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After a long day on the road or an arduous hike, the last thing you want to think about is spending hours setting up your camp.
A fast-setup tent is a sensible solution, offering an instant way to create a campsite without the usual hassle that goes into assembling a tent. What is a fast-pitch tent?
A fast pitch tent, or instant pop-up tent, is a type of tent that can be assembled in much less time than a regular one, but with all of the standard features you’d expect, such as quality weatherproof materials and sizes to suit one or many occupants.
Best Pop Up Tents Reviewed
A fast tent is a welcome addition to any survival kit, especially if you’ve traveled all day to reach your destination.
These types of tents have the following benefits: they are easy to use, efficient, and usually only require one person to do the job.
If you go outdoors a lot or find yourself frustrated setting up your site because of a fiddly assembly process, an instant cabin tent might be for you.
We’ve hand-picked some of the most popular instant tents on the market and explained a little more about what they offer, so you can change the way you camp for good.
1. Winner: Coleman Cabin Tent
- 100% Polyester, with double-thick Polyguard 2X fabric...
- WeatherTec system's patented welded corners and inverted...
- Integrated vented rainfly enhancing protection and airflow
Why is it better?
- 60-second assembly
- Double-thick fabric
- Big
Camping specialists Coleman offer our favorite fast pop-up tent on the market today, the Cabin Tent, which assembles in just 60 seconds.
The six-person tent measures 10 x 9 feet inside, has a 6-foot-high ceiling in the center, and is one of the fastest out there to set up. The construction of the tent includes welded corners, double-thick fabric, and 150D polyester/taped seams for superior quality and peace of mind.
The best thing about this fast-setup tent is its roomy interior, which you might not think is possible in an instant tent. You’re able to comfortably fit two queen-sized mattresses inside and still have room to move. This fact is even more impressive, considering you can put it up with minimal effort in under a minute.
The superior quality of this cabin tent, along with all other Coleman tents, is a significant selling point. They have a solid reputation for making tents, and you can feel the quality of the materials and construction as soon as you pull it up.
It’s made with a double-thick fabric and will see you through many camping seasons, so it’s worth spending a little more to get something that’s going to last. Coleman offers a one-year warranty on this tent.
Although the material is thick and robust, this tent has excellent breathability, which people love. It was comfortable to sleep in and felt as though you were getting plenty of fresh air, which means you’re enjoying the true perks of nature while you camp.
The Coleman Cabin Tent is rated as weatherproof, but it doesn’t have a true waterproof rating unless you fork out extra cash and purchase the fly that goes over the top, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Another negative to consider is that it’s a little heavy, so if you’re a hiker and want a pop-up tent to take with you on the trails, this isn’t it. The overall weight of everything in the bag is 24.9, which makes it a bit hefty and better suited to those who take their vehicles with them to camp.
Pros
- 60-second assembly
- Double-thick fabric
- Big
- Simple
- High Ceiling
Cons
- The garment is not truly weatherproof without the over-the-top fly.
- A bit heavy for a single person to carry
Product Information
- Material: 150D polyester
- Time to deploy: 60 seconds
- Size: 10 x 9 feet
2. Runner-Up: Coleman Dome Tent
- DARK ROOM TECHNOLOGY: Blocks 90% of sunlight for more...
- REDUCES HEAT: Ensures a cool interior even during daytime
- WEATHERPROOF: Provides protection against rain and winds up...
Coleman has created another of our favorite picks with their Dark Room Instant Tent, which blocks 90% of sunlight compared to their other tents and allows you to pitch in just 60 seconds.
The tent measures 10 x 10 feet and has a ceiling height of six feet in the center, giving you enough room to comfortably fit two queen-size airbeds inside.
One of the best features of this tent is its durability, and although Coleman is known for its dependability in nature, this one goes above and beyond.
It uses the WeatherTec system, which uses welded corners and inverted seams, and comes with a rainfly to protect you from the wet. Designed to withstand winds of 35+ mph, it’s a useful tool for campers who prefer challenging conditions.
The Coleman Dark Room Tent is also comfortable inside, with ample space and the perfect shape to make the most of what you have. The dark room technology lowers the tent’s internal temperature, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer camping in warmer climates.
There are lots of little extras included with this tent, which makes it even better value for money. You’ll get some sewn-in compartments for storing your smaller items, as well as the E-port, which allows you to access electricity inside the tent without compromising your comfort or waterproofing.
