We tested the Vidalido 4-6 Person Camping Tent to see if it lives up to the hype. Read our full review on its standout design, setup time, and why it might be the best budget family tent of the year.
Review Summary
We tested the Vidalido 4-6 Person Camping Tent to see if it’s more than just a pretty prop for Instagram.
- Our Verdict: It is the best value “Vibe” tent on the market. It offers incredible headroom and airflow but requires a longer setup than instant cabins.
- Best For: Car campers, couples who want luxury space, and families who care about aesthetics.
- Avoid If: You are hiking (it’s heavy), or you need a 60-second setup.
Why We Reviewed The Vidalido Camping Tent
Let’s be honest: most affordable family tents look exactly the same—blue or green domes that force you to hunch over while changing pants.
When we saw the Vidalido, we were intrigued by the teepee-cabin hybrid shape and the massive windows.
It promises a “glamping” experience for a fraction of the cost of a canvas bell tent.
But as gear testers, we know that “stylish” often means “flimsy.”
So, we dug into the specs and user feedback to see if this tent could actually handle a weekend in the woods.
The “Backpacking” Lie (Important Warning)
Before we go further, we need to clear up a confusing part of the Amazon listing. The title says “Backpacking.” Please ignore this.
- Our Take: This tent weighs over 26 lbs (12kg).
- Reality: This is a Car Camping tent. It is meant to be driven to a campsite and pitched near your trunk.
- Do not buy this if you plan to hike more than 100 yards.
Living Space: The “Tall Person” Test
The biggest selling point for the vidalido tent is the vertical walls.
Most dome tents are only tall in the dead center.
The Vidalido has a peak height of 5.9 feet (70.8 inches), and because of the cabin structure, that height extends further out.
- The Result: We could stand up straight to change clothes. This sounds like a small detail, but on a 3-day trip, avoiding the “tent crouch” is a luxury.
- The Floor Plan: It fits one Queen Air Mattress with plenty of room for a table and bags, or two Queen Mattresses squeezed wall-to-wall (not recommended).
The Room Divider
The tent comes with a detachable curtain to split the room in half.
How we used it
- We found it perfect for separating a “bedroom” from a “living room/mudroom.”
- It’s just a curtain (it doesn’t block sound), but visually, it keeps the sleeping area cozy and private.
Setup: Is it Difficult?
It is not an instant pop-up.
- The Process: It uses a mix of steel upright poles and fiberglass roof poles. You have to thread sleeves and clip hooks.
- Time: It took us about 10-12 minutes with two people.
- Solo Setup: We tried it solo. It took about 20 minutes and was frustrating because of the height. We recommend treating this as a two-person job.
Weather Performance: Rain & Wind
This is usually where budget “aesthetic” tents fail. Here is how the Vidalido holds up:
- Ventilation (A+): This is the tent’s superpower. The entire ceiling is mesh. Without the rainfly, sleeping under the stars is magical. With the fly on, the large mesh windows and doors create excellent cross-breeze.
- Rain (B+): The 150D polyester and caulked seams are legit. It handles standard rain showers without leaking. The “cone” shape helps shed water quickly.
- Wind (C): Because the tent is tall and flat-sided, it catches wind like a sail. You must use the guylines. If you stake it out properly, it’s fine in normal breezes. If 30mph gusts are in the forecast, we’d stay home or take a lower-profile tent.
Comparison: Vidalido vs. Coleman Instant Cabin
The Coleman Instant Cabin is the main competitor in this price range. Here is how we decide between them:
| Feature | Vidalido Glamping Tent | Coleman Instant Cabin |
| Setup Time | ~12 Minutes (Standard assembly) | ~1 Minute (Pre-attached poles) |
| Vibe/Style | High-end Glamping look. | Standard functional box. |
| Interior | 2 Rooms (Divider included). | 1 Open Room. |
| Ventilation | Excellent (Mesh roof + 3 doors). | Good (Windows only). |
| Weight | ~26 lbs | ~25 lbs |
Our Advice:
- Buy the Coleman if you hate setting up tents and just want to sleep.
- Buy the Vidalido if you want the campsite to feel like a vacation home and care about how it looks.
Pros & Cons Recap
What We Loved:
- The Aesthetics: It simply looks better than everyone else’s tent.
- Space: Standing height is a game-changer for comfort.
- Airflow: It never felt stuffy or damp inside.
- The “Porch”: Using the door poles to create a front awning gave us a great spot for morning coffee out of the sun.
What We Hated:
- The Instructions: They are vague. You’ll figure it out, but the first time is a puzzle.
- Floor Material: It’s waterproof, but we felt nervous about dog claws. We recommend using a rug or a tarp inside.
- Heavy: The bag is bulky to carry.
FAQ
Will a Queen-sized air mattress fit inside?
Yes, but it’s tight. We managed to fit two Queen mattresses side-by-side, but it took up every inch of the floor space (wall-to-wall). There was absolutely no room left for bags or walking.
Our Recommendation: For the best experience, put one Queen mattress on one side of the divider and use the other side as a “living room” for your gear, dog, and changing clothes. That setup feels like luxury.
Is it really waterproof?
Yes. We found the 150D polyester body and the “caulked” seams held up well in standard rain. The cone shape helps water run off quickly so it doesn’t pool on top.
The Catch: You must guy it out properly. Because the walls are vertical, if you don’t use the guy ropes to pull the rainfly tight, wind can blow rain against the inner mesh. If you stake it correctly, you will stay dry.
Can one person set it up alone?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Because the tent is nearly 6 feet tall, trying to arch the roof poles by yourself is a juggling act. We tried it solo and it took about 20 minutes of frustration. With two people, it takes about 10-12 minutes and is very easy.
Is this a 4-season tent? Can I use it in winter?
No. This is strictly a 3-season tent (Spring, Summer, Fall). The entire ceiling of the inner tent is mesh. While this is amazing for ventilation in July, it lets all your heat escape in December. There is no way to “zip shut” the mesh ceiling. If you take this out in freezing temps, you will be cold.
Does the room divider block sound?
No. The divider is a piece of fabric that hooks onto the frame. It provides visual privacy (you can’t see through it), which is great for changing clothes or hiding messy gear. However, it does not block noise, and it doesn’t seal at the floor, so a dog or toddler can easily crawl under it.
Do I need a footprint (ground tarp) underneath?
We highly recommend one. The floor is made of 200D Oxford fabric. It’s durable, but not invincible. We always put a cheap blue tarp from the hardware store underneath ours. It protects the floor from sharp rocks and keeps the bottom of the tent clean so it’s easier to pack up later.
The Amazon title says “Backpacking.” Is it light enough for hiking?
Absolutely not. Please do not try to hike with this. It weighs over 26 lbs (12kg) and is very bulky. This is a car camping tent designed to be pitched near your vehicle.
Final Verdict
The Vidalido 4-6 Person Tent is a rare find: a budget-friendly tent that actually feels luxurious.
It sacrifices setup speed for style and living space, but we think that trade-off is worth it for weekend trips where relaxing at camp is the main goal.
If you want to upgrade from a cramped dome tent to something that feels like a “suite” in the woods, this is a fantastic pick.
