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17 Best Instant Tents for Camping [Easiest Tents to Set Up Yourself]

November 6, 2024

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Last updated: October 17th, 2024

TL;DR: The best instant tent is the Gazelle T4 Tent, which only takes 90 seconds to set up. Gazelle is a trustworthy brand for instant tents and we love the T4 because of its durable materials, easy-to-use zippers, and high ceilings. The T4 is on the pricier side, but it’s built to last.

A difficult-to-pitch tent can start your weekend of outdoor fun with a strong dose of stress.

I remember my parents painstakingly threading tent poles when I was a kid. I was too small to help very much, but I watched as poles snagged and my parents grumbled.

Luckily, there are now tents designed to avoid all of that stress. Instant tents and pop-up tents take the frustration out of pitching a tent.

Some of these quick tents pop up within only 10 seconds, meaning more time to enjoy nature with your friends or family.

Not sure where to begin with shopping for one of these quick set-up tents? It’s okay, the idea of trying out a new tent style can seem daunting when you’re first getting started.

But don’t worry, we’ve researched all of the top instant tents and pop-up tents for you.

Read on for our list of the best instant tents that are easy to set up yourself for a speedy camping experience.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free recommendations.

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at all 17 of the best instant tents.

Product photo for the Gazelle T4 4-Person Pop-Up Camping Hub Tent.

Product photo for the Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Instant Tent.

#1 Gazelle T4 4-Person Pop-Up Camping Hub Tent

Best for Family Camping

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 4-personDimensions: 94” x 94” x 80”Weight: 30 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 78 ftSetup time: 90 secondsFeatures: Removable floor, pop-out walls for extra space, and 2 D-shaped doors

Gazelle is one of my favorite camping gear brands-they make some of the best tents available on the market right now.

Specifically, the Gazelle T4 is a top-rated family tent and it’s no surprise why.

This roomy 4-person instant tent has a 78-inch center height, which means most adults should be able to easily stand inside it.

This tent’s lightweight poles are made from fiberglass with metal hubs already attached, meaning it opens up in less than 90 seconds.

Design-wise, the Gazelle T4 tent is a cabin-style tent.

It has innovative, interlocking diamond walls and ample floor space. The floor is square, but the pop-out walls create an extra spacious feel to move around in.

Two doors and six windows with mesh make it breezy inside, which keeps things cool and smelling fresh. And a built-in rainfly will keep your family dry, no matter the weather.

Gazelle tents also have the advantage of a removable floor, which can be taken out completely.

While other tents fill with leaves and dirt that you will somehow have to coax out through the door, this tent can easily be cleaned before packing it up.

This is especially good for a family tent because it helps keep things clean, even with several pairs of tiny dirty feet running in and out!

#2 Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent

Best Two-Person Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.9/5Size: 2-personDimensions: ‎90” x 53” x 35”Weight: 5.9 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 35 inSetup time: 10 secondsFeatures: Mesh roof and windows for stargazing and a waterproof rainfly

Sometimes you don’t need an excessively large tent. Sometimes all you need is a sheltered place to snuggle up in the wilderness.

This two-person tent is perfect for a romantic couples’ camping adventure.

A quick and straightforward setup ensures that you’ll spend less time bickering and more time cozying up for warmth under the stars.

The Coleman Instant Tent has a pop-out design for an impressive 10-second setup.

This 2-person camping tent is also one of the best quick tents for backpackers or if you’re sending kids off to summer camp.

This tent packs down to just under six pounds, so it’s a fraction of the weight of other tents its size.

However, one thing to note (and this is the case for many pop-up tents) is that it folds down into a circular shape, which might be a little tricky to fit into a backpack.

When set up, this tent has a tubular shape with just under a three-foot center height. It has a reasonably large amount of floor space, especially with the included storage pockets.

Additionally, the multi-position rainfly, waterproof floors, and taped seams help keep you dry.

And once it’s time to pack up and move on it folds back up into its carry bag in less than three minutes.

With that said, if you and your sweetie like having a little extra room for gear and moving around, I recommend sizing up to the 4-person version.

#3 MOON LENCE Instant Pop-Up Tent

Best Four-Person Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 4-personDimensions: 114.2” x 121.3” x 52.4”Weight: 10.25 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 52.4 inSetup time: 60 secondsFeatures: Roof vents, high windows for privacy, and a unique hexagon-shaped floorplan

The top instant tents have a simple, unfussy design. For example, this Moon Lence Instant Pop-Up Tent has a classic dome design.

