Camping fans enjoy going on a camping getaway with both friends and family. That is just one reason that camping with a four-man tent is better than doing it with a single-man or two-man tent. You want to have room for everyone to sleep comfortably and move around in easily! You also need enough room to store everyone’s gear.
Maybe you were the type of camper who assumed you always had a tent with plenty of space. But that was back in the days when it was you camping alone. Now you have a family that is growing. You need something with more spaciousness.
If this sounds like you, you probably need a little help finding the perfect family-sized or four-person tent. We have done the research for you. We now provide you with a list of the top-rated four-person tents that we recommend buying today.
Best 4 Person Tents for Camping
- Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent (Editor’s Choice & Best Seller)
- Coleman 4-Person Cabin Tent with Instant Setup (Cabin Tent for Camping Sets Up in 60 Seconds)
- Coleman 2000018289 Tent 9X7 Hooligan 4P
- Suisse Sport Yosemite
- ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
- ALPHA CAMP 4 Person Dome Tent for Camping Easy Setup Tent with Foot Mat (Best Value)
- CORE Equipment 4 Person Instant Dome Tent
- NTK INDY GT 4 to 5 Person 12.2 by 8 Foot Outdoor Dome Family Camping Tent 100% Waterproof 2500mm
- Kelty Trail Ridge 4 Tent with Footprint – 4 Person (Professional’s Choice)
- Eureka! Copper Canyon 4 Four-Person, Three-Season Camping Tent
1. Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent | Editor’s Choice & Best Seller
- Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move...
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted...
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center height
One of the biggest names in camping gear is Coleman. They offer the Coleman Sundome tent and it is among the greatest two-season tents sold on the market. It is three pounds, so this is a very lightweight tent which is easy to carry any place that you need it. You can set it up quickly and take it down fast. It comes with a carry bag so that you can pack it with you in the car or SUV easily.
It features WeatherTec technology which lets it stand out from other two-season tents. Coleman’s special technology keeps the tent extra waterproof. Seams are inverted so they hide needle holes from rain. The floor is also waterproof and is made using a welding-inspired design. The fiberglass poles are freestanding and will stand up to winds of 35 mph.
It does have a small storage compartment, however. It can only hold a wallet, keys and maybe a flashlight.
- Its WeatherTec technology is great when it rains. You stay dry even while sleeping on the floor.
- The tent is so lightweight that even the kids can carry it without a problem.
- The tent has large windows which offer superior ventilation. There is a ground vent, too, that allows the warm air to keep moving upwards so that you feel comfortable even in the hot months.
- This tent is easy to set up. It only takes about ten minutes.
- It is not well insulated and is not great for camping in the fall or when the weather is colder.
- It only handles light breezes and not heavy winds.
2. Coleman 4-Person Cabin Tent with Instant Setup | Cabin Tent for Camping Sets Up in 60 Seconds | Best 4 Person Cabin Tent
- Weatherproof: Welded corners and inverted seams keep water...
- Built to last: Double-thick fabric stands up to the elements...
- Instant setup: In as fast as 1 minute
- Roomy interior: 8 x 7 feet with 4 feet 11 inch center...
- 1-year limited warranty
This tent is great for anyone needing a large tent with great features to make your outdoor journeys even better. The Instant Tent is a four-person tent with plenty of benefits. It is large, affordable and it is perfect for any outdoor lover who wants to buy something on a budget.
This four-person instant tent has a door at the center of the tent and a good rainfly system that allows both privacy on the inside of the tent as well as good weather protection. This tent also comes with a Weather Tec system that will help keep the water from getting into the tent. Everyone will stay protected and dry when inside this comfortable tent.
This tent has nice windows so everyone in the family can get a chance to enjoy the view outside while sitting or lying safely inside. It has taped fly seams to provide greater protection and to keep water and wind out.
This is such a large tent it can hold a queen-sized mattress and still have additional space. There is plenty of room for everyone to stay comfortable and be safe and dry from the elements. You get lots of benefits for a tent that comes with a small price.
