When it comes to camping in the woods or going on a backpacking trip up in the mountains, the last thing you want to do after a long day is set up a tent. Keep reading to learn about the 11 best pop up tents for camping & backpacking.
Reading directions, getting lost in the fabric, and figuring out which pole goes in another pole is not what you want to be doing. Your body is exhausted from a long day from carrying all that outdoor gear and there’s no need to exhaust your brain as well.
If you plan on camping, you should be looking for a fastpitch tent to save you time and energy that’s available on the market! Jump ahead to our Buying Advice to see our list.
Quick Recommendations for Easy Set Up Tents
If you’re short on time, here’s a list of our 11 best pop-up tents. If you continue to read, we’ll go more into depth on each one’s weight, technical features, advantages, and even disadvantages.
- Gazelle T4 Pop Up Tent: Best for Easy Up Design
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3: Best High-End Backpacking Tent
- REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+: Best Budget Backpacking Tent
- Ayamaya Pop Up Tent: Best for a Family
- TETON Sports Quick Tent: Best for Backpacking Couples
- Copper Spur HV UL1: Best 1-person Backpacking Tent
- Zomake – Automatic Hydraulic Dome Tent: Best Waterproof Instant Tent
- Quechua 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent: Quickest Pop Up Tent
- Toogh 3-4 Person Automatic Camping Tent: Best for Tall People
- Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds: Best Tent for Camping with a Big Family
- Regatta Malawi 2 Pop Up Tent: Best for a Quick Adventure
Whether you’re looking for a larger tent for your family or one that keeps you dry in harsh conditions, all these are easy set-up tents to save your time and energy.
Table of contents
Detailed Reviews and Comparisons
Best Pop Up Tent: Gazelle T4 Hub Tent
Price at time of publish: $289.99
Want to protect your new Gazelle T4 Hub Tent? Buy the tent footprint to get that added layer of protection for when the ground is muddy, rocky or dusty.
- Quick Setup: Pops up in 90 seconds
- Easy Breakdown
- Spacious: Comfortably fits 4 people
- Sturdy Design: Engineered to withstand wind and moderate weather conditions
- Integrated Storage: Comes with internal storage options for your camping essentials
The Gazelle T4 Pop-Up Tent stands out in the camping gear market for its incredible ease of setup and spacious interior. Imagine arriving at your campsite and having your tent ready in just 90 seconds! Yes, it’s that fast.
A few notable features is this instant pop up tent is well-ventilated, and has two doors, and zippers that work well. Also, it feels sturdy and even has a removable floor. And with a peak height of 78 inches, tall people can stand up in it. If you remove this easy up tent rain cover, you can see the stars above because the top is mesh.
The Gazelle tent also impresses with its spacious interior. It comfortably accommodates four people, and the high ceiling enhances the sense of space, allowing for easy movement and ample storage for our equipment without feeling overcrowded. Two other handy features are the ceiling loop for a lantern and four spacious side pockets for stuff.
Overall, quality of this tent is top-notch. More specifically, the stitching, zippers, and construction are all robust, ensuring longevity and dependability. The attention to detail is evident, and it instills confidence for us to rate this as the best pop up tent will last for many camping adventures to come.
Pros:
- Ideal size for small families.
- Fast and easy to set up and breakdown
- Well-balanced features for the price.
Cons:
- Mesh screen at top of tent doesn’t stop damp air or bugs from entering tent
Best 2 Person Pop Up Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Price at time of publish: $565.00
A few other specs to note on this pop-up tent:
- Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz
- Season: 3-season
- Freestanding tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3 is best known for its durability and weight specs. It’s made from high-quality materials and is great for keeping your pack light when hitting the mountain trails.
If you’re looking to make the instant tent even cooler, then you can add on vestibule awnings.
To make sure you have enough space to sleep, there are storage pockets at the ceiling to put your electronics or any other belongings out of the way.
