Reviews You Can Rely On

The 7 Best Camping Tents of 2024

We tested the best car camping tents from Marmot, The North Face, REI, MSR, and more to help you fully enjoy your time in the great outdoors
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Best Camping Tents of 2024
The 2021 lineup of camping tents ready for testing and some outdoor family fun.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke
Wednesday February 7, 2024

Are you looking for the perfect camping tent? We've got you. Since 2012, our team has reviewed close to 300 tents, including the top 16 car camping options in this review. See which ones stood up to our rigorous testing as we take you on a deep dive into the inner workings of the tent market. We put these tents to the test across some pretty rugged terrain and the complicated environment of a family, teenagers, and two moderately trained dogs. With the help of our years of experience, we've gathered all the information you'll need to pick the perfect tent for your next outdoor adventure.

Our in-depth reviews also encompass all the camping gear you need to set up the ultimate base camp. Starting bright and early, we have you covered with the best camping stoves and a top-rated camping coffee maker to get breakfast cranking to reading by a top-rated lantern in your tent at night. While this review focuses on car camping, we have also tested some of the best backpacking gear for those interested in ditching the car and the crowds. To find more tents, see our review covering the best tents of all kinds.

Editor's Note: Our camping tent review was updated on February 7, 2024, to include one of our favorite rooftop tents, the Thule Approach M.

Top 16 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 16
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  
Price $500.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$499.95 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$499.95 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$374 List
$374.00 at REI
$700 List
$449.95 at Amazon
Overall Score
85
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82
78
76
Star Rating
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Pros Spacious, great layout, durable, very family friendly, high valueHuge interior, massive front door, stylish designQuality materials, great height, perfectly sized vestibuleTall interior, large built-in vestibule, quality materialsTall, extra large vestibule, shelter only capability, attached welcome mat
Cons Not the easiest to pitch, odd bagSetup is a two-person job, windows are cheap, light on pocketsHubbed poles, single door, awkward bagSilly rainfly, fabric isn’t super breathable, carry bag too small Awkward doors, boxy shape, strange corner pockets/shelves, expensive
Bottom Line This tent has one of the best uses of space we have ever seen, a great choice for families or campers with lots of gearA roomy, quality tent, with big doors and a nice vestibule with some style to bootAn ultra high-quality 4-person tent that makes great use of space with quality componentsA simple, quality tent that has more features and room than any other at this price pointA family friendly tent with a large vestibule and a sweet shelter only option
Rating Categories The North Face Wawo... NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 MSR Habitude 4 REI Co-op Skyward 4 Big Agnes Bunk House 6
Space and Comfort (35%) Sort Icon
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (25%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Family Friendliness (15%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Quality (10%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Specs The North Face Wawo... NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 MSR Habitude 4 REI Co-op Skyward 4 Big Agnes Bunk House 6
Measured Weight 21.9 lbs 18.9 lbs 12.0 lbs 11.0 lbs 19.75 lbs
Max Inside Height 6' 4" 6' 5" 6' 1" 6' 6" 6' 9"
Floor Dimensions 10' x 8' 8' 4" x 10' 7' 11" x 7' 11" 8' 4" x 7' 3" 8' 4" x 9' 10"
Floor Area 86.1 sq ft 83.3 sq ft 62.4 sq ft 60 sq ft 83 sq ft
Seasons 3-season 3-season 3-season 3-season 3-season
Windows Mesh top 2 2 1 Mesh top
Pockets 9 7 7 4 8
Number of Doors 1 2 1 1 2
Room Divider No No No No No
Vestibules 1 2 1 1 2
Vestibule Area (total) 44.7 sq ft 23.6 sq ft 23.5 sq ft 19.5 sq ft 56 sq ft
Packed Size 10" x 32" 26" x 9.5" x 9.5" 23" x 9" x 9" 9.8" x 27.5" 27.5" x 17" x 10"
Floor Materials 150D polyester 150D PU Polyester DWR 68D polyester taffeta 150D Polyester 1500mm polyester
Main Tent Materials 75D polyester 68D Polyester/ No-See-Um Mesh 68D polyester ripstop, DWR, PU 75D polyester Coated polyester and nylon mesh
Rainfly Materials 75D polyester Polyester 68D polyester ripstop, DWR, PU 75D polyester 1500mm polyester
Number of Poles 4 4 3 hubbed 7 4
Pole Material DAC MX aluminum Aluminum 7000-series aluminum Aluminum DAC DA17 Aluminum
Extras Dual exits in vestibule, 3 pockets on back door Oversize duffel storage bag, nightlight pockets Porch light Pole-repair sleeve Fast-fly capability for covered shelter without the tent body


