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Your backpacking tent shall be one of the vital vital gear purchases you make. Discovering one which has one of the best stability of weight, inside area, comfort, and climate safety will make it a lot simpler to remain joyful and comfy on path.
There are tons of backpacking tents to sift via, so It may well simply change into overwhelming to delve into such an enormous choice. Our workforce of drugs consultants has examined dozens of tents on trails everywhere in the world – from the alpine peaks of Patagonia to summer time monsoons within the Rockies. We’ll use our expertise on this information that can assist you discover one of the best backpacking tent to suit your wants.
Fast Suggestions
Take a look at this fast listing of one of the best backpacking tents, or proceed scrolling to see our full listing of favorites with in-depth critiques.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TheZpacksTriplextentsetupnearalakeontheJohnMuirTrail.jpg)
What’s New:
We put the main semi-freestanding tents via extra head-to-head testing, and added our favorites. The Large Agnes Tiger Wall 2 got here out on high as our primary semi-freestanding choose resulting from its low weight and good headroom. The NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 was additionally added for hikers searching for a stability between weight and inside area.
Backpacking Tent Comparability Desk
![big agnes copper spur tent in the mountains by a lake](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSC00690-2.jpg)
What’s Most Essential to You in a Backpacking Tent?
WEIGHT:
Your backpacking tent shall be one of many 4 heaviest objects in your pack – tent, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad – so it is a great spot to save lots of weight. We think about weight one of the vital vital specs for backpacking gear. The lighter your backpack, the extra snug it is going to be, the extra miles you’ll be capable to hike, and the extra satisfying your journey shall be.
![Three hikers and two tents in front of a beautiful mountain at sunset](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backpacking-tents-final.jpg)
PRICE:
We’re sometimes prepared to spend a bit extra for a high-quality backpacking tent with a low packed weight as a result of we really imagine that results in extra snug and satisfying backcountry journeys. Livability and weight are inclined to trump price in our books, however we suggest high quality choices at a wide range of worth factors in our listing beneath.
- Greatest mid-range backpacking tents: Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2, REI Flash 3, Large Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, SlingFin Portal, NEMO Hornet OSMO 3, MSR FreeLite 2, NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
- Greatest finances backpacking tents: REI Trailmade 2, REI Path Hut 2, REI Half Dome SL 2+, Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo / Lunar Solo, REI Flash 2
- Greatest high-end backpacking tents: Large Agnes Copper Spur UL3, Sea to Summit Telos TR2, Zpacks Duplex / Triplex / Plex Solo
![A backpacker standing by the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 with sunrise mountains in the background](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Glacier-23-027.jpg)
SPACE:
When selecting a backpacking tent, search for one with a very good stability of area and weight. Many backpacking tents are available in a number of measurement choices (1P, 2P, and many others.), however it’s quite common for tents to really feel smaller than their capability rankings indicate. In the event you plan to share your tent with one other hiker, take into consideration how snug you’re with tight areas and the width of your sleeping pads (many 2P backpacking tents gained’t match two large pads).
![A couple sitting next to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo tent surrounded by snowy mountains](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lunar-Duo.jpg)
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION:
In the event you are usually robust on gear otherwise you usually backpack in harsh, uncovered circumstances, selecting up a extra sturdy backpacking tent will possible be a sensible alternative. Small abrasions can simply be mounted, however all tents have their breaking factors. If long-term sturdiness is certainly one of your high considerations, it could be helpful to go together with a tent that’s a bit extra burly. Sturdier tents often weigh extra, however they’ll shed nasty climate simply and final a really very long time.
![msr hubba hubba tent by a river](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MSRHubbaHubba-2.jpg)
BEST 1-PERSON BACKPACKING TENTS:
Going with a 1-Particular person tent is a straightforward approach for a solo hiker to drop plenty of bulk and weight out of their pack. Nonetheless, some solo hikers want having extra space and could be happier in a light-weight 2-person tent. You’ll have to resolve which is extra vital to you: saving area and weight in your pack with a 1P tent or having extra room and flexibility with a 2P tent.
