Have you ever struggled to get some beauty sleep while camping in the great outdoors? You’re not alone. Hot, sunny weather can wreak havoc on your sleeping habits outside, especially if you’re the type of camper that likes to sleep in late each morning.
Thankfully, there’s a solution to your campsite snoozing woes: a blackout tent.
Blackout technology helps turn your shelter into a cool, dark, and cozy place to sleep while you’re outside. However, finding the perfect blackout tent for your needs isn’t easy because there are so many great options to choose from.
To get you started, we’ve put together this review of the best blackout tents for camping. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at 10 of the top dark rest tents available and offer you some key tips for selecting the perfect shelter for your next adventure.
Top Rated Dark Room Tents
Best for Backpacking: Quechua 2 Second Fresh & Black
Designed specifically with backcountry adventures in mind, the Quechua 2 Second Fresh & Black is a quality shelter for trips into the mountains.
This budget-friendly tent is made with Quechua’s Fresh & Black outer fabric, which can cut out 99% of the sun’s rays. Additionally, the outer fabric of this tent features UPF 50+ protection.
The Quechua 2 Second Fresh & Black is also crafted for use in rainy and windy weather. It features a 2000 mm PU-coated flysheet and it’s been tested in a wind tunnel at speeds up to 30 mph. This tent also features a pop-up construction that you can pitch in less than 2 minutes.
Overall, this tent is a great value for the money. However, note that it’s a little heavy for a 2 person tent. It also has a relatively low center height. But when blocking out sunlight in the wilderness is a concern, this tent is tough to beat.
What we like:
- Affordable price point
- Quick and easy set up
- Includes UPF 50+ protection
- Good water and wind-resistance
What we don’t like:
- Fairly heavy for a backpacking tent
- Relatively low center height
Best for Small Groups: Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6
Crafted for those short weekend getaways at the campground, the Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6 is a cozy abode for small group adventures.
This tent offers 100 square feet (9.3 sqm) of sleeping space, which can fit about 5 adult campers and their gear. The tent has 6’ (183 cm) of ceiling height, too.
It also features a full mesh canopy for breathability on hot evenings. Furthermore, the Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6 comes with a built-in E-Port for hooking up a tent fan. This shelter also boasts Coleman’s Dark Room fabric, which can cut out about 90% of the sun’s rays for a better night’s sleep.
Note that the Sundome 6’s doesn’t have a full-coverage rainfly, which can be a bummer if you camp in rainy locales. However, if you need an affordable shelter with Dark Room technology for your next small group trip, the Coleman Dark Room Sundome 6 is worth considering.
What we like:
- Great size for small groups
- High center height
- Relatively light and packable
- Breathable mesh canopy
What we don’t like:
- No full-coverage rainfly
- Doesn’t have a vestibule for gear storage
Best for Wet Weather: Coleman Rocky Mountain
The Coleman Rocky Mountain is a performance-focused family camping tent for use in wet weather destinations.
The Rocky Mountain is a large tunnel-style tent that’s made for durability. This tent’s tunnel construction provides it with natural ruggedness in moderate winds. Meanwhile, its 4500 mm waterproof PU-coated polyester offers superb protection in foul conditions.
It has a spacious interior living space that’s split up into three areas: a weatherproof vestibule, a living room, and a sleeping space. There are also windows throughout the tent that you can open or close for ventilation.
Additionally, the Rocky Mountain has Blackout technology, which can block 99% of sunlight. The company also claims that this technology can make your sleeping space up to 9ºF (5ºC) cooler.
Notable drawbacks to the Rocky Mountain include its hefty weight and packed size. It can also take a while to pitch. However, if waterproofing and livability are concerns, this tent should be toward the top of your list.
What we like:
- Very spacious interior
- Good performance in high winds
- Includes a huge vestibule
- Waterproof PU-coated fabrics
What we don’t like:
- Heavy and bulky
- Can take a while to pitch
Best for Summer Camping: Ozark Trail Dark Rest Tent 10
One of the most popular tents from Ozark Trail, the Dark Rest Tent 10 is a car camper’s best friend during the summer months.
With this tent, you get a large central living area with a removable room divider that offers enough space for up to 10 campers. Ozark Trail even designed this shelter with a massive 6’6” (198 cm) ceiling height.
The tent also has a set of mesh panels overhead and panoramic windows to ensure plentiful airflow. Additionally, it has built-in Dark Rest technology to block the sun’s rays.
