Best Tent for Hot Weather & Tropical Climates

Overall Winner “Best Tent for Hot Weather”

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent

REI-Kingdom-6-Product-Image

The REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent tops our list thanks primarily to its unique design that provides many benefits beyond the obvious. The use of a tunnel-like structure creates a wind channel of sorts that facilitates the natural flow of air ventilation to remove heat from this tent.

On top of that, as a six-person tent, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent is still a good size at 10′ x 8’4″ x 6’3″, making it tall enough for most people to stand in. Even better, that tunnel-like design mentioned prior makes a return appearance to make sure that you have as much functional space as the tent can provide.

Better still, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent is one of the more durable options that we encountered with a floor made out of 150D taffeta polyester as well as a 75D polyester rainfly and canopy. Even better, the tunnel-like design combined with the use of aluminum poles makes sure that you do not have to worry about this tent in windy conditions.

Bottom Line: The REI Co-op Kingdom 6 provides such a wide range of great qualities from its incredibly durable build to its extra features; it was a natural choice for Overall Winner.

Introduction

With the weather rapidly warming, people seek the great outdoors and the fun that comes from a camping trip. That said, there are dozens of different types of camping tents for a wide range of different settings and circumstances, most of which are meant for extreme weather.

However, one of the most useful types of tents for people who camp during the summer or in hot regions are those made for warm weather. Still, it is important to understand what separates a 2 or 3 season tent that will perform in hot weather versus the majority of 3 season tents on the market.

That is why we put together a list of the seven best tents for hot weather camping, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the best tent for hot weather to suit all of your summer camping needs.

Looking for the Best Tent for Hot Weather?

You’re in the right place! In this guide we will be covering the following:

  • Identify which features are important in hot weather tents
  • Review 7 of the best tents for hot weather
  • Whittle the competition down to our #1 best tent for hot weather camping

Breathability & Ventilation – The key to Hot Summer Tents

As a form of shelter, generally, manufacturers design camping tents to keep things like bugs and rain out more than they design them to let things in. However, many tents use some type of synthetic material that may not always provide the best ventilation or breathability.

While this may not always be a problem, it can become an insufferable issue if you camp in a warm region or during the summer. That is why you must consider both the materials used as well as the general design of the camping tent to find the best tent for hot weather.

In terms of materials, most tent manufacturers use either nylon or polyester with other materials generally used for specialized circumstances– especially for cold weather. One thing to look for with materials is the denier rating and hydrostatic waterproof rating as they can impact the material’s breathability.

In terms of design, there are a couple of ways that manufacturers increase the air flow of a tent for hot weather. One of the easiest and most common ways is to make the walls, doors and roof of the tent out of a mesh weave that allows the heat to rise out of the camping tent and wind ventilation to allow cool air flow in. Some of the larger camping tents have mesh windows and doors that can be opened when it isn’t raining to let the tent cool but keep the bugs out.

Another standard solution is to improve ventilation is to use vents at the roof of the camping tent, so you do not have to worry about rainfly issues with waterproofing. Some manufacturers also include ventilation vents at the base of the body, though these need to be high enough off of the floor, so they allow air circulation without also allowing in water.

How to Choose the Best Tent for Hot Weather

Accommodation Capacity & Size

This quality matters more depending on the size of your camping party, with larger groups needing more space. It is also worth noting that backpackers and other ultralight campers likely should forgo larger capacities as those models tend to weigh more as well.

At the other end of the spectrum, large camping parties should opt for a hot weather tent that provides multiple rooms if they can. However, even smaller tents for hot weather occasionally include a dividing sheet to provide privacy in a camping tent with only one vestibule.

Materials & Durability

This can be a tricky aspect to gauge when looking for the best tent for hot weather as thicker materials are more durable but also reduce the canopy’s breathability. One way manufacturers get around this is by using a mesh weave for a majority of the camping tent’s canopy walls as well as the ceiling.

As such, you can still find a camping tent with a high ripstop denier rating without having to sacrifice breathability or ventilation. Beyond the general fabrics used, the support poles can also be a big factor, with steel poles being more durable than fiberglass ones.

