of this tent was perfectly sized for three testers, though we could easily see a family of four enjoying the space, or even a couple having a luxuriously large camping hideout.

　　While the large side windows do provide an excellent view (and plenty of ventilation), the rainfly does stop short of providing full coverage over them. While this won’t be an issue in typical rain, wind-driven rain will have the ability to soak into these seams. Its for this reason that the Aurora Highrise doesnt find itself higher on our list.

　　A family-sized tent that’s sized for everyone in the family, the Aurora Highrise is available in both a 4-person and 6-person offering.

　　Marmot Limestone 6-Person Tent $500 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Floor Area: 82.9 sq. ft. (120 x 100) Weight: 17 lbs. Height: 76 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 24.4 x 10.4 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Any-weather camping where the forecast looks less than optimal Pros Excellent weather protection Lighter weight than similar 6-person shelters Redesign adds additional vents to the fly Close to vertical wall design Cons Rainfly contacts tent mesh in some spots Vestibule isnt the largest Ryan Baker While testing in the Rocky Mountains, we experienced sudden high winds and heavy rains. Nearly every tent experienced some damage ranging from broken poles to leaks. The Marmot Limestone 6P ($529) was completely unfazed. It remained sturdy and dry through it all.

　　Its not as tall or roomy as some car camping tents, but the sacrifice of space is worth it for excellent weather protection. You can fit six people or spread out and sleep comfortably with just four in 83 square feet of floor space. Near-vertical walls help to bump up the livability, and while the vestibule is a bit snug, the interior is rightfully cozy.

　　The large double doors make coming and going easy. Pre-bent poles make for a quick setup. There is a vestibule on one side for holding extra gear, and interior gear pockets keep you organized. and there is plenty of mesh that allows for maximum airflow. Newly redesigned, the Limestone gains a few added rainfly vents with integrated struts for propping them open.

　　Because the rainfly design is closely related to backpacking tents, there are certain areas of the fly where it can touch the mesh of the inner, which can lead to dribbles in high condensation conditions — a result a few of our testers noted. Properly guying out the shelter can help alleviate this, in conjunction with the newly added vents. For most poor-weather trips we more often reach for the REI Base Camp.

　　But if the REI Co-op Base Camp is a bit too rich for your blood, the Limestone 6P is built to withstand storms and is a great choice for anyone camping in unpredictable, inclement weather.

　　Eureka Copper Canyon LX 4-Person Tent $134 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specifications Floor Area: 64 sq. ft. (96 x 96) Weight: 20 lbs., 4 oz. Height: 84 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: One Carry Size: 27 x 9 x 9 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Car camping with a view! Pros Roomy Airy and open Tall height Cons Only one door Not great in heavy wind Ryan Baker If youre looking for a family tent that feels like a spacious screened-in porch, the Eureka Copper Canyon LX ($270) is for you. The 7-foot-tall interior height means no more awkward stooping.

　　And with 64 square feet of floor space, theres plenty of room to spread out. We found this provided a comfortable amount of space for two adults and two young children. Each wall is lined with pockets, which is great for keeping track of your headlamp and storing other essentials.

　　The best part about this tent is the airy feel and giant mesh windows. Not only does it keep things breathable, but it also means you can easily enjoy the view in any direction. We spent a week camping outside Moab and loved relaxing in the tent while watching the sunrise.

　　That said, the benefits of this tent are also its downfall. The tall height and large windows can be problematic in stormy weather. High winds will challenge any tent, and thats especially true of a tent thats 7 feet tall. Like other cabin-style tents (such as the Eureka Copper Canyon LX we also tested) fair-weather camping is more the vibe for this tent.

　　The window zip closed, and the included rainfly protects from rainfall. However, in heavy storms, it is possible to experience slight leaking. We also would have preferred a second door.

　　For mild summer conditions, though, the Copper Canyon 4 is a winner for family camping. It offers plenty of standing room and is a decent value to boot. We were also pleased with how easily it packed back into the storage bag.

　　Coleman Skydome Darkroom 6-Person Tent $200 at REI$200 at Amazon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 85 sq. ft. (120 x 102) Weight: 18 lbs. Height: 72 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: One Carry Size: 25.7 x 9 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Car camping in the desert or busy campgrounds Pros Budget pricing Near-vertical walls Black-out fly blocks out ambient light Cons Pre-attached poles are good in theory, annoying in practice Front vestibule has poor coverage of door Fly only goes half-way down tent body Ryan Baker You didnt think wed leave out a classic Coleman, did you? The Coleman Skydome Darkroom 6-Person Tent ($200) certainly is classic and brings a good bit to the table for the price. There are also some shortfalls to contend with, but the big draw here is the Darkroom aspect of this tent — a blackout rain fly that can help block out late-night campground neighbors.

　　Compared to a traditional dome-style Coleman, the Skydome series bumps out the headroom by putting a kink in each of the poles, making for nearly vertical walls. And while those poles are aluminum and an upgrade from our budget pick, the Kelty Discovery Basecamp, they are pre-attached to the tent — good in theory, but in practice was a bit fussy to manage.

