After 10+ hours of research, we have found the REI Grand Hut 4 to be the best tent for tall people.
If you’re tall, then choosing the right tent is crucial to how much you enjoy your camping trip. A tall tent can help with:
- Sitting upright without bumping your head into the tent ceiling
- Better sleep because your feet and head won’t be pressed up against the walls
- Increased comfort overall
But when you start looking for your new tent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options available.
We want to simplify this process and help you make an informed buying decision. So we conducted 10+ hours of research to narrow down the list.
We included something for every type of camper — backpacker vs. car camper; solo vs. large groups
With that said, here are our recommendations for the best tents for tall people:
Best overall: REI Grand Hut 4
Best tall tents for 1-2 people (backpacking tents):
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 — effectively balances comfort with weight
- Eureka Timberline 2 — basic but long-lasting
- Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack — huge vestibule for storing large loads
- Marmot Limelight 2P— vertical walls give a more comfortable feel
- Durston X Mid 2P— premium, ultralight, and quite spacious
- Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent — most roomy for an extremely affordable price
Best tall tents for 2-4 people:
- REI Grand Hut 4 — the height of a car camping tent without the overabundant floor area
- Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room — large screen room for relaxing
- CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent — instant setup model for mild weather camping
Best tall tents for 4-8 people:
- Coleman Tent Octagon with Panoramic View — rugged tent for bad weather
- Ozark 10 Person 2-Room Cabin Tent — extremely spacious model for mild weather
- Wenzel Kodiak 9 Person Tent — maximum amount of space, surprisingly inexpensive, complete package
To help you choose the best tall tent, we’ve created this buyer’s guide, which also explains how we selected the models on this list.
REI Grand Hut 4
Best for: tall campers who want the standing room of a car camping tent but don’t need the excessive floor space; $$$
Maybe you’re impressed by the vertical heights offered by car camping tents, but you already know that you don’t need over 100 sq feet of floor space. Look no further than the REI Grand Hut 4.
This tent is the best tradeoff between vertical height and floor space. At 12lbs, this is clearly not a backpacking tent. Yet, it’s still light enough that you can squish it into a pack if you don’t mind the extra weight.
The 59’ sq foot floor space is more than enough to be comfortable while not taking up the huge footprint that a regular 10-person car camping tent would. Plus, at just over 6’, the Grand Hut’s near vertical walls maximize your headroom no matter where you stand.
But like most tents with mostly vertical construction, the Grand Hut isn’t the best in the wind. Consider a different model if you’re looking for maximum weather protection.
Overall, solid construction and a great choice for a smaller, yet still tall tent.
Pros:
- Higher than usual fabric walls provide a bit of extra insulation on cold nights
- Great insulation on both hot and cool days
- Built with durable materials: high-denier, coated polyester and sturdy aluminum poles result in long-lasting durability and rain protection
- Full rainfly keeps you dry even in a downpour; most cabin-style tents only have partial flys
- 6’ standing height
- 2 vestibules are great for storing packs, muddy shoes, and more
Cons:
- Reported poor performance in high wind; the sides bow strongly against wind pressure
- Hub system pole set up may take some getting used to, especially for beginners; relatively easy setup after that
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Best for: backpackers that want the lightest possible weight but don’t want to sacrifice too much tent living space; $$$
Are you a tall hiker thinking of embarking on a long distance backpacking trip? The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a great option for an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Ultralight tents usually sacrifice durability and livability to shed weight. In contrast, the Copper Spur manages to pack in features that make this tent a pleasure to live in for long periods of time.
For a lightweight tent, it’s great for tall people. With a peak height of 40”, it’s certainly not the roomiest on our list. But considering that’s a height of just over 3 feet, you still can sit upright unless you’re really over 6 feet.
Plus, the asymmetrical shape of the Copper Spur results in a wider, roomier bottom area to spread out if the rest of the tent feels too cramped.
The light weight is achieved with extremely thin fabric. While Big Agnes uses certain technologies and weaves to make the tent as durable as possible, there’s no denying that the fabric is still more delicate than a thick polyester. I’ve gotten my hands on one of these tents and could instantly feel the difference between fabrics.
That said, there are almost no user complaints of poor durability or tearing in the field. It seems to be agreed that as long as you handle the Copper Spur with a bit of extra care, it should last just fine.