Ease of Setup

The ease of setup is more of a convenience factor than anything else, especially since hot weather camping tents rarely need to worry about setting up in inclement weather. That said, it is always helpful if a tent can be set up by a single person in a matter of minutes, rather than requiring additional people and time.

One way that manufacturers make setting up their tents easier is by including clips either to connect to the support poles or along the support pole sleeves.

Weight & Packed Size

This consideration is arguably the most important for backpackers but likely is less critical for the average camper or family. Of the 2, weight easily ranks the highest in terms of backpacking considerations as you will have to carry the tent on your back the entire trip.

Packed size is important as well, but there are more ways to get around a hot weather camping tent that does not pack down quite as small as other models.

Best Tent for Hot Weather: The Results

REI Half Dome Plus 2 Person Tent

Most Breathable Tent for Hot Weather

REI-Half-Dome-Plus-2-Product-Image

REI Co-op is one of the most popular outdoor gear retailers on the market and realizes that camping tents with fewer walls work better to help keep the camping tent cool. That is likely how the REI Co-op Half Dome Plus 2 person camping tent achieved the most breathable position on a list dedicated to breathable tents.

By far, the most significant factor impacting how breathable this camping tent is, comes down to the construction of the tent’s walls and roof. While not the only model to do so, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent is the tent we found, which uses more mesh for the walls and roof than any other product that we reviewed.

The use of mesh weaves for 80% of the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent also has the added benefit of shedding weight as this tent comes in at only 5 lbs 5 oz. Even better, this tent packs into the second-smallest profile on our list at 20 ½” x 7″, making it a decent choice for backpackers.

On the other hand, this camping tent is only 7’8″ x 4’8″ x 3’8″, making it one of the smallest tents on our list and one of a few that you cannot stand up inside. On top of that, balancing the mesh weave with decent durability and all of the other features leaves the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent as an expensive tent.

PROS

  • Only weighs 5 lbs 5 oz
  • Packs up to 20 ½” x 7″
  • Has great ventilation
  • Has many features

CONS

  • Is more expensive
  • Is a smaller tent

Bottom Line: While many tents on our list provide ample ventilation and are incredibly breathable, few of them offer the level of breathability that the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent does.

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Person Tent

Best Tent Waterproofing

North Face stakes its reputation on providing high-end outdoor gear for extreme situations, which perfectly explains why the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent comes in as our most waterproof warm weather camping tent reviewed. This begins with the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent’s waterproof rating, which tops our list with hydrostatic ratings of 1200 mm for the rainfly and 1500 mm for the floor.

As if that were not enough, this tent also goes the extra mile by taping all of the seams as well as the floor to make sure no water enters the vestibule. Beyond the excellent waterproofing, the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent is also durable with a rainfly, canopy, and floor made out of 68D polyester taffeta.

On top of that, this tent might be acceptable for backpackers as it only weighs 5 lbs 5 oz and packs down adequately to 22″ x 7″. It also does not hurt that the North Face Stormbreak 2 tent employs the ¾ mesh design principle to maximize the air circulation and provide better ventilation than many of its competitors.

One potential issue, however, is that the North Face Stormbreak 2 Person tent is also one of the smallest tents on our list at 7’3″ x 8’3″ x 3’7″, making it the second-shortest tent we reviewed too. It also does not help that the included stakes for this tent are not that good– thankfully, this is an inexpensive tent.

PROS

  • Only weighs 5 lbs 5 oz
  • Has 1200/1500 mm waterproofing
  • Made out of 68D polyester
  • Is less expensive

CONS

  • Is a smaller tent
  • Not great stakes

Bottom Line: If you live in a region with warm weather and plenty of rain, the North Face Stormbreak 2’s waterproof ratings of 1200 mm and 1500 mm are top on our list.

Coleman Sundome Tent

Best Budget Tent for Hot Weather

Coleman 4-Person Sundome Tent, Palm Green
  • Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move comfortably
  • Easy setup in only 10 minutes
  • WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
  • Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
  • Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center height

Coleman is one of the biggest and more well-known outdoor gear companies, which is part of the reason they can afford to sell their products at such a low price. This low cost combined with a surprisingly good build is the reason that we rated the Coleman Sundome tent our best budget entry.

