Quick Summary: We have picked Coleman’s 8 Person Instant Tents as the best family tents for bad weather as it is constructed from double thick Polyguard material with protected seams, is very quick to set up, and has additional storage pockets to keep your stuff off of the tent floor. It also comes with a one year warranty.
Family time is the most valuable form of entertainment that we all crave to get now and then. The best and the most productive way to spend this precious time is by taking your family out in the open so they can experience the beauty of nature.
Activities like hiking, trekking, boating, camping are quite common and popular in families as they allow every member to interact with each other in a fun, light-hearted manner. While this all sounds like a perfect scenario, what takes away the joy of such moments is bad, unpredictable weather. Sadly, most families make the mistake of taking either wrong or a poorly made tent.
The solution to this common mistake is easily available in the form of the best family tents for bad weather. Since they are designed with waterproof materials, therefore they are best to use in rainy, cold weather.
Most of these tents have ventilation features to ensure that the tent stays light and airy in a warm climate. These highly advanced, multi-purpose camping tents have another added benefit of being easy to install, and thus every single minute of your family time is secured from being wasted in assembling and disassembling procedures.
So take a look at the list below to your answer to the quest of the best family tent and start that much-awaited trip with all of your favorite people.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Family Tents For Bad Weather
- Reviews of 10 Top Family Tents for Bad Weather
- How to Choose the Best Family Tents for Bad Weather
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Comparison of 10 Best Family Tents For Bad Weather
 | 1. Coleman 8-Person Tent Instant Family Tent (Best Overall)With a 1 year warranty, this tent comes with protected seams, a strong frame to withstand strong wind, and waterproof floors. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent (Best Budget)This tent comes along with an expandable carry bag, has welded floors, and inverted seams to keep you dry. The tent can easily fit 2 queen-sized beds. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Browning Camping Big Horn TentBrowning’s camping tent is well ventilated, has a free-standing design, straight sidewalls, and immaculate weather protection properties. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant SetupAn easy setup is what every camper longs for. Aside from that this tent has spacious storage, a weather Tec system, and darkroom technology which blocks sunlight. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. NTK Arizona GT 9 to 10 Person 17.4 by 8 Foot Sport Camping TentA high-quality floor and a micro mosquito mesh are this tent’s features that stand out, along with an easy assembly, sturdy frame, and a zipped stuff bag. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Naturehike VIK 1 Person Ultralight Backpacking TentsThis tent by Naturehike has got a strong well-designed frame, in a double Y shape, a double skylight design, and is also extremely lightweight. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike TentSpacious, well ventilated, and made of top quality material, this tent is a campers dream. It also comes with a carry bag and plastic stakes. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Coleman Sundome TentA warm-weather tent with a weather tec system, enhanced ventilation, storage pockets, and an E-port. Wind and rain tested. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Coleman Dome Tent with Screen RoomDurable, with a 1-year warranty, enjoy bug-free lounging with a screen room, window awnings, storage pockets, and a spacious interior. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Core 9 Person Extended Dome TentThis tent provides advanced ventilation, has a spacious interior, uses H2 Block Technology, and comes with an electric cord access point for your gadgets. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Family Tents for Bad Weather
In order to bring you the right family tents for bad weather, we searched for the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of dozens of models.
Here’s a list of the best family tents for bad weather we found on the market:
Best Overall
1. Coleman 8 Person Instant Family Tent
What You Will Love: This tent is made from a good, well known brand and it provides enough space for a family of four or five with a little to spare.
The Coleman 8 Person Instant Family Tent is a great option for families of up to 6. While it can fit four queen air beds, that would take up all of the space, so you should probably stick to three queen air beds instead.
There are inside storage pockets inside the tent, though, that will help keep some of your items off of the floor.
The seams are protected, so there should be no leakage through those. It is designed with Polyguard double thick fabric, as well, so that provides extra protection.
However, users state that the flooring is not very waterproof, so you will want to have an additional footprint to keep you dry. Some also find it useful to place an extra tarp over the top of the tent for protection from the rain.
At over $300, it is a bit high price, especially considering you need better tent stakes and additional tarps. However, it is large and very fast to set up, so it is about what you prioritize here.
Pros:
- Three color options
- Polyguard double thick fabric
- Quick set up
- Protected seams
- Storage pockets
- One year limited warranty
- Fits 4 queen air beds
- Over 6 ft center height
- Good brand
Cons:
- High price
- Needs additional footprint
Best Budget
2. Coleman WeatherMaster 6 Person Tent with Screen Room
What You Will Love: It has an auto closing door, great standing room, an a lounge room.
