The Best 3 Person Tent - Top 10 Reviews

1. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr

4.4/5

2. Coleman Sundome Tent

4.5/5

3. MSR Elixir Backpacking Tent

4.9/5
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When you’re backpacking, keeping gear weight and volume as low as possible is crucial. Including the weight and volume of your sleeping gear. Whether you’re a family of three or a small group of hikers who like to travel light, a 3-person tent might be just right. 

Finding the balance between floor size, weight, packed dimensions, and features can be daunting if you don’t know what to look after. That’s why we selected the best 3-person tents on the market. Check them out in our rundown.

How We Rated Best Tents?

  • Waterproof

    Is it well protected?

  • Ventilation

    Is it breathable?

  • Longevity

    Is it build for years to come?

  • Price

    Is it the best value for your $?

  • Set Up

    Is it easy to set-up?

  • Durability

    Is it strong enough?

  • Convenient

    Is it designed for comfort?

  • Sleeping Capacity

    Is it spacious and roomy?

How We Conducted Research?

  • 15

    Hours Researched

  • 18

    Products Evaluated

  • 2k

    Reviews Considered

  • 2

    Sources Researched

1. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr:

ALPS Mountaineering is famous for its high-quality camping gear, and the Zephyr 3-person tent is no different. Instant setup cuts off any assembly frustration, so you won’t have to trouble too much about pitching your shelter in the dark. It’s roomy enough to sleep three adults comfortably, and even roomier for families of three.

Despite the dome structure, it provides impressive head clearance. Even the taller campers can sit and have a cup of coffee or bit in it. Double doors – one on each side – allow easy access and enhance ventilation. Furthermore, two vestibules create the perfect covered space for your gear. Lightweight, affordable, and waterproof, this is undoubtedly one of the best 3-person tent for avid backpackers.

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2. Coleman Sundome Tent

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Coleman Sundome Tent:

From all 3-person tents out there, the Coleman Sundome brings most bang for the buck. A square footprint maximizes space, making it very comfortable for three adults and some gear. If you’re two adults and a kid, this tent provides plenty of space to sleep, play, and even have a snack inside if it rains.

Rain resistance is good, while the dome shape enhances wind resistance. It might not withstand strong gusts, but it’s an excellent choice for the warmer season. The traditional setup takes around 15 minutes, but it’s very intuitive. Perhaps too heavy for backpacking, but undeniably ideal for camping, tailgating, and even hunting or fishing.

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3. MSR Elixir Backpacking Tent

4.9/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the MSR Elixir Backpacking Tent:

The MSR Elixir is a heavy-duty, 3-season tent designed with hikers and backpackers in mind. It’s lightweight and easy to setup, despite the traditional pitch design. A generous interior makes it perfect for three adults to sleep inside, while the large vestibules add further storage area on both sides.

Highlights include a unique pole geometry that maximizes head clearance and adjustable fly. A combination of mesh and solid panel walls offers ventilation or warmth, as needed, as well as privacy. The tent comes with a footprint and glow-in-the-dark zippers. You’ll have to pay for all these features, but this tent will surely serve you well for the years to come. 

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4. Suisse Sport Dome Tent

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Suisse Sport Dome Tent:

Suisse Sport has made it to our list with a simple tent designed for newbies and casual campers. It’s light and compact enough to take on hikes, but also a great choice as a beach tent or to setup in your backyard.

It provides sufficient room for three adults to sleep comfortably, but it lacks a vestibule. Nevertheless, we like the mesh roof that enhances ventilation and the large T-style door. Simple yet affordable and reliable, it’s an excellent choice for occasional summer camping.

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5. Winterial 3 Person Tent

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Winterial 3 Person Tent:

The Winterial is one of the lightest 3-person tents around. It’s an excellent choice for hikers and backpackers, adding only 4.4 pounds and minimum bulk to your gear. Easy to set up and roomy, it can easily fit you and two of your camping buddies.

Two large ventilation screens on the doors and air vents on the walls make it easy to control the temperature. A removable rainfly also makes this tent perfect for all kinds of trips, from camping out in the mountains to lounging at the beach. 

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6. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent:

Designed to keep you protected in the warm and colder season alike, this tent from TETON Sports is an excellent choice for tailgating and casual camping. It might be on the heavier side, but it’s compact when packed, so it can be easily transported.

Full mesh tent body and detachable rainfly make it perfect for star gazing while keeping bugs at bay, as well as keeping you dry in the rain. Other features include two large entrances, a convenient gear loft, and large vestibule for your backpack. No doubt, well worth the price tag.

