If you’re like me and want to get out in nature right away, then the most frustrating part of camping can often be putting up your tent. Especially after a long car journey! The best instant tents on the market will let you set up camp in just a few minutes. This will give you more time to enjoy nature and less time figuring out how your tent goes together.
In this article, we are going to review the following instant tents for camping:
- Coleman Cabin Tent With Instant Setup – 4, 6, or 10 Person
- CORE Instant Cabin Tent – 12 Person
- Coleman Sundome Tent – 2, 3, 4, or 6 Person
- CORE Instant Cabin Tent with Wall Organizer – 6 Person
- Ayamaya Pop Up Tent with Vestibule – 4 to 6 Person
What’s an instant tent?
An instant tent is one that only takes a few minutes to construct. You can pitch and set down these tents in one minute. Life outdoors will never be the same again with this ease.
They have innovative single-frame designs and telescopic poles to allow for an easy setup. All you need to do is unfold the tent, extend the poles, click and lock it into place.
What are the benefits of having an instant tent?
The greatest benefit of having an instant tent is that you can set it up in a matter of minutes. No more fussing around with instructions and poles. These tents are pre-assembled – making set up simple and one person can set the tent up.
—> Read more with our reviews of the best quick tents for instant setup here.
Are instant tents durable?
It depends on the material your tent has. For example, some of these tents are made of steel poles and durable fabric. With instant tents, everything is pre-assembled. The poles and fabric come in separate bags.
Usually, there are telescopic poles. This is where one pole slides through another. If the poles aren’t straight then they will retract. Most poles are replaceable if you have any issues.
Are instant tents for 4 season use?
There are 4 season instant tents available. It depends on the specific model that you buy. There is a big difference between instant cabin tents and instant dome tents. Cabin tents are non-aerodynamic – presenting an obstacle for the wind and not as stable.
Dome-style tents are more aerodynamic in shape. They perform better in stormy weather, although they aren’t as tall.
You should also consider the roof structure. If you are expecting a lot of snow, then avoid a flat roof. This isn’t the best design for vertical static pressure which will transfer to the walls too.
What features to look for when buying the best instant tents?
Prices – that can vary
You don’t need to spend a fortune on your instant tent. Some brands make more expensive tents than others. The range can vary a lot. Yet, there are many good and reliable inexpensive tents on the market.
But, it’s best not to have a low price as your main criteria. This is because it’s important to find a reliable tent that will be able to keep you warm and comfortable. This involves a moderate investment.
Weatherproofing- the best instant tents are durable
As mentioned, you want to make sure the fabric is durable enough to keep you comfortable. Which tent material to use will depend on your needs. For example, the time of year you are camping and also how easy you would like to transport your tent.
Most instant tents are made from man-made fabrics – either polyester or nylon-based. These fabrics are cheaper and also lighter making them easy to transport from place to place.
You should also look to make sure your instant tent is waterproof. The hydrostatic head rating is the measurement of how waterproof a tent is. Look for a tent with a HH rating of 15000mm or higher to keep moisture out. Learn more: Read about the best fabric for tents here.
1. Coleman Cabin Tent With Instant Setup – 4, 6, or 10 Person
The Coleman Cabin Tent is an instant setup tent in about 60 seconds. The pre-attached poles make setup as simple as unfolding, extend, and secure. Your cabin and the integrated, vented rainfly can be set up in 60 seconds.
In the case of rainy weather, this tent has a WeatherTec system. This includes patented welded floors and inverted seams to help keep you dry. The interior design of this tent provides enough room to stretch out on a queen-sized airbed. There are also two storage pockets to help keep you organized.
Pros
- Instant setup tent in about 60 seconds
- Pre-attached poles for quicker setup (just extend and secure)
- Integrated vented rainfly for extra ventilation (without extra assembly)
- 2 storage pockets to keep gear organized
- Rugged, poly guard 2 x double-thick fabric
- Expandable carry bag lets you tear away the rip strip for easy packing
- The spacious interior has room for 1 queen airbed
- 8 x 7 feet
- 4 feet 11inch center height
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Only one vent in the top
- With windows up little ventilation
- Not for severe weather
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
2. Core Instant Cabin Tent – 12 Person
The Core Instant Cabin Tent offers a stress-free setup in less than 2 minutes. The poles are pre-attached to the tend. Unpack, unfold and extend.
The tent has a spacious 18’ by 10’ interior. It also has zippered privacy panels on doors and windows. There is a large double door design that offers convenient access to the tent.
