Best Tents For Kayak Camping

Best Tents For Kayak Camping: 8 Great Choices

Everyone needs adventure in their lives and camping is one of the best ways to be adventurous. Spending your holidays/vacations close to nature is an elevating experience for sure.

In this article, we’re going to introduce Best Tents for Kayak Camping that every camper should be aware of.

It feels so fascinating that a large number of visitors are showing their interest in outdoor activities. With the growing number of people, it becomes slightly difficult to find natural places these days. But you don’t need to worry since Kayak Camping is enough to thrill your holidays.

You need a set of specialized gears to make your kayak camping possible. Unfortunately, finding the best tent for Kayak Camping in 2021 is not that easy.

However, you are definitely going to be benefited from the list of products mentioned later in the article. If you’re looking for some thrilling outdoor experience, then stay with us.

What is Kayak Camping?

Before we step ahead, it’s essential to test your knowledge about kayak camping.

We’re pretty sure that you must have thought of hiking and backpacking before finalizing kayak camping. Going for hiking and backpacking is a good and easy option, but you can experience way more wilderness by spending a few more dollars.

Yes! We are talking about kayak camping.

As the name indicates, kayak camping is nothing but camping in the great outdoors, where you use a kayak or canoe to move from one camp to another. Here, you don’t make use of a car or backpacking to move from one camp location to another.

In other words, it’s a unique, refreshing, and isolated way to explore nature.

Almost every kayak available in the market offers ample space to stock all your necessary gears and even non-essential stuff. Unlike backpacking, you get a great amount of storage space with kayaks. However, you might not have enough space for your tent when compared with car camping.

Hence, it becomes important to understand key features while buying the best kayaking tents. We’ve discussed some important factors later in this article.

8 Best Tents For Kayak Camping:

NameImageRatingWhere To Buy
ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2-Person TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.7/5
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.5/5
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.2/5
TETON Sports Mountain 4-Person Ultra TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.6/5
BISINNA 2 Person Camping TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.1/5
Coleman Sundome TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.8/5
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.5/5
Coleman Hooligan Backpacking TentBest Tents For Kayak Camping4.9/5

1. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 2-Person Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

ALPS Mountaineering Taurus makes a strong entry in our best kayaking tent review. With an excellent set of features, ALPS Mountaineering Taurus will cover all your kayak camping needs.

Over many years, this particular tent has received a lot of positive reviews and ratings from various buyers. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus is a 2-person tent made from 75D 185T polyester fly with a 1500mm coating, which prevents UV rays and stays tight.

It includes 2 vestibule rooms with 2 large doors for easy entry and exit from the tent. Additionally, it features an easy-to-use single zip operation. The free-standing two-pole design with shock-corded fiberglass poles promotes better stability.

The most impressive feature about ALPS Mountaineering Taurus is the mesh windows located on the door. These are useful when you do camping in the warmer seasons as extra ventilation is provided.

While in colder weather, it reduces the scope of condensation build-up. It’s available in two color options: grey/red and sage/rust.

Another highlighting feature is rainfly whose job is to make your tent waterproof. It covers the entire tent structure and its waterproof elements will never disappoint you. The rainfly comes with its own vents that ensure the flow of fresh air even during rainfall. It’s a 3-season camping tent with some serious features.

The floors of ALPS Mountaineering Taurus also feature waterproof seals whose job is to keep the rain out from the bottom of the tent.

Finally, it comes with some add-ons, including a gear loft, 8-inch steel stakes, mesh storage pockets, and guy ropes. Overall, it’s one of the best tents for kayak camping.

Pros
  • Sturdy built and comes with 3-season design
  • Features waterproof rainfly and sealed tent floor
  • 2 large doors come with single zip operation
  • It’s a factory seam-sealed, so ready-to-go after unboxing
  • Includes sufficient vents for fresh air flow
Cons
  • The bottom of the tent is not the strongest material
  • Heavier than other 2 person tents available in the market

2. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

Mountainsmith Morrison is ideal for two average-sized adults. It’s a pretty lightweight tent with compact dimensions. Specifically, it manages to create a decent space of 35 square feet (vestibule area of 17 sq. ft.), which is perfectly ideal for 2 campers.

Some other essential features make Mountainsmith Morrison a highly qualified product.

It is made from breathable 185T polyester, rainfly from 185T polyester with a 2,000-millimeter-rated polyurethane coating, and floor from 190T polyester with 5,000-millimeter-rated polyurethane coating.

It has strong aluminum poles for added strength and stability to the tent. The V-stakes uses similar material that easily penetrates the hard ground.