　　The tent fly is, as promised, quite dark, and it is pretty easy to get situated on the tent itself. This is, however, one of the more skimpy coverage flies in our review (only the toupee-style fly of the Eureka Copper Canyon LX is smaller), and only comes down to about half the height of the tent walls. And while the brow pole does a good job of covering the door from rain from above, it was no match for wind-driven rain in our testing.

　　Campgrounds these days can be pretty crowded, and if you end up next to the all-night-ragers, it can be tough to get some shut-eye with other tents. Thats where we think the Skydome Darkroom shines, even despite the shortcomings. Stuffing the tent away isnt the easiest — we cycled through multiple campers before concluding that the tent wasnt going back into the bag quietly — but it can be made to work.

　　Available in 4-, 6-, and even an 8-person size, the Skydome Darkroom Tent was made for weekends at the campground.

　　Big Agnes Bunk House 4 $420 at REI$403 at Amazon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 58 sq. ft. (92 x 90) Weight: 16 lbs., 3 oz. Height: 72 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 26.5 x 16.5 x 6 Seasons: 3-season Best for: Camping during unsure weather forecasts or in exposed campsites, as well as big group basecamps as a hangout spot Pros Fast fly mode creates a stand-alone sun shelter for hanging out under Good amount of headroom Easy to assemble DAC hubbed pole design Pass-through doors makes it easy to sneak around tent mates Near-vertical walls Cons More expensive than similar 4- and 6-person tent options Fast fly mode is a bit hard to set up Ryan Baker After many summers of using the classic Big House tent, we recently upgraded to the Big Agnes Bunk House 4 Tent ($600), and it was 100% worth it. Compared to the lighter-duty version, the newly updated tent drops the fly to the ground, bumps up the ceiling, and boasts a fully freestanding ‘sun shelter mode’ that greatly ups the versatility.

　　Available in your standard family sizes of 4-, 6-, and 8-person capacities, we tested the 4-person offering in the summer of 2024 across the Pacific Northwest, and it won over our campers left and right. We challenged ourselves to set up camping tents without instructions on the first go, and besides some added helping hands, we had little issue getting the Bunk House up in about 10 minutes.

　　The 58-square-foot sleeping area is on par with most 4-person shelters, but the added 2” of headroom over the Big House makes a surprising difference in livability. An additional pole supports the ample vestibule space, which sports enough room to wrangle our coolers and chairs, and even rolls out a welcome mat to park your shoes on.

　　The Bunk House finds itself in good company in our lineup. Other batten-down-the-hatch shelters compare well, though there are a few differences to consider. For true shelter-shaking storms, we found the Base Camp performs better due to its additional crossed poles, and while the vestibule of the Bunk House is spacious, the Bridger is undeniably better suited for hanging out under.

　　Neither of those tents, however, can set up the fly by itself, and this is the big selling point of the Bunk House. A good canopy tent can act as a mobile dining room or keep tykes out of the sun, and when set up without the inner, the Bunk House accomplishes both and more. Actual setup is a bit finicky (there’s a webbing harness to contend with), but once it’s managed, the canopy rivals even some of our favorite purpose-built options.

　　At an asking price of $600, the Bunk House 4 is pricier than most similar options, so in our opinion, it comes down to whether you’ll use that fly-only ability. If not, tents like the REI Co-op Base Camp or The North Face Wawona will likely suit you better. But as a two-for-one option, it’s tough to beat the Bunk House.

　　Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Easy Camping Tent Check Price at Decathlon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 46.8 sq. ft. (83.5 x 80.7) Weight: 18 lbs., 1.6 oz. Height: 52 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: Two Carry Size: 28 x 8.7 x 8.7 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Easy car camping, festivals, or camping at the beach Pros Setup and takedown are a piece of cake Keeps out most light for undisturbed sleep High waterproof rating on the bathtub floor Cons Low ceiling height Small vestibules The rainfly can’t be removed, so no stargazing mode Ryan Baker Read Review: This Tent Blocks the Sun and the Heat: Quechua 2 Second ‘Fresh Black’ Review

　　If you’re a beginner or perpetually struggle with tent setup, look no further than the Quechua 2 Second Easy Camping Tent ($349) from the French brand Decathlon.

　　Once you unfold the tent and place it on the ground, its setup — apart from staking out the tent — really can be accomplished in 2 seconds. Just pull the two bright red ropes (complete with handles) and the tent’s structure locks into place. Stake it out, and you’re done.

　　Takedown is just as straightforward — but in reverse. Remove the stakes, press the two buttons to release the pull ropes, and the tent collapses just as quickly as it sprang to life.

　　The simple setup and takedown instructions are sewn into the stuff sack so you can’t lose them. If you need a video demonstration, check out the “How to Install” and “How to Fold” videos on Decathlon’s website.

　　The lining of this waterproof three-person tent is black, so it keeps out most light for undisturbed slumber, which is nice if you’re a light sleeper.

　　The floor space in the Quechua 2 Second Easy measures 83.5 by 80.7 inches — plenty of room for our tester and her 6-foot-tall partner. However, the low ceiling height is a drawback. The vestibules are small and due to the tent design, you cannot remove the rainfly. This is unfortunate should you want to stargaze or drop some weight.

