From PCT hikers spending 6 months on the path to the nascent hiker spending 6 days on their first solo backpacking journey, an excellent tent is the cornerstone of outside preparedness. The appropriate tent could be a shelter from the weather and critters. Within the wild, it’s a house away from house.
Our staff of testers has spent a whole bunch of nights in tents in climate circumstances that run the gamut from excruciating desert warmth to frigid winter nights at excessive elevations to convey you our collection of the most effective backpacking tents for this yr. Relating to choosing a tent, one reality stands out: no single tent will work effectively for each state of affairs.
Generally you need a superlight bivy that simply retains the bugs away on a protracted hike. Different occasions, you need a burly winter abode able to standing as much as gale-force winds and heavy snow. Perhaps you need that tent that may perform a little of the whole lot.
We thought-about six components whereas evaluating the most effective backpacking tents: ease of establishing, sturdiness and supplies, weight and packed dimension, inside area, climate resistance, and worth.
Flooring area and packed weight have been a very powerful components to our panel, whereas further options akin to pouches and pockets weighed much less closely in our analysis.
Every tent excels in a number of of those points, and we have now awarded excellent fashions “Better of Score” similar to their excellent qualities. So whether or not you might be pinching pennies, able to splurge on the tent of your desires, or simply wanting to interchange your tattered gear, we have now discovered a tent that may suit your finances and wishes.
Scroll by way of to see all of our advisable buys, or leap to the class you’re on the lookout for. On the finish of our listing, remember to take a look at our purchaser’s information, comparability chart, and FAQ part.
The Greatest Backpacking Tents of 2023
Greatest Total Backpacking Tent
- Weight
3 lbs., 2 oz. - Peak
40 in. - Flooring area
29 sq. ft. - Supplies
Nylon, aluminum, and composite - Vestibule space
18 sq. ft.
-
Mild -
Steady -
Roomier than anticipated -
Glorious storage and vestibule design
-
Costly -
Struggles in excessive winds (above 40 mph) -
Considerably fragile
Greatest Price range Backpacking Tent
- Weight
4 lbs., 11 oz. - Peak
44 in. - Flooring area
32.5 sq. ft. - Supplies
Polyester and aluminum - Vestibule space
11 sq. ft., 6.5 sq. ft.
-
Nice worth -
Spacious -
Straightforward setup with color-coded poles
-
Heavier than different backpacking tents -
Cumbersome when packed -
Completely different pole lengths
Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- Weight
13.9 oz. (for the blue shade scheme) - Peak
52 in. - Flooring area
20.6 sq. ft. - Supplies
Dyneema (0.75 oz./sq. yd.)
-
Extraordinarily Ultralight -
Nicely-ventilated -
Distinctive system of coping with condensation buildup -
Solely makes use of one trekking pole as an alternative of two
-
Costly -
Considerably annoying not having a zipper on the vestibule
Greatest Worth Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- Weight
23.5 oz. - Peak
43 in. - Flooring Dimensions (LxWxH)
84 x 48/42 (head barely wider) x 43 in. - Supplies
Customized 10D Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU material - Vestibule Space
10 sq. ft.
-
Tremendous spacious -
Ultralight -
Inexpensive
-
Condensation tends to construct up fairly simply -
Inner mesh pockets are positioned a bit of awkwardly
Greatest Minimalist Backpacking Tent
- Weight
1 lb., 2 oz. - Peak
64 in. - Flooring area
50 sq. ft. - Supplies
Cuben fiber, your trekking poles
-
Costly -
Trekking pole tents aren’t for everybody -
Want area to arrange man traces
Better of the Relaxation
- Weight
2 lbs., 1 oz. - Peak
37 in. - Flooring area
27.3 sq. ft. - Supplies
OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material - Vestibule space
12.4 sq. ft.
-
Ultralight -
Packs small -
Withstands climate
-
Costly -
Fragile for automotive tenting or sharp rocks
- Weight
1 lb., 3.4 oz. - Peak
48 in. - Flooring area
28.1 sq. ft. - Supplies
Dyneema (0.55 oz./sq. yd.) - Vestibule space
11 sq. ft.
