A pop-up tent is a great choice to take on any trip where you need sleeping quarters, whether it is for one night or several nights. They also make a nice little beach tent. They are lightweight and assemble quickly and easily.
Because they come in such a wide array of sizes, materials, styles, and price points, there are many things to consider before you make your purchase.
The beauty of pop up tents is that they are an ingenious combination of being lightweight, they store flat in a case or backpack, and can be assembled within minutes. Unlike the traditional tents, there are no complicated set-up instructions, the mess of poles, or even the need for more than one person for assembly.
You simply remove it from the carrying case, and because of the flexible frame, it will spring into shape when you release the strap. The only assembly will be putting a few pegs into the ground and possibly tightening the attached ropes.
A pop up camping tent can come in all different sizes, so first you need to decide how many people will be sleeping in it. If you are single or will be going on the trip by yourself, then obviously you will only need a 2 man pop up tent.
However, if you are part of a couple, or have children, then you will need a larger tent, like a 4 man pop up tent, unless everyone will have their own 2 man tent. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a pop up 6 man tent, so if you have a large family, you might want to buy a couple of tents. You may also want additional room for items like food, or cooking supplies.
The next thing to consider is the season of the year, and the temperature when it will be used. While most people will be camping in the warmer months, there are some people who will need a tent that can provide protection from the elements, like cold and snow.
Tents come in different fabrics for different needs. Nylon tents are light, a canvas tent is durable but heavy, and polyester will be good under extreme exposure to the sun.
Obviously, the larger the tent, and the more specialized it is, then the more expensive it will be. A 4 person tent will likely be more expensive than a 2 person model. If it will only be used occasionally, then you will probably go for the less expensive model.
Those who camp frequently may want to invest in more features. Anyone who uses the tent for extreme situations, like mountain climbing or sleeping in the snow, will want the top of the line model.
Some other things to consider are features like window flaps for ventilation, and mesh to keep the bugs outside. Because pop up tents come in a vast array of colors and patterns, you will need to decide if you want it to blend into the scenery, or stand out so it can be easily spotted in the forest or campground.
A pop-up play tent is great for children to play in because they can be set up in the back yard, or even indoors, and they have different themes and characters. With all the styles and features to choose from, there is sure to be a pop-up tent that will suit everyone.