　　This tent is perfect for the efficient at heart. Why waste time setting up a tent? Let the engineers at Quechua do the work for you and let it pop open, almost on its own.

　　MSR Habiscape 4 Tent $500 at REI$500 at Amazon

　　Specifications Floor Area: 62.5 sq. ft. (95 x 95) Weight: 12 lbs., 11 oz. Height: 73 Footprint Included: No Number of Doors: 2 Carry Size: 24 x 9 x 9 Seasons: 3-season Best For: Camping with tykes with wandering hands Pros Front and rear access doors Easy to assemble, even solo Generous vestibule space Cons Not as weather-resistant Weak tent stakes Ryan Baker Read Review: Palatial Family Party Tent: MSR Habiscape Tent Review Made to withstand the rigors of camping with little ones, the MSR Habiscape 4 ($500) is the newly minted cousin of the uber-popular Habitude series of tents from the brand — fine-tuned to be a more approachable and family-friendly design. 

　　Let’s talk big news: the second door! While we love the Habitude series of tents already, our one major hang-up with those tents was the lack of a second door. No longer with the Habiscape! We greatly enjoyed the increased ease of access with a second portal, and were happy to see that it is a fully-fledged design covered by a vestibule (if small).

　　In addition to the added door, MSR also did away with many of the finicky pole-hubs used in the structure of previous tents, and produced a simplified design that we found was easy to set up, even single-handed. That’s no small feat for a family-sized shelter. The pole design is a bit less protective than more complex designs, but we had no problem with the Habiscape holding strong against wind and rain.

　　On the interior of the tent are 10 total pockets, set at high and low stations, as well as a Pass-Thru Pocket that is accessible from both the interior and exterior of the tent. We found this to be a helpful feature late at night when fumbling around for things like car keys and the like. 

　　When it comes to weather resistance, this tent lands at about the middle of the pack. A full-coverage rainfly goes almost all the way to the ground, but nearly vertical sidewalls do provide more surface area for wind to catch. There is also a good bit more mesh on the Habiscape versus the Habitude, which can be beneficial for knocking back condensation, but a bit harder to keep warm during cold snaps.

　　If you’re willing to trade off a bit of weather protection (or just are a fair-weather camper to begin with), the MSR Habiscape is an excellent option for getting the whole family outdoors.

　　Camping Tent Comparison Chart

　　Theres nothing quite like returning to a big shady awning after a big ride or hike; (photo/Eric Phillips) How We Tested the Best Camping Tents You wouldnt jump headlong into a full weekend outdoors with an untested roof over your head, and thankfully, you dont have to. Camping tents come in all different shapes, sizes, and qualities, and while many are winners, weve run into a few clunkers in our time. The GearJunkie staff may be a diverse bunch when it comes to our sporting specialties, but the one thing that unites us is a near-universal love of camping. Weve been at this for a number of years, and weve learned a thing or two in the process.

　　All of our outdoor addicts know that not only do you need something sturdy and reliable, but it also needs to be set up easily and packed well. We went to the internet for a deep dive into the research. After hours of research, we narrowed it down to the top tents for a head-to-head test. This involved lots of camping and various testers, and to date our estimated time testing numbers in the hundreds of hours.

　　We camped through a quintessential Colorado spring weekends, complete with sun, snow, sleet, and gale-force winds. We enjoyed hot summer nights, a few surprise thunderstorms, and plenty of regular ol campground outings from Moab, Utah, to the hills of North Georgia.

　　Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds We start our tent testing with a timed set-up which our testers go into totally blind — no instructions allowed. Weve found this to be the ideal challenge of how intuitive a tents structure is. Then, we ensure that these tents are really up to snuff when it comes to capacity ratings — adding in both 20 and 25 camping mattresses to test manufacturer claims and get a feel for overall roominess.

　　Finally, we put the tents to the ultimate head-to-head test. Each is erected in the same valley and left for a week. Through rain, sun, and some epic wind, we are able to see which tents can withstand the elements best. And, when available, we release a pack of our kiddos into the tents to have their way. Its hard to put together a better stress test than this.

　　Timed set-ups is a great way to figure out just how complicated a tent is going to be in the long-haul; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Our camping tent testing also gets into the nitty-gritty, ground-truthing manufacturer claims and dials in the hard numbers to elevate the winners over the just-alright shelters. To do this, we first measure the total weight of the tent essentials (body, fly, poles, and stakes) on our own scales and compare them against brand numbers. The same goes for packed size, as well as finding out if a tent can easily be packed back into its storage bag (not always an easy task).

　　Each tent is then left up in a simulated rain shower for 30 minutes at a time and inspected for leaks or wicking water. We use a rotating sprinkler system to ensure that no odd corner of a tent goes untouched, and we pay close attention to window openings and how the rain fly covers the shelter. Rain ingress can be a trip-killer, and we sniff out weak spots in tent construction to identify them.

