Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door

Picture this: You are having the time of your life on your camping trip, and the weather has been better than fantastic. But one afternoon, the clouds are rolling in, bringing a light to moderate summer rainfall. You dash to your tent for cover. You struggle with the zipper on the door – it snags, you are beyond frustrated, and pretty soon, you are sopping wet. 

Sound familiar? 

A tent with a zippered door has its place in the camping world, but if you can have something better, why not? 

You need a tent with a hinged door. It’s quick and easy to pull these open and get inside the tent, whether or not it is raining. 

In this article, we are looking at the 9 best camping tents with a hinged door. Our comprehensive buyers’ guide covers everything you need to make the best tenting decisions – from seasonality and durability to budget considerations and must-have accessories. 

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Quick Picks: What Are the Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door? 

A woman opens the door of Coleman Elite Sundome Tent

Can’t stick around at this moment and read every review in detail? Not to worry. Here are the top 9 tents with a hinged door so you can easily pick the best one! 

  1. Best Overall Tent: Coleman 10-Person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup 
  2. Best Budget Tent: Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent With Hinged Door
  3. Best Quick-Pitch Tent: Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin 
  4. Best Tent with Built-In Light: Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System
  5. Best Privacy Tent: Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
  6. Best Tent with Screened Room: Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent
  7. Best Octagon-Shaped Tent: Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent 
  8. Best 2-Season Tent: Coleman Evanston Tent 8
  9. Best Tent for Winter: Russian Bear Winter Tent

Comparison table: What Are the Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door? 

ModelSpecsWhere To Buy

Coleman 10-Person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup 
Dimensions: 14’ x 10’
Peak Height: 6.7’
Weight: 42 lbs
Amazon

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent With Hinged Door
Dimensions: 16’ x 7’
Peak Height: 6.2’
Weight: 24.5 lbs
Walmart

Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin 
Dimensions: 13’ x 9’
Peak Height: 6.8’
Weight: 35.4 lbs
Amazon

Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System
Dimensions: 12’ x 10’
Peak Height: 6’
Weight: 20 lbs
Amazon

Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent
Dimensions: 17’ x 9’
Peak Height: 6.8’
Weight: 31 lbs
Amazon

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent
Dimensions: 11’ x 9’
Peak Height: 6.8’
Weight: 31.9 lbs
Amazon

Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent 
Dimensions: 13’ x 13’
Peak Height: 6.1’
Weight: 40 lbs
Walmart

Coleman Evanston Tent 8
Dimensions: 15’ x 12’
Peak Height: 6’
Weight: 25.13 lbs
Walmart

Russian Bear Winter Tent
Dimensions: 14.4’ in diameter
Peak Height: 7.2’
Weight: 63.9 lbs
Amazon
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9 Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door

Best Overall Tent: Coleman 10-Person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup 

Coleman 10-Person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup 

Dimensions: 14’ x 10’ (4.26 x 3.04 m)
Peak Height: 6.7’ (2.04 m)
Doors: 2
Weight: 42 lbs (19.05 kg)

The Coleman 10-person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup is the best tent with a hinged door. It is a fully freestanding cabin-style tent with an instant setup, so the pitching process is quick and easy. 

If you like to party at night or are just a night owl and prefer to sleep in, the dark-rest design’s got you covered. The tent fabric reflects 90% sunlight, meaning the interior doesn’t bake as much as non-dark-rest tents. You can even snooze in the afternoon and not worry about bright sunlight or a hot tent interior. 

Coleman 10-Person Dark Room Cabin Tent with Instant Setup 
Image: tjmaxxse

The tent performs well in the ventilation compartment. There are 2 doors (1 hinged and 1 zippered), 5 windows, full mesh ceiling, and a removable rainfly. The dark room also ensures the tent doesn’t get too hot, which surely helps with that stuffy feeling.

The frame comprises steel poles, so this is a sturdy tent. Coleman has tested the tent to withstand relatively strong winds. When it comes to rain, light rain is better. 

No waterproof rating is indicated, the rainfly offers minimal protection, and the WeatherTec system ensures the zips are covered, the rainfly has inverted seams, the corners are welded, and the welded tub floor is waterproof. 

