When camping, you need to find the right tent for your needs. The best tunnel tent offers excellent sleeping areas without a massive footprint. Whether you’re camping solo or with family, a tunnel tent can accommodate everyone without weighing you down. But, tunnel tents are not suitable for all situations, so it’s crucial to look at the top models and see which one works best for you.
So, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tunnel tents. Let’s dive in and see how well they can work for your next camping trip.Â
The best tunnel tents are:
- NTK Arizona GT 10 Person Tent – Best Overall
- Hilleberg Nallo GT 2 Tent – Best Premium Tent
- Ayamaya 3-4 Person Motorcycle Tent – Best Budget Pick
- CAMPROS 8 Person Tunnel Tent
- Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Tunnel Tent
- Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Tent
- Naturehike Opalus 3 Person Tent
- Hikergarden 6/10 Person Tunnel Tent
- Coleman Oak Canyon 4 Person Blackout Tent
- Vango Venture 450 Tunnel Tent
Our Roundup of the Best Tunnel Tent Models
If you haven’t shopped for a tunnel tent before, you may not know what to look for or which features are the most important. So, here’s a rundown of each of the 10 models for your convenience, ranked from best to worst.
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Best Overall  | Best Premium Tent  | Best Budget Pick  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th |
| Rating /5 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 9 or 10 ppl | 3 ppl | 3 ppl | 8 to 10 ppl | 3 ppl | 5 ppl | 2 to 4 ppl | 6 to 10 ppl | 4 ppl | 4 ppl |
| Family-Friendliness | 4.9/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Wind Resistance and Waterproofing | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Ventilation | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Ease of Setup | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 | 4/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Review | This extra-spacious tent has more than enough room for everyone and their gear, and it can hold up to most weather events like a champ. | This is the best tunnel tent for backpacking, but it's pretty expensive. You get what you pay for, but it's not meant for casual camping. | A lightweight and easy-to-use tent that holds up surprisingly well for its price point. But, it's not as durable as other tunnel tent models. | A large and accommodating tent that has a few design flaws, but works well as a general camping tent. | A compact and affordable tent that works well for one or two travelers. But, it doesn't hold up to the weather as well as other models. | A bit too expensive for what you get, but a spacious tent that can accommodate most family members easily. | This tent is too heavy to work for backpacking, and it's a bit too cramped for families. But, it holds up well in most weather. | Although this tent is spacious, it can leak easily and doesn't hold up to strong weather well. | This tent has blackout rooms, but they can make it hot during the day, and they don't work very well to block sunlight. | This tent is pretty flimsy and can leak easily. It only works for a couple of people in fair weather conditions. |
NTK Arizona GT 10 Person Tent
Pros
- Tall interior so you can stand up inside
- Extra-large tent sleeps up to 10 people
- Double-layer rainfly helps prevent leaks
- Nano-flex fiberglass rods can absorb pressure easily
- Heavy-duty polyester flooring
Cons
- Holes can sometimes develop along the seams
- The window flaps don’t open from the inside
One issue you’ll notice about most tunnel tents is that they’re often too short to stand up inside. So, even though you might have enough room for your sleeping bag and other gear, you may feel a bit cramped and crowded when trying to do anything in your tent.
Fortunately, that’s not a problem with the NTK Arizona GT Tunnel Tent. This massive structure is just over six feet tall, so most campers should be able to move around without hunching over. Plus, because of the tunnel shape, you have more room to walk and maneuver inside, especially if multiple people are in there with you.
We ranked this tent as the highest because it’s the most family-friendly and holds up very well to the weather. The rainfly is double-layered to protect you from wind and rain, and the sealed polyester flooring should prevent leaks and seepage from the ground. When the rainfly is deployed, you might have to worry about condensation at night, but it’s pretty minimal compared to other tent models.
Hilleberg Nallo GT 2 Tent
Pros
- Extra-lightweight design is easy to setup
- Separable inner and outer tent for added convenience
- Waterproof exterior material holds up to rain well
- Perfect for backpacking
- Durable poles will hold up for many seasons
Cons
- Interior can feel cramped, even with just two people
- Cannot set it up on rough terrain
When shopping for a tent, tunnel or otherwise, you need to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. The Hilleberg Nallo GT is a pretty expensive tent, but it’s well-built and offers exceptional resilience for backpacking. This model is also the lightest tunnel tent we’ve seen, so you should be able to bring it along without feeling weighed down. Finally, it has the best weather resistance of any other tent. The only reason we didn’t rank it number one is because it’s not well-suited for families, and it’s a bit too expensive for casual campers.
