24 Best Instant Tents For Camping For 2018

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In this text, I give a list of 24 Best Instant Tents For Camping for 2018, all in the size range 5 – 15 people, with incredibly quick and easy setup, and most of them with truly affordable prices.

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My list of best instant camping tents

 

A few notes before I continue:

• The order in the list is by the floor area from smaller to larger.
• The list includes the instant cabin tents and the instant dome tents. More about cabin-type tents in my separate text, and about instant cabin tents in general please check here.
• Some of the tents are with a screen room, see for example the Ozark Trail 9. About screen rooms please see more in my separate text.
• You also have winter tents for extreme conditions or for cold weather in general, some are with a wood stove included, see the Russian Bear tent.
• Some of the tents are with the dark rest technology, a new trend in the family camping tents industry.
• You also have canvas tents in the list.

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1. Oxley Oztent Lite 5 Fast Frame Family Tent

This beautifully designed tent is here because of its instant setup construction, so the frame is preattached to the tent but the four legs-poles are not telescopic, they just fold like what you have in those small umbrellas. But this is also a very tall tent with no less than 82.7 inches (210 cm) peak height. The tent is freestanding, but being so tall, it is best to stake it down properly, there are plenty of stakes/pegs included in the package.

The overall proportions are nice, so the base is 8.2 x 8.2 ft (250 x 250 cm) and the inner area is 67.2 ft² (6.25 m²). In view of the declared capacity of 5 people, this does not look so great, so it is best to downgrade the number of users to 2 or 3 maximum. The tent is quite heavy, 41.9 lb (19 kg), and this is due to its strong and robust materials.

This is a single room structure with one entry door and 3 windows. All the openings are with mesh and panels so ventilation is good. The waterproof rating is 2000 mm for all the materials.

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2. OzTent 30 Second Expedition Tent RV 5

This 30-second Expedition Tent is here because of its express setup, you can pitch it in under 30 seconds as the name suggests. But this is also a canvas tent. and as such suitable for any weather conditions and for any climate. So I have included it also in my list of cold weather tents.

The official capacity is 5 people, but the area is rather small, only 72 ft² (6.7 m²). The problem with it is its high price (but it is worth the investment) and its packed size which is 78.7 x 15.7 x 7.1 inches (200 x 40 x 18 cm). So you need a big vehicle for this tent or you have to transport it on the roof of the car.

The tent is fully waterproof and built from canvas, only the floor is synthetic. There are windows with mesh and panels on three sides and on the front is the large door and the awning which you can see in the picture. This is also a tall tent with a stand-up height.

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3. Lightspeed Outdoors Mammoth 6 Person Instant Set-Up Tent

 

This instant dome-style tent sets up in seconds with its integrated hub and built-in pole design. This is a single-wall type, so its construction looks like an umbrella. In fact, it sets up like an umbrella, you will see this in the video below, the guy opens it from the inside.

Its wall material is breathable polyester with a very respectable 2000 mm rated PU coating. The floor is a bathtub style, so the seams are high above the ground and you have less chance of leaking from the floor.

It is best that you see this video to see how this great tent works:

Key features

• Very lightweight.
• Good packed size.
• Totally incredible price, around $109. Please check the link for updates.
• Integrated vestibule.
• Vents on the fly and above the floor.
• 1-year limited warranty.

Specifications

• Type: dome-style, freestanding, 3-season.
• Capacity: 6 people.
• Weight: 15 lb (6.8 kg).
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 9.8 x 8.9 x 6.2 ft (299 x 271 x 189 cm).
• Floor area: 87 sq ft (8.1 m²).
• Peak height: 6.2 ft (189 cm).
• Packed size: 43 x 8 in (109 x 20 cm).

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4. Ozark Trail 6-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

This is an incredibly affordable tent in spite of its advanced design which is based on the dark rest technology. So you have dark materials, zippered panels on the roof, plus vinyl windows on the roof. This all is there to allow you regulating the amount of light in the tent and to sleep longer. It also creates a bit cooler atmosphere in the tent. You will see its bigger brother below.