PROS
  • Instant pitching process of about a minute 
  • Dark-rest design with Coleman’s WeatherTec system
  • Room divider, so you can have 1 or 2 rooms
  • Lantern ring so you can hang some light
  • E-cable port to power the light and your devices 
CONS
  • Can’t fit in 4 queen air beds as advertised 
  • No vestibule or screened porch, so there may not be enough space for storage inside 

Best Budget Tent: Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent with Hinged Door 

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent with Hinged Door 

Dimensions: 16’ x 7’ (4.87 x 2.13 m)
Peak Height: 6.2’ (1.88 m)
Doors: 1
Weight: 24.5 lbs (11.11 kg)

Not everyone has a large budget for the bestest tent. That’s why the 3-season Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent With Hinged Door is our best budget pick. And trust us, it isn’t like this tent skimped on the details. 

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent with Hinged Door 
Image: Camping Guidance

The tent isn’t freestanding, so you need to stake it to the ground. This also increases the tent’s stability, and the company has tested the tent to remain upright in 35+ mph (56+ kph) winds. However, the poles are fiberglass, so ensure the weather is nice for your camping trip. 

The packed size of the tent isn’t bad. At (L x W x H) 27.5″ x 9.25″ x 9″ (69.85 x 23.49 x 22.86 cm), you can even use this tent on motorbike trips. 

Like the other Coleman tents on our list, the Coleman Montana also features the WeatherTec system. WeatherTec means the extended dome-type tent has inverted seams, protected zippers, a waterproof and welded tub-like floor, and a wind-strong frame to keep the tent stable and the interior dry. 

The extended door awning gives you extra storage space, and you can take off wet jackets and dirty shoes before entering the tent. Ventilation is not the best if you have 8 people living in the tent. However, the 3 windows (2 of which are reverse-angled), the hinged door, full mesh ceiling, and removable rainfly provide adequate breathability for 2-4 campers. 

If you are looking for more luxury features, check out the Coleman 8-Person Elite Montana Cabin Camping Tent that has an LED lighting system, auto-roll windows, and more.

PROS
  • Zippered port for an electric cable so you can power your devices 
  • Extended awning 
  • Packed size is small enough to easily carry the tent or take it motorbiking 
  • Kind on your wallet 
CONS
  • Only 1 door 
  • Only 1 room; a room divider for privacy and an extra would’ve been a nice touch

Best Quick-Pitch Tent: Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin 

Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin 

Dimensions: 13’ x 9’ (3.96 x 2.74 m)
Peak Height: 6.8’ (2.07 m) 
Doors: 1
Weight: 35.4 lbs (16.05 kg) 

Do you prefer a tent with some niceties that you have at home? Well, then, the Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin with cabinets is a pretty good choice. “Creature comfort” features include: 

  • A 2’ x 2’ (0.6 x 0.6 m) built-in curtained closet with a hanger bar and shelves 
  • A room divider 
  • Storage pockets 
  • 5 windows for light and ventilation 
  • A hinged door with a door handle. 

Do you need anything else? 

The cabin-style 3-season tent has near vertical walls, which gives you a tall center height. That’s great news if you are over 6’ (1.82 m). You don’t need to hunch over inside the tent and worry about back pain. 

The tent uses a Fast Pitch system. This isn’t the same as an instant tent setup, but it’s almost just as quick. The tent’s roof features a hub into which you connect the 5 color-coded shock-corded poles. 

Coleman Tenaya Lake 8-Person Fast Pitch Cabin tent
Image: mattrittgers

These then connect with the wall poles, which are also shock corded. You then need to slide through the poles for the closet and the hinged door, stake the tent, and attach the reflective guy lines for further stability. 

Like the other Coleman tents, the Tenaya Lake is also designed with the WeatherTec system. So while the company doesn’t provide a waterproof rating, they do claim the interior will stay dry in rains and that the tent can stand up in winds of 35+ mph (56+ kph). The poles are made from fiberglass and steel, so it’s a sturdy setup. 

Psst … You can always use the closet as a bathroom space and place a portable toilet there.