![interior of tent with sleeping pad](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yosemite-2022-69.jpeg)
Greatest Backpacking Tents of 2023
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Big-Agnes-Copper-Spur-HV-UL2-UL3.jpg)
Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3
Greatest backpacking tent total for weight, area & high quality
Value: MSRP (UL2): $550
Weight: (UL2): 3 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions: 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)
Measurement: 1-Particular person 2-Particular person 3-Particular person 4-Particular person
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Freestanding
- Roomy inside
- Fast/simple to pitch
- Nice pockets
- Massive doorways/vestibules
- High quality building/supplies
Cons
- Costly
- Rainfly zippers can snag
The Copper Spur HV UL2 and UL3 are a few of Large Agnes’ best-sellers, they usually’re amongst our all-time favourite backpacking tents. The ultralight freestanding design of the Copper Spur permits hikers to pitch nearly wherever, and it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, climate safety, or livability.
The Copper Spur is a well-liked alternative amongst thru-hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT, all of that are notoriously robust on gear. In the event you take care to clear pokey particles out of your campsites, this tent will final for hundreds of miles. We’ve been backpacking with our Copper Spur 2 and three for a number of years they usually’re nonetheless going robust.
The Copper Spur’s bent-pole construction and high crossbar create almost vertical sidewalls offering a ton of usable inside area and ample headroom. The UL2 has sufficient area for 2 regular-width sleeping pads and a few gear, whereas the UL3 is roomy sufficient for 2 large pads and preserving your entire gear inside. Whichever measurement you go together with, you’ll have a backpacking tent that gives an distinctive stability of camp consolation and weight.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Copper Spur HV UL2.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ZPacks-Duplex-Triplex-tent.jpg)
Zpacks Duplex, Triplex & Zpacks Plex Solo
Greatest ultralight backpacking tent
Value: (Duplex): $669
Weight: (Duplex): 1 lb. 2.5 oz. (no stakes or poles)
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 45 x 48 in.
Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Ultralight
- Massive doorways/vestibules
- Roomy for 2 (Triplex)
- DCF materials gained’t sag when moist
- Sturdy
- Trekking poles can double as tent poles
Cons
- Costly
- Condensation administration essential for single-wall tents
- Non-freestanding design has a studying curve
The Zpacks Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo are our go-to ultralight backpacking tents for thru-hiking and long-distance adventures. These tents present a wonderful quantity of inside area and climate safety at a freakishly low weight.
The key to those tents is the DCF materials. It’s waterproof, robust, extremely mild, and doesn’t sag when moist; the draw back is that it’s costly. The Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo could also be spendy, however they’re an unbelievable funding if you happen to like to backpack as mild as attainable. The opposite key to the Plex’s ridiculously low weight is the non-freestanding, single-wall design. This eliminates the necessity for tent poles and a rainfly, however it could take a couple of pitches to get it good if you happen to’ve by no means used a backpacking tent like this earlier than.
The excessive ceiling of the Duplex/Triplex will permit you and your mountain climbing associate to sit down up comfortably on the similar time, and the two-door design will maintain you from crawling over one another to get out and in. In the event you’re searching for one of the best ultralight backpacking tent available on the market, that is your man.
We predict the Duplex and Triplex are each spacious sufficient for 2 hikers. However since they’re so mild, we’re a fan of the Duplex for solo hikers who prefer to have additional inside area and the Triplex for extra sq. footage when mountain climbing with a associate. Solo hikers who prioritize saving weight above something can’t go improper with the Plex Solo.
For extra, take a look at our full critiques of the Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Half-Dome-SL-2.jpg)
REI Half Dome SL 2+
Greatest finances crossover tent for backpacking & automobile tenting
Value: MSRP: $329
Weight: 4 lb. 11.5 oz. (together with footprint)
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 56 x 42 in.
Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Very roomy inside
- Sturdy
- Fast/simple to pitch
- Freestanding
- Footprint included
Cons
- Heavier/bulkier than some
REI’s Half Dome SL 2+ has an distinctive stability of worth, sturdiness, and inside area. Its symmetrical freestanding design and really roomy dimensions make it snug and user-friendly for hikers of all expertise ranges. This tent is our favourite budget-friendly crossover alternative for many who like tenting within the frontcountry and the backcountry.
Although the burden of the Half Dome is greater than we want for strenuous backpacking adventures, it’s not too unhealthy when cut up between two hikers. As well as, it can save you about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint – a pleasant tent ground sturdiness bonus – at dwelling.