- Large and spacious
- Great weather protection
- Generously sized windows
- It only has one door
3. Coleman 2000018289 Tent 9X7 Hooligan 4P
- Lightweight outdoor tent designed for backpacking
- 9-foot x 7-foot interior with covered vestibule fits up to 4...
- Fast 10-minute setup with snag-free continuous pole sleeves,...
- WeatherTec system and full rainfly keep interior dry and...
- Full mesh interior for better airflow
This is another one by Coleman that is perfect for the family because of its roominess. Protect everyone inside during all kinds of weather with its polyester fly coating of 450mm. It surrounds the tent and protects everything inside from harsh heat and the elements.
The exterior is totally waterproof and you get additional storage in the vestibule. You also get space to hold your gear with this tent, so the sleeping area is left just for sleeping.
One other feature of the Hooligan is the waterproof bathtub base. The tent is lightweight as well. It has decent ventilation, so the tent stays cool even when the temperature outside heats up. The vents will also let breezes in while keeping bugs out.
It has many benefits considering its affordable price. It offers terrific protection from the weather, it is waterproof, and it has a decent size both on the outside and the inside. This can accommodate a tall person quite easily. Set up is fast and easy.
- Affordable for all the features it has
- Good protection from the elements
- Plenty of space
- Strong winds can snap the tent poles and cause the walls to cave
4. Suisse Sport Yosemite
- Yosemite tent from Suisse Sport, 2 room Dome style tent that...
- Removable divider splits the tent into 2 rooms
- Double D door for easy entry and exit
- 3 mesh zippered windows and mesh ceiling
- Tent dimensions: 10 x 6 x 8 feet (w x H x D); tent weight:...
This one is a great option for any family of four. You get a good-sized tent with plenty of space and a good amount of comfort. The Suisse Sport Yosemite Dome is so large that you can stand up in it and move freely once it has been set up.
The Suisse Sport Yosemite Dome Tent features a screened porch which can also be converted to create a two-room space. The tent is also water resistant and it has a strong frame with durable seams along the fabric.
Setting up the Suisse Sport Yosemite Dome Tent is quick and easy. You can have it up and ready to go in just under 10 minutes. The double door makes it easy to let everyone in and out without hassles.
Besides the double door, the Suisse Sport’s Yosemite Dome has zipper windows with mesh. These can zip open to let in the fresh air and a breeze, or they can be zipped up to keep out the rain. This tent is large considering the price. It has plenty of features, and space so it is a terrific bargain for the family that wants to camp together.
- Huge size
- Two-room feature
- Weatherproof
- Easy to put together
- Needs to come in more colors
5. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
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This four-person tent from Alps Mountaineering is extremely durable. The Taurus Tent is also easy to pack. It is known for being easy to set up with its color-coded poles. The Taurus is also known for being one of the best at offering protection from the elements.
It has two vestibules. This makes it easier to store your gear outside. It features two generously sized doors for moving in and out of the tent. It is large enough to stand up in and move around in comfortably.
The Taurus is great for camping in harsh climates. It is, however, only a three-season tent. It can take more of a beating than the other tents already listed, and it is great for investing in if you plan to camp where the weather is unpredictable.
- Easy to set up
- 2 vestibules
- Factory-sealed, durable seams
- Zipper-mesh windows
- It should be used with a tarp underneath the base
- Windows are made from thin plastic
6. ALPHA CAMP 4 Person Dome Tent for Camping Easy Setup Tent with Foot Mat | Best Value
- Ventilation＆Protection - 3 zippered windows and a ground...
- Easy Assembly: Easy setup in only 5 minutes, with the...
- Multiple Function: Side pockets＆one large overhead mesh...
- Dimensions: 9'L x 7' x 59"H. Spacious room for 4 adults or a...
- 2 years guarantee: We try to make camping tents as good as...
This is another choice that has an easy setup. When you have in mind a lightweight, two-season tent that isn’t going to cost you the earth, this could be the one for you. Granted, it doesn’t get top marks on the durable front, however, for occasional camping use when the weather is fine and rainfall is light it can work very well indeed. It’s also got a great price tag if you need to shop on a budget.
