Spoiler Alert: Conquerwild named the Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent as the best tent for hot weather camping!!
There are few things worse than sitting inside a stuffy, sweltering-hot tent on a brutal summer afternoon. Camping should be fun and adventurous, not dreadful and torturous. Fortunately, high temperatures don’t mean you have to rule out summer camping all together.
Still, you’re going to need a shelter that’s equipped and ready to make the best of any warm environment. If you’re searching for the best tent for hot weather, look no further. Here are my reviews and guide to the best tents that stay cool.
What We’ll Be Reviewing:
- Coleman Dome Tent With Screenroom
- KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent
- Clostnature Lightweigth Backpackig Tent
- Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
- TENTON Sports Vista Quick Tent
Coleman Dome Tent With Screen Room – Most Unique Hot Weather Tennt
If the bright, summer sun is a bit too much for you while you’re camping, the Coleman Dome With Screen Room is a great fix. It’s able to block up to 90% of sunlight from reaching the tent’s interior using unique Dark Room Technology. This means a lot less of the sun’s rays interrupting your sleep and less heat making your tent feel like an oven. It’s so effective that, if you don’t have a watch, you’ll probably forget what time of day it is. Also, if you have a power source nearby, you can seamlessly feed an extension cord into this tent with the help of its E-port. This small opening near the tent floor is effective in letting the power in while keeping bugs and water out.
Another unique (and defining) feature of this tent is its screenroom. This is a bug-proof, mesh extension that acts somewhat like a porch. It can be used for extra storage, or as a place to sleep on warm summer nights. This is the most well ventilated part of the tent as it’s basically just a screen. As for the rest of the tent, it’s made of polyester. This makes it lightweight, water resistant and sturdy enough to withstand reasonably strong gusts of wind. If you’re camping with a group of 4 people or less, this tent will provide you with enough room, convenient features and heat protection for any summer day.
Pros
- Dark room technology reduces heat and blocks 90% of sunlight.
- Comes with a unique, bug-proof screen room (can also be purchased without the screen room).
- Has a 9 x 11 foot interior (including the screen room).
- Can withstand winds of up to 35 mph.
- It’s weatherproof.
- Includes rainfly.
- Has small mesh storage pockets on the interior.
- Comes in a convenient carry bag which can also be used for storage.
- Has an E-port which allows easy access to an extension cord.
Cons
- Dark room technology can make it a bit hard to see while inside.
- Screen room is mesh, meaning it offers no protection from rain and may collect water.
- Set-up takes about 15 minutes, which may be long for some people on a hot, summer day.
KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent – Most Affordable Hot Weather Tent
For such an affordable shelter, the KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent is constructed with an impressive amount of quality. When investing in any lower-priced tent, sturdiness is usually a point of concern. This 2-3 person tent is able to withstand most conditions (within reason) that the average camper will find themselves in. Its structure consists of 3 fiberglass poles which are incredibly easy and quick to set up. This also makes the tent super light and easily transportable on even the hottest of summer days. Fiberglass is not the most durable of materials, but it’s definitely enough to keep your tent in place and standing safely.
Multiple campers are able to enter and exit this tent at the same time thanks to 2 large, zippered doors. These doors also have mesh windows which can be opened or closed, meaning you’ll always have decent control over your airflow. There are a total of 5 vents on this tent: one on each of the 4 walls, and also a ceiling vent. This makes for a well rounded and full spectrum ventilation system, which is why I recommend this shelter for summer tent camping. On rainy days, campers can use the rainfly to cover the ceiling vent. Even when it’s damp outside, you’ll have sufficient airflow to keep you from getting stuffy while inside. I love the customization and convenience that this tent provides.
Pros
- It’s very affordable.
- It’s water resistant.
- Comes in yellow, blue and green.
- Tent material consists of 210T rip-stop polyester.
- All of the tent’s seams are taped with waterproof material.
