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

Buyers Guide:

How To Choose The Best Large Tent.

What are the different types of tent?

Dome Tent

Pros

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

Cons

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

A-frame or Wedged Tent

Pros

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

Cons

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

Multi-Room Tent

Pros

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

Cons

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

TeePee Tent

Pros

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• Lots of headroom
• 1 pole
• Lots of space

Cons

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• 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.

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.