Key features

• Dark-room design.
• Floor vent available.
• 3 windows.
• Freestanding.
• Gear loft included.
• Electrical cord access.
• Vinyl windows on the fly.

Specifications

• Capacity: 6 people.
• Weight: 20 lb (9.07 kg).
• Dimensions: 10 x 9 ft (3.05 x 2.74 m).
• Floor area: 90 ft² (8.36 m²).
• Peak height: 66 in (166 cm)
• Packed size (L x D): 43 x 8 in (109 x 20 cm).

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5. Coleman 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

This is an incredibly affordable tent and with an express setup typical for such a type. It comes with an integrated rain fly, so this is a single-layer design which makes its structure really simple. The tent is built as the cabin-type with huge windows on all sides, and it should be used in mild weather conditions.

Being without a fly, the waterproof panels on the door and on the windows must be closed when it is raining. Observe that it is without a vestibule, just to know, so upscale when it comes to the number of users; although it can accommodate 6 people, ideally this is a tent for 3 – 4 people.

Key features

• Built-in rain fly.
• Single layer design.
• Heavy-duty materials.
• Freestanding tent.
• Huge windows.
• Great price; only around $167 at the moment of writing this text.

Specifications

• Capacity: 6 people.
• Weight: 24.9 lb (11.3 kg).
• Dimensions: 10 x 9 ft (3.05 x 2.74 m).
• Floor area: 90 sq ft (8.4 m²).
• Peak height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m).
• Packed size (L x D): around 48 x 9 in (122 x 23 cm).

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6. Coleman Instant Cabin 6 Tent With Fly

This tent is the same dimensions as the other instant 6-person tent by Coleman, so you have 90 ft² (8.4 m²) of the floor area. But there are differences here. As you realize, there is the fly which is a partial coverage type. But under the fly, the roof structure is different, so here you have a dual hub design as compared with the other tent where this is a central single hub.

The materials are very durable, so you have 150D in the fly and no less than 1000D in the floor. The frame is steel. The price is more than fair for such a construction. Please read more in my full review.

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7. Core Instant Cabin Tent 6 

This is the cabin-type tent, packed with great features and with a great design. It comes with the separate rain fly, and its ceiling is all mesh, so ventilation is great in this tent. The huge windows, as expected, make it a very livable tool. It is freestanding, but to be completely sure, it is best to stake the fly as the picture shows.

Similar to the Coleman 6 tent above, it is without a vestibule, so the same objection again; you need space for gear so it is best to use it for 3 – 4 people.

Note that they also have a slightly different version with awning launched in 2018.

Key features

• Very pleasant and livable.
• Lantern hook on the highest point.
• Gear loft is included.
• Huge wall organizer included.
• Integrated electricity port.
• Incredible price; only around $120 at the moment of writing this text.

Specifications

• Freestanding, 6-person, 3-season tent.
• Weight: 22.8 lb (10.34 kg).
• Floor area: 99 sq ft (9.2 m²).
• Floor dimensions: 11 x 9 ft (3.35 x 2.74 m).
• Peak height: 72 in (1.83 m).
• Packed size (L x D): 48 x 8.5 in (122 x 22 cm).

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8. Timber Ridge 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent With Rain Fly

The Timber Ridge 6 is a cabin style instant tent with a great size and a bathtub floor design. Clearly, it is very similar in style to the tents 1 and 2 above, but it offers a bit more space and it is taller as well. The price is also in the same range.

The setup is easy, typical for such instant tents with telescopic poles, the frame is preassembled and attached to the tent.

Key features

• Incredible price, around $134 as of the moment of writing this text.
• Cabin style.
• 4 windows.
• Great floor area.
• Electric port.
• 1-year warranty.

Specifications

• Weight: 26.6 lb (12.06 kg).
• Capacity: 6 people.
• Dimension: 10 x 10  ft (304 x 304 cm).
• Floor area: 100 sq ft (9.24 m²).
• Peak height: 78 in (198 cm).
• Packed size (L x D): 52.4 x 10.2 in (133 x 26 cm).

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9. Russian Bear Winter Tent With Stove included

Here you have something exceptional, a tent designed for the most extreme weather situations, and with a wood stove included in the package.

