After extensive research, we found the best 3-room tent is the CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent.
So, you love camping in larger groups. But, the lack of privacy when you want to change clothes or take a nap can be inconvenient. I know, I’ve been there.
There’s an easy solution though: a large 3-room tent that provides both comfort and privacy.
We have done some thorough research to help you find your perfect tent or at least to narrow down your choice.
While the number of options isn’t overwhelming, 3-room tents vary widely in shapes, designs, and features. We have carefully evaluated key points as well as other convenient features.
After 15+ hours of research, the CORE 12 person instant cabin tent emerged as our top pick.
It comes with a full set of features to shine (pun intended) in nice weather. The setup and breakdown are ridiculously quick and easy. Mesh panels provide exceptional ventilation as well as panoramic views. Generous ceiling height throughout the tent adds extra comfort.
Even in rainy conditions, this model delivers more than it promises. While it has a low waterproof rating, many users raved about staying dry in moderate rain.
But we know people have different needs, so we’ve included other recommendations as well:
Top Recommendations
Best overall: CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best 3-room tents for 3-4 people:
- Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Family Tent – sturdy blackout tent
- Crua Loj 6 Person Tent – enormous, luxurious, insulated, 4-season tent
- Coleman Ridgeline Plus 6 Tent – waterproof dome tent with two awnings
Best 3-room tents for 4-6 people:
- Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent – affordable and lightweight dome tent
- Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Cabin Tent – cabin tent with a private room extension
- Eurohike Sendero 8 XL (available in EU only) – tunnel-type tent with spacious living area and darker sleeping quarters
Best 3-room tents for 6+ people:
- CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent – large and airy summer tent; super-quick setup
- Ozark Trail 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent – partially enclosed porch area
- Bushnell Shield Series 12 Instant Cabin Tent – well-ventilated tent with 2 AC ports and UV coating
- Tahoe Gear Ozark 16 Person Cabin Tent – unique style and humongous living area
If you want to learn more about 3-room tents and our selection criteria, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: Larger groups who prefer instant tents for summer camping; $$
Some campers don’t want to test Mother Nature’s whims and choose to go camping only in nice weather. If you’re one of them, the CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent fits your bill perfectly.
It’s a huge tent but it takes only 2 minutes to set up. It’s equally easy to take down. If you think of nice and sunny weather, this tent covers all your needs. Let’s take a look.
You’ve got two doors on opposite sides of the tent and plenty of large windows. All of them have mesh panels to keep the insects away. They also come with covers to seal them in case of summer rain.
That’s more than enough for decent airflow. But, a mesh roof and ground vents will bring the ventilation to another level.
As for the capacity, with a whopping 180 sq ft, there are numerous options to organize the space. 6 people can sleep comfortably with enough spare room for stuff and gear.
If you prefer to have some privacy, 2 removable room dividers will transform it into a 2-room or 3-room tent.
If you’re sick of bumping your head into the tent ceilings, you’ll love this model. Cabin-style walls and a 6’8” center height will allow you to walk around your tent without hunching down. Well, unless you’re really, really tall.
All these “summer features” work great to keep you cool and comfortable. But, it can rain in summer, too. Not a big problem. The rainfly and PU (polyurethane) coated fabric will keep moisture away to a certain degree.
The waterproof rating of 600mm is quite low and it indicates the tent is water-resistant, not waterproof. In simple English, it will most certainly stay dry in light rain. But if it keeps raining, the water will come through eventually.
Pros:
- Large. Very large (18 x 10 ft)
- Very quick setup and breakdown
- Freestanding
- Excellent ventilation
- Mesh roof for stargazing
- Tall ceiling (80 in)
Cons:
- Low waterproof rating
- Heavy (47.8 lb)
Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Family Tent
Best for: Campers who like to sleep in and have a large living area; $$$
Do you like tents with a large living area, so you don’t have to walk around beds and stuff? Do you hate when the bright, morning sun wakes you after a late night? The Coleman Rocky Mountain tent might be what you’re looking for.
When it comes to the darkness inside the tent, this model really excels. The manufacturer claims it blocks up to 99% of daylight. I don’t know about the numbers, but it stays very dark even in the brightest sunshine.
As the twilight approaches, it gets pitch black inside of the tent. One user actually complained about not being able to put up a room divider because it was too dark in there!
Apart from longer sleep, darkness keeps the tent cooler and fresher.
