Buying the best tent to match your camping style is about more than just finding a piece of canvas that will keep the sun and rain off your face. The ideal tent needs to be based on the number of people you need to sleep, the type of campsites you like to stay at, and has enough space to keep all your camping essentials safely.
If you need enough room for yourself on a hunting trip, then a swag or a small dome tent might suffice. If you’ve got three kids, you might need a 10-person family tent or a bell tent just to hold you all and keep the peace.
The material your tent is made out of is a top factor in finding the best tent for your money. This includes not just what the walls and ceiling are made of, but also the floor.
Polyester tents tend to be a little more affordable, but they can be prone to rips, tears, and punctures. So, it won’t hurt to spend a little more on a tent made from Ripstop polyester. This material tends to be very breathable, and not ideal for camping in cold weather.
Nylon is more durable and a little more expensive than polyester. It can be prone to catastrophic tears, so a Ripstop nylon tent will have a longer lifespan. Nylon is slightly better at holding in heat and blocking out morning light than polyester.
Canvas is durable and less prone to ripping than other tent materials. It also does a good job of holding in heat and retaining cool temperatures, while still being breathable. It also does a decent job of blocking out the morning light. The drawbacks of canvas tents are that they tend to weigh more and are more expensive. Prolonged heavy rain can gradually start to saturate the material. Once it does, it takes a long time to dry the tent out. You can reduce this problem by spraying aftermarket waterproofing treatment on the tent.
PVC is a very durable, and highly waterproof tent material. Most have a fabric material on the interior side, adding to their impressive rip resistance. The problem is that PVC tents tend to be heavy to pack and cumbersome to set up. These tents often need the support of rigid poles, which further adds to the weight.
Polyester tents tend to be a little more affordable, but they can be prone to rips, tears, and punctures. So, it won’t hurt to spend a little more on a tent made from Ripstop polyester. This material tends to be very breathable, and not ideal for camping in cold weather.
Nylon is more durable and a little more expensive than polyester. It can be prone to catastrophic tears, so a Ripstop nylon tent will have a longer lifespan. Nylon is slightly better at holding in heat and blocking out morning light than polyester.
Canvas is durable and less prone to ripping than other tent materials. It also does a good job of holding in heat and retaining cool temperatures, while still being breathable. It also does a decent job of blocking out the morning light. The drawbacks of canvas tents are that they tend to weigh more and are more expensive. Prolonged heavy rain can gradually start to saturate the material. Once it does, it takes a long time to dry the tent out. You can reduce this problem by spraying aftermarket waterproofing treatment on the tent.
PVC is a very durable, and highly waterproof tent material. Most have a fabric material on the interior side, adding to their impressive rip resistance. The problem is that PVC tents tend to be heavy to pack and cumbersome to set up. These tents often need the support of rigid poles, which further adds to the weight.
Tent Pole Types
Fiberglass tent poles are the most common and flexible support poles you find in modern tents. They’re light, inexpensive, and engineered to bend but not break. They hold up fine in moderate weather, but a strong storm can flatten a tent with fiberglass poles. If a pole breaks, it’s ruined, and depending on the manufacturer, finding a replacement can be challenging.
Aluminum tent poles are also lightweight, yet more rigid and harder to damage than fiberglass. They tend to cost more, and over time the ends of aluminum tent poles can break down where they link with the tent base.
Steel tent poles are rigid, strong, and very heavy. You only find them in large family tents, and canvas tents that aren’t intended for hike-in bush campsites. Tents supported by steel poles offer superior resistance to strong winds, which is a bonus. However, you also pay a premium price for steel tent poles.
Carbon fiber tent poles offer a nice blend of strength and lightness. They’re relatively new technology, which you don’t find in a lot of tents, and they usually come at a higher price.ht.
Aluminum tent poles are also lightweight, yet more rigid and harder to damage than fiberglass. They tend to cost more, and over time the ends of aluminum tent poles can break down where they link with the tent base.