PROS
  • Attached closet so you can store your gear 
  • Room divider so you can have a 1-room tent or a 2-room tent 
  • Expandable carry bag on wheels
  • Quick pitching process thanks to the Fast Pitch system 
CONS
  • Not fully waterproof since reviewers complain about water leaking in 

Best Tent with Built-In Light: Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System 

Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System

Dimensions: 12’ x 10’ (3.65 x 3.04 m)
Peak Height: 6’ (1.82 m)
Doors: 2
Weight: 20 lbs (9.07 kg)

If you are looking for a compact but spacious tent with a hinged door, why look further than the 6-person Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System? 

The Sundome tent has an X-pole structure, 2 doors (one of which is a hinged door with a handle), a room divider so you can create 2 rooms for privacy, and a door awning that provides extra sun protection.

The tent has a built-in LED lighting system, so you have instant light if you set up your tent at dusk or dawn. There’s a switch with 3 light options – high, low, and nightlight. 

A built-in LED lighting system of the Coleman Elite Sundome Tent with LED Light System 
Image: Camping Guidance

The runtime for the nightlight is 81 hours, while it’s an impressive 26 hours on high. This lighting system is compatible with a CPX6, but you’ll need to buy a rechargeable cartridge or 4 D batteries. 

The Coleman Elite Sundome Tent won’t let you suffer with stuffiness when it comes to ventilation. Ventilation and breathability features include a ground vent, 4 windows, 2 doors, mesh ceiling, and removable rainfly.

The tent is okay in adverse weather, like light wind and moderate rain. The poles are made from fiberglass, so they aren’t as strong as the Coleman tents with steel poles. The tub floor is waterproof as it’s made from 1,000 denier polyethylene. 

This tent also features the exclusive WeatherTec system, so you get corner welds, covered zippers, and protected seams to help keep rainwater out. 

PROS
  • Quick 10-minute pitch 
  • Auto-roll windows
  • Hinged door has a door handle, which is a nice little touch
  • LED lighting system so you don’t need to worry about hanging a lantern 
  • Great ventilation with the vent and other breathability features 
CONS
  • Partial rainfly coverage, so not ideal for moderate to heavy rain 
  • Not really big enough for 6 people if you want storage and breathing space 

Best for Privacy Tent: Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent 

Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent 

Dimensions: 17’ x 9’ (5.18 x 2.74 m)
Peak Height: 6.8’ (2.07 m)
Doors: 2
Weight: 31 lbs (14.06 kg) 

The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent is bigger than the 6-person version of the WeatherMaster tent (we look at that one below). 

So while more people can sleep inside, the 10-person tent works well even if you are just a couple and would like extra space for extended camping trips. The tent even comes with a room divider so you can have 2 rooms to configure. 

Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent 
Image: Camping Guidance

The hybrid cabin-tunnel-style tent is designed with the Coleman WeatherTec system. So the corners are welded, the zippers are covered, and the rainfly has inverted seams to keep the tent interior dry. 

The tub floor is waterproof, so that’s one thing you don’t need to worry about. The steel poles make the frame strong, so the tent has been tested to withstand winds of 35+ mph (56+ kph). 

Thanks to the nearly straight walls and three ceiling loops, you can easily move around in the tent, even if you are 6’ (1.82 m) tall. Ventilation is good with 6 windows, 2 doors (one of which is hinged), full mesh ceiling, and removable rainfly.

PROS
  • Cabin-tunnel shape gives you plenty of peak height 
  • Fits 3 queen-sized air beds or 2 if you want storage space 
  • 2 doors for the 2 rooms, making it easy to get in and out 
  • Extended carry bag so you can get the tent back inside the bag
  • Uses a pin-and-ring system so the corner pole connections don’t slip 
CONS
  • 20 minutes to pitch, but the setup is easy with 2 people 
  • Not fully weatherproof 

Best Tent with Screened Room: Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent 

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened

Dimensions: 11’ x 9’ (3.35 x 2.74 m)
Peak Height: 6.8’ (2.07 m)
Doors: 1
Weight: 31.9 lbs (14.46 kg) 

Do you like relaxing and kicking back? Once you’ve got the 3-season cabin-tunnel hybrid style Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent pitched, that’s exactly what you can enjoy. 

The best part while you enjoy being out in nature is that the tent protects you from pesky little bugs with the 9’ x 6’ (2.74 x 1.82 m) screened-in porch. The porch also increases the tent’s ventilation and gives you space to store your gear, or just sit and watch the time go by. 