As a simple four-person instant dome tent, it’s easy to set up with pre-attached tent poles that click into position and no complicated bells and whistles to puzzle over.

It’s also reasonably lightweight for its size and economically priced.

This tent has one large door and four windows placed high for privacy. And its high-quality SBS zippers take the frustration out of a camping trip.

Overall, the Moon Lence 4-person instant tent is one of the best and most straightforward four-person instant dome tents out there.

As a bonus, it comes in three bright colors: orange, green, and blue, and features a water-resistant polyester outer with an oxford fabric floor.

The fabric also has UV-shielding properties, which help the tent last longer.

#4 Caddis Rapid 6-Person Tent

Best Six-Person Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 6-personDimensions: 120” x 120” x 80”Weight: 25.5 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 80 inSetup time: 60 secondsFeatures: Tall peak height, power port, and strong steel poles

The Caddis Rapid 6-Person Tent is an instant tent that comes in an attractive slate blue color. It isn’t technically a “pop-up tent,” but it’s still a fast-setup tent (aka instant tent).

Six-person tents are great for family camping or for fewer people who want to store more gear.

This 6-person instant cabin tent is spacious, with 100 square feet of floor space. It also boasts a center height of 80 inches, so it’s tall enough to stand in, with headspace to spare.

While your tall friends duck into other tents that are shorter, they will appreciate the nearly seven-foot ceiling in your tent.

A cramped tent is no fun and this tent size provides a lot of space without getting into the complexity of a multi-room cabin tent.

The Caddis Rapid Tent also includes a power port for electrical cord access, so you can charge your phone or bring a fan inside.

Other features include a mesh gear loft at the top of the tent for a convenient place to store personal items without taking up floor space and there’s also a side storage compartment.

Plus, this tent is built for strength and longevity. While fiberglass poles might snap in high winds or freezing temperatures, steel poles make for a sturdy frame.

Lastly, this is the best instant 6-person tent in part because of the full coverage 1800mm waterproof rain fly.

With this instant camping tent, you aren’t limited to fair-weather camping. You can camp in comfort in spring, summer, and fall.

#5 Outdoor Products Instant Cabin Tent

Best Eight-Person Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 8-personDimensions: 156” x 108” x 74”Weight: 33 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 74 inSetup time: 2 minutesFeatures: sealed seams and tub floor, rainfly designed for improved ventilation

Outdoor Products 8-Person Instant Cabin Tent is a super spacious multi-room camping tent with a two-minute setup.

Large-capacity cabin-style tents are great for group camping trips, family camping trips, or even kids’ slumber parties.

And, let me tell you, a multi-room cabin tent can feel like a luxurious palace if you’re used to small dome tents and tunnel tents.

Pre-attached poles make it a breeze to pitch and its bright, two-tone green color will blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest.

This 8-person instant cabin tent also has a rainfly, tub floor, and taped seams to help keep you dry in wet weather.

Plus, it features an internal structure that holds the rainfly away from the tent body for added protection from wetness.

Dual ground vents provide cross-ventilation and keep the air fresh inside this freestanding cabin tent, which is a must when you have eight people sleeping in an enclosed space.

This kind of ventilation prevents the atmosphere from getting too musty, without letting in too much light.

Overall, the Outdoor Products Tent is one of the most ideal instant tents for big groups because it’s so spacious.

This cabin tent has two rooms separated by a mesh room divider and a center height inside the tent of 74″.

And as a bonus, there are plenty of storage pouches to keep everyone’s belongings organized.

Looking for more eight-person tents? Read our detailed guide to the best eight-person tents.

#6 Core Lighted Instant 10-Person Cabin Tent

Best 10-Person Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.9/5Size: 10-personDimensions: 14” x 10” x 84” (+ screened porch)Weight: 47 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 84 inSetup time: 2 minutesFeatures: Integrated lighting system and screened-in porch

If you want to accommodate a colossal camping party, 10-person instant cabin tents are the way to go.

A tent of this size can feel almost like you’re in a house-a house that you were able to build in under two minutes.

The Core Lighted Instant Cabin Tent is super spacious and boasts some unique features.

First, it has built-in LED lights. Is that cool or is that super cool?

The lights have three different settings: high, low, and amber nightlight. And a wall-mounted light switch makes for an even more luxe camping experience.

