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Best Four-Person Tents

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Gazelle T4 Hub Tent
Gazelle
T4 Hub Tent
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a tent that is simple to set-up yet and can hold up to less than ideal weather, this is the perfect choice.

Pros

Our team loves how easy the pitching process is, especially for those who are new to camping. After putting this tent through several trials, we found that it can hold up well in rainier conditions thanks to the included rain fly. Incredibly durable.

Cons

It is very bulky when rolled up making it less than ideal for backpacking trips.

Best Bang for the Buck
Coleman sundome camping Tent
Coleman
Sundome Camping Tent
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Rugged Yet Affordable
Bottom Line

A great tent that offers a lot of versatility for the price with its durable design.

Pros

The frame is designed to protect from winds of up to 35 miles an hour. Provides welded seams combined with good ventilation for a higher-quality camping experience. Has ports for charging if needed.

Cons

The screens can't be zipped, which may cause issues during colder weather.

Coleman Dome Tent for Camping
Coleman
Dome Tent for Camping
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Sleep Any Time
Bottom Line

A unique design that filters out a good amount of light and has solid weatherproofing.

Pros

The "Dark Room Technology" filters out a good amount of sunlight for sleeping and keeps it cool on hotter days. The multi-door design protects from bugs and provides more space if needed. Fairly easy to set up.

Cons

The material is relatively thin, making it less durable than other options.

Toogh 3-4 Person Camping Tent
Toogh
3-4 Person Camping Tent
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Quick Build
Bottom Line

With an efficient folding design, fiberglass poles, and a great flynet, this is an excellent choice.

Pros

Can be pitched relatively quickly. Has a hexagon design that helps maintain stability and durability in bad weather. Has 2 separate doors that are easy to zip open and close. The material is very water resistant.

Cons

May be a little on the smaller side for taller people.

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent
ALPS Mountaineering
Lynx 4-Person Tent
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Weather-proof
Bottom Line

This mountaineering tent can withstand strong winds and works well for long stretches.

Pros

This is a reasonably priced option that sets up quickly. While it is a bit on the smaller side, the peace of mind of the sturdy fiberglass poles and waterproof fly make up for the size. Fly also resists UV damage.

Cons

Some customers had issues with the design of the rainfly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

64
Models
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96
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best four-person tents

A four-person tent is a versatile shelter that can be used for backpacking and camping in a variety of conditions. Despite the name, these tents are also ideal for two or three campers — or even a single camper.

Finding the right four-person tent means considering the number of people, what conditions you’ll be camping in, and how much gear you plan to keep inside the tent. Most four-person tents are designed for use in three seasons, but some can keep you warm in cold temperatures and are suitable for use all year. Basic three-season tents are affordable and come with plenty of features for comfortable camping, such as an awning and a gear loft. The shape of the tents and the peak height will vary, so it’s important to find a tent that’s comfortable for you and your fellow campers.

Prices for four-person tents range from low to expensive, so you should be able to find the right tent for your budget. To learn more about the available varieties of these tents and see a few of our favorites, continue reading our shopping guide.

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Four-person tents aren’t just for four people. They can also fit several children or two adults plus a canine friend.

Key considerations

Before you begin your hunt for the perfect four-person tent, think about the conditions in which you will camp most often.

Seasons

  • Spring/summer/fall: Three-season tents are the most common choice because they’re cheaper than four-season tents, and most people don’t camp in the winter. These tents have plenty of ventilation to keep the inside cool and may have mesh to further increase airflow and keep out insects.

  • Spring/summer/fall/winter: Four-season tents are sturdier in design, with thicker fabric to withstand snow accumulation and cold winds. These tents have less ventilation in order to keep you warmer at night. You should generally only opt for a four-season tent if you intend to camp in snowy conditions.

Backpacking vs. camping

The design, size, and weight of the four-person tent you choose will depend a great deal on whether you plan to carry it on your back or in the trunk of your car.

  • Backpacking tents are distinguished by their lightweight design and smaller footprint. These tents fold down into a compact form that can easily fit in a backpack. While there are plenty of four-person backpacking tents available, they’re usually much cozier than tents you don’t have to carry.

