Cabin Tent vs Dome Tent – The Truth About Both!
One thing that confused me at first was choosing between a cabin tent and a dome tent. The cabin tent promised the comfort of home in the outdoors, while the dome tent appealed to my practical side with its wind-resistant design and easy setup. This sparked a curiosity. If I am looking for an answer and doing my own research, why shouldn’t I document the process?!
Let’s see what I have found out about cabin tents vs dome tents! When is a cabin better than. dome tent? When should you ditch the cabin for the dome?
What Is A Cabin Tent?
A cabin tent, as the name suggests, is designed to mimic the structure of a small cabin. It’s typically rectangular with nearly vertical walls and a high roof. As you might guess, almost vertical walls and a high ceiling equal huge inner space. One of the biggest issue people have with regular tents, is that their head and legs touch the diagonal or round walls.
If you are looking for tents with multiple rooms, you are most likely to find it with a cabin tent. The large inner space allows companies to ,partition’ it into small rooms with walls. A great cabin then feels like taking a small piece of your home comfort to the wilderness.
Who Are Cabin Tents Recommended For?
Cabin tents are recommended for family camping trips, group outings or glamping. For a cabin tent to work you need space to set it up. That is hard to find in the deep wilderness or remote areas. Cabin tents are rarely used by solo backpackers.
In case you have a car, a large, flat surface to set up the cabin tent and you are looking to have a lot of comfort, then cabin tents are made for you!
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Cabin Tents?
Pros of Cabin Tents
- Spacious with high ceilings: The vertical walls and high roof make for a roomy interior with enough headroom to stand up straight.
- Multiple rooms: Most tents with multiple rooms are cabin tents.
- Comfort: Vertical rooms mean you can have windows, large doors or patios.
Cons of Cabin Tents
- Heavy: Cabin tents are bulky. Not recommended for backpacking or if you have to carry them for long distances.
- Setup time: They may require more time and effort to set up.
- Wind resistance: The tall, flat sides of a cabin tent may not fare well in high winds or heavy rainfall. Cabin tents are not known to be aerodynamic.
Recommended Reading: If you want the easiest tent to set up – Night Cat Pop Up Tent Review
What Is a Dome Tent?
In the debate between cabin tents vs dome tents, I have learned the biggest difference: dome tents can be used by backpackers.
You can recognise a dome tent from its iconic rounded shape formed by flexible poles that cross over the center of the tent and bend down to the corners. This aerodynamic structure sacrifices some interior space but offers excellent stability and wind resistance.
Actually, I read on reddit about how a fellow camper woke up in the night to find the walls of his cabin tent collapsing under the heavy rain and strong winds. This is exactly why it is better to go with a dome tent even if there is just a small chance of a rain storm.
And this is the biggest difference. Cabin tents sacrifice everything just to be comfortable and spacious. Dome tents are still more spacious inside than regular tents, but they can withstand harsher weather conditions.
If you’re hiking up a mountain or traversing challenging terrains where every ounce matters, a dome tent is a clear winner. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easier to pack and carry, ideal for backcountry adventures where you need to set up camp in different locations each night.
Dome Tent vs Cabin Tent – Which Is Better In Which Scenario?
- Weight and Portability: Dome tents are lighter and more compact. They are better for backpacking trips than cabin tents.
- Setup: Dome tents typically have a simpler structure and are easier and quicker to set up than cabin tents.
- Wind Resistance: Thanks to their streamlined structure, dome tents have a higher wind resistance, making them a safer choice in harsh weather conditions.
However, remember that dome tents trade off some comfort for these advantages. When I went through clamping pictures on instagram, they almost all tended to be cabin tents. You may not be able to stand up straight inside a cabin tent. But if you’re a solo traveler or a small group and your journey involves a lot of moving and unpredictable weather, the dome tent could be your best bet.
Recommended reading: Best Waterproof Tents Under 100 dollars
A good tip for making your dome tent more secure is to use better stakes. A lot of cheaper tents come with poor quality aluminium stakes. Change them to metal stakes. You might also use extra guylines to secure the tent. I recommend these heavy duty tent stakes.
Cabin Tent vs Dome Tent: Which Is Cheaper?
On average, cabin tents tend to be more expensive than dome tents.
This price difference is primarily due to the differences in their design and materials. Cabin tents are generally larger and designed with more rigid and robust materials to withstand the weight of their structure. They often include extra features such as dividers to fit multiple rooms.
| Product | Capacity | Price | Link |
| Superrella Cabin Tent | 6 | 109 | Amazon |
| UNP Camping Tent | 6 | 149 | Amazon |
| Columbia Mammoth Creek | 6/8 | 199 | Amazon |
| Portal Camping Tent | 8 | 199 | Amazon |
On the other hand, dome tents, known for their simplicity and minimalism, use less material and have fewer features. They are simpler, cheaper to manufacture.
As you can see just from he above 2 table comparing cabin tent vs dome tent prices, the former are more expensive. It is impossible to find a cabin tent on Amazon under $100.
| Product | Capacity | Price | Link |
| Amflip Camping Dome Tent | 2 | 79 | Amazon |
| KAZOO Dome Tent | 2 | 119 | Amazon |
| Coleman Skydome | 2/4/6/8 | 89 | Amazon |
Recommended: KAZOO Dome Tent Review
Are Cabin Tents More Waterproof Than Dome Tents?
In terms of waterproofing, there is no clear winner between cabin tent and wdome tents. Both can be highly effective, provided they’re well-constructed and properly sealed. The choice between the two often comes down to specific brand quality rather than tent style.
If I had to choose, dome tents with their sloped walls can more effectively shed rain and snow, reducing the likelihood of water pooling and seeping through the fabric. Since dome tents are more often used by backpackers, companies tend to make dome tents more waterproof and windproof on average.
Are Dome Tents Better Four Season Tents Than Camping Tents?
When it comes to four-season camping, dome tents tend to be the preferred choice, largely due to their wind-resistant design and superior performance in snow. Their rounded structure allows snow to slide off rather than accumulate, preventing the tent from collapsing under the weight.
Which Are More Lightweight? Cabin Tents or Dome Tents?
When considering weight and portability, dome tents generally come out on top. They are typically lighter and more compact when packed, which makes them easier to carry on backpacking trips. The design of dome tents is more streamlined and minimalist, which in the tent world means easier portability.
In terms of set-up, cabin tents can be slightly more complex due to their larger structure and more rigid poles. Dome tents are usually simpler and quicker to pitch, with fewer poles and a more intuitive design.
