Setting up the tent was probably the most complicated part and therefore the least favorite thing to do when camping.
Fortunately, the new tent technology has helped to improve the way tents are set up and we no longer need to spend hours struggling to pitch a conventional type tent.
Nowadays there are some tents that just pop up when unfolded which means you can set it up in seconds. All you have to do to set up these amazing little tents is to remove them from the bag, untangle the ties and they pop up into the air, ready for use.
Best Pop Up Tents for Camping
- Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent (Editor’s Choice & Best Seller)
- OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop Up Tent (Professional’s Choice)
- Abco Tech Pop Up Tent (Best Value)
- Moon Lence Instant Popup Camping Tent (Best for Family Camping)
- Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds (Best Instant Tent)
1. Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent | Editor’s Choice & Best Seller
- Lightweight camping tent assembles in only 10 seconds
- Preassembled poles pop up into place
- Taped floor seams keep you dry even when the ground is...
- Multi-position rainfly offers the perfect balance of...
- Tent measures 7 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 5 inches with a...
Fancy a 4-person, 3-season tent that can be pitched in under 10 seconds? Then the Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent may be just what you are looking for.
This pop-up tent is ideal for campers who need a lightweight tent that scores high in terms of practicality as well as liveability. While the fast set-up time is undoubtedly its main selling point, it also trumps other four-person pop-up competitors in the market with its roomy dimensions.
This frill-free, functional tent measures an impressive 9′ 2″ x 6′ 6″ with a mighty 3′ 4″ center head height that provides plenty of headroom and ample accommodation for up to 4 adults. It weighs a mere 7.07 pounds making it a good pound or two lighter than most other 4-person tents available on the market.
While the Coleman Pop-Up has a single-layer design that is less waterproof than most 3-season tents, it has more than adequate waterproofing to keep campers dry even in sustained showers.
This easy-to-set-up shelter really comes into its own in warmer weather thanks to the extensive mesh ventilation panels that can be uncovered by rolling back the pre-attached rainfly.
Other handy features include two large storage pockets for personal belongings, storm-proof zippers to seal the opening, large mesh-covered windows, and taped floor seams to avoid water seepage. The flatpack design makes it easy to fit into the carry bag for easy transport.
Specification:
- Material: Polyester, Taffeta
- Special Feature: Lightweight, Pop Up, Rainfly
- Item Weight: 6.41 Pounds
- Shape: Round
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Lightweight enough for use as a backpacking tent
- Quick set up within ten seconds
- Multiple ventilation gaps
- Plenty of room for four campers
- Double doors and 2 large windows
- Liable to leak in prolonged, heavy rain
- No vestibules
2. OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop Up Tent | Professional’s Choice
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The OT Qomotop 4-Person Pop-Up tent is a great choice for campers who are looking for a shelter with premium features.
This great tent measures 9.5′ x 7′ x 50″ that offers plenty of room to easily fit a queen-size air bed as well as all your belongings. The 50-inch center height allows you to sit up comfortably without your head touching the roof.
4 Mesh windows and a duo of roof vents provide excellent airflow for good breathability and reduces condensation caused by temperature fluctuations outside and inside the tent during the night. The windows can be zipped and unzipped from inside the tent which means you don’t have to leave the tent to close the windows from the outside when it starts to rain.
This instant pop-up rainproof and windproof tent has taped seams for 100% waterproofing even in heavy rain. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand winds of up to 35mph when properly fixed with pegs and guyropes. The OT Qomotop comes in a choice of blue or brown.
Specification:
- Special Feature: Windproof, Waterproof, Pop Up
- Item Weight: 9.7 Pounds
- Shape: Round
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Spacious
- 2 doors, 4 windows, and 2 roof vents for superior ventilation
- 2 gear pockets for storage of personal items
- Robust construction to resist winds of up to 35mph when properly pegged down
- Access port for an electrical power cord
- A bit expensive.
3. Abco Tech Pop Up Tent | Best Value
- Effortless camping – Pops open in the blink of an eye into...
- Double doors – With double doors on both the left and...
- High breathability– a mesh window on both the front and...
- Carry bag & accessories – Comes with a carry bag that's...
- Guarantee – With our 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee...
The next pop-up tent on our list is the Abco Tech 2-Person Instant Pop-Up Portable Tent. This great summer tent is not very roomy but has space for 2 people. You can fit 2 sleeping bags in at a pinch but it is not big enough for a queen-size airbed. As it does not have a good length, really tall campers may find it difficult to stretch out comfortably.
This ready-to-use shelter pops up effortlessly and is ideal for casual camping. It folds up easily into a compact form for easy transportation.
The Abco has double doors on each side and small mesh windows on both the front and back of the tent. The windows can’t be opened – instead, the external covers have to be rolled up to allow air and some sunshine to enter. The convenience of an inner zipped screen combined with solid nylon flaps allows you to switch easily between high ventilation and complete privacy.