Steel tent poles are rigid, strong, and very heavy. You only find them in large family tents, and canvas tents that aren’t intended for hike-in bush campsites. Tents supported by steel poles offer superior resistance to strong winds, which is a bonus. However, you also pay a premium price for steel tent poles.
Carbon fiber tent poles offer a nice blend of strength and lightness. They’re relatively new technology, which you don’t find in a lot of tents, and they usually come at a higher price.ht.
Tent Types & Shapes
Different tent types and shapes can sleep more people and hold more camping gear than others. Some simple tents like dome tents and swags are quick to set up, and light enough to pack with you bush camping. Whereas bigger 10-person tents and bell tents hold a lot of people and camping gear but are meant more for drive-up car camping in caravan parks.
Dome Tent
Dome tents come in a wide range of sizes, though most are meant to sleep 6 people or fewer. They are usually made from polyester or nylon with lightweight fiberglass poles for support, which makes them a good option for hiking tents and bush camping. A lot of dome tents let you use the rain fly as a full-cover roof. Then you can use accessory poles to create an awning or vestibule in nice weather. With minimal headroom, a dome tent isn’t the ideal place to hide out on a rainy day.
Budget Dome Tent
3 Season Dome Tent: Double layer, waterproof, windproof, aluminium rod.
3 Season Dome Tent: Double layer, waterproof, windproof, aluminium rod.
Best Value Dome Tent
Amflip Dome Tent: Pop up, ultralight, waterproof, windproof, double layer, removable outer tarpaulin.
Amflip Dome Tent: Pop up, ultralight, waterproof, windproof, double layer, removable outer tarpaulin.
High End Dome Tent
Ever Advanced Dome Tent: lightweight backpacking tent, aluminium frame, waterproof high quality material, additional shaded area.
Ever Advanced Dome Tent: lightweight backpacking tent, aluminium frame, waterproof high quality material, additional shaded area.
Pop-Up Tents
Pop-up tents are a form of dome tent where the lightweight fiberglass poles and the tent fabric are integrated. The tent can be folded or coiled into a small package for easy storage. It then sets up in seconds, springing to life as you release it from the pack.
Pop-up tents tend to be very lightweight and meant only to be a sleeping shelter. They’re a popular choice with spot-and-stalk hunters and hikers who like to go camping in the bush.
The thin poles in low-quality pop-up tents are prone to premature failure. So, if you want to use a pop-up tent for a long time to come, you need to be willing to pay more for a high-end unit.
Pop-up tents tend to be very lightweight and meant only to be a sleeping shelter. They’re a popular choice with spot-and-stalk hunters and hikers who like to go camping in the bush.
The thin poles in low-quality pop-up tents are prone to premature failure. So, if you want to use a pop-up tent for a long time to come, you need to be willing to pay more for a high-end unit.
Budget Pop-Up Tent
Wakeman Pop-Up 2 Person Tent: Water-Resistant, Portable, Waterproof, Lightweight, Pop Up, Tent Stakes, Rainfly.
Wakeman Pop-Up 2 Person Tent: Water-Resistant, Portable, Waterproof, Lightweight, Pop Up, Tent Stakes, Rainfly.
Best Value Pop-Up Tent
Oztrail Pop-Up Tent: Pop up, removable cap for rain protection, mesh vents, guy points for windy conditions, silver coated 1000mm waterhead rated materials.
Oztrail Pop-Up Tent: Pop up, removable cap for rain protection, mesh vents, guy points for windy conditions, silver coated 1000mm waterhead rated materials.
High End Pop-Up Tent
Blackhole Pop-Up 4 Person Tent: 3000mm water rating, 190T breathable polyester, side windows, fully taped seams, reflective guide ropes, accessory pockets.
Blackhole Pop-Up 4 Person Tent: 3000mm water rating, 190T breathable polyester, side windows, fully taped seams, reflective guide ropes, accessory pockets.
