Planning a trip or a family vacation is no joke. It’s essential to get the accommodation out of the way as soon as possible. That way, you don’t have to worry about where you call home for 2 weeks.
The best 4 person tents are perfect for families or groups of friends. They can take a break while experiencing the Great Outdoors. Because choosing a tent can be tough, we’ve crafted this guide for your information.
Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know about the best 4 person tents and how to pick one.
Why Choose 4 Person Tents?
It’s not only about how many bodies you can fit inside a 4 person tent – it’s the extra space for your equipment and comfort. That makes them perfect for families as well as groups of people on an extended trip with lots of gear.
More Height
As a rule, 4 person tents are wider and around the same length as 1, 2 or 3 person tents. However, where they differ is in height. The ones that fit fewer people are 3 feet in height. The options on this list are 5 to 6 feet depending on the manufacturer and product type.
When you’re not so low to the ground, you can do simple stuff such as standing up, without hitting your head against the roof. It seems like a small thing, yet it’s satisfying when you don’t have to go outside in the cold to get changed!
Less Weight
1 and 2 person tents will always be the lightest – they usually weigh less than 5lbs. Still, there’s no need to carry a bulky tent around with you if you go hiking or don’t have a car and use public transport.
At less than 10lbs, the best 4 person tents weigh almost half the amount of a 6 person tent. That makes it easier to carry and flexible if you need to move from one location to another.
Affordability
The amount will always be a factor for the likes of us who don’t have a bottomless budget. A 4 person tent is an excellent middle ground. It offers all the features you need to live comfortably without breaking the bank. For $150 or less, you can expect a lightweight tent with a spacious interior and a vestibule to store your luggage.
It may be a squeeze at times, yet it’s better to buy a cozy, 4 person tent than it is to splash out on one that you can’t afford.
How Can You Use A 4 Person Tent?
You may not be a camping connoisseur, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a go and trying a new pastime. Here is a selection of the ways you can use a tent.
Family Vacation
Only 42% of people in the USA use their full vacation allocation. Sure, you don’t want to travel out of the country or out of the state every time you’re not in the office. But, you don’t have to stay at home, on the sofa.
The best 4 person tents fit as many as 4 people, even if it is a tight squeeze. Thankfully, families are close-knit! For families with fewer than 4 people, camping is an excellent way to bond.
Exercise
Going on a camping expedition seems like an exaggerated way to workout more. However, it’s hard for families to find the time to exercise and kids suffer the most. Today, at least 18% of the child and adolescent population in the US classes as being obese.
The good news is that camping promotes health and fitness thanks to the range of activities. Everyone from adults to kids can go cycling, kayaking, hiking or climbing to name but four. And, you won’t find it hard work to involve everyone as they are fun activities.
Music Festival
To add more excitement to your camping trip, you can choose to tie it into a music festival. The likes of Coachella, Red Rock and Lollapalooza are dotting around the country during the spring and summer. It’s an excellent way to spend a vacation while watching live acts.
A 4 person tent is an excellent option as it offers extra room for your bags and equipment. With a stove for cooking and a gazebo for enjoying the weather, it’s almost the same as glamping.
Things To Keep In Mind
Try and keep the following in mind before you decide which 4 person tent to buy.
Sizes Differ
Although there are general sizes, the exact specifications vary depending on the manufacturer. Don’t assume it will fit 4 people and all your bags, too. Instead, check the package for more information and research the specific model to ensure it suits your needs.
Not All Tents Are Seasonal
Most work best in 3 seasons. If you’re going to be in extreme climates, you should double-check if the tent has the features you need to be comfortable. For example, it may not have a snow skirt that protects you from the cold in heavy snow. The same goes for heat, also. In hot destinations, mesh walls are vital for ventilation and cooler interior temperatures.
Tent Specs Are Important
They might be confusing, but they are more than jargon. These are the 3 you should know:
- Min trail weight: the weight of the body of the tent, rainfly, and poles
- Packaged weight: the total of everything – the above plus sacks and manual
- Packed size: the amount of space the tent takes up when packaged. This is a sign of how easy it is to carry
4 Person Tent Reviews
Coleman Dome Tent
My rating:
At 9 x 7ft with a 5ft center height, there is plenty of room to maneuver in this tent. Although there isn’t enough space to stand up for most people, the extra storage space makes up for it. The interior is very spacious and is probably at the top of the list when it comes to these 5 tents.
A feature that you’ll enjoy is the windows. Not only do they boost the ventilation on stuffy, muggy days, but they’re also excellent to let in light. With this tent, you won’t feel as if you’re in a prison cell!
