13 Best Instant Tents (2022 Reviews and Guide)

Setting up your tent is by far the most frustrating part of camping unless you have the best instant tent. Instant, you say? Yes, these tents pop up in minutes (or less). 

We have an instant tent, and it was pretty cool to have our kids (10 and 12 years old at the time) set up the tent on their own. 

Having the best instant tent makes camp set up so much more enjoyable, less time stressing about which pole goes where, and more time around the campfire. 

In this post, we will review some of the best instant tents. We hope to help our fellow campers decide what instant tent will be best for their needs. 

Here’s a quick peek at our top 3 best instant tents:

Best Instant Tent

Instant tents come in all shapes and sizes. We have searched through a variety of models to help you choose the tent that will work best for your needs. These tents have unique features and benefits.

With that, let’s get to it!

Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Camping is fun with your family around. I especially love to venture on camping trips with friends and family, which is a fulfilling experience on its own.

So in my search for the best instant tent, the Core 9 person instant cabin tent caught my eye. This is a family-sized tent that can be used for camping in groups with its wide 14X9 inches dimension.

The tent is designed for 9 people. This instant tent comes with unique features that include rainfly and tent stakes. In addition, the tent is made from high-quality polyester, so this instant tent can endure harsh temperatures and outdoor conditions when you camp in the riverside, jungles, or even in your backyard.

The zipper closure design helps ensure that water doesn’t drip in when it’s raining outside. In addition, the cabin tent can be easily hand washed after use. The setup process with this instant tent is pretty straightforward and is done within 60 seconds or less.

The tent can also fit in two queen-size mattresses. The center height of the tent is about 78 inches, which is excellent if you want to stand every now and then.

H2O block tech features intricately designed seams that are sealed using heat technology to keep the water away.

The large “T” shaped door gives you smooth access to the tent with surplus airflow via the mesh window design.

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Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

The feature that enticed me the most about the Ozark instant cabin tent was that it comes with a darkroom tech that helps with a drastic reduction of glare.

This freestanding camping tent has a 2-room design with 8 large windows for maximum ventilation. Ozark cabin tent can easily fit in 2 queen-size airbeds for 10 individuals.

Its instant 2-minute setup process ensures that you don’t have to spend a lot of time setting up the camp instead of having fun with your folks. The instant tent also features 4 skylight openings (mesh) to ensure you can let some light into the tent when needed.

In addition, the zippered panels have a dark fabric covering that ensures you can sleep peacefully even when the sun is at its brightest. Further, it also helps bring down the temperature inside the tent on hot summer days.

The tent poles are constructed with high-quality steel along with a top-notch polyester fabric and polyethylene flooring. The ceiling consists of 3-layers that include the mesh, panels below the mesh, and the fly at the topmost layer.

The peak height of the tent is 78 inches to ensure you can sit and stand comfortably. In addition, the tent comes with a carry bag to help with portability as you move to the designated camping location.

This tent is also available in a 6-person and 12-person variant.

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Coleman Cabin tent with Instant Setup

The Coleman Cabin Tent had me all in with its cozy design. Although it comes in a 10 and 6 person design, let me talk about its 4 person design which is perfect for a small family.

This instant tent is made from polyester and polyethylene fabric and is designed to withstand the rugged environment outside.

The tent also features a weatherproof design with welded corners and inverted seams that keep the water seeping in. In addition, its integrated rain-fly design ensures extra protection from the weather conditions outdoors with top-notch airflow for ventilation.

The instant tent is designed for durability. The cabin features a double-thick fabric that doesn’t tear up easily.

The instant setup is under 60 seconds and gives you access to a roomy interior with a 4’11” feet center height. This isn’t as high as other tents on our list, but this is what gives it a cozy feel without being too massive or overwhelming.

The tent can fit one queen-size mattress with plenty of space left for storing the camping necessities.

The tent is also backed by a one-year limited manufacturer warranty. In addition, the material used for the instant cabin tent can block about 90 percent of the sunlight while reducing the heat inside the tent.

For storage convenience, the cabin tent comes in an expandable carry bag.

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Moon Lence Instant Pop Up Tent

My love for bright colors got me looking into the features of the Moon Lence Instant Pop Up Tent. Available in blue, green, and orange, this 4-person pop-up tent has a range of features, including portability, water resistance, and a windproof design. In addition, this instant tent is made from polyurethane and is roomy enough to ensure 4 adults can rest easily.