If you choose to buy this ez up tent, you will notice that there is a bit tighter of an interior space partially due to the weight. When opening the vestibule, be careful with the rainfly zippers because they can be known to snag and get stuck.
Since it is known to be high-quality and durable, it does tend to run on the pricier side of our recommended small pop up tents. These will need a footprint too. Buy the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Footprint or the HV UL3 Footprint
Best Budget Backpacking Tent: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+
Price at time of publish: $349
A few tech specs to note for this tent:
- Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz
- Season: 3-season
- Freestanding
- 1 hubbed pole set
- Includes 8 stakes and guylines for maximum wind stability
If you need a tent for two people, then the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is perfect for camping with a little extra room. Bringing your dog with you? They’ll fit in inside, too!
There are many pockets and hang loops to organize your gear inside, giving you ample living space. If you enjoy a nice breeze at night while you are sleeping, the fly design allows the sides to easily be rolled up and then back down quickly in case of a storm rolls in.
The rain fly on this pop up tent for camping has 2 closable ceiling vents so you can get airflow if you need, but can close to prevent any condensation from building up on the inside.
But if you are someone who loves to save the environment and travel in a more sustainable way, then the REI Co-op Half Dome is made with solution-dyed mesh to reduce water and energy use. This is a pop-up tent that you can feel good about using!
Lastly, you’ll need to buy the Half Dome 2 Plus Footprint to keep dry.
Because of the mesh panels in the upper portion of the instant tent, it is more likely that dust and dirt can blow inside if it is windy outside.
It’s best to use this pop up tent in an area that is guarded against most winds, like in the woods or between trees.
Best Tent for Family: CORE 6 person Pop Up Tent
Price at time of publish: $169.99
For more technical specs, they are as follows:
- Dimensions: 11 ft x 9 ft
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Gear Loft: A neat little spot to stash your things up high, keeping your floor space clear for important stuff like sleeping or an epic card game.
- Lantern Hook: Hang up your lantern for a game night or just chilling out with a book before bed.
- Pockets: It’s got pockets around the sides, perfect for stashing your phone, a flashlight, or a midnight snack.
Imagine you get to your camping spot and you’re super excited to start roasting those marshmallows, right? But first, you’ve got to set up your tent. With the CORE 6 Person Pop Up Tent, you can have your tent up and be ready to go in about two minutes! It’s so fast, it’s almost like snapping your fingers and having a house pop up out of nowhere. You’ll be sitting back in your backpacking chair with your feet up while everyone else is still wrestling with poles and instructions.
Nobody likes waking up feeling like they’ve been camping in a waterfall. The CORE 6 Person cabin tent has got you covered—literally. It comes with water-resistant fabric and taped seams to help keep the water out when it starts to drizzle or pour. There’s also an adjustable ground vent to keep the air moving, so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping in a sauna.
While the CORE 6 Person Pop-Up Tent scores high on convenience and space, there are a couple of areas where it could be improved. It’s stable in mild weather but could struggle with very strong winds. Adding more robust poles or additional guy lines might help.
Best for Backpacking Couples: TETON Sports Quick Tent
Price at time of publish: $129.99
A few other technical specs to know:
- Tent Shape: Dome
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Season: 3 season
- Freestanding
Whether you’re hiking with your partner or on a solo backpacking trip, the TETON Sports Quick is one of the easiest tents to set up. Although it is on the smaller side, you’re giving yourself an easy-to-carry instant camping tent that will have a no-fuss setup.
If you are camping trip with a car nearby, then you can place it right onto a cot. Yes! It will perfectly cover a cot for sleeping.
The TETON Sports Quick Tent gives you amazing views of the night sky because the top has fully mesh windows.
Don’t worry about the weather, though. You’ll have a rain fly in case it starts to rain.
Depending on how tall you are, the tent may not be long enough for you. Be sure to look into this before purchasing!
Best 1 Person Pop up Tent: Copper Spur HV UL1
Price at time of publish: $424.99
Features:
- Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
- Season: 3-season
- Freestanding
- Comes with 1 pole for easy setup
Planning to head out on a solo camping trip?