It comes with dual doors and two vestibules. These are useful for easy entry and exit from the tent. Additionally, it allows you to manage other gears and accessories without disturbing your camping partner. You get some extra space as a bonus in form of a gear loft (removable) and mesh pockets.

Everything remains well organized with this tent.

In terms of ventilation, Mountainsmith Morrison performs quite an excellent job. Mesh walls and corners make it easier for campers to sleep during summer nights. The rainfly comes with strategic vents, which improve airflow and ventilation even during cold weather or heavy rain.

The unit also includes a carry bag for easy storage and handling of the tent. You can read the setup instructions mentioned right on the bag.

All of the seams on the floor and rainfly are factory-sealed, leaving no chance of water leaks. The rainfly coverage is nice which covers a good portion of the tent structure.

Overall, it’s a fantastic kayaking tent to consider.

Pros
  • It’s a 3.5-season tent for summer, spring, and rainfall
  • Provides good protection against wind and rain
  • Made from high-quality, lightweight polyester material
  • Features bathtub floor construction with taped seams
  • Clip-pole attachment for better breathability
Cons
  • Vestibules appear to be slightly smaller
  • Not the lightest tent available

3. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

If you’re looking for a versatile tent made from high-quality materials, then the Kelty Salida 2 might just be the tent for you. You and your camping partner will never feel disappointed with its spacious area and good interior headroom.

Kelty Salida Tent comes with a 2-pole free-standing construction, while the poles make an X-shape structure that penetrates easily to the ground. It has 2-layers making it suitable for 3 seasons. The fabric used is nylon paneling and mesh that ensures better breathability.

Whereas, the floor and rainfly are made of highly durable 68D waterproof seam-taped nylon and 68D polyester material respectively.

There is a large D-shaped door for easy entry and exit into the tent. It comes with sufficient space considering a two-person tent. However, the guyout points allow you to expand the area slightly. Specifically, you get 10 square feet of vestibule space.

It’s a double-walled tent, which means the tent is separate from the rainfly. The advantage of this mechanism is better breathability and prevents the build-up of condensation. Thanks to the color-coded clips which helps new campers to set up the tent in no time.

You’ll also find an ample amount of space for storing accessories in the form of mesh pockets(in the corner). The polyester walls of the tent feature mesh panels that ensure increased ventilation.

Overall, it’s another one of the best tents for kayak camping for serious buyers.

Pros
  • Patented ArcEdge floor/wall design prevents from water leaks
  • Easy-to-use and noiseless zipper system
  • Comes with lightweight and durable press fit aluminium poles
  • Provides sufficient mesh ventilation in the inner tent
  • Pitches very quickly and easily even by a single person
Cons
  • Poor ventilation when rainfly is attached
  • Slightly heavier than other tents because of collapsible tent poles

4. TETON Sports Mountain 4-Person Ultra Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

Since 2005, TETON Sports has gained enormous popularity for manufacturing various outdoor recreational equipment. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra is available in 1, 2, 3, and 4-person sizes, where you can choose the ideal size for your kayak. It is also available in three color variants, including Grey, Red, and Yellow.

TETON Sports Mountain Ultra comes with a unique and sleek design. The T6 aluminum poles use a “cross and ridge” design where one pole acts as a backbone and the other two perpendicular poles support the tent.

It is made from durable polyester and the rainfly is 66D 3mm ripstop polyurethane with 2000mm waterproofing.

The rainfly is capable of keeping 2000mm of water out of the tent over 24 hours. It also features pass-through ventilation whose job is to prevent the development of condensation inside the tent. The quality of the rainfly is good and looks attractive and sturdy.

TETON Sports Mountain Ultra comes with a high-walled Oxford bathtub floor with heat-taped corners and seams. It not only keeps water away from the tent but also withstands standing water during a rainstorm. There’s an extra footprint included (exterior floor protector) to preserve your tent.

Setting up Mountain Ultra is a straightforward process. It can be done by a single person within 5 minutes. The company also provides a full-service limited lifetime warranty with excellent customer service.

You can also stock your camping accessories inside the mesh gear pockets. Overall, it’s a good package at a very competitive price.

Pros
  • Easy to setup in 5 minutes or even less
  • Good ventilation and no condensation buildup
  • Reinforced mesh seams provide extra durability
  • Made from micro mesh fabric for better breathability
  • Comes with lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Not suitable for harsh winter conditions
  • Footprint may sleep off during setup

5. BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

BISINNA 2 Person is another popular camping tent known for its lightweight design, double layer, and high-quality construction. It is a one-size tent (2-person), which is available in two color options: Blue and Orange. Additionally, it’s one of the best kayaking tents for budget buyers.