The lightweight design makes it easy to carry around to the campsite in its super-durable carry bag. The tent features a stable and breathable material with 4 large windows (mesh).

The D-shaped door design comes with a dual zipper feature to add to the ventilation feature. The alloy pegs are very light in weight yet durable enough for your camping escapades.

The guy ropes available with the tent ensure that it is highly resistant to wind while leaving you secure inside. The 190T polyurethane material and Oxford Ground veneer (210D) provide water resistance up to 2000mm along with top-notch UV resistance.

The doors and windows are equipped with durable SBS zippers that shut closely to provide safety from harsh weather conditions outside.

The instant pop-up design gets your tent up and usable in just 60 seconds. Ideal for 3 seasons, this instant tent can keep you safe from rain, snow, and sun as you enjoy camping with the family.

The iron-made pegs keep the tent in its place in windy conditions.

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Timber Ridge Camping Tent 6 Person Instant Tent

If you are going out camping in dusty or humid weather, the Timber Ridge Camping tent would be your best bet.

This instant tent is crafted with polyester material that helps keep off the harsh weather elements as you spend some quality time with your family. Perfect for hiking and camping, this instant tent will keep you warm and cozy even as the temperature goes down.

The camping tent is 23.15 pounds in weight and can be carried around with ease as you brave through rugged terrains to reach your camping spot. This family tent is large enough to allow 6 adults to rest comfortably and enjoy the outdoor activities.

The instant tent is quick and requires 10 minutes or less for assembly. While this might not be a winning streak for this camping tent, it sure is quick enough compared to standard camping tents.

In addition, the tent is designed to ensure proper ventilation with its zippered windows that can be rolled up when you feel the need for fresh air.

The O-shaped main door ensures easy entry and exit with a zippered closure design. The tent also comes with a durable mesh-based storage bag that can be used to keep your phones, chargers, keys, and other camping essentials.

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Coleman 8-Person Tent Instant Family Tent

Being a tall individual, I was looking into instant tents with a good center height, and Coleman’s 8-person tent is just the right choice. It comes with a 6’7″ center height that is perfect for tall campers.

In addition, the instant 60-second setup is perfect for camping enthusiasts that want to enjoy being one with nature as opposed to spending their time in the setup process.

The integrated rainfly added to the tent doesn’t need any additional assembly. Apart from this, the WeatherTec system features patented and welded floors along with inverted seams that help keep the water out while you rest inside.

The Coleman instant tent also comes with 2 additional storage pockets that help keep the gears organized while roasting your marshmallows in the bonfire. The rugged and double-thick fabric with Polyguard material withstands the ups and downs of the weather outside.

This instant tent also comes in a carry bag with a rip strip design that makes post camping pack-up easier and faster. The interior of the tent is spacious and has room to place 4 queen-size airbeds.

Additionally, the tent comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty in case the tent malfunctions. But, best of all, the tent is available at a pocket-friendly price if you are on a budget.

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Googo Camping Pop-Up Tent

Available in two beautiful colors of blue and green, the Googo Camping Pop-Up tent is best for a family of 3 to 4 individuals. Given its easy setup design, the tent features a high-quality rainfly with UV protection material embedded into the make.

Apart from this, the instant tent is light in weight with a water and windproof design.

This roomy tent is rectangular in shape with a center height of 4.26 feet. With its spacious design, you can easily sit up or move around without feeling congested.

The tent can accommodate one queen-size mattress. However, it might be a bit on the smaller end for 4 adults. The ideal move is to use it for 2 adults and 2 kids or a small family.

The instant tent is crafted with 190T PU-coated material with highly durable polyester. In addition, the ground is covered with 210D Oxford Sheet (PU-Coated).

Overall, the tent provides resistance to UV damages while keeping you snug and dry as you make the best of your camping experience.

The tent isn’t just easy to set up but can also be dismantled with just as ease. The poles in the instant tent are pre-assembled and make the setup faster than ever.

One thing that makes the tent an undisputed member of this list is its windows with double-layered mesh that helps prevent mosquitoes from entering.

The stable and highly breathable material features 2 massive doors with easy-to-use two-way zippers on both sides.

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Kazoo Family Camping Tent

Only a few instant camping tents feature a sunshade, which makes the Kazoo family tent stand out from the rest. This automatic setup design is ideal for 4 to 6 people and features a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum pole that doesn’t add much weight to your carry bag.

Available in multiple colors, this camping tent is crafted with 210T rip-stop material that is completely waterproof and light in weight. The tent provides enough room for 6 adults while ensuring enough ventilation regardless of the weather outside.

