Are you tired of spending the first few hours of every camping trip sweating over a bunch of complex tent poles? Looking for the easiest instant popup tent?
If so, you’ve come to the right place as we explore these amazing popup tents. This guide is designed to help you find the best instant tent you can set up by yourself.
Quick Look
- Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup | Cabin Tent
- Night Cat Waterproof Camping Tent for 1 2 3 4 Person with Footprint Tarp
- CORE Two Room 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Side Entrance
- CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Mobihome 6 Person Tent Family Camping Quick Setup
- LETHMIK Backpacking Tent, Instant Automatic pop up Tent, 2-3 Person
- Coleman 8-Person Tent | Instant Family Tent
- Victostar Instant Pop Up Family Camping Tent, Double Layer Waterproof 3 Season
- Wnnideo Pop Up Camping Tent Automatic Instant Outdoor Lightweight Backpacking Tents
- Coleman New Outdoor Camping Waterproof 6 Person Instant Tent
- Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
- Ozark Trail 10′ x 9′ x 66″ 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent
- Hewolf Waterproof Instant Tents for Camping – 2-4 Person Easy Quick Setup Dome Pop up
- ZOMAKE Dome Tent for Camping 3 4 Person – Waterproof Instant Backpacking Tent
- OT QOMOTOP 4/6/10 People Fast 60 Seconds Easy Set Up Instant Cabin Tent
- Gazelle 26800 T4 Plus Pop Up Portable Camping Hub Tent, 4-8 person
In A Hurry?
Our Top Pick – Hewolf Waterproof Instant Tents for Camping
Buying An Instant Tent: What You Need To Know
What Is An Instant Tent?
Unlike traditional tents, instant tents come with the poles already attached to the fabric making it the easiest tent to set up by yourself. This means that they can be set up in 60 seconds or less—at least, that’s true of the best ones.
There’s no need to fret over the instructions or waste precious leisure time wondering which pole goes through which loops. Just remove the tent from its packaging, extend the poles, and lock them into place.
Check out this YouTube video for a demonstration of an instant tent being set up in real-time.
Why Invest In An Instant Tent
Instant tents are invaluable in many situations. If you’re a frequent camper, it’s nice to have a tent that can be ready for action in less than a minute. You can even throw it together in the backyard for last-minute sleepovers—no planning required.
Families with young children are sure to appreciate the benefits of these tents as well. The speedy assembly means you won’t have to take your eyes off the little ones for too long. Since instant tents are available in a variety of sizes, it should be easy to find one that’s large enough to accommodate the entire family.
On a similar note, the smaller models are invaluable on backpacking trips. After a long day of hiking, the last thing you want is to spend an equally long evening setting up your tent. Having a lightweight tent that’s easy to assemble and dissemble will help to keep your spirits high on long journeys.
Cabin Tents Vs. Dome Tents
First and foremost, you should determine which style would work best for you. Here’s the rundown on the most common ones.
Cabin Tents
These tents have high ceilings and walls that sit nearly perpendicular to the floor. Most are rectangular, but some smaller units are square-shaped. If you’re looking for a tent that’s tall enough to stand up in, a cabin tent could be the right choice. Bear in mind, however, that cabin tents are usually quite heavy to carry. Also, since the poles are long, they’re prone to breakage in high-wind situations.
Dome Tents
An instant dome tent takes far less time to set up than a cabin tent. They’re also better for backpacking because they can be carried and assembled by just one person. If you’re intending to take your instant tent on long hiking trips, make sure the poles aren’t too heavy.
How To Choose The Best Instant Tent
Aside from the attached poles, there are several key features you should look for in an instant tent.
Durability
While you don’t want to go over budget, it’s a good idea to invest in the highest-priced unit you can afford. A cheap tent is usually constructed of cheap fabric, and you want your purchase to last you through many seasons of use.
Ease of Setup
If a tent is marketed as an “instant tent,” then this feature should go without saying. Steer clear of any product that takes longer than a few minutes to assemble. If you’ll be setting the tent up yourself most of the time, try to find a model that advertises easy single-person assembly.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important for any tent, so it shouldn’t be overlooked for the sake of convenience. Make sure the unit has at least one sizable window, along with a door that’s outfitted with the same breathable mesh fabric.