The rainfly and mud mat give various levels of protection for the tent to keep everyone dry and comfortable while they are inside. In fact, the mud mat sets this tent apart from others which are within the same category. It means that you won’t bring dirt into your tent every time you come into it; a real plus.
The amount of mesh material the tent has also makes it unique within its range. This means that the tent is highly ventilated making it a good choice for summer use when the temperature can get rather high and stuffy. It also provides a great base for stargazing.
- It looks good and is available in a choice of colors
- It has a PU coating which repels water
- The tent does not fade easily thanks to the PU coating being anti-UV
- The poles are fiberglass so don’t give a lot of support in the wind
- The only mesh is on the door so there isn’t great ventilation.
7. CORE Equipment 4 Person Instant Dome Tent
- Instant 30 second setup; sleeps 4 people; fits one queen air...
- Core H20 block technology and adjustable ground vent
- Features gear loft with lantern hook and pockets to keep...
- Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not...
- Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
If you are all about a tent that boasts excellent quality, this could be a good choice for you. The tent is 100% polyester and has an abundance of features that are well worthy of your consideration. The craftsmanship that has gone behind the manufacturing of this tent makes it a choice that is sure to please. For instance, the inverted, taped seams make it unique compared to others in the same price range and of the same size.
An excellent feature that this tent offers is the gear loft. Most tents in this range have a small mesh compartment (like Amazon Basics tent), however, this one has a loft which is a great size and can mean that you free up floor space for use. If you tend to bring a lot of gear with you that needs to stay inside the tent, this feature could make it a very attractive choice. However, the tent is rather on the heavy side in comparison to others. If you plan to go backpacking it may not be the ideal choice for you.
- It will only take you around 30 seconds to erect the tent or take it down.
- Water is repelled thanks to the exclusive H2O Block technology used by this tent.
- Ventilation is good due to the numerous mesh panels.
- There is plenty of storage and a hook for hanging a lantern.
- The zipper is difficult to use and gets jammed easily under the cover.
- The legs can be tricky to snap into place and require a fair amount of effort.
8. NTK INDY GT 4 to 5 Person 12.2 by 8 Foot Outdoor Dome Family Camping Tent 100% Waterproof 2500mm | Best 4-5 Person Tent
- DESIGNED FOR QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY – The INDY 4- 5 person...
- DOUBLE LAYER FULL COVERAGE RAINFLY – 100% waterproof 190T...
- THICK NANO-FLEX TECHNOLOGY FRAME – Extra thick Nano-flex...
- BREATHABLE MICRO-MESH – Ultra-thin polyester micro-mesh...
- HEAVY DUTY FLOOR MATERIAL – Seamless, polyethylene with a...
This tent choice is spacious and allows up to 4 or 5 people inside.
The tent gives a good spacious environment to stand. In addition, there is a screened porch which can transform the tent into two big rooms. The seams are durable and the frame is sturdy and water resistant.
Tent prep will only take around 10 minutes.
Entry and exit arer easy with the two doors and doesn’t pose any problems regardless of height. The windows can be zipped fairly easily and have a mesh zipper design.
- The tent is large compared to others in the same price range.
- The tent gives a good space for people to walk around in.
- The two doors provide good entry and exit.
- The room dividing options can keep rooms warmer.
- The poles are weak.
9. Kelty Trail Ridge 4 Tent with Footprint – 4 Person | Professional’s Choice
- The Trail Ridge 4 has steep walls to create a roomy...
- Stargazing Fly rolls up for unobstructed views yet clips...
- Tent cube designed to pack easily and save space inside of...
- Features: stargazing fly, compact poles, carry cube bag,...
- Seasons: 3, Capacity: 4 Person, Number of doors: 2, Number...
This 4 person tent is great for car camping. With two doors and spacious floor, there is plenty of ventilation, making it a quality choice. The Kelty Trail Ridge also has a retractable stargazing fly so that you are able to roll back the rain fly.
This has to be among the finest car camping tents on the market. However, for backpacking, it would likely be too heavy. Considering the weight as well as the price tag, it’s my opinion that other hybrid tents that come in at the same price are lighter. However, if you want this for car camping only, it could work perfectly.
