10 Best instant tents in Canada in 2022: Comparison Table

Instant tents are more or less exactly how their name would describe them, being tents that with one, possibly two steps, can be set up at a rapid pace. Traditional tents have gotten easier to set up over the years, and can still be a significant pain, and in an emergency when the weather is blowing in, the last thing you want is to have to fight with directions in the wind, with rain and hail beating you down.

These tents can either be internally air pressure powered, which simply involves pulling a cord and letting it inflated spring into form (not unlike self-inflating rafts), be powered by a rapid compressor, or simply be spring-loaded once they unfold.

Instant Tents Compared

Instant tents can actually be quite luxurious, with some models having upwards of three or four small rooms in them, able to easily accommodate upwards of 10 people, while cheaper ones fit for maybe one or two people are also readily available for many camping retailers across the world. These are durable, quality tents that require little to no hassle, providing a safe, warm place to sleep whenever you need it.

What is the best instant tent? Depending on your priority, you can choose between the four most common types.

A dome tent is the most popular type as it is pretty spacious while its walls shed rain and snow quite well. Typically, such a structure consists of 2 or 3 poles that give the tent a square or hexagonal shape, respectively. In fact, the more poles the tent has the stronger it is.

There is a very interesting option — the CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent with a spacious interior. Made to fit more people, it measures 16 to 9 feet and has an advanced venting system. The product includes removable, fully-taped rainfly and zippered privacy panels on both windows and doors.

The second type is a cabin tent designed for large groups. These tents come with a removable divider that allows for splitting the space into two segments. Cabin tents have a rectangular floor and slightly sloping walls. However, the slope of their walls is not as steep as that of a dome tent, meaning that cabin tents provide more headroom but are not as good at withstanding the elements like rain and snow.

We recommend the Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent that can accommodate as many as 9 persons. What we particularly like about this product is that it is loaded with beneficial features, such as an adjustable ground vent, wall storage pockets, and an electrical cord access port. Besides, it uses H2O Block Technology that keeps the seams sealed and prevents the water from getting inside the tent.

Straight-walled tents resemble cabin ones in that they offer large space and can be divided into separate spaces. The major difference, though, is that their walls do not slope down and there are multiple doors for exit and entry. An A-frame tent has a classic triangular design and typically fits no more than two persons. A-frames are not as comfortable and functional as other types because they give you little shoulder space when sitting. However, they have the advantage of being lightweight and compact while being strong and better suited to resist wind and rain. That is why A-frame tents are often preferred by hikers, backpackers, and the military.

And finally, there are family tents that can accommodate a large group of people and have enough storage space. Such a tent even allows for standing upright in its central section. The major downside of this option is its heavy weight and long installation process.

Additionally, tents differ by the type of material they are made of. The majority of tents are made of canvas, polyester, or nylon. Models like the Coleman Instant Screenhouse, 15 x 13 Feet also offer protection from pests. It features durable Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric, two large T-doors, and weighs around 8 kg. Designed for up to three persons, the tent has a hexagonal shape and comes with steel poles.

If you hate the sunlight waking you up early in the morning, there is a great option for you — the Coleman Carlsbad Fast Pitch 6-Person Dark Room Tent. This model blocks 98% of sunlight and is less hot than many other competitive tents. The Coleman Carlsbad features awnings over the windows for better airflow and pre-attached poles for easy installation.

Ease of installation is another essential thing to consider. If you are a beginner or looking for a tent with an absolutely hassle-free installation, opt for this 4 Person Easy Pop-Up Tent with an automatic setup. With a weight of fewer than 4 kg, it comes with pre-assembled poles and sets up in just 20 seconds. Although the tent is compact, it accommodates up to 4 persons in sleeping bags and is made with two doors, four windows, and four vents.

For those who want something different than the typical tent, there is an excellent option. Designed for one person only, the Outsunny 4-in-1 Multi-Functional Outdoor Compact Folding Shelter includes a tent, an air mattress, a cot, a pillow, and a sleeping bag. It is crafted with wind- and water-resistant fabric and features a big zippered door.

Anyone on a long trip should have one of these in their trunk, lest you be stranded in the wilderness with nowhere to sleep.

10 Best-Selling Instant Tents in Canada | Comparative Table