After a long day on the road or an arduous hike, the last thing you want to think about is spending hours setting up your camp.
A fast-setup tent is a sensible solution to this, offering an instant way to create a campsite without the usual hassle that goes into assembling a tent.
What is a fast pitch tent?
A fast pitch tent or instant pop-up tent, is a type of tent that can be assembled in much less time than a regular one, but with all of the standard features you’d expect, like quality weatherproof materials and sizes to suit one or many occupants.
The benefits of these types of tents are that they’re easy to use, efficient, and usually, only require one person to do the job.
If you go camping a lot or find yourself frustrated setting up your site because of a fiddly assembly process, an instant cabin tent might be for you. We’ve hand-picked some of the most popular instant tents on the market and explained a little more about what they offer, so you can change the way you camp for good.
Our Picks for the Best Fast Setup Tents
A fast tent is a welcome addition to any camping kit, especially if you’ve traveled all day to reach your destination.
We’ve chosen some of the best fast setup tents on the market today and what makes them so great, so check out the top performers to find your next camping companion.
Coleman Cabin Tent
- Instant setup in as fast as 1 minute thanks to pre-attached poles
- WeatherTec system's welded corners and inverted seams keep water from...
- Integrated rainfly improves airflow
Why is it better?
- 60 second assembly
- Double Thick Fabric
- Big
Our Top Picks For Fast Setup Tents
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each saw individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
- Coleman Cabin Tent
- Coleman Dark Room Tent
- Hewolf Instant Tent
- Hui Lingyang Pop Up Tent
- Zone Tech Family Instant Pop-Up Tent
Winner: Coleman Cabin Tent
- Instant setup in as fast as 1 minute thanks to pre-attached poles
- WeatherTec system's welded corners and inverted seams keep water from...
- Integrated rainfly improves airflow
Our favorite fast pop-up tent on the market today comes from camping specialists Coleman with their Cabin Tent that can be assembled in just 60 seconds. The six-person tent measures 10 x 9 feet inside and has a 6ft high ceiling in the center, and is one of the fastest out there to set up. Construction of the tent includes welded corners, double-thick fabric, and 150D polyester/taped seams for superior quality and peace of mind.
The best thing about this fast-setup tent is its roomy interior, which you might not think is possible in an instant tent. According to Coleman and their happy customers who own this tent, you’re able to comfortably fit two queen-sized mattresses inside and still have room to move. Considering you can put it up with minimal effort in under a minute, this fact is even more impressive.
Another major selling point of this Cabin Tent, and all other tents by Coleman, is that the quality is second to none. They have a solid reputation for making tents and you can feel the quality of materials and construction as soon as you pull it up. It’s made with a double-thick fabric and will see you through many camping seasons, so it’s worth spending a little more to get something that’s going to last.
Although the material is thick and robust, this tent has excellent breathability that people loved. It was comfortable to sleep in and felt as though you were getting plenty of fresh air, which means you’re enjoying the true perks of nature while you camp.
However, there were some minor setbacks, including its lack of waterproofing, which could be a dealbreaker for some. The Coleman Cabin Tent is rated as being weatherproof but doesn’t have a true waterproof rating unless you fork out extra cash and purchase the fly that goes over the top, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Another negative to consider is that it’s a little heavy, so if you’re a hiker and want a pop up tent to take with you on the trails, this isn’t it. The overall weight of everything in the bag is 24.9 which makes it a bit hefty and better suited to those who take their vehicles with them to camp.
The Coleman Cabin Tent is one of the fastest pop up tents on the market with assembly possible in less than 60 seconds, and the type of quality this brand is renowned for. Coleman covers this tent with a one-year warranty and when you purchase on Amazon it’s shipped for free with the lowest price online, giving you a simpler and more enjoyable camping experience in the future.