- Set-up is easy and takes about 3 minutes.
- Comes with a stylish, convenient carry bag.
- It has interior, mesh pockets for storing lightweight items.
- It’s roomy enough to fit 2 average-sized adults and 1 child.
Cons
- Not a good choice for a large group of campers.
- Not equipped for high winds.
- Fiberglass tent poles can be hit or miss; although they’re light and easy to set up, they can also break easily.
Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent – Best Pick Overall
Clostnature’s Lightweight Backpacking Tent is definitely the full package when it comes to hot weather shelters. The entire tent (except for the “tub floor,” which makes up the bottom portion) is made of mesh. This means constant, uninterrupted airflow and breathability. The accompanying rainfly is both waterproof and well ventilated, meaning you’ll never feel suffocated while in this tent. Also, storage should not be an issue with zippered pockets for lightweight items, and 2 storage vestibules.
This tent is very affordable when considering the standard of durability that it upholds. Aluminum tent poles and stakes ensure a sturdy and durable structure that can withstand quite a bit of natural force. It’s also great for tropical climates when there’s a risk of heavy rain. Its mixture of polyester and heavy duty polyurethane coating does a fantastic job at keeping water out.
Some people have no issue squeezing 3 campers into this tent, though it’s really meant for 2 occupants. Either way, it only takes one person to carry this shelter and one person to set it up. What sets this product apart from the rest is its full-spectrum efficiency. There are some tents within this price range which offer some of the same features, but not all together in one package like this one.
Pros
- Very affordable for everything it offers.
- It’s easy to set up and it’s freestanding, meaning it can be moved around after it’s been pitched.
- It’s ultra lightweight at 5.4 pounds, making it super easy to transport.
- Comes in deep green or orange color.
- Includes a convenient carry bag which can also be used for storage.
- The rainfly, bathtub and groundsheet are made up of 210T polyester with 5000 polyurethane coating. AKA: it’s SUPER water resistant.
- Features factory-sealed, waterproof seams.
- Includes mesh storage pockets on the interior.
- When the rainfly is on, it forms 2 storage vestibules.
- Tent poles and stakes are sturdy and made of aluminum.
Cons
- Not suitable for large groups.
Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent – Best Value Hot Weather Tent
Common sense suggests that a large group of campers calls for a large tent. The Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent is bigger than any of the other products on this list and is great for summer camping. Squeezing 9 people into this tent may be a bit of a stretch, but 8 campers should be able to fit comfortably. It’s spacious enough to fit 3 queen-sized air mattresses inside.
This thing is very well ventilated and utilizes just about every type of vent you could think of. A large portion of this tent is see-through as so much of it is made up of mesh, allowing for incredible airflow. There are ceiling vents, vents along all the walls, and floor vents as well which help draw in coolness from the ground outside. If it gets too breezy, you also have the option of using the rainfly to cover up the mesh and prevent excessive wind and rain. This tent also has a nice, sturdy, mesh gear loft. I appreciate this feature, as when you have a large group of campers, it’s helpful to have a spot to put your gear that’s out of the way.
Pros
- SUPER spacey at 16′ x 9′.
- LOTS of vents for maximum airflow.
- Has an E-port which allows easy access to an extension cord.
- Its peak height is 72″, meaning most average-sized adults can stand up in it.
- Features a gear loft for extra storage or a place to hang your lantern/tent fan.
- Comes with a water resistant rainfly.
- Comes in orange or wine color.
- Utilizes taped seams to keep moisture out.
- It’s very affordable for the size.
Cons
- It’s not completely waterproof.
- It weighs 20 pounds which is a bit heavy for backpacking.
TENTON Sports Vista Quick Tent – Most Lightweight Hot Weather Tent
For any lone campers out there, TENTON’s Quick Tent is a great, minimalistic shelter that can help you stay cool on the hottest days of the year. This tent prides itself on being extremely quick to set up. Once you assemble the poles and pull the drawstring, it’s pretty much ready-to-go instantly. This can save you a lot of time and sweat, especially if you’re out in the wilderness on your own. The fact that it weighs only 5 pounds is another huge plus if you’ll be backpacking long distance in the heat.
