A few other outdoor activities come close to the level of thrill and fun that camping can offer. However, with a tent that takes hours for the setup process, “fun” and “thrill” can get out of the equation.
So, what should you do if you are just getting into camping? Should you learn how to set up any tent in minutes? Although that can make your camping trips a little hassle-free, you can’t forget that mastering that process will take weeks.
Therefore, you should pick the best instant tent instead! Wondering which instant tents offer good value for the money? Well, that is what I am here to tell you. And trust me, not all tents can offer good real-life performance, even if they look good on paper.
Do Not Have Much Time To Spare? Here is a Brief on the Top Pick
All the tents that I will go through below are worth every penny. However, if there is one that I would recommend over the others, it would be the Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup. It takes instant tent to the next level. You just need to spend 1 minute on the setup process.
Let me not forget to mention that the tent holds up to 10 people. And it has a roomy interior fold holding up to four queen-sized beds. So, if you plan on going on camping trips with a large group of people, you might not need to carry multiple tents.
Also, I loved the fact that the tent has superior sunlight-blocking and heat-reducing technology. Thanks to that, summertime camping trips will be much more enjoyable.
The Top 8 Tents At A Glance
I will get to the nitty gritty details about all the instant tents I have for my shortlist. But before that, I want to give you a quick overview of the tents.
- Best Overall: Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
- Best Instant Tent With Large T-Door: Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Best Budget Pick: HUI LINGYANG 6 Person Easy Pop Up
- Best Instant Weatherproof Tent: Coleman 8-Person Tent
- Best Instant Tent With Removable Floor: Gazelle Tents 22272
- Best Instant Large Tent: Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest
- Best Instant Tent With Extra-High Ceiling: Coleman Cabin Camping Tent
- Best Instant Hexagonal Tent: Outdoor Products 8 Person
8 Best Instant Tents for Hassle-Free Camping
With a quick look at the tents out of the way, let’s dive deep into why I choose these tents over the others:
#1. Coleman Cabin Tent With Instant Setup: Best Overall
Many newbie campers think that large tents are not easy to set up or are not highly durable. Coleman is here to prove you wrong with this unit if you are one of them.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 10 persons
- Material: Blend
- Weight:6 pounds
- Size: 108 W x 120 L x 72 H inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
First of all, let’s talk about the overall capacity of the tent. When you set it up properly, it will be able to fit a total of 10 people. That is like a camping trip with a large friend circle or family. No one needs to be left behind!
The interior is quite roomy, so you will not feel cramped even with ten people. In fact, you can fit up to four queen-size air mattresses inside. And thanks to the room dividers, privacy is not something that you will need to worry about.
Talking of setting it up correctly, you will not need to go through any trouble at all. It sets up in just one minute! Yes, you read that right; there will be no need to spend hours after hours setting this tent up.
But those are not the only features that made this tent get the best overall position on my list. It features something that Coleman calls Dark room technology. Thanks to this technology, the tent can block 90 percent of sunlight. Therefore, you will not have trouble resting well during the daytime.
In addition to that, the tent can reduce internal heat. So, the rest that you will take during the daytime will not be uncomfortable. And during the night, the reflective lines will make it much easier for you to navigate inside the tent. You might not need to keep lights everywhere.
Finally, the tent also comes with a hinged door. It will offer easy in-and-out access to the tent. And as it comes with a carrying bag, you will not need to worry too much about storage. The bag will even make it easier to travel around with the tent.
Pros
- Can hold up to 10 people
- The setup process takes 1 minute
- Has room dividers for added privacy
- Capable of blocking sunlight and reducing heat during the daytime
- Comes with a hinged door
Cons
- Not that easy to disassemble
- The weatherproofing rating is not that high
#2. Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent: Large T-Door
There are many large-sized instant tents out there. But, not many of them come with a large-sized door. Well, this offering from Core is not one of them.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 9 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight:5 pounds
- Size: 168 W x 108 L x 78 H inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
So, the main highlight of this instant tent is the large-sized T-door on the front. This door will give you easy access to the tent. It will also do a proper job of maintaining the airflow inside the tent. And as it comes with large mesh windows, you will not need to worry about insects and bugs getting inside through the door.
But what about the setup process? The tent will not let you down in that regard. It comes with pre-attached telescoping poles that will structure up the tent right after you pop it up. Due to these pre-attached poles, you can make it stand up in just a couple of steps.