Best Overall Camping Tent


The North Face Wawona 6


85
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 9.0
  • Weather Resistance 8.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Family Friendliness 9.0
  • Quality 9.0
Inside Height: 6' 4" | Floor Dimensions: 10' x 8' 6" (85 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
Huge front vestibule
Great in the wind and rain
Amazing value
REASONS TO AVOID
Updated detached fly makes pitching unintuitive
Back window pockets obstruct views
Only one door

Are you a camper with a hobby? Then this is your camping tent. The North Face Wawona 6, a long-standing favorite in this review, is the perfect basecamp for mountain bikers, rock climbers, anglers, hunters, or anyone packing lots of gear that needs to be protected. Why? The vestibule is like a two-bike garage. The main tent packs an additional 85 square feet, creating a remarkable living space. The Wawona has you covered, and all for a very fair price.

All this space does make a few things less straightforward. Setting up the rain fly and garage in the moderate wind isn't as intuitive as it could be. The North Face went with a pin-and-circle locking mechanism that requires some effort to lock, and because of the height and length of this tent, the guylines are a requirement unless you enjoy watching your tent sail away into the sunset. That said, once it is up, it is massive, comfortable, and withstood some howling winds and rainy nights in Joshua Tree with ease. With some of the best usable space and an excellent price point, the Wawona has been an award winner year after year with good reason. If weather resistance is a key concern, check out the MSR Habitude. It performs better in wind and rain and scores just behind the Wawona, albeit with a lower space and comfort score.

Read more: The North Face Wawona 6 review

Showcasing the Wawona 6 and its huge vestibule from above.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Best Bang for Your Buck


REI Co-op Skyward 4


78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 8.0
  • Weather Resistance 7.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Family Friendliness 8.0
  • Quality 8.0
Inside Height: 6' 6" | Floor Dimensions: 8' 4" x 7' 3" (60 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
Tall interior
Quality materials
Spacious built-in vestibule
Excellent value
REASONS TO AVOID
Silly rainfly
Fabric lacks some breathability
Storage bag too small

The REI Co-op Skyward 4 is the perfect amount of features, space, and ease of use for the money. Some tents cost less, but you sacrifice a lot. Case in point, the Kelty Tallboy 4 will save you money but it also scores lower in every test. With the Skyward, you get a lightweight setup with 6'6" ceilings and a large built-in vestibule (19.5 square feet) with an optional awning. These two things alone provide great family-friendly options. Add in some good storage options and adequate ventilation, and you really can't go wrong with this tent made by a brand well-known for its quality.

Now, this is still an entry-level tent that has its flaws. The rainfly is small and difficult to attach, and the tent is a pain to get back into its storage bag. If you look past these issues and a few other minor ones, you will find a great value tent that will likely outlast other tents in this price range.

Read more: REI Co-op Skyward 4 review

A top, sides and inside view of the award-winning Skyward 4.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Best 4-Person Tent


MSR Habitude 4


82
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 8.0
  • Weather Resistance 9.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Family Friendliness 7.0
  • Quality 9.0
Inside Height: 6' 1" | Floor Dimensions: 7' 11" x 7' 11" (62.4 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
Built tough
Tall interior
Perfect size vestibule
REASONS TO AVOID
Only one door
Harder to pitch

Are you looking for a spacious and high-quality camping tent but don't want a massive setup? The MSR Habitude 4 is a great choice. This stylish tent is not only light (12 pounds) and compact, but it's also built with top-of-the-line materials and is both tall (6' 1" in the middle) and spacious (62.4 square feet). On top of that, it features unique touches like a porch light, a large vestibule, and great ventilation.

Although there are many positives to the Habitude 4, it isn't perfect. Some flaws include a single door that requires two zippers to open, a light that doesn't come with a battery, and an awkward bag. Those minor things aside, this tent outscored all other 4-person tents in our lineup.

