Best 5-Person 3-Season Tents for 2019


Our review process

Picking out a new tent isn't always easy. It can escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've spent many hours gathering and analyzing information on more than 500 different tents and also looked at over 17,500 data parameters for each one so that you won't have to do the same research. Out of these tents, we then took another look at 6 5-person 3-season tents using our progressive AI technology. The following article will break down the advantages and disadvantages and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on.

There's loads to learn about 5-person 3-season tents. Designed for spring, summer, and fall, 3-season tents will keep you warm during cool seasons and cool in warm seasons. They usually have vents and feature mesh paneling, keeping your tent well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture. These lightweight tents are easy and comfortable to carry during long-distance treks. They have a roomy design, so you will only need to bring one tent to accommodate all your fellow hikers, lightening your load. 5-person tents are ideal for accommodating large groups, with enough room for campers to sleep and fit all their gear. However, they are bulky, so they are only reasonable if you're going car camping or have a short distance to walk while carrying your tent.

Our Top Ranking Tents:
Product NameBrandTent TypeDimensions
Best Overall Score
1
An image of ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 5-Person Non-Freestanding 3-Season 96 X 48 X 36 Inch Tent
ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 5-Person Non-Freestanding 3-Season 96 X 48 X 36 Inch Tent
ALPS Mountaineering
non-freestanding
96 x 48 x 36
Runner Up
2
An image of Alpinizmo Polyester 5-Person Green Dome 3-Season 26 X 18 X 12 Inch Tent
Alpinizmo Polyester 5-Person Green Dome 3-Season 26 X 18 X 12 Inch Tent
Alpinizmo
dome
26 x 18 x 12
Best for Bad Weather
3
An image of Swiss Gear Waterproof 5-Person Gray Dome 3-Season Tent
Swiss Gear Waterproof 5-Person Gray Dome 3-Season Tent
Swiss Gear
dome
Best Affordable Option
4
An image of Wenzel Pine Ridge Waterproof Polyester 5-Person Green Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26 X 7.8 X 7 Inch Tent
Wenzel Pine Ridge Waterproof Polyester 5-Person Green Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26 X 7.8 X 7 Inch Tent
Wenzel
rectangular
26 x 7.8 x 7
For Family Camping
5
An image of Mountainsmith 5-Person Olympic Blue Freestanding 3-Season Tent
Mountainsmith 5-Person Olympic Blue Freestanding 3-Season Tent
Mountainsmith
free standing
Our Top Ranking Tents
Customer Rating
Brand
ALPS Mountaineering
Tent Type
non-freestanding
Dimensions
96 x 48 x 36
Customer Rating
Brand
Alpinizmo
Tent Type
dome
Dimensions
26 x 18 x 12
Customer Rating
Brand
Swiss Gear
Tent Type
dome
Dimensions
Customer Rating
Brand
Wenzel
Tent Type
rectangular
Dimensions
26 x 7.8 x 7
Customer Rating
Brand
Mountainsmith
Tent Type
free standing
Dimensions
Best Overall Score
An image of ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 5-Person Non-Freestanding 3-Season 96 X 48 X 36 Inch Tent

Explore the great outdoors with the ALPS Mountaineering Mystique Non-Freestanding 5-Person Tent. This tent features a non-freestanding design, which stands upright on stakes. With the ability to withstand three seasons, it can endure downpours and moderate snow, perfect for late fall and early winter camping. It has sealed seams and includes a waterproof fly, keeping you sheltered in wet and cold conditions. This tent has aluminum poles, which are highly durable and are unlikely to snap with applied force.

Featuring a poly taffeta floor, this tent is UV-resistant and withstands sagging and stretching. It includes storage pockets so that you can arrange all your extra equipment in an easily accessible and convenient area. This 24 sq. ft. tent accommodates five people, so you'll have plenty of space for a group plus all the gear and equipment. It includes a rainfly, stakes, and repair swatches.

    Pros
    • Lightweight frame means it will fit in your pack easily without adding tons of weight
    • Features a mesh door, allowing in fresh air without letting in any bugs
    • Sealed seams keep water from seeping inside the tent if it starts raining while you're camping
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Built with a lightweight design, allowing you to walk comfortably
    • 3-season tents won't resist heavy snow
Runner Up
An image of Alpinizmo Polyester 5-Person Green Dome 3-Season 26 X 18 X 12 Inch Tent

With the Alpinizmo Polyester Dome 5-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend away. This Alpinizmo tent features a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for convenient pitching. It is constructed from polyester, making it very easy to transport this tent from place to place, due to its virtually weightless quality. It has a ground vent, which lets in plenty of air to keep the tent at a comfortable temperature. This tent has mesh windows and a large door. It is designed for three-season use, providing campers with a safe shelter that can withstand inclement weather.

