11 Best Large Tents – That Won’t Break the Bank
Definitive Review (2024)

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Are you looking for the best large tent for your next great adventure?

There are many large tents on the market, and they all have so many different features.

You don’t just want to buy the biggest tent for sale – you want one that meets your needs.

Here’s the thing: You need to look at the capacity, tent material, ease of assembly, and even the hydrostatic head, especially if you’re expecting rain.

And that’s just the beginning.

But don’t worry. We’ve done a lot of the work for you.

We’ve researched the most popular large tents for every occasion – from stand up tents to events tents, to extra large family camping tents.  

Looking for the very best large tents 2024?

You’ll find them here.

Best Large 6 Person Tent

1 – Rei Kingdom 6

Editors Choice Award Winner

Check Latest Price
Value for Money
9
Ease of Set-Up
9
Overall Comfort
9
Weather Resistance
8
Workmanship
9
Packet Size
10
Overall Score
90
  • Manufacturer: Trekology
  • Capacities: 6-person
  • Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 75 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 21 lbs. 6 oz

Bottom Line: Possibly the best large family tent at this price point.

Pros


  • Versatile
  • Easy setup
  • Tough construction

Cons


  • On the small side
  • More poles than similar tents

It’s hard to go wrong with REI equipment. This manufacturer makes sturdy tents for a variety of purposes, and some of the best large family tents money can buy. One of these is the REI Kingdom 6.

As the name suggests, this is a six-person tent. It has two doors, a vestibule, and a divider so that you can create two interior rooms, should you choose. This is a three-season tent with polyester construction and weatherproof sealed seams.

That’s not all – we also liked the convenient backpack-style carrying case. 

Like the Big Agnes Tensleep, the REI Kingdom 6 is a simple but effective workhorse. You won’t find yourself puzzling over strangely-placed pockets or other unnecessary frills.

Want to appreciate the thoughtful design?

This tent has color-coded assembly markings, and the inner ceiling zips, which make attaching ceiling clips so much easier.

Adaptable, user-friendly, and tough, it’s easy to see why the REI Kingdom 6 is a star of so many family tent reviews, including ours. It may not be an extra large tent, but if you have an average-sized family, it’s hard to do better than this one.

Read Full Review: REI Kingdom 6

Best Family Tent for Bad Weather

2 – Coleman Weather Master 10

Best Value Award Winner
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Check Latest Price
Value for Money
8
Ease of Set-Up
6
Overall Comfort
8
Weather Resistance
9
Workmanship
9
Packet Size
8
Overall Score
80
  • Manufacturer: Coleman
  • Capacities: 10p
  • Dimensions: 204.00 x 108.00’ x 80 ‘
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 31 lbs

Bottom Line : A good tent for unpredictable weather

Pros


  • Wind and rain resistant
  • Easy setup
  • Great value for money
  • One-year limited warranty

Cons


  • It was really difficult to find any

When it comes to the weather, sometimes you have to expect the unexpected. The right tent can help you be prepared for those surprise gusts and showers.

The WeatherMaster from Coleman is made with weather surprises in mind. 

What do we mean by that?

Well

  • Touch polyurethane-coated polyester construction increases water-resistance.
  • Inverted seams protect the needle holes from wind and water.
  • Downward-angling windows allow air circulation while keeping the rain out.
  • Weather cuffs protect the zippers.
  • A specially-designed floor resists leaks and seepage.

And if that’s not enough, both the frame and the poles themselves have been redesigned to stand up to wind.

It’s large enough inside to fit three queen-sized mattresses and tall enough for your tallest friend. Not to mention that at this price point, it’s a steal.

Is this the best large family tent on the market? When it comes to unexpected weather, it’s certainly a contender.

