Looking for a family tent, or a spacious tent for a couple? You might be interested in purchasing a 2 room tent – our guide will help point you in the right direction.
What should you look for in a 2 room tent? How can you tell if a tent will protect you through poor weather conditions? And, how can you tell if it will be easy to put together? We’ll answer all those questions, and give you our top 5 recommendations.
The bottom line up front: we suggest the Coleman Instant 8-Person Tent. Coleman is a reliable brand for tents and this particular model is waterproof, windproof, and spacious.
We also like:
- Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent – ideal for couples or small families, this tent is very quick and easy to put together
- KTT Large 8-10 Person Tent – ideal for larger groups, this tent is a spacious and weatherproof
We’ll be looking at:
- What to look for in a 2 room tent
- Our top 5 recommendations, including: key features, pros, and cons
- Some frequently asked questions
- Which tent we like the best, and why we like it so much
Table of Contents
- The Best 2 Room Tents Compared
- What to Look for in a 2 Room Tent
- Top 5 Picks for 2 Room Tents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Final Thoughts – Which 2 Room Tent is Best?
Let’s start by looking at how our top 5 tents compare to each other.
The Best 2 Room Tents Compared
What to Look for in a 2 Room Tent
Before we get into our favorite 2 room tents, here are a few key features you need to know about:
Size and Layout
The capacity of a tent is measured by how people can sleep in it. For example, a 4 person tent should, in theory, sleep 4 people. However, it’s always worth checking out the dimensions, because a 4 person tent might be too small for 4 adults.
Some tents come with detachable walls, allowing you to use both rooms, or take down the internal wall to create one large space. These detachable walls provide an element of flexibility.
You can also find tents with an awning at the front, giving you a little extra shelter.
Style
There are two basic styles to choose from:
- Dome tents – these are dome-shaped tents that are better for high winds, as they’re closer to the ground and have more wind resistance. However, they don’t offer a lot of headroom, so they’re not ideal for taller campers.
- Cabin tents – these have straight walls, providing a significant amount of headroom so you can walk around in them without caution.
Packed Size
Tents typically come in a carry bag, allowing you to neatly pack up the tent; although, it generally takes some practice as you learn how to properly fit the tent back into the bag! Larger, 3 season tents might include separate poles for the bag, which generally helps. If you’re tight on space, or if you’re backpacking, looking at the packed size is important.
It’s also a good idea to check the weight. 2 room tents tend to have a larger capacity and are therefore bigger and heavier, so be cautious if you plan on carrying them for extended periods of time.
Ease of Use
Look for a tent that comes with clear instructions, color-coded parts, and continuous pole sleeves.
Depending on the size of the tent, it’s likely that you’ll need more than one person to put it together, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of materials.
Weatherproofing
You may see something called a hydrostatic head measurement. This measures the pool of water that can collect on top of a tent before it leaks through. The larger the measurement, the more robust your tent will be during a downpour. Ideally, look for something that has a 2,000mm minimum.
Not all tent manufacturers use this measurement, but there are other ways to check how rain-proof it is. Look for features such as heat-sealed seams and covered zippers, as they help to prevent rain from leaking into small gaps. You can also check out the rainfly that drapes over the top of the tent to keep it dry, most tents have this included.
Rain isn’t the only problem you may encounter – it’s equally important to think about ventilation, to prevent damp from forming and to keep you cool on warm days. Some tents come with a mesh roof, making them great for stargazing. Other tents have small vents and windows to improve air circulation.
Some tents come with a footprint. Footprints are important as they prevent moisture from seeping in from underneath the tent. However, this is not typically a standard feature, so it’s worth checking whether this is included before you go. You could also use a tarp to do this, we would suggest something similar to the Terra Hiker Camping Tarp.
Materials
Tents tend to be made from the following materials:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – this is very commonly used in tents as it is affordable and waterproof. The downside to PVC is that it’s not very breathable.
- Nylon – this is another cheap material that offers some water resistance, however it’s more prone to UV damage over time.
- Polyester – this is a durable, popular material for tents that offers some water protection.
- Polycotton canvas – this is a mixture of cotton/polyester. It’s robust and durable.
- Cotton – this is more difficult to find in tents lately, but you can still find them sometimes, if you look hard enough. Cotton tents don’t arrive waterproof – you have to ‘weather’ them; which involves soaking your tent in rain a couple of times, allowing the fibers to swell and draw together.
At times, your tent may also be coated for extra waterproofing.
Tent poles tend to be made from either aluminum or fiberglass. Aluminum is lightweight and cheap, but it isn’t as robust as fiberglass. Fiberglass can cope with heavy winds, but is heavier to carry and might be more expensive.
