The best camping tents you should know about

The Coleman Sundome is about as quintessential as camping tents get. Its dome design uses two poles to create a light but rigid frame that snaps into each corner for a secure fit. When the weather cooperates, the mesh upper creates ample airflow and lets you enjoy the view. For more privacy or to keep out the rain, attach the rain fly for a weather-resistant roof in seconds. A gap between the fly and tent allows fresh air to pass through, as do small, protected vents at the bottom of the tent. A thick, waterproof floor keeps water from seeping through the bottom. Tent sizes for two, three, four, and six campers are available. We recommend the three-person tent for couples to make sure you have enough room to move freely and store your packs inside the tent.

The teepee’s simple but effective shape has helped it endure for hundreds of years, and you can take advantage of the classic concept with this Fltom teepee. The rip-stop shell is tough enough for wilderness survival and coated with a waterproof treatment to help rainwater roll right off. In addition to efficiently shedding rain and snow, the teepee’s shape also helps wind slide around it rather than beating on vertical walls and keeping you up all night. Set-up and tear-down are as easy as can be, with only one pole to assemble and tent stakes around the perimeter. During long trips in cold climates, you can even install a wood-burning stove using the integrated chimney panel. The one drawback to this tent is the lack of a floor. For optimal weather protection, you’ll want to create a floor using a separate tarp.

You might have noticed that nature doesn’t always provide smooth, flat ground for your tent, but that’s no problem if you have a Tensile Stingray. This innovative tent removes your sleeping area from the ground altogether; all you need is three anchor points to suspend it in the air. The stingray has enough room for three people and their gear, with a weight limit of 880 pounds. The tent itself only weighs 25 pounds–a little heavy for backpacking, but the view might be worth it. Heavy-duty ratchet straps keep the tent firmly suspended. A waterproof rain fly can be fitted in inclement weather, and mesh sides let you enjoy the stars when the clouds part. The three-sided tent offers 78 square feet of floor space, side entry, and floor entry. It’s significantly more expensive than other tents, but we can’t help wanting one anyway.

The OT Qomotop pop-up tent is the fastest and easiest way to get your campsite established. Just toss the collapsed tent into the air and let it snap open before it hits the ground. The unique frame design makes set-up-and tear-down effortless, but it does take up a fair amount of space when collapsed. You’ll want to use this tent for car camping or other outdoor events rather than backpacking trips. The waterproof shell is large enough to hold a queen mattress and uses welded seams to keep water out. Anchor points attach this tent to the ground and protect against winds up to 35 miles per hour. Air vents along the peak allow fresh air to flow in and keep condensation to a minimum. If you’re looking to take the hassle out of camping, it doesn’t get much easier than this.

Solo campers need a tent that’s lightweight, portable, and tough; they need a tent like the Alps Mountaineering Lynx. This one-person tent doesn’t offer much in terms of space, but it’s definitely easy for one person to carry, set up, and heat. It weighs just four pounds and provides interior space for one sleeping bag. In bad weather, the rain fly extends to cover gear stored outside the door. An aluminum frame, hefty zippers, and corner guy lines create a strong structure that can withstand harsh mountainous environments. Sealed seams and a waterproof floor and rain fly keep the inside nice and dry. This tent is a great bargain for single campers who want a quality tent without paying for space they don’t need.

One way to make camping more enjoyable is to avoid the hiking portion with a Napier Backroadz truck tent. This tent mounts to the bed of your pickup for a dry place to sleep that’s off the ground and easy to move. Five sizes are available to properly fit your vehicle. Just like normal tents, this truck tent provides mesh windows, a waterproof rain fly, and a sturdy frame. Since size and weight are less of a concern, it’s taller than most camping tents. An integrated floor covers the bed of your truck to keep the inside of your tent clean and dry. An overhead gear loft and lantern hook help keep the inside organized and well-lit. Word to the wise: this tent is tall enough to accommodate an inflatable mattress and, since you’re driving to the campsite, there’s no reason not to pack one.