Best 4-person tent of 2023 Expert reviews & comparison

If you want to go camping with family or friends, you will need a tent to accommodate everyone. A 4-person tent is an obvious choice for a couple with a child or two, or for a group of three or four friends.

The good news is that the market is flooded with two and three person tents. However, if you’re equipping a group of four, this might seem like a poor choice.

Quadruple tents are not always a popular camping solution. They immediately seem small compared to 4-person tents and rather bulky than 6-person options.

However, it’s a great choice if you’re only two but have a lot of luggage and need to spread out. They are also an inspiring hideout for a family of four, and while they don’t offer much room to wield, they will comfortably accommodate your family.

Unfortunately, as we mentioned earlier, quad tents aren’t as popular as the other options, but that should be the least of your worries.

Choosing a 4-person shelter option with the right stats is even more important.

Best 4 person tents

There are several factors to consider that determine the practicality of a tent as an outdoor shelter solution for any true camping tent. This includes fabric selection, water resistance, durability, weather resistance, packaging, and more.

It can be difficult to consider all of these options, but we’re here to help.

In the overview guide below, we’ll take a look at the top 5 options on the market. And as a bonus, we will also provide you with a detailed buying guide to guide you through the buying process.

#1 ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-person tent

Our top pick for the best 4-person tent is the Alps Mountaineering Lynx tent.

We think this tent is one of the best tents for a family of four for several reasons.

Firstly, it is a durable three-season tent that can withstand heavy loads. It’s also roomy and you’ll be surprised at how much it can hold.

Plus, it’s lightweight and designed for hiking, making it a great option for backcountry campers.

But there’s more to this tent, and that’s why it’s causing a stir among hikers;

Build quality

Build quality should be one thing less for the Lynx.

This 4 person tent has excellent build quality in almost all areas. Lightweight aluminum poles and posts are strong, and the guys work just fine.

The floor is also hard and if you forget to use the trail/tarp in an area full of spikes or sticks, it should be less worrisome as nothing will go through. Also, your dog’s claws don’t go through the floor as easily, so it’s easy to follow your furry friend.

The zippers are good quality too, it doesn’t look like they will break anytime soon.

Weather resistance

Many tents claim to be waterproof, but in reality this is complete nonsense.

With a waterproof rating of 2000mm on the floor and 1500mm on the walls, the Lynx is seriously waterproof and will withstand heavy sleet and days of direct rain without a single drop of rain.

Spacious

Another reason we choose this option as our first choice is the spacious spaces.

With 64 square inches of living space, the Lynx has enough sleeping space for a family of four.

A queen size mattress will definitely fit in a tent and leave extra room for your child’s sleeping bags, your gear or your pet’s.

However, I prefer to have more space in my tent and like the size of the Lynx as a two person tent.

The tent is also quite tall, and with a peak height of 52 inches, it will allow tall people to sit upright without touching the walls.

Storage pockets

We are always looking for a camping tent in stock and this option will not disappoint us.

It comes with two interior pockets and a gear loft, making it easy to store our smaller bag. Gain accessories like flashlights and phones.

It also has a stitched loop for attaching a top mesh storage, although it’s a bit flimsy and poorly stitched.

Portable

I prefer a lightweight camping tent, and with the Lynx you might be tempted to take it with you on a camping trip.

It’s not the lightest tent, but at 8 pounds it’s lighter than what I’m used to in a tent this size.

And that’s not all!

I knew it would be easy when this 4-person tent fits in the same size compression storage bag as my 2-person tent.

#2 Napier Backroadz Off Road Tent is the best for car camping

If you are not traveling in the mountains, you will probably have a car with you. And why not optimize this convenience.

Off-road tents combine rugged terrain camping with the convenience of your vehicle.

However, the biggest convenience is that you don’t have to unpack all your gear, as you can leave most of your gear in the car and free up space in your tent.

Napier was the first company to introduce truck tents and today they offer a range of RV tents to suit every camper’s needs and budget.

And today, we’re taking a look at one of Napier’s offerings, the Napier Backroadz Off-Road Tent.

Suitable for any car

Many camping tents have features that only fit certain car models, but not Napier.

The Backroadz Off Road Tent features a versatile and flexible vehicle sleeve that can be attached to any SUV, mini van or SUV.

So, if you own an Isuzu Rodeo, CRV Honda, Crossfit, or larger Grand Jeep Cherokee, you don’t have to worry about whether the specs are right for your vehicle.

Build quality

The overall build quality of the Napier is very pleasing.

Everything speaks of quality in this tent, from the choice of material, poles, guy lines, to the sleeves.

In particular, the tent makes it very easy to seal when connecting the sleeve to the SUV.

Spacious

Napier is a spacious camping tent with a 9’x9′ footprint; it can accommodate up to 5 adults.

It will easily fit three queen-sized air mattresses, but I would advise you to use a tent for a maximum of 3-4 people.

The Napier would be a great option for a couple with two kids and still have extra room for gear.