This is a 2-layer design with hinged doors, one on the inner tent and one on the outer tent. It is included in the list because of its incredible instant setup type of a particular type. You unfold the tent and then enter it and spread it from inside just like an umbrella. But it is best that you see it in this video – it is in Russian but you can just watch the girl who is setting the tent up alone:

Key features & specifications

• Price is around $1100.
• Capacity: 6 people.
• Stove included.
• Round shape with 11.4 ft (3.5 m) diameter.
• Floor area: 102 ft² (9.6 m²).
• Height: 6.6 ft (201 cm).
• Weigh tent: 51 lb (23 kg).
• Weigh stove: 22 lb (10 kg).
• Frame: aluminum & steel.

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10. ALPHA CAMP 8 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Here you have a cabin style tent with an instant setup and a steel frame. But the weight is really good, it weighs only 20.5 lb (9.3 kg) and it comes in a nice carry bag. The packed size is less great, 45 x 10 inches (115 x 25 cm), but this is quite typical for instant tents.

The declared capacity is 8 people, but as usual the area is too small, 108 ft² (10 m²), so realistically this is for up to 4 people. The tent is with a minimal coverage fly and its waterproof rating is very good 2500 mm. There are many windows around, and a double door on the front.

Overall construction is such that I see it best suited for summer camping in mild weather conditions and without much rain. Please follow the link for more.

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11. Ozark Trail 13 x 9 Instant Tent 8

The Ozark Trail Eight-Person Instant Cabin Tent has been on the market for several years already, so all is known about the tent and there can be no surprises. This is a great example of instant tents, it sets up in 60 seconds. But you will see in the video below, it can take considerably more time when you do it for the first time and you are not familiar with the tent.

In any case, this is a cabin style tent with two doors and a removable room divider to create two separate rooms. You can easily put two queen size beds inside. But if this is about groups, then 8 people can definitely sleep on the floor.

A good feature which you have here are the large vents which you have close to the floor. You can keep them open at all times. So when it is raining and you have to keep the panels on the doors and windows closed, you still have a great ventilation; the air will circulate through these vents and go up through the mesh on the ceiling. The fly above the ceiling will protect you from the rain.

Please see this nice video, it shows how to set it up and how to take it down; it is a bit long, with unpacking included, you can set it at a higher speed:

Key features

• Two doors.
• Two-room design.
• 60 seconds setup (but you have seen the video).
• 6 windows.
• Great price, around $160.

Specifications

• Type: 3-season, freestanding.
• Capacity: 8 people.
• Weight: NA.
• Dimensions: 13 x 9 ft (4 x 2.74 m).
• Floor area: 117 sq ft (11 m²).
• Peak height: 72 in (183 cm).
• 6 months limited warranty.

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12. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent 14 x 9

This is an incredibly affordable tent with an amazing design and an easy setup. You can pitch it under a minute. The tent very pleasant and livable, with so many mesh windows around and with the mesh on the ceiling. So you will never have problems with air circulation and condensation.

With such a construction, this is a summer tent for families and groups, and you will need a car for transportation to the camp place. The downside is that it has only one door, and from the picture, you realize it is without a vestibule, but this holds for most of the tents here.

Key features

• This is a tent with two rooms.
• You can set it up in 60 seconds.
• It is freestanding.
• Great price, around $220, please follow the links for updates.
• It comes with an electricity port.

Specifications

• Type: 3-season, freestanding.
• Capacity: 9 people.
• Weight: 35.15 lb (16.3 kg).
• Floor area: 126 sq ft (11.7 m²).
• Dimensions: 14 x 9 ft (4.26 x 2.74 m).
• Peak height: 78 in (1.98 m).
• Packed size: 48 x 11 x 10.5 in (122 x 28 x 27 cm).

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13. Oxley Oztent Lite 7 Quick Set Up Expedition Family Tent

This Oxley 7 Lite tent is not completely an instant setup, there is an extra pole to be added in its extended section. But the main structure is indeed an express setup design with the frame pre-attached to the tent and it opens like an umbrella. So the poles are not telescopic in this design, they open and lock in place.