Pros:
- 3lbs with an 88inch floor; strikes an exceptional balance between weight and comfort
- Easy setup and freestanding construction allows for setup on soft or hard terrain
- 2 “3D” mesh bin pockets for storing larger items; people have said they’re big enough to hold an entire puff jacket
- Large vent and double wall construction helps prevent condensation
- 2 vestibules to relax in or store your gear
Cons:
- Ultralight fabric can be durable and keep you dry, but it should be handled with care to avoid rips
- High price can be a deterrent for some, so consider looking elsewhere if you only go camping once or twice a year; price may not be a worthwhile investment
- Lots of specific features at a premium price, so it might not be the best choice for your first tent; may be overbuilt and overpriced by a beginner
Eureka Timberline 2
Best for: campers looking for a no-frills, comfortable solution; $$
The Eureka Timberline 2 is a basic tent for anyone looking for a tent that can accommodate their height but that’s still light enough to pack into the woods.
Weighing 7lbs, this isn’t an extremely light tent. But it’s reasonable for the 42” peak height, which allows you to sit up comfortably inside. The 88” floor means you can lie down without bumping into the tent walls.
Note that this tent has been updated with its newer version, the Eureka SQ 4XT. Although this tent is about 1 inch bigger and covered with a lot more mesh, the Timberline 2 is still a solid option.
With the classic A-frame shape, this tent appeals to the nostalgia factor in some older campers. More importantly, those same campers say that this is a highly durable tent, even after many years of use.
One of the first things I immediately noticed about this tent was its lack of mesh. In fact, the only mesh it has is on the door.
This itself has its own tradeoffs. The fabric construction means this will be warmer than a tent that’s made of almost all mesh. Therefore, it’s suited to a trip in late fall or a mild winter.
But on the other hand, you’ll miss out on the view of the stars at night, or just your overall surroundings during the day.
Despite the-all fabric walls, this tent still performs well in ventilation. This likely has something to do with the classic A-frame style. Hot air rises towards the top of the tent and the vents, thanks to the steep, sloping walls you’d never see in a dome tent.
Pros:
- Spacious inside as the A-frame structure isn’t sloping at the foot and head
- Waterproof bathtub floor for staying dry in the rain
- Surprisingly good ventilation
- All-fabric construction keeps you warmer during a cooler fall camping trip
- Easy setup once you get used to it
Cons:
- Steep walls don’t fare as well in strong winds
- A bit narrower/smaller than other tents in this list
- Setup might take some getting used to for those who aren’t familiar with A-frames
- Claims to be freestanding but needs 8 stakes
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack
Best for: bikers, kayakers or any campers who need room to store a lot of gear; $$
As we’ve seen so far, there are backpacking tents roomy enough to comfortably accommodate you and your gear. But what if you have a lot of stuff? Then an average backpacking tent may still prove to be too small, especially if you’re tall. Not with the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack!
The most identifiable feature to this tent is the huge vestibule. At 28 square feet, the vestibule offers an amazing amount of room.
You can use it as a cooking space, a place to stash all your extra equipment, or a place to comfortably sit out of the element. Or, why not all three at once? Yes, there really is that much space!
There’s also no shortage of space inside the tent. With a floor length of 90 inches, it’s one of the longest backpacking tents that accommodates tall people quite well. And the 42-inch peak height means you can sit up straight.
Designed to be stashed on bicycle handlebars, this tent packs down to 14 inches long. For this size and weight, it’s a pretty compact fit.
The Blacktail Hotel is equipped with two large fly vents to improve ventilation and airflow. Even with this, users report outstanding performance in a range of temperatures (less than 30 degrees to over 90) and wind conditions.
Pros:
- 90 inch floor length one of the longest in its class
- An extended vestibule large enough to store bicycles
- Mesh pocket and a large 3D mesh bin for interior storage
- Loops hung not just on the interior for storage, but also the exterior; great for hanging clothes to dry outside rather than inside with you
- Guylines come pre-attached to the fly – no more looking for them!