Read Full Review: Coleman WeatherMaster 10

Best Large Tent to Buy in 2024

3 – Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6

Top Pick Award Winner
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Check Latest Price
Value for Money
9
Ease of Set-Up
8
Overall Comfort
9
Weather Resistance
9
Workmanship
9
Packet Size
9
Overall Score
87
  • Manufacturer: Big Agnes
  • Capacities: 4P, 6P, 8P Versions
  • Dimensions: 175 x 115 x 96
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 20.8 pounds

Bottom Line: Possibly the best large tent for camping with your wild bunch

Pros


  • Outstanding four-season weather protection
  • Expansive rain fly
  • Multi-room design
  • Easy setup

Cons


  • Low ceiling
  • Adults may have to stoop
  • No windows

When it comes to family-sized tents, camping is probably the most popular application. And one of the best family tents overall is the Big Agnes Flying Diamond.

Why?

In short, this is a great all-purpose, four-season tent that has all of the dealbreaker features you want in a big family tent, without any of the unnecessary ‘bells and whistles’ often used to drive up the price.

What dealbreaker features?

Try these on for size:

  • Two separate rooms that sleep a total of four to six people.
  • Twin vestibules to store wet and muddy gear.
  • Four-season tough to handle wind, rain, and even snow.
  • The rain fly covers the entire tent. That’s rare.
  • Color-coded poles and guides for easier setup.

It’s a bit pricier than some of the other models which made our list, but for this price, you get durability, tough construction, and outstanding weather resistance. All the important features when you’re camping with your family.

While we consider the Flying Diamond one of the best all-around big family tents for camping, it’s not the largest camping tent on the market, or even in our review.

Bottom Line – if you’re looking for a very decent, easy-to-use, mid-sized family camping tent, this is one to consider.

Read Full Review: Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6

The Best Large 10 Person Tent

4 – Wenzel 10 Person Tent

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Value for Money
9
Ease of Set-Up
8
Overall Comfort
8
Weather Resistance
7
Workmanship
8
Packet Size
9
Overall Score
82
  • Manufacturer: Wenzel
  • Capacities: 4P, 6P, 8P Versions
  • Dimensions: 216 x 120 x 78 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 28.2 pounds

Bottom Line : A generously-proportioned 10-person tent

Pros


  • Ease of use
  • Comfort
  • Convenient removable cover

Cons


  • Cumbersome
  • Heavy

Even the best large tent won’t fit the bill if it’s not big enough. Are you taking the cousins along on your camping trip? Or maybe a big group of friends? Then you might need to level up to a ten-person tent. 

There are lots of big camping tents for sale – if you’re looking for a tent suitable for a large family – then Wenzel Great Basin should be on your radar.

Why?

Check this out:

  • A generously tall ceiling means comfort for your tallest friends or family members.
  • The proprietary LiteReflect system turns your flashlight into a ceiling lamp.
  • Two room dividers provide multiple options for privacy and comfort.
  • A convenient e-port allows you to take your devices camping with you.

And if that’s not enough, the price is very reasonable.

Read Full Review: Wenzel Great Basin

Best Large 12 Person Tent

5 – NTK Arizona Gt

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Value for Money
7
Ease of Set-Up
7
Overall Comfort
9
Weather Resistance
9
Workmanship
9
Packet Size
9
Overall Score
83
  • Manufacturer: NTK
  • Capacities: 4P, 6P, 8P Versions
  • Dimensions: 247.2 x 122.4 x 82.8 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 39.8 pounds

Bottom Line : A very decent up-to-12-person summer weight tent

Pros


  • Heat-welded seams
  • Two-layer antifungal floor
  • UV protection
  • Easy setup
  • Lifetime pole replacement

Cons


  • Only one curtain-style room divider
  • some users report problems in strong wind conditions

Is a ten-person tent just a bit too snug for your party? Then maybe you should look for something larger. There are numerous extra large camping tents on the market to fit 12, 16, and even 20 people.

Does this sound more like it?

Then this 12-person tent from NTK may be the best large tent for you.

Why?

Well, for a start:

  • This is a tall tent, six feet and nine inches at its tallest point.
  • Heat-welded seams protect against leaks.
  • Double-layer PU-coated 190t polyester keeps the water out.
  • The tent fabric also offers UV protection.

As for tent design, it doesn’t get much easier or more effective than this: Two doors and ultra-fine mesh windows all the way around provide excellent ventilation. The two-layer anti-fungal floor is seamless, which means that you’re unlikely to wake up in a puddle.

