10 best 4-man tents that are perfect for camping adventures this summer

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Not all four-man tents are created equal. Camping tents are usually labelled with the number of adults they can sleep, but you’ll still need to check out the size of a potential tent beyond that number – a one-bedroom tent might squeeze in four adults at a push, but a two-bedroom tent or a big bell tent will sleep four people in far more comfort.

A four-man tent can work well as a family tent if you have small children and for weekends away, but if you’re after a spacious tent that will work for a fortnight’s holiday, we’d recommend picking something bigger, such as a six-man tent with more living space.

There are some essential features to look for when buying a new tent: make sure the model you choose has a completely waterproof rain fly (the “fly” is your tent’s outer layer) and a coated nylon groundsheet on the floor, so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night in a puddle. The more guy ropes a tent comes with the better, for added stability. Pockets, storage compartments and a porch are really useful for storing cooking kit and boots.

If you have children, a tent with two bedrooms will help you all get a better night’s sleep, and some tent bedrooms are made with blackout material to stop you waking up at dawn. If you want to walk any distance with your tent, choose a lightweight, one-room backpacking model.

Remember that bigger tents are fiddlier to pitch, and multi-room tunnel tents and canvas bell tents can require two people to put up. If you hate pitching tents, look for an “air” tent – these use inflatable poles and are lightweight and easy to erect with a pump.

We’ve tested out a range of sizes and found ten great quality tent options to suit most budgets. Fancy sleeping in something a little different? A canvas bell tent is a lovely way to get a bit of a glamping feel on your next camping holiday.

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