If a very good stability of sturdiness, comfort, inside area, and affordability is what you’re searching for, it’s very robust to beat the REI Half Dome SL 2+.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Half Dome SL 2+.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/REI-Flash-2-Tent.jpg)
REI Flash 2 & Flash 3
Greatest finances freestanding ultralight tent
Value: (Flash 2): $399
Weight: (Flash 2): 3 lb. 4.2 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)
Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Inexpensive for the standard & weight
- light-weight
- freestanding
- roomy inside
- fast/simple to pitch
- good pockets
- massive doorways/vestibules
- high quality building/supplies
REI has made a few of our favourite tents over time, however few have been as spectacular because the Flash 2. This tent has a weight and inside quantity that rival among the hottest backpacking tents of all time, however it prices far lower than something in its class.
With its distinctive pole structure, the Flash 2 manages to really feel extra spacious than tents with the very same dimensions – just like the Large Agnes Copper Spur 2. The headwall of the Flash 2 stands vertically and is supported by an arch pole that pulls the sidewalls out. Consequently, you find yourself with extra headroom the place you want it most.
Like most tents that goal to chop down on weight as a lot as attainable, the Flash 2 will should be handled with care to increase its lifespan. We had a pointy pine needle work its approach via the ground early on throughout testing. There’s no everlasting injury to indicate for it, however it did drive dwelling the necessity to actually filter an area to camp if you happen to don’t plan to make use of a footprint. We all the time hike with a little bit of Tenacious Tape to restore the inevitable snags and tears that include use on path.
We extremely suggest the Flash 2 to hikers seeking to save a major sum of money with out having to compromise on weight, area, or the comfort of a freestanding design. And people searching for much more area ought to take a look at the Flash 3, which nonetheless prices lower than most of the two-person tents on our listing and solely weighs about 10 ouncesmore than the Flash 2.
We’re placing this tent via extra field-testing to find out its last place on this listing. It has the potential to take excessive spot. Checkout our full evaluation of the Flash 2 right here.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Big-Agnes-Tiger-Wall-2.jpg)
Large Agnes Tiger Wall 2
Greatest semi-freestanding tent
Value: MSRP: $450
Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 86 x 52/42 x 39 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)
Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Ultralight
- Handy pockets
- Excessive-quality {hardware} (clean zippers & DAC poles)
- Roomy for one
- Two doorways/vestibules (a perk for solo hikers)
Cons
- Tight for 2
- Not as sturdy as some (ground materials is skinny)
- No rainfly vents
Ounce-counting hikers will love the ultralight, semi-freestanding design of the Large Agnes Tiger Wall 2. With sufficient construction to carry out effectively in inclement climate, however a weight that’s barely over a pound when cut up between two hikers – the Tiger Wall is a extra handy different to non-freestanding ultralight tents.
Typically semi-freestanding tents can really feel a bit cramped. And whereas the quarters within the Tiger Wall are a bit tight, it has a wider ridge pole than most different tents of this model. This creates extra livable area the place you need it most – on the head when sitting up. One other function that will increase consolation within the Tiger Wall is the easy-to-use door toggles that provide the capacity to roll again either side of the vestibule for taking in grand views or maxing out air flow on clear nights.
General, hikers who prioritize saving weight and don’t thoughts sharing a tighter area will love the minimal but purposeful design of the Tiger Wall 2. In the event you want extra room to unfold out, the Tiger Wall 3 has additional ground area and some extra inches of peak peak however continues to be lighter than many 2P tents. For more information, take a look at our full evaluation of the Tiger Wall right here.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SlingFin-Portal-tent.jpeg)
SlingFin Portal
Light-weight & sturdy tent with a lot of headroom
Value: MSRP: $540
Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 85 x 51/42 x 44 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)
Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Wonderful climate safety
- light-weight
- roomy inside
- fast/simple to pitch
- helpful pockets
- massive doorways/vestibules
- high quality building/supplies
- freestanding
Cons
- Costly
- Rainfly zippers can snag
With an additional secure body, maximized inside area, and top-quality building/supplies, the SlingFin Portal is a superb shelter to hunker down in when nasty climate hits. Thicker poles, inner guylines, and the power to connect trekking poles for added structural energy make the Portal extraordinarily strong in wind, rain, and even mild snow. These options are distinctive for a light-weight backpacking tent and are extra frequent in high-end mountaineering shelters.