Finally, three flexible fiberglass poles make setup and takedown fast and simple. 

And if those poles break? The company offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.

If you’re looking for the best family tent for summer, this one’s definitely a contender.

Read Full Review: NTK Arizona Gt

Best Wall Tent for Hunting

6 – White Duck Outdoor Canvas Tent

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Value for Money
7
Ease of Set-Up
5
Overall Comfort
6
Weather Resistance
9
Workmanship
10
Packet Size
4
Overall Score
68
  • Manufacturer: White Duck Outdoors
  • Capacities: 8p
  • Dimensions: 100 x 120 x 90 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight:  88 lbs

Bottom Line : Tough, waterproof, classic shape: an all-around great hunting wall tent

Pros


  • Waterproof
  • Quality materials

Cons


  • Requires 2-3 people to set up
  • Heavy

People on hunting expeditions require a different tent to your average camping trip.

How are they different?

Well, for one thing, a hunting tent needs to be warm. A lot of hunting takes place in autumn, or even winter. This means that lightweight camping tents are not going to cut the mustard.

And if you’re looking for a tent for your base camp, it needs to be large enough to hold your party’s gear – not to mention protect it from the weather.

What’s that, you say?

Sounds like a four-season tent?

Exactly.

And that means different tent fabric and different construction.

What are tents made of? Most are made from polyester. But this White Duck Outdoors waterproof wall tent is made from 100% cotton canvas. It also has a different shape. It’s made to hold several people and their gear. It looks simple, but it’s feature-packed where it counts.

This tent comes in four sizes, ranging from an eight-person model to a sleeping capacity of 14. It also has a heat-resistant silicone-coated stove jack.

There are a lot of large camping tents for sale, but if it’s a hunting tent you’re after, this is one to consider.

Is it the best large tent for hunting? It may very well be.

Read Full Review: White Duck Outdoor Canvas Tent

Best Extra Large Camping Tent

7 – Tahoe Gear 16 Person Tent

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Value for Money
7
Ease of Set-Up
5
Overall Comfort
7
Weather Resistance
6
Workmanship
7
Packet Size
8
Overall Score
66
  • Manufacturer: Tahoe
  • Capacities: 16p
  • Dimensions: 180 x 192 x 84
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 94.7 pounds

Bottom Line : A friendly feature-packed family camping tent

Pros


  • Excellent ventilation
  • Power port

Cons


  • No storage pockets or hooks

Looking for an extra-large camping tent? Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Family Cabin Tent is a winner in this category – not just because of its size but also the many features it boasts.

There are big camping tents and there are extra large camping tents!

You’ll know which one you need.

The Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Family Cabin Tent is a frontrunner in the competition for the best large tent – not just for size, but also for its many features.

Firstly, this is a tent tall enough to be comfortable for the tallest of guests. The ceiling is nearly eight feet high at its tallest point. Also, this tent has three rooms. One of the dividers is sewn in, and the other is removable. Finally, it has a whopping nine mesh-panel windows for amazing ventilation.

It even has an e-cable port to charge your devices. If that’s not enough, it’s very reasonably priced. And the setup is a breeze.

For a family reunion in the woods, a multi-family camping trip, or a party in the woods with fifteen of your best friends, this might just be the best large tent you can buy

Read Full Review: Tahoe Gear 16 Person Tent

Best Teepee Tent

8 – Winterial Teepee Tenthair

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Value for Money
6
Ease of Set-Up
10
Overall Comfort
5
Weather Resistance
5
Workmanship
7
Packet Size
10
Overall Score
72
  • Manufacturer: Winterial
  • Capacities: 6-7p
  • Dimensions: 44 x 144 x 96 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 15.81 pounds

Bottom Line : A really cool-looking single-room tent

Pros


  • Quick and easy setup
  • Weather-resistant
  • Innovative design

Cons


  • No insect barrier at the top

Looking for something a cut above the rest? Why not try a teepee tent? 

What’s that?

You may well ask.

It’s a single-room tent based on an ancient design that keeps heat in and the elements out. It’s also one of the best tents for families who enjoy a lot of togetherness.