This Alpinizmo tent features a storage pocket, so you can eliminate any mess and have everything in its place. It comes with a polyurethane coating, waterproofing the entire outside of the tent to keep you dry during wet conditions. It is designed to fit five people. It has sealed seams, so water won't be able to get inside if it rains.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester, making it very simple to maneuver this tent from place to place, due to its virtually weightless quality
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged water exposure
    • Features an easy setup, going up quicker than a typical tent
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating will degrade over time and get sticky when it is folded up
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester does not naturally breathe and is prone to condensation through the night
Best for Bad Weather
An image of Swiss Gear Waterproof 5-Person Gray Dome 3-Season Tent

With the Swiss Gear Dome 5-Person Tent, you can plan a great outdoor adventure. This Swiss Gear tent has a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for convenient pitching. It is designed for three-season use, is built with waterproof materials, and has sealed seams, keeping moisture and water away from the inside of your tent. This Swiss Gear tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a cheaper alternative to aluminum poles will not corrode. It has interior rings, so you can keep flashlight or valuables secured. Made of polyethylene, the floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't need an additional layer of protective coating.

    Pros
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged water exposure
    • Built with a lightweight design, making it easier to carry on any trek
    • Easy to assemble, giving you a pitched tent in only a few minutes
    Cons
    • Built with a lightweight design, making it easy to take this tent with you on any hike
    • Dome design can be harder to pitch than pop-up tents or other designs
    • 3-season tents won't resist heavy snow
Best Affordable Option
An image of Wenzel Pine Ridge Waterproof Polyester 5-Person Green Car Camping Rectangular 3-Season 26 X 7.8 X 7 Inch Tent

Trying to find a tent on a budget? We can tell you about the Wenzel Pine Ridge Polyester Rectangular 5-Person Tent. This Wenzel tent is designed for car camping, so bring all your equipment without worrying about weight. With polyester material, it is lightweight, easily portable, and simple to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. It has fiberglass poles, which have excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand all temperatures, from high heat to intense cold. This tent has a rectangular design, which provides ample interior space, making it one of the most common purchases. It features Weather Armor fabric, is weather resistant, and is designed to be waterproof, keeping you dry during stormy conditions. It is designed for three-season use, so you can take this tent with you almost any time of the year and it will be able to endure most climates.

Made of polyethylene, the floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't need an additional layer of protective coating. This tent comes with a polyurethane coating, creating a waterproof barrier with greater breathability than silicone materials. This 80 sq. ft. tent fits five campers, providing a spacious amount of room for large families. It includes hanging pockets, so you can organize all your extra belongings in an easily accessible and convenient place.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester, making it lightweight, so you can easily take on your next family camping trip
    • Polyethylene floor does not deteriorate with prolonged moisture exposure
    • Features an easy setup, going up quicker than a traditional tent
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to flaking off the tent surface after limited use
    • Polyester is prone to becoming very hot in direct sunlight
    • Lightweight tents are designed with delicate fabrics that can tear
For Family Camping
An image of Mountainsmith 5-Person Olympic Blue Freestanding 3-Season Tent

Let's review the Mountainsmith Freestanding 5-Person Tent, rated highly by online shoppers. Designed to withstand three seasons, this Mountainsmith tent keeps you protected when it's rainy or windy, ideal for summer, fall, and spring weather conditions. With a freestanding design, it can be set up anywhere since you don't need to stake it into the ground but it relies on the weight of the campers inside to ensure that it stays steady. It is designed to accommodate five people.

    Pros
    • Accommodates a large group of people and all their equipment, making it fitting for camping with kids
    • Features a freestanding design, making it effortless to set up and move around depending on your preferences
    • Expensive tents are high-quality and easy to carry
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Freestanding design might not be as resistant to strong winds as non-freestanding tents
    • 3-season tents won't resist heavy snow
Lightweight Option
An image of Eureka Tetragon Waterproof 190T Polyester 5-Person Orange Dome 3-Season 29 X 8 X 7 Inch Tent

Let's review the Eureka Tetragon 190T Polyester Dome 5-Person Tent, a popular choice among consumers. This Eureka tent is made from 190T polyester, making it very easy to maneuver from place to place since it's very lightweight. It is designed with waterproof materials to keep the rain out. With the ability to withstand three seasons, it can endure downpours and light snow, perfect for late fall and early winter camping. It has a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for convenient pitching.

