10 Best Instant Tents for Camping in 2021

1. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

4.2/5

2. ZOMAKE Instant Setup Tent

4.4/5

3. Gazelle Pop-Up Overlanding Tent

4.7/5
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Camping is all fun and games, at least until you have to setup the tent. Old-fashioned outdoor shelters can take ages to erect. If the instructions are poor, the whole thing could take over half an hour. Yet, there is an easy way to get rid of the hassle. All you need is an instant tent.

Typically, these tents come with pre-installed poles and can be erected in under two minutes. They come in all styles and sizes, and depending on the model, they can be used in all seasons. When picking one, you have to pay attention to the quality of the poles, type of fabric, as well as overall build quality. To help you out, we already did the hard work for you and selected the best instant 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?

  • 12

    Hours Researched

  • 16

    Products Evaluated

  • 5.5k

    Reviews Considered

  • 2

    Sources Researched

1. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

4.2/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup:

The Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Set Up is by far the best choice if you’re looking after an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-erect family tent. Advertised as a 10-person tent, it provides plenty of space for air mattresses, camping beds or cots, as well as camping chairs, table, and gear. It can comfortably accommodate around 8 adults, or two-four adults and a bunch of kids, and requires less than 1 minute to set it up.

We particularly like the dark room technology that not only blocks sunlight in the morning, but also reduces heat. This feature makes it a perfect summer tent for camping and tailgating. Water resistance is not the best, but it’ll still keep you dry in light rain. All in all, one of the best instant summer tents for those who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.

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2. ZOMAKE Instant Setup Tent

4.4/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the ZOMAKE Instant Setup Tent :

Single campers, hikers, couples, and small families looking for the best instant tent might simply fall in love with the ZOMAKE tent. This small outdoor shelter takes literally seconds to set up and take down, thanks to the quick release design. Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back to the traditional tent design, and as long as you don’t require excessive floor space or head clearance, you’ll be perfectly happy with this choice.

In terms of capacity, it fits three adults at a tight squeeze or two adults and two kids. It has enough floor space to accommodate a queen size mattress. Two large mesh windows and mesh doors at both ends of the tent ensure proper airflow even on the hottest days, while convenient flaps provide privacy and protect you from wind or rain. Ideal for everything from backpacking to keeping your baby protected from sun at the beach, this instant setup tent for families is perfect for low-key, no-frills camping.

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3. Gazelle Pop-Up Overlanding Tent

4.6/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Gazelle Pop-Up Overlanding Tent:

The Gazelle T4 Pop-Up Overlanding Tent impresses with outstanding water resistance and suitability to use in colder seasons, too. Although it’s basically a summer tent, it withstands moderate rain of up to 2,000m and has excellent wind resistance. Like most tents out there, it’s slightly smaller than advertised, so not really suitable for four adults. However, it is a great choice for two adults and two kids.

Innovative features include a removable floor that makes cleaning a breeze and removable rainfly with integrated poles. The tent comes fully assembled and is very easy to setup and dismantle. Sure, you’ll have to pay for all this features. But if you’re after a premium quality instant tent and don’t mind spending a buck, this one might be it.

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4. OT QOMOTOP Waterproof Pop Up Tent

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the OT QOMOTOP Waterproof Pop Up Tent:

Spacious and relatively lightweight, the OT QOMOTOP Waterproof Pop Up Tent could be the best bet for avid hikers and backpackers who need a family or group outdoor sleeping arrangement. At 18.4 lbs, it’s not the lightest instant tent for 6 persons, but it’s not that heavy either, especially if someone else can help you share the load of the other camping essentials.

When it comes to interior dimensions, know that you’ll have plenty of room to fit in two queen size mattresses, as well as additional camping gear. The cabin design makes it possible to stand and walk around the shelter, so you can easily get dressed and prepare for the day. Ideal for summer use, the tent also comes with large mesh windows, mesh ceiling, and a removable rainfly you can put on or take off as needed.

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5. KAZOO Family Camping Tent With Instant Setup

4.8/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the KAZOO Family Camping Tent With Instant Setup:

KAZOO Uranus has made it to our list as one of the best instant tents for all seasons. An array of features make it well worth the higher price tag. Perhaps the most prominent feature is its instant folding and unfolding that makes it super-easy to erect and dismantle. Furthermore, the company is one of the few that stands up to expectations when it comes to capacity.

This is a 6-person tent in the true sense of the word, accommodating six adults and gear comfortably. It may not be as lightweight as other similar tents on this list, but it’s still quite easy to carry by one or two adults. A removable rainfly withstands heavy rain and wind beautifully, while on the summer nights, you can simply take it off to gaze at the stars. No doubt, a great choice for larger groups or family camping.