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7. ALPHA CAMP 3 Person Camping Dome Tent

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the ALPHA CAMP 3 Person Camping Dome Tent:

Ideal for camping in summer, the ALPHA CAMP dome tent impresses with a huge floor space and 50-inch head clearance. It is spacious enough to house two full-size twin mattresses or one queen-size air bed, and it’s perfect for small families or groups of up to 3 friends.

A large D-door features both mesh and solid panel, while three windows on the sides enhance ventilation. The tent is ideal for going at the beach or enjoying the breeze during an afternoon nap. Water resistance is enhanced by a removable fly, and setup is as easy as pie. Coming at an affordable price, it’s also a great choice for campers on a budget.

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8. LETHMIK Backpacking Tent

4.1/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the LETHMIK Backpacking Tent:

The LETHMIK backpacking tent might be advertised as suitable for four, but the truth is that it’s just perfect for three adults and some camping gear. Its greatest highlight is the thick fabric that withstands heavy rain.

An automatic, pop-up design makes installation a breeze. Just open it like an umbrella, and use the same principle to take it down. The poles snap in place easily, more or less like the poles of a pack-n-play. Suitable to use in all weathers, the tent also impresses with an affordable price point.

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9. DEERFAMY Pop Up Dome Tent

5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the DEERFAMY Pop Up Dome Tent:

Ideal for families of three or four, but roomy enough to house three buddies, too, the DEERFAMY pop-up dome tent truly deserves your attention. An ideal choice for summer camping, it can withstand moderate wind and rain. 

Lateral windows and a large mesh door ensure plenty of airflow. We also like that the fly extends over the tent, creating a vestibule for your gear. The tent is perfect for taller campers thanks to its generous length.

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10. Bessport 3 Person Backpacking Tent

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Bessport 3 Person Backpacking Tent:

Last entry on our list of best 3-person tents, the Bessport Backpacking Tent impresses with a very compact size when packed and relatively low weight. It might not be featherweight, but it’s still pretty easy to carry by seasoned backpackers.

A roomy interior can easily accommodate three adults in sleeping bags, or two adults and a kid if you plan to use a mattress. Construction-wise, it has plenty of windows and a mesh door for seamless ventilation, as well as a roomy vestibule and huge entrances. Sturdy and designed to withstand whatever the weather is throwing at it, this tent is an excellent choice for camping in all seasons.

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3 Person Tent Buying Guide

Large enough to fit two wide sleeping pads, a 3 person tent is an excellent choice for a couple looking for luxurious sleeping space or two adults plus a small child or dog – unless three average adults don’t mind a tight squeeze. But what features must a 3 person tent have?

While all tents mentioned above are worth your money, the guide below will help you pick the best 3 person tent for you.

Tent Structure and Type

Best 3 person Tent Tent Structure and Type

Similar to most small tents out there, 3 person tents come in either tight and lightweight or more spacious yet heavier variants. The former is ideal for backpacking and mountaineering, while the latter comes as a more luxurious alternative for car camping and tailgating.

  • Lightweight tents: Usually weigh under 5 pounds and come with light, aluminum poles. Backpacking tents, such as the Bessport tent, are often made from lightweight materials and have a single-wall design. They are ideal for warm climate camping, from late spring to early fall. Mountaineering tents are slightly heavier than the backpacking ones but are made from sturdier materials. They often withstand strong wind, rain, and even snowfall, and are a perfect choice for winter camping and adventures. On the downside, these tents are often smaller in size than the regular 3-person tents for car camping.
  • Camping tents: Often impress with a more generous footprint, and sometimes, they are cheaper than the lightweight ones due to the materials they are made of – for instance, the DEERFAMY Pop-Up Dome Tent is one of the largest 3-person tents, but not the lightest. Indeed, camping tents often have steel or fiberglass poles and are heavier than backpacking or mountaineering ones. They are still relatively light, though, and come in a wide variety of types.

3 Person Tent Types

Three-person tents come in all types, including dome, tunnel, geodesic, ridge, and cabin styles. However, the most popular types are dome and cabin.

  • Dome tents: Provide excellent weather resistance due to their shorter height and rounded roof. The structure resists both strong gusts and heavier rainfall, but they could feel claustrophobic and taller users may have trouble sitting comfortably unless they lay down.
  • Cabin tents: Are not as wind resistant as the dome ones, but provide a larger interior space. Thanks to their vertical walls and cabin-inspired roof, they are a greater choice for users who look for a roomier tent or higher head clearance. They don’t pitch as fast as dome tents, but the instant cabin tents are still very easy to erect and dismantle, the operation typically requiring under ten minutes.