The structure is very strong and all the materials are very durable, and I see it as a 3-season plus tent. Although it has a partial coverage fly, this tent offers a full protection from the elements; the walls and the floor have the same waterproof rating as the fly, and this is 2000 mm. All the windows and the door are with waterproof panels, and it also has a huge awning which is not detachable and it can be rolled up and fixed above the entrance. The poles for the awning are included.

The tent is quite heavy and bulky, but this is because of very strong and durable materials. So the weight is 57 lb (26 kg) and the packed size is 48 x 15.5 x 15.5 inches (122 x 39 x 39 cm). Note also that this is a very tall tent with 82.6 inches (210 cm) peak height. The area is 126 ft² (11.75 m²) and the declared capacity is 7 people.

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14. Coleman 8 Person Instant Tent

This is a very large freestanding and tall 2-room tent for 8 people, with an integrated rain fly, so in this respect, it is similar to the Coleman 6 tent. They are from the same series. This is again a great construction with many useful features. It has been on the market for many years already, and it comes with a more than a reasonable price tag.

Key features

• Very affordable price, around $240 at the moment of writing the text.
• Built-in rain fly.
• Single-layer design.
• Heavy-duty materials.
• Freestanding tent.
• 7 huge windows.
• 2 doors
• 2 rooms.
• Very tall tent.

Specifications

• Type: instant cabin-type, freestanding, 3-season.
• Capacity: 8 people.
• Weight: 36.3 lb (16.5 kg).
• Dimensions: 14 x 10 ft (168 x 120 in; 4.3 x 3 m).
• Floor area: 140 sq ft (12.9 m²).
• Peak height: 6 ft 5 in (77 in; 1.96 m).
• Packed size (L x D): around 47 x 10 in (120 x 25 cm).

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15. Campvalley 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent

This is the only tent so far with an awning (but see the number 10 below). So this adds a lot of livability and comfort. The setup is typical, based on the preassembled steel pole frame which is pre-attached to the tent. The design includes telescoping poles so you extend them until you hear a “click” which locks a pole in place.

The ceiling is with mesh, so completely open and you can enjoy sleeping under the stars. The fabric is water-resistant 68D coated polyester. You have a room divider for two separate living spaces and you have multiple windows on all sides. The tent is with a ground vent for extra ventilation.

The package includes the tent, rain fly, awning poles, room divider, gear loft, stakes, guylines and an oversized carry bag.

Please see this video to realize how quickly one can set it up:

Key features

• Integrated awning.
• 60 seconds setup.
• Great price, around $180 only.
• 2 rooms.
• 2 doors.
• Electric power port.
• Gear loft included.

Specifications

• Type: freestanding, 3-season.
• Capacity: 10 people.
• Weight: 41.64 lb (18.9 kg).
• Dimensions: 14 x 10 ft (427 x 305 cm).
• Floor area: 140 sq ft (13 m²).
• Peak height: 6 ft 8 in (203 cm).
• 1-year warranty.

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16. CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent With Screen Room

This Core 10 tent is a beautifully designed summer camping tool which includes two rooms plus the screen room which you see in the picture. The tent is very pleasant and livable, with many large windows and two entry doors. The screen room is not fully protected so this is a space which offers protection from insects.

The tent is in the list here because of its instant setup which is under 2 minutes. Though the screen room has some extra poles that should be added separately so plan a few minutes more to make it ready. In any case, this is a large tent with 203 ft² (18.9 m²) of the floor area, most suitable for people who change the camping place frequently. Please read more in my full review.

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17. Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

The most important feature of this tent is already in its name. This is the dark rest technology which allows you to regulate the amount of daylight in the tent. The tent is included also in my list of best dark rest tents, so please have a look there as well.

Apart from this, the tent is huge and pleasant, designed for 10 people, built in the cabin style as you realize from the picture.

Key features

• Innovative Dark Rest technology.
• 2-room tent.
• 8 windows.
• Fits 2 queen airbeds.
• Electric cable port.

Specifications

• Weight: 37 lb (16.8 kg).
• Capacity: 10 people.
• Dimensions: 14 x 10 ft (4.27 x 3.05 m).
• Floor area: 140 ft² (13 m²).
• Peak height: 78 in (198 cm).
• Packed size: 43 x 8 x 8 in (109 x 20 x 20 cm).

