Best Products The 13 Best Tents of 2023 Our top pick is the Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent with Footprint for its spacious interior and sheer versatility. By Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove Instagram Twitter Website Lauren Breedlove is a New York-based travel writer, photographer, and content creator who focuses on off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures. Her work has been featured in Afar, Time magazine, TravelPulse, Popsugar, Travel + Leisure, Elite Daily, and Thrillist. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 23, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington Choosing a tent, whether you want a compact one-person setup or a tented party palace for big groups, is key to how comfortable and enjoyable your trip will be. Your choice of tent should fit your preferences and the trips you take it on; it’s an investment that will help make your present and future camping adventures that much more enjoyable. To help with your tent search, we researched dozens of options and spoke to Dan Purdy, a professional hiking and backpacking guide with Wildland Trekking. The Marmot Tungsten 4-person Tent with Footprint is our go-to recommendation for up to four campers who want a roomy tent with two doors and ample vestibule space while also withstanding the elements. But there are plenty of other great options, including pop-ups, truck-bed tents, and two-person styles. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent with Footprint at REI Jump to Review Best Budget: Stoic Madrone 2 Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Teepee: Kazoo Family Camping Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Warm Weather: Coleman 4-Person Darkroom Sundome Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Weather Resistance: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ at REI Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Mountain Hardwear 4-Season Trango 2 Tent at REI Jump to Review Easiest to Assemble: Mobihome 6-Person Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Families: Nemo Equipment Inc. Wagontop 4 Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Inflatable: Baralir Inflatable Glamping Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Pop-up: Gazelle T4 Hub Tent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent with Footprint REI View On REI View On Campsaver.com View On Marmot.com Why We Love It: It’s easy to set up and suitable for camping or backpacking.What To Consider: Its weight falls on the heavier end for a backpacking tent. We love that the Marmot Tungsten 4-person Tent comes with a footprint and is roomy for both campers and belongings, with large vestibule spaces on both ends. If you’re looking for a durable shelter that protects you from wind, rain, and anything else Mother Nature throws at you but is still just lightweight enough for a backpacking trip, this tent fits the bill. Seam-taping and the included footprint give you extra confidence you’ll stay warm and dry during your slumber in the wilderness. The interior space is comfortable, with ample ceiling height and mesh pockets for smaller items and additional storage, creating more room to hang out, and, of course, sleep. Breathable with or without the rainfly, the tent’s built-in vents keep airflow going, making it suitable for cold or warm-weather camping. The Tungsten four-person tent is an extremely versatile option for all types of campers, making it our overall first recommendation. Price at time of publish: $399 Floor dimension: 92.9 x 81.9 x 52.8 inches | Packed size: 25 x 8.3 inches | Packed weight: 9.2 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 1800-millimeter rainfly, 2000-millimeter floor | Maximum internal height: 52 inches Best Budget Stoic Madrone 2 Tent Backcountry View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Steepandcheap.com Why We Love It: This versatile tent is great for multiple climates and camping styles. What to Consider: The Stoic Madrone 2 doesn’t have as many interior features as some tents on our list. The three-season Stoic Madrone is a dependable, budget-friendly, two-person tent that makes comfortable camping an option for those not looking to spend too much. It lets you stay dry in a rainstorm, cozy in the cold, and cool in warmer weather. Two doors and a spacious interior make this tent suitable for two adults, or an adult and a child or dog. The snap-in clip design makes it a breeze to set up, so you can get to the enjoyable parts of your camping trip quickly. Taking it down is just as simple — within a few minutes you’ll have your outdoor abode back in its duffel bag. If the camping gods bless you with ideal weather, take the rainfly off and sleep under the stars with the refreshing mesh lining. Price at time of publish: $72 Floor dimensions: 60 x 90 inches | Packed size: 6 x 22 inches | Packed weight: 6 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 3,000 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 44 inches Best Teepee Kazoo Family Camping Tent Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: It’s very spacious, fitting up to eight people.What To Consider: It’s not suitable for extremely windy conditions. We love that almost anyone can stand upright in the three-season Kazoo Family Camping Waterproof Tipi Tent. In addition to being spacious and perfect for families or a group of friends, this teepee-style tent offers