Are you looking for the best 4-person tent for a camping trip?
I’m a national park and camping expert. After researching and testing various 4-person tents, I’ve identified the ones that stand out from the rest.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing the tents that I found to offer the best comfort, durability, and ease of use.
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Method Used
In order to make a list that can actually be considered ‘best’, I started by conducting a comprehensive review of four-person tents on the market, including those for sale on Amazon, REI and other major sellers.
I looked at all the features and read all the reviews. I applied a system of review using the key things to look for when choosing a 4-man tent (see the Buying Guide section below the four people tent reviews for more details on these).
Based on those, I narrowed my list of tents down to a top twelve.
I then took each of these on a weekend or overnight camping trip and paid special attention to each of the key things that go into making a tent the best 4-person tent on the market. I also did some at-home testing for rain if I didn’t encounter rain on my trips. I gave each of these elements a rating based on my personal experience.
Not all of the tents on my initial top 12 list made the cut. I’ve only included the top six 4-person tents for camping because these are the ones that I considered worthy of including here after trying them out.
A note about updating: I check every year for new tents on the market and for any updated models so this list stays up-to-date.
Read my complete Product Review Guidelines for more details.
How to use this buying guide for the best four-man tent
🏆 If you want to cut right to the chase, you can go straight to my top pick for the best 4-man tent.
📊 If you’re a visual person, check out a chart comparing all my top picks for best 4 person camping tents.
🏕️ Below that you’ll find detailed 4 person tent reviews for the other top contenders so you have some choices.
❓ I’ve also included more information about major things to consider when making your decision.
The overall best 4-person tent: The North Face Wawona 4 person tent
| Item Weight | 13 pounds |
| Size (packed up) | 27 x 13.6 x 8.5 inches |
| Size (set up) | 96″W at back | 73″ W at front | 90″L + 42″ vestibule |
| Height | 75” |
| Floor Area | 58.13 Square Feet |
| Style | Dome with vestibule |
| Seasons | 4 Season |
| Number of rooms | 1 + vestibule |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check current price on Amazon |
Why buy The North Face Wawona four people tent?
This premium brand option is my top pick because of its overall quality and all sorts of features that make it a great long-term investment.
The North Face Wawona 4-person tent is quick and easy to set up when you arrive on site, featuring a color-coded design. In addition to the main cabin, there’s a spacious vestibule at the front.
The front vestibule doesn’t have a floor, but is great for storing gear. This meant that the main cabin was free for just beds and personal items. There are loads of storage pockets to put your personal items like wallets and phones, which I found helped keep me organized and meant I knew exactly where to find my headlamp when I needed it.
The main cabin has both a front and back door. This meant that went I got up in the middle of the night (as I often need to do), I could get out ‘my’ side without disturbing my companions.
It is full height. I’m 6 foot tall and I could stand up straight. As I get older, bending over in shallow tents becomes increasingly more uncomfortable. I loved that I could stand up and move around without bending over.
This tent is great for ventilation. My original test run was in the fall, but I’ve taken it out many times since and it is great for catching breezes. The two doors create great cross ventilation, but there are tiny poles at the tops of the sides that you can latch to create roof vents/ ventilation windows that enable more breathing space.
Like most tents, it comes with an easy-to-carry duffel bag that the tent is easy to stuff into. However, this doesn’t zip up, so you need to take some care when storing it.
Some technical specs:
The NorthFace Wawona 4 tent has a completely waterproof single-wall design, with a water-resistant polyurethane coating on the fly, canopy, and floor. It has rained while I’ve been using it and I’ve never gotten wet. Love that!
The DAC MX pole set is stronger and therefore more durable than many tent poles without making it any heavier.
>> Check the price of The North Face Wawona 4 person tent on Amazon
>> Check the price of The North Face Wawona 4-person tent on REI
Pros
- The fly, canopy and floor are made from durable fabric with a water-resistant finish.
- The tent is spacious and has a massive interior height, so even tall people can stand up in it.
- The internal organization pockets keep essentials and personal items organized and at hand.
- The large front vestibule provides ample space for gear or as an additional seating area.
- The tent’s hybrid double-wall design and large mesh front door provide great ventilation.
Cons
- The tent is technically a four-person tent, but it’s tight sleeping four people (but I think that of all four-person tents). However, the vestibule creates more space for storing gear.
- The fly was a little confusing to put on the first time. However, the main tent is easy to set up, with the use of color-coded poles and trims. Check out my video below, which shows exactly how to set it up.