One among our favourite options of the Portal is its beneficiant quantity of headroom, which makes it really feel way more livable than the common light-weight 2P backpacking tent. Different particulars, like nice pockets and further zipper sliders, come along with the storm-worthy design to make the Portal among the best backpacking tents we’ve ever examined.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Portal.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NEMO-Hornet-3-OSMO-1.jpg)
NEMO Hornet OSMO 3
Nice worth tent for UL hikers wanting extra space
Value: MSRP: $550
Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 68/62 x 44 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)
Measurement: 1-Particular person 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Ultralight
- Nicely-priced for the specs
- Roomy for 2
- Handy pockets
- Excessive-quality supplies (sag-free cloth & clean zippers)
- Good air flow
Cons
- Rainfly zippers can snag
- Just one facet of the rainfly might be tied again
Ultralight doesn’t should imply sacrificing consolation. With the NEMO Hornet OSMO 3, a pair of hikers can have all of the conveniences of a conventional 2-person tent – two doorways/vestibules, a roomy inside, helpful pockets – with out the extra weight. As an added bonus, this spacious shelter prices across the similar sum of money as most of the main 2-person backpacking tents.
You may want additional area for a wide range of causes – perhaps you need to match two large sleeping pads with room to spare, you journey with a big canine or an adventurous child, otherwise you simply need a bit of extra respiration room when sharing your tent with a associate. No matter your cause could also be, the beneficiant ground dimensions and peak peak of the Hornet 3 will accommodate.
Not too way back, NEMO rolled out their proprietary OSMO cloth and started implementing it on all of their tents. OSMO cloth repels water higher than normal nylon or polyester flysheets, and better of all – OSMO stretches far much less when moist. This implies your pitch stays taut throughout rain, and also you gained’t have to fret about saggy rainfly materials inflicting moist spots in your tent physique, sleeping bag footbox, or head.
We’ve all the time been huge followers of NEMO’s consideration to element, high-quality building, and revolutionary designs, and the Hornet OSMO 3 positively doesn’t disappoint. For individuals who prioritize saving weight over having additional area, the NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 can be an ideal alternative and is a little more reasonably priced than equally designed tents.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MSR-Freelite-2-1.jpg)
MSR FreeLite 2
Good stability of weight & livability for solo hikers
Value: MSRP: $450
Weight: 2 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 84 x 50 x 39 in.
Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Ultralight
- roomy for one
- two doorways/vestibules (a perk for solo hikers)
- handy pockets
- rainfly gutter prevents drippy entry
The MSR FreeLite 2 is a superb choice for these seeking to go lighter with out sacrificing the comfort of a double-wall tent. It has two massive doorways/vestibules, and the inside area feels extra roomy for 2 hikers at a a lot decrease weight than different equally designed tents.
We usually view the FreeLite as extra snug for solo hikers for the reason that inside headroom can really feel a bit of cramped when spending any prolonged period of time inside. However for pairs that worth saving weight over having additional wiggle room, the FreeLite actually has sufficient area to accommodate two.
The rainbow form of the FreeLite is efficient at shedding rain, and some design particulars – like well-placed pockets and a rainfly gutter – make this tent notably interesting. Any backpacker wanting one of the best mixture of weight, livability, and climate safety will certainly love the FreeLite.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sea-to-Summit-Telos-TR2.jpeg)
Sea to Summit Telos TR2
Exceptionally spacious tent with revolutionary options
Value: MSRP: $599
Weight: 3 lb. 10 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.
Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Ample headroom
- Freestanding
- Light-weight
- Wonderful air flow
- Fast/simple to pitch
- Massive doorways/vestibules
Cons
- Costly
- Heavier than some
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an revolutionary tent with plenty of distinctive options to like. It has extra headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class, which makes it really feel much more livable than many others.
Creature comforts, just like the light-dispersing Lightbar and shady Hangout Mode, make the Telos really feel like a bit of slice of luxurious within the backcountry. Sea to Summit took additional care designing the adaptable air flow on the Telos, and we discovered that it offered snug and virtually condensation-free nights.
