Everyone needs a vacation from time to time. You don’t have to limit yourself to hotels and motels when you are on your holidays. Camping provides a great way to travel and explore, as well as reconnect with nature.
Of course, to go camping, you’re going to need a tent! In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best of the best tunnel tents.
Tunnel tents are spacious, easy to pitch, and often have separate sleeping and living areas, making them very family-friendly. Unlike most ridge and dome tents, tunnel tents also have lots of headroom, so you can move around your tent without crouching. That’s handy if you want to use your tent for more than just sleeping.
Tunnel tents come in a range of sizes and prices. Some models are perfect for fair-weather camping, where others are suitable for four-season alpine use. A tunnel tent can cost as little as $100-$150 to well over $1000.
Whatever you need your tent for, and whatever your budget, you’ll find the best tunnel tent in this review!
Best Tunnel Tents
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1. Coleman WeatherMaster
Coleman WeatherMaster
$259.22 in stock
1 used from $216.82
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Features
- Spacious 6-person tent has enough room for 2 queen-size airbeds.Hinged door for easy entry and exit. Angled window keeps the rain out when the windows are openEasy setup in about 20 minutes
- Separate floorless screen room offers bug-free lounging
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Measures 11 x 9 feet with 6-foot 8-inch center height; Screen room measures 9 x 6 feet
- Rainfly and expandable carry bag included
Coleman is a well-known outdoor equipment manufacturer. Their tents are well-made, well-priced, and usually easy to pitch. This tunnel tent is a 6-berth model with a separate sleeping and living area.
Key Features
- 6-berth tent
- 20” long x 9” wide x 6” high
- 32lbs
- Floorless screen room
- Fully taped seams
- 2000 mm hydrostatic head flysheet
- Polyethylene floor in the sleeping area
- Waterproof/flame retardant finish
- Stainless steel poles
- E-port for electrical cables
- Mesh pockets for gear storage
- Mesh windows for bug-free ventilation
This big tent has plenty of sleeping and living space for six people. It offers good headroom, and the screen room is ideal for cooking and dining. The screen room doesn’t have a groundsheet, so it may become wet and muddy underfoot.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Very spacious
- Good level of weatherproofing
- Quick and easy to pitch
- Plenty of headroom
Cons
- No groundsheet in the screen room
This is a big tent with more than enough space for a family camping trip, even if you take lots of home comforts with you. It’s relatively light, straightforward to pitch, and offers adequate weather protection. Pitch it over a second groundsheet to make up for not having a covered area in the screen room.
2. Coleman Rocky
Coleman Rocky
Features
- TWO XXL BLACK OUT BEDROOMS: with 99% of daylight being blocked out from the bedroom you will be sure to get a great night’s sleep and not wake with the first light; up to 5°C cooler during the day
- LIGHTWEIGHT, STURDY AND EASY TO PITCH FAMILY SIZE TUNNEL TENT: full head height throughout the tent; fits 5 person; highly flexible and lightweight fibreglass poles guarantee a good response to wind
- LARGE LIVING AREA: spacious enough to take a family table and chairs; features large PVC windows with covers, offering the ultimate balance of light and privacy; full-height door for easy access
- 100% WATERPROOF & UV GUARD: 4500mm HH combined with taped seams and fully sewn-in groundsheet will keep you dry, whatever the weather; UVGuard providing high SPF 50 protection from the sun’s rays
- PITCH-IN-ONE TENT: set up size: 4.55 x 3.1 x 1.85m (LxWxH); 2 bedrooms: 6m² + living area: 5.1m² = 11.1 m² total; pack size: 70 x 32 x 30 cm (16.8 kg); tent pegs included
This family-sized tent is ideal for weekends away and vacations. The separate living and sleeping areas mean that you have all the space you need to be comfortable. The sleeping area can be split into two rooms for privacy.
