Where you pitch your tent is just as important as the tent you pitch. Look for as flat a spot as possible and sweep away as much debris as you can before setting up. (BestReviews)

Buying a four-person tent seems simple on the surface. However, the name can be a bit deceiving. Tents that are labeled "four-person tents" rarely hold four people — at least, not comfortably. So, you need to carefully consider the shape and size before choosing one. You also need to buy the right type of four-person tent for your plans.

If you're looking for a durable and versatile option, the Alps Mountaineering Lynx Four-Person Tent is perfect for both standard camping and backpacking. It's easy to set up and take down and includes a rain fly.

Four-person tents come in two main types: camping and backpacking.

Four-person tents typically come in all-season or winter varieties.

Four-person tent floor shapes are either square, rectangular or circular.

Four-person tent ceiling shapes can be either domed, square-ish or A-frame.

They can cost as little as $50 to as much as $300-plus. Basic camping tents shouldn’t cost more than $100. Better camping tents and basic backpacking tents usually start around $150 and go up.

A. That depends on the tent, but it's rarely four people. To be comfortable, stick to two people only. Three may be comfortable if the tent is on the larger side.

A. Once again, that depends on the tent. However, there is a general order to it.

Alps Mountaineering Lynx Four-Person Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: This all-around tent is perfect for any kind of trip.

What we like: It fits two comfortably, three decently and four when crammed in. It has two doors, both of which lead to a vestibule-like area when the included rainfly is on and extended fully. The rain fly can also be rolled up and out of the way.

What we dislike: The bottom of the tent isn't strong enough to resist tears or to prevent moisture from seeping in; you need to place a tarp under it.

Coleman Sundome Four-Person Camping Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: It's difficult to find a better budget tent than one from Coleman.

What we like: The bottom of the tent is nice and thick so there's no need to drag a tarp with you. The 4-foot-11-inch height means plenty of room to sit up and limits the need to crouch. There are several ventilation options.

What we dislike: The rain fly only covers the upper half of the tent, so there's no vestibule area and it's only somewhat effective in strong weather.

Toogh Three-To-Four Person Camping Tent: available at Amazon

Our take: If you hate the setup and take-down process, this tent is for you.

What we like: This tent uses a special pole system that causes the tent to pop up and out when the top is pulled and collapses easily when the top is unlatched and pushed. The hexagonal shape is more stable in heavy winds.

What we dislike: The rain fly only covers the tip of the tent, so anything more than a light shower will likely result in some wet campers.

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Jordan C. Woika is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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