This tent truly masters the game of ventilation with its upper half being made entirely of micro mesh. If you leave the included rainfly off, you’ll get a constant stream of air running through the tent. With the rainfly on, you’ll be able to stay dry as long as it’s not pouring outside. Although I think this tent works best for 1 camper, 2 people should still be able to sleep in this tent comfortably, so long as they’re on good terms with each other… It does feature 2 zippered entrances after all.
Pros
- Can be attached to a cot (sold separately).
- It’s well ventilated.
- It’s ultra lightweight.
- Includes a rainfly.
- A micro mesh ceiling makes the tent great for stargazing.
- It can be set up in seconds.
- Features a gear loft for storing lightweight items.
Cons
- Campers taller than 5’10” may not have enough head or leg room while lying down.
- When the rainfly is on, the ventilation is not as good.
- Not a tent for groups.
How To Choose The Best Tent For Hot Weather Camping
When discussing our standards for any type of outdoor shelter, we must always look at the 3 C’s of tent camping: Comfortability, Convenience and Constancy.
Camping in hot weather brings its own set of challenges and issues. The goal is to find a tent that’s equipped to minimize each of these challenges. The more prepared you are, the less troubling your summer camping experience will be.
Comfortability
We all want our expedition out in the wilderness to be easy-going and comfortable. Extreme heat and humidity can be a huge burden on your camping trip in multiple ways. There are factors that significantly affect comfortability which you should always look out for.
Ventilation Is Crucial
When it comes to tent camping, ventilation is one of the most important aspects of staying cool. The more vents a tent has, the more air will pass through and the less heat will build up.
Usually, vents are made of mesh and can sometimes be zippered closed. Mesh is a breathable fabric that has tiny holes in it, allowing air to flow freely into and out of your tent. For hot weather camping, it’s best to find tents that have multiple, strategically-placed vents.
The most common location for mesh is on the tent’s walls. However, for a more well-rounded ventilation system, look for tents that also have ground and ceiling vents. Vents near the floor allow the damp, coolness of the outside ground to be drawn inside.
Hot air rises. Without proper ventilation on the ceiling of your tent, this heat will have nowhere to go. If the roof has an opening, it will be much easier for that warm air to escape and for the temperature inside to drop.
Sufficient Space
The size of your tent should always depend on the size of the group you’re camping with. Common sense suggests that having more campers means that you need more room inside your tent. This is especially important when it’s hot out.
Human beings are living, breathing radiators. Whether you realize it or not, we’re constantly emitting warmth throughout the day. When you’re camping with multiple people in hot weather, you want to make sure that you have enough space to keep a bit of distance from each other.
Just because a product calls itself a “6 person” or “9 person tent,” does not mean that you should try to squeeze that amount of people inside. Usually, these numbers are used as an absolute maximum capacity.
Can 9 people physically fit into a “9 person tent?” Yes, most likely. Will it be a comfortable squeeze on a hot summer day? Probably not.
You should also pay attention to the peak height of your tent. This is the distance from the floor to the tallest point of the ceiling. If you want extra head room so that you can walk around, find a tent with a peak height that’s at least as tall as you.
Convenience
The last thing you want to do on a hot day out in the wilderness is overcomplicate things for yourself. Regardless of the temperature, camping trips always go more smoothly when you plan effectively and find a tent that prioritizes convenience.
Be Conscious Of Weight
Not your body weight, but the weight of your tent. If you plan on backpacking with your tent, you must find a shelter that’s lightweight.
When the summer sun is beaming down on you and you’re sweating profusely, it’s not fun having to carry an extra 30 pounds on your back. Tents that utilize fiberglass poles and nylon walls are generally pretty lightweight.
