One of our least favorite things about camping is what seems to be the constantly rising cost of pitching a tent on a campsite. When campsites are so costly, we often search for ways that we can make savings so camping can be more affordable. This often leads us to look at getting a cheaper tent. But can a tent under $100 really provide good quality or will it be a black hole of duck tape that barely stands?
We’re here to show you that you can absolutely get a quality tent under $100. In fact, we’ll give you a list of quality tents under a hundred. Not all tents are going to suit your need though in terms of size, ease of putting up, or even weight. We put all this information together so you can easily filter through tents that will and won’t meet your camping needs.
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What is the Best Tent Under 100?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Tent Under 100 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 budget tents that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these tents under 100.
We also wrote a brief tents under 100 Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 budget tents based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Abco Sport Pop Up Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.7 Pounds (1.7 kg) Size: 88 x 47 x 37.5 Inches (223.5 x 119.4 x 95.3 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
See it in your local store:
The Abco Sport Pop Up tent makes an excellent portable shade for social events such as festivals or when you’re picnicking at the beach or park. However, it does not make a practical hiking or backpacking camping tent as it has a light-duty construction that’s not durable, stable, or waterproof to withstand rain or wind. However, some users have found it makes a fantastic tent for the kids to camp in the backyard or living room.
Additionally, the interior dimensions are too tight to accommodate two campers as advertised, and it does not feature a vestibule to stow your gear. On the upside, the nylon shell features 50+ UV protection to shelter from the sun at the beach, and the mesh windows offer excellent ventilation.
Pros
- The pre-assembled frame allows instant set up and take down
- Flexible design for multipurpose use
- Excellent sun protection and ventilation
- Lightweight for easy portability
Cons
- Shell is not waterproof
- Tight interior space for two adults
2. MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent Family Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 10.3 Pounds (4.6 kg) Size: 121.3 x 114.2 x 52.4 Inches (308.1 x 290.1 x 133.1 cm) Size: 4 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
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The Moon Lence Instant Pop-Up tent is an affordable 3-season camping tent that features an instant pop-up mechanism that allows you to set up the tent in under a minute. It features a 90 square foot floor space that accommodates four sleeping bags with minimal elbow space. However, I would recommend it for two campers with minimal gear for comfort. The tent also features four large mesh windows with inner covers and one D-shaped door for ventilation. On the downside, this tent does not feature floor vents, and therefore, the tent may produce heavy condensation when the windows are closed up in the rain.
This tent has a free-standing design that gives you the flexibility to set it up without the stakes. But, it also comes with guy lines and lightweight pegs to hold it down in windy conditions. Plus, the tent features a polyester construction with a 2000-PU hydrostatic rating that enables it to withstand sustained rainfall for a few hours without leaking. The windows and doors also feature SBS zippers that provide better water resistance than conventional zippers.
Pros
- Lightweight design with instant set up for convenience,
- Large mesh windows for ventilation and comfort in hot weather,
- Its free-standing design allows flexibility in choosing terrain,
- 4-foot headroom height enables easy movement inside the tent,
- It comes with a spacious carry bag for portability
Cons
- May leak through the seams and zippers in heavy rain,
- It does not feature ground vents to prevent humidity
3. Yodo Lightweight 2 Person Camping Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.3 Pounds (1.5 kg) Size: 83 x 55 x 43 Inches (210.8 x 139.7 x 109.2 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Yodo 2-Person backpacking tent features a single-layer design that comes in various colors. The tent is considerably lightweight at 3.3 pounds which makes it an excellent choice for backpacking excursions. However, due to its single-layer, free-standing design, the tent is more suited for camping in fair weather. Additionally, it features a large opening with a mesh screen and mesh roof panels for ventilation and make the tent comfortable in hot weather.
