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. Youll also find a nice big gear loft and additional side pockets made for electronics that allow you to hang your phone/tablet/power bank up off the ground with a little slot to run any wires or headphones through. The Hornet Elite is super lightweight and packs down incredibly small, but the tradeoff is limited headroom. 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. For everything it offers, expect to pay top dollar for this model. REI also thought to include the side windows at the floor of the tent, so even in the summer months ventilation is great thanks to the floor-to-ceiling chimney effect this creates. All that interior space comes with additional weight. Specs: Weight: 11.8 lbs (4.9kg) Packed size: 25 x 12 x 8 (64cm x 30cm x 20cm) Floor size: 96 x 84 (244cm x 213cm) Peak height: 80 (203 cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season car camping Price: $$. And speaking of rainstorms, weather protection is our other concern here. And, because the entire rainfly is also pole supported (the tent body itself clips in underneath), you can actually use it all by itself like a high-tech EZ-Up, bringing some portable shade to your next beach outing or backyard BBQ. Still, the interior space and livability are as great as ever, and fair-weather campers in particular will appreciate the new fly. There are also semi-freestanding tents, such as the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye and NEMO Hornet Elite. Metrics are weighted according to their relative importance. We love it on stormy days when we plan to spend more time hunkered down at basecamp rather than out on the trail. It includes a pole segment that extends from door to door, which increases the lateral peak height of this model. 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. 
Higher scorers include the REI Half Dome SL 2+, NEMO Dragonfly 2, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, and NEMO Dagger 2. So pockets that hang in front of windows or encroach on your sleeping area, for instance, could be more trouble than theyre worth. If we had to guess, wed wager its got something to do with all the color-matched mesh and that sweet plaid-pattered floor cloth (why dont more companies do that??? agnes blacktail Let us know! With that being said, four-person tents are technically the largest size tent you can buy specifically for backpacking. Most backpacking tents are pretty easy to set up, but we look at different connection points between poles, tent body, and fly. On the other end of the spectrum, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ and the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT are a couple of the heaviest tents that we tested. This approach to shelters obviously isnt for everyone, but its worth noting that the fast-fly configuration cuts tent weight down by a full pound and a half to just 4.2 pounds. 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. This lightweight wonder is comfortable and durable. Four-person space from a name we trust that undercuts department store tent prices. Combining a 300D floor with a rugged single wall design (and a lifetime warranty) tells us this tent means business. Although most campers will appreciate the more open feel of the new setup, rain-or-shine campers will likely mourn the outgoing Kingdoms approach to weather protection. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is in a category all its own when it comes to adaptability. As one of the heaviest tents in our fleet, it is more than double the weight of the lightest models in the category. Combine that with thick but flexible 14.5mm aluminum poles, and its easy to see how Nemo can afford to offer a lifetime warranty on these premium tents. For example, the Habitude 4 uses a single door/single vestibule construction, which keeps setup fast and straightforward, but limits the tents versatility. Provides 360-degree views even with the rainfly on. Over the past 12 years, our experts have purchased and tested more than 240 tents. The fly converts into an awning, which can be really nice for ventilation on warm days and for precipitation protection. These are some of our favorite shelters for their balance of comfort, versatility, and portability. 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 roomy interior of the Copper Spur HV UL2. 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. Its got all the premium tent essentials like DAC aluminum poles (it comes with DAC stakes as well! agnes campbound backcountry How can we improve GearLab? The sheer volume of storage is the first thing youll want to consider here. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye takes the cake as far as sub-three-pound tents go. The REI Passage 2 combines space, comfort, and affordability in a way few others do. However, we like it because of its flexibility, allowing a group of three to travel light. 
