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. 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 Wawona 6’s side-walls are high and straight, but the structure stays very stable in wind thanks to a final pole that wraps around the front and sides—and thanks to the absence of any acute angles in the poles.
We were skeptical about the vestibule’s ability to handle wind, since it’s big and supported by a single pole, but it stood fast in 30 mph oceanside gusts and 15 mph hilltop winds. Measuring 10 by 10 feet, the Sundome covers an area larger than that of our family-tent top pick though its lower roof leaves it with less headroom. The Wireless 6’s drawbacks have mainly to do with material quality. These can be as strong, or even more so, than aluminum poles (especially cheap ones), but they’re always bulkier, heavier, and not as nice to handle.
It’s both the lightest and most compact tent on our list thanks to its “pop-out” design that packs down flat and goes up with a simple unfolding motion thanks to its spring-loaded frame. We love that G4Free included so many premium features in such a budget model. For instance, this tent shower includes both an overhead hook for hanging a solar shower as well as a velcro-sealed exterior port for folks who want to run an exterior water tank system.
Now that we’ve seen the budget options, let’s have a look at what you can get if you’re willing to spend a bit more. This model from KingCamp is available in two different sizes. Whether you go for the single room or double room version, both have plenty of space inside. Now, if you’re on a tight budget and you just want a good, no-frills shower tent, check out this pop-up from GigaTent.
ozark trail instant cabinWe offer competitive prices on all of our exclusive products. We stand by our high-quality products and your satisfaction is guaranteed. The bathhouse in the horse camp is closed until further notice.
The windows are double-layer with mesh and with zippered panels. Coleman makes no dedicated footprints for its tents—the idea being that the polyethylene is tough enough not to need one. (Still, we suggest that you buy a groundsheet.) The tent has two small, internal pockets—fewer than on any of our other picks—and a loop at the ceiling center to hang a small, lightweight light. The tent weighs just 16 pounds, less than any other family tent we tested for this guide.
For instance, there’s no floor inside at all, which makes for excellent drainage, but also means you’ll need to bring your own (like a tarp) or plan on standing on wet ground. Overall the design is very solid once assembled, but getting it there can be a pain. That’s because the Texsport’s poles don’t fit as snugly as we’d like into their designated hubs, so having a pole or two pop out of place during assembly is a common occurrence. All things considered, the Texsport Instant Shower is about the most space you can get for the money, and makes for a great multi-use privacy area in the outdoors as well. Some campers might find the Wawona 6’s footprint unwieldy in smaller campsites, or they might simply prefer a tent with a more straightforward design. If you want a six-person tent made with high-quality materials but a traditional profile, we recommend the similarly priced Big Agnes Spicer Peak 6, or Nemo’s Aurora Highrise 6.
ozark trail canopy tentThere’s even an adjustable velcro showerhead attachment in the corner of the ceiling for hands-free showering. Step through to the changing room and you’ve got plenty of room to store dry clothes and towels as well as two zippable mesh windows for views and ventilation. Each room measures 3.5 feet x 3.5 feet, but you’ve also got the option of unzipping the center divider and having the whole thing to yourself if you prefer.
The poles should be made from a lightweight, rustproof metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Many customers found this camping shower tent to be versatile, using one room as a solar shower and the other as a portable camping toilet. Even satisfied customers still had complaints about the quality of the carrying bag, however, reporting that it easily ripped after a couple uses.