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent  inside
Image: BOOM & BIGZ TV

The tent is semi-weatherproof. The frame is made from steel poles, meaning the tent will stay standing in 35+ mph (56+ kph) winds. 

The Coleman WeatherMaster is a durable WeatherTec tent; the tent body fabric and rainfly are coated polyester. The welded tub floor is like the other Coleman’s. It’s made of 1,000 denier polyurethane, so it’s waterproof. 

You also have 2 curtains you can lower and zip closed to create 3 rooms – 2 inside the tent and the other is the screened porch. This makes it nice if you want privacy or to configure the tent according to your needs. 

If you are worried about the tent interior getting stuffy and yucky, don’t be. The tent has plenty going for it in terms of breathability and ventilation. 

The windows are angled to increase air circulation without letting rain in. Then there’s the mesh screen room, windows and a privacy vent window, vented Cool-Air privacy port, Variflo adjustable ventilation control system, a full mesh ceiling, and removable rainfly with inverted seams. 

Psst … There’s also an Elite WeatherMaster 6-person lighted tent with a screen room with some luxury features. 

PROS
  • Convenient E-port so you can power your devices 
  • Can have 3 rooms with the screened porch 
  • High peak height so you can move around with ease 
  • Plenty of ventilation 
CONS
  • 20-minute pitching process, but you can set it up yourself 
  • Screened room doesn’t have a floor but you can easily lay down some tarp if you want to
  • Only 1 door, but it’s hinged, making access quick and easy

Best Octagon-Shaped Tent: Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent 

Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent 

Dimensions: 13’ x 13’ (3.96 x 3.96 m) 
Peak Height: 6.1’ (1.85 m)
Doors: 2
Weight: 40 lbs (18.14 kg) 

If you are looking for a very livable, 3-season cabin-style tent, the Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent is it. 

Why is it liveable? 

For one, you get a privacy room divider you can use to split the tent interior into 2 living spaces. These can be 2 bedrooms, 1 bedroom and 1 storage area, or whatever works best for you. 

Even better, the 2 doors (a D-shaped door and a hinged door) ensure that you can enter and exit from both rooms, so there isn’t too much thoroughfare in one space. 

Coleman Octagon 98 Full Fly Tent 
Image: JustGiveITaGO

The rainfly and tent body are made from 68 denier polyester taffeta, while the ceiling and mesh windows are made of 68 denier polyester mesh. The floor is very durable as it’s made from 1,000 denier polyethylene. The poles are steel. 

While the double-layer tent is also designed with the exclusive Coleman WeatherTec, there’s no information about how weatherproof the tent is. Because the frame is steel, the tent should withstand winds of up to 35+ mph (56+ kph), but the tent interior is likely to stay dry in only light to moderate rain. 

The tent features good ventilation with the mesh ceiling, mesh windows, removable rainfly, vents on the rainfly (that aren’t closable), and 2 doors. 

PROS
  • Inner storage pockets with cup holders 
  • A lantern hook to hang your lantern or light
  • Privacy divider to configure the tent interior 
  • 2 doors so you have easy access 
CONS
  • 15 minutes to pitch but at least the pole attachments are color-coded 
  • Octagonal shape means you play Tetris if you want to fit 8 sleeping bags 

Best 2-Season Tent: Coleman Evanston Tent 8 

Coleman Evanston Tent 8 

Dimensions: 15’ x 12’ (4.57 x 3.65 m)
Peak Height: 6’ (1.82 m)
Doors: 1
Weight: 25.13 lbs (11.39 kg)

The non-freestanding 8-person Coleman Evanston Tent 8 is a dome-shaped, 2-season tent. If you need a tent with a hinged door for camp camping or extended camping trips during spring and summer, pick this tent. 

The tent doesn’t have the traditional “2-room” setup other tents have – you know, with a room divider you put up. Instead, the main room is large enough for 2 queen-sized air mattresses and a screen room with a separate floor. 

If it isn’t too cold at night, this is a good second bedroom, or you can use this space for storage or hanging out. 

Coleman Evanston Tent 8  inside
Image: 612outdoors com

The ventilation and breathability are quite good. The screen room, extended awning so you can keep your mesh windows open, full mesh ceiling, and hinged door all ensure the interior won’t feel stuffy. 