For this metric, we assess the protection that each tent provides against precipitation and wind. If you love spending nights in nature, there is a tent out there for you. 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. Kudos. tumble Needless to say the Wagontop was an easy choice for best overall quality. 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: $$. This plays a huge factor in deciding whether or not a tent is worth the money or just overpriced due to a brand name. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is under three pounds. All things considered, the Limestone 4 is an incredibly well-built tent that will last for years, a fact made that much sweeter by its modest price. You might also be interested in our other backpacking gear reviews. Happy trails! The former has heavy, thick fabric, and the latter is a good compromise between strength and weight. We love it for its exceptional comfort, luxurious dimensions, and good ventilation, as well as its wide array of interior storage pockets. Every tent on this list will hold your average queen camping mattress, but some will do it better than others (the Alps Engineering Queen, for example, measures 80x56). Bonus points to Big Agnes. Models that include the feature also refer to a fastpitch weight, that is, the footprint (usually sold separately), the fly, and the poles. If you treat it nicely, it should offer you many years of lightweight, comfortable camping. Though it comes with an impressive array of storage pockets, they aren't super conveniently located and require a long reach from a lying-down position. It is highly adaptable as a double-wall tent, single-wall tarp, or open-air shade cover. It's a compact tent for sure, but there is still enough headroom to sit up, and the double doors and mesh ensure easy entry and good airflow. It includes sturdy zippers, tensioners with hefty webbing, and thick floor fabric. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is a top contender for semi-freestanding backpacking tents. Kelty gear at Coleman prices? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. A handful of tents in this review are at or around two pounds, including the NEMO Hornet Elite 2, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye, and REI Co-Op Flash Air 2. Read review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. It also effectively sheds condensation that drips from the roof. In the world of 4 person tents, there are essentially two types of vestibules: The first is your tried-and-true classic vestibule, which keeps bad weather away from the door(s) of your tent and provides a space to store wet/dirty gear outside your living space. Wed also like to see a proper second vestibule included at the rear door, although as far as storage goes there are plenty of interior stash pockets scattered throughout the tent. Either way, these extended/supported vestibules create a better/larger living space overall, and offer more versatility (and often more head space) than the basic design on tents like the MSR above. agnes bigagnes The same goes for the tents guylines, which are pre-attached to the rainfly for easy pitching in less than ideal conditions. The NEMO Hornet Elite 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye have thin materials that need to be treated with care. No ads. Sure, the two extra poles Nemo uses to stretch out the walls add a little complexity to the setup, and no, the Aurora Highrise doesnt come with a footprint (also classic Nemo), but theres really not much else to gripe about here. Most notably is the wagontop design itself, which makes for a tent with near vertical walls and standing height ceilings throughout. Many of the lighter tents tested here are not designed to endure a ton of abuse. Throw in the added utility of a standalone vestibule, and youve got a clear winner. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. It has a massive vestibule to protect gear and thoughtful design elements that improve its performance in tough weather, as well as several guy points for stability. nextadventure spur ul4 An excellent value for top-shelf materials and build quality.
Beyond that, we like seeing materials in the tent body that are water repellent/resistant themselves, as this adds another layer of weather protection to the shelter overall. It is spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably but remains lightweight and packs down small. 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 floor is super durable and waterproof. All trademarks property of their respective owners An increasingly common variation on this is the semi-freestanding tent, which has poles but also requires stakes to maximize its volume. We also talk about a tent as livable, which refers to the ability to do things other than sleep (e.g., sit up to eat dinner or spread out and read a book). Though it is very expensive, its durable construction makes it a long-term value if you use it frequently. The models in this review generally come in two slightly different flavors. We wouldn't hesitate to take this tent out with us on our next adventure. Weve been outspoken fans of both the 8 person and 6 person versions of Nemos Wagontop tent, and wouldnt ya know it, we like the Nemo Wagontop 4 person just as well. It maintains the same features but with room for one more. Looking for the right tent for your next adventure? The Wagontop 4 also shares the same rugged materials throughout its design, including the bulletproof 300D floor and 75D fly/canopy fabric. Any tent that performs well in the following metrics is a good investment in our book. Truth be told if you want Nemo quality and features, but dont want to splurge on the Wagontop above, the Aurora Highrise is an absolute home run. It is a non-freestanding tent; that is, it comes with a couple of poles but relies almost entirely on stakes and guylines to pitch, which we found makes it trickier to set up. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is what we reach for when harsh weather is in the forecast. The weight of the full setup is well over three pounds, so fast packers who still want the protection of a double-wall tent will have to look elsewhere. We also have to mention here that the Big Agnes Bunkhouses carry bag is probably our favorite of all time: Its designed to be worn like a backpack, keeping your hands free while hauling the tent to and from camp. The Mountain Hardwear AC2 also has burly components. The exception to this simplicity is the Mountain Hardwear AC2. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ doesn't perform quite as well, but it is comparatively inexpensive. 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. With tough DWR-treated 68D polyester fabric in both the canopy, floor, and rainfly, every square inch of the Habitude is built to last. I want to share with you what I learnt! Thats great on a big family tent, but nearly unheard of on a four person model. mtnglo Big Agnes, for example, uses a single piece stake and clip buckle system that acts as both a mounting point for tent poles and a clip-in point for the rainfly. Read review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Specs: Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.4 kg) Packed size: 22 x 7 x 7 (56cm x 18cm x 18cm) Floor size: 96 x 86 (244cm x 218cm) Peak height: 50 (127cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season backpacking Price: $$$. Strange door and fly zipper configuration, Splashback can hit mesh walls in heavy rain. This is a good option to have on hand for a quick, casual weekend camping trip. While pitching most 4 person dome tents is pretty straightforward, some models do it better than others. The fly, canopy, and floor are all made from 68-denier polyester, which cuts overall weight but calls long-term durability into question. These added features arent essential, but are always appreciated. This model's drawbacks are comparatively minor. 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: $. To increase durability, make sure you store your tent properly by cleaning and drying it thoroughly before packing it away in the offseason. My goal is to help you enjoy the outdoors with reliable advice. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. If youre looking for a little more headroom, the Nemo Wagontop, North Face Super Dome, and MSR Habitude are all great choices. We love its double doors, and its two-pole setup is just about as straightforward as it comes. Of course, its dimensions are slightly smaller than the Copper Spur, but it still provides ample space for two people. Technically polyester is more water resistant than nylon, but both materials improve more overall resistance as their thickness increases. Its even got adjustable shoulder straps! Well take it. Because their comparatively compact designs tend to handle wind and rain better than larger models, we pay particularly close attention to the weather features of these tents. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is our favorite for its adaptability to a variety of enviroments. This makes their overall size and weight negligible and clears the way for the manufacturers to splurge on more durable materials. As far as drawbacks go, were kind of at a loss with this one. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Believe it or not weve got something below for backpackers, families, and festival-goers alike You name it, weve found a 4 person tent that fits the bill.
Higher scorers include the REI Half Dome SL 2+, NEMO Dragonfly 2, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, and NEMO Dagger 2. So pockets that hang in front of windows or encroach on your sleeping area, for instance, could be more trouble than theyre worth. If we had to guess, wed wager its got something to do with all the color-matched mesh and that sweet plaid-pattered floor cloth (why dont more companies do that??? agnes blacktail Let us know! With that being said, four-person tents are technically the largest size tent you can buy specifically for backpacking. Most backpacking tents are pretty easy to set up, but we look at different connection points between poles, tent body, and fly. On the other end of the spectrum, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ and the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT are a couple of the heaviest tents that we tested. This approach to shelters obviously isnt for everyone, but its worth noting that the fast-fly configuration cuts tent weight down by a full pound and a half to just 4.2 pounds. 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. This lightweight wonder is comfortable and durable. Four-person space from a name we trust that undercuts department store tent prices. Combining a 300D floor with a rugged single wall design (and a lifetime warranty) tells us this tent means business. Although most campers will appreciate the more open feel of the new setup, rain-or-shine campers will likely mourn the outgoing Kingdoms approach to weather protection. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is in a category all its own when it comes to adaptability. As one of the heaviest tents in our fleet, it is more than double the weight of the lightest models in the category. Combine that with thick but flexible 14.5mm aluminum poles, and its easy to see how Nemo can afford to offer a lifetime warranty on these premium tents. For example, the Habitude 4 uses a single door/single vestibule construction, which keeps setup fast and straightforward, but limits the tents versatility. Provides 360-degree views even with the rainfly on. Over the past 12 years, our experts have purchased and tested more than 240 tents. The fly converts into an awning, which can be really nice for ventilation on warm days and for precipitation protection. These are some of our favorite shelters for their balance of comfort, versatility, and portability. 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 roomy interior of the Copper Spur HV UL2. 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. Its got all the premium tent essentials like DAC aluminum poles (it comes with DAC stakes as well! agnes campbound backcountry How can we improve GearLab? The sheer volume of storage is the first thing youll want to consider here. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye takes the cake as far as sub-three-pound tents go. The REI Passage 2 combines space, comfort, and affordability in a way few others do. However, we like it because of its flexibility, allowing a group of three to travel light. 
