The 14 Best 4 Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking in 2024

If you’re in a rush and just want to know what the best four-person tent is, we recommend the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent as our #1 pick.

Four-person tents are where we start to verge away from smaller backpacking tents and get into real sizeable tents that you can fit multiple people into.

But let’s face it, even 4-person tents don’t comfortably fit four people. A better option to comfortably fit four people into a tent will be an 8 person tent. 

In our opinion, 4 person tents are ideal for 2 people – here are our picks for the best 4 person tents:

Best 4 Person Car Camping Tents:

• Best Overall 4-Person Tent: Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
• Best Budget 4 Person Tent: Coleman Sundome Tent
• Best 4 Person Family Tent (Editor’s Choice): REI Wonderland 4 Tent
• Best 4 Person Instant Tent: Coleman Instant Cabin Tent
• Best 4 Person Pop Up Tent: Gazelle T4 Hub Tent

Best Premium 4 Person Tents:

• Best Overall Premium 4-Person Tent: Marmot Limestone 4p Tent
• Best 4-Season and Cold Weather Tent: Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent
• Best 4 Man Tent for Premoum Comfort Big Agnes Bunk House 4
• Best 4 Person Tent for Durability: White Duck Prota Deluxe Canvas Cabin Tent
• Best 4-Person Tent for Storage: The North Face Wawona

Best 4 Person Backpacking Tents:

• Best 4-Person Backpacking Tent: Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
• Great 2nd Choice Backpacking 4 Person Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent
• Best for High Winds: ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter 4-Person Tent

Read more about how we test, review and rate 4-person tents! 

Best 4 Person Tent: Our Top Picks

Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 7 lbs 7 oz | Inside Height: 55″ | Floor: 96 x 80 ft (53.3 sq ft)

Having a slightly smaller size (53.3 sq ft) and lighter weight (just over 7 pounds), this Kelty tent is a great introductory tent purchase for first-time tent buyers. 

It also has great ventilation, easy setup, and durable construction. 

All that combined means it’s a good choice if you want a good beginner tent that could last you for years.

Its freestanding tent design allows you to set up camp wherever you want, and its color-coded clip construction means you’ll be up and running in no time. 

Pros:

• Easy setup – can be done in 3 minutes
• It’s 7 lbs. 7 oz. weight makes it perfect for backpacking
• Can handle winds up to 45 mph
• Durable – made with quality materials so it will last you for years
• A large vestibule provides a lot of space for your gear

Cons:

• Some customers found the tent poles to be of a lesser quality
• More expensive than some of the other tents on this list

Best for: backpacking beginners who want a quality four-person tent that will last them for years.

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Marmot Limestone 4P Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 11 lbs 11 oz | Inside Height: 61″ | Floor: 100 in x 86 in (60 sq ft)

Marmot is known for making well-made tents (backed by a lifetime warranty) that can beat the elements into submission.

And the Marmot Limestone 4p is no different!

With Aluminum DAC DA17 tent poles, and a tough 150-denier polyester Oxford floor fabric, and 68-denier ripstop polyester for the rainfly, this tent is made to withstand it all.

Not only that, but it’s pretty spacious too. At 60 square feet and a height of 61 inches, you are getting a pretty good size for a four person tent.

Overall, factoring in the mid-range price, the Marmot Limestone is an amazing all-around tent.

Pros:

• Offering a Lifetime Warranty, Marmot’s high quality sets the bar
• With 60 square feet and a 61 inch height, there is plenty of room for an air mattress and gear
• Aluminum DAC DA17 Poles are strong and tough
  
• A 21 square foot vestibule helps with additional gear storage

Cons:

• May need to be re-waterproofed after time

Best for: those looking for an all-around weatherproof tent.

Buy Direct from Marmot

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Coleman Sundome Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 2-season | Weight 8 lbs 8 oz | Inside Height: 59″ | Floor: 9 x 7 ft (63 sq ft)

This is one of the most popular four-person tents on the market, and when you consider its price tag it’s no surprise why. 

With 63 square feet of space, this tent is very spacious, and its 4’11’’ height makes entering and exiting the tent extremely easy.

