The term ‘pop-up’ probably doesn’t conjure up the best images in your head. After all, who wants to think of camping when they do? That being said, there’s a reason this type of tent is so popular among campers and camper-carriers. They really are some of the easiest tents to set up and take down that there are. The only downside is that because they are so easy to use, most models cost significantly less than their stationary counterparts.
The good news is that if you’re interested in getting started with tenting but don’t know where to start, reading this article is a great place to start. You see, not only do we give you the lowdown on everything from how much it costs to buy one and how to set it up properly; we also provide tips on what kind of tent you should get and how to find one at a reasonable price.
What is a pop up tent?
As mentioned, pop up tents are easy to put up and take down. They typically come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there is also one type that stands out: the semi-rigid dome. These types of tents are designed for quick setup and can be set up in just minutes with no additional tools required.
How to Set Up a Pop Up Tent
Step One: Unfold the tent.
You’ll need to unfold the tent before you can start using it. This is done by first unzipping the front of the tent and then pulling on the metal ends located on both sides of the frame.
Step Two: Attach the metal poles.
Next, you’ll need to attach the metal poles to each side of the frame with stakes.
Step Three: Fold up and attach carry bag or carry bag loops.
Once you have attached all four metal poles, you’ll now want to fold up your tent from one end to create a smaller size that will fit nicely in your carry bag or loops (depending on what model you get). Then, use two pieces of nylon cord, one per side, to attach your carry bag loops (or just use your hand) onto either side of the frame.
How much does a pop up tent cost?
The cost of a pop up tent varies, but can be anywhere from $50 to $300. The cheaper option, in terms of money, is the Kampa Northback II which costs around $40. There’s also the more expensive option–the Northback III–which costs about $250.
If you want a more expensive feature-packed model, like the Northback III, you will have to pay for it. However, if you are looking for something on a budget that is still high quality and has all the features you need, then pick up one of our recommendations from this article.
Finding tents for under $100
Let’s say you’re looking for a tent that will give you more than just a place to sleep on camping trips. You want something that can provide extra protection from the elements and keep you safe. What kind of tent should you get?
There are three main types of tents: backpacks, dome-shaped, and tunnel-shaped. The most popular type is backpacks. They offer the best in versatility by being able to be compressed into a small space when not in use and then expanded when ready for use. Dome-shaped tents are great for those who need the option of having an open air view inside the tent without having to worry about accidentally letting rain or other outside elements seep inside. Tunnel-shaped tents are good for those who need a massive amount of coverage with their tent but don’t have much room in their pack to carry it around with them.
If you’re looking for your first tent, we recommend getting a backpack model as they’re easy to set up, relatively affordable, and great for all seasons!
Finding tents for under $200
The first step to finding a tent under $200 is to make a list of what you need in a tent. The type of tent you’ll be looking for will depend on the season and your personal preference, so start compiling that list now. Do you need a headroom? How many people do you plan on camping with (if at all)? What about water access?
After making this list, it should be easy to find a model that meets these needs without going over budget. If you want something more specific or are looking for other features besides just the basics, then read our article on what kind of tent to get.
As we said above, tents even those under $200 are not necessarily simple to set up and take down. That’s why they often come with some form of instruction manual; most often in the form of an illustrated guide or video tutorial. After purchasing your new tent, check out what kind of help it comes with: is it clear and concise or cryptic? If directions leave much to the imagination, then go back to step one and make your list again because if after all that work you still don’t have anything worth setting up, then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your needs.
Finding tents for under $500
Finding a pop-up tent for under $500 is not as difficult as it may seem. You see, most of these tents are manufactured in China and they are sold to outdoor and camping stores nationwide. As such, there is a great deal of competition between these retailers and you can take advantage of this by making your search at one store to buy the same pop-up tent somewhere else.
Some general tips are:
1) Look on Amazon, where you can find nearly every model you need for a fraction of the price you would pay at the mall.
2) This type of tent is often sold through big box retailers like Walmart or Target. There, be sure that before buying any tent, you’ve got in mind what size/shape it should be so you don’t end up with one that doesn’t work for your needs.
3) Remember that because of their lighter weight capacity, these tents should not be set up inside (or on hard surfaces). They’re designed for back-country use only!
Finding tents for over $500
It’s possible to find tents for less than $500, but most are going to cost you more. Some people might be tempted to purchase a higher-end model because they think it will last longer. This may be true in some cases, but when it comes to camping and especially if you’re going on long trips or want to know that your tent is up and ready when you get there you should buy the best quality one you can afford.
If you’re interested in a tent that will stand up to the test of time, however, it might be worth waiting for a sale. If you don’t have patience, Amazon has a wide variety of models at various price points available for purchase (one such model is listed below).
Summing up
Needless to say, pop-up tents are easy to use and come with a wide range of benefits. They’re easier to set up, more compact, and more portable than their stationary counterparts. They also cost less, making them a great investment even if you just want one for camping. However, because they’re so easy to use, newbies often overlook the fact that they are not as durable or constructed with the same quality materials as other types of tents. You see, in order for these simple tents to last any longer than a few weekends of camping or car camping, you should get an extra thick canopy and learn how to properly fold it up when you’re going on a hike or backpacking trip. With these precautions in mind, though, these tents really are some of the best investments you can make for your next outdoor adventure.
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of using a pop-up tent?
If you’re new to camping, one of the first things you’ll need to do is buy a tent. There are a variety of options available, with many differences based on price, weight, convenience, and more.
Although it is possible to hunt down a free space at a campsite or borrow one from a friend, it’s often more convenient to buy one that you can keep at home.
Pop-up tents are some of the most popular models because they are so easy to set up and take down. They are typically made from lightweight materials such as mesh and fabric that can be packed up into a small carrying case for storage and transport.
These tents also tend to be quite affordable, which makes them an attractive option for beginning campers and car campers alike.
When it comes to tenting, the more comfortable you can make your surroundings, the better. With this in mind, pop-up tents provide some of the most basic features that anyone would need on the road or in the great outdoors: protection from the elements and privacy. They also have some additional benefits over free-standing models (that are normally pitched on the ground).
A pop-up tent’s ability to fold up into itself makes it much easier to store. It also makes it much lighter and easier to transport between locations. This means that you’ll be able to move your camp site around easier too, if you happen to change your mind about where you want your tent set up that day.
How do pop-up tents compare to stationary tents?
Pop-up tents are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable tent. These tents are easy to set up and take down, which makes them the ideal choice for car campers and those who want to hike or bike camp. They’re also great for lightweight backpacking trips because they’re so compact.
Plenty of pop-up tents are also easy to transport, which is a huge plus in today’s world of fly-by-night campers. In fact, most pop-up tents come with bags in which you can put all of the tent components when you’re not using it. All you have to do is pull out the bag and the tent poles and install the tent pegs. It’s as simple as that!
How easy are pop-up tents to set up and take down?
Pop-up tents are nothing more than large tents that, when opened up, are smaller versions of themselves. As a result, they require much less effort to set up and take down than regular tents do. That makes them ideal for car camping, when you don’t have a lot of space to work with.
The main advantage to using pop-up tents is how lightweight and easy they are to transport. These are two qualities that truly matter when it comes to camping.
In addition, the smaller size means you can fit more inside a tent bag or suitcase. This means you’ll be able to take more items with you on every trip.
Lastly, these tents are especially popular among car campers because they’re so easy to use and unpack and because they’re so lightweight, they don’t take up a lot of space on your vehicle either.