The welded floor lifts you off the ground, adding to the waterproof properties. While the inverted seams stop rain and condensation from leaking in. Overall, it’s a basic yet reliable option.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Setup only takes 10 minutes | Center height doesn’t allow you to stand up properly |
| Made in the USA – helping the US economy | Full vestibule area isn’t included |
| Spacious – Very easy to move around inside | Need a separate tarp to add more protection from the rain |
| The most affordable at less than $60 |
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent
My rating:
Part of the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx range is the fact it not only resists water but UV rays. The sun can damage the material, making it less taut and durable. With the Lynx 4 person tent, there’s no need to worry.
Where this differs from the 1 and 2 person ALPS options is the extra vestibules for storage. In this tent, you shouldn’t lack for places to put your bags, clothes and camping accessories. And, at 7’6 x 8’6, it’s small and light enough (max weight is 8lbs 10oz) to move around without any hassle. The fact it’s freestanding adds to its maneuverability.
The 1500mm polyester fly and 2000mm floor coating mean it’s watertight and weatherproof. The tent is very stable once pitched.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to set up – doesn’t take more than 15 minutes | Quite expensive – $151 to $162 |
| Decent center height (52″) | |
| Min weight is 7lbs 15oz – Perfect for carrying if you split up the pieces | |
| Spacious interior |
Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent
My rating:
Don’t let the name fool you – you don’t need previous camping experience to buy this 4 person tent. But, you do get the features of a professional backpacking tent, starting with the extra size. Upgraded to 7.3ft width, the Weanas makes an excellent choice for taller people. By sleeping adjacent to the entrance, there’s no need for your head or feet to touch the ends of the tent.
In terms of its waterproof properties, the Weanas is superior to most of the competition. This is all because of its 4000mm flysheet waterproof index. As well as showers, this tent can withstand heavy, extended downpours. Plus, it is more than a fall or winter tent. Thanks to the breathable mesh that aids ventilation and stops pests from bugging you.
A great feature is a dual-zipper vestibule. It transforms into an awning for extra storage space or a place to relax.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| The lightest option at 6.5 lbs | Poles for the porch aren’t included |
| More space for bigger and tall people | Only fits 3 average-sized adults comfortably – To fit 4, everyone needs to be slim |
| Compact enough to fit inside a backpack | Water splashes under the mesh if you don’t put down a ground tarp |
| Pitchable in 5 minutes | |
| Can change into a 2 or 3 person tent depending on the circumstances |
Kelty Outback Tent
My rating:
One of the worst things about camping is the constant noise of zippers as they grind open and shut. Well, the Kelty Outback tent stops you from waking up in the middle of the night or searching for zippers when you need the toilet. Why? It’s down to its D-door that works as if it’s on a hinge. Once it’s open, you can pull and push it for easy access like a proper door.
Another feature of note is the color-coded poles. This makes it super easy to set up because you don’t have to worry about figuring out which pieces go where. Match the colors together and put them together to erect the tent within 10 minutes. The 60″ center height is the highest on this list. So, you’ll be as comfortable standing up in the Kelty as any other option.
The large vestibule area – 15sq ft – is perfect for families with lots of camping equipment.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Big D-door for easy access | Footprint not included |
| Guy lines stabilize in windy conditions and then tuck away into the guyline pockets to prevent trips and falls under $100 | Fiberglass poles are easily breakable |
| Color coding makes setup twice as simple | |
| Noiseless zippers |
ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
My rating:
With a base Size of 7’6 x 8’6 and a center height of 52″, size isn’t an issue if you choose the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus. Whether you lay length or width ways, your head, feet and body shouldn’t touch the top, bottom or sides of the tent.
The mesh windows cover the ventilation, even in rainy conditions. Not only are they in the original tent skin, but also included in the fly too. The factory-sealed fly and floor mean there’s no water leakage problems, while the star gazing vents give a nightlight vibe in the evening.
Overall, it’s a good option for just over $100.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Spacious interior for sleeping | The heaviest tent compared to the others |
| Lots of ventilation for muggy weather | Floor saver isn’t included |
| Affordable | 4 persons won’t fit easily |
| Part of a reputable range by ALPS | |
| 25sq ft vestibule area – the biggest on this list |
Conclusion
It’s difficult to choose between the best 4 person tents on the market, but the Kelty Outback edges it. You shouldn’t underestimate the D-door or the noiseless zippers. They make life miles easier and less noisy while camping. The center height is another feature that is often underplayed. Compared to the rest on this list, there is an extra half-foot for your head.
It’s not the cheapest or the most adaptable – those awards go to the Coleman and Weanas tents – but it’s the best all-round option. With color codes, it’s simple to erect and takes less than 10 minutes. It doesn’t cost more than $100, and it’s also lightweight.
It may not be a master of any of the features, but it’s a Jack of all trades.