Key Features
- 5-berth tent
- 410cm long x 310cm wide x 195cm high
- 8kg
- Sleeping area partitions to create two rooms
- Sizeable clear PVC windows with fly screens
- Blackout bedrooms for better sleep
- Full-height doorway for easy access
- Waterproof/flame retardant finish
- Sunporch
- Built-in bathtub groundsheet throughout
- 4500 mm HH flysheet
- Taped and glued seams
- Fiberglass poles
A lot of tents involve pitching the inner and the outer. This can be fiddly and time-consuming. This model pitches as one, making it a much easier, quicker process. With above-average weatherproofing and UV protection, this is a tent for year-round use.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Easy to pitch
- Good weatherproofing
- Well-made
- Spacious
- Handy privacy partitions in the sleeping area
- Light and airy living area
Cons
- Fiberglas poles are prone to splitting
This tent is not expensive, and that’s partly because it comes with fiberglass poles. Fiberglass is cheaper than aluminum but not as strong or hardwearing. This won’t be an issue in mild to moderate weather, but if the wind really starts to blow, you could end up with broken poles.
3. Coleman Tent
Coleman Tent
Features
- Two XXL Blackout Bedrooms: With 99 percent of daylight being blocked out from the bedroom you will be sure to get a great night's sleep and not wake with the first light; up to 5°C cooler during the day
- Lightweight, sturdy and easy to pitch family size tunnel tent, fits 4 person; highly flexible and lightweight fibreglass/steel poles guarantee a good response to wind
- Large XXL living area: Spacious enough to take a family plus table and chairs; features one large PVC window with cover, offering the ultimate balance of light and privacy; two doors for easy access
- 100 percent waterproof and bug free Camping tent: 4500 mm HH combined with taped seams and fully sewn-in groundsheet will keep you dry and the inside of your tent bug free, whatever the weather
- Pitch-in-one tent: Set up size: 4.7 x 2.8 x 1.9 m (LxWxH); 2 XXL BlackOut bedrooms 5.5 m² + living area 5 m² = 10.5 m² total; pack size 71 x 35 x 31 cm, weight 18.5 kg; tent pegs and carry bag included
As a rule, tent occupancy ratings are often overgenerous. A four-person tent is ideal for two or three, and a two-person tent is probably best left to solo use. This Coleman tunnel tent has extra-large bedrooms and really will sleep four adults in comfort.
Key Features
- 4-berth tent
- 7m long x 2.8m wide x 1.9m high
- Weight 18.8kg
- Two blackout bedrooms with removable partition
- 4500 mm HH flysheet
- Sewn-in waterproof full-sized bathtub groundsheet
- Large PVC window with bug screen
- Two large doors for easy access and ventilation
- Ventilation ports for less condensation
- Steel/fiberglass poles
- Sunporch
- Waterproof/flame retardant finish
This is a very comfortable tent. The bedrooms feature blackout material to keep out the light if you want to sleep late. The living area is large, open, airy, and perfect for family gatherings. This is an enjoyable tent to spend time in, even if it’s raining.
Pros
- Easy to pitch
- Large, comfortable bedrooms
- Excellent ventilation
- Lots of headroom
- Flyscreens to keep the bugs out
Cons
- Quite expensive
There are cheaper tents on review, but they probably won’t be as large or as hardwearing as this model from Coleman. If you are a frequent camper who values comfort above price, this tent is a good option.
4. Coleman Tasman
Features
- The large stem is with two doors and decorated with two Abdeckbaren Windows. The base by the stem of side upwards and protects against moisture
- 'The UV Guard, comparable with a UPF factor of 50 +
- A push the sleeping. Gestänge channels to choose from net for storing of fibre glass frame. The seams are glued and contributes to better waterproof bei
- With mosquito net in the sleeping area. Remover are included in the box contents Guy Ropes, pegs for grass base, as well as a carry case
- Inner dimensions sleeping area (L x W x H): 210 x 190 x 145 cm of storage space (L x W x H): 210 x 200 x 155 cm
Tunnel tents are ideal for family use. They’re big and have large open spaces inside, and many feature separate bedrooms. All of this is probably overkill for couples. This three-person tent is smaller and lighter but still has many of the benefits and features of a family-sized tent.
Key Features
- 3-berth tent
- 400cm long x 200cm wide x 120cm high
- Weight 5.14kg
- Fiberglass poles
- Separate living and sleeping area
- Two front openings
- Separate bedroom door with bug screen
- Sewn-in bathtub PE groundsheet
- Ventilation flaps throughout
- Waterproof/flame retardant finish
- 3000mm hydrostatic head
This tent pitches flysheet first. That’s a useful feature when it comes to putting your tent up in the rain. Many tents pitch inner and outer together but, if they’re separated, the outer first is definitely preferable!
