Spoiler Alert: Conquerwild named the Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent as the best 8 person tent of 2021!!
Group camping is a fantastic way to bond with friends/family and grow closer to nature.
No group camping trip is complete without a durable, spacious and efficient tent. If you’re camping with a group of 4 – 6 people, then I suggest looking for the best 8 person tent you can find.
There are tons of options out there to choose from, but not all of them are worth your money. If you don’t want your camping excursion to be a disaster, you need to find a tent that’s well constructed. I’m here to help you with that.
Here are reviews for the best products on the market:
The Products I’ll Be Reviewing:
- Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent
- Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
- Coleman Evanston Camping Tent
- Kodiak Flex-Bow Canvas Tent
Coleman Elite Montana 8-Person Tent – Best Pick Overall
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s hard to go wrong with a Coleman. This company sets quite a high bar when it comes to camping gear, and their Elite Montana 8-Person Tent is a great example of that. Combining lots of space with durability, this Coleman tent is a great option for medium-sized groups of campers.
Like every other Coleman tent I’ve reviewed, this product uses a WeatherTech system to keep water out… And it works amazingly well- even through torrential downpours. This means it has welded floors, inverted seams and reinforced corners. On rainy days when you’re cooped inside, you’ll have lots of standing room with a 6 foot 2 inch peak height. The angled windows were designed to allow for fantastic ventilation, even in stormy weather.
The most unique feature of this 8 person waterproof tent is the built-in CPX LED lights. I find that tent lighting is the most common aspect that campers forget about, especially for newbies- so this is an amazing touch. Overall, Coleman hits yet another home run with this tent for 8.
Pros
- It’s made of a durable 75D polyester taffeta.
- The 16 feet x 7 feet floor plan provides enough room for up to 3 queen air mattresses.
- It comes in blue, black and green- and each color looks amazing (in my opinion, at least).
- It has an E-port for easy access to power cords.
- This is the only tent I’ve ever known to come with built-in lights.
- The pole sleeves are color coded and anti-snag, which makes assembly less stressful.
- It has a small vestibule and a D-shaped, hinged door.
Cons
- It’s a bit heavy at 27.4 pounds- not ideal for backpacking.
- Setup can be a bit confusing.
Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent – Most Unique 8 Person Tent
Being one of the most unique-looking products on this list, the Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Tent looks more like a house than it does an outdoor shelter. Coming in blue, green and gray, this product would be a fantastic choice to use as a camping tent or a temporary home.
The biggest standout feature of this tent is its huge porch/vestibule area, which is screened in with bug-proof netting. This provides the perfect place to keep your gear, take off your dirty shoes or even to sleep in the warmer months. Also, with a bathtub floor, double stitching and a polyurethane weather resistant coating, this tent stands up pretty well against the elements.
This tent gives off ultimate “homey” vibes, making it perfect for those of you who are into “glamping” (AKA glamorous camping- I don‘t judge). If maximum storage space is what you’re looking for, this is easily the best 8 person tent on this list.
Pros
- It’s super tall, with a peak height of 6.5 feet.
- With a 60 square foot vestibule and interior mesh pockets, this tent has tons of space for storage.
- The double stitching, polyester makeup and bathtub floor make for a super water resistant shelter.
- The full coverage rainfly is both removable and seam sealed.
- It’s very well ventilated with windows, a ground vent and an entirely mesh ceiling.
Cons
- The vestibule is considered to be part of the sleeping space, so this may not be an optimal tent for large groups.
- It’s too heavy for most backpacking expeditions, weighing 27.3 pounds.
Coleman Evanston Camping Tent – Most Affordable 8 Person Tent
And we’re back to Coleman once again! If storage space and affordability are your biggest concerns, Coleman’s Dome Tent with Screen Room may be a better option for you than their Elite Montana 8 Tent. With its aerodynamic dome design, this cheap 8 person tent does a wonderful job of deflecting heavy winds while also providing lots of standing room (6 feet).
Like the Wenzel 8 Person Tent, this shelter features a huge, screened in porch area- which makes it great for hot weather or camping with dogs. This 15 feet x 5 feet vestibule in conjunction with the interior mesh pockets make for a massive amount of storage space. It’s also easy to appreciate the simplified setup of this tent which takes 15 minutes or less… And according to most customer reviews, it’s also super simple to break down and pack into the carry bag.
In all honesty, it’s quite rare that you’d find such a high quality 6-8 person tent for such a low price. If you prefer dome tents to the cabin sort, this product from Coleman is a must have.
Pros
- The main sleeping area has a floor plan of 15 feet x 12 feet.