A-Frame Tent
A-frame tents offer a lot of headroom right at the peak. They tend to be very easy to set up and are usually light enough for hike-in campsites. Materials and pole types can vary. If you want to use it as a hiking tent, I’d recommend sticking to models that use aluminum or fiberglass poles with a ripstop polyester or nylon fabric.
Budget A-Frame Tent
Trekking Pole A-Frame 1-2 Person Tent: Portable, Ultralight, Waterproof, Easy set up
Trekking Pole A-Frame 1-2 Person Tent: Portable, Ultralight, Waterproof, Easy set up
Best Value A-Frame Tent
High Peak A-Frame Tent: Portable, Water-Resistant, Waterproo
High Peak A-Frame Tent: Portable, Water-Resistant, Waterproo
High End A-Frame Tent
Darche 2-4 person A-Frame Tent: Zip on/off front awning, sealed and proofed seams, heavy duty PVC floor, water shedding windows, power cord inlet.
Darche 2-4 person A-Frame Tent: Zip on/off front awning, sealed and proofed seams, heavy duty PVC floor, water shedding windows, power cord inlet.
Swags
Swags are essentially a tent and sleeping accommodation in one. They’re easy to set up and you can take them just about anywhere. However, even a large free-standing double swag can be a little tight for two people, and downright claustrophobic if you need to stay inside on a rainy day.
Budget Swag
Kings Deluxe Single Swag: 400GMS ripstop canvas, high density foam mattress, water[proof PVC bucket floor, includes 2in1 LED light and fan.
Kings Deluxe Single Swag: 400GMS ripstop canvas, high density foam mattress, water[proof PVC bucket floor, includes 2in1 LED light and fan.
Best Value Swag
Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag: Full length doors, high density foam mattress with removable cover, insect mesh, internal pockets, welded pvc bucket floor.
High End Swag
4×4 Equip Dual Cab Double Swag: Huge 1m hight, 70mm high density foam mattress, waterproof ripstop canvas, sealed seams, sandfly proof mesh, PVC bucket floor.
4×4 Equip Dual Cab Double Swag: Huge 1m hight, 70mm high density foam mattress, waterproof ripstop canvas, sealed seams, sandfly proof mesh, PVC bucket floor.
Multi-Room Tent
Multi-room tents are usually 6-person, or 10-person tents with hanging wall dividers to give everyone the feeling of having their own space. These are family tents that have a lot in common with dome tents but are typically larger and taller.
Since they’re so large, and weigh so much, a lot of manufacturers save weight with fiberglass poles. Unfortunately, this flexible structure and the massive walls of most family tents make them vulnerable to collapsing in strong winds.
Since they’re so large, and weigh so much, a lot of manufacturers save weight with fiberglass poles. Unfortunately, this flexible structure and the massive walls of most family tents make them vulnerable to collapsing in strong winds.
Budget Multi-Room Tent
Cabin 10 Multi-Room Tent: Full fly for maximum weather protection, large side awning, main room can be split into 3 rooms, large windows for great ventilation, sandfly proof mesh, heavy duty PE floor, power cord entry and management system and plenty of storage.
Cabin 10 Multi-Room Tent: Full fly for maximum weather protection, large side awning, main room can be split into 3 rooms, large windows for great ventilation, sandfly proof mesh, heavy duty PE floor, power cord entry and management system and plenty of storage.
Best Value Multi-Room Tent
Coleman WeatherMaster Tent: Separate floorless screen room, WeatherTec system with welded floors and inverted seams.
Coleman WeatherMaster Tent: Separate floorless screen room, WeatherTec system with welded floors and inverted seams.
High End Multi-Room Tent
Oztrail Lumos Fast Frame Tent: Intergrated LED lighting, dual illuminated on/off switch with night setting, blockout coating, fast set up, 3000mm waterhead rated ripstop polyester fly, heavy duty PVC floor, full side awning with removable ind breaks, large doors,No-See-Um mesh panels for total insect protection, can integrate heaters and air conditioners.
