Best Four Person Tent 2021
In this Guide
Are you one of those people who love camping but are scared of setting up the perfect tents? Well, you have every right to be one of those. We all have had our share of horror stories of shattered poles, wavering rain flys, and scary nights in the wilderness. The good news is, you don’t have to be scared anymore. We have got you covered! In this article, we will take you through some of the best 4-person tents that guarantee a home away from home.
Roomy, easy to use, and feature-rich, tents for camping are constructed for a deluxe experience in the open. Some of these tents are spacious enough to set up chairs or tables inside in case you face a downpour.
Below, our review will help you find camping tents that are not only spacious and durable but also extremely easy-to-setup. In addition, we will assist you in finding tents that come with various doors and vestibules for higher accessibility and utility.
Things to look for while buying your camping tent
Camping Tent Types:
The market of camping tents falls mainly into 2 categories: luxury-oriented designs that use high-quality materials and put a first-class on livability and comfortability, and more reasonable units that stick to the fundamentals and characteristically cost less than $200. Below, we will highlight the pros and cons of each type, as well as breaking down supplementary choices like hybrid camping/backpacking models, and the growing rooftop tent category.
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Luxury Camping Tents:
“Luxury” may seem like a big term for a tent, but bearing in mind the price and feature set, they have received the billing. Tents at this cost point have the advantage of more widespread research and access to cutting-edge materials, which leads to a more innovative design. To start, tents in the mid-and high-end grouping make the most of their comfortable space—near-vertical walls, dividers, and roomy vestibules are a few instances.
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Budget Camping Tents:
In essence, camping is a way to refresh and disconnect for a while from our ordinary busy life. In that spirit, budget camping tents are basic but entirely purposeful choices for fair-weather campers/backpackers. There is not a distinguishable line where a tent goes from mid-range to budget, but we have found for 6-person choices, it happens around $200. Characteristic budget tents use weightier fabrics, which make them heavy, however, they are also durable and resist moisture. Unfortunately, weather protection is their downfall. Just don’t expect anything daring if the weather turns vicious.
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Hybrid Camping and Backpacking Tents:
You would have probably noticed by now that even tents in the budget category can be a substantial investment. For people only planning on camping and backpacking with their family, it may be worth going after a hybrid camping and backpacking tent. Depending on your space needs, you could get a design like the MSR Papa Hubba NX or REI Co-op Half Dome 4 Plus, which will fit four pads side-by-side (and are very roomy for two or three people). Both tents are small and lightweight enough to succeed on an overnight backpacking trip but still have enough room to make most campers comfortable.
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Rooftop Tents:
An emerging category in the car camping world is rooftop tents. The idea is honestly simple: a folded tent attaches right to the roof rack system on top of your car or pickup bed, and when you reach your selected endpoint, you only unfold it, climb the ladder, and rest. Related to the standard camping tents, the rooftop design gets you off the uneven ground and makes it easier to set up camp just about anywhere. Furthermore, many rooftop tents consist of a comfortable built-in mattress, which is a prominent advancement from a typical sleeping pad.
Size:
When you think of a 4-person tent, do you think it has room for only 4 people? Well, yes and no.
It is important to note that what manufacturers mean when they say a camping tent has a capacity of 4 people. In theory, it can typically fit four average adults but that would not leave room for free-roaming around. 4-person camping tents are great for parents with their young kids or partners who want to have more space for their gear. Height is also one thing that you should consider. If you are above 6 feet then you might want to consider a tent that is big enough to let you stand inside the tent easily. While most people go with dome tents, taller people should consider cabin tents for added height. Dome tents are smaller in size and usually great for backpacking and hiking. On the other hand, cabin tents are bigger and more spacious, with vertical walls that allow you to stand up and roam inside the tent. The only downside is, they are much bulkier and more expensive than dome tents.
Ease Of Setup:
One of the many things that you should keep in mind before buying a camping tent is its ease of setup. No one enjoys a lot of time spent in setting up a tent so make sure to always choose the one that is easy to set-up and takedown.