Even with a sunroof, the camping tent is up and usable within 30 seconds. This family tent is sturdy enough given the use of double-layered fabric while keeping away the harsh weather conditions. The tent’s liner is crafted with B3 mesh and 190 highly breathable T polyester.

The tent material has been tested under stringent conditions to ensure it stands true to its waterproof claim of 3000mm. The mesh-based walls and ceilings provide top-notch ventilation while keeping things cozy inside.

Additionally, the camping tent features 2 dual zippers and large doors that allow smooth closure and easy entry. The instant tent is perfect for hiking, camping, outdoor BBQ, family parties, or field trips.

The reliable and smooth SBS-based dual zippers can withstand rough usage and prevent water from seeping through the seams. In addition, the brand features two instant tent variants that include a backpacking tent and a camping tent.

While the former focuses on performance with a lightweight design, the latter helps maximize the strength, hub volume, and living space.

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Outbound Instant Pop-Up Tent

The Outbound Instant Pop-Up tent caught my attention due to its durable and robust fiberglass frame design. Crafted with Poly Taffeta coating, the tent is water-resistant and is roomy enough for 8 people to rest well.

The tent has 2 rooms and features two large D-shaped easy to easy-to-open/close doors. The zip windows are perfect for optimum ventilation, yet don’t let those pesky mosquitoes make their way into your tent.

The tent features a detachable divider that helps create two separate sections for privacy. The weather-resistant design features a 600mm heavy-duty coated rainfly backed up by a canopy in the front.

This unique canopy design provides resistance to water and any other weather issues.

The seams are appropriately welded to ensure the insides remain leak-proof when it’s pouring heavily outdoors. Its polyester-based floor is designed in a bathtub to prevent the water from entering the tent. The entire setup can be stored inside its zippered duffle, which ensures portability.

The tent is ideal for use in the fall, spring, and summer months. The pop-up tent also features a built-in pocket to help you store your camping accessories and electronics safely away from the weather outside.

If you are a tall individual, this tent is perfect for you with its peak height of 6’4″ to ensure you can stand without any inconvenience.

Further, the instant tent comes in multiple variants ideal for 5, 6, 8, and 10 individuals.

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Core 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent

If you aren’t ready for an adventure, the Core 12 person instant cabin tent might be just the right kind of motivation to get you up and going. This giant cabin tent is perfect for large families, smaller groups, or scout groups with ample space to move around.

While the tent doesn’t feature extra patios or tunnels like others in the market, it more than makes up for a large area of 18 feet by 10 feet. In addition, the cabin tent is designed for tall individuals with its 6’7″ center height that allows you to move and walk around the tent with ease.

The tent comes with 2 dividers that can help create 3 ample-sized rooms while ensuring privacy for the campers. Further, the tent comes with two durable doors that allow easier entry and exit, which is especially important for an instant tent that holds many people.

The pre-assembled tent frame makes setup a breeze. Simply remove the tent from the bag, unfold it, and lift up the poles and bars while clipping its shell material in the right place. The rectangular design ensures that it is stable enough while being well-ventilated with 6 large windows.

Moreover, the instant tent also comes with adjustable vents for air-intake that draws in fresh, cool air while keeping the space airy from all sides. Finally, in terms of rain protection, this tent has got you covered top to bottom.

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Hui Linguang 6-Person Easy Pop-Up Tent

Bored of the traditional tent designs, I was looking for something unique in terms of design. The Hui Linguang pop-up tent is a unique instant tent that looks just as cool as its features. This 6-person pop-up tent is perfect for hiking or camping and is available in blue and green colors.

This waterproof pop-up tent comes with a durable rainfly that doesn’t let water seep in while you spend quality time with your friends, family, or camping buds. In addition, this round-shaped tent comes with pre-assembled, durable poles that can be set up within seconds.

The tent has a 4’5″ center height which is ideal for appropriate headspace. However, it might not be ideal for tall individuals that wish to stand or move around inside the tent.

The spacious interior is backed by large mesh-based windows present on the right and left sides. This ensures that the hot air can escape with ease while keeping the bugs away at the same time.

This instant tent keeps you dry regardless of the season. The Hui Linguang tent also features ground vents that allow additional ventilation and keep you cool during the hot summer months.

In addition, the seams of the tent are heat-sealed and don’t allow any form of leakage. This waterproof design is further backed by an integrated rainfly that keeps the campers dry and snug.

