Best Survival Tent Review and Buying Guide

You will definitely need a survival tent in any survival situation, especially in 2023: it must be waterproof, weather-resistant, contain a sleeping bag and some survival tools, and sustain low and hot temperatures with equal success. To learn more about the tent options and their characteristics, read our comprehensive article.

In a survival situation, it is important not only to leave the dangerous area. It is only half the battle. It is also important to arrange for yourself an acceptable shelter that will not let you die in the woods.

A shelter will not only be a place to rest but will also keep you dry and warm. Also, the hideout keeps you safe and private.

You can hope for luck (let’s just say it is the worst idea in survival conditions), and try to find a natural shelter, for example, a free cave, or make something from the branches, but for this, you need to be a real expert.

Of course, we do not deny that this is possible. And if luck turns away from you? Staying in the rain at night in the open air is not a good idea. You will get tired, freeze, and may get sick, which will definitely not make your survival path easier. Therefore, there is no need to hope for a lucky break, but it is better to prepare and take shelter with you properly. A survival tent will come to your aid.

This technology has been familiar to humanity for over 43,000 years. Even before the first people settled in one area and began to engage in agriculture, they learned how to make and put up tents. For such a long time, people have improved their skills, invented various types of tents, which is undoubtedly very cool, but this made it difficult to choose the right survival tent.

For any occasion and any capacity, you will find a suitable tent. Some of the types are:

• insect tents
• backpacking tents
• tents for truck beds
• cold-weather tents
• rain tents
• car camping tents
• minimalist tents
• canvas tents
• tiny tents
• high altitude tents
• group tents.

TOP 10 Best Survival Tent Options

We have searched and tested for a long time, and finally, we put together a list of the best survival tents available on the market for you. For your convenience, we have arranged the tents according to their size — from the largest to the smallest models.

1. Coleman Red Canyon Tent

The “king” of all survival tents, Coleman Red Canyon, is designed for 8 people. The space inside the tent is divided into rooms, allowing everyone to be accommodated comfortably and privately. The dimensions take into account the person’s height so that you can stand up to your full height in this tent. Its parameters are 17 ft. X 10 ft.

This large tent is equipped with a Coleman weather-tec system to keep the rain out. The airflow port will also provide fresh air circulation.

Here you can check the current price.

2. Marmot Halo Tent

Marmot Halo is a 6 person tent. The shelter’s size and weight will not make it easy to fit into a bug out bag, but you can put it in your car. The survival tent is quite spacious and of high quality.

You can check the current price by clicking here.

3. Coleman Sundome Tent

This survival tent is a 6 person shelter. If you are looking for a durable and reliable tent, check Coleman Sundome tent, this company is already a recognized quality guarantor.

Besides being of high quality and large size (10ft X 10ft), this tent boasts an easy setup based on two lightweight poles.

The price will also be a nice bonus compared to similar tents of this size.

Here you can check the current price.

4. Kelty Grand Mesa Tent

Let’s move on to more compact and lighter models. This Mesa tent accommodates up to 4 people.

Quick assembly thanks to its snap-on pole construction and 7.5 lbs weight make it more suitable for carrying on your back.

The tent is good for both hot weather and windy rain.

Here you can check the current price.

5. Nemo Bungalow Tent

It is also a four-person survival tent. One of the best emergency survival tents due to its fast and easy assembly. The tent bag design includes compression straps and Velcro pockets.

The Nemo Bungalow tent does not contain any unnecessary details, only functionality. It is highly durable, which is very important in an emergency.

Here you can check the current price.

6. The North Face Summit Series Assault

It is a 2 person tent, which we can safely recommend based on our own many years of experience. Our North Face Summit tent is over five years old and still in great shape. But even if something happened to it, North Face has a lifetime warranty, and they would repair or replace the tent if necessary. But due to the high quality and durability of the products, this question usually does not arise.

This survival tent has two lightweight crossing poles. This allows you to set up and collect it very quickly. The bonus of this tent is the removable vestibule that comes with the tent.

This wonderful waterproof and warm 2 person tent weighs only 3.25 lbs.

The assault series was originally designed for high-altitude expeditions but is so rugged that it is also suitable for survival situations.

The pros of this tent make it one of the best survival tents on the market.

Here you can check the current price.

7. Kelty TN

Two-person can comfortably be accommodated inside the tent.

The tent weighs 4.5 pounds, and the ease of setup makes it a good choice for the trek.

This two-person tent has double walls. The tent is equipped with an insect net and waterproof rain fly.

Kelty TN will be an excellent choice for romantics because lying inside the tent. You can watch the stars in the night sky. You can look at the sky without removing the rain fly through a special window.

Here you can check the current price.

8. Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Tent

Let’s move on to smaller tents. Teton Sports Mountain Ultra is a one-person tent. This emergency survival tent uses a one lightweight pole design.

This one-person tent has two walls. The top is a waterproof layer that will provide quality protection from rain or cold. There is a protective mesh below. If the temperature outside the tent allows, then you can leave only the mesh layer and observe the night stars.

Here you can check the current price.

9. Snugpack Lonosphere Tent

It is another one-person tent. Snugpack Lonosphere is a good choice of emergency survival tent for one person. The tent will fit into your bug out bag, and its durability will protect you from bad weather and provide a comfortable survival shelter.

The tent has a nice bonus. It is sold together with a repair kit. Although the tent is very high quality and quite durable, you can use this repair kit to fix it if necessary.

Here you can check the current price.

10. Winterial Tent

And finally, a Winterial tent for one person. It weighs only 3.8 pounds, so it will not be hard for you to carry it.

The tent is not very spacious, but its size and weight will not burden you on the road and make it an excellent emergency survival tent for one person.

Ease of setup is provided by a two-ring system.

Besides, the survival tent is a perfect three-season tent that is suitable for different weather conditions.

Here you can check the current price.

What We Will Tell You

The content of our article will help you understand these important questions about survival tents:

• A brief history of tents, how they developed;
• Different types of survival tents;
• What parameters should you consider when buying a survival tent;
• The 10 rules of survival tent care;
• The 10 best survival tents.

We hope that all this information will help you choose the most successful survival tent model for your situation.

A Brief History of the Tent

The first mentions of tents date back to about 40,000 BC, when mammoths still existed on earth. People made their tents from them in those distant times. In addition to the warm skins of mammoths, people used their fat and oils, which they impregnated with the animal’s hides’ wool to create waterproofing. Tents made of this material were not easy to transfer to new places because they weighed decently, but they successfully protected ancient people from cold, wind, and snow.

By about 450 B.C., people learned to make wigwams and yurts, and these were already lighter tents that nomadic peoples could take with them as they moved.

Tents became a necessity during the Roman conquests. The armies covered long distances, and they needed somewhere to arrange an overnight stay and halt, so the technology of building tents was rapidly improving. By 300 C.E., the Romans learned to use the technology of tents made of goat or calfskin material. The tents were mainly designed for 8 people.

Few Words About Gear and The Second World War

Another leap in the development of tents took place during the Second World War.

Eberhard Koebel became the tent’s developer, which was banned in Germany during the war but was actively used by German scouting. This tent was based on the Lavvu Scandinavian tent system.

In 1951, the world was presented with a new innovative tent Eureka. Its innovation consisted in the use of synthetic wall materials and an aluminum frame. This was already a lighter tent, which laid the foundation for modern, more advanced tents.

We can say that tents have improved along with humans and their needs and capabilities, from mammoth skins to lightweight artificial materials. But the main goal is always the same — to protect from bad weather, to provide a survival shelter while remaining mobile.

Different Types of Survival Tent

A huge number of different tents from different brands can help you with a huge number of situations. We will tell you about the most basic and essential types of tents.

Backpacking Tent

Many consider this type to be the best survival tent and the most successful one for survivalists on the road. All because of their compact size and lightweight, and easy assembly. These tents fit easily into a backpack, stuff sack, or bug out bag. You can easily set up such a survival tent and just as quickly assemble it, so their convenience cannot be denied.

Tactical Bivvy Sleeping Bag

We cannot say that this is a complete tent and that Tact Bivvy will completely cover the need for a survival tent. But the Bivvy can be a great solution in a survival emergency and be the desired survival shelter that will not let you die in the woods.

The Tact Bivvy by Survival Frog is a large sleeping bag or tent-coffin that folds into a tiny bag and weighs even less than 5 ounces so that you can put it in your day pack.

The high-tech Mylar material used in space keeps heat well, is windproof and waterproof.

The Tact Bivvy is reasonably priced, so we highly recommend buying a few and putting them in the glove compartment of your car or survival backpack. It could save your life. Tact Bivvy is easy to use and takes up very little space, making it a lifesaver for survivalists or a great decision for hiking.

Four Season Tent

Four season tent is an optimal tent for any weather. It has the necessary insulation for the winter, waterproofing for wet nights or rain. Also, a four-season tent usually has a removable rain fly that you may want to put away on a hot day.

Teepee Tent

The vertical pillar that holds the walls attached in a circle is the Plain Indian tent’s whole arrangement. But even to this day, some tents take this technology as a basis, only using more technological materials.

Cold Weather Tent

Cold weather tents are high-tech tents and are quite expensive. These tents are designed in a special way to keep all the heat like in an oven. Some of the models even have small heaters. These tents will be the best survival tent for cold weather and rains.

