An instant tent is an excellent piece of gear that can make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable and safer. As the name implies, it is faster to set up than traditional tents.
Despite the speed of setting it up, it still retains most of the best features of regular tents, and in fact, it sometimes has even better features. As it is a must-have for every adventurer, it can be sometimes difficult getting the right one on the market.
There are so many options on the market, which only complicates your choice. In this review, we will consider 11 of the best options on the market today. Aside from a comprehensive review of each of these instant tents, we have also provided a buying guide that highlights important information about these products.
Best Instant Tent Comparison Chart 2022
Product | Open Size | Capacity | Our Rating | ||
 |  CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent | 14 x 9 feet | 9-person sleep | ||
 |  Coleman Cabin Tent | 10 x 9 feet | 6-person sleep | ||
 |  Core Lighted 12 Person Instant Tent | 18 x 10 feet | 12-person sleep | ||
 | Coleman Screened Canopy Tent | 12 x 10 feet | 90 square feet | ||
 | Wenzel Klondike Tent | 16 x 11 feet | 8-person sleep | ||
 | Coleman Camping Tent | 13 x 9 feet | 8-person sleep | ||
 | Hewolf Instant Tent | 40.1 x 7 x 6.7 inches | 2-person sleep | ||
 | Ozark Trail Instant Tent | 165 x 120 x 78 inches | 10-person sleep | ||
 | CORE Lighted Instant Cabin Tent | 14 x 9 feet | 9-person sleep | ||
 | Core 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent | 14.5 x 14 feet | 10-person sleep | ||
 | Oileus Instant Pop-Up Tent | 114.21 x 78.81 x 51.2 inches | 5-person sleep |
11 Best Instant Tents On The Market of 2022
1. CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
The first product on our list is arguably the best instant tent on the market today. Coupled with the ability to be set up in a short period, it also comes with several interesting features that make it a top choice. For example, it is a very spacious tent. From our testing, this tent can accommodate up to 9 people comfortably.
It comes with several amenities that you will not find in a regular tent. Inside this tent, you will find an adjustable ground vent, a water block, and an electrical port. The tent is large and does not feel stuffy, even when you have plenty of people in it.
It comes with vents that allow for great ventilation’ keeping you cool and comfortable despite the outside heat. Additionally, you will find a detachable rainfly that allows for brilliant views of the night sky and more.
During our testing, we observed that it could be set up by a single person. I could set it up in 5 minutes, although it is even faster to set up with more people helping.
The drawback of this otherwise perfect instant tent is that the windows do not have tie straps.
Other than that, the ease of set up, robust and durable build, along with the spacious design, makes it the best option on the market.
2. Coleman 8-Person Camping Tent
The next option on our list is yet another product from Coleman. It is identical in so many ways to our top pick. Aside from the sizing, it is very similar to the 9-person instant camping tent. Nevertheless, it does come with its own unique features.
First, it features a WeatherTec system. This technology is designed to keep the weather out of your tent and allow you to enjoy a great time in spite of inclement weather. It can, as the name implies, accommodate up to 8 people inside.
Hence, you can imagine the camaraderie and unity it fosters on your next group or family adventure. From my testing, it takes more time to set it up than the top choice.
While the 9-person instant tent was set up in less than 5 minutes, it takes up to 10 minutes to set this tent up. Nevertheless, that time is still shorter than the time used in setting up regular tents.
It comes with several nice features for your comfort. For instance, there is a built-in closet where you can store your stuff without any hassle or taking up plenty of floor estate. Additionally, it is an organizer’s dream as it comes with a hanger bar and a shelf where you can arrange your stuff. The sides of the tent come with small-sized pockets where you can keep your things.
As with the top pick, it comes with an adjustable rainfly which we found to work excellently.
One downside of this option is the cheap zipper that doesn’t inspire confidence.
Nevertheless, we love the WeatherTec technology, plenty of space, and other features that make it a great choice on the market.
3. Coleman 6 Person Cabin Tent
The Coleman cabin Tent comes with the ability to accommodate 6 people. It is eerily identical to the 8-person tent, and the main difference between the two is the size of people that it accommodates.
As you plan your outdoor adventures and trips, this product is just what you need to have a safe and enjoyable time. As with the product above, it can be set up in a short period. I observed that it could be fully installed in less than 10 minutes. Once you have installed it, you can begin to enjoy its features and its benefits.
It can be installed in quite a variety of shapes with the aim of maximizing your comfort and requirement. It is made with high-quality materials that will last for a long time.
For example, it can be used even in strong winds as the design and shape ensure that the wind doesn’t blow it away. Aside from wind resistance, it is also resistant to water. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about water penetrating the fabric and causing a mess.