Second, this instant cabin tent has an outer room with screen walls for people to leave their dirty shoes and gear.

The external screen protects your belongings from the elements without taking up space within the tent. Also, the porch room has no floor, so you’re not tracking dirt into it.

Lastly, this camping tent features poles made from steel and double-taped seams that hold up even in hail.

It also has ample floor space, a mesh room separator, storage pockets for better organization, and a rain fly.

The best part? You can assemble all of this in under 120 seconds.

#7 EVER ADVANCED Dark Room Instant Cabin Tent

Best Budget Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 6-personDimensions: 108” x 108” x 73″Weight: 22.3 lbsSeasons: 4Peak height: 72 inSetup time: 60 secondsFeatures: Sun-blocking material, mud mat at the entrance, and a small awning to prevent rain from entering with you

I’m someone who loves a bargain. Whenever I’m shopping, I’m always looking to get the lowest price without sacrificing the quality of the product.

To me, getting a great deal means not only looking for the lowest price but the most value per dollar.

This is where the spacious, six-person EVER ADVANCED Dark Room Instant Cabin Tent comes in.

Although some smaller tents go for a lower price, this very affordable tent is economical for its size. And it offers some unique features that make it one of the top instant tents.

This model is a dark room camping tent, meaning it has blackout walls that provide UV protection inside the tent.

Normally, tents flood with light as soon as the sun is up.

If you’re a person who wakes up the moment that the sun touches your face, this tent will help you sleep late and have a leisurely morning on your camping vacation.

This 6-person dark rest instant camping tent also comes with a rainfly and an electrical cord access port.

It has a robust construction, leveraged tent stakes, mesh windows for ventilation, mesh storage pockets, and a 60-second setup time.

In terms of the aesthetic, the exterior is aqua with a grey and lime green trim.

Not only is this a fun color combination, but it also means it’ll be easy to find the zipper in the dark after a nighttime trip to the bathroom.

#8 Eackrola 2/4-Person Instant Pop-up Tent

Best Lightweight Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 2-personDimensions: 96.9” x 61” x 41.3”Weight: 6.6 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 39 inSetup time: 5 secondsFeatures: Two doors and an integrated rainfly for an extra easy setup

Lugging around heavy gear isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time and a lightweight tent is crucial when you’re backpacking.

Even when you’re car camping or heading off to summer camp, cutting out extra pounds makes for a more hassle-free camping experience and saves your shoulders from unneeded strain.

The Eackrola Instant Pop-Up Tent is a compact pop-out camping tent that features a tunnel-style design and comes either as a two or a four-person model.

It also offers five different color options in various blues and greens depending on whether you choose the 2-person or 4-person version.

Weighing in at only 6.6 pounds, this super lightweight tent would be great for backpackers.

With that said, it folds down to an awkward circular shape, so you might have to hang it on the outside of your backpack.

Two doors and two high-density mesh windows provide ventilation. And when there aren’t mosquitoes around, you can roll up the mesh doors to easily come and go.

The Eackrola pop-up tent is also made from water-resistant 190T polyester with a 2000mm polyurethane coating to keep you dry in inclement weather.

And this reasonably priced instant setup tent lives up to the name. It pops out as soon as you unfasten the bag, so it’s up and ready in a matter of seconds.

#9 Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent

Best Instant Cabin Tent

Our rating: 5/5Size: 9-personDimensions: 132” x 168” x 78”Weight: 27.62 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 78 inSetup time: 2 minutesFeature: Giant T-shaped front door and D-shaped side entrance

The Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is a substantial cabin-style camping tent.

While you have to crouch down and crawl into small tunnel-style tents and dome tents, the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent has a 6.5-foot peak height.

Getting low to the ground isn’t a problem for some people, but it’s out of the question for anyone with back or hip issues.

Like many cabin tents, the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent has two spacious rooms separated by a room divider.

This is a great feature that will help your loved ones feel more comfortable with the luxury of more privacy.

You can use the room divider to create a designated sleeping space with sleeping bags and still have a screened porch with plenty of ventilation.

Trust me when I say that you will never go back after having the option of setting up two separate rooms.

The rainfly isn’t considered waterproof, but the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent does have H20 Block Technology.

It’s water-resistant enough and has an excellent ventilation system to keep the Core Instant Tent cool and dry for hot weather and summer camping.