Whereas it’s a bit of spendy, the consolation the Telos supplies is value the associated fee if you happen to’re searching for a flexible 2-person backpacking tent with the entire particulars dialed in.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Telos TR2.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Six-Moon-Designs-Lunar-Duo-1.jpg)
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo & Solo
Inexpensive & spacious ultralight backpacking tents
Value: (DUO): $395
Weight: (DUO): 2 lb. 13 oz. (no stakes or poles)
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 54 x 45 in.
Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person
Professionals
- Spacious
- reasonably priced
- ultralight
- small packed measurement
- sturdy
- ample headroom
- glorious air flow
- massive doorways/vestibules
Cons
- Seam sealing prices additional
- condensation administration essential for single-wall tents
- non-freestanding design has a studying curve
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is without doubt one of the finest worth backpacking tents on our listing resulting from its glorious mix of area, weight, and sturdiness. We’ve put the Lunar Duo via the wringer on a number of thru-hikes, and it held up like a champ in every kind of circumstances.
It’s a bit heavier than some ultralight non-freestanding tents, however we discover the burden tradeoff to be value it for the numerous financial financial savings. One factor that makes the Lunar Duo distinctive is that the guylines might be re-tensioned from contained in the tent, which is actually handy throughout a downpour. The big vestibules are designed to open utterly with out disturbing the construction of the tent, so you’ll be able to have related air flow and examine advantages of a double-wall tent.
In the event you’re searching for a roomy ultralight shelter at an exceptionally reasonably priced worth, there are few tents that come near the Lunar Duo. For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Lunar Duo.
The Lunar Solo is certainly one of our high picks for solo hikers. It’s very spacious for one particular person and their gear, is simple to arrange, and packs down extremely small. For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Lunar Solo.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/REI-Trail-Hut-2.jpg)
REI Path Hut 2
Most reasonably priced crossover tent for backpacking & automobile tenting
Value: MSRP: $199
Weight: 5 lb. 15 oz. (together with footprint)
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 52 x 40 in.
Measurement: 2-Particular person 4-Particular person
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- sturdy
- freestanding
- massive doorways/vestibules
- robust zippers
- fast/simple to pitch
- footprint included
Cons
- Heavier/bulkier than some
The reasonably priced REI Path Hut 2 is a superb tent for hikers on a good finances or these wanting a crossover tent for automobile tenting and backpacking. It’s fast and straightforward to pitch, made with sturdy supplies, and the burden/bulk aren’t too unhealthy when cut up between two hikers. You can even save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint at dwelling.
Whereas not one of the Path Hut’s specs or options (apart from worth) are actually standouts, this tried-and-true design will maintain up effectively in unhealthy climate and maintain you on the path for lots of – if not hundreds – of miles.
The budget-friendly Path Hut doesn’t skimp on inside area or high quality, so we predict it’s a wonderful funding for these desirous to hit the path with out spending a fortune.
In the event you’re seeking to go as reasonably priced as attainable, the REI Trailmade 2 prices much less and is a bit lighter. In the end we want the Path Hut for its bigger inside area, however both tent is a strong alternative.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Trailmade 2.
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NEMO-Dagger-OSMO-2.jpg)
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
Greatest crossover tent for backpacking & automobile tenting
Value: MSRP: $530
Weight: 4 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 50 x 42 in.
Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person
Professionals
- Very spacious
- Freestanding
- Fast/simple to pitch
- Versatile
- Massive doorways/vestibules
- Gentle for a way a lot area it presents
- Sturdy
- Nice pockets
Cons
- Heavier than some
- A bit costly
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 presents a ton of inside area at an affordable weight, so it’s good for these wanting a tent that’s snug for each backpacking and automobile tenting.
The Dagger has a ton of handy options inbuilt, like two enormous vestibules for gear storage, light-dispersing headlamp pockets, and an included tub accent that retains your gear clear and dry within the vestibule. The revolutionary OSMO cloth additionally doesn’t sag when moist like Silnylon and it’ll stay waterproof for longer than the coated materials used for a lot of different tents.
In the event you’re searching for light-weight livability in a handy design, the NEMO Dagger 2P is a superb alternative.
For extra, take a look at our full evaluation of the Dagger OSMO 2.