campers a waterproof design for unexpected rain, with a removable rainfly and mesh interior for extra airflow. The easy set-up is a breeze: Thanks to one central pole, you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors instead of putting up your tent. Dual entrances, a pop-up canopy, and interior vents maximize comfort, while the impressive stability of the center pole adds security, even in inclement weather. Price at time of publish: $270 Floor dimension: 161 x 80 inches | Packed size: 25 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches | Packed weight: 23 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 3,000 millimeters | Maximum internal height: 120 inches Best for Warm Weather Coleman 4-Person Darkroom Sundome Tent Courtesy of Coleman View On Amazon View On Coleman.com Why We Love It: This tent blocks out light to keep the heat down inside and has a ground vent for airflow.What to Consider: Although it’s categorized as a four-person tent, it would be a tight fit comfort-wise. Keeping things cool when camping in warm weather situations can be tricky, but it’s certainly possible with the right tent. Coleman’s “darkroom technology” blocks 90 percent of sunlight and features strategically placed ventilation to keep air flowing. It’s a perfect tent for a beach day, a summer overnight trip, or an all-around warm weather weekend camping expedition. Sleeping well past sunrise or taking a midday nap can be a part of your camping getaway with the Sundome. The tent is also weatherproof with a bathtub floor in case rain becomes more of a problem than the sun. The Sundome is large enough for a queen-sized airbed, and the e-port allows you to bring electricity inside. Along with the quick setup and teardown, the ability to keep temperatures in check makes this tent a no-brainer for beach camping. Note that it also comes in a six-person size. Price at time of publish: $103 Floor dimensions: 108 x 84 inches | Packed size: 7.2 x 24.7 inches | Packed weight: 10.25 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: Not listed︱Maximum internal height: 72 inches The 7 Best Camping Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Weather Resistance REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Courtesy of REI View On REI Why We Love It: The Half Dome 2 Plus is roomier than most two-person tents and adjustable for different camp conditions.What to Consider: It doesn’t come with a tent footprint to shield your tent from the ground; you’ll want to purchase one separately. We love the extra space that the three-season REI Half Dome 2 Plus offers campers, with an added 10 inches in length and 4 inches in width compared to most two-person tents. As the “big and tall” of the camp world, it manages to make a two-person tent feel not quite so tiny. It’s easy to set up and take down, with luxurious features that don’t break the bank. You’ll find ample ventilation in the rainfly, two doors, internal pockets and hang loops for organization, and improved aluminum poles for better headroom. The rainfly is also quite versatile, making it easy to tailor exposure to your liking. It's great no matter whether you plan on stargazing or zipping it closed for warmth. The floor is bathtub-style, designed with heavy-duty material that extends up a few inches to the sides of the tent. This helps prevent water or moisture from the wet ground from seeping inside, keeping you, your sleeping bags, and your other items dry. This feature is what makes the REI Co-op Half Dome tent our best weather-resistant pick. The thicker materials will be a trade-off with weight to carry, so do keep that in mind when considering backpacking trips. Wildland Trekking guide Dan Purdy “I’ve been guiding with the REI Half Dome for years. As a big guy, I very much appreciate the generous proportions of this tent, and the materials are thick and bombproof. Now, I pay the price for these pros since this tent is heavier than many other two-person tents, but to me, it’s a worthwhile trade-off.” — Wildland Trekking guide Dan Purdy Price at time of publish: $329 Floor dimensions: 92 x 56 inches | Packed size: 7 x 20.5 inches | Packed weight: 5.3 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 1,500 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 42 inches Best for Cold Weather Mountain Hardwear 4-Season Trango 2 Tent Courtesy of Backcountry View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Mountainhardwear.com Why We Love It: This two-person tent was designed with a vestibule for removing gear before entering your sleep space. What to Consider: The price point is on the higher end. This four-season tent snagged the top spot for best cold weather tent due to its superior weatherproof design and durability. With fully sealed seams, snow flaps, double wall protection, and bathtub-style floor, this tent can hold its own against Mother Nature. Despite being able to withstand alpine weather conditions, it also manages to be somewhat lightweight with DAC Featherlight NSL poles, making it suitable for mountaineering and climbing endeavors. Interior pockets and hanging loops provide organization, and a big entry vestibule is perfect for taking your boots off and storing your gear before going into your sleeping space. The Trango 2 fits two adventurers and has two doors for easy entry. Price at time of publish: $900 Floor dimensions: 92 x 64 inches | Packed size: 7.2 x 24.7 inches | Packed weight: 9.6 