Since the weather can be changeable, you want to purchase a camping tent that is easy to set up even if you are unexpectedly caught in a storm.
That is why most of the camping tents that we have reviewed on our list can be set up in less than 10 minutes!
Weight:
The significance of weight depends on the type of camping you do. If you are a car camper, you can use bulkier camping tents and not worry about the weight as much as a backpacker would.
Some features that determine the weight are:
- Size
- Materials (canvas vs polyester)
- Type of tent (cabin vs dome)
Our Top 12 Picks of Best Four Person Tent
1) REI Co-op Kingdom 6
Check REI Co-op Kingdom 6 on REI Co-op
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious and lively exterior | Tunnel-shaped design is not as firm |
| People can easily stand up and move around inside | The back door is more exposed to the elements |
| Doors can move a great amount of air in hot weather | There are a lot of poles |
| Firm protection in rainy weather | |
| Easy to set up, take down, and haul around |
Specification:
- Price: $499
- Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 75 in
- Weight: 21 lbs. 6 oz
- Capacity: 4P, 6P, 8P
- Floor Dimension: 10′ x 8’4″
- Maximum Inside Height: 6′ 3″
Our Review:
Of all the camping tents in the market right now, REI justifiably grabs the first position. Spacious, well-constructed, and competitively priced- just some of the many things about REI that qualify it as the luxurious camp in this kingdom. It features near-vertical walls, lots of mesh for ventilation and stargazing, and a tunnel-like shape that delivers fanciful livability. This tent offers a capacity of families and groups ranging from three to five people, the 6P variation is just what makes it perfect: there’s plenty of room to spread out, the large vestibule and pockets lining the interior help keep it firm and steady, and a center divider permits you to isolate sleeping from daytime areas.
One of the main things to keep in mind is, its rainfly doesn’t fully cover one of the doors. You can leave it as is—REI beefed up the protection on this site, so it’s still practically weather-resistant—or add on either the Kingdom Mud Room ($100) or Kingdom Porch ($199). The Mud Room is the more functional option and adds 50 square feet of storage space, but it tacks on another 103 inches to the tent’s already substantial footprint (the 6P and 8P variations can be hard to fit on smaller tent pads). It’s also imperative to consider that the Kingdom’s erect shape is not a standout in vicious weather, and it’s a great idea to use all the guidelines to increase protection in a storm.
2) REI Co-op Grand Hut 4
Check REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 on REI Co-op
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious and lively exterior | Cabin-like shape and pre-bent poles can’t withstand heavy winds |
| Affordable price | Difficult pole set-up |
| Tall and lightweight | |
| Waterproof fly and dual twin-stake vestibules offer additional livable space | |
| Multiple pockets, high and low, for convenient storage |
Specification:
- Price: $299
- Dimensions: 100 x 86 x 75 in
- Weight: 14 lbs. 2 oz
- Capacity: 4P, 6P
- Floor Dimension: 8’4″ x 7’2″
- Maximum Inside Height: 6′ 3″
Our Review:
The REI Grand Hut 4 strikes a nice balance between spaciousness and price. The tent rivals the Kingdom above in outright livability thanks to its open, cabin-like shape and a tall peak height of 75 inches, but easily undercuts it in price at $299 (or $349 for the 6P). Most importantly, you can get quality materials that can be subjected to rough use, including the burly 150-denier floor. Plus, its pre-bent poles and hubbed pole system make it quick and easy to set up and take down. Also, the near-vertical walls and a rectangular floor plan maximize livable space. For anything from car camping to beach trips and music festivals, the Grand Hut is a nice option from REI. Those seeking an easy, lightweight, windy affair with which to conduct proper outdoor excursions should find this a fantastic and affordable option. Moreover, the bug-proof mesh wall panels up high let you enjoy the view; ripstop panels down low offer privacy and wind reduction without sacrificing breathability. Not only this, but the two large D-shaped doors combined with low door sills make getting in and out easy.
