TOP 10 LIST: Best Tent Under 200 in 2022
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Failing to have a good tent could throw off your whole rhythm for your camping trip. Nothing’s worse than being in a cold, cramped tent where you watch the leakage water drip into your mug or when you wake up suddenly and hit the inside of your tent, triggering a mini rainfall of condensation. But not every camping trip has equal needs and priorities. A camping trip with a stationary campsite, or whereby you are transporting the tent with a vehicle will place greater emphasis on the comfort aspect of the tent than the need for it to be transported easily. A camping trip where you are carrying your equipment with you and are in a rush to go from campsite to campsite will place greater importance on how quickly you can get the tent up and how light the tent is to carry. With a budget of under $200 we will be able to explore functionality and specialization that will enhance your camping experience as well as the drawbacks that mean certain tents might not be right for you.
What is the Best Tent Under 200?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Tent Under 200 and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available tents for less than $200 that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these tents under 200.
We also wrote a brief tents under 200 Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 tents for less than $200 based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 20 Pounds (9.1 kg) Size: 180 x 144 x 72 Inches (457.2 x 365.8 x 182.9 cm) Size: 8 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Coleman Evanston model features a screened porch space that gives you a lounge space protected from the sun and bugs. Plus, it makes a nice sleeping area on warm nights and allows you to have an enclosed space for your gear. However, the mesh screen is too wide to prevent rain from getting in and wetting the floor.
The tent features a proprietary WeatherTec system that includes inverted seams and welded floors for waterproofing. Additionally, the rainfly features extended awnings on the windows that allow you to keep them open for ventilation in the rain without getting the inside wet.
It also has a decent weight for its size at 20lbs, possibly due to its compact dome shape. Unfortunately, it also gives the tent a shorter headroom space that prevents you from standing inside, and the tent structure is not adequately stable for rough weather conditions.
However, it has a decent footprint to sleep six campers comfortably or couples on extended camping trips.
Pros
- Features a unique design with a screened porch
- Spacious to fit six campers comfortably
- Has quality build and durability
- Lightweight structure for easy portability
- Has extended awning on windows
Cons
- Low headroom height
- Screened porch lets in rain
2. HIKERGARDEN Large Tent for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 20.5 Pounds (9.3 kg) Size: 168 x 132 x 74 Inches (426.7 x 335.3 x 188 cm) Size: 10 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
Hikergarden is a Canadian tent brand that produces good quality and affordable tents in various sizes. This 10-person tent is one of the larger models in their product line and is remarkably agile and portable for its size. It features a headroom height of 74 inches that allows most people to stand straight inside the tent. However, like most tents in the market, you should plan to accommodate fewer campers than stated for a comfortable experience.
The tent comes with color-coded poles that allow quick assembly where most users can set it up in about 15 minutes and take it down just as fast. Like other models of this size, it comes with a room divider curtain that allows privacy. Plus, you can fit up to eight people with gear conveniently.
The tent also features 185T polyester construction with fiberglass poles that offers decent sturdiness in light wind and rain and durability for occasional camping trips. Additionally, it has excellent air circulation for its size and retains cool temperatures when camping in hot weather.
Pros
- Reasonably priced for its size and quality,
- Spacious interior with good headroom height,
- The large carry bag repacks the tent back without fuss
- Its enhanced ventilation system keeps it cool in hot weather
Cons
- Door zippers often snag the outer flap,
- Performs well only in dry season camping
3. Wakeman Dome Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 75 x 57.6 x 42 Inches (190.5 x 146.3 x 106.7 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Nylon Waterproof: No |
Budget-conscious users are going to love this option. As the most affordable tent on my list, this budget backpacking tent competes with premium tents in quality. Interesting, isn’t it?
The high-quality and durable components of this two-person Wakeman tent are best for long-term use. It features a durable 190T polyester construction with a water-resistant rainfly that prevents rain from getting inside the tent.
The dome tent design offers tons of space and interior pockets for personal items. It also features a large D-style door with mesh ventilation. On the downside, it does not provide decent airflow with just one mesh window on the door. However, the fiberglass poles provide stability against windy conditions, and the tent is suitable for mild weather. It has a 6.25×4.80 base dimension and a center height of 3.50 ft. As the tent dimensions show, the interior space is roomy enough to spend comfortable nights and relax completely.