For this metric, we assess the protection that each tent provides against precipitation and wind. If you love spending nights in nature, there is a tent out there for you. 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. Kudos. tumble Needless to say the Wagontop was an easy choice for best overall quality. 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: $$. This plays a huge factor in deciding whether or not a tent is worth the money or just overpriced due to a brand name. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is under three pounds. All things considered, the Limestone 4 is an incredibly well-built tent that will last for years, a fact made that much sweeter by its modest price. You might also be interested in our other backpacking gear reviews. Happy trails! The former has heavy, thick fabric, and the latter is a good compromise between strength and weight. We love it for its exceptional comfort, luxurious dimensions, and good ventilation, as well as its wide array of interior storage pockets. Every tent on this list will hold your average queen camping mattress, but some will do it better than others (the Alps Engineering Queen, for example, measures 80x56). Bonus points to Big Agnes. Models that include the feature also refer to a fastpitch weight, that is, the footprint (usually sold separately), the fly, and the poles. If you treat it nicely, it should offer you many years of lightweight, comfortable camping. Though it comes with an impressive array of storage pockets, they aren't super conveniently located and require a long reach from a lying-down position. It is highly adaptable as a double-wall tent, single-wall tarp, or open-air shade cover. It's a compact tent for sure, but there is still enough headroom to sit up, and the double doors and mesh ensure easy entry and good airflow. It includes sturdy zippers, tensioners with hefty webbing, and thick floor fabric. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is a top contender for semi-freestanding backpacking tents. Kelty gear at Coleman prices? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. A handful of tents in this review are at or around two pounds, including the NEMO Hornet Elite 2, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye, and REI Co-Op Flash Air 2. Read review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. It also effectively sheds condensation that drips from the roof. In the world of 4 person tents, there are essentially two types of vestibules: The first is your tried-and-true classic vestibule, which keeps bad weather away from the door(s) of your tent and provides a space to store wet/dirty gear outside your living space. Wed also like to see a proper second vestibule included at the rear door, although as far as storage goes there are plenty of interior stash pockets scattered throughout the tent. Either way, these extended/supported vestibules create a better/larger living space overall, and offer more versatility (and often more head space) than the basic design on tents like the MSR above. agnes bigagnes The same goes for the tents guylines, which are pre-attached to the rainfly for easy pitching in less than ideal conditions. The NEMO Hornet Elite 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye have thin materials that need to be treated with care. No ads. Sure, the two extra poles Nemo uses to stretch out the walls add a little complexity to the setup, and no, the Aurora Highrise doesnt come with a footprint (also classic Nemo), but theres really not much else to gripe about here. Most notably is the wagontop design itself, which makes for a tent with near vertical walls and standing height ceilings throughout. Many of the lighter tents tested here are not designed to endure a ton of abuse. Throw in the added utility of a standalone vestibule, and youve got a clear winner. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. It has a massive vestibule to protect gear and thoughtful design elements that improve its performance in tough weather, as well as several guy points for stability. nextadventure spur ul4 An excellent value for top-shelf materials and build quality. 
