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Best Backpacking Tents Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weight
How much do you want to carry or can you carry. Sure you can go and buy the lightest tent out there. You will either spend a lot of money or end up with a bivouac sack and be sleeping inside it. You have to reach a balance between lightweight materials, and durability. The rule of thumb is a heavier tent will be more durable, but not always the case. You should aim for a 3 season tent to weigh about 1 kg per person and a 4 season around 2kg per person. You will see on tent specs “packed weight’ and “trail weight”.
This can be misleading. Packed weight is the weight of the tent, inner and outer, poles, pegs, and bag. Basically everything you will be buying. Trail weight is the minimum amount of components needed to pitch the tent. Usually inner and outer tent, and poles, NOT pegs, guys, and bag. In some cases, not even the outer tent. So be careful when reading Trail weight. I always work from packet weight as this is the maximum weight you will be carrying. And remember if you are not hiking alone this weight can be split among your group.
Ultralight tents are available. These are more expensive and will minimize features to save weight. Expect only one door, fewer zips means less weight. Smaller interior, less fabric less weight. And the fabrics will be thinner and less durable. There are also alternatives to tents if weight is the most important feature. Bivouac or bivy sacks are a waterproof and breathable sack that you put your sleeping bag inside. They usually have a pole or support to lift the sack off of your face while you are sleeping. And you can make a tarp tent with a tarp 2 hiking sticks and a few corner pegs to pitch a basic a frame roof to sleep under. But for me what is more important than the weight is the packed size. How much space will it take in my backpack?
Comfort
Tents are designed to be space efficient. All have sloping walls so that rain or snow will run off and not build up on the tent and collapse it. Tents are usually low to the ground so that they don’t become a sail for the wind. The bigger your tent, the heavier it is, the smaller it is the lighter. You need to consider interior space and how many people you are planning to have inside. Do you want to be able to sit up, do you want inside pockets to organize your belongings. Do you want a roof loft to store things?
Most tents give you the length, width, and height, but as you know tents are rarely a cube. The width may be less at one end, the height is measured from the highest point, this might be the middle of the tent or one end. If the highest point is at the rear of the tent and you like to sit in your tent and look out the door this might not be good for you. If the highest point in the middle and you know that 2 people will want to sit up, you will have to consider if there will be enough space. The wall shape is often overlooked, but this can be the most important feature in the comfort of the tent. The more vertical the walls the more overall space you will have.
Doors, is it better to have more than one? But more than one will increase the weight, but makes it easier for one person to leave the tent without having to climb over their companion. The color of the outer tent can have a huge impact on how the tent feels, a dark interior will always feel smaller, so brightly color outer tent will feel bigger.
Vestibules are needed to hold your gear, or a bigger tent then you can store them inside, but again increased weight. Ventilation to reduce condensation, but too much and you will let a lot of cold air in. It all depends on the climate you are in.
Weather Resistance
I know that we all like to plan for every possible emergency. You’ve always got your first aid kit, emergency food, and Kendal mint cake, just in case you snowed out by a freak blizzard in August on the most popular hiking trail in southern England (it rarely snows even in winter in southern England). But don’t rush out and buy a 4 season mountaineering tent, suitable for Everest unless you are planning to encounter snowy conditions like on Everest.
Throughout this guide, I looked mainly at 3 season tent but a couple of 4 season tents were included as they offered a good comparison. If you are only going to trek during the summer then a 3 season tent is the way to go. But knowledge is all powerful so below are the differences between 3 season and 4 season tents.
Ease of Use
Ease of use measures how easy and quick the tent is to set-up, but also how easy it is to live inside the tent. Throughout this guide I compared 2 person tents, I choose 2 person tents because the weight difference between most models of 2 person and 3 person of the same model is so small it doesn’t really apply. A two person tent can be very spacious if only used by one person and generally are comfortable for two people. But you need to know. If you know that. Don’t get hung up on weight if you are not trekking alone, in most cases you can split the tent between the group. One of you carries the inner tent, while the other carries the outer tent and poles.
You should consider your body size, and when possible have the tent pitched in the store so you can get inside it and get an idea of if it is the right size for you. You don’t want to be on the first-night camping to find you are too long for the tent and have to decide to either sleep with your feet outside or hug your knees to fit. It is worth considering the vestibule, how big does this need to be? What will you be storing inside the vestibule? Just one pack and hiking boots? Or do you need to fit several packs? You want the vestibule to be as weatherproof as the part you are sleeping in, no one wants to wake up and have to put on soaking wet boots because the vestibule where you stored your boots leaked. You might want to consider how many doors the tent has. Do you mind having to climb over your packs to get out of the tent, or is it easier to have two doors?