On the other hand, this dome-style tent is uncomfortably tight for two campers compared to other 2-person backpacking tents for under $100. Plus, it comes with a short rainfly that does not provide a vestibule space for your camping gear so, the tent would be more comfortable for a single camper. While it features a 190T polyester construction that is durable and resistant to mildew, the tent is not reliably water-resistant and may not perform well in inclement weather.
Pros
- Features an ultra-lightweight construction for backpacking,
- Affordable with decent quality materials for durability,
- Features easy access with wide door opening,
- Easy conventional set-up takes less than five minutes
Cons
- Performance limited to fair weather camping,
- It has a smaller footprint than other 2-person tents
4. Night Cat Backpacking Tent for 1 to 2 Persons
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.4 Pounds (2 kg) Size: 86.6 x 47.2 x 47.2 Inches (220 x 120 x 120 cm) Size: 1 Persons Material: 210D Polyester Waterproof: 3000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Night Cat 1-person tent is a waterproof 4-season tent available in five bright colors. The tent features rugged construction with an abrasion-resistant 210D polyester that features a 3000 PU coating. Additionally, the tent comes with taped seams, SBS zippers, and a 150D Oxford floor material that gives the tent excellent performance in inclement weather. The tent structure includes fiberglass poles that offer excellent service in all seasons without degrading, while guy lines and pegs keep it stable in windy conditions.
This tent features a dome shape that allows rainwater to shed quickly and prevent pooling. On the other hand, the tent features a mesh roof panel and door for air circulation while keeping the bugs out. The roof mesh also helps to keep condensation at a minimum when sleeping, but it can get stuffy in hot weather. The tent has a generous floor space that allows maximum comfort for you and your gear, plus it comes with an inner pocket and a fan or lantern hook.
Pros
- Spacious interior for one person with gear,
- Excellent quality and durable construction for avid campers,
- Waterproof design and excellent ventilation for comfort,
- Lightweight and packable for easy transport,
- Affordable and available in five attractive colors,
- Offers easy conventional pitching and takedown
Cons
- Not insulated for cold weather camping,
- Inadequate ventilation for camping in hot weather,
- Fiberglass poles may break quickly
5. Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.6 Pounds (1.6 kg) Size: 68.9 x 49.2 x 49.2 Inches (175 x 125 x 125 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 190T Silver-Coated Polyester Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Canopy |
See it in your local store:
Glymnis is an outdoor gear, camping, and sports equipment brand with several outlets around the world. The Glymnis pop-up tent is a uniquely designed dual-purpose beach tent ideal for camping and as a sunshade on the beach or backyard. It is an ultra-lightweight tent with an instant pop-up set-up and features a silver-coated polyester construction material with 50+ UPF protection that keeps the interior temperature comfortable.
The tent features a wide front opening that also extends out to increase the floor space. The door opening also features dual-zippers to create an enclosed space that you can use as a changing room at the beach. It features a mesh window that helps to circulate air inside the tent and closes with an internal built-in velcro panel. The tent also comes with convenient features such as mesh pockets for small items, external sandbag pockets to stabilize against the wind on the beach, and 2mm tent pegs to secure it on soft ground.
Pros
- Features a double-sided zipper door for creating privacy,
- UPF 50+ for UV protection and keeps the interior cool,
- It comes with sand pockets for stability on the beach,
- Lightweight and portable with spacious carry bag
Cons
- Not recommended for camping excursions,
- Not water-resistant to withstand any rain
6. Gorich Beach Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.5 Pounds (1.6 kg) Size: 87 x 59 x 48 Inches (221 x 149.9 x 121.9 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 190T Silver Coated Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Canopy |
See it in your local store:
The Gorich Beach Tent is a lightweight model featuring a spacious interior to accommodate more people and gear for your day out at the beach. Although it is not an instant tent, many users find the conventional set-up and takedown easy to achieve. Plus, it comes with a spacious carry bag that keeps the tent compact for transport.