The tent is made from high-quality material, 190T waterproof coating PU2000MM polyester. The rainfly uses a similar material that provides reliable protection even in harsh weather.

On the other hand, the tent poles are made of 7001 space aluminum (lightweight yet durable) that stands strong in most conditions.

Installing and dismantling the tent is a pretty straightforward process. You can easily install the tent in less than 10 minutes without seeking anyone’s assistance. When done, you can easily take down the tent and store it in a bag without any hassle.

BISINNA camping tent includes 2-door, 2-vestibule with an easy to use ‘two-way’ zipper system. The 210D Oxford welded floors and inverted seams keep your tent dry in any condition. There’s also an integrated, separate storage pocket for storing your mobile phones, headphones, or other camping accessories.

You don’t need to worry about stocking your gears.

The rainfly provides full coverage for the tent structure and uses velcro vents. These vents are installed to improve breathability and make you feel comfortable. You can also adjust them for reducing condensation buildup by moist air.

It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty. Finally, it’s a great option for buyers.

Pros
  • Mesh material is good for breathability
  • Comes with foldable aluminum poles for added strength
  • It comes with a tent lamp hook
  • You can see a special handle to move the tent
  • Connection buckle to connect the inner tent and flysheet
Cons
  • Zippers aren’t that reliable as seen in the picture

6. Coleman Sundome Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

If you’re looking to buy a budget-friendly tent for kayak camping, then Coleman Sundome Tent will make a great deal. Coleman is a leading and well-known brand when it comes to outdoor equipment.

And, Coleman Sundome is no exception. It comes with a lot of good features and for a reasonable price.

Installing Coleman Sundome Tent is quite easy. All necessary steps are mentioned on the bag of the tent. They suggest two people set up the tent but it can be easily done by one person. You’ve to push the pair of fiberglass poles through the sleeves and attach peg rings to one end. Next, finish the process by strapping the rainfly.

The material used in the making of the Coleman Sundome inner tent is polyester mesh 75D and polyester taffeta 75D for the flysheet.

On the other hand, the floor of the tent is made from polyethylene, which is properly welded from all sides. Its WeatherTec System keeps water out of the tent so that campers stay dry irrespective of weather.

Coleman Sundome Tent features multiple adjustable ventilation panels. These vents allow the flow of fresh air through the tent so that you remain fresh and comfortable.

This tent is mainly suitable for warm and moderate weather. It promotes the flow of fresh air and reduces condensation buildup in the tent.

On the wall of the tent, there is a mesh pocket attached that helps campers stock necessary items (like camping accessories). You will not misplace even smaller items with the help of this pocket. It is absolutely one of the best kayaking tents for budget buyers.

Further Reading: Best Coleman Tents For Camping

Pros
  • It comes with exclusive WeatherTec System
  • You will get a durable carry bag for storing tent
  • Features easy two-pole set-up with shock-corded poles
  • It has an electrical port to meet your electrical needs
  • Available in different sizes and color options
Cons
  • Includes no vestibules and no footprints
  • Rainfly is slightly small and compact

7. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

North Face is a popular name in the outdoor industry for many years. They manufacture some really good tents and other outdoor equipment for harsh environments. It is a compact yet quite spacious camping tent. The space inside the tent can be used very efficiently as well.

In terms of space, it comes with an impressive floor area of 30.56 square feet. The sidewalls are vertical and abundant headroom (43 inches peak height) will not trouble your head between the ground and a narrow corner.

It has two large doors on either side of the tent, so you and your partner won’t face any difficulty while entering and exiting the tent.

North Face Stormbreak 2 is a durable tent, where the bottom of the tent is made from 68-D polyester and coated with a heavy 3,000mm PU coating. It doesn’t leave any scope for ground moisture to penetrate. The rainfly is durable (made of polyester), while aluminum poles are lightweight and long-lasting.

This tent features built-in high-low ventilation. It works by bringing cool air inside the tent from the lower vents, whereas higher vents are used for the escape of moist air. Additionally, it also has 40-denier polyester mesh panels on both doors for optimal airflow.

You can store all your necessary camping items inside four oversized pockets. Stock your phone, book, torch, key, wallet, or packets without any problem.

There is a compartment at the top of the tent for lighting purposes, which makes you feel better.

Pros
  • Two doors make the tent more livable for two people
  • It has a high-peaked roof for easy movement inside the tent
  • The tent material is pretty durable and long-lasting
  • Comes with pockets for storing essential stuff
  • Includes a fully seam-taped canopy and floor
Cons
  • Rainfly may catch itself in the zipper quite a time
  • You need to purchase tent footprint separately

8. Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent

Best Tents For Kayak Camping

 

Coleman is a big name for several decades now, manufacturing some high-quality outdoor recreational equipment.