Thanks to Coleman’s patented Weathertec technology, it has double-stitched seams, a wind-strong frame, and a waterproof tub floor.

That means you’ll be safe and warm even during the worst showers or the windiest of days.

Of course, the tent material quality isn’t on par with the above tents and the fiberglass tent poles aren’t as strong as some of the aluminum options.

But all in all, this Coleman tent is probably the best cheap 4 person tent available today.

The Coleman Sundome also comes in their patented blackout Dark Room technology, which blocks out 90% of sunlight. 

You can check out our full field test and review of the Coleman Dark Room Sundome here.

Pros:

• Affordable – best value for money
• Can be set up in as little as 10 minutes
• Waterproof – you’ll stay dry even in heavy rain
• Large windows and a ground vent make it very breathable 
• Weighs less than 10 pounds making it great for backpackers

Cons:

• The tent doesn’t come with a footprint 
• Not suitable for colder weather

Best for: campers on a budget who still want a great 4 man tent.

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REI Co-op Wonderland 4 Tent (formerly Kingdom 4)

Type: Tunnel | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 21 lbs 11 oz | Inside Height: 75″ | Floor: 100″ x 100″ (69.4 sq ft)

The REI Wonderland 4 is a brand new tent launched in 2022, replacing REI’s Kingdom 4 tent.

With a floor area of almost 70 sq ft and a peak height of 75 inches, the REI Wonderland 4 tent is a veritable camping fortress. 

Not only do you have more than enough room for both people and gear, but unless you’re really tall you can easily stand up and walk around inside the tent. 

The Wonderland 4 is an updated and newer version of the Kingdom 4 Tent. Some of the major differences include new sleeping bag level windows that assist with both ventilation as well as giving you a nice view right from your sleeping bag. 

Though the vestibule is now removed from this version of the tent, you can purchase a separate Wonderland Mud Room that will give you an extra 56 square feet of space. With the new color-coded poles, you’ll have this tent set up in 20 minutes or less. 

Of course, with the additional size comes the extra weight. Since it weighs over 21 lbs.

I can’t really recommend it for backpacking; however, it is an ideal piece of gear for car campers. 

You can check out our full review and field test of the REI Wonderland Tent here. 

Pros: 

• Incredibly roomy – with 70 sq ft of floor area, you’ll have more than enough space for several people
• A peak height of 75 inches allows for easy movement inside the tent
• Two large doors allow for easy movement in and out of the tent
• Sleeping bag level windows are a great new feature, and improve ventilation
• Plenty of storage pockets and a large vestibule ensure you’ll have plenty of room for your stuff 

Cons:

• Vestibule no longer included, must purchase Wonderland Mud Room separately
• Pricey – this is not a low-budget option for most campers

Best for: car campers looking for a reasonably large 4 person tent.

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REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3 & 4-season | Weight 16 lbs 14 oz | Inside Height: 60″ | Floor: 100 in x 86 in (60 sq ft)

This tent boasts a floor area of 60 sq ft, and a peak height of 5 ft, so it’s fairly roomy.

Its dome structure and aluminum poles ensure maximum stability, even in strong winds.

Speaking of which – each pole is color-coded, which makes setting up the tent and packing it away a walk in the park.

Weighing 16 lbs. 14 oz., it’s heavier than you’d want if you were going backpacking.

Still, it isn’t too heavy, and if you don’t plan on carrying it long distances you won’t have any issues with the weight at all.

The 2 roof vents and low side vents work together to create a “chimney effect”. This means your tent will always be well-ventilated, and you won’t have to worry about condensation forming on the inner tent walls.

To top it all off, there are plenty of pockets and loops for storing your gear, so staying organized is easy.

Pros:

• 2 doors for easy access
• Great ventilation
• Easy setup with color-coded parts
• Excellent stability – thanks to dome structure and aluminum poles 
• Features a large vestibule
• Roomy with 60 sq ft of floor space and a peak height of 5 ft

Cons:

• A bit on the heavier side – not ideal for backpackers
• The footprint is sold separately

Best for: campers looking for a solid tent that can withstand windy weather conditions.