- The vestibule doesn’t have a floor. However, there is a footprint (which also helps make it more durable), but (like most tents) this is sold separately.
4-Season footprint (sold separately)
The footprint measures 96 x 90 inches, which fits under the body of the tent but not under the vestibule, which doesn’t have a ‘floor’. It does come with an additional front door mat. If you want a floor surface for the vestibule, you can turn the footprint sideways so it extends about a foot into the vestibule.
Ratings
| Considerations | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.4 |
| Weather resistance | 4.6 |
| Durability | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| TOTAL | 18/ 20 |
How to Erect the The Northface Wawona 4 Tent
Follow this video I made of me erecting the Wawona 4:
What makes this my top pick?
Overall, this tent is comfortable, easy to erect and suitable for any time of the year, making it a great all rounder.
The poles and sleeves are color coded, which makes erecting the main cabin easy, even for one person. Although the rain fly is a little tricky to put on, overall, the tent is pretty easy to set up.
It has a nice height – I can stand up, which I love! And it has two doors, which is really convenient and helps create good ventilation.
Although it’s a little tight with four people (which most 4-person tents are TBH), there are six storage pockets to keep personal items organized and the vestibule provides space to store gear so that the inside can be kept for sleeping.
The quality construction means its more durable and waterproof than many other tents in a similar price range (or even more expensive), making it great value for money.
It’s a four-season tent (though I’d use the footprint (sold separately) for more severe weather conditions), making it a great option if you plan to camp throughout the year.
The THE NORTH FACE Wawona 4P tent is best for…
… people who might camp at any time of the year and are looking for a tent they can stand up in that has space to store gear.
Top 4-Person Tents Comparison Guide
To help you narrow down your options, here is a useful 4 person tent comparison guide.
Here, you can quickly check what each tent offers in terms of weight, and sleeping and standing capacity. You can also get an idea of the price range and my overall score from the following chart.
| Name | Image | Weight | Rooms | Stand Up | Score /20 | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Face Wawona | 13 lbs | 2 | Yes | 18 | CHECK NOW | |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur | 3.9 lbs | 3 | No | 17.6 | CHECK NOW | |
| ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek | 20 lbs | 1 | Yes | 17.5 | CHECK NOW | |
| Eureka! Copper Canyon | 19.3 lbs | 1 | Yes | 16.9 | CHECK NOW | |
| Kelty Late Start | 7.5 lbs | 2 | No | 16.8 | CHECK NOW | |
| ALPS Taurus | 10.5 lbs | 3 | No | 16.8 | CHECK NOW | |
| Coleman Evanston | 8.8 lbs | 2 | No | 16.6 | CHECK NOW | |
| Coleman Montana | 20.6 lbs | 1 | No | 16.4 | CHECK NOW |
The other top contenders for best 4-person tents for camping
While I have listed my top pick above, it’s always good to have choices. Here are the other 4-person tents that impressed me.
2. Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent
My pick for Best Backpacking Tent
| Item Weight | 3 lbs 14oz |
| Size (packed up) | 30 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Size (set up) | 96″W body | 40″ W vestibule | 86″L + 30″ each vestibule |
| Height | 50″ |
| Floor Area | 41 Square Feet |
| Style | Dome with vestibules |
| Seasons | Summer |
| Number of rooms | 1 + 2 vestibules |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check current price on Amazon |
If you’re looking for a spacious and ultralight backpacking tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL is a great option.
First up, it weighs less than for pounds, which is incredible for a tent of this size. The fabric is super light, but also thin, so I recommend buying the footprint (sold separately) – get it on Amazon here or REI here.
Despite weighing next to nothing, it’s surprisingly spacious. What helps create more space is that it has two doors and each of these has a vestibule, where you can store gear. There is also loads of storage. There a huge ‘gear loft’ where we kept jackets and other clothing, plus 5 extra pockets for personal items, phones, etc.
You can’t stand up in it, but I was able to sit up easily. Another cool feature is that the vestibules actually zip on both sides, so you can open them up and – with the use of trekking poles and guy ropes – create awnings that were a great way to shelter in the shade from the sun. And with two doors and one ventilation window at the top, the tent is good for catching breezes.
I erected the tent in less than 10 minutes and it was easy. The ends of the poles are color coded with the grommets and there are clips attached for the rain fly.
Some specs: The tent uses a new proprietary ultralight nylon double rip-stop mixed denier fabric that gives it extra tear strength and puncture resistance without adding weight.