The Gorich Beach Tent features mesh panels on three sides that make the interior airy and cool for comfortable livability. Additionally, the polyester construction material features a silver coating for UV protection and cooling. Like most beach tents, the door opens outwards to create extra floor space for added convenience. However, the tent is also lightweight, and while it comes with tent pegs to hold it down against the wind, you may have to carry the sandbags as it is not easy to use pegs on the sand.
Pros
- Features a larger floor space design for more convenience,
- Lightweight structure and compact for easy portability,
- Generous mesh panels improve air circulation,
- Tent material is water-resistant and UV protected,
- Flexible for use at the beach and camping
Cons
- Poor seam stitching for durability,
- Not easy to set up in windy conditions
7. Clostnature 1-Person Tent for Backpacking
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.7 Pounds (1.7 kg) Size: 87 x 36 x 32 Inches (221 x 91.4 x 81.3 cm) Size: 1 Persons Material: 210T Polyester Waterproof: 5000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
Clostnature is an outdoors gear brand that produces premium-quality backpacking tents for camping in any season. The Clostnature single-person tent is one of this brand’s popular solo backpacking tents as it features excellent build quality, generous space, and lightweight structure. While the manufacturer marks it as a 4-season unit, the extended roof mesh makes it unsuitable for extreme cold weather camping where one needs insulation. Plus, the 20 square foot interior space may not offer much elbow space for comfort. However, the full-coverage rain fly provides a vestibule space for your gear, so you have a little more room.
The tent features a double layer 210T polyester construction with a hydrostatic rating of PU-5000, 150D Oxford groundsheet, and factory sealed seams for waterproofing. Ideally, this tent can withstand any amount of rainfall without leaking and also provide excellent ventilation in hot weather. Additionally, it comes with two aluminum poles that enable easy assembly and tent pegs that help to keep it stable in windy conditions.
Pros
- Affordable tent with premium quality build,
- Double-layer waterproof design for 4-season camping,
- It comes with a vestibule space for gear and shoes,
- It has a generous roof mesh panel for ventilation and stargazing,
- Features a ripstop material with waterproof PU coating
Cons
- Limited air circulation with the rainfly to prevent humidity,
- Pole grommets are too wide to hold the tent material in place
8. ZOMAKE Pop Up Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 95 x 71 x 39 Inches (241.3 x 180.3 x 99.1 cm) Size: 4 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
See it in your local store:
This ZOMAKE pop-up tent is suitable for fair-weather camping trips and is flexible for use as a sunshade at the beach or as a backyard playhouse for the kids. It features two mesh doors, two mesh windows, and a mesh roof panel for ventilation and preventing condensation. It also features a single-layer construction with 190T polyester material with UPF 50+ sun protection which helps to keep the interior cool by blocking out UV rays.
The tent offers about 46 square feet of floor space to accommodate two people with gear more comfortably than three campers. I also like that you can cover the mesh windows and doors while inside the tent, unlike most pop-up tents. It features a free-standing design with a rugged polyethylene floor that allows you to move it around the campsite or beach when opened. However, it also comes with a low headroom height of three feet which can limit free movement inside the tent when camping.
Pros
- Lightweight free-standing design for easy transport,
- Offers instant assembly and fold for flexible use,
- Affordable and has de build quality,
- Plenty of mesh openings for ventilation in hot weather,
- UV protection keeps the interior cool under the sun
Cons
- Low headroom space for tall people,
- Not ideal for windy and rainy conditions
9. CAMPROS 3-4 Person Dome Tents for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6.8 Pounds (3.1 kg) Size: 84 x 84 x 47 Inches (213.4 x 213.4 x 119.4 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The CAMPROS 3-Person Tent is a lightweight option for backpacking in favorable weather. The tent is a 2-layer design with an inner tent that features an expansive roof mesh and 180T Polyester material. It also comes with a short rainfly to cover the roof mesh and provides minimal water resistance in light rain. The tent has a free-standing design that gives you the flexibility to assemble on various ground surfaces. However, it also comes with light-duty tent stakes and guy lines for stability.