All in all, the Core Instant Cabin Tent is a well-made tent with a two-minute setup that’s so simple one person can pitch it by themselves.

#10 Core 10-Person Instant Cabin With Screen Room

Instant Tent with Screen Room

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 10-personDimensions: ‎‎168” x 174” x 84”Weight: 33.4 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 84 inSetup time: 2 minutesFeatures: Sleeping area room divider with two-door entrance to the screen room

Screen porch rooms are a helpful feature, especially on large tents because they provide a place to leave shoes where they won’t get wet.

They can also be a relaxing place to sit in the fresh summer air while remaining protected from the bugs.

The Core 10-Person Instant Cabin With Screen Room is an excellent instant setup tent with an indoor space for relaxing while still in nature.

Its screen room is large enough to fit several chairs, and the rain fly extends over it so you can enjoy the scenery and stay dry.

This two-room instant cabin tent also offers all the features of competing cabin tents: it’s water-resistant, has ground vents, and fits two queen mattresses.

And most importantly, it has a speedy setup, finishing in under two minutes.

This Core instant cabin tent is similar to the above Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent.

However, the nice thing about upgrading to a 10-person tent with a dedicated screened-in porch is that you don’t have to sacrifice any sleeping space.

With this Core instant cabin tent, you also have an extra half foot of standing height.

#11 KAZOO 4-Person Family Camping Tent

Best Waterproof Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 4-personDimensions: 95” x 86” x 57”Weight: 10.71 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 57 inSetup time: 3 minutesFeatures: Awning with floor and very waterproof rainfly

We’ve all had the experience of waking up in a wet sleeping bag. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like it rains every time I go camping.

And nothing ruins a camping trip quite like rain paired with a leaky tent.

That’s why the best instant camping tents are waterproof; a rainy camping trip can still be a great time with the right tent.

The KAZOO 4-Person Family Camping Tent is the best cabin tent for rain.

This small cabin-style tent comes with a heavy-duty waterproof rainfly made from ripstop polyester and has an impressive 3000mm waterproof rating.

Plus, the rainfly covers the whole tent instead of just the top like a typical rainfly. It also has an awning that extends over the entryway, adding further protection against the rain.

Beneath the heavy-duty rain fly, the inner tent has mesh windows for plenty of ventilation. And this tent is relatively lightweight-with aluminum poles, it weighs just over 10 pounds.

Lastly, this instant camping tent features a quick under-three-minute setup.

So, if you arrive at your campsite during a downpour, you can be out of the rain and inside your shelter in a short amount of time.

Plan to camp in rainy weather? Read our guides on the best tent waterproofing spray and how to waterproof a tent.

#12 MoKo Waterproof Dome Tent

Best for Wind

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 3-personDimensions: 70.9” x 82.7” x 36”Weight: 9.9 lbsSeasons: 4Peak height: 36 inSetup time: 5 minutesFeatures: Vestibule with windows and an inner and outer tent system

One of my childhood’s most memorable outdoor experiences was when my family went camping in the Red Rock Desert in Nevada.

We got caught in one of the valley’s only annual storms. My parents and I lay awake all night, crossing our fingers that we wouldn’t blow away.

With each blast of wind, the tent would snap down, nearly flattening itself over our faces, only to pop back up and into shape with the next gust.

We could have benefited from a tent designed to withstand strong winds. Perhaps we even would have gotten some sleep that night!

Sadly, we did not have the MoKo Waterproof Dome Tent, a four-season instant camping tent that sleeps three people and holds up even in a snowstorm.

And if it can survive a blizzard, it can withstand heavy wind with its sturdy and stable design.

A three-foot vestibule also provides space for camping gear and shoes protected from the elements.

And the tent’s outer material has a 2500mm waterproof rating and is made from fire-retardant polyester. This insulates body heat during the winter and makes it a good option for rough weather.

Not to mention, it’s inexpensive for a 4-season tent and light enough for backpacking.

#13 Gazelle T3 3 Person Pop Up

Most Durable Instant Tent

Our rating: 4.9/5Size: 3-personDimensions: 82” x 76” x 68”Weight: 27.5 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 68 inSetup time: 90 secondsFeatures: Gear loft and storage pockets, strong metal connection points, and lightweight fiberglass poles

We need camping tents to stick with us through rough terrain and windy weather. And the Gazelle T3 3-Person Pop-Up Tent does just that.