Honorable Mentions
The next backpacking tents didn’t make our last listing, however they’ve nonetheless bought plenty of good issues going for them. You by no means know, certainly one of these tents is likely to be good for you:
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-BA-Copper-Spur-HV-UL3-in-front-of-Mt-Hood-2.jpeg)
- MSR Hubba Hubba 2 – This tent stands out for its mix of low weight and climate safety. The Hubba’s symmetrical freestanding design makes it fast and straightforward to arrange. However we discover that the pole construction causes the partitions to slope inward which limits inside headroom fairly a bit. Take a look at our full evaluation of the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 to be taught extra concerning the execs and cons.
- NEMO Dragonfly 2 – This tent is a bit of tight for 2, however it’s a roomy choice for solo hikers. It has two doorways, two massive vestibules, and a really small packed measurement. The Dragonfly has a freestanding design that’s simple to arrange and performs a bit higher in foul climate than the semi-freestanding Hornet on our foremost listing.
- Tarptent Double Rainbow – The Double Rainbow has among the best worth to weight ratios of any backpacking tent available on the market, however it additionally has some vital downsides. Its single-wall (hybrid) design makes it prone to inside condensation, and the inside area isn’t as snug for 2. Whereas the rainbow form sheds rain successfully, it additionally cuts out a substantial quantity of headroom.
- Large Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 – This tent is among the many lightest double-wall, semi-freestanding tents available on the market. It has an identical ground plan to the MSR FreeLite (each truly work finest as 1-person tents in our opinion), however the Fly Creek solely has one door and vestibule which limits its livability. If a tent is just going to function one door, we far want a side-entry over the entrance entry of the Fly Creek.
- Hilleberg Anjan 3 – In the event you generally camp above treeline in harsh, uncovered circumstances, the Hilleberg Anjan might be a very good choice. We suggest selecting the 3-person mannequin over the Anjan 2 for the additional area at a minimal price/weight improve. This tent does have a number of key downsides although – only one door/vestibule, non-freestanding design, and a steep price ticket.
Essential Tent Concerns
PRICE
You shouldn’t should lay our a fortune to get an ideal backpacking tent. That’s why this listing comprises an array of strong choices at a wide range of worth factors. In the event you backpack so much, it in all probability is smart to spend extra for a high quality product that may get a few years of use. In the event you’re on a restricted finances, you might need to take a look at our finances backpacking tent suggestions, however they do are usually a lot heavier.Â
CHOOSING A SIZE
The truth with tent sizes is that plenty of producers exaggerate how many individuals can sleep comfortably in them. For instance, many two-person backpacking tents are a good match for 2 average-sized individuals. In the event you plan on sleeping two individuals in your tent and need extra space, you might discover a three-person tent to be extra snug. Further area will add weight, so that you’ll in all probability need to select a light-weight tent to maintain your backpack mild. Take a look at our Tent Measurement Information for more information on discovering the suitable match for you.
When researching tents, you’ll possible discover a couple of completely different specs listed for weight and it will probably get a bit of complicated.
PACKAGED WEIGHT VS. MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT
When researching tents, you’ll possible discover a couple of completely different specs listed for weight and it will probably get a bit of complicated. Some producers could even exaggerate how mild a tent is to make it appear extra interesting. Sadly, there isn’t any required set normal for measuring backpacking tent weights throughout the trade, however listed here are some suggestions that can assist you decipher all of the numbers:
- Packaged Weight – This spec refers back to the weight of all elements of the tent plus any equipment it comes with while you purchase it. That is often probably the most correct measurement to contemplate, and it’s the spec we’ve listed with all of the tents on this listing. In spite of everything, you’re going to be utilizing tent stakes together with your tent, proper?
- Minimal Path Weight – This one will get a bit of bushy. Since there’s no required trade normal for calculating this, some producers exclude extra objects than others. Minimal path weight is usually accepted to imply simply the important parts to maintain you dry. It would all the time embrace the tent physique, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement often excludes tent stakes (until your tent is semi-freestanding), man traces, and stuff sacks.
MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT
This one will get a bit of bushy. Since there’s no required trade normal for calculating this, some producers exclude extra objects than others. Minimal path weight is usually accepted to imply simply the important parts to maintain you dry. It would all the time embrace the tent physique, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement often excludes tent stakes (until your tent is semi-freestanding), man traces, and stuff sacks.