The Copper Spur HV UL1 comes with an awning-style vestibule to cover any living space so you can comfortably sit in the shade or outside without getting wet from a drizzle.
Since this best pop up tent is so lightweight, it seems as though it wouldn’t be as durable. But that’s not the case. The mixed-denier fabric gives the tent extra tear strength and is resistant to any punctures.
To keep you dry while you’re sleeping, every seam is taped with a waterproof table, and zippers are protected with a storm flap to keep extra water from getting in.
A few people have complained about the setup poles breaking during setup or when taking the 1 person tent apart. So be sure to test this out before camping to make sure you have a place to sleep. You can get from REI the UL1 Footprint.
Best Waterproof Hydraulic Tent: Zomake – Automatic Hydraulic Dome
Price at time of publish:
Features:
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Season: 2-3 season
- Freestanding
- Tent stakes are provided in case of strong winds
If the name doesn’t draw you in, the features and the cheap price of this tent sure will. Although it says that it is meant for 2 people, you could easily fit 2 adults and 2 children, which makes it suitable for family camping.
This can be set up in just 60 seconds so that you can spend more time hanging out with everyone and enjoying the nice views that you have!
Moreover, the pop-up camping tent tent is made with waterproof fabrics to get you through any weather that comes your way while you are out camping.
Since this tent is on the heavier side, you probably do not want to take this backpacking. It’s also important to note that there is not enough headspace to stand inside the tent, although you can sit comfortably to enjoy your company.
Quickest Easy Set Up Tent: Coleman Pop-Up Camping Tent with Instant Setup
Price at time of publish: $78.29
Features:
- Dimensions: 7.5 ft x 4.5 ft (Length x Width), 2.9 ft peak height.
- Instant Setup: Pops up in about 10 seconds.
- Capacity: Options available for 2 or 4 persons.
- Integrated Rainfly: Offers improved airflow and extra protection from the elements.
The Coleman Pop-Up Camping Tent with Instant Setup is an excellent choice for campers looking for ease and efficiency. Ideal for weekend trips and festivals, this tent can be set up in mere seconds, thanks to its pre-assembled poles.
This tent is not only quick to set up but also compact, making it perfect for those who prefer to spend less time on assembly and more on enjoying the outdoors. While it is great for mild weather conditions, it may not be the best choice for harsh weather due to its limited height and minimal insulation. However, for fair-weather camping and convenience, the Coleman Pop-Up Camping Tent is hard to beat.
Recommended Reading: Hammock vs Tent: Battle for the Best Night’s Sleep, Review: RTIC 45 Hard Cooler: Top-Tier Quality for a Low Price , 13 Cheapest Camper Trailers Under $10,000, Top 12 Great Hiking Gadgets Every Hiker Needs This Year
Best for Tall People: Toogh 3-4 Person Automatic Camping Tent
Price at time of publish: $125.99
Features:
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Freestanding
- Comes with 14 stakes and 8 guy ropes for extra stability in the wind
- Comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation
For those of you who are tall and looking to buy one that has enough room to stand in it, the Toogh Automatic Camping Tent is a great option.
The standing height is 5 feet 4 inches, though, so taller people may still have to crouch. However, that’s better than having to crawl around!
There are two doors opposite each other, which provide great flow-through ventilation for warmer nights. You’ll notice it’s roomier than other options because of the hexagon floor, providing extra floor space.
Also, there are loops to hang a lantern to light up the interior as well.
When it comes to packing up, you have to push one button and the tent will automatically pack itself up!
Although this 4 person pop up tent is designed to fit 4 people, you may find it more comfortable to stick to two people to maximize the space and not feel squished while sleeping.
Coleman Pop Up Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds
Price at time of publish: $125.75
A few other specs for this instant camping tent:
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Season: 4 season
- Preassembled poles for set up
- Dimensions: 8 x 7 ft.
