Best 4WD & Touring Tents for 2023

The highlighter’s out of ink, the spreadsheets are scrawled with aggressive pen markings, and our cups are out of coffee – but we’ve done it. We’ve got the list. We can finally reveal the top 10 best-selling 4WD and touring tents for 2023.

Touring tents are often selected for rugged outback adventures and 4WD road trips due to their durability and easy of setup. In light of that, every tent that made the list was held to three stipulations:

1. Freestanding and standalone
2. Canvas or a tough synthetic construction, to withstand the rigours of the outback
3. Featuring (in part) a quick-pitch design for easy setup and pack down

Many of these tents are also used for general camping – but if you’re after a model that caters for both a weekend away and an extended outback jaunt, both styles of adventure can be covered with the options below.

Let’s work back from number 10!

10. Rooftop Tents

Popular in the past year has been the 23Zero Dakota 2200 Rooftop Tent with LST.

Built for blissful outback slumbers, Snowys’ range of rooftop tents stretches further than daylight at dawn. Popular in the past year has been the Dakota 2200 Rooftop Tent with LST by 23Zero.

This tent uses 23ZERO’s Light Suppression Technology (LST) – a dark coating on the inner that keeps your shelter dark during the dazzling mornings, meanwhile ensuring a cool inside temperature on warmer days. Constructed from a rugged 280gsm polycotton tear-check canvas, its fine PVC-coated insect mesh also allows airflow and protection from pests. From sunshiny haze to stargazing, zip down the sky roof or 180-degree windows for air circulation through the tent’s side vents. Collapsing into a 600gsm PVC transit cover with D-ring compression straps, pack-down is easy and efficient ahead of your next destination. 

Camp in rooftop royalty, owed to the wide range of rooftop tent designs available at Snowys for elevating every road trip. Additional annexes also serve as wind and rain protection in unideal weather, from drizzle to downpour.

9. Oztent RX-5

The Oztent RX-5 is tough, weatherproof and easy to pitch.

For the families who love adventure, the Oztent RX-5 is tough, weatherproof, and easy to pitch.

When first released, the RX tent was available in two sizes: the RX-4 and the RX-5. Oztent then decided to focus this range on the larger model, which continues to gain interest and momentum as a touring tent.

This tent is an all-in-one made from ModCan canvas material, offering a protected sleeping area at the rear. Including a removable panel system that attaches under the awning and a floor, it allows the option to create an additional weatherproof room too. In fine weather, the front wall and floor can be left off, leaving only the awning for shade. When attached, the wall and floor create a protected space that extends the living area of your tent.

Complete with a flysheet, doors, windows, and even a skylight – stay comfortable in any climate. The Oztent RX-5 is perfect as an all-in-one ‘ducks-nuts’ solution for outback touring and family camping.

8. Oztent SV-5 Max

The SV-5 Max continues to gain a loyal fanbase.

A true-blue head-turner, the SV-5 Max continues to gain a loyal fanbase. Its backstory will tug at the heartstrings – named in honour of Oztent’s late owner Shane Viglione – but that’s only part of why it’s made the top ten.

The SV-5 endures all the seasons and comfortably sleeps four people. If you took all the best features from the RX-5 and full RV range, then added a few more, this is the result. Its 8oz Ripstop canvas construction also features a 5-metre wide polyester zip-in tarp extension, plus a silver-coated polyester fly. Complete with everything you need – from the heat-sealed PVC tub floor, to the SkyMesh Skylight – there’s also the option to create another enclosed space using the separately available side and front panels that attach to the awning.

Spacious, tough, and just as easy to set up as the original 30-second tent – the SV-5 Max is one of the leading spacious and ultra livable tents in the 4WD and touring range.

7. BlackWolf Turbo and Turbo Plus

A canvas Turbo tent offers excellent durability. BlackWolf Turbo 300

Turbo

The Black Wolf Turbo tent range is ideal for campers after a balance of simplicity, livability, and durability. There are two series in the range (differentiated by their fabric), and while the canvas series has maintained a strong foothold it is often trumped by its lightweight cousin. This is most likely on account of its additional weight and higher cost.