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Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

Type: Cabin | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 18 lbs | Inside Height: 59″ | Floor: 8 x 7 ft (56 sq ft)

The Coleman Instant Cabin tent comes with pre-attached poles that make setting it up simple and straightforward.

Frankly, we love pitching instant tents as they set up quickly in about 2 minutes. The takedown is just as easy and you can have it back in the bag in just a few minutes.

Thanks to its sturdy build, it will hold up even during strong winds (as long as it is staked down properly).

One major drawback is that due to its size and weight, it’s not suited for backpacking and hiking. You’ll get the most use out of it if you love vehicle camping.

Compared to the Coleman Sundome tent, the Instant Cabin tent is larger and bulkier, with a higher price tag.

It’s also not going to stand up to weather quite as well as a dome tent, but for those nice sunny summer days, the quick-pitch technology is a huge win.

Pros:

• Can be set up in less than 2 minutes 
• Great for car camping with kids
• Darkroom technology blocks 90% of the sunlight outside
• Reduces the heat inside the tent up to 10% 
• Spacious with enough room to walk around in
• Multiple windows and air vents provide great ventilation 

Cons:

• Bigger size means it’s not the best for backpacking
• Some users reported water leaking into the tent during heavy rains

Best for: campers who want a great 4 person cabin tent.

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The North Wawona 4 Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 11 lbs 11 oz | Inside Height: 68″ | Floor: 96 x 90 in (58.13 sq ft)

The North Face is one of the all-time great outdoor brands: we’ve reviewed their jackets and backpacks before.

But are their tents as good as those? If I had to answer in one word – yes. And the Wawona 4 is no exception. 

First of all, this tent is extremely durable. It can easily withstand 45 mph winds, endure up to a week of constant rain, and it has waterproof flooring. Unless you’re camping in Alaska during the winter, you should be protected from the elements at all times.

It’s also one of the best tents out there when it comes to storage, and the ability to add on a front porch.

Weighing in at just under 12 pounds, it has a floor area of 58 sq ft and a peak height of 68 inches.

This makes it both lightweight and highly functional – ideal for people who don’t want to carry around a lot of heavy camping gear but still like a bit of comfort.

On the downside, is really the cost, and the additional setup time due to the 3rd pole. 

Pros: 

• Comes with a huge 27.6 sq ft vestibule
• Wind, rain, heat, or cold – this tent will protect you from it all
• Huge vestibule – you can comfortably sit in a chair under it
• Easy setup – it can be up and ready in less than 15 minutes
• Plenty of storage pockets for your gear
• Two doors for entry on either side of the tent

Cons:

• Not a cheap tent, and the porch costs additional money

Best for: people searching for the best tent for storage when you’re car camping tent.

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ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 8 lbs 7 oz | Inside Height: 52″ | Floor: 102 x 90 in (64 sq ft)

Coming in at 64 sq ft and weighing just over 8 lbs the Alps Mountaineering 4-person tent is a good compromise between size and weight.

It’s bigger than most backpacking tents, yet lighter than many car-camping tents (thanks in part to its aluminum poles). 

It comes with 2 internal stash pockets, two vestibules, and a gear loft which means you’ll have plenty of room for your stuff. 

The rain fly extends over both entrances and will keep you dry even in the pouring rain, making this a great 4 person waterproof tent for car campers.

Pros:

• A good ratio of size and weight makes it great for backpacking
• High-quality materials keep you warm even during a downpour
• Two doors mean getting in and out is easy
• Thanks to having just two poles the setup is a breeze 
• Will keep you warm even in colder temperatures 

Cons:

• Some people complained about the rain fly being poorly designed 
• Vestibules could be larger

Best for: a great value 4 person dome tent.

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REI Co-op Skyward 4 Tent (formerly Grand Hut 4)

Type: Cabin | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 13 lbs 11 oz| Inside Height: 78″ | Floor: 100 x 87 in (60 sq ft)

Considering REI is known to be one of the best tent brands out there, it’s no surprise that there are multiple tents from them on this list.

Recently redesigned in 2022, the Skyward 4, doesn’t disappoint.