-
Costly -
Onerous to arrange -
Requires giant space, stakes, and guylines
- Packed weight
4 lbs., 2 oz. - Peak
42 in. - Flooring area
31.3 sq. ft. - Supplies
OSMO Ripstop/Nylon mix, aluminum - Vestibule space
11.4 sq. ft. x 2
-
Spacious for two folks -
Sturdy sufficient for automotive tenting -
Straightforward to arrange
-
Costly -
Not the lightest
- Weight
6 lbs., 5 oz. - Peak
43 in. - Flooring area
32.9 sq. ft. - Supplies
Nylon and aluminum - Vestibule space
8.7 sq. ft.
-
Worth -
Storm-ready -
Light-weight for a four-season tent
- Packed weight
3 lbs., 10.7 oz. - Peak
43.5 in. - Flooring area
23 sq. ft. - Supplies
Polyester and aluminum - Vestibule space
19.5 sq. ft.
-
Mild however pretty sturdy -
Accommodating for folks over 6 ft tall -
Steep partitions
-
Costly -
Storage system overly sophisticated
- Weight
30.8 oz. - Peak
46 in. - Flooring area
46.5 sq. ft. (fly), 20 sq. ft. (insert) - Supplies
20 denier polyester with 2500mm sil/PEU coating - Vestibule space
20 sq. ft. (10 sq. ft. x 2)
-
Sturdy building -
Distinctive, double-wall design -
Easy, 4-stake pitch -
Inexpensive
-
On the heavy facet for an ultralight tent -
Small inner storage pockets -
Man traces are a bit troublesome to regulate
- Weight
4 lbs., 8 oz. - Peak
40 in. - Flooring area
29.5 sq. ft. - Supplies
Polyester and aluminum - Vestibule space
7.85 sq. ft.
-
Good worth -
Straightforward setup -
High quality building
-
Heavier -
Not constructed for excessive climate circumstances
- Packed weight
2 lbs. 13.7 oz. - Peak
46.85 in. - Flooring area
49.9 sq. ft. - Supplies
Nylon, mesh, Aluminum - Vestibule space
28.7 sq. ft.
-
Mild -
2 vestibules -
Could be supported with trekking poles
-
Setup takes apply -
Not freestanding
- Weight
2 lbs., 2 oz. - Peak
45 in. - Flooring area
38 sq. ft. - Supplies
Nylon
-
Ultralight -
Packs down small -
Can perform as a tarp alone at simply 17 oz.
-
The 30-denier material is considerably fragile -
Requires mountaineering poles (or a pole package, bought individually for $30-80) to arrange
- Weight
2 lbs. 14 oz. (10 oz. discount from earlier mannequin) - Flooring area
29 sq. ft. - Peak
40 in. - Supplies
20D ripstop nylon & DWR (cover material), 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR (ground material) - Packed Measurement
19 x 4.5 in.
-
Light-weight -
Sturdy -
Spacious -
No-curve door zippers -
Rain gutters on the fly
-
Fairly costly -
Rainfly considerably troublesome to arrange
Backpacking Tent Comparability Chart
| Tent | Value | Weight | Peak | Flooring Area | Supplies | Vestibule Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huge Agnes Copper Spur | $550 | 3 lbs., 2 oz. | 40 in. | 29 sq. ft. | Nylon, aluminum, and composite | 18 sq. ft. |
| Marmot Catalyst | $229 | 4 lbs., 11 oz. | 44 in. | 32.5 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 11 sq. ft., 6.5 sq. ft. |
| Zpacks Plex Solo | $600 | 13.9 oz. | 52 in. | 20.6 sq. ft. | Dyneema (0.75 oz./sq. yd.) | N/A |
| Gossamer Gear The Two | $375 | 23.5 oz. | 43 in. | 84 x 48/42 (head barely wider) x 43 in. | Customized 10D Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU material | 10 sq. ft. |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 | $824 | 1 lb., 2 oz. | 64 in. | 50 sq. ft. | Cuben fiber, your trekking poles | N/A |
| NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P | $599 | 2 lbs., 1 oz. | 37 in. | 27.3 sq. ft. | OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material | 12.4 sq. ft. |
| Zpacks Duplex | $699 | 1 lb., 3.4 oz. | 48 in. | 28.1 sq. ft. | Dyneema (0.55 oz./sq. yd.) | 11 sq. ft. |
| NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P | $529 | 4 lbs., 2 oz. | 42 in. | 31.3 sq. ft. | OSMO Ripstop/Nylon mix, aluminum | 11.4 sq. ft. x 2 |
