Whether you’re planning to camp for a couple of days in the summer or go on longer camping trips throughout the year, having a quality tent is a must.
You’d want to aim for a tent that’s easy to set up and offers good protection from the elements. Also, a good tent has to be sturdy and have sufficient floor space and headroom.
Keep reading for in-depth reviews of the best camping tents of 2021, as well as a thorough buyer’s guide complete with an FAQ section.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent
- Large windows and ground vent for enhanced airflow
- E-port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside
- Strong frame withstands 35+ mph winds
Best Camping Tents of 2022 – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
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Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent |
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ALPS Mountaineering 5024617 Lynx |
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Toogh 3-4 Person Camping Tent Backpacking Tents |
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Featherstone Outdoor UL Granite Backpacking 2 Person Tent |
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Hyke & Byke Yosemite 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents |
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Best Camping Tents of 2022 – Reviews
1. Our Top Pick: Coleman Dome Tent
Not all camping tents have to cost an arm and a leg, nor do they have to be the size of a small house. If you’re a casual camper and want something simple and affordable, you might want to take a look at the Coleman Dome Tent. It’s available in multiple sizes for 2, 3, 4, or 6 persons
Product Highlights
The Coleman features a shock-corded fiberglass frame. The tent has mesh vents on the roof for better ventilation and to prevent moisture build-up on a hot day. It has one interior storage pocket and a polyethylene welcome mat.
The 100D polyethylene floor has leak-proof seams. Additionally, the tent’s equipped with self-rolling windows and a pair of doors. The hinged door in the front can be opened and closed with a zipper or like a standard home door.
In the lighting department, the Coleman Dome Tent is equipped with CREE LED lights. The system is powered by Coleman’s proprietary XPS 4D Battery Power Pack that’s not included in the package.
The system has three working modes and is controlled via a handy wall-mounted switch. The “Hi” setting gives out 100 lumens for 26 hours. You’ll get 42 lumens and 65 working hours at the “Low” setting. The “Night Light” mode gives 5 lumens of brightness for up to 81 hours.
This tent is lightweight and easy to set up. It comes with a carrying pouch, a zippered power outlet, an internal storage pocket, combination clips, continuous pole sleeves, and an external guy line.
What’s to like about the Coleman Dome Tent
The strongest points of the Coleman tent are its affordability, portability, and good ventilation. It also has an adjustable lighting system.
What’s not to like about the Coleman Dome Tent
On the downside, this tent can’t cope with extreme weather conditions, such as bitter cold and strong winds.
2. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
Some people like to camp in big groups while others like to venture out alone. Also, some campers like to have privacy and their own sleeping place even when they’re out with a big group. If you’re looking for a reliable one-person tent, then you might be interested in the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx.
Product Highlights
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is small and easy to use. It’s a free-standing 1-person tent that requires very little assembly. It uses the convenient 2-aluminum-pole design. The base of the tent measures 2’8” x 7’6”, enough to accommodate one adult sleeper. In emergency cases, two people can take shelter inside. The maximum height of the tent is 3’6”.
The tent is made of a quality polyester fabric. Thanks to the leak-proof seams, the Lynx is water-resistant. It also reduces UV damage, a handy feature for the scorching summer months. Owing to its minute size, the tent only needs one door fastened with a #8 zipper.
The interior is equipped with a mesh equipment loft, coated floor, and a number of equipment compartments on the walls of the tent. The Lynx has one vestibule.
The walls are mostly made of mesh for better ventilation and air flow. The stakes and guy ropes are included. The tent measures only 6” x 17.5” when folded and packed. The Lynx is a bare-bones tent for one without integrated lighting or power system.
What’s to like about the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is a great option for campers who like to keep their equipment as simple as possible. It is made of water-resistant material and well-ventilated. Also, the Lynx is highly portable.
What’s not to like about the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
The Lynx wouldn’t be a great option for campers who are accustomed to elaborate and well-equipped tents. Also, it wouldn’t be wise to use this tent in extreme conditions.