It’s fairly roomy – with 60 square feet of floor space and vertical walls 78 inches high (even taller than the Grand Hut was at 75″), this tent is perfect for taller people.

This tent is ideal for people seeking a more luxurious cabin tent shelter. However, despite its size, it’s still easy to set up and take down.

But it’s not just a big tent – it’s also very well designed. It has several vents that provide excellent airflow, mesh panels that provide a great view of the sky, and two doors – each with its own big vestibule.

A flaw with the Grand Hut was that it only came with 8 tent stakes and not the standard 10 you would need to completely secure the tent.

That issue is now completely resolved with the Skyward 4, though we still recommend that you invest in additional quality tent stakes.

This is always a good idea anyway, since the ones that come with tents usually aren’t as good.

You can check out our field test and review of the REI Skyward here. 

Pros: 

• 78″ Vertical walls allow for easy movement inside the tent, especially for taller people
• Mesh panels protect you from bugs and provide a great view
• Easy setup – it can be up and ready in less than 8 minutes
• Nice windows on each side of the tent to allow for cross-ventilation and nature viewing
• Great airflow (even with the rain fly on)

Cons:

• Not suited for cold weather camping
• On the pricier side, compared to some quality 4-person tents

Best for: taller campers looking for a spacious and breathable 3-season tent.

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Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 4-season | Weight 12 lbs 12.4 oz | Inside Height: 50″ | Floor: 96 x 94 in (57 sq ft)

If I had to choose two things that separate this tent from the rest, the choice would be simple:

1. Its price
2. The fact that it’s a 4-season tent

Let me be perfectly clear – this tent is expensive. If you’re looking for a budget 4-season tent, look elsewhere. 

However, if you’re looking to invest in one of the best winter tents out there no matter the cost, then keep reading.

The first thing you’ll notice is that this tent is made out of high-quality materials. I mean, it has to be if it’s going to stand up to the worst conditions nature has to offer. Its nylon taffeta is rated 10,000 mm waterproof so even if you get caught in a thunderstorm, you’ll barely feel it. 

Secondly, since it’s not as large as some car camping tents, the setup and takedown are easy as pie. Even one person can do it relatively quickly, so if you have two or more people helping it should be up in no time.

More about size – since winter tents are heavier and bulkier than 3-season tents, some sacrifices have to be made and in this case, it’s the size. With 50 sq ft of floor space and a peak height of only 50 inches, this tent is noticeably smaller than other tents on this list. 

Pros: 

• Quick and easy setup – even for 1 person
• 4-season tent you can use even in freezing temperatures
• Extremely durable – rated 10,000 mm waterproof
• Large storage bag allows for easy packing
• Great circulation even during harsh weather conditions

Cons:

• Extremely pricey – the most expensive tent on this list by far

Best for: campers willing to pay a premium price for a quality 4-season tent.

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ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter 4-Person Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 10 lbs 2 oz | Inside Height: 52″ | Floor: 102 x 90 in (64 sq ft)

The Alps Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter 4-person tent is an excellent 3-season tent for campers and backpackers.

It can even withstand light snow and colder weather conditions.

With two doors and two vestibules, this tent provides both easy movement and extra space to store your equipment (25 sq ft extra).

Not only does each door have a mesh window, but the rain fly has additional vents so you won’t have to worry about losing fresh air.

Newly upgraded in the Outfitter model are the poles which come in aircraft alloy 7000 series aluminum that is both strong and lightweight. 

Pros:

• Entry and exit are easy thanks to two doors
• Rain fly completely covers the tent and will keep you dry during heavy rains
• Gear loft storage makes storing small necessities a breeze
• Mesh windows provide great ventilation 
• Free-standing, two-pole design means this tent can be set up in a rush
• The top rain fly covers the entire tent, giving great wind protection

Cons:

• Poor seal-work on the door zipper which could lead to rain getting inside the tent (this is not an issue if the rain fly is used).

Best for: campers and backpackers interested in an excellent 3-season 4 person tent.