PROS
- 60 second assembly
- Double Thick Fabric
- Big
- Simple
- High Ceiling
CONS
- Not really weatherproof without the over the top fly
- A bit heavy for a single person carry
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: 150D Polyester
- Time To Deploy: 60 seconds
- Size: 10 x 9 feet
Runner Up: Coleman Dark Room Tent
- DARK ROOM TECHNOLOGY: Blocks 90% of sunlight for more comfortable rest...
- REDUCES HEAT: Ensures a cool interior even during daytime
- WEATHERPROOF: Provides protection against rain and winds up to 35+ mph
Coleman has created another of our favorite picks with their Dark Room Instant Tent, blocking 90% of sunlight compared to their other tents and being able to pitch in just 60 seconds.
The tent measures 10 x 10 feet and with a ceiling height of six feet in the center, giving you enough room to comfortably fit two queen size airbeds inside.
One of the best features of this tent is its durability, and although Coleman is known for its dependability in nature, this one goes above and beyond.
It uses the WeatherTec system that uses welded corners and inverted seams and comes with a rainfly to protect you from the wet. It’s also designed to withstand 35+ mph winds, which will come in handy for those who like to camp when conditions are a little wild.
The Coleman Dark Room Tent is comfortable inside as well, with ample space and the perfect shape to make the most of what you have. The dark room technology means the temperature inside the tent will be reduced, making it one of the better picks for people who like to camp in warmer climates.
There are lots of little extras included with this tent that makes it even better value for money. You’ll get some sewn in compartments for storing your smaller items and the E-port that allows you to get access to electricity inside of the tent, without compromising your comfort or waterproofing.
However, it wasn’t all good news, with the biggest letdown being their claim for darkness. Although this tent is marketed as using dark room technology, it’s not as dark as you’d think.
Some customers noted that there were still areas where sunlight can escape through, so if you’re choosing this instant tent because of the promise of being shielded from the light while you sleep inside, there are likely better options.
Another minor critique of this instant tent from Coleman is that although it can be assembled quickly, you’ll probably want to take a little more care than that. Coleman has included everything so the tent pops up but some customers noted that the hub connection at the very top of the tent can feel flimsy, so you need to treat it gently.
The Coleman Dark Room Tent is made with the same superior quality that people love this brand for and they’ve covered it with a one-year limited warranty, although we’re sure it’ll serve you well for years beyond that. You can find it online at Amazon for the best price and with free shipping and returns, so there’s no excuse not to invest in this cozy instant tent for your next camping adventure.
PROS
- Weatherproof
- Comfortable
- Big
- E-Port
- Wind Secure
CONS
- Dark Room technology is not as dark as expected
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Polyester
- Time To Deploy: 3 minutes
- Size: 120 x 72 inches
3. Hewolf Instant Tent
- Automatic hydraulic hexagon fast pitch outdoor cinch comfortable 2...
- Fast Pitch Tent with Spacious Interior - Very fast to pop up and take...
- Waterproof Automatic setup Tent - One day you go to beach with your...
The Hewolf Instant Tent is a waterproof and highly efficient camping tent, designed for 2-3 users and able to be setup in under five minutes.
The Instant Tent is a hexagonal shape that measures 84.6 inches at its longest width with 66.1 inches at the center interior roof. Made with waterproof and anti-tear polyester, it’s designed to last in all kinds of camping conditions.
By far the best thing about this fast-setup tent was that it stood up to its claim of being waterproof, and some reviewers mentioned going through days on end of heavy rain without a sign of it inside their tent.
This type of resilience in wet weather is a major selling point for those needing a tent for all conditions and is not commonly found in tents, even if they do claim to be waterproofed.
The Hewolf Instant Tent also earned points for its durability, and this is mainly thanks to the anti-tear 190T polyester they’ve used to craft it.
As well as being a fast setup tent, it’s incredibly rugged when you compare it to others, even if there’s no official word of a warranty from the manufacturer.
Those looking for a hiking-friendly instant tent will be thrilled to find that the Hewolf one weighs less than 12lbs. Although it’s a smaller tent it’s still surprising that it weighs this little because of the quality of its materials and craftsmanship.