A canvas Turbo tent offers excellent durability. Known for their easy setup and hard-wearing canvas construction, the Turbo range offers a fuss- and stress-free camping experience. With tape-sealed seams where the wall meets the floor, PVC storm flaps, and reinforcing along the roof poles for weather protection and stability – the Turbo is built for tough Aussie conditions.

If you can afford both the extra dollars and grams, the benefit is a quick-pitch and livable touring tent year after year. There are also many add-on accessories available for a more customised setup.

The Turbo Plus is perfect for families who require extra living space on tour. BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240

Turbo Plus

The Turbo Plus is a hardwearing and quick-pitch design, perfect for families who require extra living space on tour.

Carrying over the tape-sealed seams, PVC storm flaps, and reinforcing along the roof poles for sturdiness, the Turbo Plus also features a fly with wider corners to guard against water leakage. For easy setup and pack down, the siliconised polyester floor is easy to roll. Plus – extend your living space with the three-pole awning, or section it off using the optional panels to create an enclosed screen room.

The timelessly designed Turbo Plus is ideal for bigger groups on the move, boasting durability, space, and efficiency in the outdoors.

6. Darche Safari

The Safari is a single skin tent with a basic pole structure and a zip-on front awning. Pictured: Darche Safari 350

They may be one place below their last ranking, but the Darche Safari tents continue to deliver. Available in two sizes – the 260 and 350 – they’re best described as simplistic and durable, with a few bells and whistles.

The Safari is a single skin tent with a basic pole structure and a zip-on front awning. Optional side walls are also available to extend the sheltered space in and around your tent.

This model is perfect for tourers seeking simplicity, but with more than one set-up option.

5. BlackWolf Turbo 240 X-Lite LF

The Turbo 240 X-Lite LF still has the durability to see you through many kilometres of outback touring.

On this list, the 240 X-Lite LF is nestled in at the lightweight end of the touring tents – but based on customer feedback, we reckon it still has the durability to see you through many kilometres of outback touring.

Setup is pretty much the same as regular Black Wolf Turbo tents. Its smaller vestibule still provides standing space, while the roof poles are made from a flexible composite material reducing both weight and packed size.

This tent is ideal for weight-conscious individuals, or couples on outback adventures.

4. BlackWolf Turbo Lite Cabin & Turbo Lite Twin

The Turbo Lites boast a lightweight, Ripstop polyester construction. BlackWolf Turbo Lite Cabin 450

Turbo Lite Cabin

Unlike the canvas series, the Turbo Lites boast a lightweight, Ripstop polyester construction.

For the families who love each other’s company, but still like their own privacy – the Black Wolf Turbo Lite Cabin provides that space. With familiar features including tape-sealed seams where the wall meets the floor, PVC storm flaps for weather protection, and reinforcing along the roof poles for stability, the Turbo Lite Cabin has a 6-way hub for additional headroom and a centre zip allowing either two side-by-side sanctuaries, or one large space.

The Turbo Lite Twin offers an added level of luxury. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite Twin 300

Turbo Lite Twin

The Turbo Lite Twin offers a similar level comfort and space, with an added layer of luxury. With the features of the Cabin, the Lite Twin also has a central room with two each side that can be either closed off for privacy or left open to allow a larger living space throughout the tent. The back door can also can be expanded as a basic, two-pole awning, or closed for privacy.

3. BlackWolf Turbo Lite and Turbo Lite Plus

The ‘Lite’ version of the Black Wolf Turbo Tents straddle the balance between general camping and outback touring. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240

Turbo Lite

Almost unbeatable as an all-round family camping and 4WD touring tent, the ‘Lite’ or synthetic version of the Black Wolf Turbo Tents straddle the balance between general camping and outback touring like a bird on a wire!

These tents boast the same durable aluminium frame as their canvas counterparts, only 23mm instead of 25mm. Their 150D Ripstop synthetic fabric construction also offers excellent durability, meanwhile shaving about 25% off the weight.

The ‘Lite’ versions of the Turbo tents are also available in a larger range of sizes and configurations than the canvas models – plus, compatible with a host of optional accessories for a more personalised campsite setup.

