You’ve seen the pictures and you’re now dreaming the dream; sleeping in the great outdoors.
It’s an adventure and it’s a big part of any exciting backpacking trip, and when you wake up to the sunrise you can be right there on the beach or on the mountain.
However, unless you enjoy being rained on, you need to think about how to pack for your trip.
Don’t worry though; you don’t have to be an intrepid explorer to be able to take a tent traveling with you, because in most countries in the world there are some stunning campsites that you can stay in.
Having a best backpacking tents is the best way that you can experience some of the most special places in the world at your own pace.
Editor’s Choice
BIG AGNES COPPER SPUR HV UL BACKPACKING TENT
- AWARD-WINNING COMFORT - Based on the features of our best-selling,...
- A BETTER SHELTER - It’s not all about the volume; 2 large,...
- ULTRALIGHT STRENGTH - 4-way, high-volume hub design increases strength...
Why is it better?
- Designed with a high volume hub
- Near vertical walls
- Waterproof
5 Best Backpacking Tents
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each tent individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Best Overall: Big Agnes Backpacking Tent
- AWARD-WINNING COMFORT - Based on the features of our best-selling,...
- A BETTER SHELTER - It’s not all about the volume; 2 large,...
- ULTRALIGHT STRENGTH - 4-way, high-volume hub design increases strength...
A best-selling, full featured, ultralight backpacking shelter, this Copper Spur HV UL tent is designed with a high volume hub to maximize strength and increase your living space, and all without adding extra weight to you while you travel.
Ounce counting backpackers need not fret, because this is the tent that changes the game. It may not be the tent for the user with comfort in mind, but the extra space on the inside and the vestibule design makes it one of the most complete, ultralight options on the market for backpackers.
The large zipper door and wall architecture can make trips with a partner comfortable. The newfound open feeling is mainly because of the near vertical walls. The poles do a fantastic job of stretching all 4 walls up and away from you, providing you with a peak height of 40 inches.
It’s durable and can stand up to your biggest adventures. It’s waterproof, lightweight and weather proof all at the same time and given its weight, you’d expect it not to withstand heavy weather.
Here’s the thing, there’s no compromise here – the pole structure is increasing the strength by 25, which means that while it doesn’t stand up to all weathers, you can hunker down and be protected in most 3 season conditions.
MSR 2-Person Backpacking Tent
- 3-season, 2-person backpacking tent that offers the most livable...
- Pole geometry maximizes space with 29 sq. feet of floor area, interior...
- Complete setup weighs 3.5 lbs. and packs down to 18x6 inches;...
A quintessential, 3 season backpacking tent that is perfect for two.
Easy to carry, easy to set up and roomy enough for hanging out as well as sleeping, this tent lives with the perfect balance between lightweight and liveable.
Your space is 29 square feet of floor area and has a peak interior height of 39 inches. There are two generous vestibules and you get an additional 8.75 square feet of space on either side of the door.
This is a tent that is built from lightweight material and combines quality with livability. It’s a tough little tent and it will last you for years, making its durability score pretty high!
At just 3lb 13oz in weight, backpackers will hardly notice the tent on their bags, which means that if you’re looking to cut weight from your next backpacking adventure, you’ll love the Hubba Hubba.
It’s got so many options for great airflow, and there’s nothing worse than sleeping in a hot tent! With mesh paneling, you can get a great view and plenty of space for air to flow right through the tent. You also have enough ventilation without condensation to build up.
Nemo Dagger Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- High-performance, proprietary OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric has 4X...
- Two large doors and massive trapezoidal vestibules lead the category...
- DAC Featherlite NSL pole structure.
The Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Zip T is our top pick for base layers for hunting due to its innovative design and high-quality all-natural fabric.
Merino wool, this undershirt helps keep you warm on even the coldest of days, and features an interlock knit pattern to increase heat retention on the field.
The Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Zip T emphasizes comfort as its main feature, with specially designed shoulder panels so that you don’t have to worry about potentially irritating should seams.
With flatlock seam construction included as part of the standard design feature in all of Smartwool’s undershirts, this base layer is less likely to cause irritation when worn for a longer period of time and during strenuous activity.
The Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Zip T is a skin-tight undershirt option that can help provide warmth and comfort without causing irritation or restriction to the individual, and is perfect for hunting trips.
With a center front zipper to allow for various levels of adjustment to help vent etra heat if necessary and avoid stretching of the neck area of the shirt, the Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Zip T is easily one of the most user-friendly and durable base layers on the market.
This undershirt can be machine washed and air dried, and due to the 100% Merino wool base layers is much more moisture-friendly than most other natural fibers.
