Tips for Choosing the Best Outdoor Tents
If you’re fond of traveling or if you like to get away once in a while for a little R-and-R, you may want to invest in some tents to at least keep you warm and cozy while you’re out exploring the great outdoors. But investing in tents can be as difficult as finding yourself a brand-new vehicle. There is a bevy of things you should consider when you’re equipping yourself with a tent.
The least of which are the overall weight of the tent when packed, its hardiness and durability, its wind resistance, its seasonal viability, and its overall head capacity. People who aren’t too keen on outdoor hobbies may find it impossible to decide which tent is best for what purpose, especially with the wide variety of tents, some cheap, some extremely expensive, that currently saturate the market.
Whether it’s your first time out camping with friends, family, or your happy lonesome self, or if you’re a veteran at all things outdoorsy, you can never go wrong with a little bit of research on the best outdoor tents that 2016 has to offer.
The Best Outdoor Tents of 2023
When it comes to choosing the right tent for your needs, it pays to know what sort of tent you’ll want to have with you. If you’re traveling as a group or if you’re on a family trip and don’t mind sharing the same space, you’ll find that family tents are far more practical and definitely more ideal than individual tents.
If you’re just a two-person team out for a quick hike, a romantic getaway, or a road trip, two-person tents not only offer more convenience but are definitely lighter to carry than a full-sized family tent. Then, of course, there are the solo travelers who will benefit most from single-person tents with built-in sleeping bags, because why go through the hassle of lugging a large tent unless you plan to have company?
If picking the right tent is too taxing for your non-outdoorsy self, here’s a quick guide to 2023 top four best outdoor tents. Let’s begin with…
<strong>Image</strong> | <strong>Product</strong> | <strong>Dimension</strong> | <strong>Price</strong> |
Our Pick
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Coleman Camping Tent |
27 x 8.5 x 8.5 in |
|
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CORE 10-Person Tent |
168 x 120 x 1032 in |
|
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Black Diamond MESA |
22.4 x 7.1 x 6.2 in |
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Product Name |
93 x 74 x 49 in |
Family Tents
First on the list are family tents which are geared toward people who travel in groups. Perfect for long-term outdoor use thanks to their spaciousness and added durability, family tents are the definite go-to survival shelter for people who travel in groups.
Not only is it more practical than lugging individual tents, but it also provides an added sense of safety and security in numbers, as well as much-needed closeness that can foster camaraderie or stronger filial ties. There are a lot of family tents to choose from, but here are two of the best family tents to be had of late:
1. Coleman WeatherMaster
![Top Four Best Outdoor Tents 2023 1. Coleman WeatherMaster](https://www.btrendie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1.-Coleman-WeatherMaster.jpg)
The best all-rounder for the family
A pretty regal name for what is essentially one of the best family outdoor tents available today, the Coleman WeatherMaster tent boasts a maximum head capacity of eight persons, or what is essentially two families in one tent! Measuring 27 x 8.5 x 8.5 in., it has a total floor area of 10.4 square feet and an optimum peak height of 6 ft. 2 in., making it an ideal tent for long-term camping.
Boasting a weatherproof build, it is made with an overall build of nylon taffeta, with polyester-coated taffeta for its rainfly. To add an extra dimension of comfort, coated nylon Oxford lines the floor material, allowing that extra bit of padding between hard, packed earth and your sleeping bag.
The Coleman WeatherMaster even boasts an internal divider that allows you to split the 8-person tent into two different living spaces, or simply add a little extra privacy for changing, sleeping, etc. What this tent lacks in wind resistance, it does more than makeup for in an accommodation, versatility, and space.
Features
Features | |
Main Build Material | Nylon taffeta |
Rainfly Material | Coated polyester taffeta |
Floor Material | Coated nylon Oxford |
Design type | Freestanding |
Number of doors | 2 |
Floor Dimensions | 105 sq. ft. |
Overall head Height | 6ft. 5 in. |
Dimensions when packed | 27 x 8.5 x 8.5 in. |
Overall weight | 22 lbs. 3 oz. |
Average set-up time | 15–20 mins. |
Pros
Extremely large accommodations, highly versatile construction, extra pockets for added storage and organization, two doors for ease of egress, a divider option that makes two ‘rooms’ out of one tent, extremely durable flooring material, backpack-style carrying bag for additional traveling comfort.
