It’s time to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are heading to a music festival, going camping for the weekend, or headed out on a multi-week backpacking trip, a tent should be at the top of your packing list.
Unfortunately picking out the right tent can sometimes be a somewhat difficult task, although one thing is for certain: it should not be difficult to set up. In order to help you choose the right outdoor shelter, we composed this list of the best easy setup camping tents in 2020.
In this article we will go over:
- Benefits
- Buying Advice
- How to Choose Your Tent
- The Best Easy Setup Camping Tents
- Alternatives
Benefits of Easy Set Up Tents for Camping
Although they may not be as strong or durable as some of the more robust camping options available on the market today, there are certainly plenty of benefits in choosing easy set up tents for camping. Benefits include:
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- Quick Setup – Obviously, the number one benefit of an easy setup tent as the easy set up itself. If it’s raining, you are tired, or you just can’t wait to relax, the less time spent setting up your tent, the better.
- Easy Teardown – Often times, taking down an easy setup tent is just as easy as putting it up. Traditional tents can be a nightmare when it is time to pack up, and time is of the essence.
- Storage Capacity – The best easy setup camping tents generally take up a lot less room than other tents when they are not being used. This saves space not only in your home, but in the car as well!
- Kid Friendly – Depending on their enthusiasm for the outdoors, camping with children can lead to a headache or too. If the tent is easy to set up, the kids may even be able to help the process.
- Location Independent – The easier to set up, the more time you can spend finding a great location for your tent. Most pop-ups are light enough to strap on your backpack!
Easy Setup Tents for Camping – Buying Advice
There are a few different crucial components that you will need to consider while doing your tent shopping. Here are the most important factors:
- Size – Above all, knowing what size tent you need is the most important factor. Most tents list how many people can sleep comfortably within the product.
- Budget – Camping is a great way to have a lot of fun for not a whole lot of money. Even some of the best easy setup camping tents will not break the bank.
- Destination – Where are you going to be camping? If it’s in cold weather, you will want to have a properly sealed tent. If you’re going to a practically rainy spot, you’ll be glad you have a waterproof rainfly.
- Ventilation – Tents are notoriously for heating up in the early morning sun. If you’ll be camping in a warm area, having a mesh window or two is crucial for letting in airflow without bugs.
- Type of Camping – If you’re headed down the trail for a nice overnight backpacking trip, you’ll need a nice, lightweight tent that can be carried for a long distance. If you’re pitching right next to your car, this is not nearly as much as a concern.
Once you’ve got a general idea of what you are looking for, then you can begin to consider the exact make and model for your camping tent.
Easy Setup Camping Tents Photo by adrian
How to Choose the Best Easy Setup Camping Tent
Now that we’ve covered what you should consider before you purchase, here’s a few more specific features you’ll want to consider when choosing your own easy setup camping tent:
- Party Size – How many people are going to be sleeping in this tent? It is always best to heir on the side of caution and get a larger tent. That way, you’ll have more room to move around, or a spot for a last minute addition to the group!
- Waterproofing – Unless you’re camping in the desert in the heat of summer, it is almost always a good idea to purchase a waterproof tent, or at least one with a large rainfly. Nothing ruins a good night of sleeping under the stars more than a soggy sleeping bag.
- Frequency of Use – Is this a one time thing? If you’ve got the camping bug, purchasing a durable unit may be best when looking at your options for the best easy setup camping tents.
- Included Components – Before you buy, and especially before you get to your campground, you need to make sure that you have a footprint and stakes to keep your shelter protected from the elements. If you do not own any materials already, consider purchasing a tent that has everything included.
- Additional Features – Do you live in a particularly buggy or rainy area? If so, you’ll want an enclosed space with a roof and mesh lining so that you can still enjoy the great outdoors without the pesky nuisance of bug bites or wet clothes.
We hope by now you have a pretty good understanding of what are the best easy setup camping tents for your next adventure.
The Best Easy Setup Camping Tents
Because there are literally hundreds of options for you to choose from, we’ve narrowed down some of the best easy set up camping tents and outlined why they may be a good purchase below. Among these choices, you will find options for small groups, big groups, the occasional camper and the seasoned outdoorsman.
The Coleman Sundome Tent
The first tent on our list comes from Coleman, a very well known outdoor brand that makes everything from chairs to lanterns. The Coleman Sundome tent comes with strong performance at a great value.
This item is available as a 2, 3, 4, or six person size. No matter the size, each model has an estimated setup time of just 10 minutes. This is largely thanks to its simplistic and intuitive design that even first time campers will excel with.