  • Camping four-person tents are generally larger and may be heavier, but the weight isn’t as much of an issue if you don’t have to carry the tent a long distance.

Four-person tent features

Four-person tents differ in height, weather resistance, and overall design, so try to have a wishlist of features in mind before you buy.

Peak height: The peak height of a tent is its highest point. The taller the tent, the more comfortable it will be, especially if you have several people inside. Some four-person tents are too low to stand up in and only allow room to sit upright, while other allow you to stand.

Rain fly: No matter what season you’re camping in, a rain fly is an important component of any tent. A waterproof rain fly is a fabric layer that goes over your tent to keep water from getting inside. These vary in coverage, which affects airflow and visibility. Some four-person tents may have a built-in rain fly.

Shape: You will find dome-shaped and cabin-style four-person tents. The shape of the tent affects the interior space and how well snow and water run off the rain fly.

  • Dome tents are the most popular option for their easy setup and sturdiness. In addition, the round shape allows water and snow to easily run off the rain fly to prevent the tent from collapsing under the weight. Winter tents are almost always dome tents for this reason. The peak height of a dome tent may be limited because of the inward curve of the walls.

  • Cabin-style tents are less common among backpacking designs. They provide more interior space than dome tents. If you can carry the extra weight and size, these tents work well for camping, especially if you plan to sleep four people in your tent.
     

Vestibule: Some four-person tents offer a vestibule (or awning), which is like a separate room for boots or other gear. It is a welcome feature when sleeping multiple campers in one tent or when you’re trying to minimize the clutter, water, and mud that get inside the tent.

Door: Four-person tents may have one or two doors, an important consideration if your tent will be at maximum capacity. Take note of the shape of the door and the height of the doorway.

Setup: Though most four-person tents are straightforward to pitch and have as few as two poles, you should still consider the overall setup time (important if you’re camping in bad weather) and whether the tent can be assembled by one person. Most tents don’t require stakes, and they have sturdy floors that eliminate the need for a bulky tarp.

Ventilation: If you’re camping in warm weather, you should find a tent with moderate ventilation or windows that can be opened easily to allow moisture and heat to escape during the night. Ceiling panels can also aid with ventilation.

Four-person tent prices

Inexpensive: Most four-person tents that cost less than $100 are dome tents with a smaller footprint. The smaller size means that four people might have trouble fitting comfortably inside with all of their gear. Four-season tents are rare in this price range.

Mid-range: In the $100 to $200 range are a variety of four-person tents that range in size and design. Features like a vestibule and built-in rain fly are more common in this range. Some four-season tents are available at this price.

Expensive: The four-person tents that cost $200 to $300 and up are typically larger in size and may be four-season tents. These sturdy tents are designed for camping or backpacking and will likely last for many years.

Tips

  • Pick the right sleeping bag. The most important item when it comes to comfortable rest is your sleeping bag. It should be lightweight and packable and provide sufficient insulation for the conditions in which you camp most often.

  • Pack a sleeping pad. A sleeping pad can prevent roots and rocks from digging into you during the night and add extra cushioning to your sleeping bag.

  • Choose the right area. Where you pitch your tent is an important decision. Find a level area, and brush away any rocks or twigs that could damage the tent or disrupt your sleep.

  • Be prepared for midnight bathroom breaks. Have a flashlight handy and know where your shoes are.
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While backpacking tents are designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, basic camping tents may be heavier and larger.

FAQ

Q. What defines a four-person tent?

A. Tent sizes are not standard, and, unfortunately, many smaller four-person tents test the limits of comfort. Take careful note of the dimensions of any tent before you buy — many manufacturers list the square footage. From there you should be able to determine whether you can fit four adults along with their gear.

Q. Do I need to stake down my tent?

A. That depends on where you’re camping and the conditions. Many four-person tents don’t need stakes and can stand upright on their own. The gear in your tent can help weigh it down, but strong winds could still toss your tent around.

Q. Is a rain fly essential?

A. It is essential that you have one — whether you put it up every night depends on the weather and your own tolerance for risk. A rain fly can reduce a tent’s breathability, but even warm summer nights can result in a layer of dew that leaves you and your fellow campers a bit damp.

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