- An excellent rain fly system
- Good use of mesh
- Stargazing fly option
- Two good size doors for entry and exit
- Rather pricey for a car camping tent
10. Eureka! Copper Canyon 4 Four-Person, Three-Season Camping Tent
- Relax in cabin-like comfort with the Eureka! Copper Canyon 4...
- Near-vertical walls in this cabin-style tent create a...
- Outlast rain and wind storms with the durable...
- Eureka!'s zippered E! Power Port allows you to bring an...
- Two high-stash storage pockets and a gear loft keep...
This average-priced choice comes with a massive plus; the size is great so it is ideal for people who love the outdoors and love to have space in their living quarters. In addition, the tend it durable and works well in three seasons, hence the space provided, as well as the weather protection delivered on, means it is a popular choice.
The inside of the tent is roomy so families with children will be able to enjoy their time ‘indoors’. There is also a full mesh roof so ventilation is excellent, even when the rain fly needs to be used if the weather turns sour.
This tent is great on the water-resistant front and has windows and doors that zip up tightly to keep the interior dry. However, the rain fly is a little on the small side for full protection, even so, the tent is an excellent choice within this price range.
The Eureka Copper Canyon has certical tent walls, steel poles and polyester fabric and fiberglass design. The guy lines help to keep the tent feeling sturdy, even when the weather whips up.
- Great on the weather protection front
- Provides ample space
- Has a full mesh roof
- The rain fly is a little small.
More Products (Our Rating: 4 Stars)
- Weatherproof: Welded corners and inverted seams keep water...
- Conventional pitch: Sets up in 15 minutes
- Bug-free lounging: 10 x 5 feet full-floor screen room
- Roomy interior: 10 x 9 feet with 5 feet 8 inch center...
- Carry bag: Included for easy storage
- Packaged Weight:8 lb 10 oz
- Easy to set up
- Continuous pole sleeve
- Freestanding
- Fully Seam taped construction
- Minimum weight is 2.67 kg/5 lb. 15 oz.; Fast & Light option...
- Head and elbow room throughout tent; two large side-entry...
- Two large StayDry doors door with built-in rain gutters;...
- Unified hub-and-pole system with color-coded clips;...
- AWARD-WINNING COMFORT - Based on the features of our...
- A BETTER SHELTER - It’s not all about the volume; 2 large,...
- ULTRALIGHT STRENGTH - 4-way, high-volume hub design...
- BELLS & WHISTLES - Storm flaps on both vestibule zippers;...
- WARRANTY & SPECS (4P) - All Big Agnes products are...
- Dome-style, 3-season, 4-person camping tent; Ideal for...
- Durable and water resistant with coated-polyester fabric and...
- Removable rainfly; cool-air port for fresh airflow; interior...
- Shock-corded poles; Storage bag for tent, poles, and stakes
- Measures 9 x 7 (LxW) feet with 59-inch center height for...
Reasons to Use a 4 Person Tent Opposed to the Smaller Ones
The 4 person tents are suggested for couples and even for single people that require shelter when outdoors. These tents provide enough space for a comfortable sleeping space along with the ability to accommodate cots or air mats inside the tent. There is also enough space to store equipment, gear, and clothes to help keep all the camping items protected and dry from elements such as rain and wind. The smaller tents might be more compact and lighter, yet they fail to provide the space and features required to move comfortably once inside the tent.
Buying Guide
The winter or summer tents are common and easier to find, while the 4 Season tents are slightly more intricate. Now that we have provided our top selections on the best tents, here are some of the features we used in order to track these tents down. We also received a bit of expert advice and guidance, yet we still conducted some of the legwork. Here are features you need to take into account when choosing any type of tent which of course includes the 4 season tents when it comes to backpacking, hiking, and camping:
Seasonality
Depending on what you prefer when you camp, the 4 Season tents provide a lot more choices in association with different weather conditions that you plan to use the tent in. Most people prefer camping trips in warm weather, which is great. However, there are just as many campers that require the tents that are able to withstand snow, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.