Yurts

This survival tent is not useful for the road or travel, but it will be a great solution if you decide to settle somewhere for a longer period.

The world can be grateful for the invention of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. This tent is able not only to provide a warm refuge in winter but also to cool on a hot day.

Now yurts are often built on a concrete foundation, which, of course, cannot be done very quickly, but for a long-term period, it will be an excellent solution.

Dome Tent

Specialists often use dome tents on a professional expedition. Therefore this kind is often called expedition tents. Dome tents can provide survival shelter for people and equipment.

Dome tent provides excellent protection from strong winds due to its non-flat walls, and it is also good for use at high altitudes.

What Parameters Should You Consider When Buying a Tent

Choosing emergency tents can be a real puzzle. Not to get lost in the huge variety, we suggest you pay attention to the key parameters that the best survival tent should have. You can prioritize them in ascending order for you.

Tent Capacity

Decide how many people your tent should be designed for. Will, the whole family, need to hide in the tent, or will it be just you? Even if you take a tent only for yourself, we advise you to take a 2 person tent. Firstly, it has a more spacious floor area, in it, you can hide your things and make yourself more comfortable, and secondly, you can also place your friend or fellow traveler, if necessary.

Usually, there are these capacities:

• 2 person survival tent;
• 4 person tent;
• 6 person tent;
• 8 person tent.

Larger capacity tents exist but too large and have too much weight.

Color and Shape

When choosing a color, you need to decide whether you want to hide or, on the contrary, be rescued. If you need to get lost in the terrain and hide from prying eyes, choose a tent that matches the environment’s color, for example, naturally green, if there is a lot of flora. If we talk about situations where it is more useful for you to be noticed, then take a bright orange or yellow color. This is useful when climbing a mountain, for example.

The form is less important than color; it is more a matter of convenience. But you have to pay attention to the choice of the shape of the tent. If you are going to an area with strong winds, it is better to take a low profile aerodynamic tent.

Weight and Size of the Folded Tent

The lighter the tent, the easier and more comfortable it will be for you to take it with you. Every extra ounce after a few hours of travel will be a heavy burden on your back, so it is best to grab the lightest portable tent for survival situations.

The same goes for the size. The smaller it is, the more comfortable it will be for you to carry it. Look for tents that are backpack-sized or smaller. It is best if you can fit the tent in your bug out bag.

Rainy Weather Protection

Protection from rain and moisture is significant, no matter what purpose you buy a tent for. Make sure your tent is waterproof and has a rain fly. If not, then make yourself a waterproof curtain. Just imagine how unpleasant it is to wake up in a puddle in the morning, or if your belongings or survival supplies get wet, a lot of problems may come with rain if you do not have the necessary protection.

Price

Of course, you have to stick to your budget, but remember that a tent is one of those things that you should not save too much on. More expensive models are usually more durable, lighter, more functional. Therefore, it can be a profitable investment of money.

In the case of such equipment, you get what you pay. Remember this when calculating the budget.

Tent Setup Process

If you are an engineer, we think you can figure out how to set up any tent. But if, like us, you are not strong in the principles of building complex structures, choose the tent that you can definitely assemble. There is nothing worse than having a tent but not being able to put it up. Sometimes, if not life, then health can depend on the speed of setting up a tent. Better buy a tent that you can assemble intuitively or practice putting it together in a relaxed environment.

Durability

Choose more durable materials. This usually means a higher price, but it is worth it. The tent will last you longer and will be able to withstand more than one “storm.”

Lobby

This kind of tent extension can serve as a warehouse for your survival gear or just for clothes and shoes. This way, you do not have to lug it all into the tent itself and take up space there.

The 10 Rules Of Tent Care

The service life of a tent can be extended if it is properly cleaned and looked after. As we mentioned earlier, a tent can be quite expensive, so it is imperative to keep it in good condition so that this investment of your money would be worthwhile.

1. Pay attention to the instructions

The simplest, but meanwhile, the most important thing that you can do is to read the instructions for the tent. Information for the user may contain important details or recommendations. This is the first source of information for you.

Even if you consider yourself a tent pro, do not save a couple of minutes. Read the instructions. After all, this particular tent may contain some innovations that you may not be aware of.

2. Keep your shoes outside

The tent is your dwelling, albeit temporary, so it is better not to drag the dirt and debris stuck on your shoes there. Plus, your boots will help you wipe the floor faster.

3. Be careful with all fasteners and clasps.

Always close and stretch your zippers carefully, even if things look pretty secure. In a survival situation, it may not be easy to fix a stuck or torn zipper.

4. Shake the trash off

Dispose of all kinds of debris before folding and storing the tent. It can contain insects, twigs, grass, earth, and it is better to clean it all thoroughly before putting the tent in the package.