- Aluminum pole construction holds up well in gusty conditions
- Waterproof 1500 rating, PU coating will keep you dry
Cons:
- Might need to purchase the extended footprint (or any tarp) so you aren’t sitting in the dirt or mud
- A bit on the heavy side if you’re going to be hiking long distances with a pack
Marmot Limelight 2P
Best for: casual or weekend campers looking for a spacious tent and are willing to shoulder a slightly heavier weight; $$
At 5.10lbs, this is certainly not an ultralight tent, composed of heavier and cheaper materials. Plus, it will take up most of the space in your backpack when stuffed inside.
So the Limelight is best suited as a smaller, more versatile car camping option, or for those trips where you don’t have to hike very far to your campsite.
With a 43 inch peak height and a floor length of 88 inches, this tent’s interior is deceptively larger than the specs indicate. Part of this is due to the cross pole which expands the headroom and makes it feel more spacious. Plus, the nearly vertical walls significantly increase the living space.
Something unique about the Limelight is its inclusion of a footprint. This is great for placing beneath your tent for added protection from the rain.
Speaking of rain, this hardy tent has proven to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. A park ranger reported leaving the Limelight pitched in a canyon for 5 months with great success. It was subjected to extreme sun, rains, and winds, yet the inside remained comfortable and dry.
It even held up against post-hurricane downpours, thanks to the stake points which held it stable. This means that if you do encounter some nasty weather while camping, you don’t have to worry about the Limelight caving in on you.
Pros:
- 2 doors; one of which is a super-sized double door, making entering and exiting a breeze
- Great for tall people with 43 inch peak height and 88 inch in floor length
- Poly-blend material is puncture resistant; results in long lasting and durable tent, especially when using the floor footprint
- Easy setup, even for a first time user
- Mesh gear loft for storage
Cons:
- When fly is completely closed, the single vent isn’t the best for preventing condensation
- A bit pricey for a tent that is not extra lightweight
- Not the best quality stakes; consider picking up a heavier duty set at your local camping store
Durston X Mid 2P
Best for: experienced hikers willing to spend top dollar on an unconventional but high-performance, ultralight tent; $$$$
For those of you who have clocked many trail miles and maybe tried a few tents, the Durston X Mid 2P could be your next ultralight shelter. With a 44inch peak height and a spacious 92 inches floor length, even taller hikers have said that this tent offers an incredible amount of space.
Even while providing this kind of room, the Durston X Mid just keeps on giving. You also get 2 vestibules that are great for meal prep or gear storage. Some campers say that the vestibules are a bit narrow, so they might not be ideal for hanging out in.
Along with the vestibules, it also comes equipped with an overhead mesh pocket. The combination of both the vestibules and the overhead pocket means you have plenty of options for keeping your stuff within reach.
Because of its unconventional shape, the setup of this tent takes some getting used to. This is why it’s better for more seasoned hikers who know what they’re looking for.
You have to guess at the proper angle for the third stake point. People have reported that this gets easier with practice, but they advise a test pitch at home before your camping adventure.
One fun plus to the unique shape is that you can pitch the rainfly first, then assemble the rest of the tent. Thus, you’ll be protected under the fly’s shelter while you raise the inner. This would come in handy when you need to quickly set up in the rain!
Pros:
- Ridiculous amount of space for the mere 2.6lb weight; some claim it’s big enough for two people and a dog!
- 2 large vents for increased ventilation, which can be opened and adjusted from inside the tent
- 2 narrow but tall vestibules; great for meal prep or gear storage
- Overhead interior mesh pocket for added storage of smaller items
- Taped seams and hardy construction hold up under harsh weather
Cons:
- Not freestanding; requires stakes and soft enough ground to hammer into
- Requires hiking poles to be fully upright; not a problem for experienced hikers who use hiking poles, but beginners may not have them available
- Very high price will discourage entry-level hikers and those who don’t plan on extensive trips
Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent
Best for: individuals who want an all-around, durable tent at a surprisingly affordable price; $
If you’re on a tight budget and aren’t looking for ultimate luxury, then the Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent could be the choice for you.
Although it comes in several size options, we recommend the 3-4 person model for tall campers. Some people reported that any other size is too confining if you’re tall.
For the space it provides, this is a manageable size tent for almost any type of camping trip: backpacking, biking, kayaking, or car camping. With a 47 inch peak height and 80 inches in floor length, the Weanas offers enough room to be comfortable while still weighing a portable 5.6lbs.
Since this model is built to sleep 3-4 people, a single, tall person can comfortably lay down while still having plenty of room for gear storage.
