This guide will save you the time and expense of trying to find the easiest tent to set up.
We will break down the best solutions for specific needs and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The following tent series’ will be reviewed to give you a better idea of what these easy-to-set-up options can offer:
- Easiest Tent to Set Up for Family Camping – Core Instant Cabin Tents (6P/9P/10P/12P)
- Easiest Small Tents to Set Up – Core Instant Dome Tents (3P/4P)
- Best Tent Series with Easy Set Up – Gazelle T-Series (T3/T4/T4Plus)
- Best Budget Family Tents with Easy Set Up – Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tents (6P/10P)
- Best Budget Festival Tents with Easy Set Up – Coleman Instant Cabin Tent ((4P/6P/10P)
- Easiest Tents to Set Up for Backpacking – TETON Sports Vista Quick (1P/2P)
Core Instant Cabin Tents (6P/9P/10P/12P) – Easiest Tent to Set Up for Family Camping
Specs
The Core Instant Cabin Tent series offers a range of capacities to suit customers. The range features durable 68D polyester fabric and 115gsm P.R. floor material.
The telescoping poles are pre-attached, making assembly straightforward.
The 6-person Core Instant Cabin Tent pack weighs 23 lbs and measures 47″ x 9.05″ x 9.05. It has a center height of 6 ft (72″) and 99 square feet of floor space.
The 9-person Core Instant Cabin Tent weighs 37 lbs and measures 48″ x 11″ x 11″. It has a center height of 6.5 ft (78″) and 126 square feet of floor space.
The 10-person Core Instant Cabin Tent weighs 46 lbs and measures 48″ x 13″ x 13″. It has a center height of 7 ft (84″) and 140 square feet of floor space.
The 12-person Core Instant Cabin Tent weighs 48 lbs and measures 49″ x 16″ x 12″. It has a center height of 6.7 ft (80″) and 180 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
The Core Instant Cabin Tent series is one of the easiest tents on the market to set up. The pre-attached poles make it possible to pitch tents in minutes.
There are lots of options available for camping families that want a roomy tent. The 9-person Instant Cabin tent is big enough for two queen-sized mattresses.
Because these tents are designed for 6, 9, 10, and 12-person capacity, they are relatively heavy. The weight ranges from 23 to 48 lbs which makes it unsuitable for hiking trips.
However, this range of instant camping tents can be perfect for family camping trips when you need a lot of space and don’t have far to travel to your pitch.
The zipper getting caught on the protective flaps can get frustrating. However, these are required to minimize the risk of water entering the tent when it rains.
Overall, this is an easy option to set up regardless of whether you select the 6, 9, 10, or 12-person Instant Cabin tent. Compared with traditional tents, which can be challenging to work with because of the range of tent poles, this can be set up quickly.
In Summary
If you are looking for a tent series with high-capacity options that are easy to set up, the Core Instant Cabin Tent series could be perfect for you.
The Instant Cabin Tent series offers a selection of spacious tents that cater to between six and 12 people.
The ceiling heights are great for moving around and range from 6 ft to 7 ft. The floor space goes from 99 square feet in the 6-person Instant Cabin Tent to 180 square feet in the 12-person model giving you lots of space for sleeping.
Larger models may require an additional person to lend support during set-up. However, they are still extremely quick and easy models to pitch.
Core Instant Dome Tents (3P/4P) – Easiest Small Tents to Set Up
Specs
The Core Instant Dome Tent series features durable 68D Polyester tent fabric and 115gsm P.E. floor material.
They are designed with pre-attached telescoping poles, which make them easy to set up. They also offer a great alternative for people that want the quality of the Core’s Cabin Tent series but don’t require as high a capacity.
The 3-person Core Instant Dome Tent pack weighs 9.33 lbs and measures 33.5″ x 7.05″ x 7.05″. It has a center height of 4 ft (48″) and 49 square feet of floor space.