　　From our experience and side-by-side testing in both the field and close to home, we crown our winners on a seasonal basis. Every year rolls out new tent options and our testing never stops — rest assured that were considering the latest and greatest in our Buyers Guide.

　　Our Expert Testers Guide author Mallory Paige has spent hundreds of nights sleeping under the stars, and she knows first-hand the importance of a good shelter. She kicked off our search for the most worthy camping shelters in 2021 with an initial 12 tents, and set out a detailed testing regimen that includes tests against the elements, timing how quickly we can erect each tent, and the classic garden hose rain shower test.

　　Since then, our testing team has added contributor Ryan Baker, who started backpacking and car camping as a child. He also has lived in tents ranging from lightweight tarps for extended thru-hikes to heavy-duty basecamps to withstand extreme conditions. He is intimately experienced in the joys and pitfalls of only having a thin piece of synthetic fabric between the elements and a dry night’s sleep.

　　And finally, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has enjoyed more than his fair share of evenings staring up at the canopy of his tent waiting out a rain storm. A veteran of the Pacific Crest Trail, Belcaster has the set up and tear down of his tent limited to mere minutes, and now travels the West testing camping tents for this guide on a rolling basis.

　　While our camping tent testing typically takes place in the bounding wilderness of the Western U.S., we also pitch shelters across the country in order to gain good insight into regional performance. A tent that buttons up tight might excel in the arid Southwest but become sweltering in the humidity of the southern Appalachians.

　　When weight is no issue, theres nothing more we enjoy than the space to sprawl out in a camping tent; (photo/Erika Courtney) Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Camping Tent To help you decide what tent is best for you, we considered five categories: weather resistance, comfort, ease of setup, extra features, and value. Each of these bears more importance to certain campers than others. Consider when, where, and who you plan to use your tent with.

　　We have another guide for the best backpacking tents that focuses on lighter and less bulky tents for your backcountry adventures, as well as a primer article on the basics of camping and backpacking tents. Here, we focus more on car and family camping tents for the kinds of adventures where the car is within reach and the weight of a tent is less important. If you like the appeal of leaving your tent pre-rigged wherever you may roam, the ease of a rooftop tent might be up your alley.

　　Camping Tent Types Just as backpacking tents can be broken down into smaller use-profile groups such as ultralight or weekend-warrior tents, camping tents too are generally aimed at a specific camping style or user group, and broadly can be placed in a High-End, Budget, or Crossover category.

　　High-End Camping

　　While a little cheaper than the Habitude, the MSR Habiscape still serves up high-end camping luxuries; (photo/Nick Belcaster) High-End Camping Tents are just that — high-end, and prioritize a comfort-over-all-else ethos that will have you enjoying the outdoors, no matter the weather or group size. These shelters also command the higher end of the price spectrum, but for the dollars deliver on the niceties were looking for when camping outdoors. Often pricing out north of $500, tents like the REI Co-op Base Camp 6, MSR Habitude 6, and Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 serve up hardened designs that jam in the features.

　　Their construction often aims to fully capitalize on the floor space provided, and sport vertical or close-to-vertical walls and a taller overall height that makes for less stooping once inside. Walls in this category will also use a good amount of mesh in order to increase built-in ventilation, and can be enhanced by using vents that are often built into the rainfly to keep moisture moving from layer to layer.

　　The rainflies themselves will almost always be full coverage, meaning that they extend from the peak all the way to the ground and help to seal out wind-driven rain. The design of these high-end tents also bulks up on security, sometimes borrowing from mountaineering-styled designs to form tunnel or dome-style tents. Poles will be made from sturdy aluminum and often attach to the tent body using clips or hooks, unlike traditional sleeves.

　　Budget Camping

　　For $120, the Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 is quite approachable and gets the job done; (photo/Nick Belcaster) If front country or car camping is something you only do occasionally, then theres not much reason to drop the big bucks on a tent that will only see occasional use. Your budget-style tents typically slide in under $300, and while they give up some in the overall durability and livability metrics, many are still great shelters for tossing up at the campground. Look to the $120 Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 and the even cheaper $100 Coleman Sundome Tent 4P for real savings.

　　One of the biggest differences youll notice here is in material construction, and the overall weight that comes along with it. Budget-style tents are often made with thicker fabrics, and may be treated with cheaper waterproof coatings laid on thick to help resist moisture. This can aid in overall longevity, but at a good ding to overall packability. These style tents also may take shortcuts in their design that create large broadsides of walls that wont be the most weather-worthy should a storm blow in. For most car camping, however, fair weather is the goal, and this wont make much of a difference.

　　Crossover Camping For those who simply cant decide what the weekend might hold, or who are at gear closet capacity, the crossover realm offers a solution that both makes your tent decision easier, and limits the impact on your wallet. These tents will often skew closer to backpacking tents in terms of design, but provide a bit more living space like traditional camping tents do. In our line-up today, weve narrowed in on the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 as being the perfect crossover option, but have also had good luck with the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+ Tent in the past.

　　Keep in mind that these tents make concessions on overall livable space in trade for packability, and youll likely want to purchase a tent with one more camper capacity in order to have adequate space for camping. These tents will, however, be light enough to carry out to more remote camping spots, and can add a lot of comfort over going with a more purebred backpacking model.

