What is the best 8 person tent for your family? This blog post will explore the best large family tents available, some helpful tips, and what factors to take into consideration when looking for a good 8 person tent.
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What is the Best 8 Person Tent?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best 8 Person Tent and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available 8 people camping tents that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these 8 person tents.
We also wrote a brief 8 person tents Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 8 8 people camping tents based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 18.2 Pounds (8.3 kg) Size: 192 x 108 x 72 Inches (487.7 x 274.3 x 182.9 cm) Size: 9 Persons Material: 68D Polyester Waterproof: 600 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Core 9-Person Extended Dome is a surprisingly lightweight tent at 18.25 pounds compared to the 9-person Cabin model that weighs 30.5 pounds. The Extended Dome also has a slightly larger footprint that makes it a little more spacious. However, you can only accommodate up to six campers if you want comfort and space to keep your gear inside the tent.
Although it is not an instant setup like the Cabin model, it takes most people less than 30 minutes to set up and peg it. But, many campers who’ve used this tent recommend replacing its stakes with better-quality ones. If you don’t know which pegs to get, I recommend reading this article to help you choose the best stakes for your tent. Another thing I don’t like is that Core tents typically feature their proprietary H2O Block technology that includes heat-sealed seams to keep the tent watertight.
However, it also gives the polyester tent material a low hydrostatic rating of 600mm, which is slightly better than the water resistance of an umbrella. It also features a single-layer design that only performs well in dry weather.
Overall, I like the extended sections that give you extra space for your gear and its attractive and sturdy design when pitched up. Although it has a couple of mesh sections, many users say that it has poor air circulation, which is a critical attribute considering you’ll mostly use it in the summer.
Pros
- Decent build quality and performance for occasional camping,
- Generous interior space and storage for group camping, Significantly lightweight construction for easy portability,
- Unique and attractive design with extended sections
Cons
- Poor ventilation that causes humidity,
- Features only one access point,
- Unreliable weather resistance
2. NTK Arizona GT 10-Person Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 26.5 Pounds (12 kg) Size: 208.7 x 96.5 x 80.8 Inches (530 x 245.1 x 205.2 cm) Size: 44449 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2500 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The NTK Arizona is one of the best performing family camping tents in weather resistance and comfort and is part of the NTK GT Series 3-season tents. It is also remarkably lightweight at 26 pounds and offers a fastpitch setup with color-coded poles. The tent features a dome shape with a high headroom allowance of 6.2 feet, and most people can move around inside the tent without bending.
I also like that it’s a double-layer structure with an inner tent that features three generous No-See-Um mesh windows, two D-shaped double panel doors, and a room divider. No-See-Um is a high-quality mesh screen with a dense weave that protects against tiny insects such as mosquitoes while keeping the tent breathable. It is a notable feature because it allows you to sleep without the rainfly in warm weather and enjoy the night sky and cool breeze as you sleep.
The rainfly extends to the bottom and features a PU-2500mm waterproofing that many users can attest to its reliability in sustained moderate rainfall. The tent’s tub floor is another outstanding feature that many campers appreciate due to its reliable waterproofing abilities. The floor also features a 2500mm polyurethane coating plus an inner silver coated layer that ensures the tent remains dry even when water puddles or flows under it.
Pros
- High tub floor with double waterproof protection,
- Features fabric and mesh screen double panel doors,
- Excellent ventilation with several mesh panels,
- Full coverage waterproofed fly with UV protection
Cons
- Windows and doors fabric covers are on the outside,
- Not stable in strong wind conditions
3. Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 21.5 Pounds (9.8 kg) Size: 204 x 102 x 72 Inches (518.2 x 259.1 x 182.9 cm) Size: 8 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No |
See it in your local store:
The Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent is an affordable family camping tent with generous interior space to fit eight people comfortably. Additionally, it comes with room divider curtains to create three rooms for privacy as needed. Unfortunately, it also features only one door, which is an inconvenience for a tent this size.
However, I like the lightweight construction that makes it easy to carry to the site and set up. Plus, it also packs tightly, so it does not take up much space in storage. It allows a quick setup and takedown to help you to settle in quickly as it features a single-layer design with a short rainfly. On the downside, the fly does not cover the windows, and the tent can get uncomfortable as the windows remain exposed to cold.
Pros
- Spacious interior that accommodates eight campers comfortably,
- It comes with two divider curtains for added privacy, Has plenty of headspace for standing,
- Fabric and tub floor are reliably water-resistant
Cons
- Windows remain exposed even in cold weather,
- Features only one door for access
4. CAMPROS 8 Person Waterproof Windproof Family Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 17.4 Pounds (7.9 kg) Size: 168 x 108 x 72 Inches (426.7 x 274.3 x 182.9 cm) Size: 8 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No |
See it in your local store:
Camping is usually more fun when you have your family and friends with you, and camping tents such as this CAMPROS 8-person model can give you the space you need for group camping trips. Generally, tent dimensions determine how many people you can fit inside, but experienced campers advise getting a tent that accommodates more people than those on the trip.