Keep in mind that this tent is very heavy and bulky. It also doesn’t have a full-coverage rainfly, which might prove problematic in wet environments. The shelter’s high center height is also a concern in very windy conditions. But for use on hot summer days with sunny skies, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Tent 10 is a sure bet.
What we like:
- High center height
- Spacious interior
- Overhead mesh panels for breathability
- Removable room divider included
What we don’t like:
- No full-coverage rainfly
- Heavy and bulky
- High center height is problematic in the wind
Best for Remote Adventures: Coleman Batur 3 Blackout
The Coleman Batur 3 Blackout is specifically engineered for adventures in remote terrain and in wet environments.
This shelter features about 56 square feet (5.2 sqm) of living space, plus two vestibules. As such, it provides plenty of space for 3 campers and all of their gear. The Batur 3 also boasts a burly PU-coated ripstop polyester fabric with a 6000 mm waterproofing rating. It even has a set of 8.5 mm aluminum poles for extra ruggedness in high winds.
Additionally, the Batur 3 comes with Blackout Bedroom technology. This technology can cut out up to 99% of daylight so you can have a cooler, darker place to rest after your adventures.
All things considered, the Batur 3 is a great tent. However, keep in mind that it is somewhat heavy for expeditions and it has a relatively low center height. Nevertheless, many campers will find that it’s still a comfortable shelter for remote getaways.
What we like:
- Quality waterproof fabrics
- Made with steel poles for durability
- Includes two vestibules
- Plenty of interior space
What we don’t like:
- Somewhat heavy
- Low peak height
Best for Family Camping: Coleman Cabin 10 Dark Room
The simple and convenient Coleman Cabin 10 Dark Room tent is a fan-favorite for family adventures at the campground.
This cabin-style tent features a 6’7” (201 cm) peak height and 5 huge mesh windows. It also has a spacious floor plan that can fit either 4 queen size air mattresses or 10 campers in their sleeping bags.
Additionally, this tent comes with Coleman’s instant set-up design. It features pre-attached telescoping poles that you simply need to extend to get your tent pitched for the night. It even has Dark Room technology that cuts up to 90% of the sun’s rays while you snooze.
Despite these great features, note that this is a single-wall shelter. Therefore, it doesn’t perform as well in wet and windy environments. It’s also very heavy with a 42 lbs (19 kg) packed weight. But if convenience and functionality are your concern, the Coleman Cabin 10 Dark Room is a popular choice for fair-weather camping.
What we like:
- Instant set up design
- Spacious interior
- Include plenty of mesh windows
- High center height
What we don’t like:
- Not great in wet and windy environments
- Very heavy
Best for Weekend Trips: Coleman Dark Room Skydome 6
Decidedly convenient, the Coleman Dark Room Skydome 6 is a do-anything shelter that’s ideal for the weekend warrior.
With this tent, you get a no-nonsense design that’s quick and easy to set up, thanks to its pre-attached pole system. It also has dark room technology built in to keep your sleeping area as cool and dark as possible.
When compared to other dome tents, one of the key benefits of this shelter is its additional headroom. Its near-vertical walls help maximize your overhead space while its roomy interior provides enough sleeping capacity for up to 6 campers.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that this tent doesn’t have a full coverage rainfly. Therefore, it’s not your best bet in a deluge. It also doesn’t have a vestibule or a screen porch, so it has limited gear storage space. Despite its shortcomings, though, the Coleman Dark Room Skydome 6 is still an affordable and convenient option for a weekend camping trip.
What we like:
- Near-vertical walls for extra headroom
- Quick set-up design
- Affordable price point
- Spacious interior
What we don’t like:
- No vestibule or screen porch
- Not great in rainy weather
Best for Glamping: Coleman Granite Peak with Blackout
If glamping is more your style, the Coleman Granite Peak with Blackout might be the tent you need.
Coleman engineered the Granite Peak to have a tunnel-style design. It can accommodate up to 4 campers in its spacious 3-room interior living area. It also includes a huge awning for added outdoor living space.
The first room that you enter in this tent is a large front living space. It has big waterproof windows for allowing natural light while you relax. Toward the back of the tent, there’s a second room that can be split into smaller spaces using the removable room divider. This room features Blackout technology, making it the perfect snoozing spot during your adventures.
Although the Granite Peak is a spacious option for keen glampers, we should note that it can take a while to set up. It’s also one of the heaviest 4 person tents on the market with a 43 lb (19.5 kg) packed weight. But it’s hard to beat when livability is your primary concern.