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Mobihome 6-Person Tent

The Mobihome instant tent features an extended dome design that is backed by a fly with partial coverage. This 6-person tent isn’t exactly instant in the truest sense. Instead, it is semi-instant with the central dome supported by a pre-attached tent frame.

The tent has a single-room design which might not be quite as tall at its peak height. The tent features 3 large windows and one door that features its very own window. The windows come with a double-layered mesh design that allows maximum ventilation to ensure a bug-free resting experience.

The windows also feature zippered panels to ensure protection and privacy. The best feature is that it is pretty light in weight and doesn’t weigh you down as you hike through some tricky terrains.

In addition, the tent is ideally designed to keep the heat away in the hot summer months.

The aerodynamic design makes it reasonably resistant to windy outdoors while keeping you cozy inside. The poles make use of fiberglass and add to the lightweight feel.

Mobihome is constructed with 68D polyester (190T) along with PU coating (1500mm). The tent’s seams are taped to ensure water doesn’t come pouring down when you are inside.

Although the tent doesn’t feature any vent on the floor, it makes up for it with its large windows that ensure ventilation in and out.

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Liamoy 6-Person Tent/Instant for Camping

The Liamoy instant tent is designed to hold 6 people with a 60-second quick setup that doesn’t require more than one person for the setup process. The tent is roomy enough for 6 people and fits in 2 queen-sized airbeds with ease.

In addition, this tent is made from 190T polyester, providing you with all-around protection from the weather outside.

The instant tent also uses a high-tech polyurethane hydrostational coating that ensures water stays away from the insides and the poncho seams, adding to the waterproof factor. The seams are held together with PU glue and welded with PE to keep the tent completely dry in light rainy conditions.

The tent is perfect for round-the-clock hiking, camping, or fishing activities. It also features two large doors that allow great breezes to flow in and out to vent the hot air from inside.

The instant tent also comes with mesh-based storage bags that can help you organize your camping necessities.

Liamoy is also ideal for tall campers, given its 78 inches center height. Moreover, the camping tent is also reasonably light in weight while fitting in 2 full-size air mattresses. The duffle bag provided with the package is durable enough to let you carry it around with ease.

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What is an instant tent?

You may have heard of pop-up tents and wonder if this is the same as an instant tent? Yes and no. 

A pop-up tent is a lightweight tent usually made of nylon material. These tents pack down very small, are appropriate for backpackers, and take seconds to set up. Take them out of the travel bag, and some literally pop open when tossed in the air. Some require a gentle pull to open them. 

Pop-up tents open up similar to your car sunshade that pops open quickly and easily. They just open in the form of a tent. Then all you need to do is tie them down and anchor them. 

Not only are pop-up tents super lightweight, but they also are less expensive. Keep in mind these tents are very lightweight and breathable but not very durable.

You also want to get one with a rainfly for extra protection. A really cool pop-up tent that literally pops open instantly is the Hui Linguang 6-Person Easy Pop-Up Tent.

All pop-up tents are instant tents. That is, they are a type of instant tent. That being said, not all instant tents are pop-up tents, which take us to cabin tents.

A cabin tent can also be an instant tent and is usually heavier and more durable than other instant tents. Therefore, instant cabin tents are best for campers who don’t need to carry them far. 

Some cabin tents come with the poles attached and open in minutes (or less) by pushing/pulling on a specific area to open the tent. If the poles aren’t already attached to the tent, they will be pre-assembled and quickly set up. 

You can expect cabin tents to be made of a more durable material like polyester, and they tend to be much heavier than a pop-up tent. One of our favorite instant tents is the Coleman 8-Person Tent Instant Family Tent

Instant cabin tents are usually square or rectangular in shape, sleep more people, and are tall enough that you can stand up in them. These are a popular choice for families. 

In reality, any tent that claims to be instant should only take minutes (or less) to assemble. Keep in mind there is a learning curve, and the more you put your tent together, the quicker you will be at it.

I always recommend setting up your tent at least once in your yard or wherever you have space before you set out into the woods. If your tent has a defect or a missing part, you want to discover that before heading out.

Also, setting up before your camping trip is great if you have to set your instant tent up in the dark. You will be more familiar with the process when it’s crunch time.

If you have kids, get them involved, it will be fun for them to be big helpers. To be able to set up the tent is a huge accomplishment for kids. Ours were so proud when they put up our instant tent. 