Made from waterproof polyester material with UV protection the Abco Tech provides adequate shelter from the elements. The carry bag is ideal for carrying which means you don’t have to fit it into your backpack. It also has a small additional bag for personal items. The tent folds down into a compact size which makes it easy to store at home.
Specification:
- Material: Nylon
- Special Feature: Water-Resistant, Portable, Pop Up, UVProtection
- Item Weight: 3.7 Pounds
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Maximum Height: 37.4 Inches
- 2 doors
- 2 small mesh windows
- Folds down into a compact size
- Carry bag included
- Not designed for very tall people
- Not very water-resistant
4. Moon Lence Instant Popup Camping Tent | Best for Family Camping
- Roomy 4-5 Person Tent: With the unfolding size of...
- Breathable & Stable: 4 Large mesh windows and 1D-shaped...
- All-round protection: 190T PU material and 210D Oxford...
- Easy to Setup：Instant Pop up Mechanism makes you set up...
The Moon Lence 4 – 5 person Pop-Up tent is ideal for family camping. Weighing in at a ponderous 10.25 pounds, it is worth its weight as it offers campers an awesome 90 square feet of interior space with a generous center peak of 53 inches.
The one thing that impresses everyone who has bought this tent is how easy it is to set up and take down with the instant pop-up mechanism.
This robust waterproof and windproof tent is a 3-season shelter that will protect campers in most weather conditions. Made from 190T PU fabric it boasts a 210D Oxford groundsheet with solid UV resistance and an impressive hydrostatic head rating of 2000mm. If the weather takes a bad turn, this 100% polyester waterproof, windproof shelter will provide all-around protection to ensure you are kept dry and comfortable.
Dual zippers allow the large entry door to be unzipped and held back with toggles. Four large mesh windows provide superb ventilation that can be tailored to match weather conditions.
Interior wall pockets keep items stored safely and off the floor. A cool feature is a lantern hook to create a cozy atmosphere outside, ideal for activities like a nighttime card game.
Specification:
- Material: Polyurethane
- Special Feature: Water-Resistant, Portable, Windproof, Waterproof, Lightweight, Pop Up
- Item Weight: 10.25 Pounds
- Shape: Round
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Pole Material Type: Fiberglass
- Instant Pop-Up Mechanism sets the tent up in one minute
- Waterproof and Windproof Protection
- Sturdy frame
- Spacious enough for 4 – 5 persons
- On the heavy side
5. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds | Best Instant 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
The Easy set-up Coleman Cabin Tent is a great option for campers looking for a super-simple set-up option. This tent can be pitched and ready for use in less than ten minutes without help which is impressive considering its size. Technically it can’t really be called a pop-up tent although the main part does set up in 60 seconds.
Because of the cabin design, it is essentially a tent and not a dome. Considering its 6′ 7″ center height, it means you can stand upright inside without bumping your head.
The Coleman Cabin tent comes in different sizes including 4, 6, or 10-person options, which means you can choose the one that suits you best. The largest 10-person option features awesome Dark Room technology that helps to repel up to 90% of sunlight, allowing you to sleep well past sunrise. It also has room dividers for privacy and is large enough to fit 4 queen-size airbeds or 10 sleeping bags.
The waterproof exterior of this tent has welded corners for extra protection from rain and wind. The rainfly accessory allows you to crack open the windows for airflow during a downpour without getting wet. Inside store pouches keep your gear safely stowed away and off the floor.
Specification:
- Material: Polyester, Polyethylene, Steel, Fabric
- Special Feature: Rainfly
- Item Weight: 18 Pounds
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Pole Material Type: Steel
- 3 Different sizes to choose from
- Waterproof and wind-resistant protection
- Large interior space and high headspace
- Only the largest 10-person option has dividers for privacy
Buying Guide
Instant Tents Vs. Pop Up Tents
Pop Up Tents
The true pop-up tents pop open once removed from their bag after giving the tent a brief shake. The poles are pre-attached and in the correct place, so you won’t need to connect them or extend them. If you are looking for the easiest and quickest tent to set up, then the true pop-up tent is the right choice for you.
The drawback of these tent types is that they do have a couple of quirks or flaws. Since the design needs to be simple so that they can pop open, they usually do not come with compartments for storage or porches. They are also not that great when it comes to keeping the rain out.
Instant Tents
These tents also fall under the category of pop-up tents, but they do not pop open. The poles are already in the right place, but setting up the tent still involves attaching the pole joints to provide the tent with its structure.
While these tents are not completely instant when compared to the true pop-up tents, they are still very simple and easy and should not take longer than a few minutes to assemble. The instant tent models are also available in a lot more sizes, ranging from small to large. They are also more practical when it comes to waterproofing and storage.