Considering its price, this tent does come along with some drawbacks. Firstly, the wind protection system is very poor because of the upright walls and simple X-shaped pole design (it does better in rain with a full-coverage fly). In addition to this, it is not compatible with the Kingdom’s optional vestibule add-ons, and it’s roomier inside with quite a bit less storage. Despite the downfalls, the Grand Hut’s mesh-heavy build, expansive interior, and affordable price make it a fun camping choice.
Hence, we can say that the Grand Hut 4 is a super friendly combo of easiness and space at a very reasonable price.
3) Coleman Sundome 6
Check Coleman Sundome 6 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great price | Lack of livability and spaciousness |
| Very easy to set up, take down, and store | Poor wet weather performance |
| The think and durable bath floor stands up to many years of camping | No vestibule on the exterior |
| Ventilates very well in hot weather | |
| Comes with a darkroom technology |
Specification:
- Price: $103
- Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 72 in
- Weight: 16 lbs. 10 oz
- Capacity: 2P, 3P, 4P, 6P
- Floor Dimension: 10′ x 10′
- Maximum Inside Height: 6′
Our Review:
Many people only go camping once or twice a summer in good weather conditions and they don’t really require all the bells and whistles of the tents above. If you are thinking that you are one of those people then you might want to give a serious look at the Sundome 6 from Coleman. This camping tent is not built with those fancy materials out there but it can still get its job done. It is important to note that a tent with a price ranging from $90 to $100, is a steal!
So, why spend so much money buying that fancy tent? We’ve found the fabrics feel pretty inexpensive, including everything from the clips and poles to the tent walls. In addition to this, the rainfly covers the main portion of the tent body but leaves the part of the sides unguarded. This should not be a problem in mild weather conditions, but we do advise a full coverage for even moderate rain and mildly gusty winds. Coleman’s exclusive WeatherTec system comes with features to keep you and your tent dry, whatever the weather conditions are. The durable tub floor has welded corners and inverted seams, making it waterproof to keep moisture out. Leak-free rainfly seams, water-resistant fabric, and a weather-protected zipper guard are all specially designed to repel water and keep you and your gear dry. Strong frame design with 11mm shock-corded fiberglass poles are engineered to withstand stormy conditions. A mesh vent provides increased ventilation, to keep everything cool and comfortable. There are separate storage bags for tent, poles, and stakes, with easy-to-follow instructions sewn right into the carry bag, so you’ll always have them with you
The spaciousness, durability, and weather protection all transcend what we would expect at this affordable price, which is why we have the Sundome so high up on our list.
4) Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3
Check Thule Tepui Kukenam 3 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| An operational and easy-to-use rooftop tent system | Expensive |
| Strong aluminum poles that can withstand moderate winds easily | Heavy |
| Waterproof |
Specification:
- Price: $1700
- Dimensions: 96 x 56 x 52 in
- Weight: 131 lbs
- Capacity: 2P, 3P
Our Review:
Rooftops have become increasingly popular in only a short span of time. The attractiveness is apparent: a tent secured to the roof of your car increases camping and road-tripping chances exponentially, not to mention you get to sleep elevated off the ground. iKamper makes a number of quality options—the hardshell Skycamp 2.0 below is particularly fantastic—but we think Thule’s Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 offers the right combination of price, serviceability, and weather protection. The three-person model is comfy inside with an integrated 2.5-inch foam mattress, the set up is relatively simple (watching Thule’s online videos will help), and the sturdy aluminum poles and rainfly perform commendably in moderate rain and wind conditions.
One of the important impairments with a rooftop tent of any kind is its accompanying price and bulk. At $1,700, the Thule Kukenam 3 is one of the more affordable waterproof models, but the price doesn’t include a roof rack system (you may need to upgrade from the standard rack included with your vehicle). Adding on to that, the camping tent rests on top of your car (or pickup bed) and takes up most of that vicinity, so there’s no room for attaching skis, bikes, or a roof box. However, with its ability to just set itself up just about anywhere, this classic Kukenam 3 gets a place on our list for these camping tent reviews.
5) Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 6-Person
Check Cabela’s Alaskan Guide on Amazon
Specification:
- Price: $450
- Dimensions: 128 x 128 x 75 in
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Capacity: 4P, 6P, 8P
Our Review:
Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model is definitely a winner if you are looking for a camping tent that can withstand rough weather conditions. With a strong six-pole hexagonal design, full-coverage rainfly, thick polyurethane floor and fly coatings, and tough materials, the tent can withstand vicious gusty wind (it’s rated for 50 mph gusts), rain, and even snow. Most importantly, it’s also comfy in mild weather conditions and rich in features.
Do you want to know the drawbacks of Cabela’s Alaskan Guide tent? Firstly, its hexagonal floor design does not take space as efficiently as the tunnel-shaped Kingdom. Furthermore, at this $450 price point, we would prefer to see it accessible with aluminum poles rather than fiberglass. The tent’s strong construction should restrict durability concerns, but fiberglass is more susceptible to wrecking under stress than aluminum (it’s worth noting that Cabela’s does sell replacement poles if you need them). The Alaskan Guide also is quite bulky at 33 pounds, but it’s an affordable tradeoff if you need a weather-worthy build for 4-season camping adventures. Rest assured, this tent comes with unmatchable weather protection and livability over all the other options available in the market.
6) MSR Papa Hubba NX
Check MSR Papa Hubba NX on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very lightweight | Expensive |
| Best family camping tent | The inside feels cramped than the other options |
| Constructed with a durable fabric |
Specification:
- Price: $700
- Dimensions: 93 x 86 x 44 in
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Capacity: 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
Our Review:
Some of the tents on our review list are strict of the car-camping variety, which implies that they are bulky enough that you would not be carrying them more than a few steps from your car. However, there is an entire collection of lightweight family tents that easily be taken to any backcountry excursions. If you don’t mind sacrificing on things like interior spaciousness and thinner materials, a backpacking tent is a feasible option for camping that could stay with you for a long time—no need to buy a separate backpacking tent when the moment arrives.
Shedding more light on this, the MSR Papa Hubba NX reviewed here weighs 7 pounds for the 4-person model, which is a small fraction of many other camping tents on the review list. Our best pick, the REI Kingdom, weighs over twenty pounds, and the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe comes in at a staggering eighty-two pounds. REI’s Half Dome 4 Plus below has an analogous crossover appeal and clocks in at 7 pounds 10 ounces, but its packed size is markedly greater. One disadvantage in cutting weight is the interior space: with a peak height of just 44 inches and a comparatively scanty 53 feet of floor area, you will be using the Papa Hubba more for resting and less for partying. At last, it is worth noticing that the materials on backpacking tents are much thinner, which is how they are so lightweight, but this also means you have to take better care to evade snags and tears. But for those searching for various uses out of their camping tent, the Papa Hubba NX is our best hybrid choice for 2020.
7) Marmot Limestone 6P
Check Marmot Limestone 6 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality construction | It is not a great storm-ready tent |
| Very spacious | |
| Performs really well in windy weather |
Specification:
- Price: $545
- Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 76 in
- Weight: 17 lbs. 9 oz
- Capacity: 4P, 6P, 8P
Our Review:
The comfortability of the REI Kingdom above is very hard to beat, however, Marmot provides another great set-up in the Limestone. This camping tent comprises ample space for six, is easy to set up, and is practically weather-resistant thanks to a full-coverage rainfly and taut DAC pole design that withstands well to moderate windy weather. In addition to this, a substantial 76-inch peak height (the REI above is 75 in. at its tallest), the Marmot’s poles also efficiently stretch the walls outwards to create an even more spacious interior. It is true that the Kingdom 6 comes in at a relatively inexpensive price of only $499, but the Limestone is a better option when the wind picks up speed.