The 4-person Core Instant Dome Tent pack weighs 16 lbs and measures 37.8″ x 7.7″ x 7.7″. It has a center height of 4.5 ft (54″) and 63 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
The Core Instant Dome Tent series offers the same great benefits as the Instant Cabin range.
The Dome series is quick and easy to set up and benefits from H20 Block Technology that waterproofs the tent. The protective flaps can get caught in the zipper, so you should take care not to tear it as this will compromise how waterproof it is.
The tent comes equipped with storage pockets, a lantern hook, and a gear loft for storage.
This is also a great option for summer camping, thanks to the adjustable ventilation. The tent’s mesh ceiling lets hot air escape while the low air vents draw in cool air.
In Summary
Core’s range of instant tents is perfect for people that are looking for a tent that they can put up in seconds. While larger models may require a second pair of hands, the 3 and 4-person tents can be pitched in around 30 seconds.
Simply pull the pre-attached poles up into place before placing the water-resistant cover over the top and securing it in place.
These models are still spacious enough to fit air mattresses for a comfortable night’s sleep. They can also significantly reduce the time and stress of trying to set up a tent before it gets dark or starts raining.
Gazelle T-Series (T3/T4/T4Plus) – Best Tent Series with Easy Set Up
Specs
Gazelle’s T-Series pop-up tents offer campers a high-quality, stylish camping experience.
The tents boast a polyester shell fabric that has a UV50+ rating and a 2000MM HH rating. The polyester floor fabric has a 5000MM HH waterproof rating.
The 3-person T3X Hub Tent weighs 28 lbs and measures 10″ x 10″ x 57″. It has a center height of 5.7 ft (68″) and 43 square feet of floor space.
The 4-person T4 Hub Tent pack weighs 30 lbs and measures 8″ x 8″ x 68″. It has a center height of 6.5 ft (78″) and 61 square feet of floor space.
The 4 to 8-person T4 Plus Hub Tent pack weighs 56 lbs and measures 11″ x 11″ x 63″. It has a center height of 6.5 ft (78″) and 110 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
Gazelle’s pop-up tent T-Series is made using high-quality materials to ensure great performance. There are lots of great benefits to the series, including two doors for easy access and a duffle bag that the tent can be stored easily within.
Inside the tent, campers will benefit from six wall-mounted gear pockets and a removable gear loft. This makes it easy for people to store important and fragile gear in a handy location.
Some issues that people have found with the tent include occasion condensation build-up. There are also no packing instructions, but many still find it simple to pack away.
The larger T4 Plus Hub Tent is a heavy option and, because of this, is best suited to car camping, so you don’t have to travel far with it.
The full pop-up tent series could not be easier to set up and can accommodate from three to eight people depending on the tent you invest in.
In Summary
Gazelle T-Series pop-up tents are the perfect solution for family camping holidays. The excellent capacity range is ideal for large families or those that want more space.
The weight of the larger models means it is best suited to campsites without too much walking involved. However, when you get to your pitch, you will be able to set it up in around 90 seconds.
All tents across the Gazelle T-Series range enjoy favorable reviews from specialists and campers alike. This makes it one of the best choices on the market.
Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tents (6P/10P) – Best Budget Family Tents with Easy Set Up
Specs
The Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent series is made using polyester fabric and polyethylene flooring.
The two spacious six and 10-person options offer innovative and unique Dark Rest Technology. This can help to protect campers from early morning sunlight and allow them to sleep for longer.
Pre-attached poles make setting up the Ozark Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent series quick and easy.
The 6-person Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent pack weighs 17 lbs and measures 43″ x 9″ x 8.5″. It has a center height of 5.4 ft (65″) and 90 square feet of floor space.
The 10-person Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent pack weighs 38 lbs and measures 46″ x 11″ x 10″. It has a center height of 6.5 ft (78″) and 140 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
Ozark’s collection of large, family instant tents is perfect for enjoying the outdoors on a budget. The spacious cabin-style tent includes removable dividers to create different living spaces.