RainFly
Many instant tents come with a rainfly, but other companies opt to streamline their packaging by selling the fly separately. Before you shell out for a new tent, make sure you know whether or not the fly is included. You don’t want to get caught without one on your first night out.
Storage
The tent should have enough space to hold every member of your party, plus their gear. Just because a tent advertises itself as “6-person” doesn’t mean that six people will fit comfortably inside. As long as weight isn’t a concern, buy a bigger tent than you think you’ll need.
Conversely, backpackers should look for a tent that’s just large enough to fit them and whatever gear they need to bring inside. If you like to keep your keys and cell phone close by, try to find an instant tent with built-in pockets.
Finding The Best Instant Tent To Buy: Product Review
1. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
The Coleman Cabin Tent can be assembled in under a minute, and the roomy interior can easily fit two queen-sized airbeds.
Coming in at 10’x9″ and 6′ high…tall enough for most people to stand comfortably. I can accommodate 2 queen-sized mattresses.
Super durable double thick polyguard fabric making it reliable and will last years to come if taken proper care of.
2.Night Cat Waterproof Camping Tent
This rainproof dome tent is suitable for two people, but you could squeeze a child in with you if necessary. The included rainfly can be separated from the unit for double duty as a beach umbrella.
It offers a waterproof tarp for the bottom which helps eliminate and moisture from seeping in from the bottom of the tent.
The rainfly can be separated from the tent and can be used as a stand-alone shelter…which is a great added feature.
Also, this model has double doors for easy access while supplying nice airflow keeping you nice and cool.
3.CORE Two Room 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
This gigantic cabin tent offers a sturdy ten-pole design, a side entrance for easy access and a room divider for privacy. The rainfly is also included, along with a one-year warranty.
This large model offers different room options as well as two doors allowing for separate living spaces with good privacy.
The rainfly can be removed to expose a nice mesh ceiling for stargazing and optimal airflow in dry warm weather.
4.CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
The narrow, rectangular design on this 12-person tent is sleeker and more attractive than the previous CORE offering. The fly forms a convenient cap over the front entrance to keep the rain from dripping through the door.
This large tent can be configured for a three-room option making it great for families who want privacy and individual living space.
Like other Core 12 on this list, the ceiling is made of mesh for stargazing at night when the rainfly is removed.
5.Mobihome 6 Person Tent
This dome tent has a unique shape…it slopes toward the edges, making it appear roomier than it really is. Still, it can comfortably sleep four people, and a cleverly designed rainfly is included.
There are also four integrated pockets for storage, plus a lantern hook.
This tent can accommodate 2 adults and 2-3 children depending on the size of children and how much gear you are planning on having inside the tent.
The size is 13.5′ x 7′ and hight of 55″ in the center.
6.LETHMIK Automatic Pop Up Backpacking Tent
The LETHMIK Backpacking tent sleeps 2-3 people and can be assembled in just 30 seconds. The included cover is far more effective than a simple rainfly, extending to all four corners of the unit.
This tent weighs in at 8.3 pounds, making it light enough to carry if you are planning on taking it to a place where you have to do a little walking.
The size is 6.5′ x 6.5′ and hight of 55″ in the center.
7. Coleman 8-Person Tent
This cabin tent measures14’x10′ and 6′ 7″ inches high at its center, making it large enough for tall people to stand comfortably inside. The floor space is sufficient for two queen airbeds.
It uses Colman’s WeatherTec system which includes welded corners and inverted seams helping to keep moister and water out.
It has nice storage pockets on the sides for your gear and valuables you want off the ground.
8. Victostar Instant Pop Up Family Camping Tent
The Victostar is a three-person, three-season dome tent that’s especially effective at keeping out small insects.
It offers large mesh windows allowing for nice airflow and comes with a full rainfly that goes all the way to the ground for maximum protection from the elements.
The size is 7′ x 7′ and hight of 51.2″ in the center.
9. Wnnideo Pop Up Camping Tentz
The elasticized fabric of this highly visible dome tent makes assembly a snap. The netting is dense enough to keep pests at bay but is nonetheless light and breathable.
This tent has 6 mesh windows that keep the bugs out while offering great ventilation for warmer weather tenting.
This particular model does not come with a full rainfly so if you are planning on using it in wet weather, it is recommended that you purchase a quality rainfly or cover.
The size is 10′ x 8′ and hight of 57″ in the center.