Pros
- It comes at an affordable price-tag,
- Easy to put up and takedown,
- Comes with a convenient carry bag,
- The material is lightweight and sturdy,
- The bathtub bottom is of good quality
Cons
- Not suitable for hot seasons,
- It includes just a single window
4. Ciays Camping Waterproof Family Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.3 Pounds (2.4 kg) Size: 87 x 61 x 46 Inches (221 x 154.9 x 116.8 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Polyester Waterproof: 1200 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
This Ciays 2-person tent offers slightly more interior space for comfort and has decent build quality for its price range. However, it does not provide gear space, and it might be a little tight for two campers with gear. The tent features a polyester material with a water-resistant PU-1200mm coating that can withstand light rain. It also comes with fiberglass poles that can provide stability in windy conditions. However, they are also light-duty and can break while assembling the tent.
I like that it is breathable and comes with mesh panels for air circulation. However, it doesn’t have vents, which can cause the tent to be stuffy when you set up the rain fly. It is also easy to assemble and put down, even for novices, and it has a free-standing design that allows you to set it up on any ground. While it comes with mesh pockets, it does not feature a lantern hook or a vestibule as the rain fly covers the roof only.
Pros
- Good quality build for its price point,
- Comfortable interior space versus the competition,
- Easy assembly and takedown for any skill level,
- Free-standing design allows set up on hard ground
Cons
- It does not feature vents to reduce humidity,
- Lightweight poles may break easily
5. Moon Lence Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6 Pounds (2.7 kg) Size: 83.8 x 59.8 x 48 Inches (212.9 x 151.9 x 121.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 100% Polyester Waterproof: Yes |
The Moon Lence camping tent is a double-layer 2-person tent that is made from 100% polyester. It is easy to set up and pull down and comes in a small handy bag for storage. This affordable tent that cost less than $200 and comes with 190T PU material construction with a 1000mm water-resistance and UV-resistance to provide all-around protection with water-resistance. It comes with two windows and a ground vent for improved air circulation.
For stability, it has 4 guy ropes and 9 lightweight iron pegs to keep the tent balanced in windy conditions. It also has 2 shock cord connecting poles for easy set up and it takes 15 minutes to do so.The lightweight iron pegs and guy lines provide stability against windy conditions, and prevent rainwater from pooling on the tent.
Ventilation is not a problem with the large mesh section, ground vents, and a detachable rainfly that controls the moisture by increasing the airflow.
Another notable feature is the internal mesh pockets that give you an excellent way to store your stuff. The tent also comes with a ceiling hook to hang your lantern and create the best environment at night.
Pros
- Generous two-person tent,
- Small and is easy to store away,
- Wind-resistant with iron pegs and guy ropes for stability,
- UV-resistant
- Several window openings,
- Completely waterproof with tarp material,
- Excellent air ventilation
Cons
- It does not have a tent footprint,
- The zipper occassionally gets stuck
6. CAMPROS 3-4 Person Dome Tents for Camping
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6.8 Pounds (3.1 kg) Size: 84 x 84 x 47 Inches (213.4 x 213.4 x 119.4 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 185T Polyester Waterproof: 1000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The CAMPROS 3-Person Tent is a lightweight option for backpacking in favorable weather. The tent is a 2-layer design with an inner tent that features an expansive roof mesh and 180T Polyester material. It also comes with a short rainfly to cover the roof mesh and provides minimal water resistance in light rain. The tent has a free-standing design that gives you the flexibility to assemble on various ground surfaces. However, it also comes with light-duty tent stakes and guy lines for stability.
The tent provides 49 square feet of floor space to fit two campers with a child or pet comfortably. It features a lantern hook on the ceiling and various mesh pockets for stashing small items. While the assembly is conventional, it is easy to set up and take it down for most users, and it comes with a convenient carry bag.
Pros
- Affordable with lightweight construction,
- Generous mesh construction for ventilation in warm weather,
- Easy assembly and takedown for inexperienced campers,
- It comes with a 12 months warranty
Cons
- Low hydrostatic rating to withstand inclement weather,
- Door zippers snag on its flaps
7. Clostnature 1-Person Tent for Backpacking
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.7 Pounds (1.7 kg) Size: 87 x 36 x 32 Inches (221 x 91.4 x 81.3 cm) Size: 1 Persons Material: 210T Polyester Waterproof: 5000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
Clostnature is an outdoors gear brand that produces premium-quality backpacking tents for camping in any season. The Clostnature single-person tent is one of this brand’s popular solo backpacking tents as it features excellent build quality, generous space, and lightweight structure. While the manufacturer marks it as a 4-season unit, the extended roof mesh makes it unsuitable for extreme cold weather camping where one needs insulation. Plus, the 20 square foot interior space may not offer much elbow space for comfort. However, the full-coverage rain fly provides a vestibule space for your gear, so you have a little more room.