The tents that are made for warm weather (1-2 season), feature fewer poles, lighter materials, along with more mesh panels which allow for the free flow of air to make sure you feel comfortable when trying to sleep in hot and humid weather. These tents will also generally provide protection from light rain, but you won’t stay dry when there is rain for days on end. These tents are also the most affordable option and are the type of tent that satisfies many users.
You could also choose the 3-season tent, and there are even a few of these listed in the review we provided. These tents provide a greater degree of protection and reliability. You can also use these tents from the early part of spring to the late fall. This type of tent is typically fully waterproof, and the frames are stronger with thicker materials which provide improved protection. The full-length rainfly is one of the common accessories that come with these tents. You are also able to remove this item when it is not needed. These tents provide a healthy balance and many agree they are the better choice when it comes to versatility when you need a tent that you are able to use through most of the year.
The 4-season tent, on the other hand, is a much tougher product that has the ability to withstand heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. This type of tent is commonly used by the Mountaineers, and you might not really need one of these tents if you are just a regular type of camper. The strength of these tents do not make them heavy, and in fact, there are many models which are extremely lightweight. However, due to the design and the materials used, they do usually cost a lot more than the standard tents. Additionally, they also often feature less ventilation and they are not very comfortable to use in warmer weather.
The Tent Type
The type of tent will be the first thing that you need to consider before you buy a new tent. The correct type usually makes a significant difference which will depend on what reason you are planning to use it for. To provide a better understanding of each type, we have provided more information on each category:
1. A-Frame
The A-frame tents are the more common options currently available. This is also an older model which basically features a frame that is rigid using a cover over it. These tents have high arches and they are designed specifically to counteract effects caused by rain. They are very basic and the set-up process is simple, yet they can result in headroom issues. These tents are well-known for space that is lacking once inside the tent.
2. Dome
The dome tents are a type that is increasing in popularity. These tents use only 2 poles, which makes the setup process easy and the tent lightweight. The shape of the tent provides slightly more headroom, and it packs up into a small size. Unfortunately, the bigger dome tents are lacking when it comes to stability and they are known for gathering water and snow if you do not use a rainfly.
3. Tunnel Tent
These tents are somewhat similar to the dome tents, yet they usually only feature one entrance. They are also slightly longer and provide more comfortable sleeping areas along with more packing space and headroom. These tents are also usually bigger in comparison to the dome tents, which also makes them heavier.
4. Geodesic Tents
The Geodesic tents can be explained as the upgraded version of a dome tent. These come with more poles, additional stability and they are generally relatively solid and secure once they are set up correctly. These tents do cost more, especially for beginners. They also take a bit of skill and time in order to set up.
5. Cabin Tent
If you prefer camping with your family, then a cabin tent might be better options. These tents come in season-specific onto 4-season designs. They also have a lot more room. These tents are taller and are the ideal choice when camping with airbeds, camping cots and to store gear. Unfortunately, this space is also linked with more weight which might not be ideal when you have to carry the tent over long distances.
6. Pyramid Tent
The last tent includes the pyramid tents which are regarded as the best type of backpacking tents. These are more complex when it comes to the setup, but they are also extremely lightweight. These tents were designed on fundamental basics associated with shelters that were used by the Native Americans.
7. Pop-Up Tent
Still one of my favorites, these tents are also a good choice for backpacking and camping. If you prefer to travel very light, then a pop-up tent may be your best option as you won’t need extra poles. However, the drawback about these tents is that they do not provide very high levels of stability when compared to the others on this list.
The 4-season tent is available in each of these categories. However, the Geodesic and Dome tents are still the preferable options when it comes to the 4-season tents. Regardless of the type, you end up choosing, you need to ensure that the tent is durable and can withstand long-term use.
The Materials
The materials is another important factor and you may have noticed that all these tents are made from polyester fabrics. The use of RipStop technology is what improves the overall durability of these tents and the ability to camp in adverse weather conditions. When it comes to mesh, nylon happens to be the more suitable material. This is because nylon is breathable, as this mesh offers a function that is similar to a cool shirt made for workouts.