>> Check the price of the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent on REI
Pros
- The tent is super light.
- Despite being light (and therefore having thin fabric), it’s surprisingly durable. The poles are bent and reinforced and the fabric is a special tear-resistant nylon.
- It has two doors (great for ventilation and night trips to the restroom).
- The vestibules can open up into awnings, which creates more living space and a nice shade shelter.
- The tent is easy to set up with color coding and pre-bent poles.
Cons
- You can’t stand up in it.
- The tent is not suitable for winter camping.
- The tent’s footprint is sold separately (and I recommend it if you’ll be camping on surfaces that might have sharp objects like stones or sticks).
Ratings:
| Consideration | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.6 |
| Weather resistance | 4.2 |
| Durability | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
| TOTAL | 17.6/ 20 |
What makes this special
Overall, this tent is a great combination of being light enough to take hiking while still having plenty of space. It has a good sized cabin, plus two vestibules and the ability to create awnings using your trekking poles. It’s also easy to set up and take down, making this a really great option for backpacking camping trips.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur tent is best for …
… summer backpacking trips. This is my pick for the best backpacking 4 person tent because it’s so light you can easily carry it when hiking and taking it to backcountry campsites. It’s easy to split up so each person carries part of it – you’ll barely notice you have it on you.
3. ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 4-Person Tent
A top contender for best 4-person stand up tent
| Item Weight | 20 lbs |
| Space (packed up) | 28 x 8 x 8 inches |
| Space (erected) | 102″L x 90″W |
| Height | 84″ |
| Floor Area | 64 Square Feet |
| Style | Cabin |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Number of rooms | 1 |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check price on Amazon |
If you’re looking for a spacious tent that you can easily stand up in, then the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek is a great option.
First up, it’s tall. The extra tall center section is seven feet, and the cabin design with steep walls means that I could stand up in the entire tent, not just the middle.
The main cabin is easy to set up, with a simple design. The rainfly, like many tents, was definitely the most complicated part. It was windy when I tested the tent and it was a bit of a pain. With two people, it would be easy, though. Insert the pole in the front ridge, then clip the straps into the buckles. The straps may be short just out of the bag – you need to extend them almost the full way to be the right length.
The second time around it will be much easier, because you’ll have the straps set to the right length and can just clip them straight on. The whole thing took me just under 20 minutes by myself, but it would be quicker if you have two people doing it together.
There is a footprint for the tent, which I recommend, but it’s sold separately (you can get the footprint on Amazon or REI.
There are windows on all four sides plus a mesh ceiling, which creates good ventilation. One thing I found kind of annoying is that when the windows are open, they hang down – if you roll them up, there is no toggle to tie them up with.
I tried it out in light rain and didn’t have any problems, but the floor is not a tub design so I could imagine that water could leak through the floor in heavy rain. Also, the rainfly doesn’t come down the sides very far so, again, while I didn’t have any problems, I could imagine that in heavy rain blowing in from the side that it might leak.
Like most tents, there is a mesh storage ‘shelf’ inside to keep personal items organized and off the floor.
>> Check the price of the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek tent on Amazon
>> Check the price of the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek tent on REI
Pros
- The extra tall center and straight side walls provide ample space and allow you to stand up inside. I’m 6 foot and hate having to bend almost double in a tent, so I liked this a lot.
- The rain fly has awnings over the front doorway and back window, which helps create some shade and protection against the rain when it’s coming in those directions.
- It’s a roomy tent that easily sleeps four people.
- Great ventilation with windows/ door on all four sides.
Cons
- The tent is pretty heavy at 20 pounds, so it’s definitely not suitable for backpacking.
- Like many tents, the rainfly is kind of a pain to put on, especially when it’s windy.
- There is no toggle to tie windows away when they are down.
Ratings:
| Consideration | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.6 |
| Weather resistance | 4.3 |
| Durability | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.4 |
| TOTAL | 17.5/ 20 |
What makes this special
Overall, I’d recommend the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek for anyone looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up 4-person tent for longer trips. It’s easy to stand up in and has nice ventilation.
The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek tent is perfect for …
… longer and family camping trips. The tall cabin design and spacious floor size make it a comfortable home for a longer trip where you don’t need to set it up and take it down frequently.