The Turbo Lite series are almost unbeatable as an all-round family camping and 4WD touring tent. Pictured: BlackWolf Turbo Lite Plus 240

Turbo Lite Plus

Ideal for shorter getaways, the Lite and Lite Plus versions of the Turbo tent range blend pared-back portability with adequate space, versatility, and durability built for outback conditions. Where the Lite features a three-pole awning to extend the living area, the Lite Plus includes a curtain divider to either split the space into two rooms or detach for a larger living area.

The Turbo Lite and Lite Plus tents offer fuss-free camping from the short weekends away to the more extended getaways.

2. Oztent RV Plus: 3 and 5

Oztent have elevated the RV range with their RV Plus tents. Pictured: Oztent RV-5 Plus

Sure, there’s the RV – but then there’s the RV Plus, of which the RV-3 and RV-5 ranked highly over the past year.

Keeping all the original, familiar features including the 30-second setup, quality 8oz Ripstop polycotton canvas, large attached awning, and modular design – Oztent have elevated the RV with a SkyMesh Skylight built into the roof, including easy, internal open and closing for stargazing and adequate airflow. A 210T silver-coated Ripstop polyester fly allows increased ventilation and reduces condensation, while the awning zips have been redesigned to allow attaching of accessories (such as walls) for wet weather protection.

Mirroring the above too, the RV-5 Plus boasts a heat-sealed tub floor made from heavy-duty 510g PVC, plus a strong aluminium frame capable of effortless, 30-second assembling and disassembling by a single camper!

The RV-3 and RV-5 Plus tents are reflection of Oztent’s success in keeping what works and adding what exceeds every outdoor adventurer’s expectations.

1. Oztent RV: 3, 4, and 5

The original Oztent RV Tents have earned the top spot for another year in review. Pictured: Oztent RV-4

Well, this is awkward.

The truth is, the original Oztent RV Tents have earned the top spot for another year in review. These tents are consistently our best-selling touring tents by far, maintaining the number one position.

On account of both their ease of use and reliability in rugged outback conditions, the Oztent RV range goes hand-in-hand with 4WD and outback touring. Their simple yet robust design with easy-to-set-up frame leaves most of our customers wondering why they didn’t snag one sooner. Constructed with a trusted, 8oz Ripstop canvas, RV tents boast a strong, aluminium frame and heavy-duty PVC floor for ultimate outdoor durability.

With optional accessories such as front panels, side panels, and custom mesh floor savers sized for each model – plus a whole host more – you can create the setup style best suited to your campsite.

We’ve got to mention these…

While they tend to lack the same level of durability as the touring tents listed above, the Coleman Instant Up and OZtrail Fast Frame series are lightweight and quick-pitch family camping alternatives.

Blocking invasive haze on a weekend away is straight-up simple. Pictured: Coleman Instant Up 6P Lighted Northstar Darkroom

Coleman Instant Up

Blocking invasive haze on a weekend away is straight-up simple with the Instant Up Lighted Northstar Darkroom tent. Owing to the coating on the rainfly, 95% of light is blocked out while internal heat is reduced by up to 5 degrees. A polyoxford PVC floor offers durability, a 3000mm waterhead rated fly defies the drizzle, and Coleman’s Circle Ventilation system of ultrafine mesh maintains a comfortable climate. Setting up is easy too, while the interior features a flexible silicone LED lighting strip for convenient illumination at the flick of a switch. 

The Fast Frame BlockOut also adopts technology designed to both reduce heat and block sunlight. Pictured: OZtrail Fast Frame BlockOut 4P

OZtrail Fast Frame

There’s more where that came from, showcased by the Fast Frame BlockOut by OZtrail. Available in 4P, 6P, and 10P, this model also adopts technology designed to both reduce heat and block sunlight from permeating your tent via its BlockOut coating on the 3000mm waterhead rated fly.

Its front vestibule features an awning for stretching out in your outback hangout, while a heavy-duty hub ensures stability when setup. A zippered access port allows a light or fan cable to feed through – plus, embrace the breeze through the No-See-Um mesh across large side windows and both the front and rear doors, enhanced by the ClimaTech vents.

What’s the most you’ve ever put your touring tent through?