The tent’s pop-up design means it assembles in less than 90 seconds. Like the T4, this is also a unique cabin tent with a roomy, slightly rounded design.

The walls and ceiling are made of 211 denier oxford weave fabric. Not only are they waterproof and durable, but the fabric is UPF 50+.

When looking for a super durable tent, the UPF rating is important. The sun’s rays are not only harmful to our skin but to a tent’s materials as well. Without UPF protection, a tent’s fabric and waterproofing break down faster.

Another plus is the velcro that attaches the removable floor to the sidewalls.

This creates a sturdy seal against the elements and makes it oh-so-easy to clean the tent before packing up. And a clean tent is a long-lasting tent.

There’s also quite a bit of available storage space in this tent.

With a removable gear loft at the top of the tent, two storage pockets on the side, and four pouches mounted on the wall, there are plenty of places to stash belongings.

Finally, if you’ve ever tried to quickly fasten a cheap zipper, you’ll understand why the extra beefy zippers are a key feature of this tent.

You’ll be able to open and close the doors efficiently without letting all of the mosquitoes in because of a stuck zipper.

#14 Ayamaya Pop-Up Tent

Easiest Tent to Set Up by Yourself

Our rating: 4.8/5Size: 4-6-personDimensions: ‎150” x 102” x 54”Weight: 14.33 lbsSeasons: 4Peak height: 54 inSetup time: 5 secondsFeatures: Double walls and a small vestibule

Pop-up tents are a type of instant tent and are best for solo setups because you don’t need anyone else to hold up poles.

You simply need to open the carry bag and the tent will pop out on its own-like the Ayamaya Pop-Up Tent.

The Ayamaya Tent can sleep up to six people, though it’s best for smaller groups of two or four campers. The short center height makes it cramped with six people.

This tent is also unique for its inner and outer tent design. The outer tent is 3000mm waterproof polyester and the inner tent hangs suspended from the outer frame.

Overall, the special design of the Ayamaya Tent helps prevent condensation build-up so that you don’t wake up damp.

It also has the bonus of being very lightweight for its size due to its fiberglass tent poles. This means it’s easy for one person to carry.

And despite its feathery weight, the Ayamaya Pop-Up Tent unfolds to provide a nice spacious interior with over 106 square feet of space.

All of these perks make it one of the best instant pop-up tents on this list.

And if you’re tired of every tent looking alike, the Ayamaya Pop-Up Tent comes in four colors: navy, forest, neon green, and electric blue.

#15 Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

Best Instant Tent for Festivals

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 10-personDimensions: ‎‎165” x 120” x 78”Weight: 37.74 lbsSeasons: 4Peak height: 78 inSetup time: 60 secondsFeatures: Steel poles, a room separator, and sun-blocking fabric

When attending a festival, I look for a slightly different set of tent features from the average instant tent for family camping trips.

On a typical camping trip, I might head off to bed at a reasonable hour.

At a festival, I’m always up late watching performances. The last thing I want is to wake up at 6 am with the sun.

This is where the Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent comes in. This Ozark Trail tent has blackout paneling to block sunlight.

And this Ozark Trail dark rest tent is very spacious, making it easy to change clothes or hang out with a group of friends inside it.

As a bonus, the whole ceiling unzips to reveal mesh paneling, letting in a generous amount of light and fresh air when you need it.

Privacy is another essential feature for comfortable festival camping. The windows on this Ozark Trail tent zip closed so that you have privacy even when the rainfly isn’t on.

And if you’re car camping at busy campgrounds, you won’t have to worry about accidentally flashing the family next door.

Most importantly, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent is very quick to set up. It assembles in under 60 seconds, so you’ll have more time to chill and enjoy the festivities.

#16 Coleman Instant Cabin Tent

Best Simple Quick-Pitch Tent

Our rating: 4.7/5Size: 6-personDimensions: 120” x 108” x 71”Weight: 24.9 lbsSeasons: 3Peak height: 71 inSetup time: 60 secondsFeatures: Lightweight poles and an integrated rainfly

Sometimes we don’t need all of the bells and whistles. We just need a good ol’ Coleman tent.

The Coleman Instant Cabin Tent is a straightforward cabin tent that sets up in no time.

Even though it’s on the simple side, this Coleman instant tent has some key features like ceiling vents and pre-attached tent poles that put it on another level than cheaper tents.

