Backpacking gear - best tents for backpacking

When it comes to backpacking, choosing the right tent is essential. A good backpacking tent should be lightweight, durable, and able to withstand a range of weather conditions. In this article, we will showcase the 10 best tents for backpacking on the market.

From ultralight options suitable for solo travelers to spacious tents that can accommodate a group, there is something for every need and budget. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, these tents will make your next trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

10 Best Tents for Backpacking

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

This tent is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it a great option for backpacking trips. It can comfortably accommodate two people and has two doors and two vestibules for gear storage. The tent is made with durable materials and has a waterproof and windproof design to protect against the elements. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Two doors and two vestibules provide ample gear storage
  • Durable materials and waterproof/windproof design make it suitable for use in inclement weather
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit cramped for two people

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Backpacking Tent

The Copper Spur HV UL2 is a three-season tent that is designed for backpacking trips. It has a high-volume architecture, which provides more interior space and a more comfortable experience for the user. The tent can accommodate two people and has a freestanding design for easy setup. It also has a lightweight build, making it easier to carry on backpacking trips.

The tent has a single door and a vestibule for gear storage and is made with durable materials. It also has a waterproof and windproof design to protect against the elements.

Pros:

  • High-volume architecture provides more interior space and a more comfortable experience
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Lightweight build makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Single door and vestibule provide ample gear storage
  • Durable materials and waterproof/windproof design make it suitable for use in inclement weather

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit expensive

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Backpacking Tent

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Backpacking Tent

The Stormbreak 2 is a two-person tent that is designed to be waterproof and windproof, making it suitable for use in inclement weather. It has a single door and a vestibule for gear storage and is made with durable materials.

The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a full-coverage rainfly to provide additional protection against the elements. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Waterproof and windproof design makes it suitable for use in inclement weather
  • Single door and vestibule provide ample gear storage
  • Durable materials and full-coverage rainfly protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit cramped for two people

ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Backpacking Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Backpacking Tent

The Zephyr 2 is a three-season tent that is designed for two people. It has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. The tent is made with durable materials and has a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Durable materials and full-coverage rainfly protect against the elements
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit cramped for two people

Marmot Tungsten UL 2P Backpacking Tent

Marmot Tungsten UL 2P Backpacking Tent

The Tungsten UL 2P is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed to accommodate two people. It has a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Waterproof and windproof design, as well as full-coverage rainfly, protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit cramped for two people

Coleman Hooligan 2-Person Backpacking Tent

Coleman Hooligan 2-Person Backpacking Tent

The Hooligan 2 is a lightweight tent that is designed to accommodate two people. It has a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Waterproof and windproof design, as well as full-coverage rainfly, protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be a bit cramped for two people

Eureka Midori Solo Backpacking Tent

Eureka Midori Solo Backpacking Tent

The Midori Solo is a lightweight tent that is designed for one person. It has a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Waterproof and windproof design, as well as full-coverage rainfly, protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • The tent is only suitable for one person

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Backpacking Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Backpacking Tent

The Lynx 1 is a lightweight tent that is designed for one person. It has a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent.

The tent is made with durable materials and has a compact, lightweight design, making it suitable for backpacking trips. The Lynx 1 is a three-season tent that can be used in various weather conditions. It has a spacious interior and a reliable weather protection system, making it a popular choice for solo backpackers.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips
  • Waterproof and windproof design, as well as full-coverage rainfly, protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • The tent is only suitable for one person

NEMO Hornet Elite 1P Ultralight Backpacking Tent

NEMO Hornet Elite 1P Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The Hornet Elite 1P is an ultralight tent that is designed for one person. It has a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. The tent has a freestanding design for easy setup and a vestibule for gear storage. It also has vents to improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent. The tent’s ultralight design makes it ideal for backpacking trips where every ounce counts.

Pros:

  • Ultralight design makes it suitable for backpacking trips where every ounce counts
  • Waterproof and windproof design, as well as full-coverage rainfly, protect against the elements
  • Freestanding design allows for easy setup
  • Vestibule provides ample gear storage
  • Vents improve airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent

Cons:

  • The tent is only suitable for one person

Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent

Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent

The Kelty Grand Mesa is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a lightweight and durable backpacking tent. Designed to withstand the elements, this tent is perfect for any type of camping trip, whether you’re heading out into the backcountry for a week-long adventure or just spending a night in the woods.

One of the standout features of the Kelty Grand Mesa is its freestanding design, which makes it easy to set up and take down. The tent features two aluminum poles that provide sturdy support and help keep the structure upright in windy conditions. The tent body is made from waterproof polyester, and the fly is made from durable polyester taffeta with a waterproof coating, so you can rest assured that you’ll stay dry no matter the weather.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable, making it easy to pack and transport on backpacking trips
  • The tent is made from high-quality materials
  • Includes a waterproof polyester body and a waterproof polyester taffeta fly
  • It has a spacious interior with room for up to two people
  • The freestanding design and two aluminum poles make the Kelty Grand Mesa easy to set up and take down

Cons:

  • Some users may find the tent to be too small for taller individuals
  • It may not be as water-resistant as some other backpacking tents on the market
  • The tent may be too expensive for some users, as it is a high-quality option with a correspondingly high price tag

Backpacking Tent Buyer’s Guide

Backpacking in the forest

When shopping for the best tents for backpacking, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the best tent for your needs.

Tent Size

Firstly, consider the size of the tent and how many people it will be accommodating. If you are planning on going on a solo trip, a single or one-person tent may be sufficient. However, if you are going with a partner or a group, you will need a larger tent to accommodate everyone.

It’s important to also think about the amount of gear you will be bringing on your trip and whether you need additional storage space. Some tents come with vestibules or gear storage areas, which can be a useful feature to have.

Tent Weight

The weight of the tent is also an important factor, especially if you are planning on carrying it on your back. Look for tents made with lightweight materials such as nylon or polyester, which will make it easier to carry and pack.

Tent Durability

Backpacking in the mountains

Durability is also crucial, as backpacking tents are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Choose a tent made with durable materials such as reinforced zippers and poles to ensure it can withstand the elements and the wear and tear of backpacking trips. Weather protection is also essential, as you never know what kind of conditions you may encounter on your trip.

Look for a tent with a waterproof and windproof design, as well as a full-coverage rainfly to protect against the elements. Consider the climate and weather conditions of the area where you will be using the tent, and choose a tent that is suitable for those conditions. Three-season tents are a good option for most climates, while four-season tents are better suited for extreme weather conditions.

Tent Setup

Ease of setup is another important factor, as you don’t want to be struggling with complicated instructions when setting up your tent in the middle of nowhere. Consider a tent with a freestanding design or color-coded setup to make the process easier and quicker.

Tent Ventilation

Ventilation is also important to reduce condensation inside the tent, so look for a tent with vents to improve airflow.

Tent Cost

Lastly, consider the price of the tent and determine your budget before making a purchase. There is a wide range of backpacking tents available at various price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.

Considering these factors, you can find the best tents for backpacking that fit your needs and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.