This tent is no different, and several campers have noted that it fits four and six people comfortably with adequate space to move around and not eight people as indicated.
The tent features large mesh panels for ventilation, and while it does not come with ground vents, it allows air circulation notably well, and the mesh panels on the tent roof are great for watching stars in the summer. Plus, you can divide the space inside into two rooms with a curtain for privacy, and it also works as a projector screen for entertainment.
Furthermore, the tent’s design allows easy setup that takes an average of 10 minutes, and its structure remains stable and waterproof in light rain. But interestingly, this tent is 3lbs lighter than the 6-person model, although it comes with the same construction features.
Pros
- Robust tent with high-quality poles and zippers,
- The room divider also works like a movie projector screen,
- Large mesh windows and roof panels keep the tent cool,
- Agile construction that’s convenient to carry
Cons
- The tent performs better in dry weather,
- Floor material may tear quickly
5. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 27.3 Pounds (12.4 kg) Size: 192 x 132 x 78 Inches (487.7 x 335.3 x 198.1 cm) Size: 8 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
Wenzel is a century-old company that produces various camping gear, and the Klondike is one of their top-rated models. It features a modified dome-style design with a comfortable center height of six feet and the side walls topping at least five feet. Additionally, it features a two-room design with the main tent area and a smaller screened porch space that’s great for gear.
While it is measured for eight people, the tent may not accommodate more than six people comfortably. Therefore you may want to consider larger 10-person tents if you are more campers. The Klondike is also on the heavy side at 27.3 pounds compared to other brands of the same size, but it also has a larger footprint.
Additionally, it has plenty of airflow from the side windows and roof mesh panels. I also like that you can cover the mesh windows with inside flaps when it gets chilly. However, the tent has a significantly short rainfly and does not prevent water from getting through the window zippers.
Pros
- Its easy conventional assembly takes 15 minutes,
- The two-room design separates living and sleeping areas,
- Excellent air circulation with mesh windows and roof panels,
- Modified dome design allows tall headroom space,
- It comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Rainfly is too short to cover windows in rainy weather,
- Tent sides are not rigid enough and may sag,
- Delivers poor performance in bad weather
6. CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 47.8 Pounds (21.7 kg) Size: 216 x 120 x 80 Inches (548.6 x 304.8 x 203.2 cm) Size: 12 Persons Material: 68D Polyester Waterproof: 600 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
See it in your local store:
The Core 12-person cabin tent is one of the larger instant tents in the market and features a pre-assembled framework that sets up in under two minutes. Additionally, its design allows partitioning the interior into three sections to create separate living spaces for convenience.
The tent is a 3-season, free-standing model that allows you to pitch it up on almost any terrain. However, it does not perform well in cold conditions due to its extensive mesh roof. Furthermore, the tent and rainfly fabric feature a low 600mm waterproof rating that’s ineffective in heavy rain.
Some of the notable features include the steel poles, which are typically heavier than aluminum and could be why this tent is significantly heavy. The interior spaces have few pockets for keeping small items, and considering the rainfly is short, it does not feature vestibules or a screened porch for extra storage. Overall, the tent may not realistically fit 12 campers and gear, but it may be suitable for large families on short camping trips.
Pros
- An excellent option for large families
- Offers privacy with room dividers
- Features two access doors for convenience
- Pre-assembled structure for easy setup and takedown
Cons
- Heavyweight tent structure for portability
- Not enough storage spaces for gear
- It does not accommodate 12 campers as advertised
7. Coleman 6-Person Dome Tent for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 17 Pounds (7.7 kg) Size: 120 x 120 x 72 Inches (304.8 x 304.8 x 182.9 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
This Coleman Sundome 6P camping tent features the Dark Room technology that blocks out a large percentage of sun and heat so you can continue sleeping after sunrise. It is a feature you will appreciate if you are camping in an open space with direct sunlight. Another feature you will like is the WeatherTec technology that helps to keep the tent dry in moderate rain and wind.
The tent is one of Coleman’s popular models with several positive ratings on ease of assembly, Dark Room technology and is reliably weather-resistant. However, the internal space is a little tight for six, and most campers recommend using it for three people for comfort.