What we like:
- Huge interior space
- Included room dividers
- Massive front awning
- Waterproof windows in living room
What we don’t like:
- Long set-up process
- Very heavy
Great for Couples Camping: Coleman Kobuk Valley 3
The Coleman Kobuk Valley 3 is an ideal shelter for couples camping trips where relaxation and comfort are top priorities.
With this shelter, you technically can fit 3 campers, however, it’s more suitable for 2 adults and all of their gear. It includes Coleman’s Blackout Bedrooms technology, which blocks up to 99% of sunlight. At the same time, you get 3’11” (120 cm) of ceiling height in this shelter, which is taller than average for a dome-style tent.
A key advantage of the Kobuk Valley 3 is its premium materials. Coleman crafted this shelter with extra-durable PU-treated ripstop polyester fabric, which has a waterproof rating of 4500 mm. The tent also has durable aluminum poles and a simplified setup process.
However, while the Kobuk Valley 3 impresses when comfort is a concern, its heavy weight makes it less suitable for backpacking. It also doesn’t have superb ventilation, so it’s best for use in cooler weather.
What we like:
- Full-coverage rainfly
- High ceiling height
- PU-treated waterproof fabric
- Durable aluminum poles
What we don’t like:
- Lacks good ventilation
- Fairly heavy for a 3 person tent
Best for Festivals: Coleman The Blackout Tent
Built by festival-goers for festival-goers, Coleman’s The Blackout Tent is a must-have for sleeping in late after a fun night at Coachella and other similar events.
This tent can comfortably sleep up to 3 people in its spacious central room. The tent is completely outfitted with Coleman’s Blackout technology, too, so it can block up to 99% of the sunlight to ensure that you have a dark place to rest and recuperate.
Furthermore, The Blackout is one of the few dark room tents in our review that comes with a full-coverage rainfly and a gear storage vestibule. It also has a dome shape that’s sturdy in the wind and an outer fabric that’s rated to 4500mm in waterproofing.
For a festival tent, it’s hard to find fault with this shelter. However, keep in mind that this tent is fairly heavy and bulky. It also doesn’t have excellent ventilation, so you’ll likely want to pack a fan for use with The Blackout Tent.
What we like:
- Full coverage rainfly
- Fabric rated to 4500 mm waterproofing
- Plenty of gear storage
- Great in the wind
What we don’t like:
- Ventilation isn’t great
- Bulky and heavy
Best for Large Groups: Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin 12
A popular choice for family gatherings and large group camping trips, the Ozark Dark Rest Trail Instant Cabin 12 is a sure bet when livability is your top concern.
This colossal tent comes with 200 square feet (18.6 sqm) of living space that’s divided up into 3 rooms. It can comfortably fit up to 12 campers and it has a staggering 6’7” (203 cm) ceiling height.
Other key features of this tent include its multiple overhead skylights and huge mesh windows. It also has two doors for easy entry and exit. Plus, this shelter comes complete with Ozark Trail’s Dark Rest technology, which blocks up to 90% of the sun’s rays.
One important thing to note with a large tent like this is that its high ceiling height isn’t ideal for use in heavy winds. It’s also not the best in a downpour as it lacks a full-coverage rainfly. However, if comfort is king, the Ozark Trail Dark Rest Instant Cabin 12 is a worthy choice.
What we like:
- Very spacious design
- Three interior rooms
- Integrated skylights and windows
- High center height
What we don’t like:
- Not great in the wind
- No full-coverage rainfly
How to Choose a Dark Rest Tent: Things to Consider
With so many options to choose from, selecting just one dark rest tent for your needs isn’t easy. Here are some of the most important things to consider as you shop.
What is a Blackout Tent?
A blackout tent is a type of camping shelter that uses special fabrics to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your sleeping space. Each company has its own unique blackout tent technology, but most of them use reflective fabrics to stop the sun’s rays in their tracks. This helps keep your tent cooler and darker as you snooze.
Do note that blackout tents can go by many different names depending on the company, such as Dark Room and Dark Rest. These name differences are more of a branding and marketing tool than a major difference in the technology itself.
Who Needs a Blackout Tent?
Blackout tents are a popular choice among campers because they help keep your tent as cool and as dark as possible. That being said, while most people could benefit from blackout tent technology, it’s best used in certain camping contexts.
Arguably the best time to use a blackout tent is in a hot, sunny environment. In these situations, a quality blackout tent can turn an otherwise sweltering sleeping area into a comfortable place to lay your head at night. This is particularly helpful if you like to nap in the middle of the day or if you like to sleep in late during the morning.