The Winterial teepee tent sleeps six to seven people. Its design means plenty of headroom, while its spacious floor means everyone can stretch out comfortably.

Is it weather-resistant?

Is it ever!

Check this out:

  • Durable waterproof 210t Polyester material.
  • A removable waterproof rain cap.
  • The waterproof floor tarp provides protection from below.

A single central pole makes setup fast and easy. This model is also half the weight of a lot of large tents. That’s right, it weighs a paltry 15 pounds.

On the downside, some users report that this teepee doesn’t comfortably sleep as many as it claims. Also, the open top, while traditional, doesn’t keep the bugs out.

If you’re looking to stand out from the campground crowd, be sure to give this one a look.

Read Full Review: Winterial Teepee Tenthair

Best Large Cabin Tent

9- Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

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Check Latest Price
Value for Money
8
Ease of Set-Up
9
Overall Comfort
8
Weather Resistance
7
Workmanship
8
Packet Size
7
Overall Score
78
  • Manufacturer: Core
  • Capacities: 9P
  • Dimensions: 48 x 11 x 10.5 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 27.6 pounds

Bottom Line : An excellent summer-weight multi-room tent for your big group​

Pros


  • Great ventilation
  • Effortless setup

Cons


  • A bit snug for 9 adults
  • It takes two hands to operate the main door

Why is the Core 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent the best large cabin tent, in our opinion? Why is it quite possibly the best large tent on our list?

It comes down to features, features, features.

First, the folded, pre-attached poles make setup quick and effortless – sixty seconds of effortless.

Just unpack and unfold, and you can spend the time you saved enjoying your trip instead. 

Also, the generous mesh ceiling and walls mean great ventilation – which is important if you have eight other people in the tent with you. There is storage in the form of pockets as well as a “gear loft.” The detachable dividers mean versatility when it comes to setting up your space.

If that’s not enough….

it also comes with a one-year warranty. And check out that price.

Read Full Review: Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Best Dome Tent

10- Coleman 8 Person Tent

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Check Latest Price
Value for Money
5
Ease of Set-Up
7
Overall Comfort
6
Weather Resistance
7
Workmanship
6
Packet Size
10
Overall Score
68
  • Manufacturer: Coleman
  • Capacities: 8p
  • Dimensions: 46.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 38.2 pounds

Bottom Line : A great starter tent for family camping

Pros


  • Friendly price
  • Good ventilation
  • Lightweight

Cons


  • Small for eight people
  • Not super waterproof

If you’re just dipping your toes into family camping, the Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent could be a friendly, low-investment place to start. 

It’s not a luxury tent, and it’s not large.

This model has one door and one window. The dividers are more like curtains than dividers. It is, frankly, a bit small for eight people. 

On the other hand, at this price point, it’s not bad value for money. It’s lightweight and easy to set up. It also has excellent ventilation. Its fiberglass poles make setup quick and easy, so you can get on with your trip, rather than spending your time pitching a complicated tent.

Bottom Line: This is a budget tent, but it’s a ‘decent’ budget tent. It won’t last forever, but if you decide that family camping isn’t for you, you won’t have blown half a paycheck finding out.

Read Full Review: Coleman 8 Person Tent

Best Large Waterproof Tent for Summer

11- Ntk Super Arizona Gt (12 Person Tent)

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Check Latest Price
Value for Money
7
Ease of Set-Up
9
Overall Comfort
7
Weather Resistance
6
Workmanship
7
Packet Size
8
Overall Score
73
  • Manufacturer: NTK
  • Capacities: 9p
  • Dimensions: 46.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches
  • Seasons: 3-season
  • Weight: 38.2 pounds

Bottom Line : This is one of the best large camping tents

Pros


  • Water-resistance
  • Sun protection
  • Anti-fungal floor

Cons


  • We really couldn’t find any – users love it too

So you’ve already decided that large-party camping is for you. You’ve maxed out your starter tent, and you’re ready to graduate.

The NTK Laredo GT might be a good model to try next.

Like the Coleman tent above, this is a large dome tent. It sets up in a very similar way: with flexible fiberglass poles. And it claims a sleeping capacity of eight to nine people. But there are a few things that set this model apart from cheaper ones.