3. Toogh 3-4-Person Instant Tent
A good camping tent should be easy to set up and take down. Also, it should be easy to carry and offer decent protection from the elements and mosquitoes. In fact, we might have just described the Toogh 4-Person Instant Tent.
Product Highlights
This instant tent can accommodate up to four sleepers. According to the manufacturer, the ideal setup is two adult sleepers and two kids. However, it can also accommodate four adults if necessary. When set up, the tent is 67” tall on the outside with a maximum interior height of 60” in the middle.
The base of this tent is hexagonal by design for increased stability in bad weather. The tent is made of heavy-duty oxford fabric and supported by six hydraulic poles. The wall fabric is rated at 210D and 3,000mm waterproof and the floor fabric is 210T fabric is 10,000mm waterproof.
As an instant tent, the assembly only takes around 60 seconds. To set up the tent, you’d lift the top and let the hydraulic poles do the rest. To take it down, press the yellow markers on the poles to collapse them. When packed, the tent measures 31” x 10” and 10 lbs.
The 4-Person Instant Tent has two large doors that are equipped with dense mosquito nets. The windows are made of mesh and each has a rain fly. The package includes the tent, 14 stakes, carrying bag, an inner tent, a canopy, and 8 wind ropes.
What’s to like about the Toogh 3-4-Person Instant Tent
The Toogh is lightweight and super easy to set up and take down. Also, it offers sufficient room for four sleepers. The walls are rated 3,000mm waterproof while the floor is 10,000mm. The tent is also tall and stable.
What’s not to like about the Toogh 3-4-Person Instant Tent
The biggest flaw of this tent is the lack of a power outlet and integrated lighting.
4. Hyke & Byke Yosemite 2-Person Tent
For backpackers, every ounce of weight is critical. The tent isn’t exempt from the rule, either. In case you’re a backpacker and are in the market for a 2-person tent, you might want to give the Hyke & Byke Yosemite a look.
Product Highlights
The Hyke & Byke Yosemite is super-lightweight at only 3.2 lbs. That’s significantly less than many competing 2-person tents. The one-person Yosemite weighs even less at 2.5 lbs. For the purpose of this discussion, the 2-person Yosemite can easily be packed into a backpack as it’s only 17-3/4” x 6-3/10” when folded.
The tent comes with eight poles, 12 7000-series aluminum stakes, reflective guy lines, and Hyke & Byke’s proprietary stake pressers. It also comes with a PU 5,000mm footprint (polyurethane waterproof coating). The Yosemite is designed for various conditions, ranging from clear and warm days to cold and rainy nights. It’s a 3-season tent at best so it isn’t made for winter and extreme cold.
Besides the PU 5,000mm footprint, we have here a bathtub floor, PU 2,000mm rain fly, and taped floor seams. The walls are made of thick and lightweight mesh that provides good ventilation and protection from the elements.
The Hyke & Byke Yosemite takes minutes to set up and take down. It has a detachable gear loft, several corner pockets, and two vestibules. A carrying pouch is also included in the package.
What’s to like about the Hyke & Byke Yosemite 2-Person Tent
The Yosemite tent offers a balance of portability and protection. It weighs only 3.2 lbs. and can easily be stuffed into a backpack. Also, it has good waterproof ratings and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions.
What’s not to like about the Hyke & Byke Yosemite 2-Person Tent
On the flipside, the Yosemite model might be too simple for campers who want a heavier and sturdier tent.
5. Featherstone Outdoor Products UL Granite 2-Person Tent
Backpacking tents, aside from being lightweight, should also be easy to relocate without having to take them down. In case you’re looking for a backpacking tent that’s easy to move around, you might want to check out the Featherstone UL Granite 2-Person Tent.
Product Highlights
The Featherstone UL Granite is big enough to accommodate two adult sleepers. Its floor measures 51 x 84 inches, while the peak height is a respectable 43 inches. When packed, the Granite 2P can easily be attached to a backpack.
The whole shebang including the tent body, poles, rain fly, footprint, guy lines, and stakes weighs around 6 lbs. The trail weight of this tent is 5 lbs. The pack includes the poles, rainfly, and tent body. The ultra-light setup weighs only 3.8 lbs. all-inclusive.