The tent features a double layer 210T polyester construction with a hydrostatic rating of PU-5000, 150D Oxford groundsheet, and factory sealed seams for waterproofing. Ideally, this tent can withstand any amount of rainfall without leaking and also provide excellent ventilation in hot weather. Additionally, it comes with two aluminum poles that enable easy assembly and tent pegs that help to keep it stable in windy conditions.
Pros
- Affordable tent with premium quality build,
- Double-layer waterproof design for 4-season camping,
- It comes with a vestibule space for gear and shoes,
- It has a generous roof mesh panel for ventilation and stargazing,
- Features a ripstop material with waterproof PU coating
Cons
- Limited air circulation with the rainfly to prevent humidity,
- Pole grommets are too wide to hold the tent material in place
8. QUICK-UP 3/6 Person Tents for Camping Backpacking
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 14.3 Pounds (6.5 kg) Size: 161.4 x 82.7 x 55.1 Inches (410 x 210 x 140 cm) Size: Suitable for 3-6 person Persons Waterproof: Yes Instant: Semi instant Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Quick Up tent is only tent in this list with an easy, almost instant set-up that is perfect for beginner campers. Also the only one that is not of the traditional dome tent shape and can fit up to 6 persons (2 adults and 4 children) as advertised, not counting space taken up by gears and luggages. It has the typical qualities that campers would expect – durability and weather-proofing abilities. On top of that, it has reinforced taped seams for added waterproofing and has mesh panels to create a well ventilated interior. With a centre height of 55″, this tent can be configured in two layouts – 6 individual layout mats or 2 air mattresses side by side.
Pros
- Unique design that enables set up single-handedly in minutes.
- Breathable micro mesh roof, windows and doors with rainfly for excellent ventilation.
- Seams are reinforced and fully taped
- Door extension that acts as an awning
Cons
- Material of the tent poles are not as sturdy.
- Ability to fit 6 persons comfortably is subjective
9. MOON LENCE Pop Up Tent Family Camping Tent 4 Person
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 10.8 Pounds (4.9 kg) Size: 94.5 x 82.6 x 49.2 Inches (240 x 209.8 x 125 cm) Size: 4 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
Moon Lence produces several camping tents with various assembly systems. The instant models offer the most convenient setup where the pole structure comes factory assembled and allows you to pitch the tent in seconds. Additionally, it features a free-standing design to pitch the tent on any terrain and move it around without breaking it down.
This tent features a dome shape with a single layer of polyester construction material and a comfortable interior space with mesh pockets and a ceiling hook. It also features two mesh doors for ventilation and two ground vents to prevent condensation while sleeping. The floor space is a little tight for four adult campers considering that each person takes up at least 15 square feet. Additionally, the rain fly is attached to the tent and does not provide a vestibule for gear.
Pros
- Easy setup and takedown with pre-assembled tent structure,
- Attractive dual-color design with a choice of three,
- Good quality build that is affordable,
- Flexible for other uses beyond camping
Cons
- Not water-resistant to use in rainy weather,
- Built-in rainfly does not provide vestibule space for gear,
- Heavier than the competition
10. Hitorhike Camping Tent 2 Person Tent
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.8 Pounds (2.6 kg) Size: 82.6 x 59 x 47.2 Inches (209.8 x 149.9 x 119.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
This Hitorhike 2-person tent is an affordable 2-season camping tent featuring a 2-layer design and polyester construction. The tent compares favorably in weight and spaciousness with more expensive brands. However, it has poor build quality, with most users noting the poles are too lightweight and fragile to be durable.
On the other hand, it is easy to assemble for a conventional tent. It is also compact when packed and can fit easily in a camping backpack. The tent features two doors without mesh panels or vents and can build up condensation at night. Additionally, it has a short rainfly that doesn’t offer much protection in the rain, which makes this tent suitable for fair weather trips. However, the design also allows warmth to be insulated to keep you cozy when sleeping.