One problem with tunnel tents for backpacking is that you’re limited in where you can set up. Since these tents require guy lines, you can’t be on rough or uneven terrain. That said, the Hilleberg comes with an inner and an outer tent to offer you some flexibility about where you can spend the night. Of course, if you only sleep in the inner tent, you won’t be as well protected from the elements, so keep that in mind.
Overall, if the price isn’t too much for you, this tent should hold up season after season.
Ayamaya 3-4 Person Motorcycle Tent
Pros
- Detachable front vestibule for added convenience
- Two waterproof layers for extra protection
- Fast and efficient setup
- Front awning provides additional rain protection
Cons
- Not comfortable for more than two people with their gear
- Some elements can feel flimsy
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have this highly affordable tunnel tent from Ayamaya. Billed as a motorcycle tent, this model works for all your gear, whether you bring a motorcycle, bicycle, or something else. This unit is relatively lightweight at just over 11 pounds, but it’s not relatively light enough to take backpacking. However, if you’re a biker and trying to camp during your travels, this tent should easily fit in a saddlebag.
Since this is the most cost-effective tunnel tent on the list, you may think it’s a relatively shoddy contraption that will only last one season. While it’s certainly not as durable as our other top two picks, it’s actually more resilient than you might think. That said, some parts can tear if you’re not careful, so be diligent when setting up and tearing down.
CAMPROS 8 Person Tunnel Tent
Pros
- Tall interior so you can stand up
- Extra-large tent holds everyone and their gear
- Built-in room divider makes it easy to accommodate everyone
- Multiple mesh windows for better ventilation
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Tent rods can snap under too much pressure
- In rare cases, the rainfly can rip easily
As a rule, if you’re camping with your family (or friends), you want an extra-large tent. This way, you have room for everyone and their gear, especially when you’re all bunking down for the night. For that reason, we like the Campros 8-Person Camping Tent since it offers high ceilings, a spacious interior, and lots of ventilation.
We didn’t rank this tent higher because it’s not as waterproof as the NTK, and the tent rods can buckle and break if you put too much pressure on them. So, you need to be careful when setting up and tearing down this tent because you might ruin it before you have a chance to sleep in it. That said, the rods aren’t super fragile, so don’t feel like you have to wear safety gloves or anything.
Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Tunnel Tent
Pros
- Thick groundsheet to prevent leakage
- Sizeable front vestibule can hold lots of gear
- Waterproof rainfly holds up to most rain
- Relatively lightweight and easy to set up
Cons
- Side windows can let rain inside
- Rainfly can collect water, making it easier for it to get inside later
When it comes to camping gear, Coleman is one of the most widely known brands. While Coleman products are generally built well, the company’s tents are not quite as rugged as they used to be. Still, models like the Coastline can hold up relatively well in bad weather, so you shouldn’t wake up in a puddle of water. This particular tent has an extra-thick groundsheet, so seepage and leaks are even less likely. The rainfly is 100-percent waterproof, but it’s not as thick or durable as others we’ve seen.
Overall, if you’re looking for a decent family-sized tunnel tent for spring and summer weather, the Coastline should be an excellent choice.
Coleman Rocky Mountain 5 Plus Tent
Pros
- Dual blackout rooms help block sunlight
- Tall interior so you can stand up
- Relatively light and easy to setup
- Waterproof and UV-resistant rainfly
- Front awning offers extra rain protection
Cons
- Pretty expensive for what you get
- Ventilation doesn’t really work, so the tent can get hot and muggy inside
One issue you can encounter when camping is sunlight seeping in early in the morning. So, if you’re not ready to get up at five or six a.m., you may need something to help you sleep longer. Fortunately, the Rocky Mountain Tent from Coleman has blackout windows to allow the interior to stay dark all day long.