Cons
No pockets for stuff.
2. CORE 10-Person Tent
![Top Four Best Outdoor Tents 2023 2. CORE 10 Person Tent](https://www.btrendie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2.-CORE-10-Person-Tent.jpg)
A great investment!
The CORE 10-Person Tent
Second, only to the CORE 10-Person Tent, the CORE is a great investment all its own. CORE has been in the business of building reliable outdoor gear since the 1950s, and with such a long-standing reputation for good-quality outdoor equipment, they most certainly do not disappoint with the Parthenon. True to its titanic name, the CORE’s primary pro is its sheer size. Much like the CORE, it boats an internal divider option that allows its 140 sq. ft of living space to be divided into two rooms. The Parthenon is just as spacious as the CORE, able to ‘house’ a maximum of eight people.
It even features the same two-door front-and-back option found in the CORE, but with the added bonus of noiseless zipper pulls for that extra added bit of stealth when doing one’s business in the wee hours of the night. The entire affair is constructed from polyester with added mesh wall panels for extra ventilation. For people who have the O. C. bug, the Parthenon also features an organizer wall and extra gear loft loops to keep all of your essentials right where you need them.
Added watertight features such as easily sealable mesh windows guarantee that you keep dry even in the foulest of rains. Its rainfly is made with a no-sag, seam-taped polyester material that can be attached or removed with ease. Its unique constructions allow not only added ventilation but additional moisture evaporation to prevent accumulated condensation that can drastically affect the internal temperature of the tent, especially during extremely cold weather conditions.
Added watertight features such as easily sealable mesh windows guarantee that you keep dry even in the foulest of rains. Its rainfly is made with a no-sag, seam-taped polyester material that can be attached or removed with ease. Its unique constructions allow not only added ventilation but additional moisture evaporation to prevent accumulated condensation that can drastically affect the internal temperature of the tent, especially during extremely cold weather conditions.
For extra added security and structural stability during windy conditions, it also has adjustable stakeouts and a number of guy-out points to secure the tent in place, although the amount of hold it has will depend on the overall quality of the ground. Color-coded attachment points make set-up and take-down more efficient, while their bright hues make visibility from the air or from far distances easier.
Features | |
Main Build Material | 70D Dye-free polyester taffeta |
Rainfly Material | 75D 190T, 1800mm PU polyester taffeta |
Floor Material | 1800mm PU nylon taffeta |
Design type | Freestanding |
Number of doors | 2 |
Floor Dimensions | 143 sq. ft. |
Overall head Height | 6ft. 3 in. |
Dimensions when packed | 28 x 10 in. |
Overall weight | 26 lbs. 5 oz. |
Average set-up time | 10 – 15 mins. |
Pros
extremely large accommodations, highly versatile construction, extra pockets, and gear loft loops for added storage and organization, two doors for ease of egress, a divider option that makes two ‘rooms’ out of one tent, extremely durable flooring material, added weather protection and extra ventilation due to special mesh construction, stakeout, and guy out points for some measure of wind resistance. Cheaper by a small margin compared to the CORE.
Cons
lack of wind resistance. A real bear to set up and the poles don’t have a smooth end. Two doors are located only on one side of the tent. Not meant for wintertime use.
Couple Outdoor Tents
If you’re fond of traveling or if you like to get away once in a while for a little R-and-R, you may want to invest in some tents to at least keep you warm and cozy while you’re out exploring the great outdoors. But investing in tents can be as difficult as finding yourself a brand-new vehicle. There is a bevy of things you should consider when you’re equipping yourself with a tent.
The least of which is the overall weight of the tent when packed, its hardiness and durability, its wind resistance, its seasonal viability, and its overall head capacity. People who aren’t too keen on outdoor hobbies may find it impossible to decide which tent is best for what purpose, especially with the wide variety of tents, some cheap, some extremely expensive, that currently saturate the market.