Read more: MSR Habitude 4 review

A photo slideshow of the Habitude that highlights the tent and our test locations.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Best Form and Function


NEMO Aurora Highrise 6


80
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 9.0
  • Weather Resistance 7.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Family Friendliness 8.0
  • Quality 8.0
Inside Height: 6' 5" | Floor Dimensions: 8' 4" x 10' (83.3 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
Very large interior
Enormous front door
Stylish design
REASONS TO AVOID
Setup is a two-person job
Bad window design
Light on pockets

The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 is the total package. It packs tons of space and features into a functional, good-looking design. This tent fits a twin mat and two singles with room to spare, and with a max height of 6' 5", you can add jumping jacks to your morning indoor camp routine. But the list keeps going. With dual vestibules and an extra large front door, along with great privacy options and a fun floor design, you will be hard-pressed to find a tent that pairs form and function better.

On the flip side (because every coin has two sides), the Highrise is a bit complicated to set up the first time — though it does get easier as you learn. Still, you'll want two people for the job. We don't love the window design on this model, and ideally, there would be more storage pockets. Perhaps Nemo will address some of these things in a future update, but even if they don't, this is a great tent that we don't foresee you being disappointed with.

Read more: Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 review

A top-down look at the spacious Aurora Highrise from NEMO.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Most Versatile


Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3


77
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 7.0
  • Weather Resistance 8.0
  • Ease of Use 9.0
  • Family Friendliness 7.0
  • Quality 8.0
Inside Height: 4' 0" | Floor Dimensions: 7' 6" x 5' 8" (42.5 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Quick to pitch
Amazing views with or without the fly
Extremely versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Small interior
Low ceiling
Guyline stakes not included

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the perfect choice for campsites or occasional short backpacking trips. It's also great as a solid backup, sitting in the garage ready to toss into the car with a moment's notice. We pitched it in an impressive 4 min 30 seconds and have improved on that time as we've learned the design. This tent has an all-mesh build for fantastic views, and the fly can be configured in multiple ways, allowing for both scenery and quick protection from the weather at any time.

The included footprint adds additional value to this well-constructed tent. The mesh is 40D polyester, the tub floor is 68D ripstop polyester, and the poles are DAC Pressfit aluminum. The interior square footage is small, but dual vestibules help to keep everything you don't need for sleeping separate. And while very lightweight, you'll sacrifice headroom in the tradeoff. Overall, this tent is small but mighty and a great addition to any campers toolbox, depending on your needs.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 review

A tour of the Mineral King 3 from the very compact stuff sack to the wide open views with the fly off (and on).
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Our Favorite Pop-up Model


Gazelle T4 Hub


74
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Space and Comfort 7.5
  • Weather Resistance 7.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Family Friendliness 7.5
  • Quality 7.0
Inside Height: 6' 5" | Floor Dimensions: 7' 10" x 7' 10" (61 sq ft)
REASONS TO BUY
High-speed setup
Spacious with large windows
Great internal storage pockets
Removable floor
Ample headroom
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Large packed size
Lacks a vestibule
Slightly complicated rain fly assembly
Difficult to repack

No assembly required sums up the Gazelle T4 Hub. This tent is so easy to pop into place that the average camper could bypass reading the instructions and still have it fully operational in less than two minutes. The T4 Hub is our favorite instant shelter because it's stable, weatherproof, and full of conveniences. The best thing about this shelter is that it's completely self-contained so that you can say goodbye to bundles of bungee-connected aluminum poles — no more assembling, crisscrossing, bending, or clipping. Instead, to set up the T4, plop it on the ground, pull on each of the four sidewall handles until the wall pops into place, and then lock in the rooftop with a push. We love this tent's removable floor, two large doors, eight massive windows, and seven humongous storage pouches.

The drawbacks of this type of structure are weight and size. The rapid setup and solid stability of the T4 Hub are made possible by thicker fabrics and an intricate pattern of fiberglass poles. The result is a heavier tent (31.6 pounds) and a packed size of nearly six feet in length. In short, transportation and storage are not this tent's strong suits. It also lacks a vestibule feature, and it's a challenge to stuff it back into its duffel bag. However, if you love this tent's unconventional conveniences and simplicity, you won't mind its slight imperfections.

