Camping Panda
Undeniably, a camper’s dream is that of erecting his shelter instantly. And what better choice than a pop up tent for the purpose? As its name suggests, this type of tent pops up in seconds. Pre-assembled poles or hydraulic structures allow you to open it up effortlessly, more or less like an umbrella. Secure it to the ground with stakes and ground ropes, and you’re good to go.
When it comes to choices, you can pick from a wide variety of pop up tents. All you have to do is consider the overall quality, size, and sturdiness of the structure. If you don’t want to keep looking at features, check out the best pop up tents below.
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?
10
Hours Researched
22
Products Evaluated
2.4k
Reviews Considered
2
Sources Researched
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Name
Image
Review
Rating
Capacity
Waterproof
Weight
Floor Space
Check Price
Capacity
4 Person Tent
Waterproof
Moderate rain
Weight
11 lb
Floor Space
94.5" x 79"
Packed Size
33.5" x 7" x 7"
The Night Cat pop up camping tent is our best choice for a reason. It crams a wealth of features into a compact design, and is perfect for small families as well as groups of friends or couples. It comes in two sizes, both of which offer a generous floor space. The one we reviewed sleeps four at a squeeze, although it’s more suitable for three adults.
Made from 210D waterproof oxford fabric, it can allegedly withstand heavy rain. A design flaw voids the purpose, though, as water may leak during storms or heavy rain due to poor zipper quality. On a positive note, we like that it comes with a footprint tarp, and that the rainfly can be used on its own as a pavilion. A great feature, especially when camping with kids.
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Great for festivals and car camping, the Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent brings outstanding value for money. Cheap for what it is, it presents itself as an easy-to-carry tent with circular design when closed, and that pops up in seconds when you open the bag. Its greatest strength is the multi-position rainfly that allows you to achieve the desired protection or ventilation.
Large mesh windows as well as a mesh door make it perfect for summer camping. The fabric is on the thin side, but it still withstands light rain beautifully. We also like the taped floor that keeps water out. The dome-inspired shape and low profile also enhance wind resistance. This tent doesn’t fit into a backpack, but it can be easily attached to your camping gear and used for hiking, too. Versatile and affordable, is one of the best pop up tents if all you need is a small, no-frills shelter.
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The ZOMAKE is one of the most versatile tents on our list. It sleeps 3 adults, or two adults and two kids, and can serve all purposes, from sleeping to providing shade at the beach. Like most pop-up tents, it’s a breeze to erect, and also a breeze to dismantle.
Weighing only 5 pounds and fairly compact when closed, this tent is also perfect for hiking, although it might not fit in your backpack. Large mesh windows on both sides, mesh doors on both ends, as well as large mesh ceiling, add further value. Not only the tent is perfect for the summer, but you can also gaze at the stars while laying comfortably.
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At only 10.25 pounds and 34.6-inch in diameter when packed, the ayamaya pop-up tent is one of the lightest and easiest to transport family camping tents on the market. Thanks to its compact design, it serves well a variety of purposes. Indeed, the tent is perfect for campers, tailgaters, anglers, hunters, and scouters.
Its looks seem inspired by the military tents, from colors to the design of its windows. Indeed, the smaller windows and a generous vestibule trap warmth inside, making it perfect for camping in colder season, as long as the weather is mild.
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Zenph Automatic is an incredibly spacious pop-up tent designed for couples or small groups of friends. It can accommodate up to three people comfortably, and you can even fit an air mattress in it. Designed to withstand all weather conditions, it boasts a sturdy construction and is truly waterproof.
A large door with mesh panel and air vents on both sides ensure airflow and keep the tent cool during summer, while still preventing it from getting too cold in chiller weather. It only has one rear window, but that guarantees better water resistance. The only thing to keep in mind is that, despite its light weight, it is a bit difficult to carry while hiking. That’s still doable, but not as comfortable as advertised by the manufacturer. Another highlight is the automatic opening systems, that helps you set it up without effort while watching your buddies struggle with their old-fashioned elastic pole tents.
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Opening up like an umbrella and equally easy to take down, the BFULL instant pop-up tent is an excellent choice for adventurers and weekend warriors alike. It can accommodate three adults in sleeping bags or bivvy sacks. For a more comfortable fit – especially if you plan to sleep on an air mattress – consider it a 2-person tent.
Similar to the Night Cat camping tent, it comes with a detachable canopy that can be used as a pavilion. Really low weight and dimensions also make it perfect for backpacking, family picnics, or beach goers. Versatile enough to withstand harsh weather while keeping you cool in hot temperatures, too, this is one of the best pop up camping tents you can get.
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This is a no-frills pop-up tent designed with backpackers in mind. It doesn’t pack as compactly as the BFULL model, but at 7.2 pounds, it’s very easy to carry. The packed size is not that excessive either, and you can easily tie it to your backpack.