4. Eureka! Copper Canyon four-person tent
A great stand up tent for 4 people
| Item Weight | 19.31 lbs |
| Size (packed up) | 27.2 x 9.72 x 9.57 inches |
| Size (set up) | 96″L x 96″W |
| Height | 84″ |
| Floor Area | 64 Square Feet |
| Style | Cabin |
| Seasons | 3 Season |
| Number of rooms | 1 |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check price on Amazon |
The Eureka! Copper Canyon is another cabin style tent with steep walls and a 7-foot clearance, meaning if you’re 6 foot like me, you can still stand up easily inside it without needing to crouch or bend over.
It’s the four-person version of the Eureka Copper Canyon tent series and has been updated. The new model has larger windows, that help create great ventilation. Unlike the ALPS Mountaineering model above, you can roll the windows up and tuck them away. The windows on the walls aren’t zipped – they have toggles, which makes putting them down or up slower, but does give more flexibility of options (you can have half windows).
Similar to the ALPs tent, there is an awning over the doorway, which helps create additional protection from the rain. However, there is a gap between this and the meshed tent and even with the two-foot overhang, I can imagine rain getting in. I was only in light rain and didn’t have this problem, though. I didn’t camp in winter, but I can imagine this gap also not being the best for cold weather.
I like that it has a bathtub floor (unlike the ALPS Mountaineering tent), making it less likely for the floor to leak in the rain.
I had no leaks on my trip, but did do a heavy rain test in my back yard (with a garden hose) and there was a tiny bit of leaking at the seams in the lower section of the tent. They aren’t taped – so I recommend sealing these seams if you plan to be out in heavy rain.
The biggest downside I found was in the wind. It blew over while I was trying to stake it down. There are 8 guy points – but all of them are on the rainfly. So, when I wanted to have it without the fly so I could take advantage of the mesh ceiling, there was nothing to tie it down other than the floor pegs. Because it is boxy with steep sides, it blow around quite a bit.
The tent was easy to set up and take down and it fits easily into the zipped carry bag.
There is a gear loft and several pockets for gear storage.
Some specs: The steel and fiberglass frame features pole sleeves, corner hubs, and quick clips for easy assembly that takes all the guesswork out of setup.
The footprint is sold separately. You can buy it on Amazon or on REI.
>> Check the price of the Eureka! Copper Canyon tent on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Eureka! Copper Canyon tent on REI
Pros
- The tent is spacious, with steep walls that create lots of standing room.
- The large mesh windows with various toggle options create good ventilation in good weather.
- It’s easy to put up and take down, even for one person.
- There’s a zippered E-Powerport so you easily run an extension cord inside if you’re at a campground with hookups. This is not common in tents and I really loved this feature.
Cons
- It’s not great for windy conditions. It shakes in the wind, all the guy ropes are on the rainfly rather than the main tent, and there’s a gap between the mesh tent and rain fly where rain can get in in strong horizontal winds.
- The tent is not great for super heavy rains. The lower vertical seams aren’t taped (you can seal them). It’s good in light rain, though.
Ratings:
| Consideration | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.0 |
| Weather resistance | 4.4 |
| Durability | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
| TOTAL | 16.9 / 20 |
What makes this special
Overall, this is great 4-man stand up tent. You can stand up in and it has plenty of space. It also has plenty of ventilation, making it a great summer tent. It’s easy to set up and put away and is good quality that will last for many years.
The Eureka! Copper Canyon is best for …
… summer camping trips with the family or friends in good (not windy) weather conditions. It provides a spacious and comfortable camping experience.
5. Kelty Late Start 4P tent
An easy to erect lightweight 4 person tent
| Item Weight | 6 lbs 14 oz. |
| Size (packed up) | 18 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches |
| Size (set up) | 99 x 81 x 56 inches |
| Height | 56″ |
| Floor Area | 55.70 Square Feet |
| Style | Dome |
| Seasons | 3 Season |
| Number of rooms | 1 |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check price on Amazon |
The Kelty Late Start 4P (the new updated version of the Salida) is a top contender for the best 4-person tent for backpacking on the market.
It is super quick and easy to set up. There are two main poles that are pre-bent. You slip them into the corners and then clip the rest of the tent and you’re done. The fly is color coded and has easy buckle clips, so the whole thing only took me about 6 minutes to set up. The stuff sack it comes in also makes it easy to pack away and carry.
The pre-bent poles also help create extra space inside. The downside – at 40 inches high you can’t stand up in. You can kneel, though.
The rainfly extends to create a small vestibule, where you can store gear. There are also multiple storage pockets and ceiling clips for keeping personal items, hanging a lamp, etc. So, you can fit 4 people if you don’t mind not having a lot of extra space.