Compared to the last tent that I looked at, this one comes with H20 block technology. The last one came with sun-blocking technology. So, this one will be a better tent for rainy days. It even comes with heat-sealed seams, which will not let the water get inside.
Alongside that, it comes with a removable rainfly. It is extra wide and will be able to offer the right amount of coverage during heavy rainfall.
But that does not mean that you can’t use it in summer. There are multiple vents on the tent. Those will enhance the airflow a bit further and ensure that the interior always has cool air. And the best part is that the intake vents are adjustable. So, you will have proper control over the breeze getting inside.
Pros
- Features a large-sized T-door for easy access
- Has multiple adjustable vents that ensure the right airflow
- Comes with pre-attached telescoping poles for instant setup
- Sports H20 block technology
- Flaunts sealed seams
Cons
- The floor material is not that durable
- Does not come with heavy-duty zippers
#3. HUI LINGYANG 6 Person Easy Pop Up: Best Budget Pick
There is really no need to break your wallet to get the best instant tent for camping. Finding that hard to believe? Check out this tent from Hui Lingyang!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Material: 190T Polyester
- Weight:68 pounds
- Size: 150 W x 102 L x 53.5 H inches
- Seasons: Four seasons
In-Depth Review:
Although the overall price point of the tent is in the budget-friendly segment, it is not like any other cheap tent that is on the market. Let’s first talk about the installation process. Just like the two of the other tents that I have talked about above, you will not face any issues in setting this unit up.
In fact, like the previous one, it comes with pre-assembled poles. That will enable you to set the tent up in seconds. Another thing that is pretty similar to the last tent is the airflow management of the tent. It has large mesh windows on two sides, which will enable hot air to pass through.
As it features a construction of water-resistant fabrics, you will remain totally dry during the rainy seasons. And for having sealed seams, the tent material will be able to keep the interior insulated from the outside. So, you will not face any issues during the harsh winter days either.
There is a two-way zipper present as well. That will quickly allow you to zip the tent from the outside or inside. Also, there will not be any condensation inside due to the hooks on the top part of the tent. You can’t really ask for more in a budget-friendly instant tent.
Pros
- Comes with pre-assembled poles
- Made of water-resistant fabrics
- Has sealed seams
- Boasts a two-way zipper
- Features hooks on the top for eliminating interior condensation
Cons
- Not that easy to pack
- The interior is not that roomy
#4. Coleman 8-Person Tent: Weatherproof Tent
Many believe that instant tents do not have the right amount of stability. That eventually makes them think that these tents can withstand tough weather conditions. If you are one of them, you should see what Coleman is offering here.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 8 persons
- Material: Weatherproof Fabric
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Size: 168 W x 120 L x 80.4 H inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
Coleman took weatherproofing to the next level with this tent. It comes with an integrated rainfly, which will massively improve the airflow. Also, it has inverted seams and welded corners. Those will make sure that the water does not get inside easily.
But weatherproofing is not all that is special about this tent; it also has a durable overall build quality. The overall construction is of double-thick fabric. This fabric will be capable of withstanding rough and tough weather conditions. And for this material, you can expect to get extended use out of the tent.
The interior is quite spacious as well. It can hold a total of eight people, making it great for camping trips with a large-size group. You can also fit up to two queen-size air mattresses inside without facing any issues.
What about the installation? Well, it features pre-attached poles, just like the other tents I have discussed above. These poles will allow you to unfold, extend, and secure the tent in a matter of seconds.
However, compared to some of the tents I discussed, you will not need to go through too much trouble to pack this one up. It comes with a carry bag, which expands quickly. It even has a rip strip for extra storage.
Pros
- Made of high-grade weatherproof fabric
- Extremely durable and will last long
- Can fit up to 2 queen-sized air mattresses
- Has a roomy interior
- Easy to pack and easy to install
Cons
- Might ship with damaged parts
- The spring button is a bit flimsy
#5. Gazelle Tents 22272
Being able to quickly set the tent up might not be the only thing that you are looking for. Instead, you might want something that is easy to clean. If that is the case, Gazelle has got you covered!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 4 persons
- Material: Denier polyester
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Size: 94 W x 94 L x 78 H inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
The thing that makes this tent stand out from the rest of the tents I have already talked about is the removable floor. This unit utilizes a thick hook and loop strip to hold the floor in place. And this strip will make it easier for you to disassemble the floor and shake out all the dust and dirt from the surface.
