Tent-camping is an unmatched experience when it comes to spending time outdoors. There’s a tent suited for every climate, terrain, and condition imaginable (including cliff-side camping). While it might be obvious that a novice camper won’t be needing a cliff cabana tent anytime soon, there are still so many options to choose from. Tent set-up and take-down can quickly become overwhelming, so it’s important to make sure that the tent you choose has all of the features needed to make you feel comfortable, but is basic enough to not cause too much frustration. Here’s some of our top choices for Canadian camping for beginners.
REI Grand Hut 4 ($299)
Floor area: 59.7 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 75 inches
Sizes: 4P, 6P
Weight: 14 lbs. 2 oz.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 100 x 86 x 75 inches.
Pros: Affordable, quick/easy set-up, high-quality poles/materials, room to stand, 2 large doors and vestibules.
The REI Grand Hut 4 Tents are top notch due to their affordability and spacious interior. Thanks to its rainfly, large vestibules, and extra-thick poles, this tent is ideal for rainy weather. Its hubbed pole system also makes it easy to set up and pack up. In terms of price, space, and weather protection, it’s a good tent for camping in ideal conditions.
REI Co-Op Kingdom 6 ($499)
Floor area: 83.3 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 75 inches.
Sizes: 4P, 6P, 8P
Weight: 21 lbs. 6 oz.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 120 x 100 x 75 inches.
Pros: Room to stand, high-quality poles/materials, room divider, 2 large doors, large vestibule, and a backpack carrying case.
The REI Kingdom 6 tent is ideal for groups because of its large storage pockets, large doors, and adjustable room dividers. It has sealed seams, a protected entryway, and a vestibule for storing soaked gear. It is an expensive tent, but due to its large size, it’s perfect for large groups.
Eureka Space Camp 4 ($349.95)
Floor area: 60 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 68 inches.
Sizes: 4P, 6P
Weight: 12 lbs. 10 oz.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 96 x 90 x 68 inches.
Pros: Room to stand (under 5’6”), quality poles/materials, 2 large doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, quick/easy set-up, includes all guylines & stakes, good ventilation.
Eureka Space Camp 4 features nearly vertical walls and a versatile rainfly. The rainfly has two large vestibules to protect your gear when bad weather strikes. Three high kickstand vents keep the room well ventilated, while a low opening in the door promotes airflow. If you are over 5’7″, you cannot stand up in this tent; however, the Space Camp 6P offers a height of 6’4″ for those who prefer more headroom. The Space Camp tent is a high-quality, affordable camping tent.
Marmot Limestone 4P ($370)
Floor area: 60 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 61 inches.
Sizes: 4P, 6P
Weight: 11 lbs. 11 oz.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 100 x 86 x 61 inches.
Pros: High-quality poles/materials, 2 large doors/vestibules, smooth zippers, quick & easy set-up, compact.
A storm-ready shelter, the Marmot Limestone 4P is made of high-quality materials and extra-thick aluminum poles that are colour-coded for fast and easy pitching. The Limestone 4P has two large doors on either side, a mesh ceiling and a rain fly that can be left off to allow great views and ventilation. When the rainfly is on, there is a bit of a lack of airflow because the kickstand vents are pretty small. Limestone 4P and Eureka Space Camp 4 have similar designs, but Space Camp is 7 inches taller, has more vents, and is cheaper.
Coleman Sundome 4 ($100)
Floor area: 63 sq. ft.
Peak Height: 59 inches.
Sizes: 2P, 3P, 4P, 6P
Weight: 10 lbs. 3 oz.
Dimensions (L x W x H): 108 X 84 X 59 inches.
Pros: Affordable, quick/easy set-up, lightweight & compact, includes all guylines, stakes, and a doormat.
The Coleman Sundome 4 is a lightweight, budget-friendly tent and comes in a variety of sizes. It’s popular due to its low price (almost always on sale), but its poles and materials are of lower quality. It’s a great choice for new campers heading out for the weekend, but it wouldn’t be ideal for long-term stays.