Read more: Gazelle T4 Hub review

Our first time setting up the T4 Hub. We didn't read the instructions and were able to pitch it in just under 60 seconds - our best solo time was 27.5 seconds.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best Rooftop Tent


Thule Approach M


Weight: 128 lbs | Max Inside Height: 40"
REASONS TO BUY
Roomy interior
Simple installation/removal once assembled
Locks to roof rack
Huge windows
REASONS TO AVOID
Frustrating rain fly
No built-in cover storage

If you've ever been intrigued by vehicle rooftop tents and think you're ready to take the plunge, check out the Thule Approach M. This softshell tent attaches to the top of your vehicle via a mounting track. Once you get past the initial installation, setup is a breeze (illustrated in our video below). The interior is spacious, with 40 inches of headroom at the highest point, and there are large windows that are lovely for stargazing. The Approach locks to your rack, which is a nice feature.

We should mention that this style of tent isn't for everyone. You'll need to be prepared to climb up and down a ladder to get in and out of bed, and you'll also need to assess that your vehicle can handle this type of weight on it. If you've taken all this into consideration and you're ready to move forward, the Thule Approach is one of our top recommendations. Our only real complaints are that the rain fly is semi-frustrating (it's hard to access all the snaps to attach it), and there is nowhere to store the tent's cover when you remove it (you'll need to stash it in the trunk or truck bed). Overall, we love the Approach and think it's one of the best rooftop tents on the market. For a great budget model, check out the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander.

Read more: Thule Approach M review

The Thule Approach M is one of our all-time favorite rooftop tents. Once installed, it's quite easy to set up.
Credit: Ross Patton

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
85
The North Face Wawona 6
Best Overall Camping Tent
$500
Editors' Choice Award
82
MSR Habitude 4
Best 4-Person Tent
$600
Top Pick Award
80
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6
Best Form and Function
$500
Top Pick Award
78
REI Co-op Skyward 4
Best Bang for Your Buck
$374
Best Buy Award
77
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
Most Versatile
$375
Top Pick Award
77
Marmot Tungsten 4
$399
76
Big Agnes Bunk House 6
$700
75
Marmot Limestone 4
$429
75
Snow Peak Alpha Breeze
$500
74
Gazelle T4 Hub
Our Favorite Pop-up Model
$400
Top Pick Award
74
REI Co-op Wonderland 4
$499
73
Kelty Wireless 6
$300
69
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6
$330
63
Kelty Tallboy 4
$170
58
Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup
$185
53
Coleman Camp Burst Dark Room 4
$240

camping tent - three of our top-performing tents enjoying an evening under the stars.
Three of our top-performing tents enjoying an evening under the stars.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Why You Should Trust Us


To prepare for this review, we scoured the internet, read personal accounts, and dug into bloggers' and YouTubers' thoughts on the best tents on the market. After selecting the most promising options, we purchased 16 of the best camping tents on the market and got to work. We measured, weighed, and inspected each before carting them to the woods and desert for proper testing. We tested them side-by-side in various Lake Tahoe locations, in the hot and harsh conditions of Joshua Tree National Park, and in the ripping wind of Reno, NV. Our team conducted more than 60 individual tests to help you find the perfect tent to match your needs and budget.

Our in-depth testing process of camping tents breaks down into five rating metrics:
  • Space and Comfort (35% of overall score weighting)
  • Weather Resistance (25% weighting)
  • Ease of Use (15% weighting)
  • Family Friendliness (15% weighting)
  • Quality (10% weighting)

The center of any great outdoor adventure is basecamp. Having the best camping tent is a crucial part of that (in addition to good food and good people). Our head tester Rob Gaedtke put these tents to the test so that you can choose your next home-away-from-home with confidence. Rob is no stranger to the outdoors or adventure. He has raced across India, done an IronMan in Mexico, and Jeeped through the African safari. He is also a rock climber, backpacker, and avid camper. Over the past 20 years, Rob has set up hundreds of basecamps across various terrain. We took this experience, coupled with a rigorous and detailed testing plan, and got to work finding a diverse set of tents for consideration.

Jason Wanlass, who has spent the last 20 years of his life exploring the outdoors, joins Rob. He is an experienced backpacker who has trekked in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Argentina, and Chile's Patagonia Region. Closer to home, he hikes weekly in the foothills above his home in Utah and has backpacked countless miles in nearly every Western state. Whether wandering vast U.S. mountain ranges like the Sierras, Tetons, and the Cascades or catching a plane headed for one of the remote corners of the world, Jason knows a thing or two about gear, and he uses his knowledge of backpacking tents to help him pick out the best features of the tents in this review.

The hub setup on the REI Grand Hut.
The hub setup on the REI Grand Hut.
Enjoying a rest in the Basecamp 6.
Enjoying a rest in the Basecamp 6.
Getting close to my max reach and I still have higher clips to go!
Getting close to my max reach and I still have higher clips to go!

