Best Camping Tent of 2021: Reviews with Comparisons

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If you are looking for activities that will help take the edge off after a hard week of work, we would definitely recommend camping. It can be done solo or in a group, and the best thing is that it is not that expensive.

Whether you are looking to camp by a riverside or in the middle of a forest, there are a couple of essentials you will need to take with you. Apart from food, drinks, and adequate clothing, tents are a major part of your essential equipment.

To help you get prepared for your upcoming camping trip, we did our research and found a couple of models you might be comfortable with. Let’s check out the best camping tent offers currently on the market!

Camping Tent Reviews

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

When looking for a camping tent, you will want one that comes from a reliable manufacturer and that is easy to set up. It will also need to be durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Kodiak did a great job manufacturing one that can fit up to 8 people, and it has all the traits of a sustainable and well-ventilated tent.

Product Highlights

First and foremost, it is important to address the material that this tent is made out of. Hydra-Shield seems to be one of the best solutions when it comes to ensuring that a tent is watertight and breathable at the same time. This is actually a duck cotton canvas that can endure tough weather conditions, including heavy wind and rain.

Along with the fact that the Kodiak tent is durable, the most important trait has to be how spacious it is. This model is highlighted by a 6’6” ceiling that ensures you can comfortably walk and rearrange stuff while you are inside the tent. As we have mentioned above, it can accommodate up to 8 people.

Talking about the versatility of the Flex-Bow Deluxe, there are also two D-shaped doors – one at the back and one at the front. This is to reduce the chance of jams at the entrance. Most importantly, these are quite easy to open and close with the #10 YKK zippers.

Among the many concerns when talking about camping tents is whether it allows enough breathability or not. Luckily, the fresh air will circulate through this Kodiak continuously, as there are four mesh windows. Thus, you will be protected from mosquitos, flies, and other insects, while having adequate control over the air and temperature inside.

Aside from the mesh windows, there are also two funnel vents that ensure proper breathability.

As for the sturdiness of this tent, it features wire stake loops that contribute to the stability once it is set in place. The awning measures 84 x 78 inches, while the tent itself is 10 x 14 feet.

Lastly, the floor is made out of 1-pound polyester vinyl that should be strong enough to keep you away from dirt and dust on the ground.

The only concern that we have is that it seems quite pricey compared to other 8-person tents on the market. However, given its overall durability and the fact that you are getting a lifetime warranty, we consider it a worthy choice.

The Good

The Kodiak Canvas tent is among the best on the market when it comes to enduring harsh weather conditions. Made out of Hydra-Shield canvas and with stainless-steel poles, you don’t have much to worry about when it comes to stability. Plus, it will not tear from heavy wind or rain.

The Bad

As we have mentioned above, the only thing we aren’t happy about is the higher price point. For people who are enthusiastic to go camping but are on a tighter budget, it certainly is not the best choice out there.

Pros

• Made out of durable Hydra-Shield canvas
• Spacious with a high ceiling
• Breathable with windows and vents
• Features a back and a front door with reliable zippers
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Quite pricey

Coleman Hooligan 3-Person Backpacking Tent

If you enjoy going backpacking and you are looking to get an affordable tent for a smaller group of people, Coleman has just the right thing for you. Coming in gold, orange, or red, you are looking at a simple yet reliable tent that should keep you dry even when heavy rain strikes!

Product Highlights

Coleman is among the few brands that are well-known when it comes to camping equipment. That is one of the reasons why we consider this USA-made product to be a respectable choice.

While it doesn’t feature a sturdy Hydra-Shield canvas like the aforementioned tent, the polyester it is made out of should still keep out most of the rougher weather. Yes, it is a lightweight tent, but that is the reason why it is just perfect for backpacking enthusiasts.

The interior of this product measures 8 x 7 feet, and it has a covered vestibule for added security. As mentioned above, it can fit up to 3 adults. Unlike most of its competitors, this model is actually highlighted by snag-free poles, which makes the setup much easier.

The main issue that comes with lightweight tents is that they aren’t able to keep people inside dry. Thankfully, Coleman did their best to provide adequate protection with a WeatherTec system and a full rainfly. Thus, you shouldn’t worry that rain or wind will disrupt your camping experience. Additionally, this Coleman model comes with waterproof floors and inverted, protected seams that further increase weather resistance.

We were happy to see that there are multiple storage pockets in which you can put your phone, wallet, and other essentials.

Overall, you are looking at a tent that ensures good accommodation and protection for most camping trips. It is not as sturdy as the Kodiak, and we aren’t as satisfied with the zippers, but apart from that, there is not much to say against it.

The Good

There are a couple of things that we love about this backpacking tent. First and foremost, it comes at an affordable price and is easy to set up, which is important if you are camping with just a few people. Additionally, it is lightweight but still provides adequate breathability and waterproof protection.

The Bad

On the other hand, given its weight, as well as the indoor polyester material and construction of the poles, it is not as sturdy as you would want it to be.