Like what?

Try this:

  • High-quality materials and construction.
  • An outer of 190t polyurethane-laminated polyester.
  • UV-protective shell with an SPF of 50+.
  • Ultra-fine mosquito mesh to keep the bugs out.

But why is it our best waterproof tent for summer? Well, it also has a 2500mm hydrostatic head, which is perfect for light summer rain. More importantly, though, the floor is seamless and made from two-layer antifungal polyethylene. There’s also a full rain fly. All of this means that if your summer turns to unexpectedly damp weather, you’ll be ready. 

Read Full Review: Ntk Super Arizona Gt (12 Person Tent)

11 Best Large Tents Definitive Review – That won’t Break The Bank (167 Hrs Of Field Testing)

Why Trust Us?

As an experienced camper and youth leader, TopNotch writer Jess Wilson has many years of happy camping under her belt.

She’s pitched tents whilst being hassled by teenagers, in the dark, and oh yes, in high winds last thing on a friday night.

She knows a thing or two about how to ‘get it right’ and brings all her wisdom an experience to this review so that you can just relax in the knowledge that you’ll be choosing the very best large tent for your guests.

And special thanks are due to the teenagers, (none of whom were damaged during this experiment!) who have pitched, jet washed, and generally happily hung out over the long bank holiday weekend when we tested these tents. Special mention to Daisy who did indeed accidentally jet wash through the hatch of a burger van whilst trying to find aim at the tents.

11 Large Tents Review
Skip Buyer's Guide – Go to Analysis, Comparisons & Ratings

Buyers Guide:

How To Choose The Best Large Tent.

What are the different types of tent?

Dome Tent

Large Tents
Large Tents

Pros


  • There is a lot of headroom
  • Lighter than most types of tents
  • A child could pitch it

Cons


  • Many don’t have a vestibule
  • Unstable in high winds
  • Limited to your choice of sizes

A-frame or Wedged Tent

A frame tent
A frame tent

Pros


  • Come in all manner of sizes
  • Very stable
  • Anyone can set up these bad boys

Cons


  • You’re limited on headroom
  • Can be pretty heavy
  • Bulky when you pack it up

Multi-Room Tent

Large Tents
Large Tents

Pros


  • Multiple rooms
  • You get your own privacy
  • Lots of space

Cons


  • Can catch the wind
  • Difficult to setup
  • Can be pretty heavy

TeePee Tent

tent-package
Large  TeePee Tent

Pros


  • Lots of headroom
  • 1 pole
  • Lots of space

Cons


  • Can be pretty heavy
  • The floor tends to be an ‘added extra’
  • High pitch point

Features to Look Out For

Now that you have the basics sorted, what dealbreaker features should you look for when choosing a large family tent?

Here are a few…

Ease of Setup

Most modern tents can be set up without a lot of fuss. But some are more straightforward than others.

Consider:

  • How many poles are there?
  • Are the poles and holes color-coded to guide assembly?
  • How many pieces comprise the tent?
  • Are there built-in features like a ground cloth or rainfly? Or do you have to buy and set those up separately?

Manufacturers may advertise a 60-second setup (for example), but reading customer reviews can give you a more accurate picture.

Sleeping Capacity

The bigger the better? In some cases – but a tent that’s the most appropriately sized for your group will keep your bunch warmer, drier, and comfier than something that’s too large.

Storage Capacity

If you have a large party, you’re going to have a fair amount of gear. Which tents give you the most – and most efficient – storage? How many pockets do you need? What about a gear loft? Or, will you have enough gear to fill an entire vestibule?

Weather Resistance

It’s not just waterproofing, though that’s important in its own right. A great tent needs to be able to take whatever weather you throw at it, and that includes snow and wind, too. 

Look for:

  • Taped and reinforced seams.
  • Weatherproof coatings such as PU (Polyurethane).
  • A high waterproof rating.
  • A solid yet flexible framework.
  • Reinforced zippers.
  • Windows that angle downward to keep out rain and moisture.
Camping Tent

Ventilation

A great tent will keep your party cozy. But sometimes, when you have a lot of people in a limited space, things can get too cozy. It’s important to have efficient ventilation to facilitate airflow.

