Although the poles are color-coded, their intersecting design has a steeper learning curve than anything else on our list, so youll want to take a few practice runs in the backyard before setting it up in, say, a rainstorm.

ebags We look for all the usual markers of quality here: For fabrics, we prefer a higher denier material to a lower one (75D polyester is stronger than 50D polyester and so on). It includes a pole segment that extends from door to door, which increases the lateral peak height of this model. There are some great tents on this list, but there was really no contest for the best tent overall. As one of the heaviest tents in our fleet, it is more than double the weight of the lightest models in the category. If want to know more about how we evaluated the tents, dont forget to check out our buying guide! Other premium features of the Bunkhouse include a nice big welcome mat attached to the front door that gives you a spot to leave your muddy shoes or any gear you dont want sitting in the dirt, and tons of internal storage including 8 internal mesh pockets. After testing and analyzing countless makes and models, weve finally settled on the six tents we think have something to offer for every kind of camper. Specs: Weight: 14.2 lbs (6.5 kg) Packed size: 27 x 16 x 9 (67cm x 41cm x 24cm) Floor size: 92 x 90 (233cm x 228cm) Peak height: 70 (178cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Cabin Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. The best 4 person tents have room for each sleeper to stash their essentials like a phone, keys, headlamp, and powerbank. The Wagontop 4 shares the same fundamental downsides as Nemos other tents in this line: Its high/vertical walls are prone to catching wind, which means the Wagontop wouldnt be our first pick in a serious storm. The fact that it (a) packs into its own backpack and (b) doubles as a standalone sun shade is almost too good to be true. Clearly theres a lot that goes into making the best 4 person tents. All things considered, the Limestone 4 is an incredibly well-built tent that will last for years, a fact made that much sweeter by its modest price. Theyve all got their own price points and depending on the features youre looking for, they can be worth every penny. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is a great option to consider if you like the idea of going ultralight but can't quite bring yourself to ditch the comfort and ease of setup that comes with dedicated poles. tensleep Thats because some tents use a pre-curved pole design, which allows them to have straighter walls and more gently sloping ceilings. Packed size strongly correlates with weight. There are also semi-freestanding tents, such as the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye and NEMO Hornet Elite.

Look closely and youll see a few of the dome-style tents on our list look a little (or a lot, in the case of the Agnes Big House) less round than the others. It takes top honors for the super all-around experience it offers. Ease of setup refers to how quick and intuitive it is to pitch a tent. For example, the Habitude 4 uses a single door/single vestibule construction, which keeps setup fast and straightforward, but limits the tents versatility. Ok, so heres the deal: Most backpackers arent interested in hauling around a four-person tent, even if theyre splitting it between two packs. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX served us well, performing evenly across metrics. The same goes for the tents guylines, which are pre-attached to the rainfly for easy pitching in less than ideal conditions. Specs: Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg) Packed size: 23 x 6 x 6 (62cm x25cm x 25cm) Floor size: 97 x 79 (246cm x 201cm) Peak height: 58 (147 cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: 3 season camping on the cheap Price: $. Your average four person tent is used to sleep two adults comfortably, with or without the addition of a small child or two and/or the family dog. hv ul3 mtnglo backcountry mec However, we like it because of its flexibility, allowing a group of three to travel light. The most bang for your buck Kelty has ever crammed into a tent. Unique four-pole frame design boosts interior space. Those are great, but they arent exciting, ya know? A classic X-pole design (two identical poles that cross at the top and attach to the tent body across diagonal corners) is rarely used anymore in its most straightforward form it just doesn't offer as much stability on its own. This tent is great, but the interior width of 50" tapering to 45" leaves some foot-end pinching.

You might also be interested in our other backpacking gear reviews. The variability largely comes with how the fly is attached and how many stakes it requires to pitch.