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 10,000 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 38 inches Easiest to Assemble Mobihome 6-Person Tent Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It: It goes up in seconds so you have more time for camping fun.What to Consider: This tent does better in warm weather than it does in colder temperatures. We can’t get enough of the easy setup method that the Mobihome 6-Person tent offers. This spacious tent is great for families or small groups, and with a few fast steps utilizing the “special hub system,” you’re ready to roll at your campsite. In fact, one adult can successfully set it up on their own. Two queen-sized air mattresses fit inside, and ventilation won’t be an issue with the tent’s three windows and breathable mesh roof. Storage pockets and a loop to hang a lantern make this outdoor home nice and cozy too. Whether you’re embarking on a family weekend by the lake, a festival with friends, or a night of backyard camping and s’mores, the Mobihome will make your adventures easy and comfortable. Price at time of publish: $130 Floor dimensions: 161.42 x 82.68 inches | Packed size: 9.06 x 35.4 inches | Packed weight: 14.3 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 1,500 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 55 inches Best for Families Nemo Equipment Inc. Wagontop 4 Tent Backcountry View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Curated.com Why We Love It: It’s impressively spacious with extra vestibule space for storage.What To Consider: It’s a bit heavy, making it more suitable for car camping. We think the Nemo Equipment Inc. Wagontop four-person tent is a solid choice for camping families due to its unique pole structure design that allows the walls to stand more vertically than most models, preventing that cramped feeling. Ample storage space in both the outer vestibules as well as internal pockets and loops for hanging items like lanterns keep belongings organized and out of the way of the main sleeping area. Windows can be tailored to your ventilation needs, and although there is no external rainfly, this tent is set to keep you warm and dry should a storm come through. Whether camping in the backyard or your favorite campground, this family-friendly tent is the perfect shelter to bring along on your adventure. Price at time of publish: $368 Floor dimension: 100 x 100 inches | Packed size: 28 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches | Packed weight: 20.2 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 1,500 millimeters | Maximum internal height: 80 inches Best Inflatable Baralir Inflatable Glamping Tent Amazon View On Amazon View On Aliexpress.us View On Bonanza.com Why We Love It: It’s water-resistant and UV-proof.What To Consider: A separate rainfly should be purchased in case of heavy rain. Sleep up to six people in the Baralir Inflatable Glamping Tent, which is easy to set up and a comfortable camping shelter. Ditch the classic tent poles for the inflatable tubes that this tent comes with and experience a surprisingly quick setup in approximately three minutes. Zippered doors on either side make access quick and easy while also providing excellent ventilation; mesh windows are an added airflow bonus as well. The tent height makes it comfortable to stand up inside the tent and the durable air tubes hold up even in windy situations, so you can feel secure about it staying up. It comes with a storage bag and air pump, making it portable for anything from a car camping adventure to a day at the beach. Price at time of publish: $422 Floor dimension: 120 x 79 inches | Packed size: 25.5 x 15.7 x 13.6 inches | Packed weight: 37 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 5,000 millimeters | Maximum internal height: 78 inches Best Pop-up Gazelle T4 Hub Tent Courtesy of REI View On Amazon View On Walmart View On REI Why We Love It: Most campers can stand up in this tent thanks to its 6.5-foot height.What to Consider: It’s heavy, which makes it best for camping trips that don’t require much walking or hiking. Nothing makes camping easier than a pop-up tent. Built for four, the square-shaped Gazelle T4 Hub Tent sets up quickly and with minimal effort so you can sit back and enjoy the view from the six mesh windows and two doors. It comes fully assembled with a smartly designed framework, allowing it to pop-up in a jiff. A gear loft and extra pockets aim to keep things up high and out of the way to maximize the already generous 61 square feet of interior space for relaxing and sleeping. Don’t need the extra storage and prefer more head space? The gear loft is removable for precisely that reason. Heavy-duty zippers, a removable rainfly, strong fiberglass poles, and waterproof floor material make the Gazelle Hub tent a protected haven against the elements. Take-down is a breeze as well; within minutes you’ll have your tent back in its handy duffel bag, ready to rest in between trips. Price at time of publish: $350 Floor dimensions: 94 x 94 inches | Packed size: 9 x 68 inches | Packed weight: 30.6 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 5,000 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 78 inches The 15 Best Camping Chairs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Trucks Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Amazon View On Amazon View On Campingworld.com View On Campsaver.com Why We Love It: The wide array of sizes fit