When it comes to setting up a tent quickly, nothing beats hopping into one of the best pop up tents around. Most pop up tents can be set up in 10 seconds or less, often without any more work than simply opening the carrying case. Take down does take a bit longer, especially the first time, so it’s a good idea to practice collapsing your tent a few times before you take it camping. In addition to written directions, video demonstrations for folding up most tents can be found readily online.
- FAQ’s about pop up tents
- Important notice from the editor
- Our top picks of the best pop up tents in 2021
- The best instant tents
- How to put up a pop up tent!
- What to look for in a great pop up tent
Summary of pop up tents
Here’s a quick overview of the best pop up tents available this year, with more information on each in our round up of the top 10.
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| Product | Features | Weight | Sleeps | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quechua 2 Quick Pitch Blackout Tent | Dark interior, waterproof, heat-reducing fabric | 10.3lbs (4.7kg) | 2 | $$ |
| Quechua 2 Seconds Pop Up Camping Tent | Strong in bad weather | 7.3lbs (3.3kg) | 2 | $$ |
| Coleman Fastpitch Galiano Pop Up Tent | Waterproof | 7.3lbs (3.3kg) | 4 | $ |
| Malamoo Mega | Waterproof | 15lbs (6.8kg) | 4 | $$$$$$ |
| G4Free Pop Up Tent | Lots of airflow | 4.4lbs (2kg) | 2-3 | $ |
| The Cinch | Very spacious | 19.8lbs (9kg) | 4 | $$$$ |
| Quechua Waterproof Pop Up Camping Tent | Very strong in bad weather | 12.1lbs (5.5kg) | 3 | $$$$ |
| FiveJoy Instant Pop Up Dome Tent | Spacious | 8lbs (3.6kg) | 4 | $$ |
| CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Screen Room | Great for a large group | 37.1lbs (16.8kg) | 10 | $$$$ |
| Wnnideo Instant Family Tent | Spacious | 9.2lbs (4.2 Kg) | 6 | $ |
| Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent | Group shelter with UV protection | 47lbs (21kg) | / | $$$ |
FAQ’s about pop up tents
If all you’re concerned about is efficiency, then the easiest tent to set up is the G4Free Pop Up Tent.If you’re after something that takes a little longer to set up but provides more protection and sturdiness then opt for either the Quechua 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent or the Coleman Fastpitch Pop Up Galiano Tent.
Pop up tents aren’t designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are usually made out of fabric that is water resistant. In this instance it is advised to set up a rain tarp over the top of the tent.
That said, there are some options on are list that are waterproof in moderate conditions. These include the Quechua 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent, the Malamoo Mega, the Coleman Fastpitch Galiano Pop Up Tent and the Quechua Waterproof Pop Up Camping Tent. The Cinch! also has a highly water resistant finish.
Most pop up tents are made of lightweight polyester that is resistant to water, but usually not fully waterproof. They are designed for use in temperature weather conditions.
The poles of pop up tents are usually made of fiberglass, and the floors/ground sheets are made of more durable polyester that is often waterproof.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE EDITOR
Pop up tents are NOT designed to be used once and then thrown away
Just because they are more convenient and often less expensive than standard camping tents, doesn’t mean they are any less valuable to you as a camper.
Did you know that an average tent is mostly made of plastic and is the equivalent of 8,750 straws or 250 pint cups?
Did you also know that every year an estimated 250,000 tents are left at music festivals in the UK alone? Most of these end up in landfill. That’s the equivalent of over 2 billion straws and over 62 million cups. Frightening, huh?
Please, please don’t take your pop up tent to a festival and leave it there. Take responsibility for it, look after it, pack it away, clean it at home, repair it if you need to, then use it again and again.
Thanks for reading,
Joey
Our top picks of the best pop up tents in 2021
Once you know what you are looking for in an instant camping tent, try one of our top picks of the best pop up tents of 2021:
Quechua 2 Quick-Pitch Blackout Tent
Sleeps: 2
At 4.7kg, the Quechua 2 Quick Pitch Blackout Tent is not the lightest pop up tent on this list; however, it is one of the sturdiest. It also comes in at a reasonable price with a five-year guarantee.
This Quechua tent is self-standing and you can peg the corners for extra stability. To pitch, just unfold and pull on a drawstring. The poles click into a hub and are released by pushing a button. Although there are no windows, the Quechua 2 Quick-Pitch Blackout Tent has a door on either side. When open, this allows for plenty of airflow. The tent is built with a waterproof flysheet (2,000 mm) and built-in groundsheet (5,000 mm) and has been tested to withstand winds of up to 50 km per hour. An excellent option that couples convenience with durability and weather protection.