The tent provides 49 square feet of floor space to fit two campers with a child or pet comfortably. It features a lantern hook on the ceiling and various mesh pockets for stashing small items. While the assembly is conventional, it is easy to set up and take it down for most users, and it comes with a convenient carry bag.
Pros
- Affordable with lightweight construction,
- Generous mesh construction for ventilation in warm weather,
- Easy assembly and takedown for inexperienced campers,
- It comes with a 12 months warranty
Cons
- Low hydrostatic rating to withstand inclement weather,
- Door zippers snag on its flaps
10. Googo Camping Pop up Tent 3-4 Person
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 7.7 Pounds (3.5 kg) Size: 94 x 82.7 x 55.1 Inches (238.8 x 210.1 x 140 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The GOOGO 3-4 Person Pop-Up Tents comes in this camping version and a more lightweight beach tent model. While the manufacturer marks it as a pop-up, the assembly mechanism is ideally instant. The fiberglass structure is pre-assembled and uses a hydraulic system to expand it into a dome tent shape. While it takes one person less than a minute to set up and disassemble the tent, this design gives it more carry weight at 7.7 pounds than the competition.
The tent features a 53-square foot interior space to accommodate three campers comfortably. It provides easy access with two D-shaped doors and plenty of air circulation with mesh windows. While the construction fabric is not reliably water-resistant to withstand inclement weather, it is coated to provide UV resistance and keep the interior cool in the sun. Convenience features include internal mesh pockets for organization, a lantern hook, and a carry bag. It also comes with a rainfly awning to cover the doors and prevent water from seeping through the zippers.
Pros
- Pre-assembled tent structure enables easy setup and breakdown,
- Rectangular design provides more interior space for comfort,
- Mesh doors and windows allow air circulation in hot weather,
- Tent material offers UV protection for safety
Cons
- Low water resistance to withstand any rain,
- Outside window covers offer little protection in windy conditions
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best tent under 100 is below:
Overall best tent under 100 out there: Abco Sport Pop Up Tent
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent Family Camping Tent
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Yodo Lightweight 2 Person Camping Backpacking Tent
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Tents Under 100
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.
Weight
Since the weight of your backpacking tent is a part of your load, manufacturers work to keep it low. Usually less weighty tents are either more expensive or have smaller rooms for occupants. In choosing a backpacking tent, you need to balance weight, quality, and price. The rule of thumb is that a 2-person backpacking tent should not weigh more than 3 pounds per person. This means that if you are going outdoor alone, you cannot carry more than 3 pounds. However, if you are going with someone, you can buy a weightier tent and split the weight at 3 pounds per person.
Setup
Everybody wants a tent that is easy to set up and take down. When you arrive at the campsite, you will most likely be worn out and you will not want to end up in a frustrating situation with a difficult tent.
Make sure you have all the accessories that come with the tent to assemble quickly. Most modern tents come with fewer poles and asymmetrical shapes which set up within a few minutes.
Here is a pro tip for you. If you are a beginner, you may want to practice assembling and pitching up the tent in your home garden before leaving on your trip.
Tent Materials
There are many different tent materials. Some of the most common include PVC, nylon, polyester, and canvas. But other tent materials include Gore-tex and silnylon.PVC: This is a type of vinyl that can be waterproof when used on tents. It does not breathe well so it is not ideal for high temperatures or humid environments.Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from three different types of plastics and can be water-repellent when fabric treated with a chemical called polyurethane which reduces water penetration through its pores but creates a suffocating environment inside the tent.Polyester: Polyester is like Nylon in that it is a synthetic fabric made from plastics. Unlike Nylon, polyester stays dry when wet and is more temperature resistant but is heavier than nylon as well as being less durable.Canvas: The old school material of tents. Canvas is lightweight and strong but can be difficult to waterproof. In addition, canvas allows for airflow but is prone to tearing when subjected to sharp objects.Gore-tex: Gore-tex is a breathable waterproof fabric that allows water vapor and heat to escape but not liquid water in the form of rain or melting snow. Because it breaths, Gore-tex clothing is ideal for high temperatures and humid environments. However, it’s rather expensive.Silnylon: This is a type of nylon fabric that is coated with silicone oil. It has good resistance to water while providing great airflow and breathability. However, it isn’t the most durable material so it should be used in replacement for tent floors or tarps rather than entire tents themselves.