Beyond the low cost, this tent surprised in terms of overall durability with a canopy and rainfly made out of 75D polyester and a 1000D polyethylene floor using 140 gsm. What is even more surprising is that these hearty materials do not weigh down the Coleman Sundome tent, which clocks in at only 10 lbs 8 oz– though this is still too heavy for serious backpacking.

In terms of general benefits, this camping tent provides numerous extra features like ample pockets to hold all of your gear as well as an E-port for running electrical cables. The Coleman Sundome tent also comes equipped with WeatherTec technology that includes welded corners and inverted seams.

Unfortunately, that WeatherTec system does not extend to general waterproofing, and the Coleman Sundome tent does not fare as well in heavy rain with a 600 mm hydrostatic rating. It is also worth noting that the fiberglass support poles do not handle wind all that well, despite being advertised for 35 mph.

PROS

  • Only weighs 10 lbs 8 oz
  • Has WeatherTec technology
  • Has numerous features
  • Is less expensive

CONS

  • Not great poles
  • Not the best waterproofing

Bottom Line: The Coleman Sundome tent is an inexpensive tent that also provides plenty of durability in a lightweight package as well as numerous extra features.

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

Best 8-Person Tent for Hot Weather

Wenzel Klondike 8 Person Water Resistant Tent with Convertible Screen Room for Family Camping
  • Convertible screen room with inverted "T" style door and inside flap zippered windows
  • Removable seam-sealed fly provides versatility
  • Mesh roof vents, 2 zippered side windows with inside flaps
  • Shock corded fiberglass roof frame with steel uprights and corner elbows combined with pin & ring for easy set up
  • Guy out vent at the back of the tent, Two convenience pockets

Wenzel is noted for making high-end outdoor gear that appeals to casual campers, which is likely why they made this tent as comfortable as they could. For starters, the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike tent is one of the largest options that we reviewed at 16′ x 11′ 6’6″ which is larger enough for two queen-size air mattresses.

This ample space is excellent for general purposes, but the fact that this tent offers two rooms within and provides a separating privacy sheet is even better. On top of that, the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike camping tent offers solid construction with a welded polyethylene floor and the use of steel and fiberglass support poles.

The large mesh windows, doors, roof help let the tents heat out with the aid of ventilation hole at the back of the tent.

What makes this all the more surprising is that the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike is an inexpensive tent, despite offering more room than most and including extra durability. Throw in double-stitched, lap-felled seams and a couple of extra pockets for your gear, and this is a casual camper’s paradise.

However, despite the attention paid to the various waterproofing design elements, the general waterproofing of a 600 mm hydrostatic rating is not the best. Lastly, as you may expect, this tent is definitely not for backpacking as it weighs 26 lbs 6 oz and is still 36″ x 16″ when packed.

PROS

  • Is 16′ x 11′ x 6’6”
  • Has 2 rooms
  • Has a solid construction
  • Is less expensive

CONS

  • Is not compact
  • Not the best waterproofing

Bottom Line: The Wenzel 8 Person Klondike tent is one of the largest hot weather tents on our list at a low price while still achieving a durable construction with some extra features.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Best Tent for Hot Weather (Premium Pick)

Big Agnes makes it a point to produce high-quality camping gear and went all out to offer the best premium tent for a variety of circumstances. A great place, to begin with, is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 waterproofing, which boasts a second-best 1200 mm hydrostatic rating.

However, it is this tent’s capability as a backpacking option that draws praise thanks to the lightest weight out of any product we reviewed at only 2 lbs 11 oz. Even better, this tent also packs into a more compact profile than any of the competition at 19 ½” x 6″.

Of course, you do not have to give up bells and whistles to achieve a lightweight, compact design as the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 boasts more storage pockets than any other tent its size. On top of that, this tent tends to be easier to set up than many of its competitor’s thanks to velcro tabs and pre-cut guylines.