Pros
- Instant setup in 2 minutes or less
- Water repellent rainfly that is removable in warm weather
- Advanced venting system with adjustable vents
- Two entryway and three-room options
- Create multiple separate living and sleeping spaces
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Light material is less durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
3. Coleman Sundome Tent – 2, 3, 4, or 6 Person
The Coleman Sundome Tent is a good option for warm-weather adventures. It also has a quick and easy setup in about 10 minutes. There are snag-free, continuous poles sleeves.
The tent also has enough room to stretch out on a queen-sized airbed. Also, storage pockets to help keep your gear organized.
If it rains, the WeatherTec system has patented welded floors and inverted seams. This will help keep you dry. There is also a ground vent and two windows to help increase air circulation. This should help keep you cool and comfortable in warmer weather.
The dome shape helps this tent stand up to the wind. There is also added weather protection from a door awning and included a rainfly.
Pros
- WeatherTec system keeps water out
- Snag-free, continuous pole sleeves for easy setup
- Ground vent for increased ventilation
- 2 windows for great ventilation and views
- Door awning to help keep the rain out
- E-Port for electrical power inside your tent
- Storage pockets to keep gear organized
- Durable, Polyguard fabric
- Expandable carry bag for easy packing
- Easy setup in about 10 minutes
- 9 x 7 feet
- 4 ft. 11 in. center height
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Light material is less durable
- Not for extreme weather
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
4. Core Instant Cabin Tent with Wall Organizer – 6 Person
The Core Instant Cabin Tent is a 6 person tent that offers a stress-free setup in 60 seconds. The poles are pre-attached to the tent. Unpack, unfold and extend.
This tent also has Core H2O Block Technology. This combines water repellent fabrics. They have active bead technology that has faster water runoff. It also has sealed seams and rain-resistant door and window seals.
The fully-taped rainfly is removable. In warmer weather, this exposes mesh windows and the ceiling. This allows for more airflow and stargazing at night.
There is also an advanced venting system. This includes adjustable air intake vents designed to draw in cool air from the ground. The mesh ceiling allows hot air to escape. This will help keep you comfortable in all seasons.
Pros
- Sleeps, 6 people
- 72-inch center height giving space to move around
- 60 second set up
- Fits 2 air beds
- H2O block fabric to keep moisture out
- Adjustable ventilation
- Features gear loft with lantern hook
- Large wall organizer
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Not for stormy weather
- Poor quality zipper
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
5. Ayamaya Pop Up Tent with Vestibule – 4 to 6 Person
The Ayamaya pop-up tent offers a quick setup. It has pre-assembled poles that set up in seconds. All you need to do is open the bag and let go. No need to fumble with tent poles or follow instructions.
The interior has a 12.5 by 8.5 feet floor that sleeps 4 to 6 adults in sleeping backs. Or, it can sleep 3 to 5 people that have a lot of gear with them. The center height is 53.5’’. There is also a separate room for your gear, shoes, or even a large dog.
This tent has a special double-layer design to help prevent condensation. The inner and outer layers connect by hooks which prevent condensation. There is a gap between the inner and outer layers which become a ground vent for more ventilation. This helps to keep you cool on warmer spring and summer evenings.
This tent also has a front and rear door which helps for easy in and out access. There are also 4 mesh windows on the left and right sides of the tent. The tent is also waterproof. It has a 4000mm waterproof PU-Coated oxford groundsheet. Also a 3000mm waterproof PU-Coated polyester fabric roof. There is also a rainfly for added protection.
Pros
- Sleeps 4 to 6 adults
- Quick setup with preassembled poles
- The spacious interior of 12.5 by 8.5 feet floor
- Center height of 53.5’’
- Unique vestibule design offers a separate room for gear or pets
- Weatherproof with waterproof fabric
- Heat-sealed seams to prevent leaking water
- Integrated vented rainfly to help keep you dry
Cons
- Difficult to put away
- Not for extreme weather
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
My recommendation
The instant tent you choose will depend on your personal preference and requirements. If you are camping in colder weather, then you might be searching for a tent with thicker fabric. Also, a higher level of insulation. If you are backpacking across the forest, a tent that is lightweight enough to carry around.
If I had to pick my favorite instant tent from those reviewed, I would go with the Coleman Cabin Tent. This instant tent sets up in one minute. It also has pre-attached poles for a quicker, simpler setup. All you have to do is extend and secure and you’re ready to go.
I also like that it is weatherproof with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry. It also has the option for 4, 6, or 10 people – giving options for different size groups. It also has an integrated vented rainfly. This should help improve airflow without any extra assembly needed.
Whether you’re heading for a weekend away or a long adventure, these resilient instant tents are easy to set up and take down. This will leave you with more time to spend in nature and more time to start making memories.