At this price, you can of course expect a caveat. There is mixed feedback regarding this tent’s weather protection. Some users have reported remaining completely dry, while others warn of water in a downpour splashing through the mesh walls and getting the floor wet.
On the bright side, most of this can be remedied by buying a cheap tarp to place under the tent floor.
Pros:
- Fantastic compromise between living space, weight, and price
- Lightweight yet strong aluminum poles hold up in wind; great to see on such a budget-friendly model
- Users have reported great ventilation and insulation
- Easy setup
- Hardy construction results in a durable tent that can hold up during gusty weather
- Includes extra features not often seen on budget tents: vestibule, inner mesh pockets, and loops to hang gear
Cons:
- Not freestanding, meaning you have to camp on ground soft enough to hammer in the stakes
- Not the tallest backpacking tent on our list; if you want a roomier option, consider a different model
Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room
Best for: 1-4 campers looking for a roomy tent equipped with an impressive weatherproof vestibule; $$$
Why are you going camping if you spend most of your time enclosed inside a fabric house? Get even closer to nature in the screened vestibule of the Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room. Sit comfortably inside and be treated to a view unobstructed by tent walls while the mesh shields you from bugs.
The large vestibule comfortably fits a table, chairs, and cooler. Or, someone could easily sleep in it, especially since it comes with a floor. If needed, the entire screen room can be weatherproofed simply by zipping the full fly closed.
Inside the main tent, you have a 6’4 ceiling and 130 sq ft of space. That’s a lot of room to walk around in. For reference, you can comfortably fit a queen bed inside while still having a decent amount of room at the head and foot of the bed.
That said, this might not be the tent for you if you’re camping with 5 or more people. Once you throw the bed in there, space becomes limited if it’s more than just yourself moving around inside.
Pros:
- Weatherproof screen room ensures your stuff never gets wet and adds additional sleeping space
- Impressive size with standing height
- Large vestibules provide extra space
- Huge mesh areas, great ventilation
- Floor vents provide excellent ventilation when the rain fly is on
- Reported to successfully withstand storms, despite a lot of shaking
Cons:
- No place to hang a lantern
- 32lbs, decently heavy especially since it’s a smaller tent
- Needs to be staked in or else it won’t stand; pick your campsite carefully
CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Best for: groups of 2-3 or a tall car camper who wants an instant-setup tent for mild weather; $$
Are you worried that a large tent will be unwieldy to pitch? Let me put your fears to rest with the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent. The poles are already in place in the fabric, so all you do is unfold them until you hear it click. It’s kind of like an umbrella.
It’s incredibly roomy too. Although Amazon claims it can fit two queen mattresses, users say that doing so results in very little remaining floor space. Still, this gives you an idea of how much area you have.
And unless you are over 5”10’ tall, you should be able to stand up straight. But the 6’ feel ceiling means the tent isn’t for super tall people.
As a warning, this is not a 4-season tent. Notice how the rainfly only covers the top of the tent. In high winds, rain can easily be blown inside through the exposed mesh windows.
But if you’re planning mostly short excursions where the forecast has less time to get unpredictable, the CORE Instant Cabin is a great option.
If you have a lot of gear or small items you need to organize, the CORE Instant Cabin provides a large mesh gear organization system. It really is large, stretching almost across an entire wall. The pocket is subdivided into smaller sections, so you can easily see and keep track of your stuff without losing it on the floor.
Pros:
- Instant setup; one person could easily pitch it
- Huge mesh gear organization system runs across one wall
- Reasonable price for a lot of tent
- Gear loft suspended from ceiling for additional storage
- Truly free standing so it can be pitched anywhere; stake it down if expecting wind
Cons:
- No vestibule
- Would like to see a taller height than 6’
- Not a tent for bad weather
Coleman Tent Octagon with Panoramic View
Best for: 4-6 car campers who want an all-around tent that performs well in bad weather and are willing to spend more to get it; $$$$
Wow, I must say I’m blown away by this tent. You’ll get to experience the outdoors in true comfort and style without a steep price tag.