DO YOU NEED A FOOTPRINT?
Virtually each backpacking tent on this listing comes with the choice to purchase a footprint that may assist prolong the lifetime of your tent ground. Footprints usually are not essential, although, and lots of select to not use them. It’s completely a private alternative, however a footprint will be certain that your tent ground lasts so long as attainable. In the event you need assistance deciding if a footprint is best for you, take a look at our publish Do You Actually Want a Footprint for Your Tent.
PROTECTION
A backpacking tent that doesn’t defend towards the weather is worse than nugatory, it’s harmful. So watch out about excessive finances tents you’ll discover elsewhere. Each tent on this listing will present glorious storm safety to maintain you protected, dry, and heat.
INTERIOR SPACE
Backpacking tents maintain weight to a minimal by limiting inside area (and thus, use much less materials). One-person tents are nice for devoted solo hikers seeking to journey quick and light-weight. Two-person tents are usually the most well-liked, as a result of they strike a very good stability between weight and inside area. Most two-person tents have simply sufficient room for 2 sleepers and some stuff sacks, with backpacks and further gear saved within the vestibules. If you need extra inside area for tenting consolation, you might need to bump up one measurement in tents (for instance, purchase a three-person tent to suit two hikers). Simply bear in mind, inside tent area is a tradeoff between consolation and weight. Take a look at our Tent Measurement Information for extra data on selecting which mannequin to go together with.
SEASON RATING
Three-season shelters are the most well-liked backpacking tents and the model we’re specializing in on this information. They’re constructed for spring, summer time, and fall journeys the place you’ll have to maintain unhealthy climate out whereas selling air flow, which helps maintain inside condensation to a minimal. Three-season tents can often deal with a bit of snow, however they’re not made for heavy snow and harsh winter circumstances.
SETUP
Freestanding tents are usually preferable as a result of they’re simpler to make use of and faster to pitch. They arrive with a hard and fast pole system that may be arrange nearly wherever – even on strong rock. Non-freestanding tents use stakes, guylines, and trekking poles for pitching. They save weight by chopping out tent poles, however require extra time/area to pitch and can take extra apply to grasp.
DOORS & VESTIBULES
In the event you plan on sleeping two individuals in your tent, it’s extra snug to have two doorways and two vestibules. Having separate entrances will be certain that you’re not climbing over a tentmate and two units of drugs each time you need to get in or out of your tent. That’s an enormous profit, and it’s why nearly all of our backpacking tent suggestions have two doorways and vestibules.
WALL CONSTRUCTION
Double-wall tents include two separate elements – a mesh tent physique and a rainfly. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that varieties on the within of the rainfly. Single-wall tents scale back weight by attaching the fly sheet on to the mesh inner-tent, however that leaves hikers susceptible to inside condensation in moist/chilly circumstances. Rubbing up towards a moist tent inside is the pits, so we largely suggest double-wall tents until you often backpack in arid, dry climates. For ultralight hikers open to the concept of single-wall shelters, take a look at our Greatest Ultralight Tents listing.
DURABILITY
The primary trade-off with light-weight backpacking tents is that they’re constructed utilizing thinner supplies, which are usually much less sturdy than heavy-duty shelters. That stated, ultralight tents will actually final for hundreds of miles if handled with care. It’s additionally vital to do not forget that a pointy stick or rock will puncture nearly any sort of tent cloth. In the event you’re robust on gear and don’t need to take care of light-weight supplies, we suggest selecting certainly one of our heavier suggestions constructed for sturdiness or including a footprint to to extend the sturdiness of your tent ground. For our private use, we predict light-weight tents are effectively definitely worth the tradeoff.
![The Zpacks Duplex has large doors that are perfect for taking in big views.](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The-Zpacks-Triplex-tent-on-the-beach-with-a-sunset-in-the-background.jpeg)
Extra Info
We hope this information helps you discover the proper gear to your wants. If in case you have extra questions or a suggestion, we’d love to listen to from you! Join our publication to remain up to date on our newest posts then go to our Fb web page and Instagram to affix the group dialog.
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Thanks for studying and joyful trails!
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