The Featherstone is a rugged 3-season tent for all kinds of weather and terrains. It has sturdy micromesh walls for improved breathability. The rainfly is made of 75D polyester with 3,000mm waterproof rating. The floor is made of 210D nylon of the same waterproof rating.
Owing to its super lightweight construction and the fact that it is a free-standing tent, you can move it around even fully assembled. The tent has 2 doors and one vestibule for each sleeper. It also has taped seams, bathtub floor, and one-pole structure.
What’s to like about the Featherstone Outdoor Products UL Granite 2-Person Tent
The Granite 2P is a rugged and lightweight tent. It has good waterproof ratings and plenty of storage space. Finally, it is a free-standing 3-season tent that’s easy to move around.
What’s not to like about the Featherstone Outdoor Products UL Granite 2-Person Tent
Owing to the fact that it is a backpacking tent, the Featherstone includes only the most basic equipment
Best Camping Tents of 2022 – Buyers Guide
When shopping for a camping tent, there are many things to take into consideration. First, you should consider the tent’s capacity and make sure it matches your camping company’s needs. Next, you should investigate the tent’s seasonality, as not all tents are made for all weather conditions. The height of the tent is also important.
Make sure you’re buying a tent that’s made of sturdy and weatherproof materials. Finally, inspect the breathability of the walls. Proper ventilation is hugely important, especially during the summer. Let’s see what separates the best camping tents from the rest.
Capacity
Most camping tents accommodate between two and six people. There are bigger tents that can sleep eight or more adults but they’re not exactly portable. At the other end of the spectrum, one-person tents are the smallest and most compact variety.
Since there are no size standards in terms of square feet per person, four-person tents may vary in size according to brand and model, for example. Backpacking tents are super-compact as a rule.
Keep in mind that the capacity designation is just a guideline. For example, if you’re camping with your partner and you don’t mind tight space, a 2-person tent might suffice. However, if you’re camping with three friends and you’d rather have some wiggle room, a 6-person tent might be the best option.
Seasonality
When it comes to seasonality, most camping tents fall into the 3-season class. There are also 3-4 season tents as well as 4-season models. Here’s a word or two on each type.
3-season tents
These tents are for all seasons except the winter. They can withstand rain and light snow, though they’re best used in fairer weather. These tents often feature mesh panels, more headroom, fewer poles, more vertical walls, and lightweight.
3-4 season tents
These tents would have to be built heavier to better cope with cold and snow. They can withstand high altitudes and the occasional snowfall. 3-4 season tents have fabric covers over mesh windows and a larger number of poles.
4-season tents
These are made for all four seasons and can withstand harsh cold and considerable snowfall without crumbling. As such, 4-season tents are made of sturdy materials and equipped with more poles and rounded domes. Mesh is featured less prominently in their construction.
Height
Manufacturers often designate the peak height of a tent as its height. However, other areas of the tent, depending on their distance from the peak, are lower and offer less comfort.
The peak height and the footprint can give you a good idea of a tent’s size and capacity. However, you shouldn’t rely on it solely when trying to determine if a particular tent is tall enough for you.
If you take two tents of the same height, they might not offer the same headroom and internal area. That’s where the shape of the walls comes in. The more vertical the walls, the flatter the ceiling and the higher the headroom.
Materials
Modern tents are made of a wide range of materials. The most usual include nylon, polyester, fiberglass, and lightweight metals such as aluminum. Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of each one.
Nylon
Nylon is a petroleum polymer and tends to be both very light, water-resistant, and durable. Some models have nylon walls, doors, and floors throughout.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is often used for the poles in lieu of aluminum. It is lighter though less sturdy than the metal.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most common lightweight metal in tent construction. It’s used for the poles and can be found in both small and large tents.
Keep in mind that the choice of materials largely determines the tent’s build quality, as well as the quality of ventilation and livability. If you opt for a polyester tent, look for higher denier designation for better protection from the elements.