10. Coleman New Outdoor Camping Waterproof 6 Person Instant Tent
This cabin tent features a nearly-square 10’X9′ footprint, a roomy interior with a high ceiling, and quality materials.
You know the quality is on par with the Colman name and this tent is a choice for a 6 person tent. And with most Coman tents, it includes the WeatherTech system which is designed to keep moister and water out even in heavy rain and wind.
Since the tent is fully tapped with the WeatherTec system, it is described as not needing a separate rainfly.
11. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
Specialized “darkroom” technology sets this unit apart. It blocks about 90 percent more sunlight than a regular Coleman tent, and the fabric keeps the interior nice and cool. That makes this unit a great choice for daytime naps.
A roomy tent with the dimension of 14’x10′ and a height of 6’7″ in the center making it nice and high for taller individuals.
This tent comes with nice reflective guy lines making them visible in the dark helping eliminate a tripping a hazard.
12.Ozark Trail 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent
This 6 person cabin tent is roomy enough for the average family, plus their gear. When weather permits, you can remove the rainfly for a full view of the stars.
This Ozark trail has many large mesh pockets on the sides to store your gear off the ground and easily accessible.
Measures 10’x9′ and a height of 66″ in the center. Also, has access flap for extension cords.
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13.Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent
This unit also features “Dark Rest” technology that keeps out heat and light during the dog days of summer, and the rainfly includes two built-in skylights. Mesh pockets and a hanging gear organizer offer plenty of storage space.
This tent can fit two queen-sized mattresses and offers a room divider for privacy or a separate space for all your gear.
Measures in at 14’x10′ and a height of 78″ in the center.
14.Hewolf Waterproof Instant Tents for Camping
This tent features a nifty hexagonal design and an umbrella-style setup. It’s best suited for singles or couples, and light enough to take on long hikes.
The outer shell can be removed from the inner tent making a nice shelter for the beach. It also includes a vestibule providing nice shade if you wish to relax outside while being protected from the sun.
It is a unique design that offers unique features that many other tents don’t offer.
15. ZOMAKE Waterproof Instant Backpacking Dome Tent
The ZOMAKE Dome Tent has everything a couple needs in a backpacking tent: A lightweight yet durable frame, side pockets for storage, and a lantern hook.
The clever design offers rainproof windows with an overhang designed to keep out the rain.
Plenty of mesh on the ceiling and sides to help with airflow even with the covered top section on.
This tent is designed for 4 seasons with its open ventilated mesh for airflow in hot weather to the fully enclosed doors and curtains to keep you dry and warm in colder temps.
16.QOMOTOP Instant Cabin Tent
The QOMOTOP offering comes billed as a cabin tent, but it’s on the smaller side…best suited for 3-4 people, max.
That said, it has a lot of cool bonus features like the tube floors which keep the ground moister out and the welded corners for maximum water protection.
It has a nice mud mat to kick off your shoes before entering keeping your tent nice and clean. It also offers an electric cord port along with storage pockets and a gear loft for your essential items.
17. Gazelle 26800 T4 Plus Pop-Up Portable Camping Hub Overlanding Tent
The Gazelle is built like a stagecoach, with a narrow oblong shape and an oversized roof. There’s even a “front porch” option to help keep the rain from soaking the interior when you open the door.
This thing is amazing! Offering 110sq. feet of floor space for you and all your gear.
Like some of the other tents, it had large mesh wall sections and ceiling for tons of airflow and also allows for amazing views at night with the rainfly removed.
I love the front porch which is a great place to put a bunch of gear that is protected from the elements but also not cluttering up your sleeping space. The porch is even nice to sit and relax in without being bothered by bugs.
The quick and easy removable floor makes it easy for removing sand and dirt.
The Verdict
With so many versatile models to choose from, is there a clear winner?
It’s a close call, but we would award first prize to the Hewolf Waterproof Instant Tent. It has some really nice party tricks like the nice vestibule and the removable outer shell that can be used for a beach shelter. It’s also small enough to take on a backpacking expedition, but large enough to sleep two adults and a child.
For families in need of a larger unit, the Gazelle 26800 T4 Plus Pop-Up Portable Camping Hub Overlanding Tent is an equally great choice.
We hope our roundup has provided you with the information you need to move forward in your camping adventures. Happy trails!
