If you are a passionate or regular camper, you need to invest in a high-quality tent. Being the most significant part of camping equipment, a tent can make or break your entire adventure. Canvases come in an array of sizes and shapes. If you plan to go camping with friends and family, you need a spacious tent that can accommodate everyone. It should also be roomy enough to accommodate your gear and perhaps even your pet. A 4 person tent is your best solution.
There are a huge number of options available, so how do you settle for the best? Which criteria do you use to separate the wheat from the chaff?
Worry no more! In our comprehensive review of the best 4 person tents, you will learn everything you need to make an informed decision before your next camping trip.
IMAGE | PRODUCT&DETAILS | RATING | PRICE |
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Coleman Sundome Tent |
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Coleman Cabin Tent |
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Nemo Aurora Highrise Tent |
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ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 4-Person Tent |
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Big Agnes Backpacking Tent |
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Eureka! Tents Kohana |
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Msr Elixir Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent |
Reviews of The Best 4 Person Tent
1. Coleman Sundome Tent – Best 4 Person Tent Under $100
- Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move comfortably
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center height
Coleman is no newcomer in the tents and accessories arena. Their Coleman Sundome Tent is a masterpiece, to say the least. While it may only be designed for two seasons, it has all it takes to make yours a good camping ordeal.
What with a lightweight 3-pound build and an easy setup mechanism, what more could you want from a tent? This tent comes in beautiful shades and has inverted seams to keep needle holes from sight to add on to its aesthetic appeal. It has a waterproof rainfly cover that keeps you, your luggage, and all other occupants dry should the weather turn rainy.
Its free-standing poles are made of strong and durable fiberglass known to repel winds blowing at a whopping 35 meters per hour. This tent comes with several small pockets where you can keep small items like keys, wallets, and a small flashlight.
With 4 ft. 11 inches of height and floor space measuring 6 ft. by 7 ft., you can move and change comfortably. But as you can already tell, this is barely enough space for four people. At best, this tent can comfortably fit two adults. Its design features a large door, ground mesh, and windows for easy access and ample ventilation.
Things We Liked
- Fast and easy 10-minute set up
- Good quality rainfly is waterproof and offers extra coverage during rainy weather
- Lightweight build weighing at only 3 pounds
- Large windows, ground ventilation, and plenty of mesh surfaces make for great ventilation
Things We Didn’t Like
- Due to poor insulation, it can be uncomfortably cold to use this tent to camp during winter or fall when the temperatures are quite low.
- It has limited floor space only to fit two or three people comfortably
2. Coleman Cabin Tent – Best 4 Person Tent Under $200
- Instant setup in just 60 seconds – perfect for quick camping trips or backyard stays
- Fits one queen-size air bed, offering ultimate comfort
- WeatherTec technology featuring patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Rugged Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric for tough, enduring use
- Vented rainfly for improved airflow without any extra assembly needed
Going out camping doesn’t mean you need to forfeit your need for space. If you’re part of the claustrophobic fraternity, then you will love the Coleman Cabin Tent. Traveling with your dog, family, or lots of luggage? If yes, then you need a good tent that can fit not only everyone and everything but also one that can keep you all safe.
When looking for something large, high quality, and affordable, this Coleman Cabin tent is a must-have. It can easily fit four people. The tent is made out of a tough and durable rainfly system that provides adequate weather protection.
There’s a large door for easy access in and out of the tent. There are windows reinforced with tapped fly seams that double up as ventilation and protection from insects and bugs. An intricate weather Tec mechanism has been used to help keep water from getting inside the tent to keep everyone inside dry and protected.
Wondering how long it would take to set up such a large tent? Unbelievably, 1 minute is all it takes. See, the rainfly is already integrated on to the rest of the tent. This means that you will spend less time trying to fix the poles and stakes, attaching the rainfly to their designated points, as is the case with other tents.
Things We Liked
- Large and spacious with a floor space measuring 8ft. by 7ft.
- Has a rugged, durable poly guard fabric for extra weather protection
- Generously sized windows make for enhanced and ample circulation of air
- Easy one minute set up or assembly thanks to an integrated rainfly
Things We Didn’t Like
- One door means that there’s limited access
- Designed for two seasons only
3. Nemo Aurora Highrise Tent – Premium Four Person Tent
- Unique frame design affords steep walls for massive interior volume and standing height throughout.