| REI Arete ASL 2 | $449 | 6 lbs., 5 oz. | 43 in. | 32.9 sq. ft. | Nylon and aluminum | 8.7 sq. ft. |
| Sea to Summit Telos TR2 | $599 | 3 lbs., 10.7 oz. | 43.5 in. | 23 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 19.5 sq. ft. |
| Durston X-Mid 1 | $240 | 30.8 oz. | 46 in. | 46.5 sq. ft. (fly), 20 sq. ft. (insert) | 20 denier polyester with 2500mm sil/PEU coating | 20 sq. ft. (10 sq. ft. x 2) |
| Kelty Late Begin 2 | $160 | 4 lbs., 8 oz. | 40 in. | 29.5 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 7.85 sq. ft. |
| REI Co-op Flash Air 2 | $399 | 2 lbs. 13.7 oz. | 46.85 in. | 49.9 sq. ft. | Nylon, mesh, Aluminum | 28.7 sq. ft. |
| Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle | $375 | 2 lbs., 2 oz. | 45 in. | 38 sq. ft. | Nylon | N/A |
| MSR Hubba Hubba | $549 | 2 lbs. 14 oz. | 40 in | 29 sq. ft. | 20D ripstop nylon & DWR |
N/A |
Why You Ought to Belief Us
Ryan Baker, one of many authors, lives within the Japanese Sierra together with his spouse and enjoys mountaineering, climbing, and snowboarding each probability he will get. Final summer time, he spent over a month backpacking on and off-trail following the Sierra excessive route.
He has a whole bunch of nights spent within the backcountry from humble beginnings of sleeping beneath a ironmongery shop tarp guyed out with parachute wire to totally kitted-out backcountry ski excursions.
After 20 years of expertise, he has realized the worth of a real tent. He nonetheless prefers to journey as gentle as potential, whether or not it’s with a summer time tent that matches within the palm of his hand or his zero-pound all-season tent for ski excursions within the lifeless of winter.
Chris Carter, one other creator of this information, has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails in america: the Pacific Crest Path, the Continental Divide Path, and the Appalachian Path. He’s spent a lot time in flimsy backpacking tents that he nearly sleeps higher in them than beneath a roof.
We imagine each journey requires the fitting instrument for the job, and an excellent evening’s sleep in a succesful tent is important for fulfillment within the backcountry.
Purchaser’s Information: Tips on how to Select a Backpacking Tent
Do you propose to camp alone or with your loved ones? Are automotive tenting tents your jam, or do you often head out for weeks within the backcountry? Are you strictly a summer time camper, or do you sleep exterior all yr lengthy?
There’s no proper or fallacious reply, however being clear on the way you wish to camp will make selecting a tent simpler. The Zpacks Plex Solo may match for some customers who wish to go as gentle and minimalist as potential.
Then again, the Marmot Catalyst, whereas heavier, offers a finances choice for individuals who don’t plan to hike as far and wish a bit of extra room. Utilizing the six components we listed at the beginning of this text as a information, discovering the most effective backpacking tent could be a easy errand of selecting which qualities are most vital to you.
Ease of Setup
That is your first second together with your brand-new tent and perhaps you possibly can intuitively determine the place the whole lot goes, or perhaps you want to reference the handbook each step of the way in which. Some tents make setup straightforward with color-coded poles or poles which might be all the identical size.
Single-walled winter tents are infamous for barely making room for poles within the materials to carry a taut exterior. Nonetheless, different tents want quite a few man traces to carry in place and aren’t freestanding with out them.
Regardless of the case could also be, our choice is that the simpler a tent is to arrange, the higher. In fact, domes for alpine basecamps are going to be harder than a two-person bug internet.