5. Avoid direct sunlight

Of course, you do not always have to avoid it as it can dry out or heat your tent. But constant direct sunlight can damage the waterproofing. Therefore, it is better to try to pitch the tent in the shade.

6. Place an extra layer under the tent

An additional footprint or tarp underneath the tent will act as a protective barrier and will extend the life of the tent. For many tents, footprints are available by size, but you can actually get by with a regular piece of tarp.

7. Roll tent up gently

Never crumple your tent or throw it in a mess. When creasing, folds are inevitably formed, and, accordingly, scars on the tissue. This will reduce waterproofing and strength. Better to fold it neatly and put the tent in its packaging.

8. Dry the tent before putting it away

Before you fold your tent for a long time, it is imperative to dry and ventilate it. Even if it seems to you that it is dry because there was no rain, it could be damp from dew, ground, or even sweat.

Drying your tent will help prevent scouring and mildew.

9. Do not wash your tent in a washing machine

Machine wash is too rough for tents and could damage them. Modern materials will survive bad weather, storm, but not washing in a machine, remember this.

10. Clean your tent

Although machine washing should be avoided, you will still need to clean your tent. Plain cold water, non-abrasive sponge, and non-detergent soap are best for this. Use a sponge to wipe off any dirt inside and outside the tent. If mold suddenly forms, remove it (it is better at the initial stage before it goes further). Pay special attention to the zippers and seams. They often get clogged with dirt, do not miss it.

After you have wiped your tent, you need to dry it thoroughly. Ideal if you can do it outdoors under the sun. The sun’s rays will rid you of germs and bacteria.

Best Survival Tent Summary

The invention of the tent greatly changed the way of human life. Tents evolved and developed along with the human race, allowed to move further from their permanent habitat, explore new regions, and move with animals while hunting.

Modern tents are not at all the same as in primitive times. They use more technologically advanced material such as mylar material, which retains the body heat. They are easy to set up and disassemble. Some of them have lightweight, take up no more space than a sleeping bag, but still provide a reliable survival shelter.

A survival tent is a significant part of the survival gear list. This thing will cover you from bad weather, give you a small island of tranquility and become a good survival shelter if necessary. Therefore, buying a tent should be one of the first items in your survival gear plan.

The question of choosing the most optimal tent is not so simple. If possible, then it would be most likely to buy several for various cases:

• Family tent;
• Camping tent;
• Backpacking tent;
• Tent for bug out bag.

This way, you will be prepared for all occasions. But for many of us, this is a utopia, so choose according to the most important parameters to you.

Buying a good tent can be more expensive than you thought, but remember that you get what you pay in this case. Therefore, we believe that it is better to save on something else if necessary, but buy a tent of high quality, reliable, and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What is the best survival tent?

There is no single tent that is the best survival tent for all situations. First, you need to think about why you are buying a survival tent, how many people it should accommodate, what kind of weather it will most likely be placed in, whether you need to hide or, on the contrary, stand out. But there are survival tents on the market that can cover more needs. Choose three season tents from durable materials with removable layers. Make sure it is easy to set this emergency survival tent. We offer you to check our survival tent guide and take a look at the best survival tents we have selected for you.

What is the best cheap survival tent?

We would not recommend skimping on such an important part of the survival process as a tent, but if your budget is tight, it is certainly important to fit into it. One person tents are cheaper than their larger counterparts. We suggest you pay attention to Teton Sports Mountain Ultra, Snugpack Lonosphere Tent, or Winterial Tent. If your budget is really tight, but you want to purchase an emergency survival tent, we recommend buying the Tactical Bivvy. True, this is more of a sleeping bag than a full-fledged survival tent, but it uses mylar material. This material will keep the body heat and keep you warm. So be sure to buy one in case of an unexpected survival situation and put it in your day pack.

What is the best 2 man tent?

In our article, we provide examples of the best survival of 2 person tents. In our opinion, they are Kelty TN and The North Face Summit Series Assault.

Kelty TN is a two-person tent with double walls (waterproof rain fly and insect net). This emergency survival tent weighs 4.5 lbs. This tent is easy to set up, which makes it the best survival tent for emergencies.

The North Face Summit is another good emergency tent for two people. The weight of this survival tent is even lighter, just 3.25 lbs. The North Face is responsible for the quality of the tent’s material and provides a lifetime warranty.

Which are the best camping tents?

The best camping tent should have the same qualities as the best survival tent. It needs to be reliable, durable, waterproof, a safe shelter for you. Better to take a tent that can accommodate two people, even if you are alone. This gives you more space and can accommodate your gear in the tent. Choose a tent using quality material so it will last longer, like the Nemo Bungalow or The North Face Summit Series Assault. The tent should weight a little, not to be a burden while camping, and should easily fit into a backpack, survival bag, or bug out bag.