The tent will hold up in light wind and rain conditions. The Coleman Evanston Tent is created with the company’s WeatherTec system, which means patented waterproof welded floors, zipper protection, protected seams, and a wind-strong frame. 

PROS
  • Extended awning so you can keep the windows open and not worry about rain making its way inside 
  • Expandable carry bag so you can get the tent inside for storage and portability 
  • E-port for your power needs 
  • Continuous, snag-free pole sleeves 
  • Some storage pockets for your essentials 
CONS
  • 15-minute pitching process, but the good news is that only one person can set up the tent 
  • Not fully weatherproof or suitable for 3+ season camping 

Best for Winter Tent: Russian Bear Winter Tent With Stove Included 

Russian Bear Winter Tent With Stove Included

Dimensions: 14.4’ in diameter (4.38 m)
Peak Height: 7.2’ (2.19 m)
Doors: 2
Weight: 63.9 lbs (28.98 kg)

Okay, so you might think “WHAT?!” when you see the price of this tent, but we promise you, if you do have the budget and need a proper 4-season tent, it doesn’t get better than this. 

The Russian Bear Winter Tent is an 8-person tent and it has a lot of features. Let’s highlight the most important ones. 

The freestanding dome tent has 2 5-layer windows and 2 3-layer doors. The tent is also double-walled and has a 3-layer floor. These features keep the cold outside and the inside of the tent well-insulated, warm, and cozy. The removable awning further adds weather protection. 

Russian Bear Winter Tent With Stove Included 
Image: Hike Camp Climb

The tent inner is made of moisture-repellent Oxford 210 fabric, and it has a hydrostatic rating of 2,000 mm. The tent outer has a waterproof rating of 4,000 mm and is made of moisture-resistant Oxford 300 fabric. 

This is the best of the best when it comes to waterproofness. The tent holds up well in the heaviest of rain and snow. 

The tent is durable. The frame is made of aviation aluminum alloy, and the dome shape ensures the tent is aerodynamic. This means the tent stands up in strong winter winds. 

The doors can be rolled to the side and fixed with toggles, or you can use the removable hinged door that you set up with 4 pre-attached poles and Velcro. 

There’s even a semi-rigid door handle so you can easily open and close the hinged door. To protect the hinged door from the elements, an elastic flap covers all sides of the door. 

Other cool features include a floor that has 2 slots for ice fishing, the included large wood-burning stove you can use inside the tent, ventilation in the form of full mesh doors and windows, the Velcro panel, and low mesh vent. 

PROS
  • Great for fishing, hunting, or camping 
  • Instant setup 
  • Fully weatherproof 
  • Has a gear loft, 8 mesh storage pockets, 2 long removable organizers, a chimney, and an integrated stove jack 
  • Plenty of ventilation and insulation 
CONS
  • Really expensive and not everyone needs all these lux features 
  • The stove is big and takes up lots of space 
  • Need to order the accessory vestibule separately 

A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door: What Should You Consider? 

Choosing a tent for your camping, backpacking, festival-going, or other needs isn’t easy. We know there are plenty of options on the market, and with so many tents to choose from, it’s easy to feel indecisive instead of knowing what’s best for you and your family. 

Choosing the best tent always comes down to the same variables: 

  • The number of people who sleep in the tent versus the number of people who’ll be in the tent during daylight hours (or нsleeping space versus hanging out space) 
  • Storage space 
  • Privacy needs 
  • Number of doors and type
  • Ventilation and breathability 
  • Durability and weatherproof-ness 
  • The season you are going camping and the expected weather 
  • Tent shape preference 
  • Peak height considerations 
  • Pitching process and number of helpers 
  • Your budget 
  • Accessories you need versus ones that are luxury and nice to have 

Finding the best camping tent with a hinged door depends on which tent meets most of your needs (aka your priorities). If you are lucky and you find your dream tent, good for you. For the rest of us, a good tent meets most of our needs. 

Type and Shape of Tent 

A family sets up a camp with the Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person tent 

Camping tents with hinged doors are available in various types and shapes. 