The tent is also tall, and at 7 feet high, tall users can stand comfortably without touching the tent’s ceiling.

Weather resistance

Weather resistance is not the biggest advantage of this tent.

The polyester construction is suitable for mild weather, and on cold nights it can get chilly at times, though there’s nothing a sleeping bag won’t fix.

We were concerned that the windows on the two sides, which are not on the door or the SUV tunnel, do not have a strong zippered cover. They are mesh only and will not withstand heavy rainstorms, although anchoring a rainfly can help.

Versatile

Napier is a classic example of a 2-in-1 tent that converts into a stand-alone tent and also doubles as a camping tent.

We love that we can detach the tent and leave it tethered to the ground so you can leave and come back later without the hassle of setting it up again.

#3 Kelty Grand Mesa Tent – The Best Hiking Tent

Kelty may be known for their backpacks, but anyone familiar with the brand knows that they also make quality tents.

The brand has models from 1 to 8 person tents, but today we will look at the popular 4 person model, popular with couples and singles.

The Grand Mesa Tent is a lightweight and practical shelter perfect for those who need the ultimate hiking option.

While it lacks the frills and scuffs of some high-end models, it has everything you need to stay safe in the woods.

Build quality

When it comes to tenting, simplicity is never a bad thing and the Kelty tent is one of the solid no-frills tents that will perform the way you would expect.

The quality of the tent is decent, and although not the best, this was a surprise given that this is a budget option.

While it won’t handle high winds, snow, or extreme temperatures, it works well as a great lightweight tent and will handle light to moderately inclement weather during your camping trip.

Space

The Kelty isn’t the most spacious option on our list, but it’s comfortable once you’ve settled in.

It is designed for two campers, although it can accommodate up to four users, albeit in a close fit.

As with most options on the list, the 30-square-foot space can accommodate two adults and two children, so it’s the perfect choice for a family of two.

It also has a large vestibule and if you feel like your gear won’t fit inside the tent, you can also leave it in this area and leave more room for comfort inside.

The top height is also limited, and at 43 inches, this means you’ll have to crawl quite a bit as you get in and out of the tent.

Weather resistance

Despite its small size and inexpensive purchase, this option has amazing weatherproofing properties.

So far, users have not complained about leaks or moisture, mainly due to the polyester construction.

This material will stand up to Mother Nature’s abuse like a champion and keep the inside dry.

While the floor doesn’t feel like a bathtub, the guys at Kelty use heavy-duty seam closure to keep you dry on all but the heaviest showers.

You’ll also love the Kelty’s streamlined design, which greatly improves overall stability in high winds and makes it easier to pour rain.

Ventilation

For a small tent, the cabin easily gets stuffy, but not on a Kelty.

While the PU coating and rain cover keep moisture out, the double-walled No-See-Um mesh allows for abundant airflow, keeping the inside fresh and reducing condensation.

It is ideal for warm summer nights when the temperatures reach high.

Portability

The biggest advantage of the Kelty tent is its lightweight and compact design.

The lightweight and compact design exceeded my expectations for a camping tent.

It’s easy to slip into a backpack and even carry for miles without feeling tired or worn out.

#4 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 – Best Three Season Tent

If you’re looking for a true three-season tent that can handle whatever nature throws at you, you can’t go wrong with Bug Agnes.

But firmness is not Agnes’ strongest point; it’s also a spacious option that will comfortably accommodate your entire family and leave room for your gear.

It is also lightweight and, combined with ease of packing; it’s easy to see why this tent is an inspiring option for hikers.

Build quality

Every component of Agnes is brought to perfection.

From material selection, design to craftsmanship, Agnes is a safe haven not easily compromised by nature’s abuses.

It’s also durable and based on user reviews, the Big Agnes will last you several seasons without needing to be replaced or repaired.

As for me, I’m not the most careful camper and so far I haven’t had any problems with the tent: no rips, no holes, broken poles or zippers – or any kind of breakage.

In addition, the floor of the tent is made up of a patented ripstop that Big Agnes says improves durability by 25%. This is a great addition to a tent as it prevents any form of puncture by dry grass, sticks or other sharp objects while pitching.

Weather resistance

The Big Agnes tent is designed to last three seasons and, truth be told, it will protect you from heavy spring showers, wind, hail and snow.

Even though the rain cover is not completely waterproof, it does help keep the inside dry, and the waterproof tub prevents water from leaking out.

It is possible to survive torrential downpours and days of rain without a single drop of water entering the shelter with a tent.

The only drawback of Big Agnes was wind resistance. The high profile allows one side of the tent to bulge into the interior when the wind gusts, but nothing threatens the overall integrity of the tent.

Space

A quick glance at Agnes’ large tent reveals its spacious interior environment.

With a floor space of 67 square inches, it will easily accommodate a couple and their two children and leave extra room for gear or their furry friend.

And that’s not all!

It has a spacious two-by-14-square-foot vestibule and a head height of 50 inches, which combine to increase the overall space for this tent.

All in all, this is one of those tents that seems to be really meant to be used by four campers.