Analysis and Test Results


We put these camping tents against the elements, battling kids, wind, dogs, dirt, heat, and a very opinionated husband and wife team. From setup and breakdown to weather resistance and durability to the quality of the space for both hanging out and sleeping, we put these products through a lot to help you find your best match.


Value


Value is all about getting the most tent for the least cash. We like to see a solid balance of performance and price. Generally, when the price goes up in the tent world, so does the performance, though there are some notable exceptions.

A notable contender for value in the 4-person tents goes to the Marmot Limestone 4, which performed well yet still falls slightly lower on the price spectrum. But hands down, the best bang for your buck is the REI Co-op Skyward 4. This tent is the perfect mix of space, height, quality, and ease of use. Another value-packed camping tent is the Kelty Wireless 6. We rarely find a quality 6-person tent at a price point this low.

camping tent - great design, quality materials, and a low price point. the wireless...
Great design, quality materials, and a low price point. The Wireless 6 is a high value choice.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

On the flip side, if you are looking for a small but extremely versatile tent, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 packs tons of value into a little package. Since it serves both short backpacking trips and car camping, the value increases.

camping tent - the mineral king is the perfect tent for a quick father-daughter...
The Mineral King is the perfect tent for a quick father-daughter campout on Noble Canyon Trailhead, California.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Once you step down into the lower price ranges, it gets complicated. We would be remiss if we didn't give a huge value nod to the Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup. This little tent is cheap, sturdy, and a great option to put up with only a moment's notice.

camping tent - value is important, and the wawona 6 has lots of it.
Value is important, and the Wawona 6 has lots of it.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Space and Comfort


This is arguably the most important category when it comes to car camping. When your campsite is only a few yards away from your trunk, a little extra weight in exchange for better comfort and space is an easy choice. For this metric, we looked at the overall footprint of each tent, including the vestibule space. We checked the height and headroom, doors and windows, and the general airflow with and without the rainfly. And finally, we looked at pockets, clips, and storage options.


Let's dive into The North Face Wawona 6 first. When you combine the spacious and tall interior (6' 6" max height and 85 square feet of floor space) with the large double-doored vestibule (and additional 44.7 square feet), you have a comfortable masterpiece. The new design also allows the Wawona to be used without the vestibule, adding a great option for warm-weather camping. We also love the tall, full-sized door feature that allows you to enter without ducking.

camping tent - the giant vestibule of the north face wawona 6 is by far one of the...
The giant vestibule of The North Face Wawona 6 is by far one of the most comfortable to relax under.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 also receives great marks here. With 83.3 square feet of floor and a super tall interior measuring 6' 5" plus two vestibules, this tent can provide both space and comfort for a family of four, all sleeping on air mattresses. The overall pocket count could be better, but it is adequate, and there are many hanging options.

camping tent - the large floor plan of the nemo aurora highrise 6 fits a family of...
The large floor plan of the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 fits a family of 4 and then some.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

There are a few other tents that scored respectability in this category. The Big Agnes Bunk House 6 has a max height of 6' 9" and offers a unique shelter option giving you more versatility. But the tallest tent in our lineup is the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 with a 7' tall clearance. And, thanks to the near-vertical sidewalls, that height isn't just in the center.

camping tent - the shelter mode feature with the bunk house 6 makes for an awesome...
The shelter mode feature with the Bunk House 6 makes for an awesome covered eating area.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke


We don't often see a 4-person tent score so high in this category, let alone two. The MSR Habitude 4 and REI Co-op Skyward 4 both have just enough room, features, and comforts to rise to the top. The Habitude offers 62.4 square feet of floor space, a perfectly sized vestibule, and seven pockets, making this tent worth a look for those not interested in setups for 6+ people. The Skyward has a 6' 6" height profile and a larger-than-normal, built-in vestibule.

camping tent - that&#039;s one happy kid enjoying a little r&amp;amp;r in the rei co-op...
That's one happy kid enjoying a little R&R in the REI Co-op Skyward 4.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Although it earned fairly low scores across the board, we did like one unique feature of the Coleman Camp Burst Dark Room 4. In this metric, we certainly focused on how many people a tent would sleep, but we also considered any special features that made each tent stand out from the rest. In the case of the Dark Room, its name says it all. The walls of this tent are completely blacked out. And, when the optional rain fly is affixed, there is almost no light at all.