There’s no need to miss out on the simplicity of an instant tent just because you’re looking for something lightweight.
However, according to reviewers, this was one of the slower fast camp tent options, with the average person taking around five minutes to get it up.
The biggest issue with its assembly came from the instructions and there were a few reviewers who mentioned that these could have been a little easier to understand.
The sizing of the tent was hard to gauge for some, and even though Hewolf claims that two adults and one child could fit comfortably, it was more like two adults at the max.
If you’re looking for more room from a fast camp tent there are others with the same features and quality that can deliver, and possibly with a lower price tag.
The Hewolf Instant Camping Tent might not be the quickest of the instant tents we’ve reviewed, but it certainly offers the most protection against wild weather.
If you’re someone who likes to camp in the unknown, you’ll love everything about this compact tent, and when you purchase it through Amazon you can get the lowest price and free returns from the online marketplace.
PROS
- Supreme Weather Resistance
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Hexagonal Shape provides more space
CONS
- Instructions not as clear
- Not as fast to assemble
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Polyester
- Time To Deploy: 5 minutes
- Size: 84.6 x 66.1 inches
4. Hui Lingyang Pop Up Tent
- Quick & Easy Setup:Instant pop-up tent with pre-assembled poles sets...
- Spacious Interior:12.5 x 8.5 feet floor;Sleeps 4-6 adults in sleeping...
- Venting: Large mesh window on the left and right sides allows hot air...
Hui Lingyang has developed a waterproof pop-up tent that can be assembled in 20 seconds, giving you the easiest camping accessory ever made. With external measurements of 102 inches in width and 53.5 inches in height, it’s designed for six people to sleep comfortably.
The tent is made with 190T polyester for the main component with 210D Oxford PU3000 on the floor, and the entire setup has a 3000MM-4000 waterproof index.
This is another truly waterproof pop up tent that guarantees to keep you dry in wet weather and it means you’ll never be left in the lurch even if a serious downpour starts.
The polyester fabric is water resistant, there are heat-sealed seams on all of the joins to prevent anything from getting in, and a free rainfly included rainfly that will provide you with an extra layer of protection.
The ease in which this tent was set up earned it major points, and people were thrilled to find that it just popped up into place, just as its name suggested it would.
The Hui Lingyang Tent can be assembled in under a minute and without any confusing instructions to make sense of, so it’s truly one of the most efficient options we’ve reviewed.
However, there were some concerns about the long term durability of the tent when you stack it up against the competition. Although it’s rated solidly for waterproofing and gives you plenty of fresh air, you might find that it’s not built to last for many years of camping.
This type of tent would suit casual campers and not those who like to get out into nature every weekend, so keep that in mind.
Another letdown of this tent was that the measurements provided by the manufacturer were misleading, with people only realizing that the inside of it was formed with a different shell than the outside after they had received the package.
Although the tent’s dimensions are noted as being 102 x 53.5 inches, reviewers stated that about four inches was missing from the top of the tent because of this shell. You’ll need to do some measurements of the people using the tent before deciding on this one to avoid disappointment.
The Hui Lingyang Pop-Up Tent is great at repelling water and one of the quickest assemblies we’ve seen, providing the best of both worlds.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a warranty offered by the manufacturer which makes it a risk, but if their thousands of happy customers are to go by, it’s a great contender for the best fast setup tent on the market. Amazon has this online at the best price with free returns as well, guaranteeing buyer satisfaction.
PROS
- Fast assembly
- Ease of use
- Cost
- Waterproof
CONS
- Not built to last
- Possible defects
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Polyester
- Time To Deploy: 20 seconds
- Size: 102 x 53.5 inches
5. Zone Tech Family Instant Pop Up Tent
- ► LARGE SIZE - The Zone Tech pop-up tent is spacious and can...
- ► VENTILATION - The Zone Tech pop-up tent has 2 doors unlike most...
- ► PREMIUM QUALITY - The Zone Tech pop-up tent is made with high...