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18. Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent 18 x 10

This is one of the largest family camping tents on the market, with 3 rooms, and an incredibly easy setup. It offers almost 17 square meters of space, which is definitely enough for the declared capacity of 12 people. I do not give too many details here, it is fully described in my separate text, see the link below.

Key features

• In spite of its size, this tent’s setup is 2 minutes.
• You have 3 rooms.
• 2 huge doors with windows are on the opposite sides.
• You have 7 separate windows.
• It can accommodate 3 queen size beds.
• This is one of the largest family camping tents on the market with 18 x 10 feet dimensions.
• Great price, around $280. Please check the link below for updates.
• It has 2 large vents close to the floor.

Specifications

• Type: 3-season, freestanding.
• Capacity: 12 people.
• Weight: 52.55 lb (23.84 kg).
• Dimensions: 18 x 10 ft (216 x 120 in; 5.49 x 3.05 m).
• Floor area: 180 sq ft (16.7 m²).
• Peak height: 80 in (2.03 m).
• Packed size (L x D): 51 x 12 in (130 x 30 cm).

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19. Jet Tent F25DX 10 Person Camping Tent

This Jet Tent is a semi-instant tent and by this I mean the following: the central room is with a fully instant setup and the two side rooms should be extended and then you add two poles, one for each of the side rooms. So the setup is still very fast and one person can do the job.

This is a 3-room tent with many great features. This is also a poly-canvas tent, so you have a combination of cotton and polyester. The minimal fly which you see in the picture is polyester and the floor is PVC. So you have a fully breathable structure which offers full protection in all seasons.

The inner floor area is 186 ft² (17.25 m²) and the capacity is 10 people. Note that the tent is very heavy, no less than 44 kg, and it is also very expensive, but this is a top-quality item. Please follow the link to read more.

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20. Ozark Trail 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent with screened room

This is a very livable option for family camping, a tent with a nicely designed screen room plus two inner rooms with the floor. So this looks like a 3-room tent, but the screened part is not fully protected from the rain; the mesh which you see in the picture is without panels.

The tent is described in detail in my separate review, so here I give only a few basic data. Note that the screen part need some assembly, so in the strict sense it is not completely instant. But adding a couple of poles to raise the screened are is really easy.

Key features

• Good price, around $160 as of the moment of adding this text here. Please check the link for updates.
• 2 rooms + screen room without a floor.
• 2 floor vents.
• 6 windows + windows on the double door.
• Instant & cabin tent.
• Electric cable port.
• Large wall storage area with many mesh pockets.
• Nice carry bag.

Specifications

• Capacity: 9 people.
• Weight: 40 lb (18.14 kg).
• Dimensions: 14 x 13.5 ft (427 x 411 cm).
• The inner tent size: 14 x 9 ft (427 x 274 cm).
• The screen room size: 14 x 4.5 ft (427 x 137 cm).
• Total floor area: 189 ft² (17.55 m²).
• Peak height: 84 in (213 cm).
• Packed size (L x D): 48 x 10.6 in (122 x 27 cm).

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21. Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent

This Hexagon 11 tent is what its name says, an interesting hexagonal structure with two doors plus four large windows. Obviously, the tent is instant by the design, and it offers around 190 ft² (17.7 m²) for the declared capacity of 11 people.

The best part is probably its main door where you have an inner T-shaped zippered mesh plus the panel which is equipped with two extra poles, so it is rigid and you can raise it an create a pleasant large awning. There are two extra poles which support the awning. This configuration is shown in the picture above.

The tent is with a minimal fly, so it is for summer camping. The price is more than fair, around $160 at the moment of writing this text, please check the link for updates.

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22. Ozark Trail 16 x 16 Feet 12 Person 3 Room Instant Tent

This is the largest structure here (but also the heaviest too), with three separate rooms, each big enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. So the tent is very suitable for several couples and for big families or groups. In spite of its huge dimensions, the setup time is two minutes (when you know how to do it). One extra detail here which makes it different from others are telescopic poles even on the roof, in addition to the usual telescopic vertical poles.