It's late afternoon, and it's almost completely dark inside our Coleman.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Floor Plans


Be sure to review the floor plan images for a tent before committing. If you are like us, you have air mattresses and chairs that you would like to use inside, so the floor plan can help you map it out. And remember, most of these tents say they sleep a particular number, but that is usually elbow to elbow.

Both the Big Agnes Bunk House 6 and The North Face Wawona 6 have massive outside storage areas. These tents offer great storage and covered cooking and cleaning stations, and they are plenty big enough to handle loads of gear.

camping tent - the bunk house 6 has the biggest vestibule in our lineup, offering...
The Bunk House 6 has the biggest vestibule in our lineup, offering plenty of room for covered hangouts.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke


Weather Resistance


Getting wet, poles breaking in the wind, and roasting in the hot sun. These are all deal-breakers when camping, especially if you have children. So for the weather resistance category, we considered all of the following: hot day options, cold day options, rainfly coverage, aerodynamic-ness, stakes, poles, and guylines. We tested these in a mix of real-world situations and fabricated ones, thanks to a sprinkler rig and backpack blower. We got these tents hot, cold, wet, and winded. Here is how they stood up.


We put the Marmot Limestone 4 up against the wicked hot days of the southern California desert and the windy nights of Reno, NV. Its shape held up perfectly to both, and the full-covered rainfly kept everything dry. Two extra poles on the tent's roof add just enough extra height to feel open without turning it into a flat-walled sail.

The latest update to the Marmot Limestone 4 includes a clothes line feature that is pretty handy.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Breaking the dome shape mold but still scoring top points are the MSR Habitude 4 and Snow Peak Alpha Breeze. Thd Habitude is very capable in both hot and cold weather. And while a touch on the broadside, the included guylines and slanted vestibule face make this tent very wind worthy. The Alpha Breeze sports thick canvas and a robust A-frame-inspired design — features made to handle the elements with ease. It also has super thick poles, metal guylines, and a whopping 20 stakes. Bad weather, watch out.

camping tent - a perfect view of the unique shape found on the alpha breeze.
A perfect view of the unique shape found on the Alpha Breeze.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Several other tents scored among the best in the weather resistance category. The Wawona 6 rainfly only covers the side mesh a little bit, allowing for moisture to sneak through in windy situations, but it remains a burly tent in every other way. One of the more surprising tents to score so well in this category is the very tall REI Co-op Wonderland 4. Thanks to a ridiculous amount of stakes and guylines, this tent holds strong in bad weather, and with the large mesh top and large side vents, the tent breaths quite well.

camping tent - loads of guylines and stakes hold the massive 4-person wonderland...
Loads of guylines and stakes hold the massive 4-person Wonderland tent securely to the ground.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Stake It Out


Wind resistance often comes down to how well you stake down a tent and use the guylines to keep it taught. Unless you're assured of a balmy, windless night, staking out the guylines as you set up is a good habit to get into as it will keep you from scrambling around (and likely getting soaked) if bad weather hits. We highly recommend buying an extra cord, burlier stakes, and a mallet for most tents.

camping tent - the stance of the habitude 4 is as robust as the quality materials...
The stance of the Habitude 4 is as robust as the quality materials inside.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Ease of Use


Setting up and tearing down camp can make or break your trip. We have all been there, rolling into camp at 11 pm, tired and ready to relax — the last thing you want is a fight with your tent or your partner about the tent. We took one for the team here and got the frustration out so you can be prepared. We also noted whether each tent easily fit back into its bag, the total packed size, and the packed weight.


Before digging in further, we should point out that any tent you pitch enough times will get easier. However, we made it a point to judge the first pitch, as many folks only use their tent once or twice a year, and who knows what you will and won't remember after most of a year has passed. Especially if you happened to throw out the directions.

The Coleman 4-Person Cabin with Instant Setup scored the highest here. This thing went up in under 60-seconds and came down nearly as fast. But ease of use isn't just about setup and tear down — we took one point away here due to its weight being on the heavy side for a small 4-person tent and the struggle required to fit the tent back in the bag. We also hope the mechanisms that make this tent so quick to set up stay smooth and easy to use over time. But if you're looking for a camping tent you can toss up after a few beers or in the dark, check this one out.

camping tent - relaxing after pitching the coleman cabin in 43-seconds. plenty of...
Relaxing after pitching the Coleman Cabin in 43-seconds. Plenty of time left to look off at the other campers still unpacking their tent.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

The Gazelle T4 Hub sets up even faster than the Coleman Instant. In fact, some of our testers had it pitched in under 40 seconds, making it the easiest tent to set up on our list. However, in this metric, we also considered weight and packed size, and this is where the Gazelle T4 falls behind a bit, as it's the heaviest tent in our lineup and it has one of the largest packed sizes. But, when graded solely on its ease of setup and many convenient accessories, the T4 scores very well and is very easy to use.