This Coleman WeatherMaster 6 Person Tent with a screen room is a family favorite. The doors are hinged, and the screen closes itself, so you really do not have to worry that you have left it open.
The angled windows minimize the chance that rain will blow in on you. The welded floors and inverted seams are also very helpful.
However, no tent is waterproof all the way around, so you will need to do some waterproofing before you leave home.
This model fits up to 6 people but they have larger 10 person options as well for extra movement space. The large center height minimizes the chance of having to bend over when you are in the tent.
The included rainfly is also great for keeping out rain, and the redesigned poles and guy lines make the tent sturdier than ever. There is also an included expandable carry case to make it easy to pack the tent back up.
Pros:
- Lounge space with bug free netting
- Good price for great quality
- Fits up to 6 people
- Large center height
- Weathertec system with welded floors and inverted seams
- Rainfly and expandable carry case
- Also a larger 10 person option
- Hinged door
- Angled windows
- Storage pockets
Cons:
- Not waterproof so need to waterproof at home
Best Family Tent with Super Ventilation
3. Browning Camping Big Horn Tent
What You Will Love: The side walls are straight, which make them great for setting up cots.
The Browning Camping Big Horn Tent is getting some really great reviews. The oxford floor is doing a very good job of keeping the tenants dry, even amidst a flash flood.
The mesh roof means that it has great air circulation and ventilation. There is a divider to provide privacy when someone needs to change. The extra tall center means no hunching over.
It is a bit heavy, but that’s to be expected with such a sturdy options as it has fiberglass poles and steel uprights. It says it can fit up to five, but the floor plan shows that those five might be a bit cramped.
You may want to stick with three or four people instead, or have a secondary option for storage. There are mesh storage pockets to help with this, but you may still need more space. Overall, it is a great tent, and it comes at a great price.
Pros:
- Good price
- 4 large windows
- Mesh storage pockets
- Extra tall center
- Mesh roof for good ventilation
- Straight side walls great for cots
- Sturdy with fiberglass poles, steel uprights, guy ropes and steel stakes
- Polyester fly and oxford floor
- Up to 5 people
- Divider for privacy
Cons:
- Tight space for 5- better for three or four
- A bit heavy
Best Family Tent with Instant Setup
4. Coleman Cabin Tent With Instant Setup
What You Will Love: The WeatherTec system gives some extra qualities to keep you dry, and it can be set up almost immediately.
The Coleman Cabin Tent Instant Setup is an affordable option for a weather proof tent. It has Coleman’s effective WeatherTec floor system, the inverted seams, and the double thick polyguard fabric that does a great job at keeping you dry.
It says it is a six person tent, but that seems to be a little generously defined. According to its description, it can fit two queen size air beds, so it might fit six if at least four people are really small and you have another solution for your items.
They do, however, have larger options, so do not write it off just yet. It also comes with two storage pockets to assist with storage space. It actually is very fast to set up, and the price is pretty great.
You can also choose the dark room option, which helps keep heat out in the summer. In short, this is one of the best for a small family that wants to stay dry but is not looking for any bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Great price
- Quick set up
- Taped seams
- Weathertec floors and inverted seams
- Polyguard 2 x double thick fabric
- Storage pockets
- High center height
Cons:
- Only fits 2 queen beds
Related Reading: Best Cabin Tents
Best Waterproof Family Tent
5. NTK Arizona GT 9 To 10 Person 17.4 By 8 Foot Sport Camping Tent
What You Will Love: It really was designed with multiple campers in mind.
The NKT Arizona GT Sport Camping Tent is a very good choice for multiple campers. It is constructed with two separate rooms and two separate doors, so everyone is not trying to escape from the same one.
It can fit 9 to 10 people, but it will be cramped. However, in addition to storage pockets, this tent comes with a storage loft for additional storage space.
The set up is really easy with the ring/pin system and the color coded poles. It is constructed from aluminum and fiberglass, as well as nano flex for durability and flexibility.
The tent is fully breathable yet it is mosquito proof. It also has a “bathtub style” floor barrier that keeps you dry amidst a rain storm. Additionally, the rain fly goes all the way to the bottom of the tent for extra protection from the rain. The only real downside is the price.
Pros:
- Can fit 9 to 10 people
- 2 rooms
- 2 doors
- 3 windows
- Color coded poles for easy assembly
- Pockets and loft for extra storage space
- Mosquito mesh protects from mosquitos and prying eyes
- Heavy duty carry bag
- Durable construction
- Rainfly goes all the way to the bottom
Cons:
- Very expensive
Best Backpacking Tent
6. Naturehike VIK 1 Person Ultralight Backpacking Tents
What You Will Love: It is designed for any weather so you can use it year round.