　　When used as a 2-person shelter backpacking, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 provides plenty of extra space; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Weather Resistance This is one of the biggest reasons to invest more in a tent. Basic tents handle pleasant weather like a champ and can even manage light rain and wind.

　　If you plan to camp during storms, its worth it to save up and buy a sturdier tent. Premium tents have stronger poles, full rain covers, and sealed seams. Its things like this that seem less important — until you find yourself riding out an epic storm from the confines of your tent.

　　While testing, we experienced a major thunderstorm complete with high winds and heavy rain. Each of the tents had been properly staked out, but many of them experienced damage. The Marmot Limestone 4P performed incredibly well, with no leaking or broken poles. The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is also well equipped for inclement weather thanks to its rainfly and many tiedown points, as is the Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4.

　　When it comes to camping tents, some may opt to limit the coverage of the rainflies in an effort to limit the overall weight. Unless this is done smartly, it can often lead to water ingress during sideways driving rain. The NEMO Aurora Highrise is an example of a tent with such a fly, and while the overhang between the fly edge and window is substantial, there still is a possibility that a strong sideways rain could leak inside.

　　The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 has an excellent rainfly that provides great weather protection and creates a large vestibule in the front; (photo/Eric Phillips) Seasonality Ratings Often, manufacturers will refer to their tents with a season rating, which helps convey the types of conditions that its been designed for. While not a hard and fast rule, knowing where you are planning on camping, as well as the weather you may encounter, and what your tent is rated for, can greatly hedge your bets against spending a night in a flattened tent.

　　3-Season Tents: 3-season tents (meaning, spring, summer, and fall) are your lightest-duty tents, and will employ lightweight materials in order to keep overall bulk down, as well as improve ventilation. Typically, the tent body will be nearly or entirely mesh, and mated to a bathtub floor. These tents also tend to be more suited to family use, and will often be taller and sport near-vertical walls. These designs are less aerodynamic, and more prone to bending under gusts of wind. Finally, most 3-season tents will use a rainfly that isnt full coverage, and may only extend over windows and doors, instead of all the way to the ground. In fair weather, this is no issue, but it is something to keep in mind for less-appealing weather conditions. 3/4-Season Tents: Bulking up on weather resistance, 3/4 or 3.5-season tents are similar to 3-season tents material-wise, but in design, they often are more weather-ready, usually employing dome shapes. Rain flies will also go all the way to the ground, forming vestibules where you might store your backpacks during an overnight rain. 4-Season Tents: This is the realm of winter, mountaineering, and hunting tents, where weather resistance is in high demand and a tough structure is needed. Four-season tents are almost exclusively double-wall designs, and often shaped in domes or tunnels to better survive the wind. They will also sport many guylines to adequately support the tent, and thicker tent poles and materials to resist wind-driven rain and snow.

　　A tent like the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 lands squarely in the 3-season category; (photo/Scott Wilson) Capacity and Floor Area Every tent worth its salt today will provide a capacity number for the number of campers that it was designed to sleep. Many tent models are also available in multiple versions, with 4, 6, and 8-person capacities being the most common for camping tents. This number is drummed up from the number of regular sleeping mattresses that can be laid side-by-side in the sleeping area, though it is important to note two things when settling on a camping tent: this number very often only accommodates average 20-inch wide sleeping pads, and maxing out the capacity may leave you with scant little room to move around.

　　Thats why we always suggest bumping up a bit in capacity over the total number you plan on sleeping in the tent. For example, a crew of 4 campers would likely appreciate the extra space afforded by a 6-person camping tent — providing enough space for extra gear or just a bit more breathing room.

　　The floor area number will also give you a good idea of the sleeping area space in any one tent, and is generally given in square footage. For 4-person tents, this typically comes in at around 60 sq. ft. For example, the Marmot Limestone 4-Person Tent slides in squarely at 60, while the more comfort-minded Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 squeezes in a bit more at 62.5.

　　When it comes to 6-person models the number jumps up to around 85 sq. ft., with the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 being the standard-bearer at 84 sq. ft., and the budget Kelty Discovery Element 6 surprisingly besting it at 89! Its important to note here that the Kelty tent has less steep walls, and thus floor area isnt the end-all when it comes to understanding overall livability.

　　While this tent is specced out as a 4-person, using equipment like wide sleeping pads or cots can eat into that sleeping capacity; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Construction Materials The weather resistance of a tent depends largely on the materials from which it is constructed. Nylon and polyester are very common materials used in car camping tents.

　　Nylon is stronger, more resistant to abrasion, and can stretch considerably. Unfortunately, it absorbs water that causes your tent to sag in storms or high humidity.

　　Polyester has less stretch than nylon and so it is more likely to tear. This rigidity is a benefit in wet conditions because it will sag less and absorb less water, but also makes it more fragile than nylon.

　　The Kelty Discovery Element comes at a great price, but sacrifices durability by using inexpensive fiberglass poles; (photo/Eric Phillips) Coating Manufacturers will usually coat these fabrics in one or a combination of silicone (Sil), polyester urethane (PU), and polyether urethane (PE). Each of these coatings has benefits and drawbacks.