Tent Seasonality Rating
A tent seasonality rating is a rating that is used for determining how well or best to use a tent in various climates. This rating takes into account the humidity, windiness, and sun beating down on the tent. It also determines if there are any precipitation events. The higher the number of the seasonality rating, the better the tent will be suited for that climate.1-2 season tent ratingA tent with a 1 or 2 seasonality rating is great for camping in areas that are arid. This typically means dry climates. A tent with a 1-2 seasonality rating will also work well in hotter climates. It will keep you cool because it’s made of lightweight materials, but not so much that you’ll be hot while you’re inside the tent.3 season tent ratingA tent with a 3 seasonality rating is good for camping in areas that are temperate. This typically means areas that experience dry and wet seasons. A 3 season tent will work well in both climates, but it won’t be the best option if you’re only planning on using your tent during one of these seasons.4 season tent ratingA tent with a 4 seasonality rating is meant for camping year-round. A 4 season tent will work well in cold and wet scenarios, but it won’t be the best option if you’re only planning on using your tent when it’s hot.5 season tent ratingA 5 seasonality rating means that this tent can be used in extreme weather and it is often referred to as expedition rating. These tents are typically found in adventure travel companies. There are very few people who will ever need a tent with an extreme weather rating.
Questions and Answers About Tents Under 100
What’s the best size for my tent?
This depends on how many people you need to fit in the tent or if there are limitations on the plot size of which you are allotted to hitch your tent. If you are going to a campsite without a reservation, then it may be that there are only small spaces dotted around which you can hitch a tent. It might be easier to find 3 spaces to hitch two-man tents than 1 space to hitch a six-man tent.
For hiking, it is better to have one tent between many people than many tents between many people. This is because the total weight per person would be less sharing a larger tent between more people than small tents between many people. Many people will set up one big tent quicker than many people will set up many small tents. So that one person does not take up all of the weight burdens of the tent, the weight should be shared in ways such as other group members carrying food and spare water for the tent carrier.
Apart from this, a good tent size is simply the biggest you can get for your budget unless you want a warm and cozy experience.
Should you put a tarp under your tent?
If you’re going camping in a place where weather is unpredictable, bring a tarp to avoid the inevitable surprises of wild outdoor life. A tarp can help keep the bottom of your tent nice and dry as well as free of mud. If you are hiking and you get the underside of your tent wet and muddy it may be difficult coming up with an opportunity to clean/dry it. If you only have time to air your tent out at short breaks, then there is no guarantee you will be able to air out both the top and bottom of the tent. If your tent is dry when you take it down, you save yourself the effort of drying it on the move or when you get home. Putting down a groundsheet can also help you visualize your tent placement and easily move to a different location if your current spot doesn’t work for you.
Why does my tent get wet inside?
The air inside of a tent will condense during the night, just like the air in a car often condenses on the windows. A tent is often not well ventilated in the interest of trapping heat this means that the moisture cannot escape outside. It is not always your breathing that caused the condensation – if you are keeping any wet items inside your tent – especially if you are hanging it up – the evaporation from your clothing or other items is likely to be contributing to the condensation. If you are having a steady stream of moisture from one spot in the tent then it might be worth investigating if you’ve sprung a leak though.
How can I make my tent last longer?
There are a myriad of ways to keep your tent in tip-top condition. The following are some of them- Store your tent in a dry place and away from UV light,- Treat the poles carefully,- Use a footprint that is at least the size of your tent,- Use the zippers with both hands,- Seal the seams to prevent leakage