Let’s talk about how spacious and versatile this tent is. The entire floor area is 13 ft x 13 ft with near vertical walls and a room divider. Here are a few inspirations on how you can use all this room:
- 2 adults: most luxurious option with separate bedroom and living room. You can have tables, chairs, and even cooking supplies in the living room. In the bedroom, you can easily fit a tall airbed, complete with night stands
- 4 adults: use the curtain to create 2 bedrooms, each with 1 queen-size airbed and plenty of storage space
- 8 adults: Lay down 8 sleeping pads side-by-side in 2 rows; will average to 3ft of width per person, which is very generous among tents
Oh and did I mention the 7 feet tall ceiling? You can walk around and dress up just like you would at home.
You can take off the rain cover to transform your tent into a screen room in seconds. Then simply relax and take in the scenery all around you without any annoying bugs.
Also, no need to worry about bad weather. The Coleman Octagon has stood up to heavy rain and winds, thanks to its 2000mm waterproof rating and steel poles.
The Coleman Octagon ain’t cheap, but it’s more affordable than 99% of glamping tents ($500+). Sure, it’s not a bell-shaped canvas tent, but it does the job very well. If you want a more affordable option, check out the Coleman Octagon 98.
Pros:
- Ability to make it into two rooms with included divider
- High waterproof rating of 2000 proves itself in torrential downpours; people say that not a drop of water gets in
- Insanely tall 7’ ceiling height
- 360 panoramic views with the rainfly off
- The mesh construction results in superb ventilation
- Easy setup process with color-coded poles
- Sturdy in winds with steel poles and 8 guylines
- Hinged door that swings open for easy entry and exit
- Easy to transport – storage bag comes with wheel
Cons:
- Heavy at 49lbs; this is a lot of weight even by car camping standards, and could be annoying to lug around
- Can’t open or close vents from inside the tent; you may get wet when you have to run around outside to close them in a downpour!
Ozark 10 Person 2-Room Cabin Tent
Best for: groups of 4-8 looking for an enormous amount of room in a mild-weather tent; $$
This tent is huge! The height is just over 7 feet, and its practically vertical walls mean that you can stand anywhere inside and still not touch the ceiling. With 140 square feet, you can comfortably fit 2 queen size beds with room to spare.
At 28lbs, this is definitely not a tent for hike-in campsites. However, it’s still surprisingly light for a tent of this capacity.
Groups will find a lot of benefit from the Ozark Cabin. With the included divider, you can create a second room to divide up the interior space between campers. This is also great for a bit of extra privacy, or when you need to take a break from your pals.
The vertical walls result in a boxy-shape. Be aware that it won’t do well in high winds, so you may need to look elsewhere if you’ll be camping in bad weather or windy conditions.
The Ozark Cabin isn’t the best for extreme conditions. Though if you do decide to take it for cold weather camping, people have actually said that the tent does a good job of keeping you warm if you bring a heater.
Pros:
- Ridiculously spacious; standing height is over 7 feet
- Comes with a fabric room divider that you can use to create a separate living area; great for multi-person camping
- 6 mesh windows have panels that can be zipped shut; great weather protection for when rain gets blown at the tent walls
- Mesh roof for stargazing and extra breathability
- Budget-friendly price for the amount of living space
Cons:
- Although freestanding, choose your campsite carefully; if wind blows in, you’ll definitely need the ability to stake this tent down
- Boxy shape might not fare well in high wind
- Mostly a summer tent; the mesh roof won’t keep you very warm when it gets cold
Wenzel Kodiak 9 Person Tent
Best for: groups of 4-8 seeking the complete package: the ultimate amount of living space, attractive “home” look, and a minimal cost; $$
If the ultimate in living space is what you’re after, then the Wenzel Kodiak 9 Person Tent is your new outdoor home away from home. It even looks like a home, featuring stylish colors and window accents!
This is easily the largest tent on our list. It makes the most sense when camping with a larger group and will likely be impractical if you’re going alone.
The 7’2 height makes this tent perfect for tall people to easily maneuver while standing upright. With 162’ sq ft, users have said they can fit three queen beds (yes, three!) inside, but it admittedly gets a bit tight. Two queen beds will still allow for more than enough walking room.
It provides two 2’ deep mesh cabinets in the back for storing small items like boots if needed. These cabinets are optional, and only function if staked out. Some people don’t bother staking them thanks to the ample room inside. If you do choose to utilize the cabinets, they make excellent floor vents.
At 31 pounds, it’s a heavy tent, but perfect for car camping, glamping, or anything that doesn’t require hiking in.