- Two doors & vestibules with Gatekeeper door clips offer ease of entry and plenty of storage space for the family.
- Durable fabrics and aluminum poles will last a lifetime of family adventures.
- Unique and fun printed floor fabric adds character and brings smiles.
- Large side windows with mesh and integrated rain covers for better views and excellent air ventilation.
If you’re tired of always getting wet despite sleeping inside a tent you spent a small fortune buying, then the Nemo Aurora Highrise Tent was made with you in mind. For starters, it is affordable. It is also designed to not only look pleasing to your eyes but also to keep you dry. Come rain, wind, or sunshine, this seemingly small tent has all the strength needed to stay put.
What sets this tent apart from the rest? Well, it comes with two vestibules, a high-quality rainfly, and two large secure access doors. You can clip the four ties and jakes feet to the four stakes in different designs so that it deploys in different ways. However, it is better to stick to the normal set up if you’re not sure about how the other complicated set-ups work. To stargaze at night, you have the option of rolling the fly up or to the side. There’s plenty of headroom and floor space. However, this tent can only comfortably fit three people.
Its Paw-like design is a deliberate move to ensure stability. Whether you are on level ground, rocky, sandy, or muddy ground, you can bank on this tent, not move an inch. If the weather is calm, you have the option of foregoing the stakes in the pitching process as it doubles up as a free-standing tent.
The mesh allows for adequate airflow and works perfectly for when you want to let the light in. Concerning packaging, this tent easily rolls up into its bag. This makes it possible for you to carry as a backpack. It weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. When packed and measures 48 inches in height, it has interior pockets for extra storage, among other admirable features.
Things We Liked
- It has provisions for adequate ventilation
- Has a deployable rainfly and plenty of other useful accessories
- Trendy attractive design
- Fast and easy setup
Things We Didn’t Like
- Can only fit three people
- The rainfly only covers the mesh instead of going all the way down
4. ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 4-Person Tent – Best Value For Money/ Budget 4-Person Tent
- Easy setup with unique hub design and pole clips that quickly snap over the fiberglass tent poles
- Extra tall center and straight side walls allow more room for cots and ability to stand up
- Weatherproof fly adds large awnings over front doorway and back window
- Fully equipped with mesh storage shelf, stakes, guy ropes and four large windows
- Base Size: 8’6″ L x 7’6″ W; Center Height: 84″; Total Weight: 19 lbs. 3 oz.; Packed Size: 28″ L x 8″ W x 8″ H
Planning a mountaineering escapade with three of your best buddies? Where are you going to sleep? A hotel? Save yourself a good chunk of money and prepare for the time of your life by bringing this ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek Tent with you instead. No, you don’t need two or more, one is enough.
Famous for its lightweight, durable build, this tent is easy to pack and easy to set up. Adorning it are sturdy color-coded poles and colorful rainfly whose job doubles up as protection from harsh weather. Its polyester rainfly is not only waterproof but also resistant to harmful UV rays.
It stands at 52 inches in height and has a floor area measuring 7.6 inches by 8.6 inches. It weighs 10.8 lbs. Which just the right weight for a backpacking tent. It is neither too heavy nor too small for you all. Some of this tent’s most outstanding qualities include a mesh roof, a gear loft, storage pockets, two vestibules, and plenty of zippers.
For easy access, this tent comes with two large-sized doors reinforced with strong, smooth operating zippers. Built to withstand the tough climate, this ALPS Mountaineering tent is perfect for when you’re not sure about how stable the weather is at your destination.
Things We Liked
- Quite easy to set up
- Lightweight build
- Two mesh windows and two large zippered doors for easy access
- Plenty of height and floor space
Things We Didn’t Like
- The thin plastic windows compromise its durability and safety
- For better service, you must lay a tarp under the tents’ base
5. Big Agnes Backpacking Tent – Best Lightweight 4-Person Tent
- DO IT ALL TENT – The Blacktail tents are light enough for the backcountry and strong enough for the front country. If you like to spend time at the campground but want to be able to backpack with one tent, the Blacktail tent is for you! Features two doors and two vestibules.