Zone Tech has created an affordable entry into the pop-up tent market with their Family Instant Tent. With room for 3-4 adults, 75 x 75 inches width and depth, and 5.75 lbs weight, it’s a dream come true for campers who crave simplicity and comfort. The Family Instant Tent has been constructed with B3 anti-mosquito mesh and high-quality 190T PU material with a ground sheet made of 210D Oxford.
The best thing about this tent is its portability, thanks to the 5.75 lbs weight that’s barely noticeable, even after a long hike. Zone Tech has also included a bag that you can keep the tent in and carry it with you like a backpack, helping with portability. As the lightweight tent assembles in less than a minute, you could take it with you whenever you’re exploring the great outdoors and make a decision on the spot about whether you wanted to stay the night.
This is one of the cheapest options for a pop-up tent we’ve found, and it’s still got all of the features of a more expensive tent. There are double entry doors and a zipper entry with quality SBS zippers, and it assembles in 30 seconds with minimal effort. If you’re looking for simplicity and a low price, the Zone Tech Instant Pop-Up Tent has everything you need.
On the downside, as a cheaper option, some of the parts are cheap as well and they might not stand up to years of continual use. The poles are the biggest letdown as they’re made of plastic so unlike a more expensive tent with steel poles, they’re not going to last as long. This tent is a better fit for people who camp every now and then and aren’t looking for durability, so make sure you upgrade if you favor durability over all else.
The waterproof rating on this was slightly misleading and it’s not a tent that’s designed for wild winds either. This is a better fit for a hiking and camping weekend where you can look ahead at the weather and make sure the conditions are calm. Some customers found that with heavier rain it made its way through and due to the flimsier plastic poles, it’s not advisable for strong gales either.
The Zone Tech Family Instant Pop-Up Tent is a cheaper way to go camping in an instant, but it’s not the most durable or weather resistant. If you’re after a fun option for camping without the stress, this budget-friendly option is available with free shipping from Amazon, but there’s no warranty coverage from the manufacturer so you’ll have to be careful when setting it up.
PROS
- Fast Setup
- Great Hiking or Camping Tent
- Portable
- Cost
CONS
- Plastic Poles
- Not as durable or weather resistant
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Polyester
- Time To Deploy: 30 seconds
- Size: 75 x 75 inches
Fast Setup Tent FAQ
Setting up a tent is never on anyone’s list of fun things to do, so if you want to cut the time this chore takes in half, an instant tent is the way to go.
Before you dive in and grab one of these instant tents though, check out some commonly asked questions and our answers to see if they’re right for you.
What Is The Quickest Tent To Set Up?
Some of the better modern tents of today can be set up in a few minutes or as fast as 60 seconds, depending on their style and size.
The time it takes to assemble a tent also depends on the individual and their experience, as with more practice it should become quicker to set up one of these instant pop-up tents.
Are Instant Tents Better?
An instant tent is a better solution for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time setting up their tent or finds it too difficult to assemble one. However, they might not be as superior in other areas, like weatherproofing, temperature ratings, or comfort, so you need to choose a tent that meets all of your requirements.
Are Fast SetUp Tents Waterproof?
An instant set-up tent with a weatherproof rating will do just as well protecting you from moisture as a regular tent made of the same materials, but not all tents will be 100% waterproofed.
To ensure your tent will keep you dry, choose one that’s made with material that is rated as waterproof or has some type of coating that repels moisture.
Temperature Ratings On Fast Setup Tents?
Fast-setup tents come with temperature ratings, just like other types of tents, and these help you find a tent that suits the climate you’re camping in.
These tents are usually rated for one or more seasons, indicating the optimal weather conditions for using them, and this rating should be followed for your comfort and safety.
Campsite Efficiency Made Easy
With a fast setup tent in your arsenal, you’ll get rid of one of the most dreaded chores that come with camping.
Thanks to our recommendations and a little bit of background knowledge about what an instant tent can offer, you’ll be ready for the most efficient and relaxing camping trip of your life.
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