However, it wasn’t all good news, with the biggest letdown being their claim for darkness. Despite the marketing claim of using dark room technology, this tent is not as dark as you’d expect.
If you’re choosing this instant tent because it promises to shield you from the light while you sleep inside, there are probably better options. Some customers noted that there were still areas where sunlight could escape through.
Although you can quickly assemble this instant tent from Coleman, you’ll likely need to exercise a bit more caution. Coleman has included everything, so the tent pops up, but some customers noted that the hub connection at the very top of the tent can feel flimsy, so you need to treat it gently.
It comes with a one-year limited warranty, and we’re confident it will continue to serve you well for years to come.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Comfortable
- Big
- E-Port
- Wind Secure
Con
- The Dark Room technology is not as dark as expected.
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Time to deploy: 3 minutes
- Size: 120 x 72 inches
3. Best Waterproof: Hewolf Instant Tent
- Exclusive design: The hexagonal tent adopts a double-layer...
- Installation design: Simple disassembly quick installation...
- Waterproof material: We use outdoor 4500mm exclusive...
With a design for 2-3 users and a setup time of under five minutes, the Hewolf Instant Tent is a waterproof and highly efficient tent for survival.
The Instant Tent is a hexagonal shape that measures 84.6 inches at its longest width and 66.1 inches at the interior roof’s center. Made with waterproof and anti-tear polyester, it’s designed to last in all kinds of camping conditions.
By far the best thing about this fast-setup tent was that it stood up to its claim of being waterproof, and some reviewers mentioned going through days on end of heavy rain without a sign of it inside their tent.
Even though some tents claim to be waterproof, this type of resilience in wet weather is a major selling point for those who need a tent for all conditions.
The Hewolf Instant Tent also earned points for its durability, and this is mainly thanks to the anti-tear 190T polyester they’ve used to craft it. As well as being a fast-setup tent, it’s incredibly rugged when you compare it to others, even if there’s no official word of warranty from the manufacturer.
Those looking for a hiking-friendly instant tent will be thrilled to find that the Hewolf one weighs less than 12 lbs. Although it’s a smaller tent, it’s still surprising that it weighs this little because of the quality of its materials and craftsmanship.
There’s no need to miss out on the simplicity of an instant tent just because you’re looking for something lightweight.
However, according to reviewers, this was one of the slower fast camp tent options, with the average person taking around five minutes to get it up.
The instructions were the biggest issue with its assembly, and a few reviewers suggested that they could have been a little easier to understand.
For some, the size of the tent was difficult to gauge, and even though Hewolf claims that two adults and one child could fit comfortably, it was more like two adults at the maximum.
If you’re seeking more room from a fast camp tent, there are other options that offer similar features and quality, possibly at a lower price.
The Hewolf Instant Camping Tent might not be the quickest of the instant tents we’ve reviewed, but it certainly offers the most protection against wild weather.
Pros
- Supreme weather resistance
- Lightweight
- Durable
- The hexagonal shape provides more space.
Cons
- Instructions are not as clear.
- Not as quick to assemble.
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Time to deploy: 5 minutes
- Size: 84.6 x 66.1 inches
4. Best for Family: Hui Lingyang Instant Tent
- Quick & Easy Setup:Instant pop-up tent with pre-assembled...
- Spacious Interior:12.5 x 8.5 feet floor;Sleeps 4-6 adults in...
- Venting: Large mesh window on the left and right sides...
Hui Lingyang has created a waterproof pop-up tent that assembles in 20 seconds, making it the most effortless camping accessory ever created. The tent, measuring 102 inches in width and 53.5 inches in height, comfortably accommodates six people.
The tent’s main component is 190T polyester, the floor is 210D Oxford PU3000, and the entire setup has a 3000MM-4000 waterproof index.
This is another truly waterproof pop-up tent that guarantees to keep you dry in wet weather, and it means you’ll never be left in the lurch even if a serious downpour starts.
Heat-sealed seams on all joins, water-resistant polyester fabric, and a free rainfly provide an additional layer of protection.
People were thrilled to discover that this tent effortlessly set up, just as its name suggested. The Hui Lingyang Tent is one of the most efficient solutions we’ve reviewed because it’s easy to assemble in under a minute and comes with clear instructions.
However, there were some concerns about the long-term durability of the tent when you stack it up against the competition. Despite its solid waterproofing rating and ample fresh air capacity, it may not withstand years of camping use.