The gear pockets and hanging gear organizer makes it easy to store important and fragile equipment safely.
We also loved the windows and skylights that can be covered or opened. This is a great way for people to feel less cooped up when inside the tent.
This instant tent series doesn’t include a vestibule, so equipment and clothing would have to be brought inside. This can be frustrating in poor weather, so remember to take a bag to put wet clothes and shoes in so you don’t get the tent wet.
The zippers aren’t the best quality, as you might imagine for a budget tent. They tend to snag on the rain flaps on the outside and can be a bit noisy.
The Dark Rest technology is a great way to stop early morning sunlight from impacting your sleep.
The tent is better suited to summer camping but can withstand a bit of rain or wind.
You may find the 6-person tent a bit small if you want to use airbeds, but that is true of any tent. Overall, this range of instant tents offers great value for money.
In Summary
If you are looking for a large instant tent but don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent series will be perfect for you.
The six and 10-person instant tents offer incredible value for money and a range of great features.
For families that don’t use air mattresses, you will be able to fit the advised amount of occupants. If you take air mattresses, you might want to half that to be able to fit them and the equipment comfortably.
The great price of these is backed up by a Campvalley Global Limited 6-month warranty from the point of purchase. This covers manufacturing or workmanship issues and will give you peace of mind over the summer.
Even budget family trips can start to add up when you consider accommodation. However, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent series can provide low-cost accommodation for years.
Coleman Instant Cabin Tent ((4P/6P/10P) – Best Budget Festival Tents with Easy Set Up
Specs
The Coleman Cabin Tent series provides campers with a great instant tent range suitable for 4, 6, and 10 people.
The tent fabric is made up of Polyguard 2X, which is designed to be durable and offer protection from the elements.
The 4-person Coleman Cabin Tent pack weighs 19 lbs and measures 39″ x 9″ x 9″. It has a center height of 4.11 ft (59″) and 56 square feet of floor space.
The 6-person Coleman Cabin Tent pack weighs 25 lbs and measures 48″ x 10″ x 9″. It has a center height of 6 ft (72″) and 90 square feet of floor space.
The 10-person Coleman Cabin Tent pack weighs 45 lbs and measures 49″ x 12″ x 11″. It has a center height of 6.6 ft (79″) and 140 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
The 10-person Coleman Instant tent series costs more than double the Ozark Trail option and almost double the 6-person tent. However, this great series of tents still offers excellent value for money.
The major selling point of the tent is how quick it is to set up, and you will be able to do this in around 1 minute. The telescopic tent poles make it a simple job.
The series offers four, six, and 10-person capacities which offer a bit more variation than the Ozark Trail tents.
The 10-person tent has Dark Room technology which helps to block out sunlight which is great for naps and enjoying an undisturbed rest.
It is worth noting that, like the Ozark Trail tents, it is better suited to good climates and summer camping. Coleman doesn’t publish their waterproof ratings, but they can withstand gentle showers and wind. In heavier rain and poor conditions, the tent doesn’t hold up as well.
The integrated rainfly can also be an issue if water comes through the walls.
The great selection of zippered windows offers excellent ventilation in the summer months. It also ensures the inside of the tent enjoys natural light during the day.
The storage pockets are extremely handy for storing fragile and important items.
As the tent capacities grow, so does the standing room, with the 10-person tent height being over six and a half feet tall.
The 1-year limited warranty is double that of the Ozark range. This can be great for people that like to get out and camp as often as possible.
In Summary
If you are on the lookout for a great tent for small groups of people, the Coleman Instant Tent series is perfect.
Available in 4, 6, and 10-person capacities and weighing from 19 to 45 lbs, it is great for camping trips that don’t involve a big hike. This can include car camping trips and festivals.
The spacious tents can accommodate the stated capacity if the occupants are in sleeping bags. They can also accommodate air mattresses, but they will take up more space. In the case of the 10-person tent, 4 queen-size air mattresses can comfortably fit.