Plus, the integrated rainfly makes it so you have less hassle during setup. No clips, snaps, or buckles-just extend the telescoping poles and stake down the guy lines.

If you plan to camp in bad weather, I recommend adding an extra layer of protection by ordering their partial coverage rainfly too.

The integrated rainfly makes this Coleman pop-up tent great for car camping in crowded campgrounds. When you want privacy for changing, just zip the WeatherTech windows closed.

And when you want a nice breeze or you’re camping with beautiful views, unzip the windows on every wall.

#17 Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent

Best Instant Tent for Backpacking

Our rating: 5/5Size: 1-personDimensions: 80″ x 37″ x 34″Weight: 4.6 lbsSeasons: 4Peak height: 34 inSetup time: 30 secondsFeatures: Drawstring setup and add-on products for additional comfort

While a giant pop-up tent might be the best instant setup tent option for the whole family if you’re car camping, it’s way too heavy for a solo backpacking trip.

This is where the Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent comes in.

The Teton Sports Vista Quick Tent offers the convenience of instant setup tents without weighing a ton.

This backpacking tent comes with the poles pre-attached to make setup easy after an exhausting day on the trail.

Just lay it out and pull the drawstring. Pop! Everything slides into place and your tent is ready.

Plus, the panoramic mesh roof and all-around mesh windows make it so you can crawl into bed early and watch the sunset from the comfort of your air mattress.

You’ll also have plenty of ventilation on hot nights and protection from mosquitoes. If it’s raining, you’ll be mostly protected with a 1200mm waterproof rain fly.

This tent is unique from other tents because it’s compatible with the Teton Sports XXL Camping Cot. You can set it up on top of the cot and cover it entirely with the Elite Rainfly.

Being able to set it up off the ground makes it more accessible for campers who can’t physically get down on the ground and crawl into a tent.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Instant Tent

What to Look for in an Instant Tent

Water-Resistance/Waterproofness

Water resistance is very important. A wet camping trip is no fun, and it seems like the forecast constantly switches to rain whenever I decide to go camping!

So, I like to make sure that any tent I’m buying will be able to keep me dry whatever the weather decides to do.

Durability

Tents are investments. Prioritize good quality materials. Also, look for a tent with UV protection since the sun’s rays are hard on tent materials.

Size

Of course, there’s also the roominess of the tent to consider. How many people will be sharing the tent and how much gear do you need?

I always try to size up. So for a family of four, I would want a six-person or eight-person tent. No one likes feeling cramped. It’s better to set yourself up for comfortable family camping trips.

Types of Instant Tents

Quick setup tents generally fall into two categories: the classic instant tent and the pop-up tent. These two categories are similar but with some critical differences.

Quick Setup Tents

Quick setup tents, often referred to simply as “instant tents” or sometimes “rapid tents,” come with poles that are already attached.

To set them up, all you need to do is unfold them and lift the poles, and they will pop into place.

You can see a simple demonstration of the setup in the video below:

Although you can usually pitch them alone, this type of tent is easier to assemble when there’s more than one set of hands.

Quick setup tents generally take between one to three minutes to set up. This type of instant tent is usually one of the large capacity designs, such as a nine-person instant cabin tent.

Pop-up Tents

A pop-up tent requires no assembly and will pop out of the tent carry bag as soon as you loosen the ties.

These tents boast 10-second-or even 5-second-setup times. Unlike traditional tents, they also don’t need extra helpers.

Below is Coleman’s quick tutorial on the setup and takedown of their pop-up tent:

Pop-up tents typically have a capacity of six people or less and they’re not always as good of quality compared to instant tents.

However, they’re super convenient for short summer camping trips.

Looking for other styles of tents? Check out our guides to the best 2-person tents, 4-person tents, 6-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, large camping tents, 3-room tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, canvas tents, waterproof tents, insulated tents, winter tents, tents with stove jacks, tunnel tents, and cabin tents.

FAQs About Instant Tents

What constitutes an “instant” tent?

We consider a tent “instant” if it can be set up in less than three minutes and has some aspect to the design that makes setup quicker than a traditional tent.

These tents should have the ability to be pitched in a fraction of the time of a regular tent.

Whether that means poles are pre-attached and pop into place or a full-on pop-up design out of the bag, depends on what type of instant tent it is.

How do instant tents work?

Instant tents usually have some form of poles that are pre-attached.