For those who camp only in warm weather conditions, which makes up a great percentage of people, the Limestone is ideal: its mesh-heavy design, vents, and near-vertical walls make it comfortable even with the fly on. With that being said, those searching for an even more storm-ready design should check out Marmot’s Halo. This tent has a beefed-up pole structure, features less mesh in the tent body, and is only available in a four-person model, but it will withstand the elements much better. To conclude, both are great options from one of our best camping brands, but the Limestone gets the edge as a superior value and better match for bigger families.
8) Kelty Wireless 4
Check Kelty Wireless 4 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great price for a nice overall design | Materials are a step down from the pricier tents |
| Offers a roomy interior | |
| Stays cool in the summer heat |
Specification:
- Price: $180
- Dimensions: 98 x 87 x 59 in
- Weight: 11 lbs. 14 oz
- Capacity: 2P, 4P, 6P
Our Review:
Several tents on this review list are $300 and above, but budget-oriented outdoor brand Kelty always seems to do a good job at mingling quality and value. New in 2020, the Wireless is reasonable at $180 for the 4-person kind but contains a number of advancements compared to inexpensive camping tents like the Coleman Sundome above. With this, you get two-door and two vestibules along with a full-coverage rainfly for rainy and windy weather conditions. Kelty also uses more mesh in the construction, making it easier to keep cool in the scorching heat. Throw in a decently spacious interior due to a new center ridgepole (the old Discovery did not have a center pole), and you have a great value.
What do you sacrifice with the Kelty Wireless? Firstly, the floor fabric and mesh are thinner than the more expensive choices on this list. This does help keep weight reasonable, but it means that the tent will be less durable over time. Secondly, the fiberglass poles won’t hold up as well as aluminum in bad weather conditions. To conclude, the Wireless has been a prevalent budget option this summer, and you may have a difficult time getting your hands on one—at the time of issuing, Kelty is sold out, but many other retailers still have stock. These drawbacks aside, the Wireless is an ideal camping tent choice for those looking to stay under $20.
9) The North Face Wawona 6
Check North Face Wawona 6 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It comes with a sturdy exterior | Not very spacious |
| Easy to set up, take down, and carry | |
| Offers full-coverage rainfly |
Specification:
- Price: $399
- Dimensions: 119 x 101 x 80 in
- Weight: 20 lbs. 15 oz
- Capacity: 4P, 6P
Our Review:
Products from The North Face weakened in quality for many years, but we have seen an obvious difference in design and construction of late. From their camping tent lineup, we like the Wawona for its mix of cost, usage, and durability. Available in 4- and 6-person capacities, the tunnel-like design reminds you of the REI Co-op Kingdom above and provides a modest amount of spaciousness. However, where it really stands out is its great value: the Wawona 6 undercuts the Kingdom 6 by $100 without compromising in storage or wind and rain protection.
Why do we have Wawona here on our review list? The main culprit is its single-wall design. Instead of a separate tent body and rainfly like most of the choices listed above, the Wawona is a single unit. This makes it comparatively lightweight and easy to set up and take down, but the interior is susceptible to gathering moisture in humid or rainy conditions, plus you cannot eliminate the fly for stargazing. The tent does have a somewhat larger footprint than our top pick, the REI Kingdom 6 (by 2.8 sq. ft.) as well as a taller peak height (80 in. vs. the Kingdom’s 75), but we think the Kingdom’s double-wall build is more multipurpose and makes it worth the additional investment.
10) REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Check REI Co-op Base Camp 6 on REI Co-op
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-coverage rainfly offer confidence in heavy wind and rain | Mediocre ventilation due to the solid fabric that covers most of the tent body |
| Built with durable materials that withstand years of use and abuse | The sloped interior walls cut into livable space |
| Tall and lightweight | |
| Ideal for keeping your gear organized and within reach | |
| Easy to set up and take down, even for one person |
Specification:
- Price: $469
- Dimensions: 110 x 110 x 74 in
- Weight: 20 lbs. 10 oz
- Capacity: 4P, 6P
Our Review:
The Base Camp from REI is the strongest kind to our high-quality Kingdom camping tent and shares the same brilliant mix of quality materials, construction, and design structures. The dome shape implies the walls are not as vertical as the Kingdom, but with a reorganized pole structure from last year’s, it is still very simple to roam around inside of the tent. Other great changes contain more mesh along the tent body and extra rainfly vents, which address some of the airflow concerns of the previous model. Significantly, the Base Camp remains a sturdy player in the wind with its overlapping five-pole system (it’s rated for 3+ season use, meaning the tent can hold its own).