When you get out of the dark bedroom, you enter a spacious living area with 4 PVC windows with covers, a double-layered mesh wall, and an awning. Measuring 5.5 x 10 ft with a 6-foot tall ceiling, it provides ample room for daily activities.
The bathtub floor is fully sewn-in providing extra protection.
But I was impressed with a little tweak in design. There’s a drop-down section at the door allowing a flat entrance. So, no more tripping when entering the tent.
As for the sleeping capacity, 3 to 4 people can sleep comfortably. The blackout bedroom measures 10 ft by 7 ft and comes with a room divider. Truth be told, two more people can easily sleep in a living area, but it changes the whole concept of the tent.
Weather protection should be fantastic. The 4500 mm waterproof rating indicates that the tent can handle whatever you throw at it, from torrential downpours to snow.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some users have reported leaky seams. Most of these reviews are older, and it appears that Coleman has addressed the issue.
Nevertheless, you can use seam sealant, just in case. With highly waterproof fabric and groundsheet, you’ll be safe and dry in heavy rain.
Pros:
- Blackout bedroom(s)
- Large living room area
- Fire retardant material
- Outstanding waterproof rating
- Intuitive setup
- Sewn-in bathtub floor provides maximum protection from groundwater and creepy-crawlies
- Power port
- Plenty of storage pockets
Cons:
- On a heavier side (35 lb)
Coleman Ridgeline Plus 6 Tent
Best for: 2 couples or families with children who want a waterproof tent; $$$
A super-comfortable and cozy tent will still disappoint you if it leaks. With the Coleman Ridgeline Plus 6 Tent, you don’t have to worry about sudden rains. It provides excellent weather protection to keep your stuff dry and your party smiling.
The Coleman Ridgeline is a spacious and well-organized tent. The main room has two entryways on the opposite sides and a tall ceiling (peak height 81”).
If you like tents with an awning, you’ll love this one. With a set of poles, both doors become nice awnings.
Two bedrooms are on the sides and they are practically two tents within the main tent. They have no windows and the fabric is darker to reduce the morning light. The inner fabric is breathable backed up with ventilation panels to provide airflow.
The tent is quite large, measuring 7 by 21 ft. However, for maximum comfort, I recommend no more than 4 people. The 7 by 7 ft bedroom floor plan allows you to squeeze 3 people in each bedroom if need be.
Should the weather turn ugly, no worries. With a waterproof rating of 3000 mm, this tent can handle some heavy rain and downpours. So, you can play games or take a nap with peace of mind. Both doors feature two PVC windows to provide natural light.
I was a little bit disappointed with the lack of door mesh panels. Curious enough, sleeping area doors are mesh, so at least no bugs will get inside your sleeping quarters.
Pros:
- Large area for 4 people
- Dark bedroom fabric for better sleep
- Great waterproof rating
- 2 doors
- 2 awnings
- Can withstand moderate winds
Cons:
- No mesh panels on doors
Crua Loj 6 Person Tent
Best for: Campers who want a one-of-a-kind, luxurious, 4-season tent; $$$$
If you want maximum comfort and unmatched luxury regardless of weather or season, the Crua Loj can meet your needs. This beast will handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
So, what makes this tent unique and worthy of the hefty price tag? First of all, it’s a true 4-season tent. The sleeping area is a sort of tent in a tent. It comes with thick but breathable insulation. It will stay warm and cozy even in harsh winter conditions.
A whopping 5000 mm waterproof rating makes sure that rain and snow won’t get in. The structure is field-tested and proved capable of dealing with winds of over 60 mph.
In summer, you can remove the inner part and enjoy your time in the gigantic outer shell of the tent. The outer fabric is not just waterproof but also has some insulating properties.
The ultimate length and width are 24 and 13 feet, respectively. Okay, it includes porch and awning areas.
While the tent is huge, it’s meant for glamping so it works best for 4 people. Here’s why.
The sleeping area is 13 feet wide and 7.2 feet long. It comes with a room divider. So you actually get two pretty small bedrooms. Each room can fit a queen size airbed with not a lot of spare room.
If you ask me, it’s perfect for 4 people. You probably don’t want to buy the most expensive tent but cram too many people into it.
The living room is huge, roughly 13 by 11 feet. There are 2 doors and 4 PVC windows. All of them have mesh panels if you wish for more airflow. It even comes with an insulating carpet for a luxurious feel.
A porch adds another 65 sq ft of usable space. And the front entrance can transform into a generous awning.
You may need to spend a fortune and get a forklift to move this tent, but it offers the highest level of comfort and protection.