So, how do you do that?

TOP TIP: Look for…

  • Mesh panels on the sides and ceiling.
  • Window coverings that can be opened and closed.
  • Dual doors for optimal flow-through.

Workmanship and quality

A well-made tent is not only comfortable and efficient. It also needs to stand up to regular use. And quite frankly, some tents do this better than others. 

But what does quality workmanship mean?

  • Heavy-duty fabrics.
  • Tough framing materials.
  • Reinforced seams and zips.
  • Weatherproof coatings.

For a start.

Also, a warranty means that the company believes enough in its own product to guarantee it free of defects and able to stand up to regular use.

Comfort

Finally! What good is a tent if it’s not comfortable? But what does that actually mean?

Consider the elements of comfort:

  • Space
  • Ventilation
  • Weather resistance
  • Materials

Things to Consider: How to Choose a Tent

First, picture your trip. How many people are you planning to bring? Your tent’s sleeping capacity will need to accommodate them all – and their gear. If you’re going to be bringing a lot of gear – or if there’s a chance a few extra friends might sneak along – it’s better to err on the side of too much space than too little.

Next, consider your group’s composition. 

Are you happy with constant togetherness? Or will some members of your group want a bit more privacy than a one-room tent can offer? 

If that’s the case, then room dividers are a must. Some tents come with sewn-in room dividers, which maximize privacy. Others have removable dividers, which means more flexibility in terms of interior design.

Now:

Think about the time of year. 

Most three-season tents will stand up well on a summer trip. But if you’re expecting a lot of rain or even snow, then those extra weatherproofing features will be a lifesaver. 

Look for seamless floors, polyurethane coating, and water pressure resistance of 5,000 mm or more. And if you’re heading off into really rough weather, then consider a four-season mountaineering tent.

A vestibule can come in handy if you need somewhere to stow wet clothing and gear and keep it separate from your sleeping quarters. Think of it as a mudroom. 

Some tents have a full vestibule with a polyethylene floor. Others have a vestibule that’s enclosed on three sides but has no floor. And in other models, you might have a vestibule with mesh on three sides that can serve as a cooking or conversation area as well. 

Does this sound like something your party might want?

A few words about ventilation:

You don’t want to let rain in. At the same time, you do want to let air pass freely from inside to out, especially if the weather is warm. Many tents come with generous mesh windows, or even a mesh roof, that you can cover or uncover as needed. This is especially important for a large party sharing a small space.

Terrain is important, too:

It’s not all carpets of pine-needles and neatly-swept campsites. If you think you might have to pitch your tent on a rough or rocky surface, then a tent footprint can save wear and tear. An appropriately sized tent footprint is generally offered as an add-on to most tent purchases.

Finally, do your research, read reviews, and choose quality. A high-quality tent will cost more. On the other hand, it will save you more in the long run, in terms of aggravation and replacement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

So now you know how to pick out a tent. You probably even have an idea about which one will work best for you.

But there’s a lot to know, and you probably still have questions.

Guess what?

We have the answers…

Q: What is a good waterproof rating for a tent?

Rain Tent opt

A: Waterproof rating is often described in terms of hydrostatic head.

What does that mean?
The hydrostatic head indicates the amount of water pressure a fabric can stand before it starts to leak. Experts measure this in terms of millimeters, and ratings can range from 800 millimeters to over 10,000. The higher the number, the more waterproof the tent is.
A waterproof rating of 2,000 millimeters, for example, means that a fabric can withstand the force a two-metre column of water before it starts to leak.

But what does that really mean?

Consider this:

– 1,000 millimeters is the lowest rating a tent can have and still be considered waterproof.
– 1,000 to 5,999 millimeters provides some resistance to light rain and light snow.
– 6,000 to 10,999 millimeters resists light rain and average snow.
– 10,000 to 15,999 millimeters resists average rain and snow.
– 16,000 to 20,000 millimeters resists heavy rain and wet snow.
– Over 20,000 millimeters resists heavy rain and wet snow under heavy pressure.

Q: Are any tents 100% waterproof?