Alternatively, blackout tents can be helpful in areas that have very long days. For example, the summer months in high latitude areas, such as Alaska or northern Europe, bring upwards of 22 hours or more of daylight. Trying to sleep when it’s perfectly sunny outside can be a challenge. With the right blackout tent, you can ensure that you have a dark sleeping space at all times.
What to Look for When Choosing a Blackout Tent
Now that you understand what a blackout tent is and why you might want to use one, let’s take a closer look at what you should look for when shopping for your next dark room shelter:
Brand
It’s important to consider the brand that you’re buying from whenever you purchase a tent. Blackout tents are no exception.
When it comes to blackout tents, there are three primary manufacturers: Coleman, Ozark Trail, and Quechua.
Each company advertises a slightly different percentage of sunlight that their blackout fabrics can block (for example, Coleman usually advertises a 90 to 99% protection rate). However, the practical differences between each of these blackout technologies are quite small.
Rather, it’s more important to focus on the different features of each blackout tent to find the one that’s best for your needs.
Interior Space & Gear Storage
Interior space is of the utmost importance in any blackout tent because it determines how much space you have for snoozing and gear storage.
Most camping tent manufacturers list a suggested sleeping capacity for their shelters. You can usually fit this advertised number of people inside a given tent. However, you may not have much extra room left over for gear storage if you fill a tent to capacity.
Therefore, it can be helpful to “size up” your tent by getting a shelter that can accommodate 1 to 2 more people than you actually need.
As far as gear storage goes, it can be nice to have a tent with either a vestibule or a screen porch. Vestibules are great if you only want gear storage, while screen porches can also double as a nice outdoor living space.
Ventilation
If you’re camping in an environment that warrants the use of a blackout tent, chances are high that ventilation will also be a concern.
Thankfully, most blackout tents come with sophisticated ventilation systems that include built-in ground vents as well as mesh windows and ceiling panels. For car camping, you might also want to look for a tent that has an E-Port, so you can easily hook up an extension cord to your in-tent fan or AC unit.
Set Up
Setting up a tent can be challenging, so many companies have simplified their shelter pitching systems. The good news is that most blackout tents are designed with convenience in mind. So, many have color-coded pitching systems or even instant set-up technology.
However, keep in mind that many fast-pitch tents weigh more than traditional models. This is because fast-pitch tents often have telescoping poles or other nifty features that add weight to the overall shelter. As a result, you often have to decide between portability and simplicity with your tent.
Weather Resistance
One of the primary functions of a tent is to keep you warm and dry at night. Therefore, the weather resistance of your shelter is of the utmost importance.
When shopping for a tent, key weather resistance features to look for include waterproof fabrics, bathtub-style floors, and taped seams. However, while some blackout tents do include these features, many are less suitable for use in foul weather.
In reality, many blackout tents are crafted with hot, sunny, and dry environments in mind. As such, they often have partial-coverage rainflies and large mesh windows that are great for ventilation but not ideal for weather protection.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and it’s possible to find blackout tents that are waterproof. But these types of blackout tents are harder to come by.
Packed Size & Weight
The packed size and weight of your blackout tent have a major impact on what you’re able to use it for.
Most dark room tents are designed for car camping use, so they tend to be fairly heavy and bulky. There are some newer models that are suitable for backpacking, but these are less common.
Either way, be sure to consider the packed size and weight of a given shelter before you buy. Doing so will help ensure that you’re able to transport your tent with ease to your adventure destination.
FAQs
Here are our answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about the best blackout tents:
Are Blackout Tents Worth It?
A blackout tent can be worth it if you enjoy sleeping in late during your camping trips. Blackout technology helps keep the inside of your shelter cool and dark, making it easier for you to get some sleep late in the morning or early in the evening during summertime adventures.
Who Makes Blackout Tents?
There are many companies that make blackout tents. Popular blackout tent brands include Coleman, Ozark Trail, and Quechua.
Do Dark Room Tents Work?
Dark room tents do work. They are designed to block out up to 99% of the sun’s rays, helping you stay cool and comfortable while camping in the heat.
Is It Cooler Inside a Blackout Tent?
It’s generally cooler inside a blackout tent because these tents are designed to block the sun’s rays. By blocking the sun’s rays, these tents are both darker and cooler inside than a more traditional shelter that lets in more sunlight.
Is Coleman Dark Room Worth it?
Coleman Dark Room is worth it if you prefer to sleep in a cool, dark environment while camping. This is more of a concern for summertime camping, but Dark Room technology can make you more comfortable in any hot and sunny adventure locale.