However, we are not persuaded that all of the Base Camp’s updates are for the better. The interior floor space was reduced by nearly 3 square feet, although this is partly counterbalanced by the more open pole structure. Furthermore, the vestibules are smaller than before, which restricts outside storage. But these are comparatively small nitpicks, and the Base Camp remains a well-organized and multipurpose camping tent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How large is a 4 person tent?
4 person tents vary in size, but if they fit the category “4 person tent” it means that there is enough space for 4 adults to lie down inside the tent.
While 4 adults can lie inside, it doesn’t mean it will be comfortable to sleep as 4 adults inside the tent. This is why you need to check the floor area of the tent to see how large it really is.
How many square feet is a 4 person tent?
4 person tents range from 46.8 square feet all the way to 154 square feet (from 4.4 square meters to 14.3 square meters).
The size varies a lot depending on the kind of tent: pop up tents are usually pretty small, while tunnel tents are usually huge with plenty of space.
Can a 4 person tent fit a queen air mattress?
It all depends on the floor area of the tent. All 4 person tents have a different floor area, and while a queen air mattress might fit in some, it might not fit in others.
A queen air mattress is 60 x 80 inches (150 x 200 cm). Check the size of the tent to make sure it’s bigger than these dimensions. The tent should be bigger than 60 x 80 inches, and thus have more than 33.3 square feet of floor area (150 x 200 cm & 3.1 square meters).
How do I take care of my 4 person tent?
A: Properly caring for your tent not only prolongs its lifespan but also saves you the cost of repair or purchasing a replacement. It is important that you avoid all unnecessary wear and tear as well as get rid of rocks and sharp branches from the area you intend to place your tent. Whenever you can, use a tarp or a footprint. Either of these are easily replaceable and much stronger compared to a tent floor.
Prior to packing and storing your tent until the upcoming camping adventure, make sure that you thoroughly clean your tent. Wipe off all the dust or mud. Before you it inside the bag, allow your tent to dry. Failure to do that will result in the development of mold, which translates to your tent having a nasty smell.
Which construction features do I need to look for?
A: If you are not going for camping only several times in the summer, you need a tent that can endure wind and rain without falling apart. For this reason, it is prudent to look for tougher fabric and strong poles. The construction features you need to be on the lookout mainly depend on the conditions you are going to expose your tent too. Inquiring about the experience of your friends is a good place to start. It gives you a feeling of exactly what to expect.
How Heavy Should My Tent be for Backpacking?
This depends on the size of the tent, but generally speaking, 2-3 lbs. per number of people, the tent is designed to sleep is a good guide.
For example, any heavier than 8 lbs. for a 4 person tent is unnecessarily heavy for backpacking.
What is the Best Way to Pack a Tent for Hiking/Backpacking?
This depends on whether you’re sharing the load with someone else or carrying the whole thing by yourself.
There is no right or wrong way to carry a tent provided it doesn’t get damaged in the process. Usually, rolling up the fly and mesh inner as tightly as possible and packing it in the same manner as your clothes will be the most space-efficient.
You can then slide the folded poles and tent stakes in at the end wherever you have space.
Conclusion
With so many models, so many designs, and so many sizes available in the market, finding the best tent for your camping trip can be an extremely overwhelming task. There are apparently infinite factors and choices that can boost or possibly devastate your Happy Camper Experience. We aim to help narrow the countless options down to the best camping tents presently available in the market. We have reviewed them meticulously in all appropriate areas and then provide you with a comprehensive rundown so that you can make a smart purchase — one that will confidently end with the best home-away-from-home for you, your family, and your best friends.
We wish you the best, happy camping! We hope you find what you are looking for.