This Eureka tent features a polyurethane coating, providing protection from anything from a slight shower to a massive thunderstorm. Featuring a polyester taffeta floor, it is UV-resistant and withstands sagging and stretching. It is designed with a gear loft and includes storage pockets, so you can organize all your extra items in an easily accessible and convenient area. This Eureka tent is designed to accommodate five people.

    Pros
    • Features 190T polyester construction, making it very easy to maneuver from place to place since it's very lightweight
    • Lightweight frame for those who like to pack light
    • Waterproof protection keeps you safe from rain and other harsh weather conditions
    Cons
    • Polyurethane coating is susceptible to peeling off the tent surface
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • 190T polyester has low breathability and is prone to mildew
Learn More About 5-Person 3-Season Tents:
Because of All the Unique Options for Buyers, 5-Person 3-Season Tents Can Really Differ Depending on the Tent Design You Choose
Non-Freestanding Tents

The non-freestanding design for your 5-person 3-season tent will greatly enhance your next camping adventure. With a lightweight construction, non-freestanding tents are great if don't want to carry as little equipment as possible with you. They are staked to the ground, so they have increased wind resistance compared to freestanding tents. However, they must be pitched to the ground, so they might be a bit harder to set up and dismantle compared to other kinds of tents. If you're looking for a non-freestanding design, check out this great one.

Dome Tents

There is one 5-person 3-season tent with a dome design. These tents are typically supported by cross poles, helping support the tent during the strongest of winds and heaviest of snow. They are aerodynamic, making them highly resistant to extreme winds. Providing more headroom than other tents, they generally offer more space to stand up and walk about. These dome tents are easy to set up and take down since they rely on just one center pole for support. They feature a lightweight design, which makes them very easy to transport. If you are interested in learning more about a dome design, you can check out this option available.

Freestanding Tents

If you're interested in a freestanding design for your 5-person 3-season tent, keep reading to discover if this is the right tent for you. With added versatility, freestanding tents can be used for multiple purposes and locations. They are easy to move, making them a useful option if you want to reposition your tent after setting it up. These tents are easy to set up and take down since they rely on just one center pole for support. With proper ventilation, they will keep you cool in warm climates. However, they might blow away if they aren't properly staked to the ground. Take a look at this 5-person 3-season tent if a freestanding design sounds right for you.

5-Person 3-Season Tents Have Different Kinds of Poles
Tents with Aluminum Poles

If you're an avid camper, you'll want to know everything about pole material. Aluminum poles are extremely strong yet lightweight, making them convenient if you're constantly on the move. The poles will likely only bend if overloaded, which can be easily fixed. One downside is that they are prone to corrosion, so they aren't suitable for saline environments. If you're interested in aluminum poles, get started on choosing the perfect 5-person 3-season tent right here.

Tents with Fiberglass Poles

If you are looking for a 5-person 3-season tent, there are two options with fiberglass poles to choose from that we think you'll love. Fiberglass poles are resistant to corrosion and rust, so they can last for years without deteriorating if handled properly. The poles won't be affected by cold in the winter and heat in the summer, so they can be used in any weather condition. At a more affordable price, they are great if you're shopping on a budget. However, they are fragile, so they are more likely to shatter than snap or bend into two pieces if overloaded. Because they are not as durable, they are thicker and heavier in order to support the same amount of weight as a similar grade aluminum pole. Now that you know more about pole material, you might want to consider this fantastic 5-person 3-season tent.

Get to Know the Options for the Material of Your 5-Person 3-Season Tent
Polyester Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your 5-person 3-season tent. These tents efficiently repel water, so you will be protected from moisture and light rain. They can dry quickly, saving you time when you want to continue on your journey. However, they are more likely to lose their color due to extended sun exposure. Another drawback is that they limit airflow, so they might feel a bit stuffy inside. If you feel like polyester is right for your 5-person 3-season tent, check out this awesome one.

190T Polyester Tents

If you go camping often, it is important to get the perfect material for your 5-person 3-season tent. 190T polyester tents can dry quickly, saving you time when you want to continue on your adventure. They are highly water repellent, so water will bead up on the outside to prevent it from soaking through your tent. However, they limit airflow, so they might feel a bit stuffy inside. Ready to pick out the right material for you? For a fantastic choice, explore the 5-person 3-season tent.