10 Best Backpacking Tents
1. MSR Hubba Hubba NX
MSR’s Hubba Hubba NX Tent has always been popular among outdoor enthusiasts, and with its new updated model, you’ll get an even lighter and more comfortable version of this excellent all-around tent. With a focus on keeping weight down and packing easily, you’ll enjoy the features this tent has to offer.
Read moreWeight
Coming in at 3 pounds 12 ounces in pack weight, this tent is a bit heavier than some of the other options we’ve provided on our list. It isn’t as easy to pack down and carry as some of the more lightweight tent options.
Comfort
The interior of this tent is manufactured for comfort and includes a spacious interior with a two-door design. You can fit two people in this tent, and still, have interior space left for gear storage.
Weather Resistance
While the MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent does a decent job of keeping the rain out of the interior of the tent so you stay warm and dry, more could be done to make this tent stronger. The tent doesn’t always hold up well against strong winds.
Ease of Use
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX uses a hubbed pole design to set the tent up, which does have a learning curve and can take some time to get used to, but once you understand how to use it, you can get the tent up quickly. Typically you can set the tent up and take it down in around 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Hyke & Byke Yosemite
The backpacking tent for Hyke & Byke is not only affordable but easy to transport and is lightweight to ensure you are not only protected while on your next backpacking adventure but also are comfortable. If you are in the market for a dependable backpacking tent, then this is one that you most likely want to check out.
Read moreWeight
This tent from Hyke & Byke is lightweight and is easy to transport on long or short backpacking trips. It comes in at a weight of five pounds and will easily secure to your backpack. This is exactly what you are looking for when looking for a backpacking tent as you want something that will not put a strain on your back while traveling.
Comfort
This backpacking tent is quite comfortable and has enough interior space to ensure that you and your fellow backpackers are comfortable. It may be one of the most comfortable tents on our list and for good reason, as it is roomy but also has some height to it to ensure you do not feel cramped or crowded while sleeping or hanging out on a rainy day.
Weather Resistance
This tent from Hyke & Byke is not only roomy but also offers great weather resistance as it comes with a durable rain cover to protect you from the rain or snow. The last thing you want is to be backpacking in the middle of the wilderness and have a leak or allow your gear to get wet. With this tent, you do not have to worry as it is durable and will keep you protected to ensure you have a fun and exhilarating adventure.
Ease of use
This may be one of the easiest tents to set up on our list as it has only a couple of support poles and secure and easy to use clips and straps. If you choose this tent due to the ease of use and set up you will not be disappointed and will be enjoying more time experiencing nature and hanging with your fellow backpackers, rather then struggling to set up your tent.
3. Big Agnes Copper Spur
If you’re looking for a tent that offers a lot of space and a comfortable feel, then you’ll love the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent. This lightweight tent has two doors and a lot of interior space to move around, and it is also easy to use and pack down.
Read moreWeight
The Big Agnes Copper Spur is a lightweight tent that packs down to be about 3 pounds when you need to carry it. That means it’s a light tent that still provides you with plenty of space.
Comfort
The Big Agnes Copper Spur is designed to give you a lot of comforts and has a lot of space in the tent while still remaining lightweight and easy to carry. You’ll also get two doors on this tent and a lot of extra headroom, which you’ll love anytime you need to move.
Weather Resistance
Designed to be a durable, lightweight tent, this tent holds up well in the wind and easily blocks out those cold breezes. Also, the tent performs well in the rain and easily keeps water from passing through into the interior of the tent.
Ease of Use
The Big Agnes Copper Spur uses a single, interconnected pole that has ends to help keep the tent up when it gets windy. You can easily set this tent up and take it down in around 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Kelty Salida
The Kelty Salida is a tent that is brought to you by a reputable brand that is known for its outdoor gear and the quality of their products. This tent is not only durable but also has a good amount of interior space to ensure that you and your fellow backpackers are comfortable after a night by the campfire. If you are in the market for a backpacking tent, this one is definitely worth your time.
Read moreWeight
This tent is one of the heavier ones on our list but the comfort and features it offers is worth the extra couple pounds. This tent is quite roomy and would be best suited for a group of backpackers that are traveling together and can share this tent. This way you can carry the tent and some other gear and the other backpackers can make up for the extra weight of the tent with more gear, so every backpacker's backpack weighs the same.