You will be quite amazed at the setup process as well. It takes only 90 seconds, which might seem a little longer than the tents above, but it is still “instant.” And thanks to the durable YKK zippers, getting in and out of the tent will be a piece of cake.
Other than that, the tent features a robust overall build quality. It utilizes an innovative framework and has all-metal hubs. The poles on the framework are of high-quality fiberglass. Therefore, you will not need to worry too much about the unit’s lifespan.
The tent even has proper ventilation. There are a total of six windows and two doors. All of them will work like a charm in offering you the right level of airflow. Also, the tight-weave mesh fabric will let air in and out of the tent while blocking pests and bugs.
Pros
- The floor is removable
- Easy to set up
- Has a durable overall construction
- Features six windows and two doors
- Comes with durable YKK zippers
Cons
- The rainfly does not offer proper coverage on the doors
- Not that easy to take down
#6. Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest
Planning for a camping trip with all the members of your family? Do you not want to sleep while feeling cramped? You need to put this tent from Ozark into your consideration!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 10 persons
- Material: Polyester and steel
- Weight:7 pounds
- Size: 168 W x 120 L x 78 H inches
- Seasons: Four seasons
In-Depth Review:
The tent has the space to accommodate your whole crew. And it will do that by not making everyone feel cramped inside. You do not find that feature in a regular tent in the market. The interior is roomy and can fit up to two queen-sized airbeds. So, you will not have to worry about comfort.
Aside from being large, the installation process of the tent is pretty straightforward. It just takes 2 minutes! The tent will come assembled; all you need to do is adjust the pre-attached poles. And just like the tent from Coleman that I first reviewed, this one comes with room dividers.
The tent also comes with electrical cord access. That means you can install portable air coolers inside. Also, there are handing gear organizers and deluxe gear pockets. Those will enable you to get the most out of the interior space.
In summer, you will not need to worry about the scorching heat of the sun or UV rays getting into the tent. This one comes with Dark Rest Technology, which will block out sunlight. Eventually, it will enable you to stay cooler inside the tent, making summer camping trips more enjoyable.
Pros
- Has a roomy interior that can hold up to 10 people
- Can fit two queen-size air mattress
- Comes with pre-attached poles for easy installation
- Sports Dark Rest Technology to keep the interior cool
- Feature deluxe gear pockets and organizers
Cons
- The tent might ship with holes in the walls
- Comes with a relatively small rainfly
#7. Coleman Cabin Camping Tent
I have another instant tent that is from Coleman. And this tent has its own unique feature that makes it stand out from the others.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Material: Waterproof fabric
- Weight:29 pounds
- Size: 132 W x 96 L x 77 H inches
- Seasons: All Weather
In-Depth Review:
The highlighting feature of this tent is that it offers enough room to stand. There are vertical walls that stand upright, and it has an extra-high ceiling. Thanks to this feature, you will be able to stand inside the tent without needing to worry about getting bumped in your head. Moving around the tent will also be easier.
But it is not just the height. The interior is quite roomy as well. It has rooms to fit up to 2 queen-size air mattresses. And a total of 6 campers can stay inside it at the same time. So, if you only camp with medium to large-sized groups, this tent will be perfect!
Coleman did not skimp one bit in terms of ventilation. Just like the previous offering, this one comes with windows. However, the ones that are present on this one are panoramic. They do not fail in terms of providing the right amount of airflow and light to the interior.
In addition to that, the tent comes with a detachable rainfly. It even has a tub-like floor. Both of them combined will make sure water does not get into the inside during rainy days. Also, due to the solid overall build, the tent can withstand high winds that are up to 35 mph in speed.
Pros
- Sports an extra-high ceiling
- Has a roomy interior
- Features panoramic windows
- Comes with a detachable rainfly
- Can withstand rough weather conditions
Cons
- The walls are not leak-proof
- Does not have a large screen area
#8. Outdoor Products 8 Person
Do you not like how the other tents on this list look? Are you a fan of the hexagonal tents? This 8-person tent is for you!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 8 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight:5 pounds
- Size: 180 W x 156 L x 80 H inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
As mentioned earlier, the overall shape of the tent is the thing that makes it stand out. It is not like the other tents that I have gone through. Instead, the tent has more of a hexagonal shape to it. So, it will look uniform, which is something that many of the campers like.
The interior is quite roomy too. It has the capacity to hold up to 8 campers, making it a great pick for large to semi-large group camping trips. Although it is quite large, you will not need to go through too many steps to set it up. It comes with pre-attached poles. Thanks to those, you can install it within seconds.
