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6 best tents for family camping trips, tried and tested
Stay dry, whatever the weather, with these expert-tested tents
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
Whether you're planning a camping trip or you need a roof over your head after a big hike, the best tents will protect you from the elements, including wind, rain and even storms - as you sleep.
However, before you decide on which one to buy, there's a few key factors to consider. Size, weight, fabric and capacity are all important factors, but it’s also wise to consider what you’ll be using your tent for and how often. There's no point spending a fortune on one you'll only use every few years, but equally, if you're planning to use it as your new holiday home, it could be worth opting for extra space and features to create a more luxurious living space.
To help you decide which tent is right for you, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put some of the biggest brands to the test with the help of some seasoned campers.
Best tents for 2026
In a hurry? Here are the tents we recommend for your next camping trip in one handy list:
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How we test tents
We sent each tent to a family of keen campers and asked them to sleep in it as much as possible over three weeks.
They timed how long it took to pitch and dismantle and noted how clear the instructions were to follow, as well as marking the tent on design.
They reported back on whether they enjoyed a good night's sleep, if there was adequate light and ventilation, and if they'd discovered any handy extra features such as storage pockets.
Back in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we tested each tent’s waterproof capabilities using a hydrostatic head machine in the shower room (one of our more fun tests!).
Finally, all the feedback was analysed and collated, before awarding overall scores.
Halfords 4 Person Vis A Vis Tent
Halfords 4 Person Vis A Vis Tent
Pros
- Easy to put up
- Sleeps four people comfortably
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Not tall enough to stand in
Score: 90/100
While some tents are a complete pain to put up, this design from Halfords was a breeze. Our testers found the whole process quick and straightforward, thanks to clear instructions, four helpful colour-coded poles and pre-attached guide ropes.
Once pitched, this tent features two sleep pods that easily fit two people each, as well as a middle area for storage or living. This is an ideal pick for a four-person family on a short trip, but our tester wasn't able to comfortably stand up in it, so it wouldn't be great for a longer stay.
Other than that, the tent offered a good amount of light and ventilation, and it was generally hard to fault it.
Key specifications
| Tent size | 4-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.3kg |
| Dimensions packed | 53 x 20 x 20cm |
| Dimensions up | 140 x 210 x 420cm |
| Waterproofing | 2000mm |
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Pros
- Premium feel
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Limited storage space
Score: 88/100
Pitching a tent has never been easier: one person is all you need to get this one set up, and our tester didn't even have to consult the instructions.
Its smaller size meant that there was very little storage space when four people were inside, and taller people couldn't stand up in it. There is an integrated porch flap that adds a little space at the front, but you can't use it in the rain.
Still, the tent had a high-quality feel, and the poles and pegs slotted together effortlessly. It was also great to sleep in. Ideal for shorter getaways, festivals, or for a small family.
Key specifications
| Tent size | 4-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.09kg |
| Dimensions packed | 46 x 19 x 19cm |
| Dimensions up | 142 x 203 x 249cm |
| Waterproofing | Not given |
Nordisk Alfheim Tent
Nordisk Alfheim Tent
Pros
- Glamping-style tent
- Very spacious
Cons
- Heavy to carry
Score: 81/100
Fans of glamping will love this luxurious tipi-style tent, which not only looks good but also features a removable top that can be used for stargazing.
That's not the roof's primary function though. It also helps with air circulation for comfort, and when the zip-in floor is removed, it means you can use an oven or campfire in the tent itself. That said, this feature comes at a price: the groundsheet is also sold separately to the main tent structure, which isn't ideal.
Another slight downside is its weight, which made it inconvenient for our testers to carry from their car to the pitch site. But, it made up for it in spaciousness and standing height. This tent was also extremely easy to pitch, as it only requires one pole.
Key specifications
| Tent size | 3-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.8kg |
| Dimensions packed | 32 x 99cm |
| Dimensions up | 400 x 275cm |
| Waterproofing | Not given |
Decathlon Quechua Arpenaz 4-Person Poled Tent
Decathlon Quechua Arpenaz 4-Person Poled Tent
Pros
- Perfect tent for camping
- Well priced
Cons
- Poles difficult to fix in place
Score: 78/100
This tent comes with somewhat confusing instructions, but once you know what you're doing, it’s relatively easy to pitch. The poles were a little difficult to fix in place, though.
The size of the tent was perfect for a family of four, thanks to its two separate bedrooms and spacious living room that you can stand up in. If you're looking for a larger tent on a smaller budget, this is our top choice – and it looks nice once set up, too.
Key specifications
| Tent size | 4-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.7kg |
| Dimensions packed | 60 x 26 x 26cm |
| Dimensions up | 485 x 240 x 190cm |
| Waterproofing | 2000mm - flysheet, 5000mm - groundsheet |
Regatta Kolima V2 4-Man Family Tunnel Inflatable Tent
Regatta Kolima V2 4-Man Family Tunnel Inflatable Tent
Pros
- Black out sleeping pod
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Instructions were confusing
- No porch area
Score: 72/100
If pitching tents isn’t your forte, consider this inflatable design from Regatta.
Though the instructions weren’t the clearest, the set-up process was straightforward and once erected, the tent felt sturdy and looked smart. Our tester was impressed with the blackout sleeping pod, which has a toggled divider, and they appreciated the variety of pockets and hooks for hanging lanterns and keeping their essentials safe. It provided good ventilation (ideal in the hot weather) and, unlike many tents, it took just five minutes to pack away.
Our panellists missed a porch area to provide some shelter from the rain, and they said it was a bit of a squeeze with two adults and two teenagers – it will suit groups of two or three, though.