Comfort
This backpacking tent from Kelty is known for its comfort. It will not only provide a comfortable sleep but also has a decent amount of interior space, so you do not think you are packed with your fellow backpackers in the tent and can get a comfortable rest which will recharge you for the next day's adventure. It is available in single, double, and four-person, so no matter if you are traveling by yourself or with your friends you will have enough room for yourself and your gear.
Weather Resistance
This tent is quite durable and will hold up in the toughest weather. It not only is built with durable and thick material to ensure it lasts many seasons to come but also comes with a rain cover to ensure that if you stuck in the rain or snow, you and your gear will be protected and can wait out the weather.
Ease of use
One of the most important things to consider when you are backpacking is how easy your tent is to set up. The last thing you want it to have been hiking for 8 hours with your gear on your back and when you finally get to your campsite, you have trouble setting up your tent. You want a tent that will be easy to set up, so you can get to relaxing and enjoying the scenery. This tent from Kelty is one of the easier tents to set up as it has convenient hooks and straps that allow the poles to snap into place and get your tent up in no time.
5. Eureka Midori 2
If you’re shopping on a budget and need a high-quality, affordable tent, then you might want to consider the Eureka Midori 2. One of the most affordable tents on our list, the Eureka Midori 2 offers a lot of nice features and provides you with great value.
Read moreWeight
For its price, the Eureka Midori 2 is decently lightweight, weighing in at 4 pounds 7 ounces. While that’s not as light as some other tents on our list, it’s pretty good considering the price of this tent.
Comfort
The interior area of the Eureka Midori 2 provides you with a moderate amount of space, which is pretty comfortable for the value. You’ll be able to store your items and move freely inside this tent.
Weather Resistance
The polyester exterior of this tent and the PU overlay help provide you with protection against the rain. Also, this tent holds up well when it gets very windy.
Ease of Use
The Eureka Midori 2 comes with an easy clip-in design, which makes the set-up process very quick and simple. You should be able to get this tent up and down in around 20 minutes.
6. Nemo Dagger 2
If you’re looking for a high-quality tent that’s both lightweight and durable, then you’ll love what the Nemo Dagger 2 has to offer. Designed in two versions, a 2-person tent and a 3-person tent, you can select the size you need and easily back this tent and carry it along with you.
Read moreWeight
The Nemo Dagger 2 is a light tent, but it isn’t the lightest tent on our list. It weighs in at a little over 3 pounds when it is packed down, which means it’s not terribly heavy, but not the most lightweight tent, either.
Comfort
The Nemo Dagger 2 has a lot of room for both storage and cooking. You also get mesh pockets and a nice, soft light you can use whenever you need it.
Weather Resistance
The Nemo Dagger 2 is designed with high sidewalls which are strong enough to cut out the wind and also keep out the rain. You also get some privacy from the sidewalls, which is a nice bonus feature.
Ease of Use
This tent features a single, hubbed pole design, which makes it very easy to set-up. In fact, most of the time, you can get this tent up and down in as little as five to ten minutes.
7. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx
This one person backpacking tent is not only from a dependable brand but also is built to be in the wilderness. If you are looking for a tent that can take a beating and still be standing than this is the tent for you.
Read moreWeight
This tent from ALPS weighs a bit more than our other options. This tent weighs 7.9-pounds. It is easily attached to your backpack, to help you save room in your bag.
Comfort
The lynx is quite comfortable and much bigger than expected. There is adequate headroom for you to sit up straight in the tent. This tent also boasts two zippered doors to make it easier to enter and exit.
Weather Resistance
It also ensures you stay dry which is one of the most important aspects of a tent, as there is nothing worse than being in the middle of the woods and water seeps into your tent. The fly is made from 1500mm polyester, and the floor features 2200mm polyester. Reviewers claim that this tent can withstand strong winds and most haven’t had any water leakage issues.
Ease of Use
This two-poled tent is simple to pitch. It can usually be set up by one person in under ten minutes.
8. Lawson Blue Ridge Hammock
If you're looking for something that is easy to pack, lightweight and gives you the option to be off the ground, this is for you. Different than the other tents on our list, this is actually a hybrid of tent meets hammock. The only clause you may be concerned with her is the fact that the weight limit for this tent is 275-pounds.
Read moreWeight
This tent weighs only 4.25-pounds, making it one of the lightest on our list. It is made from poly-pack cloth and ripstop nylon. This is a great tent to bring on any adventure, whether you are hiking for a few hours or a few weeks.
Comfort
The maximum weight limit for this tent is 275-pounds. This would be great for two children or possibly even you and your partner if you are both lightweight.