I also love this model because it comes installed with a UV – resistant fabric. Hence, UV radiation will not affect the residents of the tent. As with its bigger sibling, it features the WeatherTec system, which will keep you comfortable. Ventilation is excellent, and the tent doesn’t feel stuffy at all.
The drawback is that all the zippers have the same color.
Aside from that minor issue, you can rest assured that you will feel dry, safe, and comfortable inside this tent.
4. Core Lighted 12 Person Instant Tent
From all the products reviewed so far, the Core Lighted instant tent comes with some of the most impressive features, including the ability to host a dozen people at a time without stress. An excellent tent can be set up in mere minutes, and you can start enjoying the benefits almost immediately.
I love this tent for several reasons, but perhaps the main draw of the tent is the illumination it provides. It comes with built-in light switches and lights that deliver up to 950 lumens of light.
Additionally, these lights can even be adjusted until you are satisfied with the brightness level. It thus delivers a home away from home vibe, which I found great, and I am sure you will too.
Installation is frankly a breeze. It comes with attached poles that you just need to put in the ground. Ventilation is guaranteed with the excellent vents that are found everywhere in the tent.
Interestingly, it comes with a carrying case that makes it very easy for you to transport it from place to place. This case has different pockets as well as where you can keep your important stuff.
Its drawback is a battery box made of low-quality parts.
Great in all types of weather, you will be hard-pressed to find a better option on the market than this instant tent.
5. CORE Lighted 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Just as its bigger sibling, the 9-person Instant tent delivers similar impressive all-round performance that is sure to give you a great time. It comes with the ability to host 9 people at a time without stress.
An excellent tent can be set up in mere minutes, and you can start enjoying the benefits almost immediately. It comes with a wall-mount which grants you the ability to control the brightness settings of the lights.
Setting it up is even easier than expected. You can set it in a few minutes, with unpacking, unfolding and installing the legs taking about three minutes. Since it comes with nice headspace, you can stand upright inside it and move around quite conveniently. I enjoy the level of privacy it provides as well since it comes with a divider.
Using this feature, you can divide the space into rooms. The door is easy to access and open. It offers a big opening as well, letting you go out with ease.
It comes with a carrying case that makes it very easy for you to transport it from place to place. This case has different small-sized pockets as well where you can keep your essential stuff.
It comes with its fair share of downsides. From my testing, I noticed that while the installation is relatively straightforward and easy, breaking it down after use is more difficult.
If you are looking for an easily installed tent that comes with helpful features and that is very comfortable, then this option is a good one.
6. Core 10 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Core is one of the most popular manufacturers of instant tents on the market today, and for a good reason. The company consistently offers high-quality products to users, and this product is no exception. It comes with the trademark quality build that Core is known for.
This particular model comes in a special color scheme and other exceptional features. There is the Dark Room technology that greatly enhances your experience while using the instant tent. As with the other models from Core on this roundup, this model features WeatherTec technology. Hence, it keeps out inclement weather and stops it from ruining your adventure.
As the description implies, you can use this tent with up to 10 people inside.
Construction is robust and very sturdy. Core has made this model with a strong frame and high-grade fabric. Therefore, it can take abuse without getting damaged easily. I discovered that I had a great time in the tent despite the hot sun. I later discovered that this is due to the UV radiation protection that it comes with.
Due to this design, it blocks over 90% sunlight and keeps you safe from UV radiation. Earlier mentioned, Darkroom Technology ensures that the tent remains cool despite the heat from the sun. Hence, if you will be doing a lot of sleeping in a tent or using it during the day, you will love this feature.
One downside is that you will need plenty of practice before you can disassemble the tent quickly.
Overall, it is a great choice that will improve your camping experience.
7. Hewolf Automatic Tent 2-4 Person
Looking for a budget option? Then look no further than this offering from Hewolf. The company is not a popular manufacturer of tents, but it has steadily churned out high-quality options and budget offerings that offer excellent value for money.
It is very cheap, at least cheaper than most of the options on the market that offer similar quality. Setting it up is easy and straightforward. All that is required from you is pinning the corners with stakes and lines. Since it obviously requires more work than the other options we have considered so far, it takes a bit more time to install.
However, once the installation is done, you will start to enjoy using it. It comes in a hexagonal shape which makes it easy to fit up to four people comfortably. It comes with a double layer of fabric that serves to keep the tent long-lasting and durable.
You can fit plenty of stuff into the tent, for example, mattresses, sleeping pads, and more. It is quite waterproof and will keep you dry and comfortable in a light shower.
The main problem with this option has been briefly discussed earlier. It is quite a hassle to install; at least when compared with other instant tents.