Pros
- Dark Room technology keeps the tent dark and cool,
- It has a lightweight and attractive design for backpacking,
- Well ventilated with mesh windows and door,
- Tall 6-foot headroom space for easy maneuverability,
- Decent weather resistance in moderate conditions
Cons
- Features a short rain fly with no vestibule,
- Seams may leak if seam sealer is not applied
8. Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 31.6 Pounds (14.3 kg) Size: 168 x 120 x 86 Inches (426.7 x 304.8 x 218.4 cm) Size: 10 Persons Material: 68D Polyester Waterproof: 600 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Cabin |
See it in your local store:
The Core 10-person comes with outstanding attributes that make it more attractive to campers than the competition. This includes an impressive headroom of 86 inches and straight cabin walls that give you six feet of headroom at the edges so one can stand straight anywhere inside the tent. I also like that it comes with two doors on opposite sides of the tent, and when you put up the room divider, it creates two rooms with two separate entries for convenience.
Another remarkable feature is the stable and robust build quality of the tent that many campers have noted performs well in moderate showers and wind. The ground vents are a great addition to the roof vents and make the tent more breathable and comfortable on summer nights. However, you’ll need to buy a groundsheet to protect the tent floor from getting torn. Additionally, while it may fit ten sleeping bags, you may want to accommodate fewer people, up to six or eight campers, if you want to keep your gear inside.
Pros
- Withstands inclement weather remarkably well,
- It comes with ground vents to improve air circulation,
- The straight cabin walls allow a tall headroom height,
- It’s simple design allows fast set up with two campers
Cons
- Zippers get stuck on the door flaps,
- Has few internal mesh pockets
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best 8 person tent is below:
Overall best 8 person tent out there: Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: NTK Arizona GT 10-Person Camping Tent
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying 8 Person Tents
Durability
The durability of a tent depends on its material and floor type. Tents made from durable fabrics last longer than tents made from fabrics that are prone to wear and tear. Also, the material used for the tent floor is important as it can prevent water from seeping into your tent in wet conditions. If you are backpacking in rugged terrain, I advise getting an additional ground liner to protect the floor of your tent from sharp stones and sticks.
Portability
Tents are usually easy to move around. You can pack most of them up and take them with you on a camping trip. Before you buy a tent, consider how easy or difficult it would be to carry it around.Family tents can be quite large and bulky. They may not be as easy to move around as say backpacks, but they’re generally easier than building a shelter by yourself in the wild.Before buying a tent, consider the portability of the tent. Consider how easy or difficult it would be to carry it around.
Family Size Tents
Family Size tents are generally designed to accommodate a group of at least 6 people. These family tents come in different sizes and can include multiple rooms. Some of the largest family tents can sleep upwards of 15 people and provide plenty of room for sleeping bags and other camping gear.Some use a vestibule, which is an extension of the tent that hangs off one end. They often resemble small covered porches with zippered entrances on both sides. Vestibules are typically used for storing footwear and equipment that you don’t want to bring into your tent. While they are nice for storing gear, be aware that they may also reduce the amount of space inside the family size tents.
Large Tent Materials
There are many different types of materials that tents are made out of. The most common is nylon and polyester, which is used in almost all modern tents because it is lightweight yet durable enough to keep the elements outside. Cotton (aka canvas) tents are still manufactured, although, despite their great insulation and durability, they are far less popular due to their weight. Family camping tents tend to be much bigger so weight becomes even more important. Most of the poles in a tent are made out of aluminium and fibreglass.
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
How much of the tent body is mesh? It is one of the factors you will consider when buying a multi-season tent. In hot temperatures, you will need several mesh windows to get a substantial flow of air. Alternatively, you can pitch your tent away from the direct sun to pull the rainfly cover and allow the tent to ventilate. Rainfly covers usually have a waterproof coating, which inhibits proper air circulation in warm weather and often causes condensation inside the tent. So, is there any solution? Yes, consider getting a tent with roof vents on the inner tent to minimize condensation problems.. With the rainfly covering the inner tent, the spacing in-between these two fabrics gives the tent ventilation while still having protection from the rain.
Water, Wind And Snow Resistance
Manufacturers of backpacking tents under 100 use different features to make their tents sturdier and comfortable in any condition. They use sturdy designs like round dome designs to stop snow from gathering on the tent and a rainfly that extends to the ground for protection against rain. Poles and stakes are also used to drive the tent into the ground and stabilize it, while heavy-duty water-resistant fabrics are used for protection against rain.
Questions and Answers About 8 Person Tents
How much should I spend on a good backpacking tent?
The standard entry-level tent price is $50. With that, you can get decent tents with standard features like waterproof seams. However, spending more on a backpacking tent under $200 would allow you to choose from better products.
How long does it take to set up an 8 person tent?
A tent may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the design of the tent and whether you’re assembling it yourself or with some help.It’s worth noting that, like assembling anything else (like putting together IKEA furniture) setting up a tent will always seem much more complicated than it actually is once you get started. Once everything is laid out on the ground so you can see what belongs where, rather than packed away in its bag as loose items, it’s usually easy to go about following the instructions.
