Best Cabin Tents

Camping is the best way of seeing nature and experiencing all the wonder it has to offer. Even though it allows you to live on the wild side of nature, most of us still want our comforts and safety.

Luckily, camping has come a long way since the old days where you stuck a bedsheet over a tree’s branch and hoped for the best.

We are spoilt for choice in today’s camping market with luxurious and spacious tents to give us the best experience possible.

One of the best ways to ensure your camping trip is safe and enjoyable is by investing in a good quality cabin tent. Many of these come with outstanding features and designs to take your breath away.

To help you in your quest for the best cabin tent, we have reviewed 5 of the best and included them in our list below.

Our in-depth analysis will guide you through all you need to know about each product to help you make the right decision.

If that wasn’t enough, we have also included a helpful buyer’s guide and FAQs so you can leave safe in the knowledge that you will be buying the best cabin tent out there.

Can’t wait any longer? Here is our top pick!

Best Cabin Tents Buying Guide

When you are planning a camping trip with a new cabin tent, there is an abundance of features to consider.

Cabin tents have unique offerings compared to dome-shaped tents and the best quality units have some special requirements.

You’ll need to take into consideration the capacity, the durability of the unit, and the tent’s construction as well as a whole host of additional factors.

To ensure you get the most out of your purchase, here are the most important aspects to look at before buying your next cabin tent.

Capacity

Cabin tents have numerous ratings to inform you how many people can fit inside. A general rule of thumb is to buy a tent that supports more people than you require.

Some tents may be advertised as a “6 person tent” but by the time 6 people are inside with all of their belongings, there may only be room for a fraction of that number. 

Opting for a tent with a higher capacity will ensure you are not too congested inside and your sleeping arrangements will be far more comfortable.

If you regularly camp in the summertime, it is recommended that you go for a larger tent. This will prevent you and your fellow campers from being cramped and uncomfortable.

Weather Resistance

The level of weather-resistance your tent supplies is probably the most important factor to consider. This typically depends on the type of weather you camp in regularly.

If you camp during the summer months or fall, a 3-season tent should be sufficient for you. These are waterproof and offer superb levels of ventilation keeping you dry from the rain and fresh from the summer heat.

If you like to camp in the winter months, it is best to opt for a 4-season tent. These keep you warm during the cold season due to better insulation and weather-proofing designs.

3-season units can be used in cooler weather but you should always take extra layers such as blankets just in case you become cold during the night.

Durability

This is another essential aspect of buying a cabin tent. All cabin units are made from either nylon, polyester, or canvas.

Canvas is considered the best material for its heavyweight nature that withstands water pressure from rain and its ability to resist wind or even snow. This adds another level of durability as it is very unlikely the tent will fall apart in poor weather conditions.

The polyester material is also a very popular choice in cabin tents as these are often weather-resistant and waterproof to keep you dry at all times.

Construction

The construction of any tent should be of a high standard. The most ideal cabin tent should be waterproof as this will reduce the risk of any water leaking into the tent and causing puddles.

Many campers have woken up in the night with water seeping in so finding a tent with factory-sealed seams is important.

It is advised you find a tent with an extended rain fly as these are engineered to fight against certain weather conditions. The floor of your tent should also be waterproof as moisture can easily gather under and around the surface of the unit. 

The best quality designs are made with seamless floors or bathtub-styled floors. Seamless floors have no gaps so are still prone to letting small amounts of water inside. Bathtub style tents are shaped so the corners of the tent are elevated so no water can enter the tent at all.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential in tents. Hot air can easily become trapped in confined spaces resulting in a very uncomfortable environment. 

Tents should have large enough windows with the ability to open on hot days. The best models of windows are made with a mesh to keep mosquitos and various bugs out. Mesh windows and roofs also provide superb ventilation to keep you fresh during humid nights.

Storage and Privacy

When you go camping, you will probably have a collection of personal belongings and camping equipment with you.

Most tents have pockets to store your essential items in to prevent the risk of losing them or leaving them on the floor. This saves you time from going through your luggage every time you need something.

The last thing you and your fellow campers want is to be disturbed often. Thankfully, some cabin tents include screen rooms and vestibules. These are separated by a mesh room divider or curtain so you can have privacy. This can also allow for one area to keep your luggage while the other is for sleeping.

A screen room is also convenient for when you want to relax by the tent all day. However, these don’t offer the best protection from the sun or rain so it's best to save the sleeping for another part of the tent.

Portability

Cabin tents tend to be quite large. With this added space comes extra weight which can be hard to carry long distances.

There is no getting away from the fact that larger tents will weigh more but you should find one with a sturdy yet easy to carry storage bag. These should fit the tent inside neatly without any complications so you can hold it easily and carry it either in your hands or on your back.

Always ensure you are capable of carrying the weight of the tent with its poles as well as other equipment you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between a cabin style tent and a dome-shaped tent?

These are the most common shapes used for camping, hiking, and various outdoor activities. Cabin tents are often favored by families as they are typically big enough to accommodate more than 4 or 5 people.

The main differences between the two include the shape, the price, the weight, the capacity, and the setup process.

Cabin tents have vertical walls so you can stand up freely inside without having to bend. This is not possible in dome-shaped tents as these units have two poles across the top which are then bent into the ground.

Cabin tents are generally more expensive due to the extra space that is provided.

It is no surprise that cabin tents are heavier as their dome counterparts are far smaller in size and include fewer poles which are a smaller and lighter size overall than that of a cabin.

Cabin shaped tents are built to accommodate larger groups of people while dome-shaped tents don’t typically allow for more than 4 people to camp.

The pitching process is easier with dome-shaped tents as there are fewer parts and tent poles to contend with. A cabin model’s size and weight require more time to set up and you will usually need another set of hands to help in the process while a dome tent can be set up alone.

Who should use a cabin tent?

Cabin tents are used for a multitude of purposes including hiking trips or just a backyard party.

These tents are highly popular with families as there's enough room to accommodate large groups of people with an added bonus of a divider to get more privacy.

If you regularly camp in large groups, a cabin tent is probably the best option.