The lack of height has a plus side – it’s light (not as light as the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but still light), so it’s a good option if you are hiking to your campsite. Specifically designed as a lightweight 4-man backpacking tent, this Kelty model features compact, folding poles that are backpacker friendly.
The tent has good ventilation without the fly, though with the fly on it can get a bit stuffy. Use the guylines on the rain fly to pull it out to create more ventilation (and keep it more secure in the wind). There are pockets on the tent that the guylines pack away into it, which is a nice design feature so they don’t get lost.
The rain fly is 68D polyester, which means that it’s thicker than many tents. This, plus the good quality stakes makes it a good quality, durable tent.
It didn’t rain on the trip I took it on, so I did a rain test with my hose back at home and it stood up well – no leaking even after an hour of steady hosing (raining). The bathtub floor helps.
You can buy the footprint on Amazon or on Sportsman Warehouse.
>> Check the price of the Kelty Late Start 4P tent on Amazon
>> Check the price of the Kelty Late Start 4P tent on Sportsman Warehouse
Pros
- Very fast and easy to set up.
- Pre-bent poles create extra room inside the tent. Storage pockets and a small vestibule also create extra storage space to free up more space inside.
- The bathtub floor and waterproof rainfly keep you comfortable and dry.
- Light enough to carry backpacking.
Cons
- No vent in rain fly means it can get stuffy in the rain.
- You can’t stand up in (though you can kneel).
- It’s heavier than some other backpacking tents (but also cheaper than the ultralight tents).
Ratings:
| Consideration | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.4 |
| Weather resistance | 4.1 |
| Durability | 4.1 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
| TOTAL | 16.8 / 20 |
What makes this special
Overall, this tent is super easy to put up and pack away, light enough to take on backpacking trips, and good quality. It’s suitable for backpacking trips or car camping.
The Kelty Late Start 4P tent is best for …
… people who want a really easy tent to set up. It’s also a good option for budget conscious people looking to take a tent backpacking into the backcountry.
6. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Waterproof Tent
My pick for Best 4-Person Waterproof Tent
| Item Weight | 10.5 lbs |
| Size (packed up) | 23.9 x 7.6 x 7.5 inches |
| Size (set up) | 102″ L x 90″W |
| Height | 52″ |
| Floor Area | 63.75 Square Feet |
| Style | Dome |
| Seasons | 3 Season |
| Number of rooms | 1 + 2 vestibules |
| Occupant Capacity | 4 |
| Price | Check price on Amazon |
I’d read that the ALPS Taurus was a good 4-man waterproof tent, so I waited for a rainy weekend to take it for a spin. The tent comes with factory-sealed fly and floor seams, so I expected that it would stay dry throughout. And it did! Even after 12 solid hours of rain, some of it heavy, it stayed completely dry inside.
I was also impressed with how easy it was to set up. You just fit the ends of the two poles into the grommets on the base then clip the tent to the poles (no sleeves to feed the poles through), then peg the bottom. The fly clips in place with buckles – super easy and quick!
There are two doors, which I love – it means I can get out easily in the middle of the night for a bathroom run without disturbing everyone else. Each of the doors has its own vestibule, where you can store gear. This is important if you actually have four people, as there is little space inside for more than 4 sleeping mats. However, the vestibule doesn’t have a floor, so you can’t store gear there if it’s raining.
Using the Alps Mountaineering footprint (sold separately) will help – and also help extend the life of the tent. Get the footprint on Amazon here.
There are some small storage pockets inside for personal items.
The walls have only very small mesh windows. The roof is mesh, but this is also pretty small. This means that it is almost a 3.5-season tent and good in colder weather. The rain fly has clear panels in exactly the same place as the mesh windows, so you can see outside when the door is closed, which is kind of cool.
However, this minimal use of mesh does have a downside – the ventilation is not that great and it can get stuffy inside. There are rigid straps in the fly to create a ventilation panel in the fly, which helps.
>> CHECK PRICE OF ALPS MOUNTAINEERING TAURUS TENT ON AMAZON
>> CHECK PRICE OF ALPS MOUNTAINEERING TAURUS TENT ON REI
Pros
- It’s easy to assemble with a simple 2-pole design and clips.
- It comes with 2 doors and 2 vestibules for extra storage and space.
- It does great (stays dry) in very rainy conditions.
- The clear panel in the rain fly means you can see outside even when the rain fly is on and the doors closed.
Cons
- The mesh windows are small, so it doesn’t have the best ventilation.
