Choose to treat yourself with multi-room systems and customisable layouts, extended front awnings and inbuilt LED night lights with BCF’s big family tents. Alternatively, the eager mountaineer and explorer might prefer the lightweight hiking tent option, designed to be compact enough to carry on your back. Single and double BCF swags are also available for those who don’t need all the space and luxury of a tent but don’t mind carrying a little extra weight compared to a hiking tent. The Ozark Trail 5-Person Dome Tent is our favorite budget choice. You can set it up in just minutes, making it a stress-free experience for beginners and seasoned campers alike. This SUV tent has a spacious interior and can comfortably accommodate up to five people.
Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate the lifespan of their tents. ozark trail canopy tent When pushed, most of the reps we talked to estimated five to 10 years, though the actual lifespan will vary widely depending on care and frequency of use (for more advice, read REI’s excellent tips). In conducting research for this guide, we heard multiple tales of careful campers who had been using the same tent for 15 years or more.
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent is the best car-camping tent choice for couples. It has everything you need for three-season camping, with the bonus of being light enough to double as an occasional backpacking tent. Although it’s designed to accommodate three people—hence the “3” in its name—we found that at 42.5 square feet, the tent is more comfortable for two, plus gear and maybe a medium-size dog.
This dome-style tent has nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single vestibule the size of an actual mudroom. It’s also straightforward to set up, and it is made with sturdy, light materials. Great for backyard overnights, this simple dome-style tent is for anyone who doesn’t want to spend more than $150 on a tent but also doesn’t want to buy another ozark trail instant cabin one next year. Should wind and rain come through your campsite, having some extra poles, pegs and guy ropes can come in handy. Lights and lanterns will also be useful during the evening which can be powered by solar panels. Depending on the size of your tent or if you select a swag, having a tarp over the top can help prevent against mildew.
A few weeks later, we brought the front-runners to a platform in an area that had higher elevation, near the Waianae Mountain Range, and camped out overnight in intermittent but consistent rainfall. Choose a level parking spot at your campsite and ensure the surface of your SUV is clean. Secure the tent’s sleeve or straps over your vehicle’s top so they’re snug but not overly tight.
Opt for a tent that offers a straightforward and hassle-free setup process. Look for color-coded poles and clear instructions to simplify the installation. Designed to fit a variety of vehicles—including trucks—this Rightline SUV tent has a lot of highlights, including versatility, ease of setup, and protection from the elements. It can pop up in minutes with uncomplicated directions and helpful color coding. The exterior is comprised of water-resistant fabric with tape-sealed seams that will keep you dry and comfortable on even the rainiest and stormiest of nights. In terms of the interior, we love the multiple storage pockets for keeping gear out of the way yet easy to access when needed.