Showing off some of the many conveniences that make the T4 Hub easy to use. One of our favorites is the removable floor.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 not only went up fast but also was a snap to tear down and get back into the bag. Add to that the simple fly deploy, perfectly sized bag, and intuitive center clip, and you have a hassle-free tent. While not our favorite, the hub also allows for easy solo pitching. It's the only 3-person tent in our lineup and weighs in at only 7.1 pounds for the full package with a trail weight of 6.2 pounds — this tent is light enough to trek a few miles into the wild.

The Mineral King is the smallest and lightest tent in the lineup and...
The Mineral King is the smallest and lightest tent in the lineup and slides snugly into a 65L pack -- just don't plan on bringing the kitchen sink, it won't fit.
The Mineral King has a very fast pitch thanks to an intuitive hub...
The Mineral King has a very fast pitch thanks to an intuitive hub and clip system.

Another notable tent here is the Marmot Tungsten 4. Pitching this tent garnered one of our fastest times, and at just 7.9 pounds, this is the second lightest tent in our review. A large carry bag allows your fold and roll to be less than perfect when you just want to get on the road, and excellent design elements such as color-coded poles and clips are the icing on the cake.

camping tent - the hub system allows for the tungsten to be pitched solo with very...
The hub system allows for the Tungsten to be pitched solo with very little frustration.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

We would be remiss if we didn't share two features of the Kelty Wireless 6 that speak directly to ease of use. Kelty added what they call Quick Corners to aid in solo setup. These are essentially pockets on all four corners that make the poles stand erect without needing to hold them. They also have just a single side color-coded. While this seems strange, having only one color to look for versus two is a great simplification that we hope other brands copy.

camping tent - the kelty quick corners make pitching this tent a breeze, even when...
The Kelty Quick Corners make pitching this tent a breeze, even when solo.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

While this category of tents is focused mainly on car camping, weight still factors into the equation. Lugging a heavy tent across a field or a few campsites away can add up when you are hauling over 20 pounds.


Don't Forget the Footprint


Consider buying a ground cover — a.k.a. "footprint" — for your camping tent and laying this out first. It helps keep moisture and mud off the underside of your tent (thus making re-packing a much more pleasant task). It also helps your tent last longer because it protects it from abrasion. Most manufacturers sell a footprint separately (usually made of the same material as the tent) designed to fit your model tent's exact floor size. Despite the extra cost, it's a great thing to take along. The savvy camper's alternative is a cheap plastic tarp, like something you'd throw down to paint your living room. You can often pick one of these up for a fraction of the cost of an official manufacturer's footprint, though it won't have features like rivets to accommodate your stakes.

camping tent - tyvek &quot;home wrap&quot; is our favorite footprint for car camping and...
Tyvek "Home Wrap" is our favorite footprint for car camping and basecamping because it's waterproof, highly puncture resistant, and exceptionally durable. We prefer clear polycro plastic groundsheets for weight conscious applications.
Credit: OutdoorGearLab

Family Friendliness


Family Friendliness doesn't just mean actual family. It begs the question, how useful is the tent for a small group? Will it fit two dogs and a friend or three and still be comfortable? We looked at how comfortably each tent could fit at least four people, whether it had phone/jewelry storage options, if it provides a space to clean your feet before entering, if there are multiple room options for privacy, and if it is dog/animal friendly — among other things. Though some of these aspects fall under other categories, we felt it was important to our readers to look at them again but with this viewpoint in mind.