Every tent on this list will hold your average queen camping mattress, but some will do it better than others (the Alps Engineering Queen, for example, measures 80x56). At the time of this writing, theres really no tent out there that compares to the Big Agnes 4P backpacking tent above, but its also very expensive. Whats different is the Wonderlands new cabin/tunnel hybrid design, which uses a revised pole structure to provide a similar shape with an even easier set-up. Unfortunately, its the very same aspects of the Discovery Basecamp that make it packable that take away from its overall value. With a few notable exceptions, most of these tents are dome-shaped, meaning even the highest ceilings tend to taper down quickly from the center of the tent towards the sides. In addition, it takes significantly longer to pitch than a traditional 3-season tent. There are some other innovative features out there that further simplify things, and for many campers theyre worth spending a little extra on. The former has heavy, thick fabric, and the latter is a good compromise between strength and weight. Just saying. And although the single vestibule stretches out to a generous 23 square feet of space, it doesnt have any cool tricks up its sleeve like an extendable awning or retractable center, so its limited to standard vestibule duties like keeping your gear out of the weather and the weather out of your tent. To assess value, we compare the price of each product and its overall score, essentially answering the question, "how many points per dollar do you get with any given model?". If you want a four person tent that doubles as a legitimate backpacking shelter, theres no better option. These added features arent essential, but are always appreciated. The fly, canopy, and floor are all made from 68-denier polyester, which cuts overall weight but calls long-term durability into question. The exception to this simplicity is the Mountain Hardwear AC2. Though its living dimensions don't stand out, the other features of the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 really do. The price-to-quality ratio is by far the most attractive aspect of this tent, but affordability isnt the only thing the Discovery Basecamp has going for it. Its high price tag is justified by its spec sheet. He got his start in the outdoor industry, maintaining gear (plenty of tents included) for guided group backpacking trips. For this metric, we assess the protection that each tent provides against precipitation and wind. And, like all Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL models, the four-person variety includes the option of Fast Fly setup for folks who want to keep it as light as possible. We love the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 because its actually a great shelter year-round. Its got two big doors with two big matching vestibules (each with nearly 20 square feet of storage), high-quality materials throughout (its a Nemo, after all), and of course, its backed by Nemos lifetime warranty. We also talk about a tent as livable, which refers to the ability to do things other than sleep (e.g., sit up to eat dinner or spread out and read a book). We found that an unusual fly geometry makes it a challenge to set up and increases its susceptibility to blowing rain. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is our favorite for its adaptability to a variety of enviroments. Still, the interior space and livability are as great as ever, and fair-weather campers in particular will appreciate the new fly. Its light weight makes it a true competitor in the semi-freestanding subcategory; we found it to be the most comfortable of the sub-three-pound models because of its exceptional headroom and two large side doors. No tent is perfect, but for our money, the Big Agnes Bunkhouse 4 comes awfully close. Thats because its got all of the same design features that makes its larger siblings great. It is designed to accommodate three, but it is also light enough for two people to carry a very reasonable load, with room left over for extra gear storage. Overall, this tent is a real rock star that comes at a comparatively affordable price. This makes their overall size and weight negligible and clears the way for the manufacturers to splurge on more durable materials. The NEMO Hornet Elite 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye have thin materials that need to be treated with care. Typically when a tent is labeled four-seasons its actually built for one thing specifically: Cold weather. The models in this review generally come in two slightly different flavors. This plays a huge factor in deciding whether or not a tent is worth the money or just overpriced due to a brand name. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Its exceptional design means that six-foot-tall sleepers have enough head-to-toe length when lying down and enough vertical headroom for sitting up. Comfort is the hominess of a backpacking tent. We love it for its exceptional comfort, luxurious dimensions, and good ventilation, as well as its wide array of interior storage pockets. If youre one of those who wants to explore the backcountry but also wants the roomiest tent possible, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 is our favorite option on the market. No sponsored content. Looking for a four season tent? These tents have pole segments connected with elastic cord, so the pole structure often snaps itself into place with a few shakes once you take it out of the bag. While premium vestibules come in a few different flavors, you know one when you see one. Models that include the feature also refer to a fastpitch weight, that is, the footprint (usually sold separately), the fly, and the poles. We love it on stormy days when we plan to spend more time hunkered down at basecamp rather than out on the trail. This model comes with metal tensioners that are extra sturdy. The large doors and spacious interior make this one of our top tents for lightweight, comfortable backpacking. Metrics are weighted according to their relative importance. Personally we prefer a tent with well designed pockets along the walls, preferably in places that dont impact the day-to-day livability of the tent. Though it is very expensive, its durable construction makes it a long-term value if you use it frequently. It is also comparatively expensive for a 2-person model. Not only does it come in a sweet dome shape, but its also available in some cool-looking prints (cloud camouflage and cactus flowers, to name a few), AND comes with a bottle opener. This caterpillar-looking tent performs well in cold weather. With a roomy 58 square feet of floor space and high 70 ceilings, this 4 person tent certainly feels more like a house than a tent, especially if youre only using it for two people. Sure, the two extra poles Nemo uses to stretch out the walls add a little complexity to the setup, and no, the Aurora Highrise doesnt come with a footprint (also classic Nemo), but theres really not much else to gripe about here. We also love that the Base Camp includes a surprising amount of interior mesh, and manages to include a window on every wall of the tent. I want to share with you what I learnt! GearLab is reader-supported. If you are interested in backpacking, however, and you dont already have a backpacking tent, you may want to consider killing two birds with one stone and buying a 4 person backpacking tent.