The features of this tent are not over the top, but rather simple and highly functional. This easy setup camping tent comes with large windows and ground vents to help keep the inside cool. The interior includes a few storage pockets and there is an e-port for sending an extension cord safely through the tents exterior.
The WeatherTec system covering the corners with welded seams, combined with the included rainfly also makes this shelter completely waterproof.
Although we would not recommend this item for Winter use, the windowed facade of this product makes it the perfect easy setup camping tent for the summer. The tent comes with stakes included, so everything is ready to go for your next camping trip.
There really isn’t much else to say about the Coleman Sundome Tent, as the simplicity of it is what truly makes it a great option. Whereas pop up and instant tent technology have a faster setup times, the simple design of this tent still allows for a speedy setup, without the risk of unreliable technology that hasn’t been tested enough.
What We Like
- Good Value
- Waterproof
- Different Sizes Available
- Great Features
What We Don’t Like
- Only for Summer Use
Check Prices of Coleman Sundome Tent
Coleman Cabin Tent
Next on our list is another tent from Coleman. Although it is made by the same company, these two tents could not be any more different.
The Coleman Cabin Tent sets up instantly. Yes, you read that correctly: it sets up instantly! The tent’s poles come pre-attached to the nylon, so all you need to do is extend, unfold, and secure the tent into place. This is best done with two people or a small group, which is perfect because the spacious interior fits up to six adults comfortably.
The rainfly is also built right into the roof, which makes it incredibly easy to enjoy a dry night of sleep. The cover is vented, however, so you do not have to sacrifice temperature for dryness, as the entire cabin tent has great airflow to keep the inside nice and cool.
Besides the instant setup, what makes this tent so different is the sheer size of the shelter itself. Unlike most instant setup tents available on the market, Coleman’s Cabin Tent is tall enough for most people to stand up straight while inside.
The Dark Room Technology included on the tent helps block out approximately ninety percent of the sunlight, thus keeping the interior cool all night and morning long. This is complimented by the three windowed sides of the structure that not only allow for plenty of ventilation, but give the opportunity for you to take in the views around you.
Functionally, this item has many of the same features as its competitors, such as WeatherTec waterproof sealing and flooring as well as an insulated opening for extension cords and electronics.
Despite its enormous size when being used, the Coleman Cabin tent packs up quickly and is stored in the included carrying case, which weighs under twenty pounds. Unlike popup tents that require special instructions for taking down, this instant setup camping tent includes a rip strip that instantly collapses the structure and readies it for packing.
Although there is no warranty available when this item is purchased, you can rest easy knowing that Coleman produces high quality camping materials, this tent being no exception.
What We Like
- Super Fast Setup & Take Down
- Spacious
- Well Ventilated
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky & Heavy
Check Prices of Coleman Cabin Tent
HeWolf Waterproof Instant Camping Tent
Of course, there are other companies out there besides Coleman that make some of the best easy setup tents for camping. This product from Hewolf is a great product that comes at an outstanding price.
The surprisingly spacious hexagonal shape of this dome tent fits 2-3 adults or 4 children comfortably. It has enough room for a blow-up queen size mattress for those looking to camp in a bit of luxury.
Setting up this tent can be done by anyone in a matter of seconds. To do so, simply spread the six arms that make up the sides, pop the top mechanism down, and secure the bottom joints in place with a simple click. Stakes are included, so if you anticipate some wind gusting in, you will want to secure it into place by pinning down the stakes in each corner.
A huge bonus that sticks out with this tent is the included warranty. Hewolf includes a lifetime warranty including free pole replacement. This is an incredible value, as snapped poles are some of the most common repairs necessary in tent ownership.
Beyond the main living area, the HeWolf Instant Camping Tent includes an extendable canopy coming out of the door area. As the product is completely waterproof, this feature even allows you to stick your legs out or keep some of your equipment dry as well.
There is also an incredible amount of ventilation built into the design of this structure as well. Although it is not suitable for extremely windy conditions, the double layers of breathable polyester and mesh make it possible to enjoy a nice summer breeze from inside the tent. The layers are separable, so if you simply want a nice shady beach tent without the heavy duty camping protection, you can easily remove the mesh features.
HeWolf is a well known brand that makes superior outdoor products and is legendary for their customer service. This highly rated camping tent is a great choice for couples or budding families.