Oztrail Lumos Fast Frame Tent: Intergrated LED lighting, dual illuminated on/off switch with night setting, blockout coating, fast set up, 3000mm waterhead rated ripstop polyester fly, heavy duty PVC floor, full side awning with removable ind breaks, large doors,No-See-Um mesh panels for total insect protection, can integrate heaters and air conditioners.
Geodesic Tents
Geodesic tents are like dome tents that take intersection support poles to a whole new level. This gives these lightweight tents the added support to withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and even a fair amount of snow load. They’re a great option for hike-in bush camping enthusiasts and hunters.
Most geodesic tent makers claim their model is super-easy to set up. Unfortunately, a lot of them can be complicated to put up on your own, and the prices can vary for just a modest-sized tent.
Most geodesic tent makers claim their model is super-easy to set up. Unfortunately, a lot of them can be complicated to put up on your own, and the prices can vary for just a modest-sized tent.
Budget Geodesic Tent
Salewa Geodesic Tent: Self supporting construction, extension option, reinforced Hypalon sleeve finishing.
Salewa Geodesic Tent: Self supporting construction, extension option, reinforced Hypalon sleeve finishing.
Best Value Geodesic Tent
Geertop Geodesic Tent: High quality alpine tent, ultralight, storage pockets, closeable ventilation windows.
Stretcher Tents
As the name implies a stretcher tent is a typical tent elevated off the ground by a stretcher or reinforced cot structure. It’s a great way to get your tent off the ground if you’re worried about snakes and insects.
Some stretcher tents have a swag, a dome, or a geodesic tent integrated with them. Others are just reinforced stretchers with the size and weight rating designed to handle a wide range of small tents.
Some stretcher tents have a swag, a dome, or a geodesic tent integrated with them. Others are just reinforced stretchers with the size and weight rating designed to handle a wide range of small tents.
Budget Stretcher Tent
Oztrail Stretcher Tent: Portable and quick set up, 1500mm Waterhead rated UVTex polyester flysheet, ultrafine No-See-Um mesh, heavy duty powder coated steel, awning option.
Oztrail Stretcher Tent: Portable and quick set up, 1500mm Waterhead rated UVTex polyester flysheet, ultrafine No-See-Um mesh, heavy duty powder coated steel, awning option.
High End Stretcher Tent
Oztent Bunker Pro Stretcher Tent: Fast and easy set up, padded bed, heavy duty steel frame, superfine mesh, Ripstop canvas.
Oztent Bunker Pro Stretcher Tent: Fast and easy set up, padded bed, heavy duty steel frame, superfine mesh, Ripstop canvas.
Tunnel Tent
Tunnel tents offer the easy setup of a dome tent with the massive size of a multi-room family tent. They’re light for their size as they’re essentially a series of very long fiberglass poles holding up a massively long sleeve of ripstop polyester or nylon fabric.
The challenge with tunnel tents is that they rely on a series of guy ropes to keep them standing. You need soil that can hold all the stakes with confidence. Even then a strong windstorm can sometimes manage to blow a tunnel tent flat.
The challenge with tunnel tents is that they rely on a series of guy ropes to keep them standing. You need soil that can hold all the stakes with confidence. Even then a strong windstorm can sometimes manage to blow a tunnel tent flat.
Ceither Tunnel Tent: 2 doors, wear resistent, breathable fabric. Cannot be used on rainy days
Best Value Tunnel Tent
Campros Tunnel Tent: 2 rooms, windproof, waterproof.
Campros Tunnel Tent: 2 rooms, windproof, waterproof.
High End Tunnel Tent
Naturehike Tunnel Tent: Lightweight, compact, UPF 50+ fabric, fly sheet, skirts for heat retention.
Naturehike Tunnel Tent: Lightweight, compact, UPF 50+ fabric, fly sheet, skirts for heat retention.
Bell Tent
Tunnel tents offer the easy setup of a dome tent with the massive size of a multi-room family tent. They’re light for their size as they’re essentially a series of very long fiberglass poles holding up a massively long sleeve of ripstop polyester or nylon fabric.