A: In short: no.
Different tent fabrics will resist water and weather under a variety of circumstances. They will slow water penetration and will protect you and your gear to varying degrees.
But ultimately no tent fabric is 100 percent waterproof under all circumstances. 

Q: Do I need a groundsheet?

Tent Sheet opt

A: A groundsheet or tent footprint protects the bottom of your tent from moisture, cold, tearing, and other damage. Some tents have a built-in groundsheet. Others include a footprint in the purchase price. And with some, you have to buy it separately.

But do you need one?
Maybe…

Ask yourself:

– Will I be pitching a tent on rough or rocky terrain?
– Will the weather be cold?
– Am I expecting rain, snow, or other types of moisture?

If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, a groundsheet can give your tent additional protection from the elements.

Q: What’s a flysheet?

A: Just as a groundsheet provides additional protection from below, a flysheet (or rainfly) can protect you and your tent from the elements above in a variety of ways.
There are two different kinds of fly sheets. In a double-walled tent, the rainfly is the outer wall. You can also buy a separate rainfly to suspend over your tent for extra protection.
From what?

You might ask.

– Shading your tent from the sun.
– An extra layer of UV protection.
– Additional protection from rain.

Like a groundsheet, you will find the flysheet included as part of some tents but sold separately with others.

Q: What is seasonality?

A: Manufacturers describe some tents as three-season, and others as four-season.
What does this mean?
Three-season tents are for general-use camping. Generally, they’re appropriate for trips that take place in the spring, summer, and autumn. They may be sunproof, and will often have some moisture protection, as well.

Four-season tents are made to handle not only winter weather but other harsh conditions. These may include:

– Blowing sand
– Snow
– High winds
– Heavy rain

In short, for most camping, a three-season tent will serve you well. But if you’re heading out into extreme conditions, a four-season tent can provide greater protection for you and your gear.

Q: Can you heat a tent?

A: Yes and no.

As long as there’s someone in your group watching your heater or other heat sources, it’s generally safe to use it. But never go to sleep with the heater running.

If you need to heat your tent, put the heater on for half an hour before you hit the sack, but turn it off when you go inside for the night.

But how can you keep warm during the night?

Try this:

– Use a sleeping bag rated for zero or below-zero degree weather.
– Sleep on a sleeping pad or camping mattress.
– Line the inside and top of your tent with mylar blankets.

So there you have it, are you now happy campers and know what type of large tent you need for your camping adventure?

Here’s the best part:

We’ve done the hard work for you…

Our team of testers has put the top best large tents through their paces, from family camping tests on a windy raining weekend, to rowdy teenager sleepovers. Check out our ratings below…

DON’T HAVE TIME?

We’ve included our top large tents both at the beginning and the end of this review.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Value For Money

Often, you get what you pay for. But a high price tag isn’t always a guarantee of quality. You want something that’s packed with important features and yet won’t break the bank.

All of the big tents on our list are affordable and boast a variety of features. How do they stack up against one another? 

10 best large tents

Value of Money Rating

Big Agnes Flying Diamond
9
REI Kingdom 6
9
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
9
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
8
CORE 9-person Instant Cabin Tent
8
White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
7
NTK Laredo GT 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
7
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16 Person Family Cabin Tent
7
NTK Super Arizona
7
Winterial Teepee Ten
6
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
5

You might blink at the price tag of Big Agnes Flying Diamond, but the fact is, for a four-season tent, this is a bargain. If you’re looking for a tough semi-pro level tent for your winter base camp, this is it.

The same goes for REI Kingdom 6, making it great equipment. On the other hand, Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent with really low durability. That said, it’s an adequate starter tent at a very low price.

Ease of Setup

No one wants to spend more time than the need to setting up a tent, especially a large one when the heavens are open and the wind’s gusting.

Do they?

We took a group of 14 and 15-year-olds on a camping trip and asked them to set up each tent and bribed them with food ;).

10 best large tents

Ease of Setup Rating

Winterial Teepee Ten
10
CORE 9-person Instant Cabin Tent
9
NTK Laredo GT 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
9
REI Kingdom 6
9
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
8
Big Agnes Flying Diamond
8
NTK Super Arizona
7
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
7
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
6
White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
5
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16 Person Family Cabin Tent
5

Overall Comfort

How can a tent be comfortable I hear you ask?