The tent is with many great details and I would point out its large awning which covers the space within its L-shaped profile, you will see it in the video below.

The price at the moment of writing this text is simply incredible, only $217. So please follow the link below because there are several sellers and the prices can be very different.

I believe this video will be useful to get some idea about this large tent:

Key features

• Huge L-shaped area.
• 7 windows.
• Express setup.
• 3 separate rooms, each 8 x 8 ft (244 x 244 cm).
• 2 ground vents which can fit airconditioners.
• Huge awning.
• Electrical cord access port.

Specifications

• Type: 3-season, freestanding.
• Capacity: 12 people.
• Weight: 61 lb (27.7 kg).
• Dimensions: 16 x 16 ft (192 x 192 in; 488 x 488 cm) – but this is with the included awning part.
• Total floor area: 256 sq ft (23.8 m²) – the same as above, with the included awning part. The actual rooms area is roughly 3 x 8 x 8 = 192 sq ft.
• Peak height: 82 in (208 cm).
• Packed size: 52.4 x 14.2 x 12.6 in (133 x 36 x 32 cm).

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23. Ozark Trail 20 x 10 Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

Here you have a tent form the dark rest technology group. So it incorporates many great features and its instant design is as efficient as in any other tent here in the group. You have seen some of its smaller cousins from the same brand in the list above.

The tent is built from dark materials and you also have dark panels zippered underneath the ceiling mesh. So with this, you can regulate the amount of light you want to have and you can considerably reduce glare in the tent.

The tent is huge, you have 200 square feet (18.6 m²) of the floor area, and it is with dividers so you can make 3 separate rooms in the tent. The livability in this tent is clearly on the high level, you have large doors on the two sides and large windows everywhere around. The tent is equipped with vents as well and you have an electric cable port. Please read more in my detailed review.

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24. Ozark Trail 15 person instant tent

This is a 3-room tent in the true meaning of this word. The central room is divided from the side rooms with sewn-in walls, so this is the maximum privacy one can expect from a camping tent. These inner doors are with mesh and with panels, for ventilation and for privacy when needed. The two external doors allow for awnings setup and you have poles included. The tent is described in detail in my separate review, please check the link.

Key features

• Great price, around $190.
• 3 separate rooms.
• 2 double-wide external doors.
• 2 inner doors.
• Awning.
• 6 + 2 huge wind0ws.
• 2 floor vents.
• 2 electric cord ports.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 25 x 10 ft (7.62 x 3.05 m).
• Floor area: 250 ft² (23.2 m²).
• Height: 84 in (213 cm).
• Carry bag included.

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How to choose

Obviously, all these tents are with an express setup and there is no much difference regarding the time needed for this. But there are a few other criteria to bear in mind.

Storage area

Many of the tents are without any area for storage, but a few have it, so this can be:

• a vestibule,
• an awning,
• a screen room.

It is important to have at least something to put your boots and shoes, to cook, to sit in the shade, etc.

Vents

Almost all these tents are with lots of mesh, and this is normal for summer camping tents. But this may not be enough if you have a long period of rain. In such a case the panels on the windows and the doors usually must be closed and you have no air flow. This is why it is important to have vents. In practically all tents with such a feature, vents can be kept open all the time. So don’t forget to check for vents.

Doors

The rule is simple, the more the better, even if you are not going to use them all. You have some great examples in the list above.

Price

This should not be the main criterion. Some tents are expensive for all good reasons, like top quality and durable materials, extra features, etc. But if you are on a budget, you might have to keep an eye on the price.

Poles

These are big tents and usually, you have steel used for the main poles. This is heavy but you know well this is durable. The roof poles are either fiberglass, or steel, or aluminum. Bear in mind, fiberglass is fragile and it needs care.

Height

This should be easy, the higher the better. But remember, most of the cabin style tents are far from an aerodynamic shape, and they don’t perform great in windy conditions. So this will depend on the purpose of the tent. In general, dome tents perform better, but in most cases they are lower.

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Final thoughts

Thank you for reading. Please let me know if you have any question or comment. I wish you a nice day.

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