- The 6’ peak height allows for ample head space.
- It’s affordable!
- It has zipper cuffs, which keep the elements of nature from getting into the door.
- Each window has an awning to protect from rain.
- This tent incorporates a WeatherTech system, meaning it uses inverted seams and welded corners to keep moisture out.
- It‘s relatively lightweight.
Cons
- If you‘re looking for a huge amount of walking room, the dome design of this tent will limit that a bit.
- It only comes in green.
Kodiak Flex-Bow Canvas Tent – Most Durable 8 Person Tent
Time to discuss the most heavy duty tent on this list: The Kodiak Flex Bow Canvas Tent. Instead of the typical polyester or nylon tent walls, the Kodiak opts for super strong canvas. On the down side, this makes for a really heavy tent (84 pounds to be exact- OOF!!). However, this also means you get a much more durable shelter.
The tightly-woven 100% cotton duck canvas holds up incredibly well in rainstorms and high winds. At the same time, the material maintains breathability to prevent condensation.
The poles on this tent are ultra sturdy and made from spring steel. Lots of anchor points around the perimeter also allow you to really stake this thing down to the ground. As far as the interior goes, the Kodiak is pretty luxurious. It features large, D-shaped doors on the front and back, each featuring zippered mesh windows.
The ceilings are tall at 6.5 feet, and 2 funnel-flow vents allow for excellent ventilation. You also get a large, 72 inch x 78 inch awning as an added touch. Not to mention, the tent is pretty awesome looking. While it isn’t super affordable or lightweight, the Kodiak Flex-Bow Canvas Tent just about the most durable thing you can find on the market.
Pros
- Extremely water-resistant 100% cotton duck canvas with a silicone finish.
- Spacious (10 feet x 14 feet).
- Well-ventilated.
- Double-stitched seams and welded corners.
- Includes 12 inch steel stakes.
- Includes gear loft, shelf pockets and large awning.
- Floor made from heavy-duty vinyl.
- Can purchase a 4 person, 6 person or 8 person version.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Very heavy.
How To Choose The Best 8 Person Tent
When it comes to purchasing an 8-person tent, there are tons of products on the market to choose from. There are also certain factors to consider when choosing your tent that can absolutely make or break your camping experience.
The last thing any camper wants is to do is waste money on an inefficient tent.
I always recommend using the 3 C’s of tent camping in order to find the best shelter possible. This means looking for comfortability, convenience and constancy.
Comfortability In 8 Person Tents
Is There Enough Space?
First thing’s first, let’s get this misconception out of the way: an 8 person tent is not necessarily meant for 8 people to fit comfortably.
Yes, you could technically squeeze this many people into the tent if everyone is in sleeping bags… But you’ll probably be packed like sardines.
Eight person tents are the ideal shelter for groups of 5-6, depending on how much space you feel you need. If you’re actually camping with 8 people, I’d go for a 10 or 12 person tent.
Check the dimensions on your shelter before buying it. If you know exactly how large your tent is, you can measure it out in your own home and see how much space it takes up before buying.
You should also look at a tent’s peak height. This is the measurement from the tent’s floor to its ceiling at the tallest point. If you plan on standing up or walking around in your tent, choose a product with a peak height that’s taller than you. When it comes to walking space, cabin tents are usually better than dome tents.
Sufficient Ventilation
An important part of staying comfortable in your tent is having an efficient ventilation system. Your tent should have windows and vents to encourage airflow. This will help keep your tent cool and prevent moisture/condensation from accumulating.
Some tents have ceilings that are made entirely of mesh, which is great for hot weather camping. Many shelters have ground vents, which do a great job of drawing in cool air from the floor and lowering the temperature of your tent.
Convenience In 8 Man Tents
Is Setup Easy?
Many campers, especially beginners, tend to have some trouble when setting up their tent for the first time. Pitching a tent can be a bit complicated, especially if the instructions are confusing. Some tents are easier than others to assemble, so be aware of that when choosing a product.
I always recommend practicing setting up your tent at home before you embark on your camping trip. This way, you know exactly what to do when it really matters. You don’t want to be stuck in the woods with a tent that you don’t know how to assemble.
If you’re really that nervous about setup (or if you just want to save a little bit of time), then buy an 8 person instant tent. These types of tent have telescoping poles that are pre-attached. This will usually allow you to set up in a minute or less.
Breaking down the tent and fitting it back into the carry bag can also be difficult for some campers. This is another thing that I recommend you practice. Here‘s a helpful guide with some tips on how to do that successfully:
How Much Storage Space Is There?
If you have a lot of camping gear with you, you’ll need a place to store it. Otherwise, your equipment will take up precious sleeping space inside your tent.