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Big Agnes Bunk House 4

Type: Cabin  | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 15 lbs 8 oz | Inside Height: 70″ | Floor: 99 x 92 in (58 sq ft)

Another great tent maker with Big Agnes!

This comes in both a 4-person and a 6-person version. 

Due to its tunnel-like structure, you get the benefit of both a high ceiling of 70″ or nearly 6 feet, combined with 58 square feet of total square footage. 

But perhaps one of the best parts about this tent is the extra large vestibules on either side.

You get 33 square feet and 14 square feet of extra storage space.

All of this space, combined with a lifetime warranty and you can see why we love Big Agnes tents.

Pros:

• The ultimate tent for storage capacity with two extra large vestibules for storage
• Made with high-quality aluminum stakes and waterproof coating
• Nearly 6 feet of ceiling space throughout
• A quick 10 minute setup
• Backed by a Lifetime Warranty

Cons:

• On the more expensive side

Best for: serious campers who need a lot of storage space.

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Gazelle T4 Hub Tent

Type: Pop Up | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 30 lbs | Inside Height: 78 in | Floor:  94 x 94 in (61 sq ft) | Setup Time: 2 min

The Gazelle T4 Hub is a unique discovery, as pop-up tents are not commonly designed as cabin tents. 

What sets the Gazelle apart is the impressive 78″ of standing room, which is a relief for taller folks who don’t want to end up crouched in their tent the entire trip.

The removable floor makes this tent versatile for camping and other outdoor activities like a day at the beach or park.

Despite its cost, the Gazelle is a great investment and a winner for those who value comfort and convenience.

It sets up in 2 minutes and comes down faster than you can say the tent’s tame. It is a Gazelle after all!

Pros:

• A cabin tent with 78″ of height allowing you to stand up fully
• Stands up well to rain and wind
• Super quick 2-second setup without tie-downs
• Made with quality 300-denier oxford polyester flooring and 210-denier polyester rainfly fabric
• Durable YKK Zippers

Cons:

• Openings in the corners allow bugs to get in
• The most expensive tent on this list by far

Best for: Taller people, or where standing up is a priority.

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White Duck 7’x9′ Prota Canvas Cabin Tent, Deluxe

Type: Canvas, Cabin | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 66 lbs | Inside Height: 75 in | Floor: 7 x 9 (63 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins

Last, but not least is the White Duck Prota Deluxe. With a classic tent design, you may be thinking this tent is stuck in the past – however, it is anything BUT stuck in the past.

Made with aluminum poles, and galvanized steel tent stakes, this is one of the nicest and best-made 4-person tents on the market today.

It comes with YKK zippers and a 100% duck canvas material that is both breathable and water-resistant, making this tent great for everything from hot summers to snowy winters.

Though pricey, canvas tents will last for decades when properly maintained making them a worthwhile investment.

Unlike the other cabin-style tents in this article, the White Duck Canvas Tent has windows on every side.

That’ll give you a little more ventilation and viewing capacity than the other tents, which is a huge bonus. Frankly, it’s got the best views and breathability of any tent that we’ve tested.

We really love this tent, but it is HEAVY, and the setup time takes a bit longer since this isn’t a freestanding tent and requires being fully staked down to stand up.

You’re going to want to make sure you have room in your car or truck to haul this thing.

Be sure to check out our full review of the Prota Deluxe here!

Pros:

• Similar design to the standard canvas-style tents, with small differentiators
• A quality canvas tent at a reasonable price that doesn’t skimp on quality
• Windows on all four sides mean gives you improved ventilation and panorama views
• The heavy-weight ceiling is coated with silver to protect you from UV rays and keep you cool
• YKK zippers, 100% duck canvas, and a high-density groundsheet tub make sure this tent lasts

Cons:

• Instructions aren’t clear, and set up is more involved than standard 4-person tents
• Very heavy compared to other 4 person tents

Best for: Campers who want a canvas tent but want to save money, or those who want added sun protection built into their roof

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What To Look For In A Four-Person Tent (Buyers Guide)

While there are many factors you need to consider when purchasing a tent, some of them are more important than others. 