If you are looking for a comfortable, durable, natural base layer to add to your hunting gear kit, the Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Zip T is one of the best options on the market for the dedicated hunter.
Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent
- SMALL and LIGHTWEIGHT: Naturehike's Mongar 3-season, 2-person...
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: The Mongar tent is made of top-quality...
- EXTRA VESTIBULES: The Mongar 2-person tent has 2 doors, one on each...
Designed to be the ultimate tent for everyone to enjoy a backpacking adventure it’s designed with the intent to be lightweight but also tough.
Constructed with polyester anti-stretch fabric, with added ripstop for durability, this creates an ultra strong and ultralight exterior for the shell and floor of the tent.
It’s not the most ultralight out there on the market, but it is spacious and comfortable for backpackers who need somewhere to bed down for the night.
It can suit two, as there are extra vestibules with two door access.
It’s not a tent for all four seasons, but it is well constructed, and at an excellent price you can get a great option for your next adventure.
MaxMiles Premium Backpacking Tent
- THE ULTIMATE WATERPROOF HIKING & BACKPACKING TENT – This...
- EXCELLENT SPECIFICATION – Waterproof rating > 5000mm, features 2x...
- SUITABLE FOR 1-2 PEOPLE – This top-rated tent will comfortably fit 2...
The ultra-lightweight weatherproof tent is made from the best quality, super strong material.
It’s perfect for hiking or backpacking, and with great specification, it’s got a waterproof rating of >5000mm and features aluminum poles.
This is a tent that is made from the same material used to make parachutes, which means that when you are hiking or backpacking, you’re going to be enjoying a night of rest under a durable, waterproof exterior.
This tent has a lantern hook for those long nights, and wide storage pockets for all of your belongings.
Designed to fit two adults comfortably, this is a tent that is popular for hikers as it is ultralight – making it easy to transport.
It’s easy to assemble and as long as the weather holds while you do it, it’s going to be up in less than 10 minutes!
Things To Consider Before Buying
A part of that packing is going to be an ultralight backpacking tent. When you are traveling around the world, your adventure is going to start with the best backpacking tent there is on the market.
It’s all in that moment of unzipping the tent and revealing a landscape that is breathtaking. Throw in a Thermos of hot coffee and the tent protecting you from cool morning winds, and you’ve got the perfect wake-up combination.
Having the best backpacking tents is as important as having a great pair of shoes or the right toothbrush.
When there are two of you staying in a 2 man tent, you need to consider your space: especially if your trip is extended for months rather than days. Choosing the best backpacking tents means considering the following:
- Size when it’s packed – You need to carry this tent with you while you travel, which means that you need it to be lightweight and easy to carry.
- Size when it’s open – If you are aiming for enough space for two people, you need to unpack it before you start travelling. Either it’s going to be too small for two people, too huge for the areas you want to camp or it’s going to be just right. Either way, you need to know if it’s correct for you before you set off.
- Price – Let’s be honest, you want to stick to a budget, and this means including your equipment in that budget. Your tent needs to fit your budget otherwise you’re going to eat into your own cash reserves for your break.
- Weight – You realize that you have to carry this tent, right? Consider this when you make your choice. There’s going to be equipment you have to bring up mountains to trek and up the main hills on your journey, and you need not be overwhelmed. You won’t be able to enjoy your holiday if you’re worrying about being crippled by the tent adding extra weight.
- Pitching Time – Some tents require poles and metal clasps to put them together, while others take just pulling them out of a bag and – boom! – unfolded and ready to go. You need to know how long this will take you to do when you’re travelling, and practice makes perfect!
- Season – There are backpacking tents out there that aren’t suitable for certain weather types. So, you need to consider the season you are travelling in as well as the best type of tent available for you for that season.
- Durability – Are you hiking in harsh weather? If so, you need to make sure that your tent isn’t going to instantly cave in or blow away with the wind and harsh weather. Take the time to shop around properly before you buy it so that you know it’s strong enough to withstand what you need.
Having a tent with you on your travels is going to open you up to a world of possibility. Half the places that you can explore may not have been available to you when you were visiting previously; you may not always know where you’re sleeping, either.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right backpacking tent is crucial for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
By considering factors like weight, durability, size, and weather resistance, you can find the best backpacking tent that meets your specific needs.
Whether you’re a solo hiker or part of a group expedition, the top-rated tents featured in this article provide comfort, reliability, and ease of use.
Invest in a quality backpacking tent and embark on your next journey with confidence, knowing that you have reliable shelter to protect you from the elements and enhance your overall camping experience. Happy trails!
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