One of the other important aspects when it comes to materials include the poles. When looking at the different tents you will notice that most models come with included poles that have to be set up with the frame. Aluminum is one of the more common choices due to durability, yet fiberglass is much lighter and just as strong. If you don’t mind spending a bit extra on your tent, carbon fiber offers the most superior option. Here is more information about the metal types used for these poles:
Aluminum
This is one of the more common materials that are used for tent poles. They are affordable, lightweight and provide decent durability. If you can look out for aircraft-grade aluminum, as the durability is better.
Fiberglass
These are the better poles when you are looking for flexibility. These are also easier to replace, yet they can split or crack when they are placed under an excessive amount of pressure or stress. These are tent poles used for the tougher conditions, yet also work very well for standard camping tents.
Carbon Fiber
These are the most superior option when it comes to tent poles. They are extremely lightweight and offer the highest durability rating. The downside has to do with the price, and this is the reason why many campers don’t choose them. It is also harder to find a replacement.
Pole Alternatives
The pole alternatives include anything that you can find in nature to help you keep your tent upright. If your tent does not feature poles, you need to look at ropes that are included to offer you with durability. This is only the case when you use a pop-up tent.
Weight
The best 4 season tents are used for other purposes in addition to camping. This type of tent is also great for backpacking. When choosing your tent, always take the weight into account. If you are a backpacker make sure you stay under 8-pounds. For camping, there are generally no weight limits. If you enjoy camping with your family, some of these tents can weigh as much as 20 pounds.
It is also important to not sacrifice your durability for tents that weigh less. For example, if the tent features the right materials yet the poles are made from steel, it may be in your best interests to carry on looking for a more suitable option. Yet if you plan to camp in an area where you need more stability and durability, the steel poles are a better choice.
The Length of The Tent Floor
If you are over 6 feet in height, or when you prefer more than enough space, look at the floor-length tents of 90 inches opposed to the standard 84 to 88 inches.
Peak Height
If you prefer the ability to stand when you are getting dressed or you enjoy the space and air that high ceiling provides, look for the tents with the high-peak heights.
The cabin style tents feature close-to-vertical walls which offer the opportunity to benefit from a more manageable space and the peak height of the tent.
The dome style tents provide exceptional strength along with wind-shedding characteristics, which is the most practical choice when camping in stormy weather. In the center, these tents stand high, but the walls are sloped which decreases the overall space inside the tent.
The Tent Doors
When you choose a tent, consider how many doors the tent should have and the shape and orientation. If you are camping with 3 to 4 people more than one door can assist in avoiding having to climb over each other when one or more people need to get out of the tent for a bathroom break.
The cabin style tents are one of the better options in this case. It is also important to find out how noisy or easy the tent doors are to close and open. The YKK zippers along the tent doors usually resist snagging or breaking a lot better in comparison to others.
Resistance to Weather
When you purchase a tent, you probably expect that it will provide you with the necessary shelter, and not just an area to sleep in. Protection from light rain and a bit of wind is a feature that every tent should provide. This is usually determined by what type of fabric was used to make the tent, along with the overall shape and design. The Hydrostatic Heat rating is typically used for showing how waterproof the tent is, and this number is represented in millimeters. The higher the number the more waterproof the fabric will be.
Another important factor includes wind resistance, especially when you plan to camp in open areas. The frame of the tent should be able to handle exposure to the wind without falling over or experiencing a permanent deformation. Yet it is usually not necessary to look for top performance frames when it comes to a regular camping trip. The frame is good enough if it stays standing when the wind progresses past a slight breeze. You should always stake the tent and use the guylines to ensure your tent remains stable. This will also reduce the likelihood of the tent blowing away if a strong wind picks up. Some of the tents which are typically made using polyester will also provide UV protection. This helps to filter out the UV rays which makes your tent a safe environment when you need to get away from the sun.
The seams on a tent in some cases can become the weak spot. Water or moisture can enter your tent through these holes. This is a good reason to look for the tents that come with welded or sealed seams. You can also choose to spend a bit more money on a seam-sealer and then cover every seam before you decide to go camping.