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6. LETHMIK Backpacking Automatic Instant Tent

4.3/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the LETHMIK Backpacking Automatic Instant Tent:

Backpackers and hikers looking for a small tent for two and hiking gear might like the LETHMIK Backpacking Automatic Instant Tent. This compact instant tent is designed to pop up in seconds, it packs incredibly compact, and comes with a convenient carrying bag that can be attached to a backpack.

Despite its small dimensions, it is designed to withstand whatever the elements are throwing at it. The floor is made from 210D oxford fabric, while the walls and roof boast a 210T polyurethane fabric construction. A combination of materials that delivers outstanding water resistance even in heavy rain or storm. The slightly rounded roof also enhances wind resistance. Overall, this tent is a great choice for one or two people to camp in all seasons.

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7. CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Awning

4.3/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Awning:

Perfect for up to five adults to sleep comfortably, the Core 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Awning is an excellent choice if you want a reliable summer tent for your family. Its greatest highlight is the double door with mesh panels and large mesh windows on two sides that provide unrivaled ventilation. Airflow is also enhanced by two adjustable ground vents; a design that keeps the interior cool even when you’re melting outside.

Water resistance is ensured by CORE’s proprietary H2O Block technology. Don’t expect the same water resistance offered by the LETHMIK or KAZOO, but this tent will still keep you dry in light to moderate rain. Another highlight is its low weight, a feature that makes it perfect for hikers. Easy to set up and dismantle, it brings outstanding value for money.

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8. KAZOO Outdoor Hiking Tent

5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the KAZOO Outdoor Hiking Tent:

Our second entry from KAZOO is a 2-person tent design with the adventurers in mind. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry where the path may lead. High-quality materials guarantee not only protection from rain and storms, but also protection from all elements in all seasons.

While it lacks windows, it comes with two doors and two vestibules that provide additional covered space for your gear. Furthermore, two top vents help you regulate the temperature, especially on hotter days. Overall, if you’re looking for a backpacking tent, this might be an excellent choice. And even if it’s not an instant tent in the traditional way, it takes under 3 minutes to setup.

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9. Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent

4.5/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent:

In many ways, the Core 10 is very similar to the Core 6 we already talked about. This cabin style tent is spacious and boasts sufficient head clearance for seamless moving around. It’s ideal for larger groups or families, and can suit all needs, from hard-core camping to attending concerts or events. 

More suitable to use in summer than in cooler seasons, it impresses with a high-quality construction. The fabric won’t withstand heavy rain, but it’s not supposed to anyway. Large mesh windows and ceiling, mesh door and room divider add further value. The only thing we like less is the D-style door, which is rather small. However, that’s easy to ignore, considering the tent’s overall value.

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10. Ozark Trail 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent

4.3/5

Technical Specs:

Why we picked the Ozark Trail 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent:

Last on our list of best instant tents comes from Ozark Trail. An instant tent designed for avid campers and scouters. It is designed for 9 people, although we wouldn’t recommend it for more than 7 plus gear, if you want to sleep comfortably. The 14 by 9-foot floor space is generous, though, and you can fit two queen size mattresses in it.

A convenient screen room adds further covered space you can use to store your gear. It has no floor, but it’s still ideal for camping chairs and a table. Advertised as an all-season tent but more suitable for summer, it also boasts large mesh windows and a mesh ceiling. Airflow is further enhanced by two air vents at the sides. Super-easy to setup and ideal, this summer tent is ideal for groups and families.

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Instant Tents Buying Guide

Are you tired of spending ages pitching your tent? Or perhaps you’ve had enough soaking in a summer storm while trying to erect your shelter. Whatever the case, an instant tent could be the best choice. Here is a quick guide to buying them if you find it hard to decide which of the models above is the best instant tent for you.

What Is an Instant Tent?

As its name implies, an instant tent is a tent designed for quick and easy setup. Typically, it takes under 5 minutes to erect and pitch the tent, while dismantling is as easy as pitching it. All this is possible, thanks to pre-attached poles that are very easy to install.

Are Fast-Pitch and Instant Tents The Same?

With so many tents on the market, choosing one could be truly hard. Especially when faced with choosing between a fast-pitch and an instant tent. While the name difference might create confusion, the truth is both types use the same principle.

Indeed, Fast-Pitch is a name introduced by the popular brand Coleman to advertise their instant tents. To make some sort of a difference between their instant tents and the Coleman’s, other manufacturers started to define fast-pitch tents as tents that can be erected in about half the time it would take you to erect a traditional tent.

At the same time, instant tents are now considered all tents that require campers under 5 minutes for setup.

Pop-Up vs. Instant Tents. Which is Best?

Further confusing the masses is the difference between pop-up and instant tents. Things here are a tad more complex.

