Best 3-Person Tent | A Complete Buyer’s Guide on the Top Tents

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Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors. Not only do you have easy access to amazing views, but you are literally in the heart of it all. The trees are your neighbors, the birds your alarm clock, and the mountains and plains your constant backgrounds.

You can learn a lot when solo traveling, but sometimes you also want to explore with your family or mates.

And if you’re camping as a small group, three-person tents are ideal. It’s not too small that it compromises floor area, and not too big, so you can still fit it in a bag.

But picking up a tent isn’t always as easy as just walking into a shop and buying the first thing you see.

Seasoned campers will tell you that it can take a bit of research to find the perfect tent for your trip. Your needs also change depending on where and when you go.

Whether it’s your first time researching the subject or your hundredth, this comprehensive guide will tell you what you need to know to find the best 3-person tent on the market for you.

Why Do I Need a Three-Person Tent?

As mentioned before, three-person tents are great to have when traveling in a small group. It’s also never a bad idea to have a tent with more sleeping space. No one likes sleeping like a pack of sardines, right?

This size tent may be a bit tight for three adults, but it is luxuriously big for a two-person camping trip with a little one. Add a few sleeping pads under your sleeping bag, and it’s close to a 5-star hotel in the wilderness.

What to Look for in the Best 3-Person Tent

Camping tents come in many different styles depending on their functions. That list can be long, depending on numerous factors. But, to keep it simple, here are a few things to look for in a tent before purchasing.

Waterproof

Regardless of the season, water is bound to be water somewhere near your camping gear. It could be a few dew drops in the summer mornings, snow in winter, or a few rainstorms in spring and fall.

So, you can see why getting a waterproof tent is quite essential. Some cheaper tents often aren’t watertight, only water resistant.

The good news is that you can get a rainfly or tarp in a pinch. You can also waterproof your tent with a seam sealant as a short-term solution.

Type

The type of tent you get will depend on which season you plan to camp and how long you plan to stay. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the type of tent.

Single-Wall Tent

These tents are great if you want a light tent with a smaller packed size. The tent body has a single layer which gives it better ventilation.

However, this also means you won’t have much protection against unpleasant weather conditions when it pours. As a result, you can also see an increase of condensation in the tent on especially dewy mornings.

These tents are thus better reserved for pleasantly warm weather without much wind or water. You can, however, add a cover to make it a more reliable tent.

Double-Wall Tent

If you’re hoping to do some serious traveling, like free camping in Australia, you’ll definitely need a double-wall tent. These usually have adjustable rainfly vents that go over the inner tent.

A high-quality tent will have a tent floor that is durable and waterproof. With all of these elements, it has a lower chance of building up condensation on the inside.

Pop-Up Tent

A pop-up tent is probably the easiest and fastest tent to assemble. As the name suggests, the tent walls simply open up the moment you unfold them. And, while it is lightweight and easy to assemble, it isn’t durable for long-term camping in the outbacks.

Shape

Did you know that your tent’s shape is very important depending on the weather you’re planning on venturing out to? Take a look at a few of the reasons why tent shapes matter and which one you should consider.

Dome

Most three-person tents on the market are dome tents with two cross poles on the top. They are also more likely to have a double wall that you can remove and reattach at your leisure.

These tents are best for car camping and are great for most weather conditions. The round shape gives the tent more stability and allows rain to pour over to the ground.

Tunnel

While tunnel tents have more poles to assemble, it is one of the more stable tents that won’t hurt your back from crouching the whole time. They offer great floor space for smaller groups, while bigger groups may feel a bit more cramped.

Unfortunately, they don’t do well in very windy and rocky conditions and have to be fastened.

Rooftop Tent

These attach to above or on top of your car for an extra sleeping area. They typically have a ladder on the side to help you climb up to it.

While it is a great space saver during road trips, there are a few downsides. These include that it takes longer to mount than a regular tent and isn’t as wind resistant.

Best Backpacking Tents

If you’ve backpacked before, you probably know the benefits of a carry-on traveler lifestyle. That is why most backpacking tents have the minimum trail weight, so it doesn’t weigh you down.

If you’re looking for a backpacking tent, here are a few top picks to consider.

MARMOT Backpacking-Tents Marmot Crane Creek

Marmot is one of the most reliable tent brands, so you can rest assured that this backpacking tent will have the same high quality.

This dome-shaped tent has a durable design with aluminum cross poles on the top and a leakproof polyester body. It comes with a waterproof rain fly that you can pin back or zip closed on stormy days.

There are two D-shaped doors for better ventilation, while the overhead vestibules add more storage options. The 42 square feet interior makes for a comfortable sleep space for three happy campers.

