Pop Up Tents
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Pop up tents that set up in seconds
Pop up tents are lightweight shelters that spring into shape the moment you release the straps, giving you fast cover with minimal fuss. At BCF, you’ll find the lot across 165+ stores nationwide, backed by Boating, Camping & Fishing experts who camp in Aussie conditions week in, week out.
They suit festivals, overnighters on the coast, or quick trips where you want more time around the bush tele and less time threading poles. If you’d like to see one open and fold down, swing by and find your local BCF store.
Pop up tents vs dome tents
Choose a pop up tent when speed matters; choose a dome tent when you want broader size options and stronger wind performance for multi-night trips.
A tent that pops up is the quickest pitch going, great for a Byron festival or a spur-of-the-moment beach night. A dome tent uses flexible poles for a sturdier frame and comes in 2–6 person sizes and beyond. Many domes also take larger vestibules for gear.
- Pop up speed: Out of the bag and pegged in 2–5 minutes with a little practice.
- Wind & weather: Domes handle gusts better thanks to criss-cross poles; pop ups need careful pegging and guy ropes.
- Pack size: Pop ups often pack flat and wide; domes roll smaller for easier car packing.
When an instant pop up tent shines
Use an instant pop up tent for one to two nights, warmer months, and campsites with easy access where fast setup matters more than bombproof structure.
What size pop up tent should you choose
Manufacturers base capacity on sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder with zero extra room. A 2 person pop up suits one adult with a bag; A 3-person tent usually fits two campers comfortably with their gear; a 4 person pop up suits two adults with room to move.
Look for a 1500–3000mm waterhead fly for rain, taped seams, and big mesh panels for summer airflow. If you camp in the Top End's of Australia, prioritise cross-flow windows and a full fly over fancy extras.
For more information take a look at our Choosing the Best Tent for Camping Blog.
- 2 person: Solo trips and quick overnighters, fits a single stretcher or air bed.
- 3–4 person: Couples or a mate and a dog, space for two regular mats.
- Head height: Most pop ups are low profile; if you want to sit up, check stated peak height before you buy.
How to set up and fold a pop up tent
Set up a pop up tent by releasing the straps, letting it spring open, then pegging corners and guying the windward side first. Folding it is a reverse twist that brings two loops together before slipping on the straps.
Practice at home before your trip. A simple pack down sequence is: shake off sand, fold the back to the front to make a taco, twist into two even circles, stack them, then strap and bag. If you’re unsure, ask the team to demo it when you visit your local BCF store.
- Quick drying: Pack away only when dry, or open it at home the same day to prevent mildew.
- Extra hold: Use all guy points in windy sites. Keep them short and low-angle guys as they shed gusts better.
- Groundsheet: A groundsheet protects the floor and keeps sand out of the bag.
Grab your next pop up tent at BCF
You’ll get the best Aussie-tested brands, straight advice, and hands-on help from people who camp and not just sell. Our in-store legends can size your tent, match mats and lights, and run you through the fold-down before you hit the road.
- Club pricing: Save with member-only deals when you join Club BCF.
- Price Match: Found it cheaper? We’ll match it. Check our price match policy for more information.
- Click & Collect: Need it fast? Order online and pick up in as little as 1 hour.
- 165+ stores: Plan your visit and find your local BCF store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pop up tents good for Australian conditions?
Pop up tents are good for short trips in mild to moderate weather where fast setup matters. They’re great for the coast, festivals and quick overnighters, but in strong winds a dome tent with criss-cross poles holds shape better.
Are pop up tents waterproof?
Pop up tents are waterproof to the fly’s rating and taped seams, which usually handle coastal showers fine. For heavy, wind-driven rain, pitch with full guy ropes, use a footprint, and face vents away from the weather.
How do you fold a pop up tent without the wrestle?
To fold a pop up tent, make a taco, twist into two circles, stack, then strap. Practice once at home and it’ll take under a minute at camp.
What’s the difference between a pop up tent and a dome tent?
A pop up tent pitches in seconds, while a dome tent uses flexible poles for a stronger frame and broader size choices. If you’re camping multiple nights or expect wind, a 3–4 person dome tent is the safer pick.
Where can I see a fold-down demo before I buy?
You can see a fold-down demo at your nearest store — just ask the team. Use the store finder to find your local BCF store and drop in for a run-through.