Beyond that, we like seeing materials in the tent body that are water repellent/resistant themselves, as this adds another layer of weather protection to the shelter overall. It is spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably but remains lightweight and packs down small. 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 floor is super durable and waterproof. All trademarks property of their respective owners An increasingly common variation on this is the semi-freestanding tent, which has poles but also requires stakes to maximize its volume. We also talk about a tent as livable, which refers to the ability to do things other than sleep (e.g., sit up to eat dinner or spread out and read a book). Though it is very expensive, its durable construction makes it a long-term value if you use it frequently. The models in this review generally come in two slightly different flavors. We wouldn't hesitate to take this tent out with us on our next adventure. Weve been outspoken fans of both the 8 person and 6 person versions of Nemos Wagontop tent, and wouldnt ya know it, we like the Nemo Wagontop 4 person just as well. It maintains the same features but with room for one more. Looking for the right tent for your next adventure? The Wagontop 4 also shares the same rugged materials throughout its design, including the bulletproof 300D floor and 75D fly/canopy fabric. Any tent that performs well in the following metrics is a good investment in our book. Truth be told if you want Nemo quality and features, but dont want to splurge on the Wagontop above, the Aurora Highrise is an absolute home run. It is a non-freestanding tent; that is, it comes with a couple of poles but relies almost entirely on stakes and guylines to pitch, which we found makes it trickier to set up. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is what we reach for when harsh weather is in the forecast. The weight of the full setup is well over three pounds, so fast packers who still want the protection of a double-wall tent will have to look elsewhere. We also have to mention here that the Big Agnes Bunkhouses carry bag is probably our favorite of all time: Its designed to be worn like a backpack, keeping your hands free while hauling the tent to and from camp. The Mountain Hardwear AC2 also has burly components. The exception to this simplicity is the Mountain Hardwear AC2. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ doesn't perform quite as well, but it is comparatively inexpensive. 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. With tough DWR-treated 68D polyester fabric in both the canopy, floor, and rainfly, every square inch of the Habitude is built to last. I want to share with you what I learnt! Thats great on a big family tent, but nearly unheard of on a four person model. mtnglo Big Agnes, for example, uses a single piece stake and clip buckle system that acts as both a mounting point for tent poles and a clip-in point for the rainfly. Read review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Specs: Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.4 kg) Packed size: 22 x 7 x 7 (56cm x 18cm x 18cm) Floor size: 96 x 86 (244cm x 218cm) Peak height: 50 (127cm) Rooms: 1 Shape: Dome Best for: Three-season backpacking Price: $$$. Strange door and fly zipper configuration, Splashback can hit mesh walls in heavy rain. This is a good option to have on hand for a quick, casual weekend camping trip. While pitching most 4 person dome tents is pretty straightforward, some models do it better than others. The fly, canopy, and floor are all made from 68-denier polyester, which cuts overall weight but calls long-term durability into question. These added features arent essential, but are always appreciated. This model's drawbacks are comparatively minor. 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: $. To increase durability, make sure you store your tent properly by cleaning and drying it thoroughly before packing it away in the offseason. My goal is to help you enjoy the outdoors with reliable advice. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. If youre looking for a little more headroom, the Nemo Wagontop, North Face Super Dome, and MSR Habitude are all great choices. We love its double doors, and its two-pole setup is just about as straightforward as it comes. Of course, its dimensions are slightly smaller than the Copper Spur, but it still provides ample space for two people. Technically polyester is more water resistant than nylon, but both materials improve more overall resistance as their thickness increases. Its even got adjustable shoulder straps! Well take it. Because their comparatively compact designs tend to handle wind and rain better than larger models, we pay particularly close attention to the weather features of these tents. The Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 is our favorite for its adaptability to a variety of enviroments. This makes their overall size and weight negligible and clears the way for the manufacturers to splurge on more durable materials. As far as drawbacks go, were kind of at a loss with this one. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Believe it or not weve got something below for backpackers, families, and festival-goers alike You name it, weve found a 4 person tent that fits the bill.