Ventilation
Ventilation is another important aspect of a camping tent which you should consider regardless of when you plan on going camping. For example, a summer tent typically has extensive use of mesh walls and windows to allow for maximum air circulation.
On the other hand, models that are made for use in cold and rainy weather would require denser walls and fewer mesh elements. 3-4 and 4-season tents would have rain flies over mesh windows for insulation and weather protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to insulate a tent for winter camping?
If you intend to go camping in the winter, there are many things that you can do to improve your tent’s insulation. Here are some useful tips.
- Use a ground mat or rug to reduce the cold and make the tent warmer to sleep in
- Good insulation keeps cold and moisture out while keeping heat in. Make sure your tent’s properly insulated
- Make sure to set up your tent near a natural windbreaker, such as a large rock formation
- Bring extra warm sleeping bags and heat packs. Instead of heat packs, you can also use bottles of hot water
How to weatherproof a tent?
In case you’re planning to go camping in a place with unpredictable weather, it might be a good idea to buy a tent with good weatherproof ratings. There are several steps to weatherproof your tent.
- Use seam sealer to seal the seams of your tent. This will help keep moisture out and make your tent more resistant to rain and damp weather.
- Use DWR (durable water repellent) to help your tent’s rainfly shed water better and faster.
- Reapply urethane coating on the floor and rainfly to solidify the tent’s water resistance.
How to stay warm in a camping tent?
It is important to stay warm during a camping trip, especially during the night when the temperatures are at the lowest. Here are some useful tips for staying warm in a camping tent.
- Put on warm and layered clothing. If it’s very cold, consider wearing a cap
- Don’t use portable heaters. Instead, bring disposable heat packs with you
- Insulate the tent with rugs, DWR, and seam sealers
- Buy a warm sleeping bag. If you’ll be camping in the winter, go for a bag with a silk liner
How to make tent camping comfortable?
A camping trip doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Here are some useful tips to make your tent a more comfortable and livable place.
- You can put soft foam tiles on the floor if the ground is too uncomfortable
- If your kids are afraid of the dark, you can install colorful twinkle lights in your tent
- Use a hanging sorter to keep your stuff organized and your tent tidy and clean
- Cover the tent with a reflective blanket to reduce heat in the tent during summer days
- Bring some comfortable and soft pillows with you. Also, you can put some warm blankets over your sleeping bag
How to make a camping tent?
Though it may look complicated to some, setting up a makeshift camping tent is not that hard. First, make sure you have two tarps, heavy-duty rope, and large rocks or stakes. Here’s how to make a makeshift tent.
- Find a good place for your tent, preferably between two trees. The ground should be slightly damp. Clear away all rocks, pebbles, and debris.
- Tie the rope between two trees. Wrap the rope around each tree trunk several times before you tie the knots. Use proper height for the rope to allow for sufficient headroom.
- Use the stakes or stones to secure the tent’s floor.
- Put one tarp on the ground. It should be centered beneath the rope. Make sure it’s not wrinkled.
- Secure it with stakes if it has holes for stakes. If not, secure it with large rocks.
- Throw the second tarp over the rope. Its corners should touch the corners of the tarp on the floor. Secure it to the ground with stakes or rocks.
FINAL VERDICT
Our roundup of the best camping tents has come to its end. If you’re looking for a good and reliable one-person tent, then the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx might be your best choice. It is affordable, easy to set up and take down, and superbly ventilated.
If you’re searching for a 2-person tent, the Coleman 2-Person Dome Tent, Hyke & Byke Yosemite, and Featherstone UL Granite might interest you. The Coleman model is made of heavy-duty materials and available in larger size, complete with a 5-piece lighting system. The Yosemite tent is super lightweight and has an excellent waterproof rating. The Featherstone has a bathtub floor, easy assembly, and a free-standing construction.
Finally, the Toogh 4-Person Instant Tent is your best bet if you intend to go camping with your family. It is a tall and sturdy tent with two doors, quick setup, and good waterproof ratings.
Coleman 2-Person Sundome Tent
- Large windows and ground vent for enhanced airflow
- E-port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside
- Strong frame withstands 35+ mph winds