Pros
- Lightweight construction for easy portability,
- Easy to assemble and take down on any terrain,
- Affordable with an attractive 2-color design,
- Water-resistant to withstand light rain,
- Insulates warmth for chilly nights
Cons
- Poor quality poles that break easily,
- Limited vent spaces to prevent humidity
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best tent under 200 is below:
Overall best tent under 200 out there: Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: HIKERGARDEN Large Tent for Camping
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Wakeman Dome Backpacking Tent
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Tents Under 200
Tent Materials
There are many different tent materials. Some of the most common include PVC, nylon, polyester, and canvas. But other tent materials include Gore-tex and silnylon.PVC: This is a type of vinyl that can be waterproof when used on tents. It does not breathe well so it is not ideal for high temperatures or humid environments.Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from three different types of plastics and can be water-repellent when fabric treated with a chemical called polyurethane which reduces water penetration through its pores but creates a suffocating environment inside the tent.Polyester: Polyester is like Nylon in that it is a synthetic fabric made from plastics. Unlike Nylon, polyester stays dry when wet and is more temperature resistant but is heavier than nylon as well as being less durable.Canvas: The old school material of tents. Canvas is lightweight and strong but can be difficult to waterproof. In addition, canvas allows for airflow but is prone to tearing when subjected to sharp objects.Gore-tex: Gore-tex is a breathable waterproof fabric that allows water vapor and heat to escape but not liquid water in the form of rain or melting snow. Because it breaths, Gore-tex clothing is ideal for high temperatures and humid environments. However, it’s rather expensive.Silnylon: This is a type of nylon fabric that is coated with silicone oil. It has good resistance to water while providing great airflow and breathability. However, it isn’t the most durable material so it should be used in replacement for tent floors or tarps rather than entire tents themselves.
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
How much of the tent body is mesh? It is one of the factors you will consider when buying a multi-season tent. In hot temperatures, you will need several mesh windows to get a substantial flow of air. Alternatively, you can pitch your tent away from the direct sun to pull the rainfly cover and allow the tent to ventilate. Rainfly covers usually have a waterproof coating, which inhibits proper air circulation in warm weather and often causes condensation inside the tent. So, is there any solution? Yes, consider getting a tent with roof vents on the inner tent to minimize condensation problems.. With the rainfly covering the inner tent, the spacing in-between these two fabrics gives the tent ventilation while still having protection from the rain.
Water, Wind And Snow Resistance
Manufacturers of backpacking tents under 100 use different features to make their tents sturdier and comfortable in any condition. They use sturdy designs like round dome designs to stop snow from gathering on the tent and a rainfly that extends to the ground for protection against rain. Poles and stakes are also used to drive the tent into the ground and stabilize it, while heavy-duty water-resistant fabrics are used for protection against rain.
Setup
Everybody wants a tent that is easy to set up and take down. When you arrive at the campsite, you will most likely be worn out and you will not want to end up in a frustrating situation with a difficult tent.
Make sure you have all the accessories that come with the tent to assemble quickly. Most modern tents come with fewer poles and asymmetrical shapes which set up within a few minutes.
Here is a pro tip for you. If you are a beginner, you may want to practice assembling and pitching up the tent in your home garden before leaving on your trip.
Weight
Since the weight of your backpacking tent is a part of your load, manufacturers work to keep it low. Usually less weighty tents are either more expensive or have smaller rooms for occupants. In choosing a backpacking tent, you need to balance weight, quality, and price. The rule of thumb is that a 2-person backpacking tent should not weigh more than 3 pounds per person. This means that if you are going outdoor alone, you cannot carry more than 3 pounds. However, if you are going with someone, you can buy a weightier tent and split the weight at 3 pounds per person.
Portability
Tents are usually easy to move around. You can pack most of them up and take them with you on a camping trip. Before you buy a tent, consider how easy or difficult it would be to carry it around.Family tents can be quite large and bulky. They may not be as easy to move around as say backpacks, but they’re generally easier than building a shelter by yourself in the wild.Before buying a tent, consider the portability of the tent. Consider how easy or difficult it would be to carry it around.
Questions and Answers About Tents Under 200
How much should I spend on a good backpacking tent?
The standard entry-level tent price is $50. With that, you can get decent tents with standard features like waterproof seams. However, spending more on a backpacking tent under $200 would allow you to choose from better products.
What’s the best size for my tent?
This depends on how many people you need to fit in the tent or if there are limitations on the plot size of which you are allotted to hitch your tent. If you are going to a campsite without a reservation, then it may be that there are only small spaces dotted around which you can hitch a tent. It might be easier to find 3 spaces to hitch two-man tents than 1 space to hitch a six-man tent.
For hiking, it is better to have one tent between many people than many tents between many people. This is because the total weight per person would be less sharing a larger tent between more people than small tents between many people. Many people will set up one big tent quicker than many people will set up many small tents. So that one person does not take up all of the weight burdens of the tent, the weight should be shared in ways such as other group members carrying food and spare water for the tent carrier.
Apart from this, a good tent size is simply the biggest you can get for your budget unless you want a warm and cozy experience.
How can I make my tent last longer?
There are a myriad of ways to keep your tent in tip-top condition. The following are some of them- Store your tent in a dry place and away from UV light,- Treat the poles carefully,- Use a footprint that is at least the size of your tent,- Use the zippers with both hands,- Seal the seams to prevent leakage