Once again, the name says it all! The Coleman Instant Tent has an amazing 60-second setup.
With a roomy interior and dimensions of 8 x 7 ft., this 6 person pop up tent For sleeping arrangements, you can use sleeping bags or even fit two queen-size air mattresses inside.
Everyone will stay comfortable with the enhanced ventilation features that this tent offers, it protects you from the elements while allowing a breeze to flow through.
The cabin tent seams tend to drip, which increases the risk of rain or snow entering inside. This is not ideal for keeping items dry or getting a good night’s sleep due to their use of lower-quality tape for sealing the tent. Waterproofing the tent and seam may fix this issue.
Overall, it lives up to its name with the Instant setup, it takes a bit longer to take down.
Best for Quick Adventure: Regatta Malawi 2 Tent
Price at time of publish:
Features:
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Best for warmer seasons
- Comes with lightweight fiberglass poles
The Regatta Malawi 2 Pop Up Tent is perfect for a night in the woods or a day at a music festival.
Whichever you choose to use it for, the pop-up technology makes the easy set up super easy and quick. The lightweight tent is easy to bring with you wherever you go – even backpacking!
This tent is suitable for use in hot weather or wet conditions because it features a Waterproof Hydrofort flysheet.Even with the heaviest rains, you won’t have to worry about water getting inside.
The walls offers great ventilation as well because of the multiple vents and mesh doors. These features allow for more airflow without letting any bugs or insects in to bother you while you are sleeping!
This tent tends to be harder to take apart. Many people have broken the frame when unassembling it, which can be a disappointment, no matter how little you spend on it. Bottom line, it should last.
Although it is very waterproof, condensation can be an issue, so it is best to use in warmer seasons and weather.
Quick-Up – Instant Pop Up Tent
Features:
- Shape: Dome
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Freestanding
- Comes with steel pegs and guy ropes to make it more wind-resistant
The Quick-Up Instant Pop-Up tent offers a lightweight and easy setup, making it the perfect companion for camping trips or weekend festivals with friends. Whether you have help or are setting it up alone, you’ll be able to have this up in just under 5 minutes.
Especially important, when you want to get out and explore the surrounding areas!
You can accommodate 3 people comfortably for sleeping, however, the center height is only 43 inches, so do not expect to be standing or walking around inside!
Overall, the Quick-Up family tent is very durable for harsh weather conditions because of its many features.
The Quick-Up tent was designed with a mesh roof to provide better ventilation and increase air circulation for a more comfortable night of sleep. If the weather changes, then you can use the rain fly to protect against water getting in.
Moreover, the rain-resistant doors and reinforced taped seams make sure that water won’t be sneaking into your tent! Certainly, you won’t have any issues with condensation inside your tent.
Because the center height of this easy up tent is smaller, the inside may feel claustrophobic. In addition to a tighter fit, the poles are not as sturdy and may break after a few uses.
 QUICK-UP 3 Person Tent | No products found. |
Features to Consider When Purchasing a Pop Up Tent
Before you even start the research to get shelter that meets your needs, you need to understand a few important features that you should be able to find on all pop-up tents.
When you are narrowing down between easiest tents to set up, you should consider which factors and features are the most important for you.
- Ease of Setup: The main advantage of a pop-up tent is that it can be set up very quickly, usually in a few seconds. Look for tents that truly live up to this promise without requiring extra steps.
- Durability: The materials used in the tent should be durable and capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Look for tents made with high-quality, waterproof fabrics and sturdy frames.
- Size and Comfort: Consider how much space you need. Pop-up tents come in various sizes, from models that accommodate a single person to those suitable for families. Check the interior space and peak height to ensure comfort.
- Portability: Since pop-up tents are designed for convenience, they should be lightweight and easy to carry. A compact design when folded is also crucial for easy transport and storage.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is essential, especially in warmer climates. Look for tents with multiple ventilation points, like mesh windows or air vents.