Well in this test we looked at a number of factors…

Ventilation, no one wants to be breathing in each other ‘fumes’ now do they?

A storage area can make life easier –  including having handy pockets to stash things like torches, phones, and those little essentials.

10 best large tents

Overall Comfort Rating

Big Agnes Flying Diamond
9
REI Kingdom 6
9
NTK Super Arizona GT
9
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
8
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
8
CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
8
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Tent
7
NTK Laredo 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
7
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
6
White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
6
Winterial Teepee Tent
5

Headroom and the ‘area per person’. Who wants to be sleeping on top of someone right?

Well unless it’s a supermodel 🙂

Weather Resistance

The waterproof ratings for tents are measured in millimeters between 1000mm and 10,000mm.

Pretty simple, higher the rating, the dryer you will be when the heavens open.

10 Best large Tents

Weather Resistance Rating

White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
9
Big Agnes Flying Diamond
9
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
9
NTK Super Arizona GT
9
REI Kingdom 6
8
NTK Laredo 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
8
CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
7
Coleman 8-Person Tent
7
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
7
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Tent
6
Winterial Teepee Tent
5

BUT:

These ratings don’t take into account wind-driven rain, so we got the jet wash out, the teenagers loved it.

Workmanship

If you’d like your tent to last beyond the first trip, then you have to consider the quality of the workmanship and materials used to produce your tent.

We’ve all had the zipper that comes off in your hand when you pull a bit too quickly, or water seeping through the seams, or daylight where it shouldn’t be…

REI kingdomopt02

Workmanship Rating

White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
10
REI Kingdom 6
9
NTK Super Arizona GT
9
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
9
Big Agnes Flying Diamond
9
CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
8
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
8
NTK Laredo GT 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
7
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Tent
7
Winterial Teepee Tent
7
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
6

Fear not!

Our testers have really gone overboard on their scrutiny of this metric… here are the results.

Packed Size

Okay, I know what you are thinking, does packed size really matter when looking at large tents?

That depends.

The TopNotch team argued over this for several hours (and a few drinks!) – it was a split decision.

Will it fit in your car comfortably – alongside all your other kit?

What about storage at home?

Anyway, we wanted to be thorough in our review for those who feel packed size matters.

10 best large tent review

Packed Size Rating

Winterial Teepee Tent
10
REI Kingdom 6
10
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
10
NTK Super Arizona GT
9
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
9
NTK Laredo 8 to 9 Person Tent
8
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Tent
8
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
8
Big Agnes Flying Diamond
8
CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
7
White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
4
11 Best Large Tents Definitive Review – That won’t Break The Bank (167 Hrs Of Field Testing)

Our Final Verdict: 10 Best Large Tents

So, there you have it, we’ve really put these large tents through their paces. Some are heroes, some didn’t do so well. 

Don’t forget to look out for our TopNotch awards…

REI Kingdom 6
90%
Big Agnes Flying Diamond
87%
NTK Super Arizona GT
83%
Wenzel Great Basin 10-Person Tent
82%
Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
80%
CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent
78%
NTK Laredo 8 to 9 Person 10 by 15 Foot Sports Waterproof Tent
77%
Winterial Teepee Tent
72%
Coleman 8-Person Dome Tent
68%
White Duck Outdoors Complete Canvas Tent
68%
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16-Person Tent
66%

Conclusion: 11 Best Large Tents

Whether you’re off camping with the family or having a weekend away with friends, your equipment can make or break your trip. 

But quality is just the starting point. The best large tent for your bunch is the one that meets your specific needs. 

Will everyone in your party have room to stretch out, or even put up an air mattress?

Is there a place to stow everyone’s gear?

How about a separate compartment for wet shoes and coats?

Is the tent design flexible enough to provide the privacy your group requires?

Can the tent you’re considering protect you from wind, sun, and rain?

The best big tent is the one your group will want to use over and over again. So find your deal breakers and do your research. Your wilderness adventure is waiting.

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