Compared to the other tents that I have reviewed above, the poles of this tent have built-in LED lights. Those will help you to navigate inside the tent when it is dark. Also, you will not need to keep too many additional lighting devices for the camping trips.
There will be no need to worry about the airflow inside the tent. This one comes with ground vents, which will create a cross ventilation configuration inside. As a result, you will not find yourself sweating excessively during the summer. Also, it has a mesh, which will keep you dry and away from bugs.
Pros
- Hexagonal and has a uniform look to it
- Sports pre-attached poles for easy installation
- The poles have built-in LED lights
- Has ground airflow vents
- Features mesh screen to offer protection from bugs
Cons
- The floor does not have a high durability rating
- Can’t withstand strong winds
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Instant Tent
Going through the reviews does half the job in terms of making it easier to get the best tent with easy installation. Along with that, you will also need to keep some crucial points in your mind, which are as follows:
Size
First of all, you need to factor in size. Ask yourself about the number of people that you generally go on a camping trip with. Keep that number as a reference, and then select the tent that will be capable of accommodating all of you.
Generally speaking, you can pick a large tent even if you do not camp with a large number of people. The large tents will give you more room, which is never bad. And as you are selecting an instant tent, you will not need to worry about going through too many hassles in setting up a large tent.
However, large-sized tents require more storage space. They are typically heavier too. So, if better portability is crucial for you, pick something that will meet your minimum requirement.
Room Dividers
If you are picking a large-sized tent, you need to check whether it comes with room dividers or not. Even when you are camping with your family, you would want to get some privacy, right? Well, room dividers offer you exactly that. They divide the room and make sure that the occupants are getting some degree of privacy.
Installation Ease
Yes, all the instant tents will be easy to install. However, there are some that are easier than others. For example, some will require just sixty seconds for the installation process, while some will require around 2 minutes. Both are easy to install. However, the first one is better than the latter in this regard.
Although you will not be making a wrong decision by picking either one of those tents up, the one that takes less time is more convenient. Therefore, if you do not want to sacrifice one bit in terms of installation convenience, pick the one that takes less amount of time to install.
Durability
Another important thing that needs to be in your consideration is durability. Most of the tents will be made of polyester. However, the quality of the polyester will be different from one to another. And this difference in terms of quality will make them reside in different durability levels.
That said, some of the tents can be made of other material than polyester. For example, many will utilize a blend of materials. No matter what the case is, you need to check the quality.
The higher the quality, the more the durability level will be. And the more the durability level, the longer the tents will last without showing any structural issues.
Weather Protection
Not all the tents in the market have a good weatherproofing feature. However, it is an important feature that you need to check before making the purchase. A tent that does not have proper weatherproofing will not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. To illustrate, you will not be able to stay dry during the rainy seasons.
In this case, you need to check for innovative technologies, such as something that keeps the inside insulated. That technology will make sure that you stay cozy during the harsh winter nights.
Other than that, there are tent technologies that make the tents withstand high breezes of winds and make them capable of handling most rough weather conditions.
Rainfly
The rainfly is a crucial component of the tents. At its core, the rainfly is a structure that protects you from the outside environment. And if the rainfly is not large enough, it will not be able to protect you from the rain. It’s not just rain. The rainfly can also offer protection from harsh sunlight.
Airflow Management
Weatherproofing is one thing and having the right airflow is another thing. Without having the right amount of vents or windows in the tent, the interior will not have a proper amount of airflow. And during summer, you will find it hard to stay comfortable inside the tent if there is no proper airflow inside.
For that reason, when choosing a tent, you should ensure that there are adequate numbers of windows or mesh panels. Mesh panels are also important because they make the air inside flow while blocking insects and pests.
Ease Of Getting In & Out
Imagine having a tent that is hard to get into or get out of. It would ruin the overall camping experience, right? Well, for that reason, you need to consider the size of the door. It also needs to have good zippers. Otherwise, you will struggle a lot getting in and out.
Additional Features
Some of the tents will come with additional features. These features can come in handy in different situations. For example, some of the tents have built-in LED lights on the poles. With built-in LED lights, you do not need to carry too many devices with you for lights.
Likewise, there are tents that come with gear and tool pockets. With those, you can take good advantage of the room inside the tent. Considering all these, I would recommend the tents with extra features.
