Best tents in Australia

Best tents in Australia

• Best overall tent: Coleman Evanston Dome Tent with Screen Room
• Best dome tent: Coleman Montana 6-Person Dome Tent
• Best pop-up tent: Coleman Cabin Tent
• Best backpacking tent: Night Cat Backpacking Tent
• Best waterproof tent: OZtrail Tasman 4V Dome Tent
• Best hiking tent: Coleman Camping Tent with Dark Room Technology
• Best rooftop tent: Darche Panorama 1400
• Best 2-person tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
• Best 4-season tent: Naturehike Cloud Peak Backpacking Tent
• Best swag: Wanderer Contour Single Swag
• Best beach tent: WhiteFang Beach Tent
• Best family tent: Outdoor Connection Brampton 3-Room Dome Tent

A tent is a collapsible shelter made of sturdy fabric and poles used during camping and hiking. It comes in different types, such as instant, dome and pop-up tents. There are even rooftop models that you can install on your car.

Tents are a must-have for any outdoor adventure, but they're not made equal. To pick the best tent for your needs, consider the seasonality and sleeping capacity of the tent. You might also want to consider the tent's windows, floors and poles.

For this list, we evaluated tents available in different retailers. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also considered each tent's key product features for each category.

Read our full methodology below.

The Coleman Evanston Dome Tent with Screen Room is our pick for the best overall tent. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 Amazon reviews.

This dome tent from Coleman features a simple 15-minute set-up, a bug-free lounging area and a roomy interior that can fit 2 queen-sized air beds comfortably. The lounge area measures 10 x 15 feet, while the interior is 10 x 9 feet. The centre height is 5 feet and 8 inches high. It's also durable with welded corners and inverted seams that help keep water from getting in.

Customers praised the product's ease of use, spacious design and sturdy construction. This 6-person tent has extended window awnings for better air circulation, making it the perfect choice for summer camping. Apart from roomy storage pockets, it features a weatherproof floor and durable, weatherproof frame.

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For the best dome option, we recommend Coleman's Montana 6-Person Dome Tent, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

With a spacious 6-person design and an easy set-up, Coleman's Montana Dome Tent is an affordable option for beginners and seasoned campers alike. It measures 12 x 7 feet and has a centre height of 5 feet and 8 inches. According to the brand, it has 20% more headroom than most dome tents. Its WeatherTec system also features corner welds and inverted seams to prevent water leakage.

Just like the Evanston tent from Coleman, this model has an extended awning, a wide door and spacious storage pockets. The frame has also been tested in winds up to 60km/hr to ensure its reliability. Customers said it is easy to set up and secure enough to keep water out. It comes with a handy carrying case, but others said it's quite flimsy.

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With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we chose the Coleman Cabin Tent as the best pop-up tent. It is also one of our picks for the best pop-up tents you can get right now in Australia.

The Cabin Tent is made of rugged, durable Polyguard fabric. It also features Coleman's WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to prevent water leakage. Apart from pre-attached poles for an instant set-up, this tent is roomy enough to fit 2 queen-sized air beds. It also comes in 2 sizes: 4 or 10 people.

The general sentiment is that this is a budget-friendly option from a trusted brand. It sets up in less than a minute, according to reviews. Others mentioned that it is compact and lightweight when packed. It features darkroom technology, which blocks 90% of sunlight, allowing adventurers to get a relaxing sleep even when the sun is up. However, a few users said water seeps through its seams and zippers despite claims of being leakproof.

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For backpacking, we recommend Night Cat's Backpacking Tent. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,200 reviews.

Night Cat's Backpacking Tent is made of 210 waterproof PED fabric with waterproof tape on every seam and double tape on the 4 inside corners. It measures 42 x 12 x 12cm when packed and weighs only 2kg. It is also roomy enough for 1 person but can also fit another small child. The brand offers a 2-person option as well.

This tent is a lightweight option that is perfect for solo backpackers. It sets up in less than a minute. Customers said the poles feel durable and are stable enough to withstand winds. However, they tend to get wobbly when met by strong gusts, making them unsuitable for extreme weather conditions. Despite this issue, people think this product is a solid model for warmer months.

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We picked the OZtrail Tasman 4V Dome Tent as the best waterproof option. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tentworld.

