The Best Pop-Up Tent That Every Camping Lover Need
Camping is fun and all, but sometimes, tents have too many parts that setting camp is frustrating. That’s where the pop-up tents come in. However, there are so many in the market that choosing one can be quite overwhelming. What’s the best pop-up tent for camping? What features should you look for? Read on for all you need to know about pop-up tents and a list of our favorites in the end.
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What is a pop-up tent?
Unlike traditional tents, a pop-up tent already has built-in or internal support built in it, so there’s no need to insert poles. It’s sometimes synonymous to an instant tent because as the name suggests, it’s instant. It pops up or unfolds itself, and all you have to do is peg it down, and it takes only a few seconds to pitch and pack away.
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Advantages of pop-up Tents
Pop-up tents are usually lightweight and designed to be portable. This is why they are ideal for newbies who haven’t tried setting up a tent before. You simply have to find a good location, and easily manipulate the internal framework until it is standing and steady. Pop-up campers are also common for beach trips and concerts because of their portability, lightweight, and easy set-up.
Since pop-up tents don’t require a lot of putting together, you don’t have to worry about setting up in the dark. You also don’t have to worry about missing or broken poles since it’s already internal. While most pop-up tents don't need ropes or pegs, they still usually come with the tent. The pegs are to hold down the tent to prevent it from being blown away and to stabilize the tent itself.
Common uses of pop-up tent:
- Backpacking and camping
- Concert camping
- Beach outings
- Backyard camping with children
What to look for when buying a pop-up tent
With so many choices available in the market, finding the right pop-up tent can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers.
First, consider the size of the tent. How many people will sleep or stay in it? Aside from the people, consider the things you might put inside, as well. It's good to choose a size that is a little larger than who and what will be occupying it. That way, you can have a little more breathing room.
Second, what are you using it for and how often will you use it? Is it for camping, a day at the beach or backpacking? Addressing these questions will point you towards the right tent for the right purposes. While most, if not all, pop-up tents have a lightweight design, knowing what you’re using it for will help you choose even further. For instance, if you are only using for backyard play with kids, then you probably don’t need to purchase an expensive tent.
Third, what are the weather conditions you’ll be using it in? Unlike standard tents, pop-up tents don’t do so well in strong windy situations. You should always check if it is rain proof and if it’s good in all seasons.You should also consider the ease of setup and the packing size. Again, let your purpose help you determine the features you should get.
Other features to consider:
- Look at the zippers and see if they are durable.
- Check if there is a hang loop inside for your lantern, keys, flashlight, and other things you’d like to hang.
- Storage pockets can help you keep the tent organized. You can also keep small items such as your phone or wallet in the storage pocket.
- Look for a screen door so you can still let the breeze in and the bugs out.
Tips on Assembling and Packing Away a pop-up Tent
Every manufacturer may have special instructions on putting up a pop-up tent, so be sure to read up on it. However, most pop-up tents are designed to be easy. Follow these tips when putting it up:
- Read the manufacturer's labels and instructions
- Clear your camping spot of twigs, rocks, and other debris.
- Unfold your tent as per instruction and adjust the built-in pole system so that it is steady and untwisted.
- Peg the tent down to stabilize it.
Packing away:
Even if pop-up tents are relatively easy to use, it's still good if you practice how to put it away. Familiarize yourself with the folds and the technique in collapsing it and making it fit in the bag.
Standard Tents vs. pop-up Tents
Pop-up tents are easier to set up than a standard tent because the pole system is internal. For that reason, it is a popular choice among those who haven’t pitched a tent before. It’s also common for children because of the ease of use.
Unfortunately, pop-up tents are no match to standard tents when it comes to windy days. The structure and support of a standard tent hold better in strong winds and other weather conditions.
Top Five pop-up Tents
#1 Genji Sports Instant Beach Star Tent
The Genji Sport is an excellent additional protection from the sun when you're at the beach. If the sun gets too much, hide away in this pop-up tent. The tent's internal frame uses a durable and lightweight fiberglass. It comes with four sand stakes to hold down the tent against the wind.
As a whole, it weighs only 4.5 pounds, making it very easy to take around. If not at the beach, you can use it at picnics, festivals, and backyard adventures with children.
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#2 Fivejoy 4-person pop-up tent
Via Amazon.com
Fivejoy is a company that aims to give eco-friendly solutions, as well as support healthy lifestyles. Their 4-person pop-up tent is one of their best-selling innovations because it provides an easy setup.You simply have to remove it from the portable carrying bag, and it folds up on its own.
The tent also has mesh windows on the left and the right side of the tent. It can be covered by the solid nylon flap for privacy, or uncovered to let the breeze in. There are two doors, one in each end, and each with a screen material you can keep close to keep the bugs out.
For more information, watch this video:
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#3 Pacific Breeze Easy Up Beach Tent
Photo Credits: Amazon
This is one of best beach tents in the market. In fact, it has almost a ninety percent five-star rating from over 2000 buyers. Setting it up is as easy as three steps and folding it back is also quite simple.
The Pacific Breeze pop-up tent use a breathable polyester fabric that is water repellant and allows ventilation. The tent comes with a carrying bag and stakes for holding them down. The frame is a lightweight fiberglass material, which is strong and durable.
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#4 Coleman pop-up
The Coleman pop-up is probably one of the more “all around” choices among others on the list because it can be used for casual camping. It assembles in less than a minute without any hassle of putting in poles. The material can withstand medium rainfall, but you can buy a separate tarp for more protection.
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#5 Coleman Instant Tent 4
Photo Credits: Amazon
Coleman, as a brand, is a big name in the outdoor industry. They make tents, coolers, grills, and other outdoor necessities that are durable, affordable, and reliable.
One of their popular innovations is the Coleman Instant Tent 4. The poles are preassembled in the tent so that it is easy to set up. You just have to extend the poles and secure them before it's up and ready. The floor and the walls can keep water out. Therefore you can use it in the rain without worrying about getting wet.
Coleman tents, including this instant 4, is also designed to withstand strong winds. It’s one of the strong and reliable instant tents that are tough enough for camping (and not just in the backyard!) You can buy it together with a rain fly for an even more secure camping experience.
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Conclusion
Pop-up tents are very convenient because it assembles easily and on its own. However, it's not as sturdy as a conventional tent. The designs depend on the purpose or use. Pop-up tents are usually the first choice for a day at the beach or a music festival, for extra protection from the sun.
What's the best pop-up tent? It depends on what you will be using it for. For the beach, I would say that the Genji Sports Instant Beach Star Tent or the Pacific Breeze Pop-up Tent are sufficient enough. For the festival, I think the Coleman pop-up and the Fivejoy pop-up are excellent. The Fivejoy is also great for casual camping. But for a more heavy duty camping trip, the Coleman Instant 4 is the winner.