Whether you want to enjoy a family camping trip or are hitting the hottest festivals with your friends, this is an excellent choice.
Teton Sports Vista Quick (1P/2P) – Easiest Tents to Set Up for Backpacking
Specs
Both the 1 and 2-person TETON Vista Quick Tents use 75D 190T Taffeta fabric for their shell and floor materials.
Pre-attached fiberglass tent poles make it easy to set up and the lifetime guarantee offered by TETON Sports also provides peace of mind.
The 1-person TETON Vista Quick Tent pack weighs 5 lbs and measures 27″ x 7″ x 7″. It has a center height of 2.8 ft (34″) and 20.5 square feet of floor space.
The 2-person TETON Vista Quick Tent pack weighs 6 lbs and measures 33″ x 7″ x 7″. It has a center height of 3.4 ft (41″) and 34 square feet of floor space.
The Verdict
Many of the tents we have explored so far are perfect for larger groups and family camping expeditions. The TETON Vista Quick Tent range is available in one or two-person capacity.
The benefit of these great one and two-person tents is that they weigh just 5 and 6 lbs, respectively. While there are lighter tents on the market, this is a significant drop in weight from the larger options previously explored.
This is regarded as one of the quickest and easiest non-pop-up-tent options on the market. Another excellent benefit is that you can sleep off the floor by investing in a custom cot.
Both options are small with a peak height of 34 and 41 inches. This makes moving around the tent a bit more difficult.
The tents come with a standard rainfly, and the small gear loft is handy for keeping fragile and important items safe and to hand.
The lifetime warranty of the TETON Vista quick tents makes this one of our favorite backpacking options. This gives you great peace of mind over the build and material quality.
In Summary
For hikers and backpackers that want a long-lasting, high-quality one or two-person tent, the TETON Vista Quick Tent is a great choice.
By rolling out the tent, locking the poles and pulling the drawstring, the tent will be set up in seconds and rivals the speed of a pop-up tent.
The rain fly that comes standard has a 1200MM hydrostatic rating which makes it waterproof as opposed to just water resistant. Alternatively, you can invest in an elite rainfly that reaches all the way to the ground if you have invested in the cot. This makes it perfect for stowing gear beneath the tent.
As we have already mentioned, this great option comes with a lifetime guarantee so as long as you care for the tent, it should last.
While it isn’t the lightest option on the market, the benefits make it a great choice for hikers.
How To Choose The Easiest Tent to Set Up
Many considerations need to be made when choosing a tent with the easiest set-up. The following specifications should be explored to ensure you find the perfect option for camping.
How Easy To Set Up: Fast Pitch vs Pop Up vs Airbeam
The ease of set-up will often be dictated by the type of tent you invest in. Fast-pitch tents, as their name suggests, offer quick and easy set-up thanks to a color-coded pole system.
Fast Pitch is a trademarked name used by Coleman for specific products, and they are often referred to as instant tents. An instant tent will offer similar systems that are quick to set up, usually under 5 minutes.
A pop-up tent won’t require poles and is the easiest to assemble. Pop-up tents offer campers convenience. However, they sacrifice stability and can be easily blown away in inclement conditions.
Finally, there are air-beam tents that don’t use poles. Their structure is supported by inflatable beams. Campers simply have to pump up the beams to pitch their tents.
Weight
The weight of a tent is typically related to its size and type. Larger tents will be heavier but will offer more space.
The type of camping trip you are taking should also determine the weight of your tent. If you are hiking, you should avoid heavy tents that need to be carried with other camping gear and supplies.
Portability
The portability of an instant tent should be considered alongside its weight. Hiking and camping trips should be done with as lightweight and portable tents as possible. This is because you will be carrying them for long periods along with your other camping gear and equipment.
Living Space
The living space will determine the room inside the tent. Instant tents are traditionally dome-shaped and larger than pop-up tents. This provides a more spacious living area.