This OZtrail tent features front and rear doors for easy access and added ventilation. It also has cross pole construction for a quick set-up and water-shedding ability. The model's inner tent has large mesh panels to keep you cool during hot days. Additionally, it has lantern hooks and pouches for better organisation.

With a heavy-duty PE bucket floor and DryGuard Plus, the Tasman 4V Dome Tent offers superb waterproof and wind protection. It has No-See-Um mesh in all windows to keep biting insects away. The inner tent is also made of polyester to keep you cool and dry. Despite being advertised as easy to set up, some customers found the process challenging. The included carrying bag is also of poor quality, according to several reviews.

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With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we selected the Coleman Camping Tent with Dark Room Technology as the best option for hiking.

This Coleman tent can block up to 90% of sunlight, thanks to its Dark Room technology feature. It also minimises the temperature inside the tent, keeping you cool and dry during humid nights. The WeatherTec system also ensures water doesn't leak inside the tent when it rains.

One of our picks for the best hiking tents, customers gave positive feedback on the tent's sturdy construction and value for money. It is also large enough to fit 2 people comfortably. Users added that the pegs are stable, making this model ideal for beach camping. A few customers said it doesn't come with set-up instructions, but this seems to be a minor concern.

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The Darche Panorama 1400 is our pick for the best rooftop tent, which has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Tentworld. This model is also part of our list of the best rooftop tents you can buy right now in Australia.

This tent is made of 340gsm polycotton ripstop canvas for durability. It also has a 600gsm tonneau cover that the brand claims will withstand extreme conditions. The zip-off bucket floor also helps keep you cool and dry while you lounge, and the window on each side of the tent allows for added air circulation. This tent measures 2,400 x 1,400 x 1,2500mm and can fit up to 3 people.

At $1,899, the Darche Panorama 1400 is a pricey but worthwhile tent for buyers. It has a thick fabric and durable construction that can withstand any season. Users loved that it has a panoramic fly-proof mesh and a sky-view roof for nightly stargazing. It also features aluminium base plates and a comfy, 50mm-thick mattress.

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For the best 2-person tent, we recommend ALPS's Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This tent features a base measuring 5 feet x 7 and a half feet. It has a centre height of 46 inches. It weighs about 2.26kg and can be easily packed. It features a free-standing, aluminium 2-pole design for quick set-up. Additionally, it is made of durable polyester that is resistant to both water and UV damage.

Numerous customers were impressed by the tent's high-quality design, ease of use and value for money. It has weatherproof fly buckles and 2 doors for easy access. The vestibules are also particularly handy for storing personal items. Customers said it fits 2 people with a bit of room to spare. While it is easy to pack, several people found it a little heavy for their liking.

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We picked the Naturehike Cloud Peak Backpacking Tent as the best 4-season option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 150 reviews.

Made of 20D silicone-coated fabric and Aviation aluminium poles, this Naturehike tent is lightweight and sturdy. It boasts an all-season construction that can be extended to the ground and mesh area. It also has a dome-shaped design with multiple sturdy poles, giving it the ability to handle a load of snow.

Priced under $240, this option has the features of higher-end and pricier 4-season tents. It is also easy to set up and pack. It has 2 doors for easy access and roomy storage compartments for all your items. Users added that it can withstand heavy downpours and strong gusts of wind. However, this tent can only fit 2 people.

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When it comes to swag, we selected the Wanderer Contour Single Swag as the best one. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on BCF. This model is also one of our choices for the best swags available online.

This single swag is made of 450gsm ripstop polycotton canvas and a 500gsm-reinforced PVC bucket floor. The No-See-Um mesh allows for added ventilation while keeping biting insects away. The dome alloy poles are lightweight but sturdy. You also get a soft high-density foam mattress.

Measuring 210 x 85 x 68cm, this swag is spacious enough for a single person. The fabric is thick but breathable, ideal for both cold and humid nights. Users said the swag is a breeze to set up and clean. However, a few others found the dome poles flimsy. Some people found them to be brittle, snapping after several months.

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For the beach, we recommend WhiteFang's Beach Tent, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

This beach tent measures 99 x 55 x 59 inches, which is roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 kids. It has a quick pop-out mechanism for instant set-up and comes with 5 attached sandbags and 6 steel stakes for stability. Additionally, it offers premium 210t-sunproof material and an embedded silver-coated material for UV protection.