Packing & Portability
Instant tents are known to be a little challenging to pack and carry around. Fortunately, some brands include a packing bag with the tent. With those, you do not have to worry too much tent carrying solutions. So, it would be better if you pick a tent with a carrying bag dedicated to that specific tent.
Types of Instant Tents
Just like regular tents, the instant versions have different types. Here is a brief description of each:
Instant Dome Tents
Among all the types of instant tents, dome tents are the most popular kind. These have a rounded top, which makes the tents look like a dome. They are often large in size and mostly allow the occupants to walk inside the tent freely.
Nonetheless, dome instant tents are a good pick if you are camping with a small group of people. Most of them can have 4 people. Also, these are great for camping trips in a location where it is windy or rains often. The shape makes the tent withstand rain and wind exceptionally well.
Instant Cabin Tents
As the name suggests, the instant cabin tents have a cabin-like shape. But unlike regular cabin tents, these are easy to set up. These types of instant tents are great for campers that want to feel like they are at home while camping. How can they offer you that feeling?
Most of the cabin tents will have room dividers or individual rooms. That allows the occupants to have the right amount of privacy while sleeping.
Pop Up Tents
In comparison, the instant pop-up tents are the easiest to set up. Some of them can go up in just three seconds! Yes, you read that right! They are also easy to disassemble and store.
However, most of the pop-up tents are for four occupants or fewer. Also, they are not that great when it comes to withstanding harsh and rough weather conditions. They do not have the highest overall durability rating either.
For that reason, you should only pick up the pop-up tents if you plan to camp casually in fair weather conditions.
How To Set Up An Instant Tent?
The process of setting up an instant tent is mostly straightforward. Although some of the tents might have a different method, in general, most need you to go through these simple steps:
- Get the tent out of the bag or packaging
- Lay the tent on top of a smooth and flat ground
- Unfold the tent and make sure that it is lying completely flat
- Extend the poles of the tent
- Secure the tent in place and work with the optional rainfly
If you need a visual guide, you can check out this quick video on YouTube:
What Are The Advantages Of Using An Instant Tent?
Wondering what the main advantages of getting an instant tent are? Here are the main benefits that they bring to the table:
- The instant tent, as the name suggests, is instant. That means you will be able to set it up in no time at all.
- Instant tents are easier to work with. They do not demand high DIY skills, meaning anyone can set them up.
- The tent is mostly suitable for beginners as the setup process is just a few simple steps.
- Most of the instant tents are easy to take down too. So, you will not need to worry about going through too many hassles while setting up and taking down the tent.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Instant Tents?
Not everything is great for the instant tents. They associate with some disadvantages. Let me give you an idea regarding the main disadvantages:
Generally Costlier Than Regular Tents
Some instant tents are little costlier compared to regular tents. The added convenience basically increases the price point. However, most of the campers see it as a fair trade. In other words, paying a little extra for being able to set the tent up in seconds is worth it.
Not That Easy To Store
The instant tents come pre-assembled. That means you will not be able to disassemble it entirely. As a result, these tents are not easy to store. You will need special carrying or storage bags. But fortunately, most of the brands will include a storage bag with the tent.
Difficult To Take Down
As instant tents have pre-assembled parts, most are not easy to take down. However, when you get the hang of the disassembly process, it gets easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tent Is The Easiest To Install?
The instant tents are the easiest to set up among all the available types. Most take about a minute or so. And most importantly, the instant tents will not require you to go through too many hassles during the setup process.
Are Instant Tents Durable?
Although many think that instant tents are flimsy, they are actually not. Most will come with a robust build, which will enable them to withstand high winds and rough weather conditions.
Are Instant Tents Comfortable To Be In?
Most instant tents will have multiple weatherproofing features. They will also come with a proper number of vents and windows. These will make sure that you stay comfortable in them.
Is It hard To Pack Instant Tents?
Instant tents are not easier to work with when it comes to packing. But, most of the brands will bundle a carrying bag with the tent. That bag will make the packing process comparatively easier.
Final Words
By going through my short best instant tent list, you have pretty much become aware of all the instant tents that provide the best value for money. But before you do pick one, do consider your budget and the features that are important to you.
Nonetheless, if I had to choose one or two from my list, I would first go with the Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup. The setup process takes just sixty seconds, and the tent integrates special weatherproofing technology.
Aside from that, if you want something that is budget-friendly, go for the HUI LINGYANG 6 Person Easy Pop Up. It offers the best value for money, and it is reasonably durable.