- ROOMY AND STRONG – The symmetrical pole structure makes set up super easy and the pre-bent poles give you plenty of head space. Plastic clips easily attach the tent body to the pole frame. Rest assured there are two fly vents for increased air flow and reduced condensation. Use the low vent feature on the vestibule doors for more air flow while still providing vestibule coverage.
- FULL FEATURED – The two dual-zipper side doors and vestibules featuring storm flaps on vestibule zipper keeps you protected from outside weather; the dual-zipper door is smooth closing and allows for easy entry. Use only one zipper for quick reach-through access. You’ll love the Quick Stash door keeper on the tent body door that makes stowing unzipped door quick and easy!
- READY TO PITCH AND PACKABLE – All Big Agnes tents come ready to pitch; with pre-cut guy lines and tensioners attached to fly. Reflective guy lines and webbing on tent corners make your tent easily visible at night. Fly and floor are polyester; tent body is breathable polyester and polyester mesh. All seams taped with waterproof polyurethane tape. Trail weight is 7 lb. 5 oz. and packs down to 22 x 8 inches.
Your weekend in the woods won’t be complete if the Big Agnes Backpacking Tent is not part of your trip. While volume is an integral factor all tents should possess, this particular tent aims to ensure that you are comfortable and safe inside.
It has 2 durable zipper doors that open and close quickly. All the seams are taped shut to keep all creepers and crawlers out, making sure you get your deserved rest dry as can be in case of rain. Its modern design features dual vestibules, waterproof fly, and floor, storm flaps on each vestibule zipper, not forgetting its attractive colors.
Light when carried on your back yet sturdy on the ground. This tent features two-tone mesh to keep you in touch with your external surroundings while inside the tent. For additional storage, this tent is designed with 8 interior pockets and four media pockets.
Unlike most camp tents that focus more on floor space and the cost of vertical space, this tent is the perfect balance between the two. You have got plenty of space to fit in four sleeping bags/cots plus plenty of your luggage, and you have enough space to sit upright. Certainly, it is a tent worthy of all the praise and a huge improvement from its previous models.
Things We Liked
- Large floor area measuring 57 sq. ft.
- Weighs only 5lbs when packed
- Two-tone mesh lets you interact with the exteriors while shielding you from insects
- Strong and sturdy build
Things We Didn’t Like
- Limited privacy. There are less rainfly and more mesh
- Still a bit small to be shared by four full-grown adults
6. Eureka! Tents Kohana
- The Kohana 4, four-person tent is a great choice for families – the three-season, freestanding tent is smartly designed, comfortably sized to weather whatever.
- The Kohana offers ample headroom so you can stand up and change without crouching, plus features enhanced air circulation thanks to the side mesh panels and full mesh roof.
- The stable, two-pole dome tent sets up quickly and includes two doors for easy entry and exit, a full coverage fly for complete weather protection, and two vestibules for storing gear and keeping wet shoes and clothes out of the tent.
- A durable rain fly and design keeps you dry through rainy and windy nights, while the mesh canopy allows for ventilation and picture-perfect star gazing on the clear nights.
- Sleeps four people; tent area is 60 sq ft; floor measures 7 feet 6 inches by 8 feet (229 x 244 cm); 4 feet 8 inches tall at peak (142 cm); weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces at minimum and packs down to 8 x 24 inches.
Usually, tent shoppers consider is convenience. The Eureka Kohana Tent Tent promises to give you this and so much more. This tent can tough out three seasons and has plenty of vertical and horizontal space, enough to fit four people with leftover space for your luggage.
Some time back, your love for camping and adventure was cut short when it was time to think about where you were going to sleep. People were forced to downsize and sleep in cramped spaces. Thanks to innovations like this Eureka Kohana Tent Tent, you’ll rekindle your love for the outdoors.
Likened to a cabin, this tent can tough out strong wind, rain, or storm. This is all thanks to the durable and robust steel and fiberglass frame held together using hubs and rigs, which come in handy when you’re looking for a tent that is easy to set up.
With a power port, two interior pockets for extra storage, and a gear loft, this tent is fully dedicated to making you feel like the human king/queen of the jungle.