Size and Weight
Tents are usually classified by the number of adults that can sleep in them, which is why you will commonly see tents listed as 2-person. 4-person, 8-person, and more. This can be accurate at times, but in most cases, it represents how many adults can sleep in the tent at the absolute maximum.
If you plan to camp for more than a night or two, it is better to choose the tents with a larger capacity than you actually need. For example, a 4-person tent will provide 2 adults with more than enough room to sleep comfortably and extra space to store their camping gear.
If you plan to camp with your kids, you may want to think about 2 separate 2-person pop-up tents. This will provide enough space for you and the kids. Children also love the pop-up tents since they can erect the tent on their own, and it can also be used as a fun structure to play games in when you are at home in your backyard.
Check the pack size and weight of a tent before you decide to buy. If you are carrying your tent in a backpack when you go hiking or to a large festival, look for the models that weigh under 5 kilos. If you decide to go camping in your car, then the weight is not that important.
The best type of pop-up tent will neatly fold down, which makes them easy to store in your trunk or at home. The tents that fold down into circular carry cases can easily slot under your bed, while the models that fold into rectangular shapes are a better option to carry in your backpack.
Shape
Tents come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and each one has its own set of pros and cons. The tent shape often has an important impact on how it performs in various conditions, as well as how convenient and practical it is going to be for the user. When it comes to pop-up tents, here is a list of the most common shapes:
Dome
The dome-style tents are the most popular shape for an easy-up tent since the configuration of the pole offers an easy way to set it up. The pop-up, dome-style tents usually fold down into a compact, small bundle for simple transportation. They also weigh less when compared to cabin or geodesic tents.
However, this design is best for 6 or fewer people. This has to do with the fact that the larger dome tents are less stable when it comes to withstanding strong winds.
Geodesic
These are tents are an upgraded version of a dome tent that uses additional poles that provide more stability. This shape is more suitable for backcountry, exposed terrain (or the environments where you may be exposed to high winds. It also means that these tents are slightly heavier.
Cabin
The cabin-style tent features a design that allows for more people. There are various pop-up tents available in this particular style. They are not as easy to assemble as a dome-style tent, but most of the models shouldn’t take longer than a minute to erect.
Materials
You should be aware that you will have to make a few trade-offs when it comes to choosing the material for a pop-up tent.
For instance, canvas heavy-duty tents are much heavier when compared to nylon tents. But, they are a lot more breathable, and retain warmth better, keeping you warmer in cold weather or cooler when the temperatures start to climb.
Many of the pop-up tent styles are usually made from polyester and nylon, which keeps the cost and weight down. This means they aren’t as durable or reliable when compared to cotton canvas.
Look for the tents that come with a UV coating. This will protect the tent from the harmful rays of the sun, and it won’t add any extra weight.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is vital in any type of tent, so there should be no exception when it comes to this feature.
Since pop-up tents are mainly used over the warmer months, it is important that you choose a tent that allows plenty of air to circulate through. A stuffy and hot tent is terrible, and restricted airflow often leads to condensation.
Before you choose a tent, find the models with ventilation flaps and large windows. It is also important to make sure the windows have mesh screen coverings, to allow air into the tent while keeping the bugs out.
Weatherproof Capabilities
You won’t want a lot or a little wind and rain to ruin your perfect camping trip. This is why you should be choosing a pop-up tent that is weatherproof, providing both solid waterproofing and wind resistance.
The wind resistance of a tent comes down to the actual design and the pole types (reinforced aluminum poles are the best), while the water resistance will depend on several factors.
The tent fabric plays a role and should feature a minimum of 1,200mm (hydrostatic head rating), especially when you plan on camping in wet conditions. Since the floors of tents are more susceptible to leaks, the lowest hydrostatic head rating we recommend should be 2,000mm (especially if you are not using a groundsheet).
Other features that affect the waterproofing capabilities of the tent include sealed or inverted seams which will stop water from leaking through the stitched points. Also, look for storm flaps over the zippers.
Easy Setup and Packing Up
The main aim of the top-rated pop-up tents is to do away with the hassle of having to pitch your tent. Some of the pop-up styles will require undoing a few straps or other steps to get the tent fully erected. But in most cases, it shouldn’t take more than a minute, if the tent is labeled “pop-up”.
Things may vary more when you pack the tent down, with some simple and quick, and others a bit more labor-intensive to squeeze the structure back into the correct shape. We suggest going over the instruction guide or watching a YouTube tutorial before you take your tent down. We also suggest testing the tent out at home before you head out for your next camping trip.
The pop-up tent is a “standalone tent” which means once they are set up you can use them immediately. We still suggest pegging down the guy ropes and corners, if you are worried about windy conditions.
- Coleman Dark Room Skydome Camping Tent Review - August 7, 2021
- Moon Lence Instant Pop Up Camping Tent Review - August 7, 2021
- Ozark Trail 10 Person 2 Room Cabin Camping Tent Review - August 6, 2021
Last update on 2022-05-30 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API