most types of trucks.What To Consider: Once opened, it can be tricky to repack the tent back into its carrying case. We love the option to set up an elevated camp right in the bed of your truck, and the three-season Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is a great choice. Whether you’re trying to avoid wet ground conditions or are camping in a wildlife-prone zone, truck-bed camping can provide peace of mind. Several sizing options mean it’ll be a tailored fit to your truck bed as well, whether you have a compact bed or a long one. Spacious enough to fit a full-size air mattress (or queen if blown up inside the tent), you’ll have plenty of room to sleep comfortably, and generous headroom won’t leave even taller people feeling cramped. The pole and sleeve assembly is color-coded for a user-friendly set-up, and a full tent floor offers a layer between you and the truck bed. The rainfly and storm flaps offer protection from the elements and ventilation points will keep air flowing on warmer nights. Price at time of publish: $199 (full size regular bed) Floor dimensions: 76.8 x 80.4 inches (full size regular bed) | Packed size: 27.4 x 9 x 9 inches | Packed weight: 7.08 pounds (full size regular bed) | Hydrostatic head rating: 800 millimeters | Maximum internal height: Not listed Best Lightweight Sea to Summit Telos TR2 2-person 3-season Freestanding Tent Sea to Summit View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Seatosummit.com Why We Love It: It’s lightweight but roomy and includes several items that serve more than one purpose.What to Consider: The price point is on the higher end. We love this supremely functional three-season freestanding tent for its lightweight, spacious interior, and incredible ventilation (apex and baseline) which does a stand-up job at keeping condensation and moisture out. The tension ridge and vertical wall design offer more headroom and taller doors than a typical tent, making crawling inside much easier, too. Two can fit comfortably with plenty of room above or below sleeping pads for bags and other items you want inside the tent. Illuminate the inside with the nifty Lightbar pole storage sack, which can be hung from the tent ceiling with up to two headlamps for soft lighting. The versatile rainfly makes switching between stargazing on a clear night to taking cover on a rainy one a straightforward process. During the day, the rainfly can also be converted to a partially open shelter by using your trekking poles. Weather protection and durability are impressive as well, with a bathtub floor, strong YKK zippers and a tear- and water-resistant rainfly. It should be noted that this model does not come with a footprint, though one that fits the dimensions exactly is available for purchase. Wildland Trekking guide Dan Purdy “We tested this tent for the Wildland Gear Review project, and it’s a fresh design in the world of tents,” Purdy says. “Solidly built, surprisingly spacious with lots of head room and good ventilation.” — Wildland Trekking guide Dan Purdy Price at time of publish: $599 Floor dimensions: 84.5 x 53.4 inches | Packed size: 5.1 x 18.9 inches | Packed weight: 3.6 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 2,500 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 43.5 inches Best Two-person The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On The North Face Why We Love It: The North Face Storm Break 2 is a tent that maximizes your camping views.What to Consider: This tent is a little on the heavier side for hike-in camping or longer backpacking trips. The North Face Storm Break 2 is an all-around pleaser. Whether you’re car camping or heading out on a short backpacking trip, this freestanding tent makes for a solid companion. It’s easy to set up with a spacious interior, and will keep you dry in wet conditions thanks to the polyurethane coating and fully seam-taped canopy and floor. Two large doors with twin zippers amplify views and make accessing the tent easier for two people. Airflow isn’t an issue with both high and low ventilation built in as well. The Storm Break balances reliability and affordability quite well. “I once guided for a non-profit outfit in Nicaragua, and the Storm Break was a budget-friendly yet reliable tent that we often used,” Purdy says. Price at time of publish: $185 Floor dimensions: 87 x 50 inches | Packed size: 7 x 22 inches | Packed weight: 5.8 pounds | Hydrostatic head rating: 3,000 millimeters︱Maximum internal height: 43 inches Tips for Buying a Tent Consider the material One of the main things to pay attention to when shopping for a tent is the hydrostatic head rating. It sounds super technical, but really it’s just about waterproofing. “This rating measures how much water needs to accumulate before it seeps through the tent material,” explains Purdy. “So a rating of 1,000 millimeters means that the testers had a column of water 1,000 millimeters high before any seeped through the material. Translating that into buying a tent, the higher the hydrostatic head rating is, the more waterproof the tent material is. But beware, the thicker and burlier the material, the heavier the tent.” Choose ventilation wisely A hot and stuffy tent is the last thing you want to deal with when trying to enjoy camping. Waking up in a puddle of sweat can be avoided by buying a tent that has solid air-flow and extra ventilation. “As a large guy who sleeps warm, ventilation is key! Without it, the moisture