Pros:

• The double doors provide easy access and views from both sides.
• Great for rainy weather protection.

Cons:

• It is quite expensive.
• It doesn’t have a detachable rainfly.

Nemo Dagger Ultralight Backpacking Tents

The Nemo Dagger is a good backpacking tent in that it only weighs 3.5 lbs and fits snugly in its bag.

At 19 by 12 inches, it offers more than enough space for someone up to 6 feet tall. Its rectangular interior space means you’ll have more than enough space to fit three sleeping bags.

It uses completely Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified materials to give you a tent that is 4x more water repellent than other backpacking tents. It has two doors with added storage space for extra supplies.

Pros:

• Uses recycled materials.
• A very lightweight option.

Cons:

• There is only a little storage space beside the space for sleeping bags.
• One of the more expensive items on this list.

MSR Backpacking-Tents MSR Elixir Person

This tent is one of the best lightweight tents for backpackers. It is big enough to comfortably fit three adults while only weighing 7 lbs. Although the floor area dimensions are 84 x 68 inches, it still manages to fit in the added bag or stuff sack.

Unlike dome tents, this one has three cross poles for increased stability. Additionally, the added footprint and rainfly offer even better water protection.

Pros:

• Color-coded poles allow for a more straightforward setup.
• Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.

Cons:

• It is pretty expensive.
• The interior peak height is only 40 inches.

Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent

The Clostnature is an ultralight tent that does well in rugged environments. It is spacious yet easy to pack away and carry.

The entire top of the tent is covered in mesh, which is great for fresh air. However, it’s not the best for sun shelter. That is why the rain fly clips onto the poles and has a curtain gathering design to open and close as the weather permits.

Like the rest of the tent, the flooring is covered in polyester. The corners are reinforced with a double layer of durable fabric to minimize damage and the risk of leaks. It also has inner pockets to store your items off the ground and keep them dry.

Pros:

• Freestanding unit with a rain fly added in the purchase.
• Not too pricey.

Cons:

• A footprint isn’t included.
• The mesh rooftop makes it better for warmer months.

Best Pop-up Tents

Pop-up tents are great if you want an easy setup without fighting too much with your outdoor gear. Here is a list of options you can pitch quicker than most tents.

TSP Power Instant Pop-Up Camping Tent

The TSP Pop-up tent is a lightweight option that you can set up in seconds. Simply open the hydraulic system at the top of the tent and insert the pegs at the bottom to secure it to the ground.

It has a wind and waterproof rain fly, making it perfect for any season. When the cover isn’t on, you can enjoy the breeze blowing through its six mesh windows and the large door in the front.

The tent stands in a hexagon shape and is quite spacious at 30.8 x 6.7 inches. The zippers are on the inside, and outside, so you’ll easily be able to open or close the front.

Pros:

• Spacious interior.
• It comes with a carry bag.

Cons:

• Its roof isn’t very high, so you’ll have to crouch inside the tent.
• The windows don’t have flaps, so you must attach and remove the cover whenever you want light in your tent.

Kejector Instant Pop-Up Tents

The Kejector is easy to assemble for those spontaneous camping trips in any of the four seasons. And, at 7 x 7 inches, the tent can fit two to three adults comfortably. There are a few inner pockets for small items and a hook for light inside the tent at night.

During the day, you won’t need much light as the tent has a panoramic mesh cover that allows more than enough sun and fresh air to seep through. At night or in winter, the Polyurethane-coated polyester and rain cover helps prevent water from seeping through.

The cover comes with its own poles and is free-standing. This means it’s not confined to your space and can be used as a gazebo elsewhere. Its grapplers also ensure that it won’t fly away, so you have one less thing to worry about.

Pros:

• Freestanding cover that you can use independently.
• It is made with waterproof material and has fiberglass and alloy steel poles for better wind resistance.

Cons:

• While waterproof, it is unsuitable for low fall and winter temperatures.
• There is no separate opening to allow an electrical line inside.

Mobihome 2-3 Person Tent

The Mobihome is an ultralight tent that needs menial effort towards its setup. Simply set it on the ground and pull the two strings on the top in opposite directions, and voila! You‘ll see the tent pop up and lock in place.

Keep in mind that the Mobihome is not for the outback camper. Instead, it is for the occasional camper that frequents camping grounds. Its floor area is seal taped to make it water-resistant; however, it isn’t waterproof.

Pros:

• Very cost-effective.
• Takes less than five 5 minutes to set up.

Cons:

• Not fit for extreme cold or snowy weather.
• It needs a flat, smooth surface to stand on.

Toogh 3-4 Person Camping Tent

At 13 lbs, the Toogh hexagonal tent may not be the easiest to carry, but it sure is one of the easiest to assemble.