Pros:
- Largest space for the ultimate home away from home experience: 7’2 height and 162 sq ft floor
- Mesh ceiling provides great ventilation and views
- 2 rooms
- Holds up in weather; remained dry through hours of thunderstorms
- Easy setup for such a large tent; two people can manage it
- 4 large zippable windows
- Affordable for the enormous space
- Attractive exterior look
Cons:
- The mesh roof means this tent isn’t the best for winter or cold camping
- You can’t remove the room divider; sewn-in
- Heavy at 31lbs
How to Choose the Best Tent for Tall People
If you’re a camper who is 6’ or taller, you’ve probably tried fitting into an undersized tent, which can be an annoying and even discouraging experience.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you pick a new tent that will be a perfect fit for your height.
Features to Look For
Before we get into the details of selecting your tent, think about the type of camping trips you plan to take. Your trips will strongly influence how heavy of a tent you’re willing to carry.
With that in mind, let’s look at some categories to consider when shopping for a taller, more spacious tent:
- Size
- Weight
- Shape
- Materials
- Weather Protection
- Ventilation
- Unique Features
Size
If you’re a tall person shopping for tents, it’s important to think about both the length and height of a tent.
Capacity
Tent capacity is measured in a range from 1-person to more than 16-person for some of the larger canvas tents.
To give you an idea of what this looks like, one regular sleeping pad measures about 25 inches wide. It will take up half of the floor in a 2-person tent.
This still leaves you with the other half of the floor space to store your gear, which could be quite comfortable, as is the case with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2P.
Keep in mind that tent manufacturers often assume a tight fit when determining their product’s capacity, so a 1-person tent might not be ideal for someone who is very tall. Instead, consider sizing up your tent capacity by 1 – 2 people.
Peak Height
The peak height is the measurement from the ground to the highest point in the tent, which is usually the center.
Be aware that for lightweight backpacking tents, finding peak heights over 50 inches is extremely rare. Most of the tents I found online were around 40-47 inches. This can still be decently comfortable if you’re a tall backpacker willing to compromise a bit on height in order to save on weight.
But if you’re not looking to shed ounces, a car camping tent could be a great choice. With peak heights of 66 – 84 inches (that’s 5.5’-7’), car camping tents are great for taller people, providing space unheard of in smaller backpacking tents.
At a roomy 72 inches, the CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent is a great example of the height you can expect from most car camping tents.
Floor Size:
If you’re backpacking, then a tent floor length of 90 inches is around the top end of what you’ll find.
But 90 inches is the low-end of floor space offered by car camping tents. Since these tents are designed to house large groups of people, you could see floor lengths from 7’ to beyond 14’ for some especially large models.
Weight
If your primary use for your tent will be car camping, then weight won’t be a deciding factor. Car camping or canvas tents provide the ultimate in comfort and living space. Unfortunately, they can weigh 15lbs and up to 50lbs or more, as is the case with the Coleman Tent Octagon.
If you’re looking to minimize your pack weight, you’ll want a tent like the Durston X Mid 2P that is incredibly light yet spacious. This tent weighs 1.31lbs and offers a comfortable 44” peak height.
Shape
As you’ve probably noticed, tents come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each of which have their unique pros and cons for tall campers.
Dome Tents
Dome tents are easily among the most popular tent shapes. However, due to their lower center heights and sloping walls, they might not be the best fit for taller people.
Despite this, if you’re looking for something that’s often lightweight, modestly priced, and easily set up, dome tents can still be a solid choice.
Cabin Tents
For a tent that is a universal and generally all-around safe bet for a taller person, a cabin tent could be your solution.
Offering walls that are essentially vertical, cabin tents are very similar to a regular house structure. In other words, anywhere you stand in the tent will be of a similar vertical height. Therefore, it won’t feel cramped no matter where you sit.
Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tents also offer a lot of space and head room. They can be thought of as an interesting mix between dome and cabin tents. They provide the comfortable living space of a cabin tent, while retaining the dome-ish shape of dome tents.
They tend to be very heavy though, and could pool water at the tops, since it’s more flat than a regular tent.
Materials
The materials your tent is constructed of will play a huge role in its durability, weight, and longevity. There are many parts to consider, but the main two are the tent fabric and the tent poles.