Another feature we like about this tent is that it’s tall enough to stand up, so you don’t have to crouch down or feel cramped when getting changed or grabbing gear from your bag. The Rocky Mountain also has a front awning to help block rain so you can get in and out of the tent without getting extra soaked.
We didn’t rank this tent higher because the blackout windows can make it feel stuffy during the day, and condensation can be a problem at night. So, even if it’s not raining outside, you might wake up with a light layer of dew on your sleeping bag.
Naturehike Opalus 3 Person Tent
Pros
- Thick waterproof material
- Interior is a bit more spacious than you might expect
- Double door design for improved ventilation
- Lightweight when compared to other full-sized tents
Cons
- Too heavy to be a proper backpacking tent
- Water can seep in through the floor
Technically, this is a backpacking tent, but at over eight and a half pounds, it’s a bit too heavy for true backpacking excursions. That said, if you’re making a motorcycle trip, this tent might hold up a little better than the Ayamaya, but not by much.
Overall, this tent is relatively comfortable, but the ceiling is too small to stand up in, and it’s only designed for three people. If you’re all packing light, you may be able to sleep three, but this tent is much better for one or two campers at most.
Hikergarden 6/10 Person Tunnel Tent
Pros
- Sets up in about 10 minutes
- Durable polyester material
- Extra-spacious interior
- Enhanced ventilation for added comfort
Cons
- The rainfly can rip relatively easy
- Condensation can be an issue at night
- The door can be hard to get in and out of
At first glance, this tent looks about as good as the Campros or NKT Arizona tents we reviewed above. It’s tall, spacious, and has thick polyester material, so it seems like a sure winner. Unfortunately, the rainfly isn’t very durable, and the tent has a big problem with condensation. Realistically, if you’re sleeping with more than two people, you’ll wake up with wet sleeping bags and equipment since the collective body heat and breath will generate lots of morning dew. For that reason, we’ve ranked it pretty low on this list.
Coleman Oak Canyon 4 Person Blackout Tent
Pros
- Two blackout bedrooms provided
- Lightweight and flexible fiberglass poles
- Front entrance helps block rain from getting inside
- Reinforced seams and flooring
Cons
- More expensive than other tents of this size
- Blackout rooms still allow sunlight
- Can take a while to setup
Here we have another Coleman blackout tent, which helps prevent sunlight from taking over your tent and waking you up before you’re ready. However, these blackout windows are not as effective as the ones on the Rocky Mountain Tent. Also, they lead to more condensation issues, so you might not be very comfortable when you do wake up. Also, for the price, you’re not getting as much bang for your buck, and this tent takes much longer to set up than our top picks. So, it’s down at the bottom of the list.
Vango Venture 450 Tunnel Tent
Pros
- Lightweight compared to other tunnel tent models
- PVC windows allow sunlight without letting bugs inside
- Extra storage pockets inside
Cons
- Feels cramped, even with one or two people
- Not very weather-resistant
- The poles can snap under pressure
Our final tunnel tent is here more as a comparison unit to help you understand why our top picks are so valuable. While you could take this tent out and sleep in it, there are few reasons why that’s a good idea. Realistically, unless you’re camping in perfect weather, this model can leak and tear much more easily than others we’ve seen. Although it’s a three-person tent, it’s more comfortable for one person and their gear, and the poles are relatively flimsy. Overall, not a very good option.
How We Chose the Best Tunnel Tent
Because tunnel tents are unique, they come with features and benefits you might not know about. So, here’s a closer look at the various criteria we used to rank each tent for our list.
Ranking the Best Tunnel Tents by Size
| Number of People | Best Tent |
|---|---|
| 2 | Hilleberg Nallo GT |
| 3 | Coleman Coastline |
| 4 | Coleman Rocky Mountain |
| 5 | NTK Arizona |
| 6+ | NTK Arizona |
Which Tunnel Tent is the Most Family-Friendly?
For a tunnel tent to be family-friendly, it needs to accommodate everyone, including parents and little ones. Fortunately, these models come with a front room for kids to play and store their toys and other gear. For this reason, we like the NTK Arizona as the best family tunnel tent. Not only can you stand up inside, but you can store everyone’s gear without any issues.
Which Tunnel Tent Can Withstand the Most Wind and Rain?