The Sea to Summit Telos has many hubs connecting completely different size poles, so it pays to attempt to set this sort of tent up prematurely. Nonetheless, the Hyperlite UltaMid merely calls for 2 trekking poles lashed collectively within the middle with equalized man traces. Desire is king and it doesn’t matter what design fits your expertise degree, all the time apply setting it up at house earlier than you go.
Sturdiness and Supplies
Most tents for backpacking are created from nylon materials, cuben fiber, or polyester. Every of those supplies has its distinctive advantages, from decrease value to more durable climate resistance or ripstop qualities.
Cuben fiber has confirmed to be a superb materials that could be very light-weight and intensely weather-resistant. It additionally resists tearing — however it’s costly. Sadly, it will possibly puncture comparatively simply, however crosshatched reinforcement prevents additional tearing.
Nylon is a less expensive materials however can also be much less sturdy. Usually it’s bolstered towards the weather with polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic coating. This makes it extra water resistant however much less breathable. Polyester is heavier than nylon and likewise not significantly breathable.
The thickness of the fabric is measured in denier models, that are mainly the density of fibers measured in grams over meters. The decrease the denier rely, the lighter the fabric. Decrease deniers are nice for decreasing pack weight however require extra care to forestall rips and tears.
Light-weight tents will normally have 15-20-denier fly and flooring. And a heavy automotive tenting or winter tent may have a score as excessive as 75 or extra.
Then there are the poles. In an effort to scale back weight, some tents such because the Zpacks Duplex or Hyperlite UltaMid forgo their very own poles and as an alternative depend on trekking poles to offer structural assist. All the time remember to examine that your trekking poles are appropriate together with your tent.
Tent-specific poles are comprised of carbon fiber, aluminum, composite, or a mix. Aluminum is gentle however not practically as gentle as carbon fiber or a number of the proprietary composites supplied at this time. Aluminum poles are normally discovered in additional inexpensive fashions and may face up to rougher dealing with.
For sturdiness, we like to make use of a footprint, which normally needs to be purchased individually. You may all the time style a customized footprint by reducing a bit of Tyvek, which is offered at most {hardware} shops however lacks the grommets and fastening factors of a manufactured footprint.
Shopping for from the producer insures a correct match and normally will snap, click on, or tie in to combine with the tent. Numerous ultralight backpackers are going with a loopy gentle polycryo footprint like this one to shave much more grams.
Tent stakes additionally are available in a wide range of supplies. Carbon fiber tent stakes, akin to these supplied by Hyperlite, are gentle however have a thicker circumference in comparison with aluminum and are subsequently bulkier. Saving weight is a crucial purpose, all of it simply will depend on how a lot you might be keen to spend.
Weight and Packed Measurement
In case you solely plan to automotive camp, weight and packed dimension aren’t main considerations. However anybody planning to haul their tent into the backcountry ought to take a tough take a look at these issues.
An ultralight tent, akin to Gossamer Gear’s The Two or The One, is a superb choice for backpacking or thru-hiking. It doesn’t take up plenty of area or weight in your pack, that means you possibly can justify bringing a favourite flask or a number of further snacks. However because of the gentle supplies, it’s not as sturdy as heavier tents and requires extra care. The Kelty Late Begin 2 is over twice the load at 4 kilos, 8 ounces, however is considerably cheaper.
So, you want to stability your wants for weight towards sturdiness and price. You might discover that some tents, just like the Zpacks Duplex, hit the most effective of each worlds by utilizing ultra-strong, super-light Dyneema (cuben fiber) material.
The REI Arete can appear a like backbreaker in comparison with lighter tents, however it has a great deal of headroom and opulent area. In case you are splitting a tent between many individuals, the additional kilos get unfold out. In case you are planning a solo thru-hike, coughing up the money for a small, gentle tent can prevent plenty of again ache. It’s additionally a good suggestion to ensure your tent matches effectively in your backpacking packpack, and leaves area for the remainder of your package, earlier than heading out on prolonged journey.
No matter your alternative, be trustworthy with your self in contemplating your probably makes use of. In case you count on to do plenty of automotive tenting, it’s good to hold a bit of extra weight in change for sturdiness.