　　Most brands use PU because it has been the industry standard for decades. It does absorb water after prolonged exposure and causes fabrics to tear more easily. It also degrades over time (usually about a decade or longer in a chemical process called hydrolysis) and can promote mold growth if put away wet.

　　PE repels water very well and doesnt fall victim to hydrolysis. It does reduce tear strength and it is less common than PU.

　　Silicone is the most water-resistant of these three but does not bond well to other materials — not even itself — and it is expensive. Unlike PU and PE, silicone adds tear strength to the base fabric. Sometimes these materials are used in combination (on opposite sides of a rainfly, for example, labeled Sil:PU).

　　For waterproofing, all of these coatings are measured in hydrostatic head (HH). This is a measurement of water that can be placed over the fabric before it starts to saturate and allow moisture intrusion.

　　Imagine a tube of water placed over the fabric that is so many millimeters long. The gravitational pressure of the water exerts force over time to saturate the fibers.

　　Over 1,000 to 1,500 mm of HH is considered waterproof by industry standards. The benefit of PU is that multiple coats can be applied to achieve an HH rating of 10,000 mm or more.

　　Waterproof coatings applied to the canopies of tents like the NEMO Aurora Highrise keep them dry — even in unexpected snow; (photo/Chris Anders) Fabrics Are Also Measured in Grams Over a Square Meter This measurement can be helpful, but remember that some fabrics are inherently stronger than others whether through stretch capability (nylon) or coatings applied. More weight of a given fabric does not always translate to strength. Denier is the measurement of the diameter of the specific fibers.

　　Again, this can add strength, but different fibers have different innate strengths at the same denier rating. Generally, car camping tents are built pretty burly without much of a worry for weight or packed size, as these will not be hiked very far. These measurements and ratings are a good place to start when selecting a tent but are not the final word on strength.

　　Comfort The comfort of a tent depends on personal taste and priorities. To evaluate comfort, we looked at ventilation, door and windows, floor space, and peak height. While a waterproof tent is a must, remaining breathable is a major concern.

　　A comfortable tent will have plenty of room to move about and multiple entry points; (photo/Eric Phillips) Not only does a poorly ventilated tent get too hot and stuffy, but interior condensation can also become a problem. This is another area where investing more in a tent pays off.

　　Higher-end tents have more mesh and an outer rainfly that is completely separate. The REI Co-op Wonderland X has an exoskeleton of poles and unique hanging interior mesh walls. The Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 features a fully separate rainfly and plenty of mesh at an affordable price. Budget models, such as the Coleman Sundome, lack the extensive use of no-see-um mesh but are more affordable for occasional campers.

　　Most larger tents have two doors. We were disappointed to see the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 4 Tent and the Kelty Discovery Element have just one exit. Two doors make it much easier for multiple people to share the space without having to crawl over sleeping bags.

　　In general, it keeps the interior space cleaner and is convenient for midnight bathroom breaks. The MSR Habiscape has two large zip-down doors that make entry and exit convenient.

　　Pay attention to the direction of the door flaps. Most doors zip to the side like a regular door, but the Wawona 4 from The North Face rolls away to the top. Preference reigns here, but it is an attribute worth consideration.

　　A huge tent with room to stand and sprawl can equal the ultimate comfort, but youll also need a big campsite; (photo/Eric Phillips) Floor space in a tent equals comfort. Tents have a stated number of people they can sleep, but how roomy or cramped they will be at capacity varies by body size, bed size, and the amount of gear you need to store inside.

　　Pay attention to floor dimensions and you can get a better idea of how many sleeping pads will fit. The average-sized person can sleep fairly comfortably with 24 by 76 inches of room, but the more space the merrier.

　　Car campers will find maximum comfort by subtracting a person or two from the stated capacity. It is a joy to be able to stand up and stretch out in taller and larger family tents like the Big Agnes Bunk House 4 or Eureka Copper Canyon 4, but they can be a challenge to set up.

　　Taller tents give more headspace, but they can be more challenging to set up solo if the height of the clips or joints is hard to reach.

　　Wide sleeping pads can take up extra space inside tents, and should be a consideration when planning out where everyone will sleep; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Ease of Use Given their large size, its no surprise that some camping tents can be a challenge to set up. Over the years, weve wasted a lot of time fighting gear, and weve learned that its not worth dealing with poorly designed gear. It can quickly take the fun out of your time outdoors.

　　Whether you camp every weekend or once a year, ease of use is a major concern. Every tent on this list can be set up by one person (although some are easier than others). Our 55 editor set up and took down each tent solo.

　　The Eureka! Copper Canyon didnt give us much trouble during setup thanks to its pole design, while the Big Agnes Bunk House 4 was more difficult to set up alone.

　　A tent like the Decathlon Quechua 2 Second sets up in seconds, thanks to integrated poles that fold out already seated in the tent material. These tents unfold like a giant jack in the box and then pack away just as easily. While this is very convenient, storage and care are paramount, as there are many hinges and moving parts to accomplish this time-saving task.