Pros
- Ideal for couples
- Easy to pitch
- Good level of weatherproofing
- Plenty of space for people and gear
Cons
- Quite heavy for backpacking
- Not very high/tall
At 5.14kg, this tent is a bit too big/heavy for backpacking, but not quite big enough for lengthy static camps. It’s okay for weekends, though, such as festivals. Well-priced and well-made, this tent is a good option for couples, and there’s even space for a younger child or a dog!
5. Vango Odyssey
Features
- Protex 70 denier polyester fire retardant flysheet with 4000mm HH - waterproof, durable and reliable
- Front and side entry - full mesh door on front. Linked-in PE groundsheet in living area
- Patented Vango TBD II - tension band system for extra stability
- Large diamond clear PVC windows with toggled privacy curtains
- Full stand-up height throughout. Pitching time: 15 minutes
Most tents have aluminum or fiberglass poles. This tunnel tent from Vango has inflatable beams instead. Pitched in minutes and with no poles to break, this is a large tent that’s ideal for family camping trips.
Key Features
- 6-berth tent
- 360 cm wide x 455 cm long x 195 cm high
- Weight 17.5kg
- Inflatable Airbeam technology
- 70D 4000mm hydrostatic head waterproof flysheet
- Stitched and taped seams
- Front and side entry
- Polyethylene groundsheet
- Enclosed porch/living area
- Mesh panels/windows for ventilation
This spacious tent has plenty of room for six people to sleep and live. The enclosed living area means there is somewhere to eat or just hang out if the weather is terrible. Inflated in minutes with the supplied, high-volume pump, this tent is easy and quick to pitch.
Pros
- Very high quality
- Spacious
- Separate sleeping and living areas
- Blackout inner for better sleep
- Very quick and easy to pitch
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Inflatable tents are a relatively recent idea, and this technology is quite expensive. That said, this tent from Vango is perfect for families and groups of friends who want to camp with all the comforts of home. It’s very weatherproof and built to last. Vango makes GREAT tents!
6. Vango Venture 450
Vango Venture 450
Features
- 3000 mm HH flysheet first or all in one pitching to ensure your sleeping pod always stays dry if it is raining
- Crystal clear PVC windows allow maximum light and visibility
- Inner tent pockets are conveniently positioned and ideal for storing small items
- Linked in groundsheet in the porch area ideal for storing outdoor footwear, rucsas or for sitting under cover
- Oversized carry bag means tent can be easily and quickly put away
Vango is a well-known and highly respected outdoor equipment manufacturer. Their tents are mostly well-priced and of excellent quality. This best tunnel tent for camping has separate sleeping and living areas, making it ideal for longer trips.
Key Features
- 4-berth tent
- 250 cm wide x 480 cm long x 155 cm high
- 2 kilos
- 3000mm hydrostatic head flysheet
- Can be pitched flysheet first or inner and outer together
- Internal pockets for gear storage
- Separate sleeping and living areas
- Polyethylene groundsheet
- Clear PCV windows with fly screens
Vango tents are easy to pitch. You can connect the inner to the outer and put them up together, saving lots of time and energy. The sleeping area is rated for four people, but that might be a tight squeeze for some. The good news is that, with two separate areas, you can always relegate someone to sleeping in the lounge!
Pros
- Easy to pitch
- Well-priced
- Decent waterproofing
- Tough groundsheet
- Relatively light
Cons
- Not much headroom
This is not the tallest tent on review. That’s not a problem when you are sleeping or sat down but could mean you end up crouching a lot. That said, this is a good tent for up to four people, and it’s light and well-priced too. This is an excellent tunnel tent for camping.
Choosing a Tunnel Tent
Consider the following information before buying or pitching a tunnel tent:
What is a tunnel tent?
A tunnel tent has poles that run perpendicularly across its width. This may be two, three, or more, depending on how long the tent is.
Tunnel tents are generally freestanding, which means they don’t need guylines and stakes to hold them up.