Ventilation

The mesh on the tent does a great job of keeping air inside and avoiding condensation.

This was still bound to be a problem; two doors create an even better through wind that will keep you cool during the hot months.

Portability

When the hike is over and it’s time to put away the copper spurs, you’ll love how they fold up, as you’d expect from a lightweight tent.

It fits easily into a duffel bag and combined with a measly 5-pound weight; you should have no problem using a tent as a hiking option.

#5 Nemo Losi Backpacking Tent – Best Overhead Height

When designing Elk’s tent, Nemo started from the inside and worked his way out.

The result is an award-winning camping tent with a unique pole configuration that optimizes living space and maximizes headroom.

Build quality

With a polyester shell and a ripstop nylon rain cover, this tent is virtually unaffected.

Judging by user reviews, this tent will cope with all the harsh conditions and adversities of nature without compromising its integrity.

It will not form holes or tears even if it is thrown onto uneven surfaces with hard grass, obstacles or other sharp objects.

Weather resistance

Typical of the polyester tents on our list, the Nemo Losi is a damn weather-resistant tent that will hold up in the elements.

In particular, the nylon rain cover prevents water seepage and will keep your interior dry even during the heaviest downpour.

Hail, storms and wind also cause little to no damage to the tent and guarantee shelter even when the weather turns bad.

Space and storage

Space is probably the biggest selling point for this camping tent.

First, its area is 60 square inches. Not as tall as our editor’s choice, Alp Mountaineering, but much more spacious than most tents.

While it fits two to three queen-sized air mattresses, like most options, it’s more spacious and offers plenty of room to wield, while still leaving extra room for your furry friend and gear.

And that’s not all!

It also has a large height of 61 inches, which allows tall users to get in and out of the tent without any problems.

Ventilation

To prevent stuffiness and condensation on hot sunny days, this tent has several mesh openings to ensure free air flow.

And if you still need more airflow, you have the option to open the door for a nice and cool breeze.

Packability

Weighing only 5 pounds, the tent is a real camping tent that will tempt you to lug it on your back during long hikes.

It also fits easily into a trash bag and, combined with its lightness, is easy to carry over long distances without feeling tired.

Buying guide for 4 person tents

There are several important factors to consider when buying the best 4 person camping tent. They include:

The size

Often, when a tent is advertised as a 4 person tent, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will comfortably accommodate four adults.

You see, manufacturers have different ideas about the size of an adult, so the square footage of a tent varies from brand to brand.

Ideally, a four person tent is best suited for a family of four with two adults and two small children.

The best way to determine actual capacity is to look at the square footage and consider if you’ll have older children with you or if you’d like to put an air mattress or gear inside.

If you are looking for an option that fits four adults, we recommend that you go up the size and purchase a six adult tent.

The weight

It’s also important to consider the weight of the tent, especially if you’re backpacking or backcountry/tourist camping.

Of course, weight won’t be a big issue for a camping car tent, but if you’re looking for a strictly touring tent, we recommend that you buy a tent that weighs less than 10 pounds.

Weather resistance

All of the best camping tents are waterproof, although it’s worth looking at the waterproof rating.

Water resistance ranges from 800mm to 10,000mm, defining the millimeters of water it can hold before soaking through.

However, the waterproof rating is not the only factor that determines the weather resistance of a tent. The shape also affects the resistance to weather conditions, especially wind.

It is important to note that the higher the water resistance rating, the heavier and stiffer the tent is, which is not good for backpackers.

Vestibule

When choosing a four-person tent, consider one with a vestibule where you can store dirty boots or shoes so as not to bring them inside the tent.

While a lobby is not required, especially if you are traveling by car or camping, it is important if you are backpacking.

If you are going on a camping trip, we recommend buying a tent with a vestibule so that you have a place to store your equipment in case of rain.

How important is ventilation?

Having enough ventilation is critical when buying a four-man tent.

You see, nothing ruins your camping trip quite like being stuck in a stuffy tent.

Therefore, when choosing a tent, make sure that it has enough space for ventilation.

Bells and whistles

In addition to basic parameters such as weight, size and water resistance, many campers are often looking for a specific type of tent that suits their needs.

Some of the extras that backpackers often look for include ample storage space, adequate ventilation, and waterproofing.

Other added features include a tall tent that campers can stand in, plenty of storage pockets, easy set up, and an affordable option.

Season

When choosing a four-man tent, you need to consider the type of season in which you will be camping.

While most people camp in fine, warm weather, others are looking for an all-rounder that can handle heavy rain, snow, and high winds.

2-season tents are perfect for nice and warm weather. As a rule, these tents are characterized by lighter materials. Fewer rods and more mesh for easier installation and better ventilation.

While two-person tents will withstand the rain, they may not protect you from downpours. They are also cheap.

On the other hand, 3-4-season tents are more durable, and their thicker materials and frames will withstand extended use even in heavy rain.

Most will withstand Mother Nature’s abuses and endure the most extreme and harsh environments.