The popular tent shapes you need to consider are: 

  • Dome Tents 

Dome tents are freestanding tents with an X-pole structure. This means the poles cross at the top of the tent’s ceiling. 

These tent types generally hold up well in adverse weather conditions like strong winds and rain, but this depends on how well the tent is made. Also, the smaller the tent, the better it holds up in severe weather. 

Dome tents are easy to pitch and come in various sizes. 

  • Cabin Tents 

A cabin tent looks like a cabin and has a homey feel. The interiors are spacious, and the tents feature a higher peak height all around, thanks to the near-vertical walls. 

With a dome tent, for example, the tent’s peak height is the highest at the center, and then you gradually lose height the closer you move to the walls, resulting in a hunched posture and back pain. 

Cabin tents have a large footprint, so you need plenty of space before laying out the tent and pitching it. Use these tents in mild to good weather. 

  • Hybrid Tents 

A hybrid tent combines two tent styles. These tents are also called modified dome tents or extended tents. The two tents we looked at in our top selection have a tunnel-dome hybrid design. 

There are curved poles that create ceiling loops for the tunnel look, and together with the slightly slanted yet upright walls, you have plenty of peak height. 

Hybrid tents usually need to be staked, but they are semi-freestanding and relatively easy to set up. 

  • Geodesic or Semi-Geodesic Tents 

Geodesic tents resemble dome tents. The main difference is in how many poles cross each other. For a dome tent, it’s two; for a geodesic tent, it’s a minimum of 5; for a semi-geodesic tent, it’s at least 3. 

The poles for these tents are usually color-coded to make your life easier. Geodesic and semi-geodesic tents are sturdy with their heavy-duty structures, so they remain standing in stronger winds. 

  • Tunnel Tents 

Tunnel tents need to be staked and are relatively easy to pitch. They have high ceilings, so you can walk around with ease. 

You have more storage space for your gear when you opt for a tunnel tent, and these come with room dividers so you can configure the tent to suit your camping needs.

Weight of Tent 

The tent’s weight is a significant consideration. No one wants to lug around a heavy tent for miles before pitching it. Plus, you must make several more trips to get your gear. 

Ideally, you want a lightweight tent to carry, and if the tent comes in a bag to help you carry, that’s even better. 

A heavier tent is okay if you pitch it next to your car because you don’t have to move it over a long distance. 

Generally, the best camping tents with a hinged door weigh between 24.25 lbs to 33.06 lbs (11 kg to 15 kg). However, the lightest design on our list is a tent that weighs under 20 lbs (9 kg), while the heaviest tent – a complete 4-season tent – weighs almost 64 lbs (29 kg). 

If you have any mobility problems or arthritis, you want to choose a tent that isn’t too heavy. 

Seasonality 

Tents are given one of 3 seasonality ratings; however, sometimes, there’s a fourth one: 

  • 2-season tents are suitable for the warmer months. These tents feature a lot of mesh to improve ventilation and breathability when the sun bakes the day. 
  • 3-season tents are ideal for summer, spring, and fall. They provide protection against light cold, but they are best for when the weather is nice and warmer than you get in the northern states. 
  • 3+ season tents won’t help you if it’s really cold outside, but they work well when the winter is mild. 
  • 4-season tents come with all the bells and whistles to ventilate the tent while keeping it insulated. These tents are designed for the coldest months and climates.

We’ve included a couple of 2-season tents, one 4-season tent, and the rest are all 3-season tents. 

Weather Resistance and Durability 

No one likes to take shelter in a tent, only to find that pretty soon the water is seeping in through the walls and ceiling. You could have just stayed home. 

Whether it has a hinged door or not, the best camping tent you choose needs to be constructed to suit the weather you are going camping in, and it needs to be durable. 

Most tent body fabrics are polyester, which provides good ventilation. It is also low in maintenance (equals easy to clean) and water-resistant. When coated in polyurethane, the fabric is waterproof. 

You can also spray your tent with a waterproofing spray to increase its waterproofness and extend the tent’s life.

An orange tent with a hinged door pitched in the forest

You know whether you mostly camp during the summer holidays, go ice fishing or hunting in winter, or attend festivals during fall, spring, and summer. And you know what the weather is like in these places. 

Sure, you don’t need a fully waterproof tent when camping in a dry climate where it rarely rains, or at most, you can expect a light summer shower. 