If you have a 2 or 3 person family, this is a great affordable option. There are multiple color options, and you can choose a tent from one person up to three.
The three person tent only weighs about 6 pounds, so it is very lightweight. It is also very compact so it is easy to carry around. It has double layers to make the tent both wind proof and waterproof.
It has aluminum poles for durability, high tenacity nylon for strength against strong weather, and 3000 mm water resistant features. It comes with an additional outer room for storage, and it is well ventilated.
The only real negative thing about it is that it does not come in sizes for larger families. Anything over three people will need a larger option, or just two of these tents.
It is one of the best tents, though, for smaller families that like backpacking or hiking a good distance from their vehicle since it is so lightweight.
Pros:
- Great price
- Multiple color options
- Up to 3 person options
- 3000 mm water resistant
- Breathable
- Silicone coated
- Aluminum tent stakes
- Nylon carry bag
- Compact
- Set up for versatile, year round weather
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Not for large or even medium families
Best 8 Person Tent for Camping
7. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Family Tents for Bad Weather
What You Will Love: The extra room can be a sun room or be used as an extra room for sleeping.
The Wenzel Klondike tent is a good family tent option. It is made with weather repellent polyester and polyurethane coating.
The full mesh roof and high and low ventilation keep air circulating inside the tent.
It is a dome style tent with an attached screen room that has versatile purposes. It can be used simply as a sun room, or as a storage room or an extra sleeping area.
It also provides a great place to eat without having to worry about flies or other undesirables in your food.
It says that there is room for eight, but users say only six can fit comfortably. The set up is easy and quick with two people.
Users state that though it is great for a waterproof tent, it is not so good for cold weather due to all of the ventilation it provides. It has a fiberglass frame and steel/plastic stakes, so it stands up pretty well.
Pros:
- Great price
- Dome tent with attached screen room
- Weather repellent polyester with pu coating
- Full mesh roof option
- Double staked for stability
- 3 color options
- High and low ventilation
- Easy and fast set up
Cons:
- Only room for 6 people
Best Tent for 2 Person
8. Coleman Sundome Tent
What You Will Love: Customers love this tent for it’s weatherproof and comfortable interior. The corners of the tent are welded to prevent water from seeping in, relieving you of the bad weather stress.
This tent by Coleman is imported and offers top protection against bad weather with features such as the rainfly. It has been wind and rain tested and can be set up within minutes.
WeatherTec System
With welded corners and covered seams, the tent is designed in a way to keep water out of the area to keep the interior as dry as possible.
Enhanced Ventilation
The tent is equipped with large windows and ground vents, which push warm air and keep the interior of the tent cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Storage Pockets
Store your tent equipment into the mesh pockets which are sewn into the walls of the tent. The pockets are easy to reach and convenient to keep small essentials.
Pros:
- Provided E-port powers up your tent
- Easy 10-minute setup
- Water and weatherproof
Cons:
- Not suitable for cold weather
- D shaped door might be a little tricky to open/close
Related Reading: Best Tents For Hot Weather
Best 6 Person Dome Tent
9. Colemanman Dome Tent With Screen Room
What You Will Love: The tent is known and loved for its spaciousness. You easily have enough space to fit 2 queen-sized beds. You can stretch out and feel comfortable as the tent is 5’8″ at center height.
Set up the tent within minutes and enjoy the bug-free, weather, and waterproof properties that come with this tent. The tent is imported and is as spacious as they get.
Screen Room
The screen room is an essential feature as it provides you with bug-free lounging and also gives the tent extra ventilation in a specific room during warmer nights.
Window Awnings
A special feature of this tent is its window awnings which let you keep the windows open providing you with enhanced air circulation, while simultaneously not letting in any rain.
Storage Pockets
Keep small equipment handy and within reach by storing them within the storage pockets, which are made of mesh and are conveniently sewn into the side of a tent wall.
Pros:
- Zipper protection offers extra protection
- Waterproof floors
- 2 queen size air beds
- Protected seams
Cons:
- The entrance doesn’t have rain protection
- Might cause problems during strong wind
Best for Spacious Room Space
10. Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
What You Will Love: Customers love the see-through mesh windows and the rainfly on the tent, which is extra wide and taped. These features prevent rain from entering and provide you a dry and comfortable camping experience.
This tent fits 9 people and three queen-sized mattresses. and includes tent poles, tent stakes, and a carry bag. The entire tent is water-resistant and keeps moisture out, perfect for rainy nights.