That might mean theyre supported by a pole in the tent frame, that theyre supported by trekking or utility poles, or that theyre some combination of the two. It has double side doors, and its high-volume design provides plenty of headroom. Read review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. The Big Agnes Bunkhouse 4 is a super spacious camping tent with all the livability and quality youd expect from the folks at Big Agnes. The added comfort of tall ceilings and a massive floor plan is just icing on the cake. In the world of 4 person tents, there are essentially two types of vestibules: The first is your tried-and-true classic vestibule, which keeps bad weather away from the door(s) of your tent and provides a space to store wet/dirty gear outside your living space. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre looking for a family camping tent thats ready to go any time of year, the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 is our top pick for four-season camping. Apart from that, the main drawback for the Base Camp is interior space: Cold weather tents tend to be a little smaller than their warm-weather counterparts to save weight and help keep the interior of the tent as warm as possible. Although most folks buying 4 person tents will be shopping for car camping duty alone, there are actually a few options at this size that can handle legit backpacking trips. The most comfortable two-person backpacking tent we tested is the REI Half Dome SL 2+, which has a palatial interior and two large vestibules. Needless to say the Wagontop was an easy choice for best overall quality. The NEMO Dagger 2 also scores well here. The easiest tents to setup have a freestanding pole design with a tent body that clips onto the poles rather than having to do that awkward feed the pole through the sleeve thing. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT takes first place for overall weather resistance, partly for its reinforced vestibule zippers, a bathtub floor that protects against seepage from soggy soil, and a massive vestibule that allows you to organize and protect gear without storing it in the tent itself. Inside the Wonderland youll find many of the same features carried over from the Kingdom, including the same big square floor (its literally the exact same size at 100 x 100), the near vertical walls, and the tall peak height (again, the exact same 75 measurement as the outgoing model). Big floorspace, stand-up ceilings, and simple setup delivered in a no-nonsense package. If youre looking for a little more headroom, the Nemo Wagontop, North Face Super Dome, and MSR Habitude are all great choices. Higher scorers include the REI Half Dome SL 2+, NEMO Dragonfly 2, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, and NEMO Dagger 2. Most of that number will be determined by the type and denier of the tent and fly fabric, but extra features like storage pockets, gear lofts, roomy vestibules, or chunky parts like pole hubs quickly increase the measurement. We rate performance based on a handful of essential metrics, including comfort and weather resistance. Much like its smaller sibling, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is an excellent backcountry companion. With three distinct ways to set up this tent, including a traditional double-wall pitch, a single-wall tarp (without the tent body), and a shade shelter (using trekking poles and guy line to prop it up), this shelter offers exceptional versatility. Read our full test and review of the 6-person model. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is an example of a tent with a fly that attaches with clips, whereas the Hornet Elite relies on guyline to secure the fly. One of the big surprises of this review is the NEMO Firefly, which is slightly heavier but still packs down as small as the UL models listed above. If the value is a primary consideration when making your purchase, the Big Agnes Copper Spur (two- and three-person) and NEMO Dragonfly 2 are pricey, but they score highly. We tested the models in this review with a focus on comfort, weight, and weather resistance, with some additional attention on ease of setup, durability, and packed size. The majority are self-supported, also known as free-standing. We like tents with multiple tie-back points for the vestibules. It is also resilient in windy conditions, providing crucial protection when the weather turns grey. Many tents, like the REI Flash Air 2, have double zippers on their vestibules that allow for additional venting without having to roll back the fly. To increase durability, make sure you store your tent properly by cleaning and drying it thoroughly before packing it away in the offseason.

Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. All that interior space comes with additional weight. The sheer volume of storage is the first thing youll want to consider here.

Well take that too. Almost universally, the ends of the poles click into grommets (or grommet-like holes) at the four corners of the tent. We love the materials and compact pole sections of the Tarptent Double Rainbow, NEMO Hornet Elite 2, and Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. This lightweight wonder is comfortable and durable. How can we improve GearLab? Of course if the four feet of vestibule isnt quite enough for your needs, the Wagontop 4 is compatible with the same extended gear garage as the rest of the Wagontop line, meaning you can zip on an extra covered outdoor space large enough to park a car inside of if you really want to. Specifically, the Super Dome is a party for three. It is a non-freestanding tent; that is, it comes with a couple of poles but relies almost entirely on stakes and guylines to pitch, which we found makes it trickier to set up.

Bonus points to Big Agnes. Roomy, durable, and ready for anything: Thats how wed describe all the best 4 person tents. I spend most of my life planning and experiencing epic adventures in the wild. Most backpacking tents are pretty easy to set up, but we look at different connection points between poles, tent body, and fly. We wouldn't hesitate to take this tent out with us on our next adventure. Its primary drawback is that its price point limits the quality of the materials that can go into it. The Wagontop 4 also shares the same rugged materials throughout its design, including the bulletproof 300D floor and 75D fly/canopy fabric. If you have zero interest in backpacking, or already have a good backpacking tent, congratulations: You have no real reason to care how big or how heavy your 4 person tent is, because you wont be carrying it very far. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is what we reach for when harsh weather is in the forecast. Despite being otherwise well-designed tents, the NEMO Hornet Elite 2 and Tarptent Double Rainbow score lower in this metric, with both models heavily prioritizing weight-savings over interior floor space. Combine that with thick but flexible 14.5mm aluminum poles, and its easy to see how Nemo can afford to offer a lifetime warranty on these premium tents. As a top overall option in our review, it embodies what many backpackers are looking for in a backpacking tent. Specs: Weight: 11.8 lbs (4.9kg) Packed size: 25 x 12 x 8 (64cm x 30cm x 20cm) Floor size: 96 x 84 (244cm x 213cm) Peak height: 80 (203 cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Ultra Lightweight Affordable Backpacking Gear. Obviously we prefer a stand-up height ceiling whenever we can get it, but its definitely not as important in this category as it would be for dedicated family size camping tents. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is in a category all its own when it comes to adaptability. Over the past 12 years, our experts have purchased and tested more than 240 tents. The fly converts into an awning, which can be really nice for ventilation on warm days and for precipitation protection. Its not the cheapest or the most expensive, yet with a 150D polyester oxford floor, thick DAC aluminum poles, and tough 40D polyester mesh, its spec sheet reads like a $500 shelter. On the flip side, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is generally higher-performing but scores lower in this metric because of its thick fabric and beefy hardware. Award winners like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and NEMO Dragonfly 2 do a nice job of balancing comfort against other considerations. We are also impressed with the durability of the REI Half Dome SL 2+ and the NEMO Dagger 2. Some tents, like the Copper Spur HV UL2, include special hardware at the tent corners to quickly and securely attach poles while pitching the tent alone. With a peak height of over six feet and over 62 square feet of floor space, it would be fair to call the Habitude cavernous.. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Big Agnes also goes a step above with their vestibule by making it pole-supported, rather than just staked-out, which gives you both added space and added headroom when youre hanging outside the tent. rather than simply guylined out. Fantastic weatherproofing with taped seams throughout, a polyurethane coated fly and floor. We also love the Mountain Hardwear AC2. It provides the most bang for the buck of any model in the category. Less intersections in the pole structure translates to lower wind resistance, and the fly provides less protection (and zero exterior storage) when the rains blowing sideways. Read our full test and review of the 6-person model, Specs: Weight: 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) Packed size: 28 x 10 x 10 (71cm x 25cm x 25cm) Floor size: 100 x 86 (254cm x 218cm) Peak height: 61 (155cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. It has a distinctive pole architecture that creates headroom right where we want it most, and additional features like stuff sacks that turn into storage pockets, and a pole bag that becomes a bar light that snaps into the ceiling, make this model a really compelling option for hikers who might find themselves in different environments doing different activities in different seasons. You really cant go wrong with a 100 x 100 monster like the Nemo Wagontop 4 above, but whether or not youre willing to spend the extra money for those precious inches may be another story. It performs at its best in the shoulder seasons: the early thaw of spring and the first autumn or winter snowstorm. A distinct subcategory of tent pole configuration is the tunnel tent. This variable is based on our experiences field testing these products and involves our best estimate of the long-term durability of each tent. Ultimately youre still getting a ton of space for the money, which means youll have plenty left over to shell out for the (very affordable) Discovery Basecamp footprint, which we highly recommend for longevitys sake Read full test and review of the 6 person model, Specs: Weight: 12.8 lbs (5,4 kg) Packed size: 23 x 9 x 9 (58cm x 23cm x 23cm) Floor size: 95 x 95 (241cm x 241cm) Peak height: 73 (185cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$$, While many of the best 4 person tents are nice and roomy, most of them arent actually tall enough to stand up in. For starters its big and spacious, and its unique four-pole layout dramatically boosts interior space. Below well list all the criteria that we consider when evaluating the best 4 person tents for our list. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. An overhead gear loft, for example, is a go-to storage option for many backpacking tents, because it gets a few crucial items up off the ground, and doubles as an easy spot to hang a headlamp for a little interior lighting as well. This is a good option to have on hand for a quick, casual weekend camping trip. Next up on our list is the REI Co-op Wonderland 4, REIs new replacement for the popular Kingdom series of camping tents. In terms of drawbacks, the Base Camp has two main sticking points for us: Although its designated as a four-season shelter, the base camp isnt cut out for heavy snow. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 strikes a superb balance between competing factors. It is best suited for weekend backpacking, canoe trips, and car camping.