Seasons
You can get a broad idea of how suitable your tent will be for the climate by looking at the season rating.
- 1 season tents – these are not waterproof. They’re lightweight and ideal for short trips; for example, if you’re going to a festival.
- 2 season tents – these are more waterproof, but will struggle to cope with continuous or heavy rain.
- 3 season tents – these are versatile and ideal for most weather conditions. They should be able to cope with rain and wind while staying well ventilated in warm weather.
- 4 and 5 season tents – these are more difficult to find. They’re generally suited for extremely cold, snowy conditions.
You can check out the Eureka guide to 3-Season vs 4-Season Tents for more information on how to choose between them.
Top 5 Picks for 2 Room Tents
Now, let’s take a look at our top 2 room tents. We’ll look at their key features as well as their pros and cons, so you can choose which is best for you.
Superrella Portable 6-8 Person Camping Tent – Most Versatile
Key Features
- Color: Orange Red
- Sleeps: 6-8
- Size: 14 x 9 x 6 Foot (426.72 x 274.32 x 182.88 Centimeters)
- Size Packed: Not Stated
- Materials: Polyester
- Seasons: 3
- Weight: 19.2 Pounds (8.7 Kilograms)
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement: 1,500mm-2,000
The Superrella Portable 6-8 Person Camping Tent actually has three separate areas. These room dividers are optional and can be configured in different ways, allowing you to use it as a 2 room tent, or even just have one large area to sleep in. This makes it extremely versatile.
It has small storage pockets, but no overhead storage.
It’s fairly impressive in terms of weather protection, with a hydrostatic head measurement of 1,500-2,000mm. This should prevent any leaks and keep your belongings dry. The rainfly is removable, rolling back to reveal a mesh roof – which is perfect for stargazing, as well as ventilation. The fiberglass poles are sturdy and durable.
Despite being a larger tent, it’s fairly simple to put together – the instructions are clear, and it takes two people approximately 15 minutes to complete. It’s also just as easy to pack down into the carry bag.
Pros
- Versatile – can have up to three separate rooms
- Good weatherproofing and ventilation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t have overhead storage
Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent – Best for Couples or Smaller Families
Key Features
- Color: Green and Gray
- Sleeps: 6
- Size: 10 x 9 x 5.8 Foot (305 x 274 x 178 Centimeters)
- Size Packed: 24 x 12 Inches (61 x 30 Centimeters)
- Materials: Coated polyester
- Seasons: 3
- Weight: 20.9 Pounds (9.48 Kilograms)
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement: Not Stated
The Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent is a great tent for couples or smaller families. It has two separate rooms, one of which is a mesh screen room – this is perfect for lounging, playing card games at night, or looking out at the stars.
Although it doesn’t have an overhead storage loft, it does have small storage pockets and a zippered e-port. This is excellent as it allows you to pass an electrical cord through the tent.
It has a separate rainfly, which can be used if it’s going to rain. It has window awnings, giving extra ventilation, even in rainy weather. The downside of this tent, however, is the poles aren’t as strong as they could be, so high winds could cause the poles to bend.
It’s easy to set up as the color-coded poles snap into the right position very quickly. While it’s not technically an instant tent, it can be assembled by one person and takes less than 20 minutes, from start to finish.
Pros
- Screen room offers extra space to lounge in
- Good ventilation
- Decent rainfly
- Easy to put together
Cons
- Lacks overhead storage
- Poles aren’t as strong as they could be
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement index not stated
KTT Large 8-10 Person Tent – Best for Larger Groups
Key Features
- Color: Green
- Sleeps: 8-10
- Size: 12.5 x 8.5 x 6.58 Foot (381 x 259.08 x 200.55 Centimeters)
- Size Packed: 26.8 x 10.6 x 10.2 Inches (68 x 27 x 26 Centimeters)
- Materials: Polyester
- Seasons: 3
- Weight: 32 Pounds (14.51 Kilograms)
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement: Not stated
The KTT Large 8-10 Person Tent is a large tent! It has room for up to ten adults; although, it would be a tight fit if you are trying to fit ten adults. It has two rooms, but doesn’t have much in the way of storage, with only a few storage pockets and no overhead storage.
The poles are made of fiberglass which makes the frame nice and sturdy, even during windy weather; and, it’s well-ventilated, which also makes it suitable for hot temperatures.