Storage space may also be a concern for people that have a lot of camping gear that they want to keep protected.
Floor Size
The floor size of the tent will be determined by how many people it was designed to fit. Larger instant tent options have space for air mattresses making camping trips more comfortable.
Peak Height
Moving around tents can be challenging for taller people. However, the dome shape of an instant tent typically allows good height for higher capacity options. This means people can easily stand and walk around the living space.
Rooms (+ dividers)
A room divider splits tents into different compartments and can be used for different bedrooms or storage spaces. Large-capacity instant setup tent options typically allow for more rooms and dividers.
Storage Space
Your tent should be able to comfortably house everyone on your trip as well as having space for belongings and camping gear.
Vestibules (number and size)
Tent vestibules are the space available after the front door and before entering the actual living quarters. This protected space is a great place to leave camping gear and bags.
Pockets
Tents typically have limited space, so making use of internal pockets allows you to store fragile items safely.
Doors
The number of doors on a tent will be dictated by its size. Having at least two doors on larger tents removes the need to climb over the gear and sleeping bags to get in and out of the tent.
Ease of Setup
The last thing anyone wants when arriving at their campsite or spot is a complicated tent that takes ages to set up.
Instant tents provide an excellent way to enjoy space, secure tents, and an easy setup compared with traditional tents. The options explored below are a great example of this.
Durability
Investing in a durable tent will protect campers and their equipment from the elements. Specially designed fabrics protect people from rain and wind, and checking durability should be a priority.
Price
The price of an instant tent will be determined by its capacity and quality. Our guide above included 3-person instant tents from as little as $60 up to higher-capacity options that cost up to $600.
Exploring the specs and features will help you determine which price range you should be exploring.
Value Editorial & Buying debates
What are the benefits of an instant tent?
Camping with an instant or pop-up tent reduces the time it takes to set up and dismantle your tent.
When you arrive at a campsite it may be late or raining. Taking ages to set up a tent may mean having to do it in the dark or your equipment getting soaked.
The quick setup means you will be able to enjoy your camping trip and put all of your equipment away. Dismantling traditional tents can also be a loathsome job. Being able to swiftly take your tent down and pack it securely in its bag can be a huge relief.
How do I choose the best instant camping tent size?
When choosing the best tent size for you it is important to look at the capacity. The tent capacity will show you how many people in sleeping bags will fit in the tent on average.
You should take into account the space you will need for bags and comfort. Generally speaking, removing two people from the stated capacity will give you a good amount of space.
If you plan to take an air mattress, it can be beneficial to look at the dimensions and floor space of the tent. The 10-person Coleman Cabin Tent can fit as many as four queen-sized air mattresses.
What are the benefits of a camping cot?
Camping cots can be used inside tents to sleep. The TETON Sports Vista Quick tents can be put on top of the Outfitter XXL Camp Cot.
Tent cots are great for comfort and can be used on uneven or rocky ground. They provide space underneath where you can stow equipment, and the higher entrance level can be easier for some people.
Are instant tents suitable for camping in a National Park?
Many of the options mentioned above are suitable for campsites with easy vehicle access. This is because large family tents are typically heavy.
There are a number of great campsites in National Parks worth exploring. The weather and climate should also be considered depending on the tent type.
Conclusion
It can be challenging when deciding which tent series is best for the easiest setup. This is because we have reviewed a range of tents that vary in size. Depending on your needs, you will favor one series over another.
The greater choice of capacity offered by the Core Instant Cabin Tent series makes it our number one choice. 6, 9, 10, and 12 capacity options are available making it a great choice for families.
Core Equipment also offers a slightly smaller capacity range in their great Instant Dome series.
Core Equipment tents are designed to be easy to set up, affordable, and provide a great selection of tents to choose from.
TETON Sports Vista Quick Tent series is another favorite of ours for smaller capacity needs.
The lighter weight of these instant tents makes them a portable option and the lifetime warranty is an excellent benefit.