Pros:
- It’s huge
- Outstanding insulation, floor included
- Peak height 84”
- It comes with a porch area plus an awning
- Weatherproof in all conditions
- Strong construction
- Breathable materials
- 3 doors
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Very heavy (202 lb)
Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent
Best for: Families or groups of 4-6 who want large, but affordable tent; $
If you want a reliable, large tent, without breaking the bank, the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon is a great choice. It’s an extremely popular tent, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a lot for an affordable price.
Speaking of the size, it’s a huge tent. The 17 ft by 10 ft floor plan provides a great sense of space. You can easily fit 3 queen airbeds, one in each room.
Still, if you want more comfort, it’s a good idea to sleep 3 + 3 people in two side rooms and use the middle room for daily activities or as a storage room.
Two room dividers are removable, so you can choose the number of rooms and adjust them to your needs. While 3 rooms provide privacy, there’s only one entrance. It is a bit inconvenient if you use all three rooms for sleeping.
The peak ceiling height of 6 ft provides enough headroom in the central area. However, because of the dome shape, side areas are much lower.
Mesh doors, windows, and vents provide great airflow. They are adjustable to allow more or less air in.
So, you’ve got space, but what about weather protection? I’d say it’s decent, but don’t push it. It’s a 3-season tent, but lots of space and openings won’t allow you to keep the warmth in colder weather.
There’s a rainfly, but it doesn’t fully cover the tent. Overall, the tent will handle some light rain. However, it won’t hold for too long and the seams are susceptible to leaking in heavy rain.
So, avoid colder and wetter weather, and maybe use seam sealants and waterproof spray to prevent leaks.
Pros:
- Roomy – whopping 170 sq ft
- Great value for money
- Excellent ventilation
- 2 room dividers for privacy
- Bathtub floor
- Lightweight considering the size (21.5 lb)
Cons:
- One door for a 3-room tent
- Seams may leak in heavy rain – use seam sealer and waterproof spray
Eurohike Sendero 8 XL
Best for: Groups of 4-6 people with lots of gear who want separate bedroom and living room;$$$
Separate sleeping and living quarters can make your camping experience more enjoyable. The Eurohike Sendero 8 XL was designed to provide that extra comfort and space.
This is a tunnel-type tent, but it is quite similar to the Coleman Ridgeline Plus 6 Tent in design. It has a spacious major chamber with two bedrooms on the opposite ends of the tent.
It’s a large tent, measuring 8.5 by 23 ft. Still, the configuration provides comfort for no more than 6 people. Here’s the math.
Bedroom(s) dimensions are 82 by 94 inches. A queen airbed will easily fit in, with some spare room. It’s very roomy for 4 campers and decent for 6 campers. So, forget about the declared 8 person capacity if you want to have a separate living/storage area.
I like the design because it provides great versatility. The structure is pretty much enclosed with no windows in sleeping areas. Therefore, they are pretty dark and great for sleeping in.
The central room has a door and two PVC windows to get some daylight and fresh air. Still, considering the lack of windows in sleeping rooms, the ventilation is mediocre at best.
There’s a small air vent in each bedroom, but they won’t help a lot on very hot days.
That being said, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the lack of openings becomes an advantage.
The waterproof rating of 2000 mm is good enough to handle some heavy rain. Many users have reported coming through torrential downpours without a single drop of water getting inside the tent.
Sewn-in groundsheet also helps to keep water and creepy-crawlies away from the tent
Pros:
- Lots of space (195 sq ft)
- Roomy and tall living area ( 8 by 8.5 ft, peak height 78 in)
- Fire-retardant fabric
- Excellent weather protection
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- Power cord port
Cons:
- Not the best ventilation
- No mesh panels on windows
Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Cabin with Private Room
Best for: Families with kids or groups of up to 6 who want an easy and quick setup;$
You love camping, but you cringe when pitching a tent? This unique tent will put a smile on your face as it can be erected in just a couple of minutes. Steel poles are pre-attached to the tent and the process is very simple and easy.
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Cabin has an interesting design. From the front side, it looks like any given cabin tent. But, on the rear side, there’s a private room extension to give it a unique appearance.
The tent is spacious measuring 14 by 8 feet, plus 8 by 6 ft private room. The main room is tall and large. But the private room is lower and it’s pretty much for sleeping purposes, only.
While adults have different opinions on the private room, kids just love it. It’s like a cave inside of the tent, or a tent within a tent.