While it lacks the bells and whistles present on most modern tents, it does what it’s supposed to do brilliantly. It pops up in seconds, it’s easy to dismantle, and keeps you protected from elements. The interior is also spacious enough for three adults, and it comes in a selection of colors. What else could you want?
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Light and spacious, this all-season tent is an excellent choice for campers, anglers, and even hunters. It pops up in seconds, and boasts a roomy interior and covered vestibule. Thanks to this design, you don’t have to worry too much about saving enough floor space for your gear, as you can stack everything in the vestibule.
Double windows on both sides, an air vent at the back and large door also give you the possibility to adjust air flow as needed. Furthermore, adjustable vents at floor level offer additional ventilation to keep you cool on hot summer evenings.
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If you like the umbrella style tents and want one that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the NACATIN pop-up tent might be it. Perfect for up to three adults, it impresses with high-quality construction and a relatively roomy interior. It is light enough to carry for short distances, so you might like it even if you can’t reach the camp site with the car.
Withstanding light to moderate rain, it’s also perfect to use in spring, summer, and fall. The rainfly can be used on its own, either in the backyard or as a beach or picnic canopy. A thing we miss are the windows, but two large doors make up for it. Mesh nets ensure proper airflow, and two color choices add versatility.
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Last but not least, the DEERFAMY makes its entry as one of the best pop up tents for families on a budget. It isn’t huge, but it can easily accommodate two adults and two kids. A generous floor area can fit an air mattress or two, and you’ll even have some gear space left behind.
Airflow is ensured by the lateral windows and large mesh door. Besides the interior door, two fabric flaps extend over the entrance and create a sort of vestibule for some of your gear. A zipper closure keeps the inside watertight even in heavier rain, but keep in mind the vestibule has no floor. All in all, it’s hard to deny that this is a great tent, and it comes at an affordable price. Just perfect for a family of four or a bunch of friends to have outdoor fun during the weekend.
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From all tents out there, pop-up tents are proof that temporary shelters aren’t for camping only. You can use them for camping, sure, but also to protect yourself from the sun at the beach or set one up at a music festival. Although smaller than the other tent styles, they can protect you from cold, sun, rain, and even stronger wind gusts.
Finding a pop up tent to suit your needs could be troublesome, though. While all tents above are worth your money, here are a few things to consider to make sure you’re choosing the best pop up tent for you.
A pop up tent is a type of instant tent designed to “pop-up” when taken out from its bag. The frame is freestanding, meaning it needs no anchoring to stay erect, and these characteristics simplify the setup. Indeed, you can set up a pop up tent in under five minutes and take it down easily, too, as long as you familiarize yourself with the dismantling steps.
Based on their structure, there are three types of pop-up tents you can choose from:
One of the best things about pop-up tents is their freestanding design. In other words, you don’t have to use stakes or ropes to keep them upright.
However, just because you don’t have to, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Anchoring your tent to the ground is essential if you want to ensure wind resistance. On the bright side, you won’t have to dismantle the tent if you want to move it to a better camp spot.
Most pop-up tents come with both steel and plastic stakes, so you can reinforce the structure on all kinds of surfaces, including dirt and sand.
Pop up tents come in various setups suitable for 2 to 8 people. Regardless of the tent’s capacity, one thing to check is the number of doors and windows the tent has.
Two doors are desirable even for the smallest, 2-person tents, as each occupant will have their own entry and exit way. If you opt for a single-wall tent, check the number and position of the vents – ideally, the tent should have both top and bottom vents for cross-ventilation. If that’s not possible, floor level vents are desirable, as they’ll keep you cooler in hot weather.
Double-wall tents usually have windows, but if you aim for utmost ventilation, go for a model with mesh sides and top. The rainfly typically provides adequate protection from wind and rain, and you won’t have to bother about condensation.
Apart from the important considerations above, there are a few other things you should consider before buying the best pop up tent for you:
Pop-up tents are just as good as any other tents. Most manufacturers equip them with sturdy aluminum alloy poles that are durable and resistant. You can expect such a tent to last as long as a traditional one – and in some cases, even longer.
The umbrella-style tents with hydraulic systems are the easiest to setup and take down. They work in a way similar to a pack-n-play baby crib, so most users will have no trouble in figuring out how they work.
It depends on the technology used. Some have spring-style systems that open up the tent automatically when you take it out of its bag. They are the easiest to install, but often a pain to take down. Then, there are the hydraulic system tents we mentioned above. You will have to pull the poles to align them and lock them in place. They may take a few seconds longer to erect, but are easier to dismantle.
Depending on model and size, pop up tents can cost a few tens of bucks or a few hundreds. Bigger, sturdier, all-season tents are often more expensive, so expect to spend over a hundred dollars for such a tent. Backpacking tents designed for summer are much more affordable.
In a nutshell, anywhere. These tents are perfect for camping, but you can also set them up in your backyard or even indoors. Thus, they are versatile and can meet most needs.