We found that the most important factors are:

1. Size
2. Ease of use
3. Weight
4. Weather resistance
5. Quality & Durability
6. Value
7. Additional features

Size

Obviously, a 4 person tent has room for four people… right? Well, yes and no.

It’s important to understand what manufacturers mean when they talk about 4 person tent dimensions. 

They can theoretically fit four average adults, but that would be like packing sardines in a can – there wouldn’t be any room for anyone.

Four-person tents are ideal for singles or couples who want to have more room for their gear.

If you are looking to fit four people into a tent comfortably, we recommend a 6 person tent or bigger! 

Height is also an important consideration. If you’re tall (over 6 ft), you might want to choose a tent that is big enough that you can easily get in and out.

While most people go with dome tents, taller people should consider cabin tents (for added height).

The tallest 4-person tents we’ve tested and reviewed are the REI Co-op Wonderland 4, REI Co-op Skyward 4, Gazelle T4 Hub Tent, and the White Duck Prota Deluxe. All of them come in at over 6 feet tall, so if you are a tall person, these tents are definitely ones that you’ll want to take a serious look at. 

On the other hand, if you are primarily concerned with the square footage inside of your tent, then you’ll want to focus on the REI Co-op Wonderland 4 which is the biggest in this size, though both of the ALPS Mountaineering tents also give you great square footage as well. 

Dome tents are generally smaller and lighter and great for backpacking and hiking.

Cabin tents are larger and roomier, with vertical walls that allow you to stand up and walk inside the tent.

The problem with cabin tents is that they are much heavier and more expensive than dome tents. 

Ease of Use 

Another thing you should keep in mind is the ease of setup. 

Nobody likes to spend a lot of time setting up a tent, so choosing one that is easy to set up and take down is important. 

Here’s a video we made that shows you how to easily set up a 4-person tent (we used the Coleman Sundome for this demo):

Since the weather can be unpredictable, you want to buy a tent that is easy to set up even if you’re suddenly caught in a rainstorm. 

Four-person tents are fairly easy to set up since they typically have about 3 poles, but there are a few that have more, so just keep an eye out for that!

But most of the tents we’ve tested and included on our list can be set up in less than 10 minutes, and the Coleman 4-Person Cabin Tent with Instant Setup can be setup in just a few minutes – it really is that fast!

Weight

The importance of weight depends on the type of camping you do. If you’re a car camper, you can use heavier tents and not worry about the weight as much.

However, if you’re a backpacker, then weight becomes a major factor.

Some factors that determine the weight are:

• Size
• Materials (canvas vs polyester) 
• Type of tent (cabin vs dome)

Generally, most of the tents on this list are under 10 lbs. We found them to be a good mix of portability and durability, as they’re both lightweight and tough enough to endure harsh weather conditions. However, we did include a few heavier tents for car campers who want a bit more space.

If 10 lbs. is still too much weight for you, you might want to pick up a smaller 2 person tent, or a bivvy-style tent – these 1-person tents were designed for military personnel on the move, so you know they’re a lightweight tent.

No one wants to haul a 20-pound tent backpacking, but a tent coming in around 7 lbs like the Kelty Grand Mesa 4, certainly should be in the running.

Weather Resistance

It doesn’t matter how big or beautiful a tent is – if it starts leaking water during a rainstorm, you’re not going to have a nice time.

That’s why most tent manufacturers try to make their tents as waterproof as possible.

Are they successful? Not always.

Weather resistance depends on a lot of factors, such as:

• The shape of the tent (dome vs cabin)
• The quality of the rainfly
• The quality of the poles (aluminum vs. fiberglass)
• The materials used for the footprint
• The severity of the rainstorm
• The quality of the seams

And a lot more.

We try to pick and choose the tents with the highest weather resistance possible, but we also like to factor affordability into the mix as well.

If you are looking for the most Weather Resistant 4 person tent, then you’ll want to focus on the  NEMO Wagontop or the Mountain Hardwear Trango Tent.

Those tents will come at a cost though, so if you are trying to find the most affordable Weather Resistant 4-person tent possible, then you’ll want to take a closer look at the Kelty Grand Mesa 4, REI Co-op Base Camp 4 or the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent which will give you better value as they still are high quality weather-proof tents. 