Unless you’re a hardcore outdoor enthusiast, you likely won’t be camping in extreme weather conditions. However, you need a tent that can withstand a storm just in case things turn sour. Overall, the Hilleberg Nallo is the most weather-resistant. Overall, you shouldn’t have to worry about wind and rain when using this tent, which is incredible if you’re on a backpacking trip. For family tents, the NTK Arizona is also pretty rugged.
Which Tunnel Tent Offers the Best Ventilation?
Ventilation is crucial for two reasons. First, if you’re camping in hot weather, you want excellent airflow so that you can stay cool during the day and at night. The second reason is that you want to prevent excess condensation while you sleep. So, a tent with minimal ventilation can still cause your stuff to get wet. The NTK Arizona and the Ayamaya Motorcycle Tent have really great ventilation for all weather conditions, so you can stay cool and dry.
Which Tunnel Tent Will Last the Longest?
Durability and resilience are crucial components of any camping tent, especially if you’re looking for the best tunnel tent. While many of these models have similar materials and structural components, the NTK Arizona and the Hilleberg Nallo are the most well-built tents on this list. You should be able to use them for years without having to replace or repair them significantly.
Which Tunnel Tent is the Easiest to Setup?
Unlike a pop-up dome tent, tunnel tents will take longer to set up. The reason for their complexity is that you have to set up two rooms and install guy lines. Because of the tunnel shape, you must be on flat, smooth ground, which is also why it’s hard to find the best tunnel tent for backpacking. That said, the Hilleberg and the Ayamaya Motorcycle Tent can be set up in about 10 minutes or less, which is pretty good for this tent type.
Which Tunnel Tent Offers the Best Value for the Money?
As we’ve seen, some of these tents can be pretty pricey, with high-end models costing almost four figures. However, paying more for a high-quality tent makes sense because you want something that can protect you and your family for years to come. For that reason, we think the NTK Arizona is the best value overall. However, the Ayamaya Motorcycle Tent is also a good buy because it’s so affordable yet rugged.
What is the Best Tunnel Tent for Backpacking?
Ideally, the best backpacking tents are about five pounds or less. However, because tunnel tents have extra gear, the smallest models are usually between five and ten pounds. Here’s a quick table overview of the lightest tent models available:
| Tent Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| Hilleberg Nallo GT | 5.75 lbs |
| Naturehike Opalus | 8.6 lbs |
| Ayamaya Motorcycle Tent | 11.6 lbs |
FAQs About Tunnel Tents
Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or camping at a campsite, you need to know everything about your tent before you sleep in it. So, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the best tunnel tent models.
Are Any of the Tents Listed As a 4-Season Tunnel Tent?
Yes, the Hilleberg Nallo GT Tent is listed as a four-season tent, although it might not hold up well in stormy or blizzard conditions.
Are Inflatable Tunnel Tents Good?
If you’re looking for something quick and convenient that holds up in fair-weather conditions, an inflatable tunnel tent will work well. However, this tent type doesn’t do well against rain and other inclement weather.
Are Tunnel Tents Good?
Tunnel tents offer extra features that you can’t get with a standard cabin or dome tent. The primary benefit of buying a tunnel tent is that you get a built-in vestibule to store your gear easily. For that reason, we like tunnel tents for family camping. They’re not necessarily suitable for backpacking or cold-weather camping, though.
Are Tunnel Tents Sturdy?
Because these tents require guy lines, they can hold up against the wind and rain a bit better than other tent types. However, because of the tunnel shape, they can also act as a wind catch, putting extra stress on the tent poles and rainfly. Overall, a tunnel tent is a bit sturdier than others but not necessarily heavy-duty.
Where Do You Use Tunnel Tents?
Tunnel tents work for all camping conditions, but they’re not well-suited for backpacking. Since you can’t set them up on rough or uneven terrain, you’re limited in where you can bunk for the night when hiking. Overall, these tents are best for campsites with flat, smooth areas. But, you also need relatively soft terrain to set up the guy lines.
Final Verdict
Since tunnel tents work best for family camping, we like the NTK Arizona best overall. However, if you want to take a tunnel tent on your next backpacking excursion, the Hilleberg Nallo is an excellent choice.