Youll also notice the floor of the Basecamp is nice and long, but leans on the narrow side, which makes cramming 4 campers inside a little claustrophobic. Remember, the main goal of ventilation is to keep condensation from forming inside the tent.

Because most 4 person tents are dome designs, youll find a lot more with sub-six-foot ceilings in this category than you would in say six-person or eight-person tents. Whether you want the best money can buy, a model that will last for the long haul, or something to satisfy a tighter budget, this review has what you need. We will point out that although technically the peak height of this tent is 80, that measurement is taken at the main entry door, so dont expect that height throughout the tent. The REI Passage 2 combines space, comfort, and affordability in a way few others do. Wed also like to see a proper second vestibule included at the rear door, although as far as storage goes there are plenty of interior stash pockets scattered throughout the tent. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The REI Co-Op Flash Air 2 is one of the weaker models in our fleet for weather resistance. Let us know! Its got a cool shape, comes in cool colors, has three doors, and delivers panoramic views. As far as drawbacks go, were kind of at a loss with this one. Both types are relatively simple to set up. An increasingly common variation on this is the semi-freestanding tent, which has poles but also requires stakes to maximize its volume. Just a couple of qualities keep this model from a top spot. Well also point out that although Kelty doesnt advertise the Discovery Basecamp 4 as a hybrid camping/backpacking tent, its impressively low weight and compact packed size make it every bit as pack-friendly as other popular cross-over models like the REI Trail Hut 4. In addition to its overall size, this MSR also made our list due to its all-around reliable construction. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye takes the cake as far as sub-three-pound tents go. Shown here is the Tarptent Double Rainbow. It has a massive vestibule to protect gear and thoughtful design elements that improve its performance in tough weather, as well as several guy points for stability. The floor is super durable and waterproof. The Mountain Hardwear AC2 also has burly components. This new rainfly translates to a more airy and open feel inside the tent with the fly on, thanks to the open but protected mesh windows along the sides of the tent.

The folks at Kelty are known for making great camping gear for bargain prices, but they may have outdone themselves with the Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4, a new design for this spring. The former offers a pre-bent pole structure that maximizes interior volume. It also effectively sheds condensation that drips from the roof. Thats not something you can typically get away with in a four-season model, but the folks at REI were clever with the Base Camps design: With the exception of the mesh ceiling, every mesh panel inside the Base Camp includes a zippable solid backing, which means you get mesh and airflow when you want it, and more warmth when you dont.



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