A room divider can split the main room in two, with each room having a separate entryway. And there’s a nice awning in front of the doors.
So, what’s the downside? Well, strong winds and rain are no friends of this model. Yes, it comes with a rainfly but it doesn’t cover the whole tent. Several users have experienced leaking through the zippers.
The height and cabin-style design aren’t favorable for windy conditions, either. Tall and nearly vertical walls catch on the wind more, putting more stress on the frame of the tent. However, it will withstand some wind as long as you roll up the awning to avoid the flying-kite effect.
Having said that, the tent was designed with summertime in mind. So, use it accordingly and it will serve you well.
Pros:
- Quick setup in only a couple of minutes
- Spacious interior with near-vertical walls
- Ample headroom. Peak height 76 in
- Two doors
- Comes with an awning
- E-port
Cons:
- Not the best in windy or rainy conditions
Ozark Trail 12 Person 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: Campers who want extra large tent for warm or hot weather; $$
If you want a huge tent to accommodate your camping crew, the Ozark Trail 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent might be your best bet. It provides exceptional comfort and shelter in dry and hot weather.
For starters, you may struggle to find fitting space to pitch this giant tent. But, once you find your location, the fun begins. It takes 2 people and 2 to 3 minutes to set it up!
It’s a free-standing structure, but if you expect any wind, it’s better to stake it down.
The tent has 3 rooms and 2 doors. Each room measures 8 by 8 ft. So, you can fit a queen air mattress in each room providing excellent comfort for 6+ people.
Note that the middle room is without its own external door. If you use it as a sleeping room, night bathroom breaks can be awkward. You’ll need to step over each other, to get out of the tent.
Rooms are organized in an L shape, providing privacy and a perfect porch area for lazy afternoons or evenings.
The awning is one of my favorite features of this tent. 3 rooms and the 8 by 8 ft awning create a perfect square totaling 16 by 16 ft.
The roof is all-mesh with 7 large windows and 2 doors, so you’ll get great ventilation. All doors and windows come with mesh panels and covers for privacy.
If it gets hotter, two ground vents provide additional airflow. And if it’s still hot, those vents can fit Window AC units to cool you down.
There’s also a rainfly to protect the tent if it rains. However, a 600 mm waterproof rating is quite low and it will start leaking in heavy rain. Also, with so much mesh and openings, there’s no way to keep the warmth inside the tent, in colder weather.
Pros:
- Easy and super-quick setup
- Spacious awning
- Mesh ceiling and no less than 7 double-layered windows
- 2 Large floor vents double as AC ports
- Ample headroom (peak height 82”)
- E-port
- Bathtub floor
Cons:
- It’s heavy (61 lb)
- Not the best for colder or rainy weather
Bushnell Shield Series 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: Summer campers looking for a large tent and a hassle-free setup;$$$
You’re getting grumpy when pitching a tent only to see it bulging or collapsing once again? You’re not alone. But the Bushnell Shield Series 12 Instant Cabin Tent will save you the trouble.
Yes, this tent is huge, but 2 people can set it up in 2 minutes!
With 198 sq ft, this tent offers so much space and versatility. Okay, I wouldn’t put 12 people inside it, although it’s possible. If you want to have some comfort, aim for 6 to 8 people.
The tent comes with 2 removable room dividers. So, it’s up to you to choose between 1,2, or 3 rooms for comfort and privacy. Cabin-style design with a 6 foot 8 inches ceiling height gives you ample space and a home-like feel.
The rainfly will not only protect you from rain but from the sun as well. It has a reflective coating to block UV rays. It makes the inside of the tent darker and cooler.
Speaking of rain, this tent is water-resistant and will handle light rain. Still, it is designed with warmer weather in mind, so it won’t withstand persistent or heavy rain.
The cabin design is not very wind-resistant, and the size of this tent doesn’t help either. However, steel pole construction is pretty sturdy. With plenty of stakes and guylines, this tent can handle some moderate winds.
Steel poles are strong but heavy. Hence the total weight of 59 pounds. It’s a good idea to look for camping sites with easy car access.
Pros:
- Very, very large (195 sq ft)
- Super-quick setup and takedown
- Exceptional ventilation
- Tall ceiling (center height 80 inches)
- 2 AC ports
- Cable access point
- Abundance of storage pockets
- UV protection
Cons:
- Thin floor
- Only one door
Tahoe Gear Ozark 16 Person Cabin Tent
Best for: Tall people and large groups of 6-8 people;$$
If you’re tall and have a big family or a big crew, the Tahoe Gear Ozark tent can accommodate all of you. Moreover, it will be comfortable.