This is a useful feature when pitching a tent on very hard or very soft ground, where stakes are often impractical.
Tunnel tents tend to have more headroom than ridge tents and are usually quite spacious too. They’re ideal tents for families or anyone who needs a tent for more than just sleeping.
On the downside, tunnel tents are usually quite heavy, so while they’re ideal for car and static camping, they’re less useful for backpacking.
What are the sizes?
Tents are sized according to the number of people they can comfortably sleep. So, a four-berth tent is big enough for four people.
However, this sizing system is often viewed as overgenerous and doesn’t take into account things like the space needed for equipment.
It’s usually best to buy a tent a little bigger than the number of people sleeping in it.
So, for two people, a three or four-berth tent is probably the best choice. Some tunnel tents also have separate living areas. This is not a designated sleeping space and is not reflected in the number of berths.
However, there is nothing to stop you from setting up a bed in the living area, which would increase the sleeping capacity or provide more room in the sleeping areas.
Awnings and storage areas
Some tunnel tents have an additional covered living space. This area usually has windows and doors for light and ventilation and can be used for lots of different purposes, including eating and socializing and gear storage.
Other models have awnings that extend beyond the body of the tent.
These awnings offer shade and increase the useable area of the tent.
If you want a tent for more than just sleeping, awnings living, and gear storage areas could be very useful.
How to put up a tunnel tent
Every tunnel tent is pitched differently. Follow the instructions that come with your tent and also check YouTube, where you’ll probably find a video demonstrating the right way to pitch your tent. Also, it pays to practice pitching your new tent at home before you head out on your first camping trip. That way, you can check it for faults, make sure all the parts are there, and ensure you know how to correctly put it up.
That way, when you set up camp for real, you won’t have any unexpected issues with your tent.
Are they secure in the wind?
Tunnel tents are not as good in the wind as dome and ridge tents. They have high sides that can really catch the wind. Guylines can help make tour tent more stable, but not all tunnel tents have guylines, and you may need to add these yourself.
In breezy conditions, pitch so that the back of the tent is facing the wind. This will present a smaller surface area to the wind, and as the doors tend to be at the front, it should mean less wind will enter your tent.
Are tunnel tents waterproof?
Some tunnel tents are VERY waterproof, while others are considerably less so. Waterproof materials are rated by their hydrostatic head. This is the amount of water they can withstand before leaking and is expressed in millimeters (mm).
A waterproof tent will be rated something like 2000mm HH, which means it can withstand a 2-meter column of water before leaking.
The higher the number, the more waterproof a tent is. Anything less than about 1000mm HH is water-resistant more than waterproof. It will keep a shower out, but heavy or persistent rain will cause leaks.
If you expect to use your tent in the rain, go for models with at least a 3000mm HH.
Bottom Line
With so many tunnel tents available, choosing the right one isn’t easy. Consider what size tent you need, whether you need a separate living space, what time of year you intend to use your tent and your budget. This will help narrow down your choices.
Remember, the berth number may be overgenerous, so it’s usually better to buy a bigger tent than you need. No one minds having more space, whereas too little space can mean a much less comfortable camping trip.
The same is true for weatherproofing. A one-season tent is only really suitable for dry summer use. If you think there is even a small chance of rain or high winds, you should go for a two or three-season tent. Not only will you stay warmer and drier, but the tent is also less likely to be damaged by storms.
Once you’ve bought your tunnel tent, make sure you unpack it and practice pitching it close to home. This is also an excellent opportunity to make sure your tent is complete and free from manufacturing defects. Imagine how annoyed you’d be if you pitch your new tent hundreds of miles from home, only to discover one of the poles is missing!
Camping is a great way to enjoy a vacation while reconnecting with nature. Tunnel tents are ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert reviews and all your camping tips including how to heat a tent without electricity, Tent fans, 12 person tents and 4 person tents!
The Review
Best Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tents are spacious, easy to pitch, and often have separate sleeping and living areas, making them very family-friendly. Check out the ratings of the best options.
Review Breakdown
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Coleman WeatherMaster
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Coleman Rocky
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Coleman Tent
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Coleman Tasman
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Vango Odyssey
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Vango Venture 450
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