There are giant books written on shaving weight for backpacking. The uninitiated might balk at tent costs earlier than a visit, solely to be taught the laborious means that each gram actually does add up.
Inside Area
To save lots of weight, it’s important to be keen to snuggle right into a two-person tent and rub shoulders or odor your accomplice’s ft. Ceiling peak is a crucial consideration as effectively.
Ultralight tents just like the Six Moons Designs Haven or the Hyperlite UltaMid nonetheless provide excessive ceilings, however they typically have extra roof angles and fewer general room in comparison with freestanding tents.
The UltaMid is among the roomiest tents, with over 50 sq. ft of ground area and a 64-inch ceiling. The advantage of a conventional tent just like the REI Arete is that it doesn’t have a pole by way of the middle of it.
Inside area in a tent equals consolation. The principle issues to contemplate are ground dimensions, size, and ceiling peak. Tents have a acknowledged variety of folks they sleep, however how roomy or cramped they are going to be at capability varies by model.
In case you are solely packing the tent for “simply in case” or to largely retailer gear, you possibly can downsize to a lighter, extra cramped mannequin. Take note of dimensions within the specs from a producer, as they may give you a good suggestion of what number of sleeping pads will slot in it.
Climate Resistance
Fundamental tents deal with nice climate like a champ and may even handle gentle rain and wind. However in the event you plan to camp throughout rain or snow storms (which frequently roll in unexpectedly), it’s value it to avoid wasting up and purchase a sturdier tent.
Within the occasion of a storm or condensation buildup, all tents additionally want air flow to adequately take away moisture. The Sea to Summit Telos excels on this class with a rollaway fly that may be left open on a heat day to permit your whole objects to dry while you’re away.
Something can occur on an prolonged backpacking journey, and you want to have a shelter that can shield you in driving rain or hail, brutal warmth throughout summer time months, or snowy whiteouts within the winter … all whereas sustaining a light-weight bundle that simply matches in your bag.
It’s a tall order. However all the tents on this listing have been examined for sturdiness and high quality, and we might really feel comfy battling the weather with them.
Many four-season tents are single-wall fashions. The advantage of a single-wall design is that there isn’t any hole for wind or precipitation to sneak in. Try our Winter Tent Evaluation for extra perception on this subject.
Double-wall designs are way more frequent for three-season or summer time tents. Detachable rain flies are a plus if all you want is a barrier from the mosquitos and also you wish to stargaze.
In case you are assured within the forecast, dropping the fly can convey you to what some name “path weight,” which refers to leaving out the additional elements to realize the naked minimal weight.
Vestibules are an vital characteristic to have in inclement climate. They act as a miniature mudroom and supply area for gear storage.
The Huge Agnes Copper Spur provides a novel design with its awning vestibules. Sealed seams additionally assist buffer towards the weather and leakage.
In case you plan to make use of a tent in a moist, wet, or snowy surroundings, think about doing this your self, as seams are a weak level within the waterproof safety of a fly or single-wall tent. Conveniently, Six Moon Designs will seam-seal its tents for an additional payment, however this can probably delay transport time.
Worth
It’s laborious to place a price ticket on the nights of journey and luxury {that a} backpacking tent offers. Value is immediately associated to the standard of the supplies and the packed weight.
The Marmot Catalyst is a living proof on the subject of worth for the finances hiker, because it’s gentle on the pockets however heavy on the again. A frugal hiker can get monetary savings on this piece of substances to spend extra on different requirements like a sleeping bag and backpack.
Producers understand that the entry value of this ardour is steep and supply economical choices to suit any finances. With correct care and upkeep, probably the most inexpensive tent can final many seasons.
The Kelty Late Begin 2 is an instance of an entry-level tent that gives nice options for a fraction of the price of one thing just like the Hyperlite UltaMid. Then again, the UltaMid provides the savvy, devoted hiker what they’ve longed for on many arduous miles — a tent that weighs subsequent to nothing and is sturdy and simple to arrange.