Depending on how you choose to set up the tent, either on the ground or hanging between two trees will change the comfort level. If you choose to use the tent on the ground, the height of it is only about two feet, so you may have to crawl your way into it, more or less. Also, depending on the terrain underneath you, you may prefer to have a sleeping pad as well.
If you take advantage of the ability to use the tent as a hammock, you will probably be more comfortable. The tent is 90-inches in length and 42-inches wide. When you hang the tent, it is very comfortable, as there is nothing solid beneath you. Reviewers exclaim that they feel secure and comfortable when hanging. However, a few people have noted that the floor of the tent is slippery and sleeping bags tend to slide around.
Weather Resistance
The walls of the tent are outfitted with no-see-um and mosquito mesh to keep the critters away. Additionally, an included waterproof rainfly is included with the purchase of the tent. The border of the tent is also made from waterproof nylon to protect you in windy rains when it doesn’t always fall straight down. The ventilation of the tent is compromised when you have the rainfly fully covering it, but it is easy to snap on to the ends of the tent ahead of time and only attach the rainfly to the velcro patches at the bottom of the tent in the event of rain.
Ease of Use
This tent is very easy to set up alone. After taking it out of the included stuff sack, you simply unroll it, snap the bars together, (hang, if using as a hammock) and insert the arch poles. It is important to note that the suspension straps are not included with the tent and will need to be purchased separately if you plan to use it as a hammock.
9. Gossamer II Tunnel
Jack Wolfskin, the company behind the Gossamer II Tunnel tent are committed to the enjoyment of the outdoors. They want you to feel comfortable and at home, whilst respecting the diversity of nature They manufacture everything you might need for a hiking trip and spend time in researching what is needed and beneficial and it shows in these next two tents.
Read moreWeight
The tunnel shape helps to keep weight to a minimum and also enables it to be packed into a very small packing space. It may not be as light as some tents but the space it takes up in your pack is certainly smaller than most. The weight of this tent is 3.6-pounds.
Comfort
It has enough room to sleep 2 people comfortably. Perhaps the best feature is the 2 entrances. Meaning that if for any reason you need to leave the tent in the night you don’t need to scramble over your pack and boots in the vestibule, you can just exit from the other end.
Weather Resistance
If your camping in the summer and there is no chance of rain you can pitch just the inner tent to keep you cooler and fall asleep under the heavens. If however, the weather is not so great the Gossamer II has a great guy rope system making it incredibly stable in windy conditions.
Ease of Use
The Gossamer II tunnel tent is worth a look at. Because of the high level of tension in the pitched tent, it only needs guy ropes in very windy conditions. The poles are less curved than other tunnel tents and so more usable space is available in the interior. The poles are thicker at the sides of the tent than on the roof, meaning the tent is sturdier from the sides with a flexible roof. In the vestibules, because the tent poles are in the tent corners and almost vertical there is an increase in usable storage space for your pack and other gear without the risk of them leaning on the tent fabric and soaking up condensation.
10. Snugpak Scorpion 2
The Scorpion 2 by Snugpak has been around for a few years and has been tried and tested with mountaineer, climber, and campers throughout Europe. When I started researching tent for this guide I decided to select 3 season tents and not mention 4 season tent, the main reason was that most people don’t plan to go hiking or backpacking in extreme winter conditions. Also, 4 season tents are in general very expensive, with just cause as they need to provide shelter and protection for the worst of possible climates. However, I choose to include The Scorpion 2 runs a bit higher priced, but I have seen it offered on Amazon for a decent price.
Read moreWeight
It is lightweight at 2.6Kg (2.4Kg trail weight) This is a true 4 season tent, and extremely waterproof, it has a hydrostatic head of 5000mm, this means that you could support a column of water 5 meters high on the outer tent or fly and the water would not leak through, that’s a lot of water pressure.
Comfort
It has ample floor space for two adults to sleep and in emergencies, it can hold up to six sitting adults. If you are planning to stay camped in one spot for more than a few days then multiple storage pockets will be useful.
Weather Resistance
The outer tent is pitched first meaning in poor weather conditions you can erect a waterproof shelter quickly enabling you to keep the inner tent in which you will sleep dry. All seams are taped.
Ease of Use
Scorpion 2, which is a four-season tent, is very reasonable in price and comparable to many 3 season tents available. You may never camp on snow and ice, But with this tent, if you choose to you could and stay as dry and protected as any 4 season tent.
Sources
- , BEST BACKPACKING TENTS OF 2019, Buying Guide
- , 5 BEST TRAVEL TENTS, Backpacking Blog