- Additional Features: Some tents come with extra features like vestibules for gear storage, built-in pockets, and lantern hooks. Consider which features might enhance your camping experience.
Popular brands often recommended include Coleman, Quechua, and Gazelle. Each of these brands offers models that are highly regarded for their ease of use, reliability, and comfort.
Weight and Portability
If you’re going after driving to a spot in the woods, then weight doesn’t matter as much. But if you are camping up in the mountains and are backpacking to get there, you’ll want to keep your pack as light as possible.
You’ll most likely be carrying food, clothes, and water on top of your easy up tent, so your pack will get heavy quickly. Taking into account the weight should be part of planning your trip.
Going ultralight backpacking puts less stress on your body, so you can spend more time enjoying your adventure!
Price and Budget
The price of your instant setup tent is obviously going to be important for you to pay attention to depending on the budget you’ve set aside.
It’s usually better to buy an instant pop up tent on the pricier side for both durability and a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. However, that is ultimately up to you!
Space and Roominess
The quick-pitch tent that you choose to purchase will largely depend on how many people you have camping with you. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that any number of person tents that say they are for a certain number of people tend to feel a bit tighter.
Go for one number higher. If there will be 2 people sleeping in the popup tent, then buy the 3 person version. Pay attention to this so you know what type of sleeping pads to get for your tent!
Durability
Depending on the type of backpacking or camping you’ll be taking part in, you’ll want to focus on durability. If you think you’ll be in harsh weather conditions with wind and rain, you’ll want to set your sights on a more durable tent.
If you need a more durable ez up pop up tent, plan for a bit of extra weight on your back since these tend to be on the heavier side.
Best Easy Set Up Tents Buying Advice
While reviewing which is the best easy set up tent to buy, you’ll notice pros, cons, and different specs for each one.
Pay attention to the type of season, whether 3 season or 4 season rating for the popup camping tent, if it’s freestanding or requires tent stakes. Check for capacity and how many people can comfortably sleep it. Lastly, note what type of height of the pop up tent for camping you’re considering and if you’ll be comfortable camping in it.
Take these into account as you review so you know which one will fit your needs best!
Conclusion:
Get Out There and Go Camping
Once you find the perfect quick and ez up tent, you have every reason to go camping right away! Find a hike or a camping trip that is calling your name and go!
You’ll be getting a great night’s sleep so that you can be alert for all your adventures during the day! And you’ll make some of the best memories that you can share for years with the easy set up tent.
If you enjoyed this article on fastpitch tents, then check out some of our other camping guides on our website! If you plan to go hiking during the winter, we have recommendations for camping cots and mattresses, and the best tents for cold weather camping.
FAQs
While pop-up tents are incredibly convenient for quick setup, their lightweight design makes them less suitable for strong winds. For better stability in windy conditions, look for tents with aerodynamic shapes, stake them properly, and use guy lines if available.
The lifespan of a pop-up tent depends on the quality of materials, frequency of use, and care. On average, a well-maintained tent used several times a year could last about 3 to 5 years. Store it dry and clean in a cool, dry place to extend its life.
Pop-up tents are generally designed for spring and summer use due to their light fabric and ventilation features. They are not recommended for harsh weather conditions like heavy snow or extreme cold, which require more robust, insulated tents
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
- Choosing the Best Backpacking Hatchet
- Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking for a Comfortable Night
- IDENTIFY BOBCAT VS COYOTE TRACKS: KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED
- Best Insulated Tents for Winter Camping
- The 10 Types of Tents Buying Guide
- 3 Season or 4 Season: Which One’s Right for You?
- New York’s Best Time of Year to See Fall Foliage
- 15 Best 6 Person Tents Reviewed
- 11 Best Mountaineering Tents According to Adventurers
Join our Facebook Group – Outdoor Gear Reviews, Deals, Hacks & Advice- Backpacking, Hiking & Camping to get the latest reviews, deals, and discounts on backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. Share tips, and advice and to show our love, we also give monthly gear giveaways.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Trackbacks/Pingbacks