Instant tent is currently used as an umbrella term for all tents that can be pitched in 5 minutes or less. Pop-up tents are those tents designed to “popup” out of their bag, further reducing pitching time to 1 minute or less.

Thus, pop-up tents are a subcategory of the instant tents appealing to those looking for super-fast tent installation. The main downside of a pop-up tent is dismantling, as folding it and getting it back into the bag could be troublesome.

Instant Tent Advantages

Apart from the obvious advantage brought by the quick and easy setup, instant tents have a few other aces up their sleeves:

  • Lighter than traditional tents: Whether you have to walk to the campsite or look for a backpacking tent, instant tents are lighter and easier to carry than traditional tents. They also have fewer parts, since the poles are built-in and pre-assembled.
  • They are freestanding: This means that the tent can stand upright even if you don’t stake it to the ground. In other words, you can pitch your tent on any type of ground and move it easily from one place to another without dismantling it. Traditional tents often lack this feature.
  • They are perfect for solo campers: Instant tents are not only easy to set up, but most of them are easy to erect by yourself. This feature makes them perfect for those who like to explore the outdoors on their own.

With these advantages in mind, it is easy to understand why most outdoor enthusiasts prefer instant tents over all other types.

Types of Instant Tents

We already mentioned that instant tent is an umbrella term used to designate those tents that can be erected in 5 minutes or less. But what types of instant tents are there on the market? Which one should you buy? Let’s check them out.

  • Cabin tents: Are characterized by near-vertical walls and a flatter roof. The erected structure resembles a wooden cabin, hence the tent name. These tents are fairly large and usually provide sufficient head clearance to allow you to sit comfortably and sometimes even stand and move around. Their main disadvantage is the larger size when packed, and they also tend to be heavier than dome tents. Cabin tents are typically ideal for camping with kids or for larger groups – a fine example in this category would be the KAZOO instant tent.
  • Dome tents: These tents have a rounder, igloo-like structure and are lower in height than a cabin tents, such as the KAZOO Outdoor Hiking Tent. Due to their shape, they have better wind resistance and are also lighter than cabin tents. They pack more compactly too, but on the downside, there is also less space inside the tent. Dome tents are usually suitable for 2-3 people who only need nighttime shelter.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Instant Tent

Whether you’re trying to make up your mind between the models above or want to compare other tents as well, here are a few important things to weigh in before making a decision.

  • Construction materials: Most instant tents are made from polyester and come with either fiberglass or aluminum poles. Aluminum poles are lighter and more durable than fiberglass, but they are more expensive.
  • Tent size: Do you need a small tent for sleeping only or a larger one where you can lounge during the day, too? While it is up to you to decide the size of the tent, make sure it is large enough to fit you alongside your gear. Since most tents are on the smaller side, you might want to consider sizing up.
  • Weather resistance: Check the water-resistance factor as well as the wind resistance when buying your tent, especially if you want to camp in fall or winter. For added stability, make sure you can also anchor the tent with stakes should you want to.
  • Comfort level: No matter what tent you buy, make sure it has sufficient vents to ensure proper airflow. This feature will keep you cool in summer and prevent condensation on chillier nights or seasons.
  • Storage space: Some instant tents have interior pockets or gear lofts that allow you to keep your items organized. Don’t underestimate this feature, as it can come in handy for keeping your phone and other valuables close to you.
  • Setup time: While all instant tents are designed for easy setup, don’t take it for granted. Some tents may have complicated erection mechanisms, while others come with poor instructions. Before investing, assure yourself that you can really pitch the tent in less than five minutes.

FAQ​

• What is an Instant Tent?

An instant tent is a tent designed to be set up and dismantled instantly, usually in five minutes or less. These tents come with pre-installed poles, and require minimum assembly from the user. Thus, they are perfect for anyone, including first-time campers.

Are Instant Tents Durable?

Yes. Most instant tents have aluminum, steel, or fiberglass poles that can withstand both heavy-duty use and elements.

What is the Best Instant Tent to Buy?

It really depends on your needs. Instant tents come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re a backpacker, a compact, 2-person model weighing under 10 pounds and that can fit in a backpack is your best bet. Families can opt for tents suitable for four people or more. They are more cumbersome, but provide plenty of room space and generous head clearance. Various materials make these tents suitable for all seasons. Consider your needs, then check out our list above to find out the best instant tent for you.

What is the Easiest Tent to Put Up?

Pop-up style tents are the easiest instant tents to erect. Setting them up usually takes seconds rather than minutes.

What is a Fast Pitch Tent?

A fast pitch tent is a tent that doesn’t have a footprint, although many brands and users now use the term to refer to pop-up or instant tents that are quick and easy to pitch.