Many shelters come with mesh storage pockets for the safekeeping of small items like wallets, keys, backpacking flashlights, etc. This is the bare minimum that you should look for when it comes to storage.
A gear loft is a contraption which allows you to hang larger items from the ceiling of your tent. These are a great feature to have in a shelter.
The best storage option to look for is a vestibule. This is an enclosed area just outside the entrance of your tent. These are incredible because they offer a sheltered space to keep your larger pieces of equipment. They’re also great for taking off your dirty shoes or wet backpacking clothes without contaminating your sleeping area.
The Wenzel Klondike Tent and Coleman Evanston Tent both feature huge storage vestibules.
Choose A Lightweight 8 Person Tent
If you’re backpacking to your camping site, the weight of your tent is going to be very important. Unfortunately, most 8 person shelters are on the heavy side and they’re not ideal for backpacking. The material of your tent will play a pretty significant role in its weight.
Tents made from polyester or nylon are much lighter than those made of canvas. Also, aluminum tent poles are less heavy than fiberglass ones.
If you’re driving to your campsite, weight shouldn’t be such a big deal.
Constancy/Durability In An 8 Person Camping Tent
Quality Materials
The constancy (or durability) of your tent depends greatly on the material it’s made of. I like to look for tents that are made from polyester because it’s strong, UV resistant and quick-drying. Nylon also works well for 8 person tents.
The Denier rating of your tent fabric also plays a role in durability. This is the thickness of each thread of fabric and it’ll usually look something like this: 60D polyester, 70D nylon, etc.
The thread count is important as well, and it represents the number of threads per square inch in your fabric (for example, 195T polyester).
Water Resistance Is Important
No one ever truly knows what type of weather their tent will have to endure, so it’s important to find a shelter that’s highly water resistant.
Make sure that your tent has a waterproof rainfly. The rainfly is the sheet that goes over the top of your tent to protect it from water. The waterproof rating of your rainfly is important, and it represents the amount of water (in millimeters) which the fabric can handle without leaking (for example: 2000mm, 500mm, etc.)
The most common place for leaks to occur is at the seams of your tent. That’s why it’s important to find a product that features inverted seams, welded corners, double stitching and bathtub floors. Coleman has mastered this art by using the WeatherTech system on all of their products.
Some tent fabrics are pre-coated with a layer of waterproofing (usually polyurethane). Either way, I recommend that you always add your own layer of eco-friendly waterproofing spray to ensure that the interior stays dry no matter what.
Wind Resistance And Sturdiness
If the structure of your tent isn’t sturdy, it won’t be able to hold its own against even mild gusts of wind. Tents that have intersecting tent poles usually work best in windy or winter camping conditions.
If you know that you’ll be camping in a windy area, make sure you have guy lines to keep your tent nice and stable. It’s also usually a good idea to buy some heavy-duty tent stakes to replace the ones that come with your shelter.
Dome Or Cabin Tent?
The two most popular variations of 8 person tents are dome and cabin. When it comes to extreme weather, dome tents are usually the better choice to go with, thanks to their aerodynamic shape.
8 person cabin tents tend to be taller, so they’re more likely to topple over in the wind.
Extra Features For Eight Person Tents
Aside from the major must-haves in an 8 person tent, there are also some bonus features you may want to look for.
Room separators are great for campers in large groups who need an added level of privacy.
E-ports are a small opening in a tent which will allow you to feed a power cord through. These are great if you have a generator running nearby.
Lights are sometimes built into tents (such as the Coleman Elite Montana 8 Person Tent) and they can be beyond helpful at night.
Multiple doors are sometimes essential for 8 person tents if you want added accessibility.
Door mats are an interesting and helpful replacement for storage vestibules if you’re looking for a place to leave your dirty shoes.
Conquerwild’s Conclusion
Finding the right tent is probably the most important aspect of a successful camping trip. When it comes to 8 person tents, you need to find a product that’s comfortable, convenient and durable. This means doing some research before making a purchase.
I’ve done my best to lay it all out there for you, and I hope I‘ve been able to help you arrive at a decision. If you ask me, there’s one 8 man tent that stands out above the rest.
Our Top Pick Is….
The Coleman Elite Montana 8 Person Tent!!
Leave it to Coleman to craft such an efficient 8 person cabin tent. This shelter is spacious, well-ventilated and completely protected from even the heaviest of downpours. I love the look of this shelter as well as the amount of detail put into its design- from the angled mesh windows to the built in LED lights, I couldn’t find a better 8 person tent than Coleman’s Elite Montana.
