You know that feeling when you finally get to the campsite, and it’s dark outside? You’re tired from a long day, but excited about your adventure tomorrow. The only thing standing in your way is setting up the tent. If this sounds like you, then read on to find the easiest tents to set up!
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What is the Easiest Tent To Set Up?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Easiest Tent To Set Up 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 easy tents to set up that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these easiest tents to set up.
We also wrote a brief easiest tents to set up Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 easy tents to set up based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. 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 |
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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
2. Wakeman Dome Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 75 x 57.6 x 42 Inches (190.5 x 146.3 x 106.7 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Waterproof: No |
See it in your local store:
Budget-conscious users are going to love this option. As the most affordable tent on my list, this budget backpacking tent competes with premium tents in quality. Interesting, isn’t it?
The high-quality and durable components of this two-person Wakeman tent are best for long-term use. It features a durable 190T polyester construction with a water-resistant rainfly that prevents rain from getting inside the tent.
The dome tent design offers tons of space and interior pockets for personal items. It also features a large D-style door with mesh ventilation. On the downside, it does not provide decent airflow with just one mesh window on the door. However, the fiberglass poles provide stability against windy conditions, and the tent is suitable for mild weather. It has a 6.25×4.80 base dimension and a center height of 3.50 ft. As the tent dimensions show, the interior space is roomy enough to spend comfortable nights and relax completely.
Pros
- It comes at an affordable price-tag,
- Easy to put up and takedown,
- Comes with a convenient carry bag,
- The material is lightweight and sturdy,
- The bathtub bottom is of good quality
Cons
- Not suitable for hot seasons,
- It includes just a single window
3. Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.6 Pounds (2.1 kg) Size: 83 x 53 x 40 Inches (210.8 x 134.6 x 101.6 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 20D Ripstop Nylon Waterproof: 4000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Mongar 2 is a popular two-person backpacking tent suitable for various camping environments and seasons. The tent features a dome shape with a door on each side for easy access, interior pockets for organization, and generous interior space for most people. Its quality and weather resistance compares favorably with premium-priced tents, and it also comes in various attractive colors.
The Mongar 2P has a lightweight construction at 4.6 pounds which makes it ideal for backpacking. However, some buyers noted that it is heavier than typical two-person tents, but the weight includes a groundsheet and the stakes. It features a 20D ripstop nylon rainfly and floor and comes with 7001 aluminum pegs for stability.
The tent is remarkably sturdy in bad weather and offers excellent waterproof protection with silicone coating on the shell and floor and fully taped seams. It also features adequate ventilation and insect protection with its high-density mesh.
Pros
- Sturdy Y-frame structure withstands windy weather
- Waterproof construction with silicone coating
- Generous and comfortable interior space
- Quick and easy setup and takedown
Cons
- Not ideal for winter weather
- Slightly heavier than the competition
4. Hewolf Instant Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 11.4 Pounds (5.1 kg) Size: 84.6 x 54.3 x 50.8 Inches (214.9 x 137.9 x 129 cm) Size: 2.5 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Hewolf camping tent features a convenient pop-up design that takes less than five minutes to set up. The tent features double layers that include the shell with a detachable top rain cover and floor tarp and an inner tent with a top and two side mesh panels for ventilation. It also features two side doors for easy access that you can also use to create a vestibule when the mesh screens are up. The tent is significantly heavy and is unsuitable for backpacking, unlike these affordable backpacking tents. However, it is ideal for festivals and overland camping in fair weather.
Other notable features include the 190T polyester construction that users have noted is reliably waterproof but rips easily. It has a roomy interior space with a 5-inch center height that can fit two adults with a child or four young kids with gear. The tent is also remarkably sturdy in windy weather when you stake it firmly into the ground and is versatile for use in different environments. However, versatility also means that the tent has many detachable parts that create open gaps for wind and water and may not be the best for camping in bad weather.