Consider the hydrostatic or waterproof rating of the tent 

  • Under 1,000 mm means the tent is water resistant, and remember, water resistant is NOT the same as waterproof 
  • 1,000 mm means the tent will keep you and your gear dry during light rain 
  • 1,500 mm to 3,000 mm means the tent’s interior will remain dry even in moderate to heavy rainfall 
  • 3,000+ mm means the tent is fully waterproof and can even take a snow beating 

You also need to factor in the other features that make it weather resistant:

  • The rainfly coverage

A rainfly that provides full coverage further ensures that the tent stays dry, and water can run along the rainfly and fall to the ground away from the tent windows and doors. The rainfly should also have inverted seams, so water doesn’t leak through this weak spot. 

A partial rainfly decreases how waterproof or water-resistant the tent is as rain can seep into the window and door seams or zips. 

  • The pole and frame construction

Tent poles are usually manufactured from fiberglass, steel, or aluminum. Carbon fiber and other composite materials can also be used. 

Fiberglass poles aren’t very flexible, meaning they are best for no or light wind conditions, whereas a steel tent frame is much sturdier, meaning these tents can withstand heavy winds. 

Aluminum poles can bend; if the wind is strong enough, these poles will snap. But at least you can repair them. 

  • The tent shape 

The tent’s shape is a significant factor contributing to weather resistance. A dome tent is better because rain can slide down the ceiling and fall to the ground, while a large cabin tent or tall tunnel tent isn’t aerodynamic enough for strong winds. 

The tall ceilings and steep walls are highly resistant to wind, while a dome tent with curved walls ensures the wind can glide over the tent. 

  • Protected zips 

Zips are usually a weak point. So look for a tent with protected zips – whether for the windows or the zippered door. 

Some tents also have a protected flap to ensure wind and rain can’t enter hinged doors that close with Velcro. 

  • Tub floors 

Tents with tub floors, like the Coleman range of tents that feature their exclusive WeatherTec design, are fully waterproof. So if there’s a light flood because of heavy rain, you know that no water will enter via the flooring. 

Comfort, Space, and Peak Height 

Space and comfort are essential factors, and various elements in a tent contribute to how comfy the tent is. 

One of these is obviously the size of the tent. All tents indicate how many people can fit inside, and yeah, you can fit 10 “stick” people in a 10-person tent – one on top of each other, just like a row of sardines. But you probably want to breathe in your tent and have it be a livable space – whether for a short weekend or an extended trip in nature. 

It’s recommended to work on 30 sq ft (2.78 sq m) per person. This is enough living and sleeping space. If you want a bigger space per person, you are more than welcome to have that. The minimum per-person space is 20 sq ft (1.85 sq m). 

To work out how much space per person a tent offers, take the total floor area and divide it by how much space you want or need per individual. 

So if you have a 10-person tent with a hinged door with 140 sq ft (13 sq m), and you want each person to have 30 sq ft, then the tent is spacious for 4-5 people.

Peak height also adds to your comfort. You want to be able to walk upright in a tent and spend as little time as possible hunched over. Luckily, all of the hinged-door tents on our list have a minimum peak height of 6’ (1.82 m). 

A hinged door also adds comfort. Once you’ve used a tent with a hinged door, you’ll never want to go back to a tent with only zippered doors. 

Most tents with 2 or more doors feature at least one hinge door and the others are zippered. A hinged door opens and closes easily with the Velcro tabs. 

Breathability and Ventilation 

Ventilation is an essential factor when you choose a tent. The more people who stay inside the tent with you, the better the breathability features you want. 

Tents have various features to improve the ventilation inside the tent: 

  • Mesh windows with a zippered panel for privacy and protection from rain 
  • Doors that can be left open or partially zipped/unzipped 
  • Air vents – in the walls, ground, or ceiling 
  • Full or partial mesh ceiling 
  • Removable rainfly 
  • Screened porch 

Storage Space 

If you pitch your tent next to or close to your vehicle, you may not need a lot of space inside the tent for your gear. However, the longer your camping trip and the further away from your vehicle, the more storage space you’ll need. 

This just makes your trip that much more pleasant as everything you packed and need is within arms’ reach. 