you exhale all night long will accumulate on the inside surfaces of your tent, and you can wake up with everything inside your tent slightly damp — not a good start to the day,” Purdy says. “So look for tents that have ventilation at the top and bottom of the tent. Having two vent points top and bottom allows the warm air at the top of your tent to escape and be replaced by cold air being pulled in from the bottom vent.” Remember ease of setup Wrestling with various poles, fabric, and stakes can be extremely frustrating when all you want to do is get set-up so you can relish in the outdoor experience and finally relax. Finding a tent with a balance of sturdiness and ease of set-up is key. Usually, practicing at home in your living room or backyard before heading out on your first camping trip with a new tent is a good idea. That way, you’ll have the hang of it when you arrive at your site. “For assembly, freestanding tents tend to be the easiest. These can be set up entirely with their poles and maintain their shape without needing to be staked out. Non-freestanding tents tend to be a little bit more complicated but also [mean] less weight,” says Purdy. Frequently Asked Questions How big of a tent do I need? The tent size you need will depend on what type of camping trip you’ll be using it on and how many people (or dogs) you intend to fit inside. The general rule of thumb is approximately 20 square feet for each person that will be using the tent, however, it really depends on various factors like how many adults versus children, their size, and if you prefer more space or sleeping more tightly packed. Many three-person tents are actually more comfortable for two people and some belongings, however, it is possible to squeeze another person in if necessary. If you’re planning a backpacking trip, weight is crucial, so it’s important to search for lightweight models that can still withstand the elements. Alternatively, if you’re shopping for a tent for use mainly on family car camping trips, you can get something more spacious that fits anywhere from four to 10 people, making it a more comfortable choice. Additionally, if you’re on the taller side, shopping for a tent with a floor length of at least 90 inches is a good rule to follow. How much should I spend on a tent? Like many products, you typically get what you pay for as far as quality, durability, and longevity when purchasing a tent. That being said, it is possible to find a camping tent with excellent value for your money, depending on the features you want. They can range anywhere from around $50 to $3,000 for high-end vehicle rooftop models with things like a rainfly, footprint, waterproof capabilities, and three to four season usage as part of the equation. In general, you can expect to spend somewhere between $100 to $250 on a tent with features that would make most people happy campers, like weather-proofing, dual entrances, ample storage space, ease of setup, and ventilation. It all depends on your preference and how you’ll be using the tent, as well as how often you plan on camping with it. What is a tent footprint? A tent footprint is a piece of fabric the same size as your tent’s floor that you place underneath it to help prevent rips, tears, moisture, etc. “These are sometimes an additional purchase, but I highly, highly recommend them to maximize your tent’s lifespan,” Purdy says. How do I make tents warm and comfortable? Losing sleep because you’re cold and uncomfortable can ruin an otherwise amazing camping trip. In addition to getting a tent for your appropriate ventures and temperature range, Purdy has some tips and tricks you can employ to make your experience comfy and cozy. “First, make sure you also set up your tent’s rainfly (the highly waterproof outer shell). This will help keep the chilly wind out and your body heat in. Second, an inflatable camping mat combined with a good quality sleeping bag goes a long way to keeping you comfortable all night. On very cold nights, you can also fill a Nalgene bottle with warm water and throw it in the bottom of your sleeping bag, this will work wonders for keeping you warm,” he says. How do I clean a tent? As nice as it would be to just tear down your tent and throw it in a bag until next time, exposure to the elements of wind, rain, dirt, etc. need to be taken care of before storing. Otherwise, your tent’s lifespan will be shortened significantly, and you might deal with mold issues. So, how do you clean a tent? “Carefully,” Purdy says. “Always always always read the manufacturer’s instructions as many common cleaners can remove the waterproofing treatment from your tent. Often, a quick rinse with just water is all you need to get the normal dirt off. But after every single trip, always hang your tent to dry even if it doesn’t feel that wet. Storing your tent with just a smidge of dampness can turn that dampness into mold within just a few days.” Why Trust Travel + Leisure Camping enthusiast and travel writer Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience with finding the right tents and camping in various conditions to create this list. In her research to select the best tents for every type of trip, she interviewed professional hiking and backpacking guide Dan Purdy, who works with the well-known company Wildland Trekking. The 8 Best Camping Air Mattresses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? 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