The poles either telescope or fold out. This bypasses the frustration of figuring out which pole goes where on a traditional tent.

What’s the difference between instant and pop-up tents?

Instant tents have pre-attached poles but still require minimal assembly. Their average setup time is around one to three minutes.

Pop-up tents will pop out of their carry bag already fully assembled, with an average setup time of around 10 seconds.

Can one person set up most instant tents?

Generally speaking, yes, most instant camping tents can be set up by one person.

All the tents on this list can be set up solo, but not all instant tents are this way. It depends a lot on the size of the tent.

One person can set up a small tent or a pop-out instant tent.

Something more extensive, like a 10-person instant cabin tent, is easier to set up if another person is lifting from the other side.

How quickly can you set up an instant tent?

You should be able to set up an instant tent in less than three minutes. Many instant tents boast that assembly takes less than one minute.

Again, this varies depending on if the tent is a classic instant tent or a pop-up tent.

Either way though, they’re sure to be faster than traditional tents, which sometimes take 30 minutes to set up.

How much should I plan to spend on an instant tent?

The price of an instant tent can vary widely depending on the size and design.

If you’re looking for a small, three-person pop-out tent or a four-person instant dome tent, then there are many high-quality options available between $80 and $150.

Fancier models may range up to $300 and large cabin tents will, understandably, run you more money.

Many of these tents are comparable in size to an actual cabin, so it’s no surprise that the price point rises with the square footage.

How long do instant tents last?

An instant tent’s longevity depends on how heavily you use the tent. In the best case, you should expect a great tent to last around 10 years.

You should not have to buy a new tent every other year.

Are instant tents worth it?

If you like an easy-breezy setup, yes. Instant tents make camping more accessible to families of small kids who don’t want to spend 30 mins trying to assemble a tent.

What is the most popular instant tent size?

The most popular instant tent varies by activity.

The Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent is very popular among solo campers. It’s super simple and inexpensive.

Plus, you can easily size up for a little extra space if you have more campers, gear, or a canine friend.

For families, Core and Ozark Trail make some of the best instant 10-person tents. And if you’re looking for the best 4-person instant cabin tent, I’d go with Gazelle.

What is the most popular instant tent style?

For people looking for a truly instant setup, the most popular style is the pop-up tent. These babies can be thrown in the air and poof, they’re ready.

What is the best material for an instant tent?

Look for a ripstop fabric with a waterproof coating. Your average instant camping tent and pop-up tent will have fiberglass tent poles.

Fiberglass isn’t as reliable as aluminum or steel in bad weather, but it’s perfectly suitable for car camping trips.

What are the best instant tent brands?

There are quite a few brands out there that make a top-notch, dependable instant camping tent.

Of course, Coleman is a brand that’s ubiquitous with camping. But there are a few other leading companies as well.

Gazelle is a well-loved brand for its high-caliber construction. Their tents have a unique design and very roomy interiors. However, they tend to be on the heavier side so they’re best for car camping.

Core makes quality cabin tents. Their large-capacity tents have many valuable features and hold up well over time.

Ozark Trail is another brand that offers a wide range of well-crafted, large-capacity quick tents.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Instant Tent

The good news is that there’s no shortage of top-performing quick tents on the market.

But overall, my pick for the best overall instant tent is the Gazelle T4. This 4-person instant cabin tent stands out from its competitors for several reasons.

It’s the best overall instant tent because of its combined ease of setup, layout, and high-quality materials. This tent will stick with you through thick and thin.

Due to its pre-attached fiberglass poles with steel connection points that are strong but not overly heavy, the Gazelle T4 pitches in under 90 seconds

The tent walls and fly are also made of 210 Denier Oxford Polyester. Having 210 Denier means that the fabric is tightly woven for better durability than some of the other instant tents.

And you won’t have to worry about unplanned rainstorms thanks to the 2000mm waterproof rating.

Plus, this tent has a UV coating rated UV50+, which gives you protection from the sun and helps prevent the waterproofing from breaking down as quickly.

Gazelle also has unique pop-out walls that make this an extra roomy tent and the carry bag is extra large so that the tent is easier to pack away.

The mesh roof and mesh windows offer ventilation during hot dry trips, and giant zippers make it easy to enter or exit quickly without letting the mosquitoes in.

Lastly, this tent stands out because of its unique velcro floor, which is fully removable. Now you can finally get rid of those pesky corner pine needles!

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