If you manage to get the hang of installation, then you will likely love your experience using this instant tent.
8. Oileus 5 Person Instant Pop-Up Tent
There are so many options on the market, and while many claim to be great choices for camping, not all of them prove true to their word.
The Oileus is a unique tent that delivers on its promise to keep you safe and sound during your camping trip. As it is a pop-up tent, it is one of the easiest tents that I have had the pleasure of installing. Setting it up can be done in a mere matter of minutes.
This particular model is large and will comfortably accommodate up to six people. It comes in an attractive design that will surely put you in a campy and adventurous mood.
Aside from the size and ease of set up, I love this option because it features high-quality materials that are sure to keep you safe and comfortable while lasting for a long time.
Its impressive durability makes it a good choice out of several options on the market. With a pair of large doors and a pair of windows, this tent offers you plenty of ventilation. It can be used for a wide variety of outdoor stuff.
The problem I had with this instant tent is the zipper. I didn’t like the cheap feel.
Aside from that, it is full of good features and is a very durable product.
9. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
This next option comes with a screen room along with several interesting features that make it a wonderful addition to your camping gear. From the features, it is quite clear that plenty of thought went into creating this instant tent.
It is made with durable, high-quality materials that not only look good but also deliver impressive overall performance. Of special note is the screen room. This addition is very versatile and can be used for several things.
For example, it can double as a sunroom, sleeping quarters, and other things. The entire tent can easily accommodate 8 people; hence your group or large family will surely have a great time relaxing in it.
Water-resistance is an important part of all high-quality tents, and it’s a relief to note that this instant tent comes with a water-resistant coating that keeps out moisture, thus keeping you warm and dry. It is also quite durable and will survive hard use.
On the downside, I didn’t particularly like the dark sunfly. When the sun is high up, it can cause the tent to feel hot.
However, despite this drawback, it is still a good option for a large family or group.
10. Coleman Screened Canopy Tent – 90 Square Feet
The penultimate option on this roundup comes in a unique design that makes it offer even more protection than usually found in instant tents.
First of all, it features a durable fabric that will not tear easily, and that will last you for several years. It comes with a screen canopy that ensures privacy and offers even more protection.
Despite its bulky frame, I found it quite easy to set up. However, it should be noted that it can take several tries before you are adept at fixing it up in less than the 3 minutes that it took me.
If you have a helping hand, it becomes even easier to set up. The high-quality fabric will ensure that water doesn’t pool or penetrate. Instead, it rolls off the body of the tent.
I didn’t like how difficult it is to extend the frame.
Overall, you will likely be pleased with choosing this option.
11. Ozark Trail 10-Person Instant Tent
The last on our roundup is this excellent product from Ozark. Ozark is a good brand that offers superior tents on the market, and this is one of their best offerings.
As the name implies, it can accommodate a large group of people at a time, with 10 people able to have a good time in the tent. As an instant tent, it requires minimal setup. Once mastered, setting it up might take just 2 minutes or thereabouts. It has quite a good design and comes with sturdy parts that will ensure you use it for long.
I love the fact that it has a divider that offers you the chance of enjoying more privacy than with your regular tent. With 8 windows, you can rest assured of great ventilation and a tent that will not feel stuffy. Storage is easy as it comes with a sturdy carrying bag with pockets where you can keep your stuff.
Tearing it down is quite hard, and that is the main drawback.
Lightweight and durable, it is one of the best on the market.
What to Look for When Buying an Instant Tent
Before buying an instant tent, there are several factors that you need to consider. In this section, we will consider some of these vital factors.
Capacity
Since your trip might be with your family or a group of friends, it is imperative that you consider the size of the tent and the capacity.
The needs of every group or family vary, and there are several sizes of instant tents on the market. Therefore, for your convenience and overall enjoyment of the tent, choose a tent that comes with enough space to accommodate everyone.
Materials of Construction
It would be quite disappointing buying an instant tent only for it to get damaged the first time you use it. You should consider the materials used in making the frames, as well as other essential parts.
Aside from the durability of the materials used, it is arguably even more important that the tent comes with materials that will keep you safe sound and dry despite the weather conditions. Therefore, check out the materials of construction.
Aesthetics
While this isn’t super-important, many folks still appreciate instant tents that come with a nice design and style. For folks that want some privacy in a tent, having a divider in the tent comes in very handy. Hence, check out the design, style, as well as any other extra features that can make your experience even better.
Conclusion
From the reviews, our top choice is the CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent. It can be set up in a short period, can accommodate up to 9 people, and comes with lovely features that improve the user experience. Making the right selection for an instant tent doesn’t have to be a daunting exercise.
We hope that this review will help you in choosing the best instant tent.