An Easy Set-Up
Now that you’ve transported your tent all the way to your campsite, you’re going to have to set it up. The hotter it is outside, the less patience you’re going to have for a tent that’s difficult to put together.
You should always practice pitching your tent before embarking on your journey. You must be sure that you’re capable of setting it up before it’s too late. If you find yourself confused about the instructions out in the wilderness, there’s not much you can do to help yourself.
Instant tents like the TENTON Sports Vista Quick Tent make this whole process a lot easier as they can be set up in seconds. Also, any tent that’s “freestanding” will make your life a whole lot easier if you decide to change locations after you’ve already set it up. If your tent is not freestanding, you’re going to have to take the whole thing down and rebuild it whenever you want to move.
Is There Room For Storage?
While backpacking in the heat, it’s best to minimize the amount of gear you bring. However, there’s always going to be essential equipment you’ll need to have with you. It’s important that your tent provides a place to store it.
For lightweight items, most tents have interior storage pockets for safekeeping. These are great at holding items like keys, wallets, phones, etc. Some tents include what’s called a “gear loft.” These are essentially nets that hang from the ceiling of your tent and allow you to keep your hot weather camping gear out of the way.
Sometimes, tents have vestibules, or shaded areas outside of the tent, covered by the rainfly. You can compare these to an awning over the roof of a building. More advanced shelters, like the Coleman Dome Tent, have a “screen room.” This is similar to a vestibule, but it has a screen which encompasses the entire area and offers some protection from the elements of nature.
If your tent doesn’t offer any of these options, you can always look to the carry bag as a means of storage. The important thing is that you keep your valuables away from the rain and the sun’s rays.
Constancy
Never forget to prioritize durability when searching for the perfect hot weather tent. The outdoors can be unpredictable. It’s important that your shelter can stand up to the heat and whatever else nature throws its way.
Material Matters
In the wide world of tents, there are different types of materials that are commonly used. Think about the elements of nature that your tent is going to be up against. In the summer, one of your main concerns should be the sun’s rays. Longterm exposure to UV rays can cause the fabric of your tent to become thin and brittle over time.
Here are some of the most common materials found in tents and what they’re good for:
- Polyester is a low-priced, water resistant fabric that’s able to hold its own under moderate camping conditions. The great thing about polyester is that it’s pretty resistant to UV rays and performs well in the heat. On the other hand, it’s not tear-proof.
- Polyurethane is a great material that’s often used as an extra coating to help improve water resistance.
- Nylon is another material that’s very commonly used for tents. It’s a bit tougher and lighter than polyester. However, it tends to retain heat at higher rates, so it’s not always the best when it comes to summer camping.
- Mesh is often used for vents as it’s super breathable, yet still able to protect against most insects. This consists of woven strands of fiber with tiny, evenly-spaced gaps in between them.
Waterproofing Basics
If you’re camping in a tropical climate, you definitely have a good chance of encountering rain. You may find a tent that’s fantastic in the heat, but what’s the use if it’s defeated by a bit of water?
As stated previously, tents that use polyurethane coating are great at keeping the water out. Since most of the best ventilated tents consist of a lot of mesh, you must look to the rainfly (the sheet that goes over the roof of your tent) for waterproofing.
Make sure to look out for the waterproof rating on each tent and/or rainfly. This is measured in millimeters and represents the amount of water that the material can withstand.
For example, if you find a tent that has a “2000 mm” waterproof rating, this means that it will be able to handle up to 2,000 millimeters of water at a time.
When you see a number followed by a “D” (for example, “100D polyester”), this is called a denier rating. This is a unit of measurement used to describe the thickness of a material. The higher the number, the thicker the fabric.
If you see a number with a “T,” this stands for “thread per inch” and represents how densely woven the material is. The higher the number, the denser the material.
You should also look for tropical weather tents that have sealed, waterproof seams to keep the rain out.
