Emergency Shelter at its Quickest: Top Impromptu Tents for Blazing Fast Setup (Year 2024)
It's finally time for that weekend getaway you've been waiting for, months in the making! It took a month of planning, three hours trying to get the little ones out the door, two rounds of "Did you remember...?", a last-minute store run, and an hour in the car playing "Are We There Yet?" But the campsite is in sight. You're almost there!
But wait... you still have to spend the next 30 minutes setting up your tent. That's why I love our instant tents. They go up in seconds, no stress, no hassle. Just unfold, extend, and done.
We've found not all instant tents are created equal. Some are roomy and weatherproof, while others leave much to be desired. After testing a bunch of them-through rain, wind, and cold-I've discovered the best ones. If you want a tent that's easy to set up and actually holds up, I've got you covered.
Here are the top instant tents to consider:
The Gazelle T4 Hub: This tent sets up in just 104 seconds, is tough as steel, and feels ready for anything-a real Superman of tents. Inside, it's incredibly spacious-a queen size air mattress fits with room to spare, and I have more than enough room to stand comfortably. The 300D Oxford fabric feels extra durable, the YKK zippers glide smoothly, and it kept me completely dry during heavy rain. I'd recommend adding extra guy lines for stronger winds. The removable floor makes cleanup a breeze, and the large windows provide great airflow. At 30 lbs, it's a bit on the heavier side, but for car camping, that's not a deal-breaker. Overall, the Gazelle T4 Hub just performs better-no fuss, no leaks, no hassle.
The Caddis Rapid 4: If the Gazelle is Superman, then the Caddis Rapid 4 is Batman-rugged, reliable, and built to handle tough conditions. With heavy-duty steel poles and thick fabrics, this tent can take a beating and come back for more. It held up well during a light rain, mild winds, and rocky terrain-no rips, no buckling, no problem. The tent has extra features like a gear loft, Velcro-sealed power port, and multiple windows for improved airflow and ventilation. It may not be as waterproof as the Gazelle, but it's a solid, battle-tested choice for campers who want strength, quick setup, and plenty of space.
The Bushnell 6 Person Instant Tent: This camping tent sets up in less than a minute, offering two doors for families, and fits two queen-sized air mattresses. The tent uses extended eaves, allowing the rainfly to stick out from the top and sides of the tent, keeping you dry but also providing increased ventilation. It's suitable for casual campers who don't normally encounter severe weather, although it can handle winds up to 40 mph. It also has built-in storage pockets for your camping gear, allowing you to keep things organized.
The Core 9 Instant Cabin Tent: This 9-foot deep instant cabin tent sets up in less than a minute, and can be made into two separate rooms. It has an oversized main door, two side doors, seven large windows, an adjustable ground vent, and a mesh roof with a removable rainfly cover. The built-in electrical port, gear loft, and storage pockets add to its convenience. It can fit two queen air beds and offers generous max height for a 4-person tent. Overall, this instant cabin tent is a solid, family-friendly option.
The Coleman Pop Up Camping Tent: While not as robust as the other options, this pop-up tent pops into place in as little as 10 seconds, making it perfect for those seeking the quickest setup possible. It sets up remarkably quickly, and there's even a divider in the middle to create two separate rooms. Keep in mind, however, that the Coleman Pop Up doesn't have information on its fabric thickness or the waterhead rating, making it less suitable for long camping trips or times when you might encounter rain. It would be a great option for casual campers who enjoy sunny weather conditions or as a kid's tent for the backyard.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your camping needs and priorities. For quick and easy setup, reliability, and generous interior space, the Gazelle T4 Hub and Caddis Rapid 4 are top picks. The Bushnell 6 Person and Core 9 Instant Cabin Tents offer more space and family-friendly features, while the Coleman Pop Up Camper caters to those seeking the fastest setup possible. Happy camping!
- After a long day of preparations, setting up the instant tent is the last task before you can start your outdoor adventure.
- If you're into sports like backpacking or camping, having a reliable and weatherproof tent like the Gazelle T4 Hub or the Caddis Rapid 4 can make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
- The Gazelle T4 Hub tent, with its quick setup and spacious interior, is perfect for campers who value convenience, durability, and waterproofing.
- For families looking for a tent with multiple doors, increased ventilation, and double the room for queen-sized air mattresses, the Bushnell 6 Person Instant Tent might be the best fit.
){kind=link}