The worth of a tent is basically the ratio of enjoyment versus value. The entire tents we examined have a excessive worth when paired with the fitting person. Sit down, and write out a finances that not solely contains how a lot you might have within the financial institution but in addition signifies how devoted you might be to the game. Plan to spend a couple of quarter to a 3rd of your finances on a tent.
The true backcountry addicts — and those who really feel the hook sinking of their lip after their first journey — will nearly actually personal multiple tent for his or her lifetime of outside adventuring.
Not all tents can deal with each surroundings completely, however are as an alternative tailor-made to a variety of circumstances. rule for gear is to start out inside your finances with a flexible choice. As your passions develop, your gear will develop into extra particular. Buying the most effective backpacking tent on your wants is not any small job, however it’s also thrilling and can open up many new doorways to the pure world.
FAQ
Costs of backpacking tents range significantly. Supplies and the load of the tent trigger costs to vary from beneath $200 (such because the Kelty Late Begin 2) to over $1,000 out the door.
Specialised ultralight tents such because the Hyperlite UltaMid or burly all-weather mountaineering tents are normally the costliest and are created from very sturdy and light-weight supplies.
Inexpensive tents are priced for the start or occasional hiker. Count on to spend a 3rd of your finances on a tent, one other third in your sleeping bag, and the remaining in your cooking provides, and so on.
The quantity you might be keen to spend will depend on your dedication to the game. Inexpensive choices are an awesome place to start out, as you possibly can then gauge your willingness to take a position.
When shopping for a backpacking tent, take note of whether or not it’s freestanding, just like the REI Arete ASL 2, or requires trekking poles, just like the Zpacks Duplex. Tents that use trekking poles are on common far lighter, however they take man traces and know-how to arrange.
Supplies are vital to contemplate as effectively. The costlier tents provide gentle rip-resistant supplies like cuben fiber (such because the Hyperlite UltaMid), whereas extra economical fashions are cumbersome and heavier (see the Marmot Catalyst). This impacts not solely weight but in addition packed dimension.
Ensure that the tent has enough area on your wants, with ground area, vestibules, and storage. Minimalist tents can be lighter however normally provide much less by way of further pockets and storage. Tents extra fitted to automotive tenting may have these facilities however weigh significantly extra.
Ultralight tents are fragile, costly shelters uncovered to probably harsh circumstances within the wilderness. The most important good thing about a tent just like the Six Moon Designs Haven is available in little or no weight and quantity in your pack.
Having used a number of ultralight tents, we’d say that almost all backpackers ought to avoid absolutely the lightest tents until they’re extraordinarily cautious with their gear.
And by that, we imply they put it away completely each time, and even go as far as to load their automotive and backpack with the care of their gear in thoughts. We’ve had holes worn in ultralight tents from nothing however friction and vibration throughout a 2-hour drive, so this isn’t an exaggeration.
So, if ultralight is just too gentle for you, what’s an inexpensive weight for a backpacking tent? A well-established guideline is about 2.5 kilos per particular person, that means a tent beneath 5 kilos for a two-person tent is cheap.
The Huge Agnes Copper Spur weighs in at 3 kilos, 2 ounces, which could be very gentle cut up between two folks, whereas the Zpacks Duplex is 1 pound, 3 ounces. Each tents are for 2 folks however are created from completely different supplies, and the Duplex will depend on your trekking poles to arrange.
Many tents provide footprints as an aftermarket add-on. A footprint is a bit of cloth that matches the form of the tent ground. It typically will clip into your tent poles or stake system to combine together with your setup beneath your tent.
The footprint gives safety towards sharp objects on the bottom and will improve the lifespan of your tent. Nonetheless, carrying a footprint provides to the load of your pack. So, you want to stability the necessity to shield your tent with the added weight of the footprint.
For ultralight tents such because the Hyperlite UltaMid or Zpacks Duplex, a footprint is usually vital to forestall injury. That’s considerably ironic, because the tent is supposed to be as gentle as potential.
For that cause, typically a barely heavier ground construct, as on the REI Arete, makes extra sense, as you possibly can depart the footprint behind. For automotive tenting, a footprint is all the time a good suggestion, as it is going to improve the lifetime of your tent.
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