It takes less than 60 seconds to build and clicks into place to keep it sturdy. When it’s time to pack up, it’s another quick push, and the tent will collapse.

It is made of oxford cloth coated in silicone to keep it waterproof, while its unique shape keeps it sturdy during unpleasant winds and rains. In the warmer months, mesh double doors and windows are a saving grace against mosquitoes and bugs.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and can be done alone.
• Great for short-term traveling.

Cons:

• It can be slightly heavy to carry.
• It isn’t made from the best material and can be a bit flimsy.

Best Budget Three-Person Tents

Camping gear is often expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. While these budget options may not be top-notch, they still get the job done at a fraction of the price. Simply add a coat of seam sealant, and you’re practically good to go, come rain or shine.

Campros CP 3 Person Tent

This simple polyester dome tent should keep you relatively safe against water and wind. It is ideal for short travels, the beach, or for fishing trips.

It fits between three to four people, so it offers a bit of extra space when used as a three-person tent. The tent also has one mesh door and four smaller windows on each side to keep bugs out and allows for good air ventilation.

Pros:

• Not as durable as other tents on this list.
• Comfortably fits three sleeping bags or one queen air mattress.

Cons:

• Prone to condensation.
• Many customers have complained that the poles need to be sturdier and longer.

Camel Crown Dome Tent

The Camel Crown tent is a superb option that’s not only light in weight but light on your pockets. Weighing only 2.22 pounds and under $70, it is a great option to bring on your next backpacking adventure.

You’ll enjoy this tent if you’re just hoping to spend a day outdoors. It is waterproof thanks to the seams being heat-sealed. The breathable fabric and mesh windows allow excellent air ventilation, so the tent stays cool throughout the day.

A few interior pockets keep your small items safe and away from the ground to maximize the space inside.

While not as sturdy, it still offers excellent shelter against the elements. The rain fly hooks onto the poles for easy removal while keeping it sturdy.

Pros:

• Windows can be zipped closed for more privacy.
• It has pockets and hooks inside to store supplies and lights.

Cons:

• It’s a bit cramped for a 3-person tent.
• Not suitable for outback camping

Forceatt Store Tent for 3

This 88 x 73-inch tent packs down to fit in just a single 17-inch stuff sack. It also weighs less than 7 lbs. This makes it the best 3 person tent for the backpacker big on saving space.

The Forceatt tent was designed to be easily accessible even when traveling alone, and they’ve cracked the code. It takes less than five minutes to assemble and is great for all four seasons.

When the colder months arrive, simply hook the cover onto the roof for waterproof protection.

In summer, the mesh top is great for air ventilation. It keeps the mosquitoes out while allowing uninterrupted views of the glittering night sky.

Pros:

• The tent cover is freestanding, making it easy to move around.
• It is a great lightweight tent for travelers on the go.

Cons:

• The seams aren’t sealed, meaning leaks are more prominent.
• Poles can bend during strong winds.

Best Tents for Car Camping

Car camping is when you can drive up to the campsite and set up for the night. This could either be an independent tent, or your car could be part of your setup like a “makeshift” RV.

One benefit of this is that a car camping tent doesn’t need to be as lightweight as many backpacking tents because you don’t have to carry it everywhere you go.

It is also great if you’re caught in bad weather, as you can just move camp or sleep in your car. That being said, here are the top tents for car camping.

Napier Outdoors Sportz Dome-To-Go Tent

This dome tent is a three-season tent, fit for most outdoor activities. And while it’s technically a 4-person tent, this is ideal because it means three people will sleep comfortably.

The tent is quite versatile in that it can be free-standing or stand in conjunction with a car for more storage space. Connect it to the car’s trunk by simply unzipping the vehicle sleeve and tightening the rope to the back of your car.

Ventilation and entrance won’t be a problem as there are a couple of large entrances and windows. The front flap also lifts as a roof, ideal for shading you on those blistering days.

Pros:

• Connects to the car trunk, adding extra gear storage.
• Easy to set up and takes less than 15 minutes to attach to a car.

Cons:

• Quite expensive.
• You might need two people to assemble it.

Final Thoughts on the Best Three-Person Camping Tents

So, there you have it; these are the three-person tents for outdoor adventures. Which one will you pick for your next backpacking trip around the world?

Remember that travel and the outdoors should be fun, so while there are some great options on this list, there are also a few budget options for all pockets.

You don’t have to frequently camp to enjoy your trip either. With a well-planned trip and comfortable three-person tent, you and your travel buddies are bound to have a fantastic experience.

If you need more planning tips and inspiration, have a look at this review on Osprey backpacks to fit some of the best backpacking tents.