The North Face Wawona 6 checks most of the family-friendly boxes, easily sleeping a family of four with great height, storage, and covered outside space. Because of the large, tall vestibule, we were able to set up a camp shower for a quick rinse after a sweaty day of climbing. Just remember not to ask your kids to take the fly off, as the locking mechanism requires some serious force to get out.

camping tent - chilling out in style. take note of the open floor in front which...
Chilling out in style. Take note of the open floor in front which can easily extend the sleeping area.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 is another fantastic family-friendly camping tent with a little funky style. The super high ceiling, large footprint, and dual vestibules give this tent plenty of room and options for everyone.

camping tent - enjoying the views from the cozy aurora highrise.
Enjoying the views from the cozy Aurora Highrise.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

The Kelty Wireless 6 fits two adults, two kids, and two dogs comfortably inside, and the dual vestibules allow for even more storage and organization. Add in the ease of setup, a nice carry bag, and wonderful star-gazing capabilities, and you have a solid tent. And given the bargain price of the Wireless 6, it's hard to pass it up.

camping tent - getting ready to start a new day after a cozy night in the wireless 6.
Getting ready to start a new day after a cozy night in the Wireless 6.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Typically this section is reserved for larger 6-person tents; however, the REI Skyward 4 and Marmot Tungsten 4 both packed enough family-friendly features to make the cut. If you are looking for a smaller, lighter alternative to a 6-person tent that can still handle a family, these are two great tents to explore.

camping tent - the view from above shows the added privacy of the white mesh walls...
The view from above shows the added privacy of the white mesh walls found on the Marmot Tungsten 4.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Every Family is Different
Sometimes the most family-friendly tent isn't the biggest or the most feature-rich. Instead, it is a wonderful mix of ease of use, features that speak to your family and pet situation, and an ideal build for your typical camping environment.


Quality


For this metric, we looked at the materials used, the general feel of the poles and stakes, and details like how the stitching and seams are constructed. We also tap into our experience and knowledge to judge overall quality and potential long-term durability. But let's face it, when it comes to buying long-lasting gear these days, the age-old saying does hold: you get what you pay for.


The MSR Habitude 4 checks every box for quality materials. From the 7000-series aluminum poles to the DWR 68D polyester taffeta on the floor — everything down to the guyline tighteners is top-notch. The only complaint you will have in the quality department is the included porch light and bag, but these are minor issues.

camping tent - quality materials can be found throughout, from the floors to the...
Quality materials can be found throughout, from the floors to the poles, the Habitude is built to last.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

The Wawona 6 is a long-standing champ in our review for many reasons, not least of which is how well it has withstood the test of time. The main tent is made out of 150D polyester taffeta, the floor out of 68D polyester, and the poles are DAC MX — strong and light. And, of course, all seams are seam-sealed with a tub-style floor.

camping tent - the north face wawona 6 has quality materials all around.
The North Face Wawona 6 has quality materials all around.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Several of our tents scored high in this category, but one worth calling out is the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze. This tent has a 300D fire-resistant PU-coated Oxford polyester floor, crazy thick poles, metal guylines, smooth zippers, soft pole sleeves… the list just keeps going.

camping tent - even with the vestibule in awning mode, the snow peak alpha breeze...
Even with the vestibule in awning mode, the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze stayed firmly in place even during heavy winds.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

For anyone hoping to set up something with feet inside the tent (like a cot or small table) without puncturing the floor, the Marmot Limestone 4 and Coleman Instant Setup sport 150D polyester material floors.

If you are looking for a budget camping tent, the single best upgrade to your durability is swapping out the fiberglass poles and getting a set of aluminum ones. Poles and mesh are where the budget tents fail. Except for the impressive Kelty Wireless 6, the mesh areas on the budget tents we reviewed are at least twice as large as the other tents and feel significantly cheaper in quality. Get better poles and be cautious around your mesh, and a budget tent can last you for years.

camping tent - exposing the high quality mesh top after a warm nights sleep in the...
Exposing the high quality mesh top after a warm nights sleep in the Kelty Wireless 6.
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Consider the Long-Term Investment


Unless you're only planning on going camping once or twice a year on an idyllic beach, it's worth taking the long view when it comes to the quality of your tent. We are fans of quality gear that performs well season after season, which often means investing more upfront.

camping tent - the north face wawona 6 is a tent with a true garage, ready to store...
The North Face Wawona 6 is a tent with a true garage, ready to store all your toys
Credit: Rob Gaedtke

Conclusion


A camping tent is the most important item you will buy when it comes to camping, so picking the right one is key to a successful adventure. Think about the type of camping you intend to do and what you find most important in a shelter. Innovations are happening all the time, so if there's a feature you want, you'll likely be able to find it. Now, go get yourself a tent and get outside!

Rob Gaedtke and Jason Wanlass