Tents offer various storage solutions: 

  • Media pockets 
  • Gear lofts 
  • Built-in closets 
  • Integrated mesh pockets 
  • Hanging pockets 
  • Storage pockets with cup holder space 

These are ideal for essential items, so you’ll need to leave enough space in the tent for your backpacks and other belongings. 

Vestibules, Screened Rooms, and Porch Area 

If you are looking for extra space to hang out or store your gear, you may want to opt for a tent with a vestibule, screen rooms, or a porch area. Even an extended awning gives you enough shade to sit and hang with your camping buddies outside. 

Pitching Ease and Take Down Time 

Pitching a tent should be easy or at least easy to figure out if you are a first-time camper. The tents on our list are easy to pitch. YouTube videos from the manufacturer are super helpful, and if the tent comes with a carry bag, the pitching instructions are usually sewn in there. 

Most camping tents with hinged doors use the color-coded pole method, so you need to match colors when pitching the tent. 

We’ve included an instant tent you can pitch in 60 seconds, a fast-pitch system tent, and others that take 10-20 minutes to set up (or take down). Not bad, right? 

It’s recommended to practice pitching the tent in your backyard before you head out to the camping ground. This gives you the confidence to correctly set up the tent, and it’ll go faster the more you practice. 

Price 

Now for a primary consideration. The price of a tent is something you need to take into account. While your heart may desire the tent with all the bells and whistles, you still need to feed your family and take care of your basic needs every month. 

There are affordable camping tents with hinged doors, and these tents come with luxury features. 

When buying a tent, consider: 

  • What kind of tent do you need, and what features are must-haves and which are nice-to-haves?
  • What is your budget? 
  • What tent best meets your needs? 

We’ve included a budget-friendly hinged-door tent, and 90% of our top picks cost $170 to $300. 

There’s one pricey option, but it is a 4-season tent with everything (and then some) you need for camping in the coldest climates. 

Accessories and Additional Features 

Besides the frame and fabric material, tents have accessories and additional features. Not all of these are priority characteristics, so make a list of what you really do need. 

  • Dark-rest tent fabric (aka sun blackout fabric) 
  • LED lighting system 
  • Loop to hang a lantern or lantern ring 
  • Room dividers 
  • E-cable port 
  • Carry bag, which can be “normal,” extendable, or with wheels 
  • Vents 
  • Mud mat 
  • Vestibule or screen-in porch 
  • Extended awning 
  • Auto-roll windows 
  • Closet with hanger bar and shelves 
  • Hinged door with a handle 
  • Storage organizer options 

Best Camping Tents with a Hinged Door FAQs 

What is a tent with a hinged door? 

A tent with a hinged door is a tent with a door that’s designed with sleeves, poles, and Velcro. The hinged door is usually in a D-shape. One of the poles is vertical and forms the axis on which the hinged door swings open and closed, while the other pole is curved to shape the door. 

Why would you want a tent with a hinged door vs zipper door? 

It’s a pain to zipper a tent door open and closed, especially if you are in a hurry. Plus, when a zippered tent door is unzippered, the fabric just hangs weirdly. A hinged door has poles that give it structure, and it’s easy to open and close a hinged door with the help of Velcro. 

Is it easy to set up a tent with a hinged door? 

The hinged door doesn’t affect how easy or challenging it is to pitch a tent. That depends all on the style of the tent. A hinged door can be a feature on an instant setup tent (so pitching is 60 seconds) or the door can be part of a larger tent that takes 20 minutes to pitch. 

What brands make hinged-door tents? 

Hinged doors are an exclusive feature of Coleman tents, and the company has patented its hinged door design. Some other tents on the market feature a hinged door, but these don’t look or work exactly like the Coleman hinged doors.

Do tents with a hinged door have luxury accessories? 

A hinged door is a luxury accessory for a tent because it gives you quick access to its interior. Nevertheless, a tent with a hinged door can be fancy with built-in closets, gear lofts and storage organizer pockets, LED lighting systems, and more.

Alex Buchnev

Alex Buchnev

Alex loves kayaking, fishing, and all things outdoors. When he's not out there in the wild, he's probably typing away at his laptop or trying to be the world's best father for his two lovely daughters.

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