Whether it’s your first time out camping with friends, family, or your happy lonesome self, or if you’re a veteran at all things outdoorsy, you can never go wrong with a little bit of research on the best outdoor tents that 2016 has to offer.
3. Black Diamond Mesa
![Top Four Best Outdoor Tents 2023 3. Black Diamond Mesa](https://www.btrendie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3.-Black-Diamond-Mesa.jpg)
The epitome of a two-person tent
The epitome of a two-person tent is in its lightweight nature and easy set-up, and what better tent to embody this tenet than the Black Diamond Mesa? A simple, versatile, three-season tent meant for casual stints outdoors or short-term camping, and an even better choice for road trips, this is a tent that should be in the back of everyone’s trunk. Although made from dated polyester unlike most other tents available today, the Black Diamond’s sturdy construction makes up for its outdated materials.
Truly a perfect two-person tent, it provides maximum comfort and livability with its 32.5 sq. ft. of floor space and a decent head space of 3.6 ft. With added DAC Featherlite poles to increase stability and provide some measure of wind resiliency, you’ll find it is one of the most secure (yet affordable) tents available today. Weighing no more than 4 lbs. 14.6 oz., it’s a perfect tent to always have with you in case you go on any spontaneous camping trips.
Features | |
Main Build Material | Partial solid/partial mesh polyester |
Rainfly Material | 1500mm polyester |
Floor Material | 2000mm nylon |
Design type | Freestanding |
Number of doors | 2 |
Floor Dimensions | 32.5 sq. ft |
Overall head Height | 44 in. |
Dimensions when packed | 7 x 19 in. |
Overall weight | 4 lbs. 14.6 oz. |
Average set-up time | 5 – 10 mins. |
Pros
ultra-lightweight nature, sturdy construction, three-season capability; mesh body for extra ventilation and breathability, large floor space, and head space.
Cons
outdated materials, not meant for wintertime applications, the mesh may cause condensation, and be somewhat bulky.
4. Marmot Thor
![Top Four Best Outdoor Tents 2023 4. Marmot Thor](https://www.btrendie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4.-Marmot-Thor.jpg)
A True Adventurers Tent
If you’re looking for the perfect tent to lug along when you plan to attend a concert or camp out for any number of reasons but would not rather have to carry an inordinate amount of weight, the Marmot Thor is a perfect choice. Good for a maximum of three people, the Thor can house two persons in perfect comfort, and while its small stature may bring to mind flimsy, one-season tents meant for overnight concerts or road trips, the Marmot is actually a surprisingly versatile four-season tent.
Made with ultra-lightweight but extra-durable nylon ripstop, it is seam taped to guarantee warmth during cold weather and super-tight waterproofing during heavy rains. Not being one to do things half-heartedly, Marmot has even equipped the Thor with a full-coverage nylon ripstop rainfly with vents, it also features easily attachable welded Velcro seams, an internal guy seam, a poled vestibule, the optional footprint, an ultra-lightweight DAC Featherlite NSL poles for windy or gusty weather. Truly a perfect tent for people who want to equip themselves with the best while keeping everything compact, it also has a free field repair kit and a lifetime warranty!
Features | |
Main Build Material | 40d 100% Nylon ripstop, F/R |
Rainfly Material | 40d 100% Nylon ripstop silicon / PU 1800mm W/R; F/R |
Floor Material | 70d 100% Nylon 5000mm W/R; F/R |
Design type | Freestanding |
Number of doors | 2 |
Floor Dimensions | 38 sq. ft x 3.5 sq. m. |
Overall head Height | 3ft. 8 in. |
Dimensions when packed | 28 x 10 in. |
Overall weight | 8 lbs. 6 oz. |
Average set-up time | 5 – 10 mins. |
Pros
compact size, ultra-lightweight construction, four-season weather capability, reinforcements against cold, rain, and wind, and easy set-up.
Cons
head height may be too cramped for some people; wintering capabilities designed only for light snow may be too pricey for its size
With these four tents for your picking, what’s stopping you from braving the wild outdoors (or the next best park)? Take your pick of these four beauties and ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment whenever your next adventure may be!