Pros
- Versatile tent adjustable for various uses
- Generous interior space for two people with gear
- Quick and easy setup and takedown
- Highly responsive customer service
Cons
- Too heavy for backpacking
- Only suitable for camping in good weather
- The floor tarp is not attached to the shell
5. Lightweight Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.1 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 82.7 x 55 x 43.2 Inches (210.1 x 139.7 x 109.7 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
This Hillman 2-person backpacking tent is remarkable for its ability to keep you warm and cozy in cold weather camping. It is also significantly lightweight and reasonably priced for a 4-season tent. Although the space inside may be a little tight for two adults to fit in comfortably, it is adequate for an adult and their gear or an adult plus a child. Furthermore, it has excellent water resistance and snow shedding abilities, and its frame can withstand 30mph winds with remarkable stability.
On the downside, the tent poles, zippers, and stakes provided are not durable, and some users noted that it produces a lot of condensation in some situations. However, the tent offers excellent comfort and livability in any season to make it worth getting, and it is easy to assemble. Plus, it features a robust nylon construction with UV protection and ventilation panels to keep the interior cool in hot seasons.
Pros
- High-quality construction for a 4-season tent
- Reasonably priced and offers easy setup and takedown
- Excellent comfort and stability in any weather
- It comes with a convenient gear loft
Cons
- Limited space to accommodate two campers
- Poles and zippers are not durable
- It does not come with a footprint
6. 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
7. Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 19 Pounds (8.6 kg) Size: 168 x 120 x 68 Inches (426.7 x 304.8 x 172.7 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Coleman Steel Creek tent features a similar design to the Evanston model with a screened porch. It comes as a 6-person tent which users have noted fits four people much more comfortably with space to move around. However, you can use the porch area to keep your gear when camping in fair weather as it is not covered to prevent rain.
The tent has a notably smaller footprint and headroom than the Evanston, and you may feel squeezed if you’re on an extended trip. Also, it is a 2-season tent that does not perform well in heavy rain and windy conditions.
On the other hand, the tent design allows for fast pitching with color-coded poles and clips, but the rainfly does not offer full coverage. It also features excellent ventilation with mesh windows and roof vents for airflow at night. Additionally, the windows have awnings that allow you to keep them open when it rains without getting the inside wet.
Pros
- The design includes a screened multifunctional porch
- Well ventilated with multiple mesh windows and roof vents
- Quick and easy assembly and takedown
- Good quality build and affordably priced
Cons
- Inadequate space and headroom to fit six campers comfortably
- Only suitable for use in pleasant weather
8. Moon Lence Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6 Pounds (2.7 kg) Size: 83.8 x 59.8 x 48 Inches (212.9 x 151.9 x 121.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 100% Polyester Waterproof: Yes |
See it in your local store:
The Moon Lence camping tent is a double-layer 2-person tent that is made from 100% polyester. It is easy to set up and pull down and comes in a small handy bag for storage. This affordable tent that cost less than $200 and comes with 190T PU material construction with a 1000mm water-resistance and UV-resistance to provide all-around protection with water-resistance. It comes with two windows and a ground vent for improved air circulation.
For stability, it has 4 guy ropes and 9 lightweight iron pegs to keep the tent balanced in windy conditions. It also has 2 shock cord connecting poles for easy set up and it takes 15 minutes to do so.The lightweight iron pegs and guy lines provide stability against windy conditions, and prevent rainwater from pooling on the tent.
Ventilation is not a problem with the large mesh section, ground vents, and a detachable rainfly that controls the moisture by increasing the airflow.
Another notable feature is the internal mesh pockets that give you an excellent way to store your stuff. The tent also comes with a ceiling hook to hang your lantern and create the best environment at night.
