The REI Co-Op Flash Air 2 is one of the weaker models in our fleet for weather resistance. Typically when a tent is labeled four-seasons its actually built for one thing specifically: Cold weather. Lead reviewer, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, has been testing tents for GearLab for almost four years. Metrics are weighted according to their relative importance. Four person tents are a nice step up in space and comfort from your typical two person tent, but they arent the same bottomless pit of gear storage you get with larger camping tents. Comfort is the hominess of a backpacking tent. After testing and analyzing countless makes and models, weve finally settled on the six tents we think have something to offer for every kind of camper. We also love the Mountain Hardwear AC2. An example of a tunnel tent is the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. All things considered, this tent is exceptional for its balance of performance and weight a combination that we would take with us on almost any adventure. Below well list all the criteria that we consider when evaluating the best 4 person tents for our list. Its got everything that makes a four person tent great (space, materials, storage) but then adds in the most versatile vestibule weve seen. Ventilation is another high point of the Super Dome thanks to the giant mesh front wall and 360-degree mesh on the ceiling. Those are great, but they arent exciting, ya know? In terms of durability, we don't intentionally try to break our tents, but sometimes things happen, and we take note of delicate fabrics and brittle clips. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 also scores well in this metric, offering above-average protection and an adaptable fly setup that can be pitched traditionally but can also convert into an overhead awning when propped up with a couple of trekking poles. Fabrics that are treated for water resistance are always better than those that arent. We look for tents that have (a) as much space as possible between the tent body and the vestibule (another reason why staking a tent out properly is important) and (b) as much cross-ventilation as possible (having two vents directly opposed to each other gives air an easier path to enter/exit). It is best suited for weekend backpacking, canoe trips, and car camping. All around, its a strong performer and a fantastic value to boot. Ease of setup refers to how quick and intuitive it is to pitch a tent. Fantastic weatherproofing with taped seams throughout, a polyurethane coated fly and floor. Year-round usability adds value and versatility. Of course if the four feet of vestibule isnt quite enough for your needs, the Wagontop 4 is compatible with the same extended gear garage as the rest of the Wagontop line, meaning you can zip on an extra covered outdoor space large enough to park a car inside of if you really want to. The sheer volume of storage is the first thing youll want to consider here. Thats because some tents use a pre-curved pole design, which allows them to have straighter walls and more gently sloping ceilings. Specs: Weight: 14.2 lbs (6.5 kg) Packed size: 27 x 16 x 9 (67cm x 41cm x 24cm) Floor size: 92 x 90 (233cm x 228cm) Peak height: 70 (178cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Cabin Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. We will point out that although technically the peak height of this tent is 80, that measurement is taken at the main entry door, so dont expect that height throughout the tent. Specifically, the Super Dome is a party for three. This model comes with metal tensioners that are extra sturdy. We love the materials and compact pole sections of the Tarptent Double Rainbow, NEMO Hornet Elite 2, and Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. We say three because the unique hexagonal layout of the Homestead has plenty of floor space for three adults (not just two adults and a child), and has the truly unique feature of having three doors in a triangle arrangement. Thats great on a big family tent, but nearly unheard of on a four person model. Any tent that performs well in the following metrics is a good investment in our book. Just a couple of qualities keep this model from a top spot. Shown here is the Tarptent Double Rainbow. There are some other innovative features out there that further simplify things, and for many campers theyre worth spending a little extra on. We love it on stormy days when we plan to spend more time hunkered down at basecamp rather than out on the trail. No one enjoys pulling on a pair of pants all hunched over and precariously balanced. It's a little pricey but comparable to its close competitors. Specs: Weight: 15.9 lbs (7.2 kg) Packed size: 25 x 9 x 9 (64cm x 23cm x 23cm) Floor size: 100 x 90 (254cm x 229cm) Peak height: 75 (191 cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. If youre shopping on a budget but dont feel like taking a gamble on a department store shelter, give the Kelty Discovery Basecamp a try. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is our favorite for its adaptability to a variety of enviroments. We are interested in any design features that impact a tent's ability to resist sagging and keep water from dripping through zippers and vents. Youll also note the Wagontop 4s large vestibule, which takes full advantage of the Nemos single wall design, clipping into the main tent frame to offer standup height and then some for entry/exit. The following analysis summarizes our findings, and we point out models that excel in each metric to help you find the right model. Bonus points to Big Agnes. Let us help. These tents have pole segments connected with elastic cord, so the pole structure often snaps itself into place with a few shakes once you take it out of the bag. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye takes the cake as far as sub-three-pound tents go. Its even got a nice front porch built into the extended vestibule, which stretches out over five feet and converts into a breezy awning for when the weather is nice. Not only does it come in a sweet dome shape, but its also available in some cool-looking prints (cloud camouflage and cactus flowers, to name a few), AND comes with a bottle opener. Its roomy floor plan, generous ceilings, fantastic materials, and reliable weatherproofing all combine to deliver the best camping experience weve seen in this category. Specs: Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg) Packed size: 23 x 6 x 6 (62cm x25cm x 25cm) Floor size: 97 x 79 (246cm x 201cm) Peak height: 58 (147 cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: 3 season camping on the cheap Price: $. With that being said, four-person tents are technically the largest size tent you can buy specifically for backpacking. Not a huge deal if they dont, but definitely a perk nonetheless. Then, youve got those other vestibules. If you have zero interest in backpacking, or already have a good backpacking tent, congratulations: You have no real reason to care how big or how heavy your 4 person tent is, because you wont be carrying it very far. It includes a pole segment that extends from door to door, which increases the lateral peak height of this model. A distinct subcategory of tent pole configuration is the tunnel tent. The price-to-quality ratio is by far the most attractive aspect of this tent, but affordability isnt the only thing the Discovery Basecamp has going for it. If you are interested in backpacking, however, and you dont already have a backpacking tent, you may want to consider killing two birds with one stone and buying a 4 person backpacking tent. This is a versatile option, great for backpacking or car camping. We are also impressed with the durability of the REI Half Dome SL 2+ and the NEMO Dagger 2. This is a good option to have on hand for a quick, casual weekend camping trip. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is under four pounds, and of course, offers tons of space for two people. The biggest head-scratcher is the orientation of the zippers on the doors and fly; our testers found that it is just more challenging than it should be to open and enter, especially in the rain. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Granted most folks looking to book a weekend family camping trip in December arent looking to sleep in three feet of snow, but just know that the Base Camp isnt designed for heavy snow loads. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The NEMO Dragonfly 2 strikes a prime balance between comfort and weight. One of the big surprises of this review is the NEMO Firefly, which is slightly heavier but still packs down as small as the UL models listed above. Especially when bad weather rolls in. Throw in the added utility of a standalone vestibule, and youve got a clear winner. The former offers a pre-bent pole structure that maximizes interior volume. From Nepal to the Sierra, we've covered extensive mileage, putting each one to the test. Big floorspace, stand-up ceilings, and simple setup delivered in a no-nonsense package. Though it is very expensive, its durable construction makes it a long-term value if you use it frequently. And, like all Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL models, the four-person variety includes the option of Fast Fly setup for folks who want to keep it as light as possible. For everything it offers, expect to pay top dollar for this model. Almost universally, the ends of the poles click into grommets (or grommet-like holes) at the four corners of the tent. Is it easy to enter and exit, or is climbing over a camping partner in the dark part of the experience? That might mean theyre supported by a pole in the tent frame, that theyre supported by trekking or utility poles, or that theyre some combination of the two. Weight is a crucial consideration as well generally, the lighter, the better. Even with those things in mind, the flexibility that this model affords is second to none. Storage on the Copper Spur is great, especially for a backpacking tent, and includes a large pocket Big Agnes calls the mezzanine, which is cleverly placed at the foot of the tent so as not to take up anymore living space than necessary. Color-coded poles and webbing is a nice design feature that makes pitching a tent even easier. If you love spending nights in nature, there is a tent out there for you. Weve really only got two minor complaints with the North Face Homestead Super Dome that kept it from topping our list: First, setup is a little more involved than average. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is an example of a tent with a fly that attaches with clips, whereas the Hornet Elite relies on guyline to secure the fly. We wouldn't hesitate to take this tent out with us on our next adventure. We rate performance based on a handful of essential metrics, including comfort and weather resistance. With tough DWR-treated 68D polyester fabric in both the canopy, floor, and rainfly, every square inch of the Habitude is built to last. We love the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 because its actually a great shelter year-round. Ok, so heres the deal: Most backpackers arent interested in hauling around a four-person tent, even if theyre splitting it between two packs. This basically converts the Copper Spur HV UL4 into a tarp-tent style shelter, foregoing the tent body entirely and simply using the rainfly, poles, and a footprint to create a simple shelter.
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