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Best Pop Up Tents for Easy Camping in 2024

One of the best pop up tents in a field

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.

In this article you’ll find a list of the best pop up tents and instant tents available in 2024. Please take the time to read the important notice from the editor and also check out the features of this type of tent to look for when choosing.

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.

Disclaimer: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

ProductFeaturesWeightSleepsCost
Regatta Malawi 2 Pop Up TentInner mesh door5.5lbs (2.5kg)2$
Ayamaya Pop Up TentTwo rooms11.9lbs (5.4kg)4-6$$
Ubon Camping Instant TentSpacious7.9lbs (3.6kg)4$$
Quechua 2 Quick Pitch Blackout TentDark interior, waterproof, heat-reducing fabric10.3lbs (4.7kg)2$$
Quechua 2 Seconds Pop Up Camping TentStrong in bad weather7.3lbs (3.3kg)2$$
Coleman Fastpitch Galiano Pop Up TentWaterproof7.3lbs (3.3kg)4$
Malamoo MegaWaterproof15lbs (6.8kg)4$$$$$$
The CinchVery spacious19.8lbs (9kg)4$$$$
Quechua Waterproof Pop Up Camping TentVery strong in bad weather12.1lbs (5.5kg)3$$$$
North East Harbor 4-Person Instant Pop-up TentSpacious10lbs (4.5kg)4$$
CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Screen RoomGreat for a large group37.1lbs (16.8kg)10$$$$
Wnnideo Instant Family Tent

Spacious9.2lbs (4.2 Kg)6$
Coleman Instant Pop-Up Canopy TentGroup shelter with UV protection47lbs (21kg)/$$$

FAQ’s about pop up tents

What’s the easiest tent to set up?
Pop up tents and instant tents are designed to be mega quick and easy to put. And the smaller and less technical the tent, the easier it is to put up. However, this doesn’t mean that it will be the best pop up tent in terms of stability and protection against the elements.
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.
What is a pop up tent?
A pop up tent is a tent that pops up into shape when it is unfolded and taken out of its carry bag. Once it has ‘popped’ it just needs staking down to ensure that it keeps its shape and doesn’t fly away in the wind.
How do you close a pop up tent?
Closing a pop up tent can often be the trickiest part of using a pop up tent! This is especially true at the end of a tiring camping trip or festival. So it’s a good idea to make sure you can actually get your tent back in its bag before you use. Pop it up at home and follow the instructions to close it up. If you need a little help, take a look at the video at the bottom of the article.
Are pop up tents waterproof?

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.

What are pop up tents made of?

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.

What is a instant tent?
For some people instant tents are the same as pop up tents: tents that pop up into shape when they are unfolded and taken out of their carry bag. However, an ‘instant tent’ is also the name given to a tent that takes very little time to set up due to their poles being pre-attached to the tent fabric. Instant tents don’t necessarily ‘pop’ into shape in the same way that pop up tents do! Good examples of instant tents are the CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent and the Wnnideo Instant Family Tent.
What is the best instant tent to buy?
The best instant tent to buy is the one that provides the right protection for the conditions you intend camping in, and one that is the right size or your party. The CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent and the Wnnideo Instant Family Tent are both excellent options for medium to large groups.
camping mattress gear guide

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.

For more information about sustainable outdoor gear, read our article on how to be a more responsible consumer.

Thanks for reading,

Joey

Our top picks of the best pop up tents in 2024

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 2024:

Regatta Malawi 2 Pop Up Tent

Regatta Malawi 2 Pop Up Tent

Sleeps: 2

The Regatta Malawi 2 is a reasonably priced option if you’re looking for a classic pop-up tent with a few extra features. Like most pop-up tents, it packs into a circular shape and springs up when removed from the bag. The fibreglass poles make it light enough to carry to your campground.

When it comes to weatherproofing, the Malawi 2 has a sewn-in waterproof groundsheet and a high waterproof rating of 3,000 mm. However, as with most single-layer tents, condensation can be an issue, and it’s best suited for use in warmer weather. For breathability, the tent has three mesh ventilation points and an inner mesh door that lets air in but keeps bugs out.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Inner mesh door
  • Waterproof materials

Cons

  • Condensation
  • Takes practice to pack

Find the latest price at:
Cotswold Outdoor | Decathlon


Ayamaya Pop Up Tent

Ayamaya Pop Up Tent

Sleeps: 4-6

The Ayamaya Pop Up Tent is a spacious tent that’s large enough to fit the family. The tent is split into two vestibules with a zippered divider wall, giving you either two bedrooms or one bedroom and a gear storage area. The double-layer setup, mesh windows and vents, minimise condensation while the tent fabric has a high waterproof rating of 3,000 to 4,000 mm.

At 130 cm in the centre, this tent isn’t tall enough for adults to stand inside. However, there’s plenty of headroom for sitting on a camping chair. Another drawback is that, although this is a 4-to-6-person tent, there’s only one entrance. You might find yourself stepping on your neighbour if you need to get out at night!

Pros

  • Two vestibules
  • Good ventilation
  • Highly waterproof

Cons

  • Only one entrance
  • Comfortably sleeps just four people

Find the latest price at:
Amazon


OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop up Tent

Ubon Camping Instant Tent

Sleeps: 4

The Ubon Camping Instant Tent is another family-sized pop up tent that takes less than a minute to set up. It’s spacious enough to sleep four adults or fit a queen-size mattress if you prefer a more comfortable camping experience. Although there are no internal dividers, you do have two large entrances, making it easy for all campers to get in and out. Meanwhile, taped seams and waterproof fabric provide enough waterproof protection in showers. Likewise, mesh vents and four mesh windows help with ventilation and condensation.

Pros

  • Two entrances
  • Spacious
  • Good ventilation

Cons

  • Not the best for heavy rain

Find the latest price at:
Amazon


Quechua 2 Quick Pitch Blackout Tent

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 Pop Up Camping Tent 2 Seconds 2

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 pop up Tent

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

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


The Cinch pop up tent

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 3 man waterproof pop up tent

Quechua 3 Person Pop-Up 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:
Decathlon


FiveJoy pop up tent

North East Harbor 4-Person Instant Pop-up Tent

Sleeps: 4

North East Harbor’s 4-Person Instant Pop-up Tent is one of the largest tents on our list along with the 6 Person Easy (above) and can fit up to 4 adults. Interior storage pockets make the tent more practical and the double layered fabrics adds extra resistance to rain. 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
  • Storage pockets inside
  • Fits up to 4 adults

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy rain
  • Ground tarp recommended

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


The best instant tents

CORE 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent with Screen Room

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

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

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 and how to take it down!


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 2024.

About the author

author-kimberley

Kimberly Mays is a writer and editor living in Western North Carolina, where she spends weekends in the garden and hiking with her husband and children.

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