Pros
- Generous two-person tent,
- Small and is easy to store away,
- Wind-resistant with iron pegs and guy ropes for stability,
- UV-resistant
- Several window openings,
- Completely waterproof with tarp material,
- Excellent air ventilation
Cons
- It does not have a tent footprint,
- The zipper occassionally gets stuck
9. Naturehike Lightweight Backpacking Tent with Footprint
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.1 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 84.6 x 70.9 x 43.3 Inches (214.9 x 180.1 x 110 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 210T Polyester Waterproof: Yes |
See it in your local store:
If you want the least weight while trekking and hiking, nothing beats Naturehike’s 3-person tent. It keeps you going easy with its ultra lightweight construction at just 3.7lbs.
To make your hiking easier than ever, go through the
You’ll be glad to know that the aluminum poles and stable, lightweight construction holds up well in mild to moderate conditions, and is an excellent option for your backpacking adventures.
You can buy the tent with confidence as the manufacturer provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty on quality-related issues.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight tent,
- Easy to assemble,
- Good value for money,
- It comes with every essential thing you need,
- Excellent ventilation
Cons
- Poor quality zippers,
- It might not hold up during high winds
10. Coleman Montana 6-Person Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 19 Pounds (8.6 kg) Size: 144 x 84 x 68 Inches (365.8 x 213.4 x 172.7 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 75D Polyester Taffeta Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The Coleman Montana 6P model is an affordable backpacking tent with a modified dome shape that gives it more headroom than typical dome tents. It offers better value for money than the competition, while its quality and ease of setting up compare favorably with other top backpacking tents under $100.
Additionally, its ability to handle bad weather is exceptional for a tent in this price range, where the tub floor delivers high performance when water puddles underneath the tent. However, you would have to get better stakes than provided to secure the tent in high wind conditions.
Ventilation is another notable feature where the airflow system keeps the tent comfortable and prevents condensation. Although it comes with a short rainfly, the angled design of the windows ensures that the inside stays dry and airy even in directional rain.
Pros
- It comes with an awning to keep the door area dry,
- Angled open windows allow ventilation in the rain,
- Reliable rain and wind-resistant construction,
- Easy setup with color-coded poles and sleeves
Cons
- The tent may get cold due to open windows,
- Requires seam sealing to prevent leaks
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the easiest tent to set up is below:
Overall best easiest tent to set up out there: CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Wakeman Dome Backpacking Tent
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Easiest Tents To Set Up
Size
An essential feature that must be considered before buying a tent is the size of the tent. You want to be sure that your shelter offers comfortable space, is durable, lightweight, and within your budget. For convenience, your 2-person tent should be sized at about 230 x 160 cm and about 100 cm in height. However, you can go for something more or less based on your needs and demands.
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.
Design
Today, backpacking tents come in numerous designs that either stick to the traditional designs or use modern designs. However, these tents are generally easy to set up and have varying features that makes it perfect for a frequent backpacker.
Today, most tents are designed to have vestibules that are additional spaces for storing your gear. Manufacturers also add a mesh pocket feature for storing small belongings and organizing your tent.
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.
Questions and Answers About Easiest Tents To Set Up
Are fast pitch tents worth it?
Fast pitch tents are fantastic for a night or two, but any longer than that and you need more ventilation and bug protection. It’s also great if the area you’re camping in is home to snakes, coyotes, or bears because it takes less time to pack up when something is wrong.
Fast pitch tents definitely have their uses, but they’re not ideal for backpacking trips across three countries – so it really depends on your needs!
How fast can you set up a tent by yourself?
It’s a great idea to have some assistance when setting up the tent, but if you’re alone then there’s nothing to be nervous about! In fact, tent setups are very simple, and with practice, you’ll be able to set up a tent in under five minutes!
Are air tents easy to set up?
Air tents are very easy to set up. You don’t need any tools or equipment to do it either. All you need is a small pump that can blow air and a hose for the attachments. The air will start flowing into the tent and fill it up quickly.
Are pop up tents better than regular tents?
Pop-up tents are great for anyone who needs an easy setup. And, if it’s getting late in the evening, there is no need to fumble around with poles. They’re also much easier to pack away. Unfortunately, they’re often far less compact and hence not as practical for backpacking trips.