Looking for something larger? Regatta also offers a six-person version.
Key specifications
| Tent size | 4-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.7kg |
| Dimensions packed | 75 x 35 x 35cm |
| Dimensions up | 460 x 280 x 195cm |
| Waterproofing | 2000mm - flysheet, 5000mm - groundsheet |
Coleman Waterfall 5 Deluxe family tent
Coleman Waterfall 5 Deluxe family tent
Pros
- Spacious
Cons
- Heavy to carry
- Pitching took a while
Score: 71/100
This five-person tent felt spacious, helped by the separate sleeping and living areas. There's also adequate storage space, which isn't always a given.
Even though it's a large piece of kit, it went back in its carry case with ease. However, it was quite heavy and uncomfortable to carry, so it's not one for taking on a hike.
The basic instructions and knotted-up guide ropes made the pitching process harder than it needed to be. Still, it's a more affordable option than many others on this list, and it has everything you need for a budget family getaway.
Key specifications
| Tent Size | 5-person |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.5kg |
| Dimensions packed | 26 x 71cm |
| Dimensions up | 490 x 265 x 165cm |
| Waterproofing | 3000mm |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for 100 years, so we know quality when we see it. We put every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can trust, from the best walking sandals to the best camping chairs.
Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, oversees all our health and wellness testing, including anything to do with outdoor adventure! Kim is a level 4 qualified personal trainer and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, has written hundreds of product reviews and is passionate about helping you find the best buys. She loves camping too - so she knows exactly what to look for in the best tents.
How to choose the right tent
These are the key factors to consider before you shop.
Size: All tents will specify the number of people they can sleep, but we advise going up a size e.g. using a three-man tent for two people, especially if you want a little extra room for bags or equipment. Some tents have a porch to store trainers and wet clothes, and larger tents will sometimes offer social areas, too.
Price: Cheaper tents will normally only have a single skin, which means less protection, but on the plus side, this means they're lightweight and easily transportable. Pricier tents tend to have a double skin and are usually waterproof, with a frame that's more robust.
Weight: Tents vary in weight between lighter 5kg and 20kg. Anything around 5kg or less is best for festivals or short camping weekends where you may have to carry it for longer distances. Larger tents, of up to 20kg, will be harder to carry - and are more appropriate for campsites you can drive to with several people helping to pitch it.
Season rating: This doesn’t mean how many seasons it can be used in, but is a rating of a tent's ability to deal with different weather conditions. For example, a tent with a 1-season rating is fine in warm conditions and possibly a light rain shower, but not much else, whereas a 4 or 5 season tent will keep a person and their gear safe from extreme winter conditions. Not all brands use this rating, but we've specified it in each review when available.
HH: This means “hydrostatic head” and is an indication of how waterproof a tent’s fabric is. It measures how much water the fabric can hold before it starts to seep through, as well as the water pressure it can withstand before any leaking. A basic tent’s flysheet is usually around 2000mm and a groundsheet is 5000mm or more. A tent with a 5000mm reading will protect you against heavy rainfall or a constant downpour. Our expert explains more below.
How can I tell if a tent is waterproof?
The best way to understand a tent's waterproof capabilities is by looking at its hydrostatic head rating, explains David Scotland, outdoors expert and founder of Outdoor World Direct. This tells you how much water pressure the tent can handle in millimetres (mm).
“Industry standard for adequate waterproofing of the flysheet is 3000mm - this will provide protection for most typical British rain and standard camping trips,” David explains. “A rating of 4000mm offers further protection for prolonged heavy rain and harsher conditions, while 5000mm and above is for mountain weather and more technical expedition-style tents.”
He adds that he wouldn’t recommend a tent under 3000mm hydrostatic head, unless it's only being used occasionally in fair weather or in the garden. Tents that have taped seams or factory taped seams will also help prevent water from entering through the stitching.
What are the best materials for a tent?
The best material for a tent depends on what type of camping you’re planning on doing, explains David. “The most common material for weekend, festival and affordable family tents is polyester as it’s low maintenance, UV resistant and dries quickly,” he says.
Nylon is also common – especially when used for backpacking holidays. This is because it's lighter and packs smaller than polyester, David explains, adding: “However, it's not as UV-resistant and can absorb some water over time.”
Polycotton is found in more premium tents, often in 'glamping' style setups. “It's much heavier than polyester but offers significantly better temperature regulation and reduced condensation, especially in hot or humid weather,” says David. “It’s also quieter in wet and windy conditions, as polyester tents can rustle and flap in strong winds.”
How to pitch a tent
If you've never pitched a tent before, we recommend you practise pitching your new tent before your trip, especially if it’s an inflatable option or particularly large. This will stop any confusion (and arguments!) when you reach the campsite.
Guylines are pieces of string or cord that secure your tent to the ground – they are essential for stopping your tent from collapsing, especially in high winds. Make sure they’re pulled tight in the same direction as the main poles and check them regularly for correct tensioning - they expand and contract when the temperature and wind changes.
Always try to face your main door away from any large open spaces on a campsite too, as this will stop the wind from tunnelling through.
And don’t forget to clean and wash your tent once you're home, and leave it to dry completely in the garden before packing it away. This will stop mould and mildew from growing when in storage - and you'll thank yourself for doing it next time you take it out of the cupboard to use.
The verdict on the best tents
Our winner, the Halfords 4-person Vis A Vis tent, is affordable and easy to set up, making it perfect for short family breaks.
If you fancy a more luxurious option, the Nordisk Alfheim Tent with its tipi-style design looks the part, plus it's easy to pitch and will fit up to three people.
Prefer an inflatable option? The Regatta Kolima V2 Tent is a great choice - and won't let you down.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