Things We Liked
- Ultimate resistance and protection from harsh weather
- Plenty of space for four occupants
- Easy to set up
- Attractive features include power port and full mesh roof, among others
Things We Didn’t Like
- Weighing at 18 pounds and 10 ounces, this tent may be too heavy for backpacking
- Compared to the mesh, the rainfly is too small
7. Msr Elixir Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent – Best Backpacking 4 Person Tent
- Unique pole geometry maximizes space and provides 48 in (121 cm) of headroom
- Tent body mesh and solid fabric panels provide the best combination of ventilation, warmth, and privacy
- Tent can be set up with just the rainfly and included footprint, providing a fast and light setup
- Freestanding system features color coded poles, clips, webbing, and vestibules for fast and easy setup
- Supremely livable design includes large vestibules, built-in gear lofts, and glow-in the dark zipper pulls
If everyone were honest, it would be clear that no one looks forward to the process of pitching a tent. However easy or straightforward the manual appears, there’s always an adventurer somewhere who always succeeds at messing the whole set up. The good news here is that the Msr Elixir Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is a free-standing tent. No more having to spend hours trying to figure out what goes where.
It has a 44-inch high structure with 53 sq. ft of floor space and 22 sq. ft of vestibule area. Weighing a paltry 7 lbs., this tent can offer the cosiest accommodation to any adventurer looking to have a good time in the outdoors.
With enough space to comfortably fit four people, you can plan your trip and take this tent with you and your buddies for any of the three seasons it is designed for. While its complete setup may appear too bulky, this tent can pack down to measure only 21 x 7 inches.
It has a waterproof coating that can last a whopping three times longer compared to normal waterproof coatings. Its Easton Syclone pole system is break-resistant and built to repel even the strongest winds. With cross-tent ventilation, all four occupants can enjoy restful sleep without overheating or experiencing shortness of breath because of inadequate air.
It doesn’t take much to see that you can repeatedly use this tent for years without showing signs of damage.
Things We Liked
- Has a lightweight build
- Easy to set up and retract
- Blends Nylon ripstop and mesh for optimum air circulation and protection from insects
- Strong and durable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t show much resistance to stormy weather or extremely windy weather
- May be too heavy to carry as a backpack for below-average sized campers
Best 4 Person Tent Buying Guide
Weather and Climate
How your prospective tent deals with wet weather is one of the most important considerations, you need to make. A little rain tends to characterize most outdoor trips. The last thing you want is to stay in a tent that’s leaking, flooding, or everything is damp. At the bare minimum, you need a tent with the ability to handle a rainstorm.
An effective way of making sure your tent can deal with the harsh effects of climate and cold weather is by treating its fabric with weather-resistant chemicals. A silicon impregnated fabric is the most common option. It is a nearly standard feature on many tents, but it is prudent always to double-check.
On top of sealing the fabric, it is also essential to seal your tent’s seams to ensure no water sneaks in. While at it, you should concentrate on the bottom seams where water tends to sit for days or hours. Learning how to seam seal your tent is necessary if you are to do it the right way.
Overall Size
While our discussion today focuses on a 4 person tent, size is an important consideration. Most tents of this size usually have a difficult time with full occupancy of adults. Nonetheless, they can work effortlessly with a combination of kids, adults, and even pets. You should pay attention to your tent’s dimensions. Most allow around 2 by 7 feet for every occupant, which can result in cramped conditions.
Settling on a larger tent such as a 6 person tent is the best thing to do if you are claustrophobic or have a lot of gear or many people.
Still, on size, another essential factor you should consider is peak height. The peak height refers to the height, normally measured in inches that the tent has between its highest point and the floor. This, along with your height, is a vital number to pay attention to concerning livability. Peak height denotes whether or not you will manage to stand, crouch, or sit up inside your tent.
Gear Storage
If you intend to make the most out of your 4 person tent, this is a highly important consideration. You do not want to leave your gear out for the weather and animals. Nonetheless, if you pack four people into a tight space, getting space to store your equipment is going to be a challenge. Several options common to tents make the storage of gear a little easier. For example, some tents feature small gear pockets to keep stuff like flashlight and phone. Others bring with them a gear loft where you can store lighter weight items such as spare clothing.
Materials
When choosing tent materials, manufacturers try their best to strike a balance between weight and strength. In most cases, poles are made from aluminum or fiberglass. The latter is more common as it performs well. Secondly, it is cheaper compared to aluminum. The only drawback is that it is not durable, meaning it can easily get damaged. Aluminum, on the other hand, is very light. Nevertheless, it is not as gentle as fiberglass. Although you will enjoy prolonged durability, often, it comes at an increased cost.