Ventilation
Weather resistance includes more than just the ability to withstand rain or wind, the summer months which are usually very hot and humid are also linked to their own set of challenges. The tents that become muggy and very hot during the night is just as bad as tent soaked by the rain. In either situation, you probably won’t get a very good night sleep. In order for your tent to perform the way it should, it also requires a good degree of ventilation. Look for the tents that come with enough mesh. While too much mesh may impact on your privacy when the rainfly is off, an increase in the airflow is definitely worth sacrificing a bit on your privacy levels.
If the need arises to use the rainfly, it should come with roof vents which will assist with expelling the heat and the moisture from everyone breathing in the tent. Or look for the tents that allow for a way to roll up each side when the rain is not coming in from the sides to keep all the occupants comfortable.
Comfort
Depending on who will be camping with you, it is also important to consider how comfortable the tent is once set up. Most tents that accommodate 4 people are made to utilize less space, which means they are generally smaller in comparison to the standard camping tent. With these lighter tents, the foot spaces are less, the headroom is less, and the walls are steeply sloped. These tents may be easier to pack, yet the sleeping comfort may not be that great.
If you plan to hike with a tent, then it makes sense that you are trading off the comfort factors for when you plan to sleep at night for a tent that weighs less. However, if you plan to only camp in the same area or you are using your vehicle to move the tent, the heavier tents that provide more comfort is probably a better option. The camping tents typically feature more doors that are better located, improved ventilation and interior spaces that are nicer.
Setup
If you are camping you may be afforded the time to set the campsite up slowly and to erect your tent. However, in some cases, you may have to set up the tent as fast as you can to make sure your campsite is ready in time. It is important to establish how long it will take to set up your tent. This will also give you a better idea of how easy or complex it is to erect the tent, and whether you should practice setting up the tent at home before your next camping adventure.
While the overall setup might take a bit of practice, packing the tent away is usually something that most people struggle with. Similar to most other products it is a simple task to take the tent out of its box, yet not so easy when it comes to packing it away. Once again practicing how to set up and pack away at home will really benefit you when you do decide to go camping.
Add-Ons
When you purchase your tent it may come with a few useful add-ons. For instance, the rainfly is an add-on and when customized for the tent that you have purchased, the set up is relatively easy. However, not every tent is sold with a rainfly, which means you may need to buy one separately, making sure you have taken the measurements of the tent into account. You may want to buy a rainfly which is slightly bigger than your tent which will provide you with more functionality.
A footprint is another useful add-on which can help to keep the floor of the tent dry. Not much is more frustrating or uncomfortable than when the top is dry, yet the floor is soaked through with water. I prefer using my footprint when I go camping in areas that are muddy. This will help to keep your floor clean and dry and making it an easier task to clean the tent afterward.
Loops and Inner Pockets
The lantern loops are typically used from the center of the tent’s ceiling for the purpose of hanging a lantern. Loops on the walls inside the tent are also useful for connecting meshing shelves to keep valuable items away from the floor. Interior pockets can also help to keep the tent more organized.
Guyout Loops
The best tents of high quality also feature exterior loops, which are useful for attaching the guy lines. The guy lines help you to secure your tent without the hassle of flapping fabrics during very strong winds.
Vestibules
A compact cloakroom just before entering the tent is a beneficial feature for the avid campers. Having to take off muddy shoes inside your tent can result in a real mess. At the same time leaving your shoes outside could also be a risk. Vestibules are a type of entrance before the tent entrance. These are floorless, yet offer a cover from the top to help protect gear that you do not want to bring into the tent.
Before you buy a tent that comes with a vestibule, make sure you find out about the headroom space. If the area is big enough to stand in, you could also use this space to cook in. A gas grill is usually a great companion for more comfortable cooking experiences while you camp.
Many of the vestibules also feature a drip-line. This is the areas where water will be carried and then drips onto the ground or floor. Make sure the design of the drip line does not leak close to or into your tent. The addition of a rainfly ensures more control over the drip line which will help to divert the water away from the tent.
Brands
If you have not yet noticed, a product like a tent is very easy to reproduce. There are many cheap brands that sell knock-offs of popular brands at a fraction of the price. While the cheaper versions may seem tempting, in most cases the materials used are not nearly the same. The cheap quality of the materials can make a drastic difference to your tent, costing you more over the long run.