- You can’t stand up in it (though you can kneel). That loss of height doesn’t reduce the weight much, though, so it’s not suitable for backpacking.
Ratings:
| Consideration | Rating (/5) |
|---|---|
| Ease of set up | 4.3 |
| Weather resistance | 4.3 |
| Durability | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
| TOTAL | 16.8 / 20 |
What makes this special
Overall, this is a budget-friendly, reliable, easy-to-use option that is great in wet weather. You can set it up in about five minutes and it stays dry even in long periods of heavy rain.
The ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person tent is best for …
… 3 people on a cooler-weather, rainy camping trip.
4 Person Tent Buying Guide: Key Considerations
When it comes to choosing the best 4 person tent, there are a few factors that you should consider before making a purchase. I’ve put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
What is your budget?
The first factor to determine is how much you wish to spend.
A larger budget will clearly lead to more choice, but there are some great value cheap tents to be had too. I’ve included several here.
While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for a tent that offers a good balance of price and quality. Consider the features you need and choose a tent that fits your budget.
How often will you use the tent?
If you’re going to use your tent regularly, then it can be helpful to consider the cost per use rather than the actual price tag.
An easy set up 4-person tent, for example, may not cost than much more per trip than a budget option. If you camp often, then a luxury 4-man tent may seem more like a worthwhile investment too.
What sort of trip are you taking?
The weight of the tent is especially important for those backpacking or hiking who have to carry their gear around. Larger tents tend to be heavier, which is often fine if you want the best 4-person tent for car camping trips.
A family trip is likely to require a larger tent, perhaps with standing room and added storage areas, meaning you might want to look beyond a standard 4-man dome tent.
Also think about when you’ll be camping in tents and what the weather might be. If it could be windy, you’ll need a good quality tent for camping in all weather. You’ll want to make sure that the tent’s pole structure is sturdy and the rain fly is truly waterproof.
How weather resistant is the tent?
Weather resistance is another important factor to consider when choosing a 4 person tent. Look for a tent that is designed to withstand the elements. A good tent should be able to keep you dry in rainy conditions and provide adequate ventilation in hot weather. Make sure the tent is made from durable materials and has a waterproof rainfly.
How important is space to you?
If four of you are going camping with tents, that does not necessarily mean that you have to simply opt for a 4-person all weather tent. If you want more space or storage – or both – you’ll want to check the tent’s floor area.
Make sure the tent is large enough to comfortably accommodate four people and their gear. Look for a tent with a spacious interior and a vestibule area for storing gear. Keep in mind that a tent that is too small can make for an uncomfortable camping experience.
You should look at tents with 1 or 2 vestibules, or look out for additional storage facilities in the roof or sides. You could also consider buying a tent that technically sleeps 6 to give you more room, and I’ve listed a couple here for you.
How easy is the tent to put up?
Look for a tent that is easy to set up and take down. A tent with color-coded poles and quick-attach clips can make the process much easier. Make sure the tent comes with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware.
A pop up tent is the simplest to put up, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other types. If you camp often, you’re likely to be able to erect the tent in no time after a few trips anyway. While there’s no doubt that such tents are convenient, it may restrict your choice if you consider only the pop up type.
Do you want a tent you can stand up in?
This might be a key consideration for those who have any kind of mobility issues. A tent you can stand up in also comes into its own during poor weather, when you may well spend more time under canvas. If this is important, you’ll want to check the tent’s peak height.
How durable is the tent?
Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a 4 person tent. Look for a tent that is made from high-quality materials and has reinforced seams. A good tent should be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Make sure the tent comes with a warranty to protect your investment.
Which is the Best 4 Person Tent for You?
Although I rate the North Face Wawona tent highest overall, what you consider a good 4-man tent will depends on your budget, requirements and preferences.
If, for instance, you’re on a tight budget, or are heading to a festival, then buying the best quality 4-person tent might not be the ideal solution. If you are hiking, then choosing a light tent is essential. If you are camping with your family, then comfort and privacy will be more important.
Wherever you are headed, I hope this handy guide to selecting the best 4 person tent helps you to make up your mind.
Happy camping!
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Do you have any other 4-person tent you highly recommend? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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About the Reviewer
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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There is one significant difference between the North Face Sequoia 4 vs. Wawona 4 — the peak height of 75 inches vs only 68 inches for Wawona. Which for an average height man (per CDC it is 69.1 inches) means that Wawona is not a “stand up” tent, while the Sequoia 4 is.
My Wawona is 75″ and I can stand up fully in it, which is one of the reasons I love it.