Pros
- Dark interior
- Easy to pack
- Decent height (110 cm)
- Reasonable price
- Eco-conscious: the inner and groundsheet are made from dope-dyed fabrics
Cons
- No windows
- Not wide enough for two inflatable mattresses (hiking mats/mattresses are recommended)
Find the latest price at:
Decathlon
Quechua 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent
Sleeps: 2
The Quechua 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent is easy to set up and take down thanks to folding directions sewn directly onto the tent – no more worrying about leaving the directions at home. The tent is made from extra durable waterproof fabric and the design was tested in winds up to 50 km/h. Another popular feature is blackout coating inside the tent, which keeps the interior dark even at midday. Superior durability and darkness come at the cost of ventilation, however, since the windows are partially covered by the rain fly.Pros
- Dark interior even in bright sun
- Waterproof
- Durable in strong wind
Cons
- Only moderate ventilation
- Price
Find the latest price at:
Decathlon | Amazon
Coleman Fastpitch Pop Up Galiano Tent
Sleeps: 4
Whether you need a 2-person tent or a larger 4-person style, there is a Coleman Fastpitch Pop Up Galiano Tent to meet your needs. The 4-person tent still weighs just 7 pounds! A heavier waterproof bottom keeps you dry even in soggy weather, while the adjustable rainfly gives you the option to increase airflow on warm, clear days. If you have ever been camping on a humid night, you’ll know the difference a breeze can make!
Pros
- Comes in two sizes
- Adjustable rainfly
- Waterproof
Cons
- Tight fit for tall campers
- Carrying case is too large to put inside another backpack
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Malamoo Mega Tent
Sleeps: 4
The Malamoo Mega Tent is a fantastic option if you know you will be camping in rain. Guaranteed to be completely waterproof, the Malamoo even includes a 2′ vestibule for storing gear and taking off your shoes without tracking mud and water into the main sleeping area. Three large windows encourage airflow, which is great for cooling off and also keeping the tent in place during a windy day. Be prepared to pay for the extra waterproofing; the Malamoo is the most expensive tent on our list.
Pros
- Guaranteed to be completely waterproof
- Spacious and open inside
Cons
- Price
- Tricky to fold back up
- Windows only open from the outside
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
G4Free Pop Up Tent
Sleeps:2-3
On the other end of the price range is the Pop Up Tent by G4Free. As one of the least expensive options on our list, you can have a pop up tent as a secondary option instead of committing to just one tent style. Taped seams and water-resistant fabric help keep water out, while two large windows and a door on each end provide the best airflow of any pop up tent we’ve seen. No-see-um mesh on the windows will keep even the smallest bugs from getting inside the tent when the windows are open.
Pros
- Price
- Lightweight – only 4.4 pounds!
Cons
- Only water resistant
- Almost 3′ across when folded for storage
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
The 4 Man Cinch!
Sleeps: 4
The 4 Man Cinch! is the most spacious tent on our list by far and one of the best for camping as a family. When they say it fits up to 4 adults, they really mean it – no cramming in next to each other required. While the 4 Man Cinch! is not an inexpensive option, it does offer all kinds of unique features: LED tent stakes and reflective guylines prevent tripping on the lines and stakes when walking around the tent at night, built-in lights that can also be removed and used as lanterns and an adaptor for solar packs are much more convenient than keeping track of your flashlight in the middle of the night. Pop-out window covers and canopies at either door greatly expand the usable space.Pros
- Largest tent on our list
- Lots of extra features: LED stakes, built-in lights, extended canopy
- Superior ventilation
Cons
- Price
Find the latest price at:
Cinch!
Quechua XL Air III Waterproof Pop Up Camping Tent
Sleeps: 3
As the name suggests, Quechua’s Waterproof Pop Up Camping Tent is ready for any storm without sacrificing ventilation thanks to fly sheets over the windows. You can leave the windows open even while it is raining without getting water inside the tent! In fact, the entire rear fly sheet can be opened from the inside to let cool air into the tent. A large, D-shaped door on the front is wide enough to let everyone in and out without climbing over each other.