　　Color-coded poles and attachment points like the ones found on the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 can make setup much easier; (photo/Eric Phillips) Extra Features One of the most important extra features of a camping tent is storage. Not all tents offer pockets and pouches for stashing gear, but they can make a big difference when deciding between two products.

　　Theres nothing more annoying than having to rifle through all of your belongings to find your headlamp. Luckily, most family camping tents come with a bevy of pockets to help things stay tidy.

　　The Eureka Copper Canyon has walls lined with convenient storage pockets to keep the whole family organized and the tent free of clutter. Conversely, backpacking crossover tents such as the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 only have a couple of corner pockets to save weight.

　　Other extra features we like had to do with stuff sacks and storage. The Eureka Copper Canyon packed down considerably well.

　　Another example of a thoughtful extra is the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 instructions sewn into the stuff sack. Extra features are just that, but they display a level of integrated convenience that can elevate one product over another for the benefit of the user.

　　Features like the storage pockets found on the Kelty Discovery Element go a long way to improving tent life; (photo/Eric Phillips) Other Considerations and Taking Care of Your Tent We have talked about materials extensively. Coatings, base fabrics, and pole construction all contribute to the strength and longevity of your tent, but the single most important factor in the life of your tent is you.

　　First and foremost, never put your tent away wet. Remember when we mentioned hydrolysis earlier in regard to PU coatings? Water is a major culprit in speeding up that process. The fungus, molds, and mildews love to grow in your dark closet on your wet tent at room temperature. These organisms destroy the fibers of your tent and make it smell terrible.

　　Set your tent back up when you get home and let it air out. This simple chore will pay off later when you are still able to use your tent down the road. If you have no yard or nowhere dry to set it up, your living room makes a great space for this. Check all the seams, and especially the floor and fly, before packing it away.

　　Its a good idea to open all doors and vents in your tent so that it can dry out completely before going into storage; (photo/Eric Phillips) Poles Poles tend to break when they are not properly seated. When you are setting up your tent, never throw your poles. Some poles have an elastic cord in the center to keep them together. These are not meant to snap the pole into alignment, and tossing them around will crack and break fiberglass or aluminum.

　　Ensure that each joint is seated before installing the poles into the tent. When putting them away, treat them with the same care in reverse. Even though they seem strong, they are not meant to be thrown or hit against themselves or the ground.

　　While typically more expensive, tents with aluminum poles are the way to go due to their durability; (photo/Eric Phillips) Zippers Zippers are best left zipped to protect the teeth from wear. Simply zip them up before you roll the tent up to put it away. You can stuff your tent into the sack or roll it up neatly.

　　Some outdoor enthusiasts argue that rolling and folding in the same areas can create crease lines that put stress on the same area if the folds are always done in the same place. (Think about when you fold a piece of paper back on itself in the same spot to tear it easier.)

　　We have never had an issue with this, and it would take very specific creasing to accomplish that sort of wear, so pick whatever works better for you.

　　Most tents come with a stuff sack large enough to fit all the pieces. Cinch that sack tight before you store it so no pieces wander off. Now your tent is put away properly for its next adventure. Keep it away from harmful UV rays and temperature extremes, and your tent will give you optimum performance.

　　Footprint When it comes to protecting your new tent, one important consideration is a footprint. This is a ground cloth to set the tent upon. It provides an extra layer to protect the tent floor from punctures.

　　Some brands sell a footprint with the tent, such as the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3. Manufacturer-paired footprints usually pack down small and perfectly fit the size of the tent. On the downside, they add an extra $50 or so to the cost of the tent.

　　Some people prefer to use a basic tarp instead, which can be picked up for less than $20. A tarp doesnt pack up as easily and doesnt match the size of the tent.

　　Youll either need to tuck the extra under the tent or trim the tarp to fit. You dont want any of the footprint material sticking out from under the tent, as this can lead to water pooling underneath.

　　Weight and Packed Size These are more important when choosing a backpacking tent and less important when car camping. They are still something to consider. Some tents function as backpacking tents as well as car camping tents.

　　Most of the tents in our test come with a useful storage sack that contains the tent, fly, poles, and stakes, though some models are easier to pack away than others.

　　The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 packs down small enough to carry into the backcountry but is by no means a lightweight tent. Most of the tents on our list are too heavy to be practical for backcountry travel.

　　Comparing the packed size of various camping tents; (photo/Mallory Paige) Camping Gear: What Else Do You Need? Depending on the outing and your style, camping can range from minimalism to a bring-everything-including-the-kitchen-sink adventure. In addition to a tent, youll need a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. That has your sleeping arrangements mostly covered, although you could certainly opt for a camping pillow or camp cot.

　　Next, think about your camp kitchen setup. A good camp stove allows you to make everything from scrambled eggs to multicourse meals. If youre just looking to boil water, a backpacking stove is all you need to quickly make coffee or cook up a dehydrated meal.

　　For camp lounging, you may want a camp chair or hammock. And dont forget the camping lantern. If it sounds like a lot to remember, dont worry. Weve made this handy camping checklist that will help you pack the essentials.