Customers gave positive feedback on the product's affordability, UV protection and easy set-up. The front floor provides added space for fun beach activities. For added privacy, you can close it using the adhesive Velcro strap. Packing is also a breeze. The tent folds back into a lightweight fabric that you can store inside the included carrying case.

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With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Snowys, we selected the Outdoor Connection Brampton 3-Room Dome Tent as the best family tent.

This tent features 3 spacious rooms that can fit up to 12 people. With its dome construction and hornet pole system, you can set it up in less than 5 minutes. It also features sewn-in dividing walls and an omega door that separates each room for added privacy. Apart from UV PROTEK that resists UV damages, this product has No-See-Um mesh on all windows and doors for ventilation.

According to the brand, this model has a 300mm Waterhead rating. It also features large awnings that you can form with side doors for extra shade. The fabric is thick and durable, ensuring that the interior is leak-free. There are more affordable options out there, but customers said the product's durability, spacious design and easy set-up are worth every penny.

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Compare tents

What types of tents are available?

If you’re looking for a tent for your next camping trip, you have several styles to choose from. Each type is suited to different activities.

Check out descriptions of some of the most common styles below:

• Dome. Dome tents are the most popular style in Australia. They can fit from 2 to 10 or more people and can sometimes be divided into separate compartments. They are usually made out of lightweight fabric and are easy to carry around and set up.
• Geodesic. Geodesic tents are a type of dome tent with additional interlocking poles. They are designed for extreme weather, high winds and high altitudes.
• Instant. Pop-up tents can be pitched in just minutes. While they aren’t quite as sturdy as other types, they are extremely convenient to set up and take down.
• Cabin. Cabin tents are typically used by families and have rigid frames and square walls. Most people can walk around comfortably inside, making them a great option for long-term stays in one location.
• Hiking. Hiking tents are designed to be small and light enough to carry in a backpack all day. They typically only fit up to a few people.
• Swag. Swags are ultra-portable tents for individuals or 2 people who don’t mind getting very close. Many of them include a built-in sleeping mat.
• Ridge. Ridge tents are triangular in shape and have one pole at each end that forms a ridge down the middle. They are often quick and easy to set up, but most of them do not allow enough room for adults to stand up inside.

How to compare tents

When searching for a tent, look for something that is user-friendly, big enough for your group and is suited to the weather you’ll be camping in.

To get started finding your perfect tent, consider the following questions:

1. Can I easily set it up?
2. How many people will be using it?
3. What weather will I be camping in?

One of the most important, and often overlooked, factors when choosing a tent is how easy it is to set up. Try setting up the tent in the store or at home before you take it on a trip to make sure you know what goes where.

Sleeping capacity

Tent size is measured by the number of people who can sleep in the tent. Specifically, this measures the number of sleeping bags that can fit on the floor and does not include any additional gear. If you want to be able to move around comfortably, choose one that has a sleeping capacity one size up from the number of people who will actually be sleeping in it. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the tent or have a lot of gear, you should choose one that sleeps 2 or 3 more people than you actually have.

Season

Tents are rated by the number of seasons they can withstand while keeping you dry and relatively warm. Typically, tents that can withstand extreme weather conditions are more expensive and heavier because they have more layers.

	Suitable seasons	Description
2 seasons	Spring Summer	These tents are lightweight but offer less protection against the elements. While they are suitable for spring and summer, you may need an extra tarp if you use one during heavy rain.
3 seasons	Spring Summer Autumn	These are the most popular type of tent available in Australia. They are relatively light and can stand up to heavy rain better than 2-season tents.
4 seasons	Spring Summer Autumn Winter	These tents work all year round. They are heavier and more expensive than 2-season models because they are more durable. While they work well in cold climates, they sometimes feel hot and stuffy in hot weather.
5 seasons	Spring Summer Autumn Winter Extreme cold High altitudes	5-season tents are designed for cold weather and high-altitudes. If you camp during snowstorms, 5-season models are the way to go, but if you just need protection from the Sydney winter, they’re not worth the money.