Pros

• Comes at a great price
• Lightweight and easy to set up
• Waterproof floors and inverted seams
• Features a WeatherTec system and a rainfly
• Comes with multiple storage pockets

Cons

• Not sturdy in windy conditions
• Zippers aren’t that reliable

AsterOutdoor Camping 6-Person Dome Tent

Moving on with our list of the top camping tents, this AsterOutdoor product seems just perfect for family trips. Attractive, breathable, and with a unique entertainment system, this tent is definitely worth checking out!

Product Highlights

First and foremost, let’s talk about the dimensions. This model is highlighted by a ceiling height of 6’3”, which is quite good considering we are talking about a dome tent for 6 people. It has a floor size of 9’6” x 12’, and it weighs just over 22 pounds. While it may not be as suitable for backpacking as the Coleman, this is still a lightweight tent that should be easy to transport and set up within a couple of minutes.

For most people, the material of the poles plays an important role when it comes to sturdiness and overall value. In this case, the poles are made of fiberglass, which should keep the tent stable and able to endure rough weather conditions.

One of the things we are most happy about is the featured vestibules that allow enough space for storing your gear. Not only that, but there are a couple of smaller mesh pockets in which you can put essentials and other accessories.

Probably the most innovative feature of this tent is the hanging movie watching storage on which you can attach a tablet or your phone. This is just perfect for relaxing after a long day of walking, and it is certainly ideal for a family night out in the woods.

As mentioned above, the poles are made out of fiberglass, and there are five of these, making sure that the tent is well secured to the ground. Among the most important traits is that it includes a full rainfly, which makes this tent ready for storms and heavy rain.

However, while the walls, rainfly, and bottom are made out of the same 75-polyester material, the floor seems to be too thin (although it has a 1500mm waterproof rating).

There is a single entrance that stands at 60 inches in height, and there are also a couple of mesh windows for improved breathability. A couple of funnel vents would improve this aspect even further, though.

While there is room for AsterOutdoor to make this tent an even better option, we have to agree that you are getting a great product for an everyday value price.

The Good

The main thing that we love about this product is how spacious it is. There is enough room for 6 people to be comfortable, and it also features vestibules and a number of mesh pockets for extra storage.

The Bad

Still, when it comes to the design, AsterOutdoor could have focused more on the floor protection, as well as including funnel vents for more breathability.

Pros

• Highlighted by fiberglass poles and easy setup
• Comes with high entrance and mesh windows
• Spacious with storage vestibule
• Features a hanging entertainment system
• Comes with a full rainfly

Cons

• Doesn’t include funnel vents
• Thin floor

Marmot Tungsten 3-Person Dome Tent

Getting back to tents that offer a smaller capacity but incredible durability and comfort, this Marmot Tungsten dome seems like a good choice. It is made out of durable polyester material and offers superior weather protection.

Product Highlights

First and foremost, it is important to address the overall construction of this dome tent. The main material that is featured with the no-see mesh walls and roof panels is denier polyester (40). It combines that with a bathtub floor that is made out of 68-polyester and is highlighted by a waterproof rating of 2,000mm (polyurethane coating).

The duo of the two polyester types ensures that you stay safe and dry, even when harsh weather tries to mess up your camping night. Not only that, but this dome also comes with a full rainfly that offers integrated vents, improving overall breathability and temperature management.

Much like the aforementioned tents, the Marmot Tungsten features two vestibules that work both as storage for gear, as well as an emergency exit and entrance. Also, there are mesh pockets for storing extra items.

We are quite happy to see that the zippers on the door and windows are jingle-free and ensure you have no issue with closing and opening. As for the dimensions, you are looking at 90 inches in length, 66 inches in width, and 46 inches in height, as well as a weight of just above 5 pounds.

What makes this tent so spacious is the virtually vertical wall design. The poles are made out of 7000 aluminum, which is not as reliable as fiberglass but still allows good stability.

Overall, you are looking at a model that is perfectly designed for a group of adults who want to stay in a secure and spacious tent.

The Good

The best thing about this dome is you are getting more room than most of its competitors. This is due to the vertical walls, as well as the ideal placement of vestibules used for storage and entrance/exit.

The Bad

The main issue that we have with this dome is the poles aren’t as sturdy as you would want them to be. Yes, the setup is quite simple and the poles are color-coded with easy clips and a rainfly, but the aluminum simply doesn’t work as good as fiberglass.

Pros

• Attractive and spacious design
• Great waterproof protection
• Full rainfly featuring vents
• Two vestibules for storage and exit/entrance
• Stable and durable

Cons

• Poles are a bit flimsy in heavy winds

Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent

Last but not least is a tent that may not accommodate a whole family, but it is certainly great for when you are camping as a pair. Coming from a reputable brand, you don’t have a lot to worry about when it comes to the overall design.

Product Highlights

The overall construction of this pop-up tent from Coleman is both beginner-friendly and incredibly attractive. It comes in a single light green color with white roof panels and a single entrance.