This type of tent would suit casual campers and not those who like to get out into nature every weekend, so keep that in mind.
Another disappointment with this tent was the manufacturer’s misleading measurements, which only made people realize that the inside had a different shell than the outside after they had received the package.
Reviewers reported that the tent’s shell, despite its stated dimensions of 102 x 53.5 inches, was missing about four inches from the top. To avoid disappointment, you’ll need to take some measurements of the people using the tent before making a decision.
The Hui Lingyang Pop-Up Tent is great at repelling water and has one of the quickest assemblies we’ve seen, providing the best of both worlds.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t seem to offer a warranty, which poses a risk. However, according to their thousands of satisfied customers, it’s a strong contender for the best fast-setup tent on the market.
Pros
- Fast assembly
- Easy to use
- Cost
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not built to last.
- Possible defects
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Time to deploy: 20 seconds
- Size: 102 x 53.5 inches
5. Best for Hiking: Zone Tech Pop Up Tent
- ► LARGE SIZE - The Zone Tech pop-up tent is spacious and...
- ► VENTILATION - The Zone Tech pop-up tent has 2 doors...
- ► PREMIUM QUALITY - The Zone Tech pop-up tent is made with...
With their Family Instant Tent, Zone Tech has created an affordable entry into the pop-up tent market. With room for 3–4 adults, 75 x 75 inches of width and depth, and 5.75 lbs of weight, it’s a dream come true for campers who crave simplicity and comfort.
High-quality 190T PU material and B3 anti-mosquito mesh, along with a 210D Oxford ground sheet, construct the Family Instant Tent. The best thing about this tent is its portability, thanks to the 5.75-pound weight that’s barely noticeable, even after a long hike.
Zone Tech has also included a bag that you can keep the tent in and carry it with you like a backpack, helping with portability. The lightweight tent assembles in less than a minute, allowing you to take it with you whenever you’re exploring the great outdoors and make an instant decision about whether to stay overnight.
There are double entry doors and a zipper entry with quality SBS zippers, and it assembles in 30 seconds with minimal effort. If you’re looking for simplicity and a low price, the Zone Tech Instant Pop-Up Tent has everything you need.
The biggest disappointment is that the plastic poles, unlike a more expensive tent with steel poles, won’t last as long. This tent is a better fit for people who camp every now and then and aren’t looking for durability, so make sure you upgrade if you favor durability over all else.
The waterproof rating on this was slightly misleading, and it’s not a tent that’s designed for wild winds either. This is a better fit for a hiking and camping weekend, where you can look ahead at the weather and make sure the conditions are calm.
The Zone Tech Family Instant Pop-Up Tent is a cheaper way to go camping in an instant, but it’s not the most durable or weather-resistant, and it doesn’t provide warranty coverage from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Fast Setup
- A great hiking or camping tent
- Portable
- Cost
Cons
- Plastic Poles
- Not as durable or weather-resistant.
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Time to deploy: 30 seconds.
- Size: 75 x 75 inches
FAQs
Setting up a tent is never on anyone’s list of fun things to do, so if you want to cut the time this chore takes in half, an instant tent is the way to go.
What is the quickest tent to set up?
Some of the better modern tents of today can be set up in a few minutes or as fast as 60 seconds, depending on their style and size. The time it takes to assemble a tent also depends on the individual and their experience; with more practice, it should become quicker to set up one of these instant pop-up tents.
Are instant tents superior?
An instant tent is a better solution for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time setting up their tent or finds it too difficult to assemble one. However, they might not be as superior in other areas, like weatherproofing, temperature ratings, or comfort, so you need to choose a tent that meets all of your requirements.
Are fast-setup tents waterproof?
While not all tents will be 100% waterproof, an instant set-up tent with a weatherproof rating will protect you from moisture just as well. Choose a tent with waterproof material or one with a moisture-repellent coating to ensure you stay dry.
What are the temperature ratings for fast-setup tents?
Fast-setup tents come with temperature ratings, just like other types of tents, and these help you find a tent that suits the climate you’re camping in. For your comfort and safety, you should adhere to the ratings for one or more seasons, which indicate the ideal weather conditions for using these tents.
Wrap-Up
With a fast-setup tent in your arsenal, you’ll get rid of one of the most dreaded chores that come with camping.
Thanks to our recommendations and a little bit of background knowledge about what an instant tent can offer, you’ll be ready for the most efficient and relaxing camping trip of your life.