Regardless, I always recommend people invest in a good tent seam sealer – they don’t cost much but will make sure moisture stays out of your tent.

Quality and Durability

This metric is pretty straightforward. We rate the tents based on their actual materials and the quality of the construction.

Many tents utilize a combination of the same polyester or nylon materials, but their construction can be just as important. 

Not only that, but the tent poles themselves can make or break a tent. I can’t tell you how many cheap fiberglass poles have snapped while I’ve been setting up a tent!

Well, I’ve never had that happen with an aluminum or composite pole. 

Even things as seemingly small as the zippers can make all the difference. Premium tents use premium YKK zippers, and man do they make all the difference. 

Less repairs, less snags, and less issues.

While most tents have some sort of Limited Warranty, many premium tents have a Lifetime Warranty. 

Just be aware that REI for instance, only has a 90-day return policy and warrants only that the product is free from defects at the time of sale.  

Value

All tents are not created equally, and not all tents are priced equally either. Coleman for instance produces a great budget tent, while Mountain Hardwear produces a tent that can withstand the elements. These tents will not be priced anywhere close to each other.

However, we take both the price of the tent along with the materials, warranty, manufacturer, and other key factors into assessing the value of each tent.

You can still have a tent with high value even if it is double the price of another. But again, many factors play into this.

Based on our ratings, the Coleman Sundome wins out on value. Currently priced at $69.00, you get unbelievable value for the price, even if the materials won’t stand the test of time.

However, for this price, you can easily afford to replace the tent several times compared to the price of an REI tent even if it does come with a risk as your weather resistance and overall quality clearly suffer. 

Additional Features

And last, but definitely not least, we have additional features – a.k.a. everything else.

This is all the extra stuff manufacturers add to the tent to make it stand out from the rest.

Some of these might include things like:

• A vestibule
• Mesh pocket(s)
• Multiple doors or windows
• A large carry bag
• Multiple vents

And a whole lot of other stuff.

All of these (except for the vents) fall into the “nice to have” rather than “must-have” category for me, but I always appreciate extra gear storage and multiple windows on nice days.

FAQs

Can a 4 person tent fit 4 people?

Yes, a 4-person tent can technically fit 4 people….BUT we don’t recommend it. 

You will be pretty jammed together. And depending on the tent, there may be almost no room for gear. 

For this reason, we recommend a 6 or 8-person tent for 4 people, depending upon how much comfort you desire.

Should I get a 4 or 6 person tent?

Deciding between a 4 or 6 person tent depends entirely upon the number of people you want to fit in, the additional space you would like for gear, and your personal bubble.

A 4-person tent works great for a couple or a small family of three, but you’ll want to upgrade to a 6-person tent for additional space. 

For our family of four, we bring along an 8-person tent to maximize space and comfort. 

What is the best 4 person tent?

The best overall tent according to our testing is the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent. 

But if you are on a budget, the Coleman Sundome Tent is a fan favorite, and if you are willing to spend the big bucks, we love the White Duck Prota Deluxe Canvas Cabin Tent. 

What is the easiest 4 person tent to set up?

The easiest 4-person tents to set up are the Coleman Skylodge 4-Person Instant Tent and the Gazelle T4 Hub Pop Up Tent.

The Coleman Instant Tent comes with pre-attached poles and sets up within 5 minutes. Meanwhile, the Gazelle T4 is a Pop-up tent that opens up in just 2-seconds. You can’t get any easier than that!

How much does a 4 person tent cost?

4 person tents can cost anywhere from a budget-friendly $75-80, all the way up to $1200 for the most premium tents. 

However, you can get a great all-around tent for around $150. This is why we love the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent – because it is not only made with quality materials, but at an affordable price too.

Our Verdict 

Even though all of the tents mentioned here are great, our top pick is the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent.

It’s lightweight, weatherproof, and an extremely easy 3-5 minute setup. Factoring everything all together, the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 comes in with the top Overall Score with an 8.4.

You simply can’t beat the price-to-value ratio! 

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