Its most innovative feature has to be the 185T 68d polyester rainfly that ensures optimal waterproof protection. It can be positioned in different directions, as the idea is that you achieve the perfect balance of weather resistance and proper breathability.

What we were most happy to see are the pop-up poles that will allow you to have this tent up and ready in just a couple of seconds. That doesn’t ensure optimal stability, but given the strong frame, you should be fine unless the conditions get very rough.

The tent is set at 7’6” x 4’5” and comes with a 2’11” entrance. Frankly, it offers more than enough space for two adults. Most importantly, the floor is taped and should protect you from wet ground.

The main issue that we have with it, apart from the stability, is the lack of storage space (mesh pockets and vestibules).

Still, considering the affordable price and how easy it is to set up, we will give these details a pass!

The Good

The design of this tent is well thought out, considering there is enough room for two people to sleep in it. Additionally, you shouldn’t be concerned about breathability or the ability of this tent to protect you from the rain.

The Bad

Still, there is room for improvement when it comes to the sturdiness of the poles, as well as adding at least some form of a vestibule.

Pros

• Attractive and comes at a great price
• Lightweight and easy to set up
• Comes with adjustable rainfly (with vents)
• Offers good floor protection

Cons

• Not as sturdy as similar models
• Zippers aren’t that reliable

Buyer’s Guide

When searching for an adequate camping tent, there are a couple of features that you will want to consider. We are not talking only about the brand and price, as you also need to look at other aspects that affect its overall durability and reliability.

Size

The size of a tent should be determined by the number of people it is meant to accommodate. Thus, for a model that will be used by two people, dimensions of 7’6” x 4’5” with a 2-foot entrance are more than respectable.

For six people, you will want it to be at least at 9’ x 12’ x 6’5”. Lastly, when we are talking about tents that can accommodate large groups of up to 8 adults, we are looking at 8’ x 14’ with at least a 6’ entrance.

Material

The material plays an important role when it comes to weather resistance and overall durability. From what we have reviewed above, it is easy to conclude that your best bet is a canvas such as Hydra-Shield (duck cotton). However, tents of this material mostly come at a high price point.

As long as the tent is made out of a combination of polyesters, such as 68D and 75D, you shouldn’t have to worry much when it comes to overall protection. Also, you should make sure that the tent includes at least some form of polyurethane coating.

Design

There are a number of different tent designs offered on the market. However, the dome with vertical walls seems to be the best solution.

Features

A main feature that any camping tent should include is a rainfly. You are better off if it is adjustable, as that will give you a better chance of balanced breathability and waterproof protection. Along with that, you should look for a tent that includes vestibules and mesh pockets that you will be able to store your gear and other accessories in.

Also, look for mesh windows and funnel vents to improve the overall breathability even further. Lastly, certain tents come with innovative entertainment solutions, such as tablet storage hangers.

Price vs Value

As with any other product, you should do your best to buy a tent that is reasonably priced and features all the essentials. Thus, you can expect to get a good pop-up tent, such as the aforementioned Coleman, for anywhere between $50-$70.

However, for large-sized domes that can accommodate up to 8 people, be ready to pay a price closer to a few hundred dollars.

FAQs

What Are the Best Camping Tent Brands On the Market?

While we listed a couple of respectable choices, we strongly think that brands like Kodiak, Coleman, AsterOutdoor, and Marmot offer great overall quality and innovative design solutions!

What Are Tents Made Of?

That all depends on the specific model. However, the best one is either made out of duck cotton canvas or polyester, such as 68D and 75D. That is for the interior and the exterior of the tent. Most poles are made out of fiberglass or aluminum.

Are Tents Waterproof?

As long as your dome tent features a waterproof coating (polyurethane) and a full rainfly, you shouldn’t have any issues with it raining outside.

What Do You Need For Camping In a Tent?

It all comes down to your personal preference. In order to make yourself comfortable, we recommend you have some food, drinks, a sleeping bag, and some kind of entertainment (tablet or a board game).

How To Find the Ideal Camping Spot?

There are a couple of points you will want to consider. First, make sure that the spot is flat and not situated at the bottom of a valley. This way, you will avoid problems that come with uneven surfaces or cold air.

Additionally, you will want to set your tent up near a river (water source) or close to a place where you can light a fire to keep you warm. Lastly, make sure that your tent is not in the middle of a hiking trail.

Conclusion

We can say with confidence that all of the aforementioned tents offer great solutions for campers who want to spend a couple of nights in nature. Our personal favorite is the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent. This is not only because of the incredibly spacious indoor area that it offers, but also because it has the best stability and waterproof protection out of all five tents that we have featured.

However, if you are on a tighter budget and you don’t need as much space, then we would recommend the Marmot Tungsten 3-Person Tent as our second choice.

In the end, you don’t have to limit yourself to one of these models, but make sure to focus on key features and make an educated decision while keeping your budget and preferences in mind!