For your tent fabric, look for nylon, a wildly popular material for several reasons: it’s extremely lightweight and can be packed down into compact balls. It’s also stronger than its counterpart, polyester. These perks come at a price, but they’re worth it.
Canvas is also a solid but expensive option for a car camping tent since it’s made of cotton, which is highly breathable and naturally waterproof. For a hybrid, polycotton offers the best of both worlds, providing the breathability of cotton but the mildew resistance of polyester.
For your tent poles, aluminum is your best bet for an all-around compromise between weight, strength, and cost. It’s highly flexible too, which means there’s minimal risk of shattering or snapping.
Carbon fiber is also a pole material worth mentioning, especially since it’s the lightest material on the market. If you’re trying to shed ounces and are willing to pay top dollar to do it, then carbon fiber could be the way to go.
Fiberglass poles are cheaper than the above materials, and there’s a reason: they are less durable. Users have reported that they tend to snap in strong winds or extremely cold weather.
While this could be a dealbreaker if you’re planning on expeditions in extreme temperatures, fiberglass poles are a great compromise between performance and price. It is the most common material for car camping tents.
Weather Protection
When searching for a tent that will keep you dry, first check the tent’s Hydrostatic Head rating. This is a number starting at 1,000mm and going onward from there, although the range typically caps out at 5,000mm. The higher the number, the more resistant the tent is to water.
But even if you select a tent with the highest HH rating, your tent could still leak if you don’t pay attention to other areas that are crucial to a dry tent.
Instead, choose a tent with a mid-level HH rating that has been coated with either silicone or PU (Polyurethane). You’re unlikely to notice huge gaps in their performances unless they’re both left in a downpour. In spite of this, silicone is thought to be the superior coating for its durability and strength-giving properties.
The way a tent’s seams are treated is also critical to weather protection. Seams are where the pieces of fabric meet, which are weak points for allowing water to leak into your tent. Look for a tent with taped, inverted, or welded seams.
Lastly, a bathtub floor is the best choice of floor for staying dry in the rain. This is because the tarp-like floor extends up the sides of your tent by several inches; hence the name. Thus, the vulnerable seams aren’t close to the ground where rainwater could be pooling, but are instead elevated more safely up the tent walls.
Ventilation
Unless you’re choosing a canvas tent (which is breathable by nature), then you may encounter ventilation issues with a synthetic backpacking tent.
Luckily, most of these tents are equipped with multiple mesh panels. Some models feature walls that are almost entirely mesh.
You may encounter single and double walled tent construction while shopping. I would suggest double-walled tents for their breathability. The first wall is mesh, and the rainfly (a protective sheet that covers your tent) is a separate piece.
You can leave the fly off unless it’s raining, increasing your ventilation inside the tent. Even with the fly on, I’ve usually found that there’s enough room in between the mesh wall and the fly to provide enough airflow so that I don’t feel overly stuffy.
Extra Features
As if there weren’t already enough to consider, some tents offer extra, optional perks.
Some tents feature mesh pockets for storage of frequently used items, or gear loops to attach small sacks of personal necessities.
Maybe the tent you chose accommodates your height, but your budget prevented you from upgrading a size. Thus, you may need extra room to store your pack. A vestibule is a great solution for this — it’s essentially an awning that keeps your gear tucked safely away while not encroaching on your living space.
Vestibules are sometimes confused with screen rooms. Unlike vestibules, screen rooms are fully enclosed in mesh, hence their name. They also tend to be a lot larger than vestibules and are often equipped with car camping tents.
A screen room will provide you a great space with maximum breathability while still shielding you from the bugs. Screen rooms also include a floor, an additional protection against bugs on the ground.
Final Verdict
I hope that this article has helped inform your decision of which tent is best for tall people. To conclude, we found that the REI Grand Hut 4 offers the best overall value in a tall tent.
The cabin shape gives you the same amount of room you’d see in a much larger, heavier car camping tent.
You also have more than enough room to spread out without having to deal with (or carry!) over a hundred sq ft of unnecessary floor.
The Grand Hut weighs somewhere between a lightweight backpacking tent and a car camping tent. This means you could reasonably use it for car camping OR hiking. Thus, its versatility is one of the biggest selling points for us.
Although it’s a bit pricey, we feel it’s a worthwhile investment considering the quality construction, materials, and space you’re getting.