Pros
- Sleeps 3 comfortably
- Great ventilation
- Waterproof
Cons
- Too short for tall campers to sit comfortably
- Price
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
FiveJoy Instant Pop Up Dome Tent
Sleeps: 4
FiveJoy’s Instant Pop Up Dome Tent is one of the largest tents on our list and can fit up to 4 adults. A hanging loop for a lantern or fan and interior storage pockets are both extra features that make the tent more practical. Although the fabric is waterproof, a ground tarp and rain fly are recommended if you plan to camp in heavy rain. Camping in the heat is no problem, however, thanks to two large windows and double doors for maximum ventilation.Pros
- Large windows for ventilation
- Hanging loop and storage pockets inside
- Fits up to 4 adults
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy rain
- Ground tarp and rain fly recommended
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
The best instant tents
CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Screen Room
Sleeps: 10
If you’re after for something a bit more spacious, then look further than the CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent. With a set up time of under 2 minutes, and enough space to sleep 10 adults in, this is by far the biggest instant pop up tent on our list. It may not compete with the options in the pop up tents category in terms of quick set up. But when you consider that most large family tents and multi-room tents can take 15-20 minutes to set up, this really is an instant hit!
It owes its quick set up time to the poles that are pre-attached to the tent. All you have to do is unfold the tent, lift the legs into position and extend them before clicking them into place.
To add to this already appealing tent for groups and families, the Instant Cabin Tent also comes with a screen room awning (with rain fly) AND a room divider.
Pros
- Loads of space for families and groups
- Includes screen room and room divider
- Takes 2 minutes to set up
- Tall enough to stand up in
Cons
- Very heavy
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Wnnideo Instant Family Tent
Sleeps: 6
Wnnideo’s Instant Family Tent was truly designed for an entire family – a family of five plus basic gear can fit inside the tent. When folded down for storage the Instant Family Tent is about the same size as a camp chair. Protection from wind and rain is always an issue in a lightweight tent (and this one is very lightweight!), but the tent material is both water- and UV-resistant. For severe storms, try a tarp under the tent or strung over the top.Pros
- Large door for easy loading and unloading
- Lightweight and portable
- Size
Cons
- Not waterproof in heavy rain
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Not all instant tents are for sleeping in. Instant canopy tents are ideal for car camping trips where there’s likely to be lots of rain and/or lots of sun. They provide a communal place to hang out and stay protected from the element. The Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy Tent takes around 3 minutes to set up and provides a whopping 13 x 13 ft of space to cook, chill, eat or play under.
The tough 150D UVGuard material offers 50+ UPF protection from the sun, and there is also a vent in the top to keep air flowing well on the hot days.
Pros
- Large communal space
- Provides UV protection
- Takes 3 minutes to set up
Cons
- It needs to be secured well to hold up to strong winds
- Not so good in heavy rain
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
How to put up a pop up tent!
How to take down a pop up tent!
What to look for in a great pop up tent
pop up tents are a great option as a backup tent, for occasional campers, or for festival camping. As with any tent purchase, the trick is finding the balance between size, durability, and price. There are also a few extra considerations to keep in mind when choosing a pop up tent: weather protection, ventilation, and size.
Weather Protection
pop up tents are designed to be light and portable. The lightweight materials and all-in-one construction mean that many pop up tents are not rated for use in heavy wind or rain. Placing a tarp beneath your tent and a rain fly or tarp above your tent can provide extra rain protection, but that does take away from the incredibly quick set up that may have drawn you to a pop up tent to begin with. If that is the case, your pop up tent will make a great secondary tent for clear nights or backyard camping. That said, Malamoo Mega Tent and Quechua Waterproof pop up Camping Tent are both great options if you want a true pop up tent that can withstand rain without any extra gear. For extra windy conditions, look for a tent with stakes and tie downs like the 4 Man Cinch! which has both.
Ventilation
pop up tents are small by design, which can lead to poor ventilation and stifling interior temperatures during the afternoon. If you plan to camp in humid weather, look for a tent with extra large windows to encourage airflow. The 4 Man Cinch! and FiveJoy’s Instant pop up Dome Tent are two of our favourite choices with large windows all around the tent. Excellent ventilation is also helpful in windy conditions. When wind can move through the tent, it is less likely to knock the tent over.
Size
Most pop up tents are designed for either 2 or 4 adults (while Coleman’s pop up Tent comes in both sizes), but there is some variation even within those sizes. Malamoo’s Mega Tent and the Winterial 2 Person Instant pop up Tent are taller than other tents their size, which helps the interior feel more spacious. If portability and storage size is your primary concern, the pop up Tent by G4Free is the lightest tent on our list at just over 4 pounds! Wnnideo’s Instant Family Tent is the only tent that does not collapse into a disc. Instead, it’s carrying case is the size and shape of a camping chair, which makes our top pick for backpacking.
A pop up tent is a great addition to your other camping gear or as a starter tent for children and teens. Providing the weather is good enough pop up tents are also a superb option when camping with babies and toddlers, as pitching a pop up tent can be done pretty easily without taking your attention off your wee ones! Whether you want a tent for just one or two people or a large instant tent for the whole family, you will definitely find the perfect tent on our list of the best pop up tents of 2021.