Okay, 16-person capacity is not realistic, unless you sleep next to each other in sleeping bags. But, it’s a comfortable and livable tent for 8 people.
It is more than 16 feet long and around 15 feet wide. A peculiar 10-sided shape makes it look great, but calculating the area is a mission impossible.
There’s an unremovable inner wall that separates the front room from the back room of the same size. The backroom can be additionally divided into two bedrooms, so you get 3 rooms overall.
6 people can sleep comfortably in two bedrooms. And then, you’d have a huge, roughly a 100 sq ft, living area.
If you look up, it will appear even more spacious. The peak height of 7 feet provides more than enough headspace even for the tall ones. It’s one of the tallest cabin-style tents out there.
The roof is all-mesh. If you like to enjoy the scenery, 3 large windows provide an amazing and wide view.
With so much space and so many large openings, you’ll never worry about stale air or condensation. In case of rain, there are two additional ground vents to provide airflow.
This tent is probably too large and open for colder weather. But the rainfly and 1200 mm waterproof rating provide decent protection against light summer rain.
Pros:
- Very tall ( peak height 7 ft)
- Huge living area
- Great airflow
- Very large windows for excellent view
- E-port
Cons:
- No storage pockets on the walls
How to Choose the Best 3-Room Tent – Buyer’s Guide
Most campers have two things in mind when buying a 3-room tent. Firstly, the idea is to provide enough space for all group members and their stuff. Secondly, separated rooms provide privacy.
However, 3-room tents come with a couple of more benefits to improve your camping experience:
- Enhanced comfort – more space equals more comfort
- Flexibility – bedroom, living room, storage room, removing one or both room dividers – there are many options at your disposal to customize the tent to match your needs
- Better organization – 3 rooms are helpful to avoid mess and have your stuff organized
We have compiled a list of important features to help your quest to find the best 3-room tent.
Size & Capacity
Obviously, you’re looking for a larger tent, but how large should it be? It depends on your group size and your camping preferences.
Typically, you should upsize the tent by 2+ persons to get some comfort. It is a little bit different with 3-room tents, though.
Since there are 3 rooms, you need to check out the dimensions of each room. Queen size airbeds usually measure 80 by 60 inches, so you should be able to fit one in each room.
If one room is smaller, you can use it as a storage room, or a living area.
Also, as a rule of thumb, each camper needs at least 20 sq ft of space inside the tent. If you plan longer trips or have more stuff and gear, make it 30 sq ft or even more.
Some 3-room tents are designed to have a living or storage area that is unsuitable for sleeping. In that case, you should focus on the sleeping area to decide the size and capacity that fit your needs.
We have covered a wide variety of sizes in our reviews to cover as many of your needs as possible.
Weight
You’re not going to use 3-room tents on your backpacking trips. They are large, bulky, and heavy. For family and car camping trips, weight is not a crucial aspect.
Still, 3-room tents’ weight varies widely. Some lighter models weigh around 25 – 30 pounds. The Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon is among the lightest ones with 21.5 pounds.
On the other hand, some models reach around 60 lbs, like the Ozark Trail 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent. That’s pretty heavy regardless of the distance you need to cover while carrying it.
If the tent is on a heavier side, you should check out if it comes with a wheeled carry bag. It’s a little detail, but it’s quite convenient.
Choosing campsites with car access is another way to get around the weight issues.
Shape
3-room tents come in a variety of shapes and designs. Each type has some upsides and downsides, so let’s check it out.
3-Room Dome Tents
Dome tents are typically small and lightweight. However, 3-room design requires space, so most of these are extended domes (check out the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon) or sort of hybrids between dome and tunnel shape (Coleman Ridgeline Plus 6 Tent).
These modifications improve the stability of dome tents in windy conditions.
So, if you like this style, you’ll get a taller main room in the middle, and two lower sleeping areas at the sides of the tent. You won’t be able to stand up in the sleeping quarters, but you’ll have a nice living room area to stand or walk around freely.
3-Room Cabin Tents
It’s the most popular style for family and car camping trips. These tents resemble houses and provide more space due to vertical walls and usually generous height.
If this is your favorite type, they are best suited for summer camping. Apart from ample space, these tents usually have large windows, plenty of mesh panels, and excellent airflow. However, those features become a liability in colder conditions.