Unfortunately, all of this premium quality costs money, and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is an expensive hot weather tent. Even worse, this tent’s high cost does not provide more space, and the 7’4″ x 6’10” x 3’4″ area is one of the smallest we encountered and the shortest that we reviewed.

PROS

  • Only weighs 2 lbs 11 oz
  • Packs up to 19 ½” x 6″
  • Has 1200 mm waterproofing
  • Has numerous features

CONS

  • Is more expensive
  • Is a smaller tent

Bottom Line: The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent provides excellent waterproofing, is the lightest tent that we reviewed, and boasts heaps of extra features.

Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened Tent

Largest Tent for Hot Weather

Coleman makes another appearance on our list, but this time, instead of aiming for budget-friendly, Coleman intends to provide comfort. The Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened camping tent achieves this first and foremost with the largest amount of space on our list.

At 17′ x 19′ x 6’8″, this 3 season tent blows the rest of the competition out of the water while also offering more headroom than any other option either. As if that were not enough, the Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened is mostly durable thanks to the use of 75D polyester taffeta for the canopy, rainfly, and floor.

Of course, as a consumer-grade company, Coleman also makes it a point to include plenty of extra features like large windows constructed of mesh, a hinged door and Insta-Clip pole attachments. As a cherry on top, this 3 season camping tent can not only accommodate lights but comes with its own 100 lumen LED light built-in.

Of course, the largest tent on our list is not going to fare as well for backpackers, and is best suited for car camping, as the 43 lb 11 oz weight precludes it from being comfortably carried for extended periods. It also makes sense that the largest tent would not pack as well as others with the Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened packing down to 48″ x 11″ x 10″.

PROS

  • Is 17′ x 19′ x 6’8″
  • Has numerous features
  • Made of 75D polyester taffeta
  • Comes with a light
  • Large windows of mesh help ventilation

CONS

  • Is not compact
  • Is a heavy tent

Bottom Line: The Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened tent provides the most usable space, has a plethora of extra features, and is one of the more durable models on our list, making it a great choice for hot weather car camping.

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent

Best Hot Weather Tent

REI-Kingdom-6-Product-Image

REI Co-op makes another appearance as well and ends our list as the best hot weather tent that we encountered for general purposes. For example, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent is easily one of the most durable tents on our list with a canopy made out of 150D Oxford polyester and a 75D polyester taffeta rainfly.

Even better, this is one of the few models we encountered that uses aluminum support poles for the entire support system while also being easy to assemble. While not as grand as others, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent’s 10′ x 8’4″ x 6’3″ is still one of the larger spaces we encountered, only made more functional with its vertical walls.

These vertical walls provide more than just functional space, however, as they also let the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent work as a wind tunnel of sorts to keep the interior well-ventilated. This is another 3 season tent noted for the copious amount of internal storage compartments, as well as the ability to set up an awning.

Sadly, all of these great features also come at a high cost, and the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent is not for budget-friendly shoppers. While not the worst quality in the world, the 21 lb 6 oz weight and 25″ x 15 ¾” x 8 ⅗” packed profile are larger than most and not suitable for backpackers.

PROS

  • Is 10′ x 8’4″ x 6’3″
  • Made of durable materials
  • Is easy to assemble
  • Has numerous features

CONS

  • Is more expensive
  • Is not compact

Bottom Line: The REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent is one of the more convenient models we reviewed with an extremely durable build, many extra features, and a simple setup.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1 thought on “Best Tent for Hot Weather & Tropical Climates”

  1. The ventilation criterion is probably the major criterion. With resistance to heavy rain a close second.

    I’ve used two of these tents in the tropics. Both were pretty good with rain, but both fell down with ventilation.

    If the mesh of the inside structure doesn’t go down to near the floor the occupants will be laying in dead air. If they sit up so that the mesh is on either side of their bodies the ventilation is good … but there is not much circulation if the mesh doesn’t come as close as possible to the level of the sleepers.

    I’ve spent too many nights sweltering in the Philippines despite a reasonable breeze outside the tent.

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