The challenge with tunnel tents is that they rely on a series of guy ropes to keep them standing. You need soil that can hold all the stakes with confidence. Even then a strong windstorm can sometimes manage to blow a tunnel tent flat.
Budget Bell Tent
Explore Bell Tent: Shade Coat 300D polyester seam sealed fabric, heavy duty PE floor, No-Seeum mesh, 5 air ventilation ports, bug screened doors, accessory pockets and power cord inlet.
Best Value Bell Tent
Miuz Bell Tent: Weatherproof, good ventiliation, cotton fabric.
High End Bell Tent
Happybuy Bell Tent: Waterproof, Windproof, bug mesh.
Happybuy Bell Tent: Waterproof, Windproof, bug mesh.
Instant Tent
Instant tents, or inflatable pop-up tents use compressed air inside inflatable beam structures to support the body of the tent. They set up in minutes without you having to mess with poles and other structural components.
There’s a real concern with leaks in one or more of the air beams. They can leak at the seams, due to a puncture or even in a crease that develops from sitting too long in storage. So, it helps to prioritize an instant/inflatable tent with reinforced PVC or thermoplastic urethane air beams.
There’s a real concern with leaks in one or more of the air beams. They can leak at the seams, due to a puncture or even in a crease that develops from sitting too long in storage. So, it helps to prioritize an instant/inflatable tent with reinforced PVC or thermoplastic urethane air beams.
Budget Instant Tent
Umbalir Instant Inflatable Tent: 2 minute set up, lightweight and compact, high quality polyester and mesh including ground sheet.
Umbalir Instant Inflatable Tent: 2 minute set up, lightweight and compact, high quality polyester and mesh including ground sheet.
Best Value Instant Tent
OGL Extra Large Inflatable Tent: Storage hooks and pockets, mesh doors, able to set up heater or air conditioner, chimney opening, high density Oxford cloth with reinforced double-stitched seams. Weatherproof, good ventiliation, cotton fabric.
OGL Extra Large Inflatable Tent: Storage hooks and pockets, mesh doors, able to set up heater or air conditioner, chimney opening, high density Oxford cloth with reinforced double-stitched seams. Weatherproof, good ventiliation, cotton fabric.
High End Instant Tent
Darche Air Volution Instant Tent: Puncture resistant air poles, dual action hand pump, 210 Denier oxford polyester Ripstop, 1500mm polyurethane waterproofing with internal seal, pockets for storage.
Darche Air Volution Instant Tent: Puncture resistant air poles, dual action hand pump, 210 Denier oxford polyester Ripstop, 1500mm polyurethane waterproofing with internal seal, pockets for storage.
Wrapping up
The best tent for you is going to depend on where and how you like to go camping, as well as the number of people you need to sleep. If you have a large family with a lot of camping equipment, then a large multi-room tent like the Coleman Weather Master 10 Person tent might make sense.
If you just need a place to sleep that sets up quick at the end of a long hiking or hunting trip, then a swag or a single person stretcher tent like the Oztent Bunker Pro might be the best tent to meet your needs. They’re small, lightweight, and durable enough to last for years.
If your camping style is more like “Glamping” then you might want a spacious bell tent like the Happybuy Canvas Bell Tent or a high-end inflatable instant tent like the Umbalir Inflatable Glamping Tent with Pump. Both have plenty of room to sleep a family and can hold all the camping essentials you need to live the good life in the bush.
Happy camping!
If you just need a place to sleep that sets up quick at the end of a long hiking or hunting trip, then a swag or a single person stretcher tent like the Oztent Bunker Pro might be the best tent to meet your needs. They’re small, lightweight, and durable enough to last for years.
If your camping style is more like “Glamping” then you might want a spacious bell tent like the Happybuy Canvas Bell Tent or a high-end inflatable instant tent like the Umbalir Inflatable Glamping Tent with Pump. Both have plenty of room to sleep a family and can hold all the camping essentials you need to live the good life in the bush.
Happy camping!