3-Room Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tents usually are usually more spacious and livable than dome tents. They can compete with cabin tents when it comes to space. But, typically they lag behind cabin tents regarding the number of mesh panels and ventilation.
That being said, they can handle wind better than dome and cabin tents.
So, if you want more stability and protection without downsizing the volume and height, a 3-room tunnel tent is a great choice.
Height
Want to stand up while changing clothes or setting the table in a living area? Check out the height of the tent. A high ceiling will make a small room look bigger. More importantly, it will allow you to move freely inside the tent.
Most manufacturers provide peak height information. To make sure it will fit, pay attention to a tent type.
Cabin and tunnel tents come with nearly vertical walls and their roof slopes gently. Therefore, you’ll get more usable space.
Dome-style tents have more of a slope. So, you’ll either be able to stand up only in the middle of the tent, or you should look for a much higher center point of the roof.
Setup
Are you patient and careful when pitching a tent? Well, you should be.
But, there’s a solution for impatient ones. Some of these huge 3-room tents come with an instant setup system. So, you can set it up in 2, 3 minutes!
“Regular” 3-room tents typically require around 20 minutes to set them up.
Weather Protection
“Is it waterproof?” It‘s the first question you should check when looking for a tent. While most manufacturers claim their tents are waterproof, don’t take it for granted.
The best place to start is by checking the Hydrostatic Head value or waterproof rating. The number in mm designates the height of the water column that the fabric can hold before it starts leaking.
Most 3-room tents fall in the range between 1000 and 5000mm. So, 1000mm HH means that your tent can hold a column of water 1 meter high. In the real world, it translates to handling light rain.
Generally, the higher the number, the better.
Don’t get complacent if you see a high waterproof rating, though. Regardless of the fabric properties, water can seep in through the seams or through the floor.
Therefore, check out if the seams are sealed. If not, the tent will leak like a sieve. Look for words “taped”, “welded” or “inverted”. These are just different techniques to seal seams.
Finally, check the groundsheet material and properties. The floor needs to be stronger and thicker. It has direct contact with the ground which can result in abrasion and quicker wear and tear.
A bathtub floor design is also helpful to keep the water away from the tent.
Ventilation
If you’re sharing your tent with a group of people, you’ll need decent ventilation. Poor airflow leads to condensation, so your stuff can end up wet in a super-waterproof tent.
Most 3-room cabin-style tents have great ventilation like the Bushnell Shield Series 12 Instant Cabin Tent.
3-room dome tents are more enclosed with fewer windows, so make sure to look for ones with ground vents and more mesh panels.
Material Quality
At the end of the day, it all comes down to material quality. Tent fabric determines how strong and weather-resistant your tent will be. Pole materials are responsible for the stability and durability of the structure.
Tents are typically made of nylon, polyester, or canvas. Speaking of 3-room tents, a vast majority of them are made of polyester.
Polyester is lightweight, inexpensive, relatively strong, and dries fast. Since 3-room tents are pretty large, it is an obvious choice.
Nylon is even lighter, but stronger than polyester. Still, it’s more expensive and degrades faster when exposed to UV rays.
Canvas is breathable and sturdy. On the other hand, it’s very heavy, bulky, and expensive, so you’ll rarely come across 3-room canvas tents.
As for poles, they are usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, or steel. Some modern materials such as carbon fiber are more used lately as they provide better strength to weight ratio. Nevertheless, they are still pretty expensive, read: rare.
Aluminum poles are great being flexible, light, and strong. But, they are not the best for large 3-room structures. Simply, the weight of the tent combined with the power of wind can easily bend long and flexible aluminum poles.
Fiberglass poles are the most common kind in 3-room camping tents. They are affordable and won’t corrode. On the downside, they aren’t very durable, especially in cold temperatures. Still, they are a good compromise between price and performance for summer 3-room tents.
Some larger models like the Crua Loj tent use steel poles for stronger support or a combination of steel and fiberglass poles.
Instant 3-room tents have pre-attached telescopic poles usually made of fiberglass or steel.
Final Verdict
To sum it up, our top pick is CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent. Of course, it is not necessarily a silver bullet for all campers. Still, it offers luxury camping for a reasonable price.
Setup is a breeze, breakdown is as easy as it gets. Steel poles provide strength and durability. An adjustable vent system allows you to choose the level of airflow. And it’s really large, so all the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Hopefully, we’ve helped you to choose the best 3-room tent to suit your needs. Good luck!