Core H20 Block Technology
Compared to how normal seams let water in easily, these seams are heat-sealed and keeps water outside. The heat seal starts from the rainfly down to the floor.
Advanced Venting
Vents on the ground pull cool air from outside and allow hot air to escape through the mesh ceiling. The adjustable vents on the ground play a big role in the ventilation of the tent.
Electric Cord Access Point
Power up your tent through the e-port and an extension cord. The e-port is in a triangular section of the tent which covers it up when not in use.
Pros:
- Spacious interior
- Sleeps up to 9 people
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- The entrance a little tricky to open
- Tricky zipper construction
How to Choose the Best Family Tents for Bad Weather
When you start shopping for the best family tent for bad weather, these are the things you should pay the most attention to:
Size
If you want to fit four people in the tent, you probably do not want a tent that says it is for four people- not unless you are all really small and you do not need space for anything else in the tent with you.
When a tent says room for four people, it is usually being generous and not taking into account that most people do not like sleeping cocooned between one another.
Weight
Most families will not want to stray too far from the vehicles, especially those with small children. However, if you do like to go farther out, you will need to take the weight of the tent into account.
It will be one of the heaviest things that you are taking in your backpack, so either choose a lightweight one of split the weight amongst campers.
Setup Time
No one wants to spend a ton of time setting up the tent once they get to the campsite. If you are not accustomed to setting up a tent, get a freestanding one first.
These are a little heavier, but they are much faster to set up. Once you are better at setting up tents, move to ones with stakes instead.
Hydrostatic head measurement
This refers to just how water resistant your tent is. For the best, look for a hydrostatic head measurement of 2500 +mm.
Poles
The amount of poles that come with a tent determines the sturdiness of that tent, but also remember that the more poles, the heavier it will be to carry.
You will usually find a choice of fiberglass and aluminum poles. Fiberglass poles are the cheaper option and they are rust free. However, aluminum ones are both stronger and lightweight.
Fabric
Since you are looking for a tent for bad weather, you want to go with polyester taffeta thanks to its water resistant properties.
Sleeping Quarters
Tents can be very versatile. If it is just you and your spouse, a regular tent with only one section might be okay. If you have little ones or a combination of sons and daughters, you might want a tent with separate sleeping quarters (a zippered wall in between sections) to allow privacy for everyone.
Living Space
You can also choose a tent with an extra “living space”, which is something like an entry way or just an extra section where you can keep things such as shoes so they are not on your beds.
Capacity Rating
Again, a four person tent is not really big enough for a four person family to have any moving space. But a tent with more interior space and capacity rating will give space for each of you to move and maybe even add an air mattress for extra comfort.
Related Reading: Best 12 Person Tents
Design
The more high quality design you choose, the longer it will last you and your family, the more it will provide you while you are using it, and the greater it should withstand weather and anything else that is thrown at it. The more you invest, the better off you will be.
Ventilation
Sitting in a polyester anything with no air flowing through is quite uncomfortable. That gets worse with more people there with you. Be sure to choose something with good ventilation to make your camping a more enjoyable experience.
Flooring of the tent
Having a wet sleeping surface is not comfortable, and it can lead to sickness. Either have a double coated polyester flooring, or add your own tarp footprint.
Build Quality
The way a tent is made will affect just how well it stands up to any weather. The best tents will not only hold up against wet weather and wind but will also be suitable for regular weather as well.
FAQs
What is the best tent for high winds?
The Coleman WeatherMaster is going to be one of your best option for camping in high winds. It is designed with many features, including angled windows, which helps keep wind and rain out.
What’s the best tent for cold weather?
There are many options for cold weather tent, but if you are referring to freezing weather, you should check out the Arctic Oven 12 with Vestibule. It is heavy duty, and heavy in general, but it is a great choice.
What is the best tent for family camping?
This will depend on your family size, but the Browning Camping Big Horn Tent and the Coleman Instant Family Tent are great family choices.
What is the best tent for winter camping?
The Kodiak Flex Bow Basic 6 Person Tent is a year round tent, but it is specifically designed to stand up to harsh winter mountain weather.
Which tent brand is best?
The best will change from opinion to opinion, but most agree that Coleman is a great outdoor equipment brand. You usually cannot go wrong with Coleman products.
How waterproof Should a tent be?
It should have a water resistance of at least 2500 mm, but the higher, the better. Some go up to 3000 mm or more.
Final Verdict: Best Family Tents For Bad Weather
Family camping can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, if you are not caught in bad weather without protection. We have taken a look at the different characteristics that make up the best family tents for bad weather, and looked at ten great options for your consideration to help you choose the best for your family.
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