It doesn’t take long to assemble, but it does need at least two people, due to the size. For a large tent, it packs into a small, compact size, but it does feel heavy to carry around.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Perfect for all weathers
- Easy to set up
Cons
- No overhead storage
- Heavy to carry around
Coleman Instant 8-Person Tent – Good All-Rounder
Key Features
- Color: Gray and Blue
- Sleeps: 8
- Size: 14 x 10 x 6.7 Foot (4.27 x 3.05 x 2.05 Meters)
- Size Packed: 48 x 15 Inches (121 x 38 Centimeters)
- Materials: Double-coated thick nylon
- Seasons: 3
- Weight: 35.2 Pounds (16 Kilograms)
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement: Not Stated
The Coleman Instant 8-Person Tent is a spacious tent and perfect for families. You can choose to have two rooms or one expanded room. It has a substantial amount of large storage pockets, but it does lack overhead storage.
It’s pretty decent in terms of weatherproofing. It has a built-in rainfly, with double-layered nylon coated in Polyguard. This is a really strong coating that can withstand all kinds of weather conditions. It also has a welded floor and inverted seams to stop rain from leaking into small gaps.
It’s also incredibly easy to put together. The poles are pre-attached, meaning assembly is extremely fast – Coleman claims it can be put together in 60 seconds. Even if you aren’t able to do it in under a minute, it should only take a few minutes at most. The downside to this instant tent is it’s tricky to replace poles if they bend or snap.
Pros
- Roomy for families
- Great weatherproofing
- Fast to put together
Cons
- No overhead storage
- Hard to replace poles if they bend or break
NTK Super Arizona GT – Best Storage
Key Features
- Color: Blue
- Sleeps: 11-12
- Size: 6.9 x 10.2 x 30.6 Foot (210 x 311 x 625 Centimeters)
- Size Packed: 24 x 18 Inches (60.96 x 45.72 Centimeters)
- Materials: Polyethylene
- Seasons: 3
- Weight: 18.74 Pounds (6.5 Kilograms)
- Hydrostatic Head Measurement: 2,500mm
The NKT Super Arizona GT is spacious, with a detachable room divider. It has large D-style doors for easy entry and exit; it has large pockets for items like water bottles or torches, as well as a generous overhead storage loft. If you plan on having a lot of gear, this will suit you perfectly. It also has an extended canopy for more outside space.
It’s a good tent in terms of weatherproofing: the heat-welded, polyurethane-coated seams keep leaks away; the UV protection prevents sun damage; the fiberglass poles are strong and ideal for windy weather; and it also has anti-fungal flooring.
While it’s easy to put together, it is a little more time-consuming than some of the others on this list, and it’s worth practicing before you go.
Pros
- Roomy
- Poles are strong for wind protection
- Great storage
- Fantastic waterproofing (best on our list)
Cons
- Longer to put together
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we give you our final verdict on which 2 room tent we like the best, here are some frequently asked questions:
How can I protect my tent from windy weather?
Camping in high winds can feel quite scary! A good tent for high winds will be extremely beneficial and help to alleviate any concerns, but always double check to ensure that your tent is firmly attached to the ground.
You can buy stronger stakes, as sometimes the stakes included are flimsy. We’d recommend the Eurmax Galvanized Non-Rust Camping Pegs as they are rust-proof and very durable.
You might need to make a few trips outside to check the stakes from time to time, as very high winds can dislodge them. You can read Eureka’s guide on Tips for Camping in High Winds if you’d like to know more.
How much space do I need per person?
This depends on how much space you would like to have around your bed or sleeping pad.
If you don’t mind being squeezed together, you can simply measure all the airbeds, or sleeping pads, side-by-side to see if they’ll fit. To do this, use the dimensions of your tent as a guide.
You will have to consider where to stash large items like backpacks. This is where overhead storage becomes useful. Alternatively, you can leave empty bags in your car overnight to allow for more space inside your tent.
Can I make my 2 room tent more waterproof?
Yes. You can use waterproofing spray, like the STAR BRITE Waterproofing Spray, which is stain-resistant and waterproof. The REI Co-Op has step-by-step instructions for waterproofing a tent.
Can I take a 2 room tent on a plane?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to look at the weight restrictions at your particular airline. For more information, you can look at the TSA’s ‘What Can I Bring?’ website.
Our Final Thoughts – Which 2 Room Tent is Best?
We like the Coleman Instant 8-Person Tent. While Coleman doesn’t tend to advertise hydrostatic head measurements, the waterproofing in this particular tent is excellent; it’s a good all-rounder with plenty of space for small families.
If you want something that is easier to set up, you could look at the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Dome Tent. This setup is impressively fast and simple to put together , and it has a screen room to stargaze at night.
If you’re camping in a larger group, you could check out the KTT Large 8-10 Person Tent. It’s spacious, weatherproof, and you can remove the dividers to create one large space, instead of two separate rooms.
We hope this has helped you to find the best 2 room tent for you. If it has, please share it with your fellow camping enthusiasts. We’d also like to hear your thoughts – which 2 room tent would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