Additional features to look for

Hopefully, you’ve found a tent that is easy to use, roomy enough for your party and gear and suited to the weather you’ll be camping in. Next, check if it includes these extra details:

Frequently asked questions

• How do you clean a tent?

  Disassemble your tent before starting the cleaning process. Mix 5 to 10 drops of dishwashing soap and warm water in a bucket large enough to fit your tent's fabric. Soak the tent in the solution for about an hour. Using a soft bristle and the same mixture, remove dirt and grime from the poles and other parts. Rinse all components using clean water and dry using a clean cloth. Let them dry before storage.

• Are tents better than swags?

  One isn't exactly better than the other because they are used for different purposes.

  Swags offer a compact sleeping area designed to protect you from the elements. They are typically made of ripstop canvas fabric and come with high-density mattress foam for comfort. They are also smaller and easier to set up.

  Tents are roomier and heavier to carry compared to swags. They can also protect you from the elements while you camp. Some tents have mesh windows that can also keep insects at bay. Tents are a bit pricier than swags as well.

• What makes 4-season tents better than 3-season models?

  4-season tents are great for use all year round, especially during winter. They are constructed to withstand extreme conditions like low temperatures and strong winds. Some options are also designed for added snow handling. 3-season tents are also quite durable and well-ventilated. However, they are only suitable for spring, summer and autumn months.

Best rated tent brand award breakdown

	Total Score	Overall rating	Value for Money	Design	Durability	Ease of use
Caribee	8.33	4.54	4.15	4.62	4.54	4.46
Other	8.24	4.42	4.74	4.47	4.42	4.32
Kathmandu	8.07	4.45	4.25	4.4	4.35	4.1
BlackWolf	7.9	4.5	4.25	4.42	4.33	4.08
Coleman	7.88	4.3	4.12	4.34	4.18	4.26
Oztrail	7.86	4.33	3.93	4.19	4.19	4.14
Adventure Kings	7.71	4.15	4.11	4.3	4.11	4.04
OzTent	7.4	4.04	4.17	4	4.13	4.13
Kmart	7.03	3.76	4.1	3.76	3.68	4.16
Spinifex	6.89	3.8	3.73	3.6	3.53	3.67
Burke & Wills	6.88	3.71	4	3.86	4.43	3.86
Macpac	6.87	4	3.83	3.67	3.67	3.58

Previous Retail Awards

• 2019 Best Rated Tent Brand

  

  

  Best Rated Tent Brand 2019: Coleman

  Coleman specialises in manufacturing outdoor and camping equipment including stoves, sleeping bags, coolers and backpacks. The American company was chosen by surveyed users as the best brand for tents in Australia, with 92% of customers recommending Coleman tents. The brand received high ratings for design, ease of use and value for money.

  Brand	Overall rating	Recommended	Build Quality	Value for Money	Design	Comfort	Ease of use	Durability
  Coleman	4.21	92%	4.06	4.27	4.42	4.29	4.33	4.06
  OzTent	4.04	100%	4.08	3.63	4	3.96	3.88	3.88
  OZtrail	3.84	92%	3.87	4.35	3.89	3.91	3.89	3.71
  Kmart	3.08	70%	2.67	3.67	3.12	2.87	3.21	2.58
  Adventure Kings*	4.22	100%	4.17	4.67	4.28	4.28	4.69	3.94
  BlackWolf*	4.7	100%	5	4.8	4.9	4.9	4.3	4.7
  Burke & Wills*	3.75	100%	4.13	3.38	3.5	3.75	3.63	4.13
  Caribee*	3.63	50%	3.13	3.75	4	3.63	4.13	3.38
  Darche*	5	100%	5	5	5	5	5	5
  Diamantina*	2	100%	4	2	2	4	2	1
  Kathmandu*	4.5	100%	4.6	4.6	4.4	4.4	4	4.6
  Macpac*	4.13	100%	4	4	4.25	4.13	4.38	4
  Mont*	4.75	100%	4.75	3.25	5	4.75	4.5	4
  Outdoor Connection*	3		3	4	4	3	4	2
  Roman*	2.75	100%	3	3.75	3.5	3.5	2.25	3.25
  Spinifex*	4.22	100%	3.83	4.56	4.06	3.72	4	3.89

  *Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award

  Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.