We have conducted thorough research in order to select only reputable brands. These are brands with proven reputations when it comes to providing great value. They are also associated with good customer services to assist you if anything should go wrong with your tent.
Warranty
I think personally that the warranties are closely associated with the brand. Many of the better brands offer the best warranties, showing that they are confident in the products that they are selling. This also affords you the opportunity to test out these products to make sure they will stand up to your requirements. One of the best brands includes ALPS Mountaineering that sells tents that come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Do not be mislead by the 1-year weak warranties from the cheaper brands. Many manufacturers know that most campers will not be using their tents very often, and the cheaper brands use this to their advantage. This is why it is important to find out about the warranty before you decide to buy a tent.
Capacity
This may seem obvious when it comes to a 4 man tent. However. Not every manufacturer is on the same page when it comes to how big an adult really is, meaning that the ground spaces for each tent will be different. They are typically designed for an average sized adult which means under 6ft tall, yet 4 people inside the tent will usually mean there is not much space left for anything else. If you plan to store a lot of gear or you are tall, the 4 person tent will usually work better if there are only 2 or 3 adults sharing the tent. Make sure you take the dimensions into consideration. If you plan to use camping cots or airbeds in the tent, make sure you have taken the measurements to ensure these items will fit comfortably inside the tent.
FAQ
When should I get a 4 person tent?
A four-person tent is built to house four-full grown adults, but this would leave zero room for anything else. It is better to consider a four-person tent a good option for a couple and two small children or maybe three medium-sized adults. Some people think the four-person tent is the best single sleeper because it will be spacious and allow for plenty of room for a bed.
How long does it take to assemble?
This is something you need to know and consider when you are buying the tent. When you arrive at the campsite, you don’t want to be the fumbler who can’t raise the tent with style and panache. So in addition to studying the various options available, be sure to practice pitching the tent in your living room the night before. The good news is that tent manufacturers strive to make this task as fun and easy as possible and most tents can be pitched within 15-minutes with time to spare.
How do I take care of my tent?
Taking good care of your tent will lead to many more camping outings and adventures. You will also avoid having to replace and repair your tent. It begins with setting up, be sure you clear a spot and lay down a tent floor pads can offer further protection from rocks and thorns. Be sure that your tent is completely clan before you wrap it up and store it. Wipe off mud, sweep out the inside and let the fabrics dry completely before putting the tent away.
Which tent is the easiest to set up?
Once you have gotten a bit of practice you will probably find that all tents are fairly easy to set up. But until then, I have always recommended beginner’s start with a dome tent as it has many benefits for smooth and fun camping trips. Many people find the A-Frame easier to set-up and that’s an ok pick as well. But, for an easy set-ups and a hassle free camping experience try the dome tent.
There may be a reason a dome tent is not your favorite pick and you have another tent you really like, that’s fine also. Consider taking the time to pitch the tent in the living room of your home so that you can get it right. Then don’t forget the instructions, you may think you have it down by hart but it’s uncomfortable to be trying to figure it out in the wilderness.
Should I buy a freestanding or non-freestanding tent?
The free standing tent is the type that doesn’t require stakes in the ground to remain upright. These are generally heavier and this is what keeps them solid on the ground. The free standing tent can be used in a greater variety of situations because it doesn’t require the solid ground to drive stakes into for further support.
On the other hand, the non-freestanding versions can be a bit complicated to set up. They will need proper ground locations which can be hard to find if you arrive late to the campsite. But, if the weather looks good and the locations is well-known, a non-freestanding tent will do just fine.
Final Words
The four-person tent is a smart choice for anyone with a love for the outdoors because it provides extensive options for many situations. Your four person tent can provide space for you and a couple others heading out into the wild and makes a formidable addition to your survival gear. Nevertheless, the final choice is yours alone and you must consider the terrain, environments and company you may have on your camping outings. In our review here we provided you with some helpful pointers and clues for choosing a good tent which will serve as a great frame of reference when deciding between any options you are considering. No follow your passion for the outdoors and make the best decision aligned to your adventures.
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Last update on 2022-05-30 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API