　　Dont forget the card games on your next camping trip; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Price Value A good camping tent can be one of the bigger purchases when putting together a good summer kit, so its important to know what youre getting for those dollar signs. With a range from just north of a hundo to more than a grand theres a lot of territory to cover, and most of it will come down to three important metrics: the number of people the tent will sleep, the weather protection it provides, and the amount of accessories tucked away inside.

　　Budget Camping is for everyone, and if youve only got a few frontcountry forays on the books for the summer, going to something with a little lower overhead can make a lot of sense. Budget camping tents are generally offered beginning at the $100 mark, and head up to around $200 from there.

　　A tent like the Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 ($120) is a fine example, and it’s not uncommon for tents in this realm to offer rainflies with less coverage over the body of the tent, and often only incorporate a single door as an entrance into the tent.

　　Mid-Tier Understanding the limitations of budget tents will safeguard against overextending them in harsh conditions, but for fair-weather campground camping, many do an admirable job. Beyond the $200 to about $500 mark, camping tents begin to feature hardier materials, full-coverage rainflies, and vestibules, with added niceties like internal storage options and windows.

　　You’ll also notice a price difference when looking at tents of different occupancies. For example, the REI Co-op Basecamp 4 is $475, while the 6-person version will run you $549. This near $100 difference between a 4-person and a 6-person tent isn’t uncommon, and many other manufacturers replicate this.

　　Premium Beyond about $600 are high-end tents, which jam in the features to offer true frontcountry luxury. The Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 ($700) exemplifies this with a burly mountaineering-inspired build, spacious and livable vestibule area, and an incredible amount of pockets and functionality. The asking price is a pretty penny, but the overall durability of tents like these means they’ll last a good bit longer than other lesser tents.

　　The NEMO Aurora Highrise is on the higher end of the price range, but its tough construction should last many seasons of camping; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Frequently Asked Questions What are the best tents for family camping? The best family camping tent depends on your outdoor goals. In general, most families appreciate having more room and the ability to stand comfortably.

　　The MSR Habiscape 4 Tent has earned high marks from our family camping testers. If you regularly camp in adverse weather (hello, spring in Colorado), its worth considering a slightly smaller and more durable tent.

　　What is the best camping tent brand? The best camping tent brand depends largely on your personal needs and budget.

　　For a premium tent that can withstand the weather, MSR consistently delivers. If youre looking for maximum space and flexibility, the Eureka Copper Canyon is a favorite with families. And for a budget-friendly option that is built to last, check out Kelty.

　　Are expensive tents worth it? If you plan to camp regularly, it is worth it to invest in a higher-quality tent. The extra expense means sturdier poles, waterproof seams, and generally an easier setup. If budget is a major concern, dont let that stop you from getting outside.

　　Weve consistently been impressed with the budget-friendly options from Kelty. The Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4 costs just $120 and offers plenty of room.

　　Should you put a tarp over your tent? Quality tents are waterproof. But if you find yourself camping in an absolute downpour, hanging a tarp can provide extra protection and comfort.

　　Its important to tie it up well so the wind isnt a concern and to be sure that it isnt touching the tent. In addition to creating an extra tent porch, a tarp is great for protecting your camp kitchen.

　　The rainflys of most tents are adequately waterproof, but a tarp could boost weather resistance in a pinch; (photo/Scott Wilson) Where should you not put a tent? While there are millions of places to take your camping tent, there are certainly some that arent going to be ideal for both yourself and the environment. First, always consult local information as to where you might legally pitch your tent without running into issues of land closures or private property.

　　Once youve located your camp zone, then consider where you might like to set up camp for the night. While campgrounds take the guesswork out of the equation, public-use land such as BLM land leaves the choice up to you. Micro-landscape features will have a big impact on your overall enjoyment, so be mindful of the following:

　　Ridgelines tend to catch more wind overnight, and setting up camp here can be asking for a windy evening. And while setting up your tent right next to a lake may appeal to many, these thoroughfares to water are important to local wildlife, and should be left free to not impede their access. Take a look at the landscape above your potential campsite as well, as nobody wants to set up underneath a rock-fall area. Camping on durable surfaces is the second Leave No Trace principle, and shouldnt be taken lightly.

　　And finally, consider your space from others enjoying the wilderness. You likely came out here to enjoy some quiet, and they probably did as well!

　　What shape of tent is most popular? While there are many different styles of tent available today, each has a better use profile and ideal adventure to use them on. When it comes to camping tents, the most popular shape will be a dome-style tent. This is because of ease of use, as well as the trade-off in canopy headroom to the overall complexity.

　　Some tents, like the REI Co-op Wonderland X, make use of a tunnel-style structure. These tents often boast more headroom overall, but will suffer some during high winds. For this reason, its important to properly guyline out a tunnel-style tent. Other tents still, like the Eureka Copper Canyon 4 Tent or Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Tent, employ a collapsible style of integrated poles that forms a rigid structure once assembled. These tents are often among the easiest to use, but also the weakest overall, as any strong force against their poles could collapse them.

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