Coleman Hooligan is available in 2-, 3-, and 4-person sizes for all sorts of requirements. You can pick your favorite color out of two options: Gold and Red. The brand name of Coleman and appealing price tag make it a solid option.

The main highlight of Coleman Hooligan is the WeatherTec System with patented welded floors and inverted seams sealed at the factory. Also, it comes with a polyethylene floor is a bathtub style for added durability.

It strengthens the tent floor and eliminates needle holes. The wind-strong frame stands strong even against harsh weather.

Using and setting up Coleman Hooligan is quite an easy job. Its pin and ring setup is quick, while the color-coded setup is simple for any new camper setting up the tent for the first time. Anyone can install the tent in under 10-minutes with its snag-free continuous pole sleeves.

In terms of specifications, Coleman Hooligan comes with a 68-denier polyester mesh inner tent and a 1,000-denier polyethylene floor. It also comes with a 75-denier polyester taffeta fly and 11-mm fiberglass poles.

All these components are pretty durable and you can’t question Coleman’s quality.

It has an adjustable upper vent that allows you to enjoy fresh air when it gets warm inside. The all-mesh body construction improves breathability and ventilation.

Additionally, it has large-sized inner windows to make you feel cool all time. Overall, the ventilation is pretty good and you shouldn’t miss the deal.

Pros
  • Easy to use pin-and-ring system
  • Available in different sizes and color options
  • Provides a brilliant weather protection
  • Zipper cuff adds protection from the elements to the door
  • Comes with wind-strong frame for better stability
Cons
  • Heavier than other models available
  • The size of vestibule door is small

Buying Guide: Best Tents for Kayak Camping

In order to pick the best tent for kayak camping, it’s essential to understand the different features of a kayaking tent. Hence, you must consider these factors before pressing the ‘Buy Now’ button.

Tent Capacity

You must have an idea of how many people can stay inside your tent. However, it’s your personal preference and depends on how much extra space you demand. If you’re looking to plan a kayak camping trip with a couple of your friends, then a 1-person tent will not work here.

We recommend buying something more comfortable that easily breaks down and packs up into a smaller bag. This would not consume much room in your kayak.

Ease of Set-up

It’s obvious that you will move from one camp location to another when kayaking. Would you like to waste most of your time installing the tent at a new location?

Obviously, not. Hence, you should look for a pop-up tent that should not consume more than 15 minutes for set-up.

You can search for freestanding tents as they don’t require any ropes for standing. If you’re looking for a non-freestanding tent, then make sure to pick the one with the simplest design.

Waterproof Ability

You are going to move from one camp location to another using a kayak. Thereby, you should look for a kayaking tent that is sufficiently waterproof and resistant to moisture.

When you’re picking the best kayaking tent, make sure to consider sealed floors as one of the priorities. It deflects moisture and prevents users from seeping through hard-to-reach areas.

Moreover, most of the top kayaking tents feature a rainfly, which is another way to protect campers against rainy conditions.

Tent’s Weight

It’s one of the most important factors to look for while buying a new tent. Since you have to move from one campsite to another campsite, you need to avoid a situation where the kayak becomes unstable due to extra weight.

If you’re camping with a group of people, then you can also distribute the tent’s components among them for a better experience.

Otherwise, if you’re going on kayak camping with a couple of people, then try to find a very lightweight tent. You also need to consider the weight of other gear (cookware, bag, etc) that you will be carrying along with you.

Ventilation

You’re going to spend a good amount of time inside your kayaking tent. Hence, you must feel comfortable and fresh throughout the duration. If your tent is not/badly ventilated, then it will easily get hot and suffocating.

There are tents available that have double-layered windows, where you can keep them open or use a fly net layer zipped over it.

However, we would recommend using a fly net layer for the movement of fresh air. Some models also feature mesh walls for better breathability.

Conclusion

Kayak Camping is always a fun and adventurous activity for serious campers. You need an appropriate tent to make your camping journey successful. One bad decision is capable of spoiling your kayak camping. Hence, it’s essential to stay smart throughout the buying process.

In our view, ALPS Mountaineering Taurus is the best 2-person tent for kayak camping. It comes with a lot of great features and two doors for easy entry and exit.

If you’re looking for a value for money/budget-friendly kayaking tent, then Coleman Sundome Tent will be a great option. It has all essential features plus the brand name of Coleman is like icing on the cake.

That’s all for now. We hope you liked our guide on the best tents for kayak camping. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section below.

Keep Camping! Keep Adventuring!

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