Pest Protection
A warm summer climate often comes with unwanted pests. From mosquitos, to beetles and everything in between, make sure that your warm weather tent offers protection from these critters.
Standard mesh usually does the trick and is able to keep these bugs out of your tent. Just be sure not to leave the doors or windows open for long periods of time.
Bonus Tips For Staying Cool While Camping
Aside from simply knowing what to look for in a tent, there are measures you can take to ensure that your summer camping experience doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Water, Water And MORE Water
No matter what you do, never forget to bring enough water on your camping trip. H20 makes up about 60% of your body composition and you can’t live without it. Staying hydrated throughout your camping trip will make a huge difference in your health, attitude and physical ability.
I recommend bringing at least half a gallon of water per person, per day that you’ll be camping. If it’s over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), you should definitely bring more than that.
I learned this the hard way at the age of 16 when I was camping with a group of 8 friends. We gave one person the responsibility of bringing all the water for the entire group. It wasn’t until we had set up camp that we realized we only had 2 gallons of water… for 8 people… on a hot summer day. By the time we were 3 hours into our trip, all the water was gone and we were practically dying of thirst. Do not do this.
For super hot days, bring along cool water in a spray bottle. This can serve as a nice, refreshing treat after many hours of backpacking.
Protect Your Skin
It’s often that people forget how harmful the sun’s rays can be to your precious skin. You want to avoid sunburn at all costs, as it can significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and keep yourself out of the sun’s harsh rays for extended periods of time.
Pick The Right Spot
Finding the perfect spot to set up your tent can be tricky. Try not to place it directly in the way of the sun, as your tent will heat up quickly. Find a shady spot that’s not near any hazardous elements. Don’t set your tent up under a tree or near a cliff, as you’ll be at risk of getting hit by falling debris.
If there’s a body of water nearby, set your tent up close to it, but not closer than 20 feet. Lakes, rivers and oceans tend to pick up lots of cool air. This wind can lower the temperature of your campsite significantly.
If you’re camping in an area that’s inhabited by alligators, DO NOT set up camp near rivers, lakes or ponds.
Bring A Fan
One of the most simple and obvious ways to cool yourself down while camping: bring a tent fan! There are lots of different types of portable fans out there that are great for tent camping. Some can last for days off of just one charge.
If your tent has a gear loft, you can hook a fan onto it and increase airflow significantly.
Don’t Overexert Yourself
No matter where you’re camping, you must always be aware of your personal limits. Don’t put yourself into situations that are beyond your physical abilities, especially when in extreme heat. This can significantly increase your chances of developing heat exhaustion.
If you feel that your body is overheating- stop. Drink some water. Find some shade. Take some deep breaths. Respect your body and listen to what it’s telling you.
It’s also great to pack sports drinks that are high in electrolytes in your first aid kit. Gatorade, Pedialyte and Drip Drop are all great options. These will help hydrate you quickly and prevent you from suffering a heat stroke.
Conquerwild’s Conclusion
No one should ever be afraid of camping in hot weather. As long as you take precautions and plan accordingly, the heat shouldn’t prevent you from having a safe and comfortable camping trip.
Choosing the right tent can make or break your entire experience. Just be sure to find a shelter that falls in line with the 3 C’s of tent camping. Look for great ventilation, lightweight materials and everything else listed within this buyer’s guide.
Our Top Pick Is….
The Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent!!
When it comes to camping in the heat, it really doesn’t get much better than this tent. It’s got an easy set-up with a freestanding design. It’s got amazing waterproofing while remaining super lightweight. It’s even got storage vestibules for all of your gear. This tent misses none of the marks as it’s comfortable, convenient and durable. There are tents that are twice the price of the Clostnature, yet they don’t offer the same quality. That’s why it’s our #1 choice.
Keep in mind that the Clostnature is meant for 2 people or less. If you’re camping with a larger group, I would recommend the Core 9 Person Extended Dome Tent.