When it comes to fabric, the choice varies from one tent to another. A tent’s body is typically made from polyester, nylon, or canvas. Canvas is an amazing choice. While it offers good protection and is strong, it is quite heavy. Polyester and nylon are common options nowadays. Both of them are light. Additionally, they boast an impressive waterproof rating.
Ripstop nylon is resistant to tear and gives your tent a classy and new dimension. The best attribute about polyester is that it features UV protection.
Of great importance to note is that materials influence breathability. You should make sure that the tent you settle for is made from a material that allows fresh air inside. Most waterproof materials hardly allow breathability. Therefore, tents made from such material have additional ventilation openings or windows to help you feel comfortable or avoid condensation if the temperature difference is too large.
Design
A smart design makes it easier to use your tent. Regarding shape or design, a tent can either come in a cabin or dome design. The dome provides the best water and wind resistance. The cabin style provides the biggest comfort. Other models or types of tents include cabin, dome, geodesic, tuner, or A-frame (ridge) tents. Each of these designs has its vicissitudes.
Whether your tent is freestanding or not makes a huge difference. A freestanding tent is easier to set up. What is more, moving it around is equally easy.
You must pay attention to windows and doors – their position, shape, and number. Having more than one entry is always useful as it enables you to easily enter and leave without causing any trouble to those sleeping inside the tent. While the door shape can be different, it is also important that it is large enough.
As a necessary addition, windows not only allow easy circulation of air, they also provide an incredible view of surroundings while you are inside.
Weight
Are you searching for a tent for backpacking or hiking? If yes, it is wise to pick a lightweight tent that is easy to carry over a long distance. Smaller and lighter tents are perfect for car camping. While many four-person tents are somewhat heavy, a few lighter ones are available to make carrying them a walk in the park.
Extras
Some of the extras you should be on the lookout for when shopping for a 4 person tent include porch areas or vestibule. A tent that features these extras offers additional space for cooking, storing gear, or a place to sit. If you can get a tent with such extras, you will benefit from added versatility and space.
The other extras you can be on the lookout for are a tent ground cloth or footprint. Simply put, these are thicker covering to prevent rocks or any other debris from inflicting serious damage to your tent’s underside. They might be unnecessary if you plan to camp on a manicured turf. However, if you prefer the backwoods, having a tent ground cloth is prudent.
Best 4 Person Tent FAQs
Q: 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 and 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.
Before packing and storing your tent until the upcoming camping adventure, ensure 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 mold development, which translates to your tent having a nasty smell.
Q: How long does it take to assemble my tent?
A: How long it takes to assemble your tent is something you should ponder about before making a purchase. When heading out with your friends or family, you do not want to spend half of the day preparing your tent. You will need more time if you have several poles that you need to feed through the loops. Nonetheless, manufacturers try to make the tent set up as simple as possible. Consequently, setting up most tents should not take more than 15 minutes.
Q: 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 to. Inquiring about the experience of your friends is a good place to start. It gives you a feeling of exactly what to expect.
Final Words
The tent market and industry, in general, are huge. When searching for the best 4 person tent, you are almost spoilt for choice. The fact that the market is flooded means that you need to do some digging. Lucky for you, we did all the hard work and compiled the above comprehensive list of high-quality tents for four people. All you need to do is settle on any of the camping tents we’ve highlighted in our primer.
Our pick for the best 4 person tent is the Coleman Sundome Tent. We settled on this tent for an array of reasons. For starters, this tent boasts an incredible 2000mm and 1500mm waterproofing indexing on the floor and walls, respectively. This means that its fabric can withstand many millimeters of water that pours on its top before it leaks.
Secondly, this tent has adequate sleeping space to guarantee the utmost comfort for four people. Do you know that a queen-sized Sleeping bag can fit perfectly and even leave some additional room for your gear or children’s sleeping bags? Yes, it’s that spacious! The fact that it has storage pockets coupled with a gear loft that is handy at storing your flashlight or loose gear also explains why we settled on this tent. Its versatility means that you can use it as a car camping tent or a backpacking tent. In our humble opinion, this tent has the qualities that constitute the best 4 person tent.