Consider the Floor Size

While most tent manufacturers express the capacity in number of persons, the easiest way to know if the tent you like truly meets your needs is by checking its actual floor size. Most 3-people tents have a square footprint measuring 88×88 inches – although there are exceptions.

This size is typically ideal for average users; however, if you’re tall, it is recommended to go for a tent that has a length of at least 90 inches, such as the TETON Ultra Tent. This length will allow you to stretch comfortably without touching the ends of your shelter.

You may also want to get a tent with a larger footprint if you plan to sleep on an air mattress or camping pad instead of directly on the floor.

Tent Vestibules

Camping gear consists of much more than a tent and sleeping pad. Even when you’re backpacking, chances are you’ll take with you at least a small camping stove, a camping kettle to brew some coffee in the morning, as well as other tools and accessories.

Even when all your gear fits in a backpack, your gear may take up quite a lot of space inside your shelter. That’s where tent vestibules step in.

Generally consisting of a flap extending above the door, the vestibule provides further covered space where you can store your gear overnight or lounge in the afternoon.

Most tent vestibules are floorless, but some manufacturers – such as Coleman – also make tents with floored vestibules. Mesh screen walls and zipper doors also keep bugs away; the only downside is that these tents are quite cumbersome, so only suitable for car camping.

Tent Poles and Stakes

Best 3 person Tent Tent Poles and Stakes

Another important thing to pay attention to when buying a tent is the resistance of its structure. Campers can choose from three types of poles:

  • Steel poles: Are often present on older tent models, including some cabin as well as ridge tents. They are sturdy and durable, can withstand strong wind, and rarely bend or break, but they are heavy. Typically, steel poles can be found in traditional style tents, meaning that pitching will also take some time. On the upside, they are cheap.
  • Fiberglass poles: Equip traditional, instant, and pop-up tents alike. They are lighter than steel but could break or bend in stronger wind or improper handling. Nevertheless, they have a good price point and are fairly durable as long as you pay attention during the setup process.
  • Aluminum poles: Are your best option. They are the lightest poles around and as durable as steel. These poles are perfect for backpacking or mountaineering tents, and also equip higher-end car camping tents, but are expensive.

When it comes to stakes, most camping tents come with steel stakes, while some of the lighter shelters may also have a set of plastic stakes included. The latter is used to pitch your tent on the sand, so if you want to use your tent as a beach shelter, too, we recommend buying a model that comes with both kinds of stakes.

Tent Livability

Last but not least, you should pay attention to the overall livability. Things to check include head clearance, ventilation, and number and placement of doors.

Most dome tents have a head clearance of 30-35 inches, which is usually enough for the average adult to sit. Cabin style tents provide more headroom, usually standing around 45-50 inches tall.

Ventilation is provided by either mesh windows on walls and doors or built-in vents on 4-season tents. If you mostly go camping in the warm season, pick a double-wall tent with a mesh ceiling and large mesh windows.

As for the doors, your best bet is a tent with two doors, one at each end of the shelter. This configuration allows easy in and out for all the occupants of your 3 person tent.

FAQ

• How Much is a 3 Person Tent?

The price of a 3-person tent varies based on the quality and type of materials used. Summer tents are usually cheaper, but won’t withstand strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. Three-season or all-season tents cost more, but you can use them in both summer and winter. Depending on your needs, expect to pay between $50 and $250 for your shelter.

• What is the Lightest 3 Person Tent?

The lightest 3 person tent weighs around 3 pounds. However, such a tent might be too lightweight to withstand stronger wind. If you’re looking for a reliable backpacking tent that won’t turn into a burden, a tent such as the Winterial 3-person tent above can resist moderate wind and rain and, at 4.4 pounds, is really easy to carry.

• What is the Best 3 Person Tent?

It really depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a reliable summer tent, you can pick a cheaper model, such as the ALPHA CAMP. Seasoned hikers and backpackers might want a lightweight tent, such as the Winterial, while the MSR Elixir could be the best 3 person tent for those needing an outdoor shelter in both summer and the cooler season.

• How Do You Put a 3 Person Dome Tent together?

Each tent comes with its own mounting instructions. Instant tents are usually easy to pop-up, typically as a pack-n-play. Traditional pitch tents might require you to first set up the poles and then attach the fly. To make sure you’re pitching your tent the right way, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• How Big is a 3 Person Tent?

The average 3 person tent is about 7 x 7 feet. However, you can easily find roomier or smaller tents designed for three people, depending on your actual needs and budget.