What We Like
- Spacious Interior
- Instant Setup
- Great Value
- Customer Service & Warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Not Many Windows
Check Prices of HeWolf Waterproof Instant Camping Tent
AYAMAYA Pop Up Tent
No list of the best easy setup camping tents would be complete without including a pop-up tent. Although early models were written off as too fragile to be reliable, AYAMAYA’s pop up tent is a fantastic product perfect for any weekend camper that is strong enough to last through many seasons of the great outdoors.
This pop-up tent is as easy as it sounds: it simply pops up. In order to set up this tent, all you have to do is take it out of the small, convenient carrying bag. When contained within the bag, the entire package weighs just above ten pounds. Once removed, you can literally throw this item in the air and it will expand to form itself into a nice tent. This comically easy installation will surely be the envy of your camp neighbors.
Despite its simple setup, this shelter still has the features that make it a great tent for extended use. The double-layered exterior keeps condensation from building within while adding a layer of ventilation taboot. To add to the airflow, the tent includes two large front doors, four windows, and rear vents. Although there is only one entrance, which means you’ll have to crawl through the interior to get to the back, there is enough open air to allow a nice cross breeze for ventilation.
You may be thinking that a pop-up tent has to be quite small, but this shelter actually fits up to five or six adults comfortably inside. The interior is sectioned by a zippable door flap, so you can give your dog or your gear the space it needs as well.
The tent is completely waterproof and comes with all of the stakes and accessories you need for one night or a full week in the woods. Despite how easy it is to set up, first time users may struggle with putting it back within the storage bag, as it does not simply pop-down as easy as it pops up.
AYAMAYA has made something truly special with this product. If setting up a tent is your worst fear about enjoying a night camping, then this is the perfect solution for you with room for your friends and family.
What We Like
- Instant Set Up
- Plenty of Room
- Easy to Transport
- Compartmentalized Interior
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to Pack Up
Check Prices of AYAMAYA Pop Up Tent
Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Lastly, we wanted to finish out our list of the best easy setup camping tents with a shelter that is capable of housing the entire party. For huge get togethers or camping trips, there is no easier option than this massive 8 person Klondike Tent from Wenzel.
Large tents have a reputation for being notoriously difficult to set up, however when compared to most other 8 to 10 person options on the market, this tent is the easiest to setup and does not sacrifice quality. Whereas most 8 person tents require a team of people to assemble, the pin and ring elbows and steel uprights make it possible for one person to set up this massive tent.
The features on this product are larger than life. The shelter is divided into two rooms: One screened porch area and one more traditional tent room. Both rooms have nylon floors and are sealed well enough for multiple people to sleep within.
Each space has a vaulted ceiling of about six and a half feet, providing plenty of headroom for most people to stand comfortably. There are also plenty of accessory pockets included for everyone’s belongings. Despite all of the body heat contained within, the numerous windows and mesh openings along the bottom of the tent allow for proper ventilation to keep all of its inhabitants nice and cool.
The screen room is actually entirely convertible. So if the weather turns sour, those sleeping in the front can easily zip down protective layers to feel as if they are completely indoors. During the day, the mesh walls are great for sitting around in a bug-free environment, without sacrificing the cool summer breeze.
The tent itself weighs around 26 pounds. As the unsurprisingly heaviest option on this list, this tent is perfect for the whole family to camp in, but is not suited for backpacking or carrying long distances.
Wenzel is a company that has been around for over a century, so it is no surprise that the rainfly and other features of the tent are well crafted and built to last. If you’re looking for the best easy setup camping tent to hold a very large group, this is a great option.
What We Like
- Massive in Size
- One Person Set Up
- Well Crafted
What We Don’t Like
- Some Leaks Reported
Check Prices of Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Alternatives to Easy Set Up Tents for Camping
When it comes to camping, the possibilities are endless. Some people choose to “cowboy camp” with nothing but a sleeping bag, a fire, and the Earth below their bodies. Others choose a bit more of luxurious stay in an RV, trailer, or van. Some adventurous minimalists will even bring along a hammock, for a quick lightweight sleeping shelter.
In the realm of tents alone, easy setup tents are great for first timers, weekend warriors, or the occasional users. If you are planning on camping in extreme conditions, the amount of time it takes to pop your tent should not be the determining factor. In instances like this, having a tent that will not only keep you safe from the elements, but will be durable enough to withstand multiple days outdoors should be sought after.
Conclusion
We hope this article was able to properly illustrate the benefits of owning an easy setup tent for camping and also helped outline some of the things to consider before making your purchase. Although there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, we feel that our choices on this list would all make for great purchases, depending on your specific camping needs. Now it’s time to plan your trip, buy your tent, get offline and enjoy the great outdoors!
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