Factors to consider

There are many things to consider when choosing the best instant tent, including ease of setup, tent capacity, etc. We’ll jump into that next.

Ease of set up

If your new tent is called an instant tent, it should live up to its name. Just remember, it will most likely take you much longer to set up the first time. Also, the manufacturer will say it takes seconds….well, since they are the ones that designed it, of course, it takes them seconds.

Do a practice run of setting up your instant tent before you actually go camping. Don’t take it out of the bag for the first time in the middle of nowhere. 

You want to make sure it really is pretty easy to set up, and obviously, you will get faster every time. Make sure it has all the parts and is perfectly intact. You don’t want to get out in the woods with a torn wall or missing an essential piece of your tent. 

Practice a few times, so if you have to set it up in the dark, you won’t be “in the dark.” Ha! Been there, done that! Even knowing how to set up our tent, setting it up in the dark was still a challenge.

No matter how easy it is to set up, every tent will take more time to collapse down. And then you have the fun of getting back in the tiny bag. Why the tiny bag, I have never understood. It’s like putting on skinny jeans after a summer of margaritas. 

Capacity

How many people are sleeping in the tent? Make sure there will actually be room for these real people. I say that because many tents claim to sleep 4, 6, etc., and then you look at the dimensions and do some quick math. Are the people expected to be 4 feet tall and sleeping in shrink wrap?

Measure out your sleeping bags, and then compare this to the floor dimensions of the tent you are interested in. Also, keep in mind extra space for your gear, or maybe a dog. 

Extra space with a family is excellent for many reasons, especially if anyone has to go potty in the middle of the night. You might get a foot in your back from being stepped on. 

Pack weight

If you are a backpacker, you will want the lightest pop-up instant tent possible. If you are not a backpacker, this opens up your options. You still have to transport your tent, though, so make sure you will actually be able to lift it up and out of your vehicle and get it to the campsite. 

Our instant tent is heavier than I like, but we love it so much we don’t mind. There is always a trade-off, and you just need to decide what works for you. A very nice lightweight instant tent is the Moon Lence Instant Pop Up Tent, which only weighs about 10 pounds. 

Camping environment

Research the weather you might encounter camping, especially if it may rain. You want a tent that will be more durable if you will be camping in windy, rainy weather. 

A lightweight tent will be better for hot weather. You may need to bring some type of tarp under your tent if the ground is rocky or has many twigs. These all could be things that might puncture your tent. 

We have camped in all kinds of environments, from cold and rainy, to the dry, high deserts. Ideally, you want your tent to be appropriate for the weather you will encounter. The Coleman Cabin tent with Instant Setup is versatile and would be a good tent for all the seasons.

It is made with durable fabric that will keep you warm in cold weather, but it also has large mesh windows to allow for airflow during warmer days. 

Ventilation

Good airflow through your tent is essential. Nobody likes a stuffy tent. When the weather is warm, opening up the windows helps cool it down, plus the fresh air is so nice to sleep in. 

You want plenty of mesh windows because you want airflow without bugs. You also need proper ventilation for safety if you plan on using a heater such as propane. 

A really nice instant tent that has incredible ventilation, with several large mesh windows and a large opening to allow airflow, is the Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent.

Rainfly

Rainfly’s are practically a must. They are an added layer of moisture protection. Even if it’s not going to rain, a rainfly helps with condensation.

It also helps keep your tent clean from pollen and other things dropping out of the sky…ew.

Many rainfly’s will extend over the sides of the tent, creating a type of awning. This is handy if it’s raining. Depending on the design, you might be able to keep the windows unzipped and not get rain inside. 

Price

This is always a significant factor when you purchase an instant tent. Of course, you want a fantastic tent, but you need to be comfortable with the amount of money you are spending. 

Are you hiking across the Alps for weeks and planning on backpacking adventures frequently? Then, you may want to invest in a quality tent that may cost a bit more. 

Or are you a weekend warrior camping out with your family and friends? If you only plan on camping a few times a year and the conditions aren’t terrible, you may be able to get by with a less expensive tent. 

Just make sure you are getting a tent that will add to the fun of your adventure. You don’t want to regret your purchase and end up wet, cold, hot, or just cranky because you didn’t get the right tent. 

Final thoughts

We sure hope this post helped you with your decision on how to choose the best instant tent. There are tons of great options, so really think about what will work best for the kinds of adventures you will be taking. 

Most of all, we just hope you get out there, spend some time with mother nature, and enjoy the best instant tent. Happy camping!