How to Choose a Camping Tent
The best tent for car camping is roomy, quick to pitch and keeps rain out. Backpacking tents trade space for low weight.
What to decide first
- How many people, plus gear. See our tent sizes guide.
- Seasons: three-season tents suit spring to autumn; winter needs stronger poles and less mesh.
- Car camping or backpacking: weight matters only if you carry it far.
Dome vs instant vs cabin
| Best for | Trade-off | |
|---|---|---|
| Dome | Wind and rain, all-round use | Sloped walls |
| Instant / pop-up | Fast setup | Bulkier packed |
| Cabin / tall family | Standing room | Catches more wind |
Picks to look at
Green weatherproof dome tentA classic two-tone green dome tent with a full rainfly and a large door, for festivals and weekend trips.
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6-person dome tent with extra headroomA roomy navy dome tent with a big mesh door and a tall center, sized for families.
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Navy and orange dome tentA compact waterproof dome tent in navy with orange trim, easy to pack for car camping.
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Navy and grey dome tentA navy and grey dome tent with lime trim, a large door and a rainfly that covers the top for wet nights.
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