Greatest Backpacking Tents in 2023 – Bearfoot Principle

The most effective backpacking tents are light-weight, sturdy, weather-proof, and a cinch to arrange. Sounds easy sufficient, however with all the alternatives on the market, the seek for a tent can shortly get overwhelming. We’ve rounded up one of the best light-weight tents for backpacking that will help you slender down your search and discover the precise tent for you.

On the finish of this put up, you’ll discover extra information on what options to contemplate when looking for a backpacking tent and the way to decide on one of the best backpacking tent to your wants.

Greatest Backpacking Tents at a Look

Backpacking Tents Comparability Desk

See the comparability desk under for a fast abstract of every of the highest tents for backpacking. You may click on on the columns to type by what’s most necessary to you.

Professional Tip: The packaged weight consists of the whole lot that the tent comes with together with stakes, stuff sacks, man traces, and the instruction guide. You may shed a number of ounces by swapping out the stakes for lighter ones like these aluminum tent stakes and/or leaving the rain fly behind (though you’ll need it if there’s any risk of dangerous or chilly climate).

Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Greatest Total for Sturdiness, Weight, & Roominess

• Nice for: light-weight backpacking, 3-season backpacking

• What we like: color-coordinated setup system, inside organizational pockets

• What we don’t like: requires trekking poles to stake out the awning, exhausting to stake out fly on rocky terrain

The Large Anges Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent is a good choice for backpacking missions that require light-weight but dependable gear. A big door makes getting out and in straightforward and the awning-style vestibule expands the residing area to supply extra safety if the climate turns moist. You may arrange the awning with trekking poles or connect the man traces to rocks or a tree.

This tent additionally comes with quite a lot of pockets and loops within the inside to assist with group and its simple-pole structure makes set-up and breakdown additional environment friendly. If you wish to go much more light-weight and the climate seems to be good, you may go away the tent at residence and simply pack the fly, poles, and footprint as a “Quick Fly” choice.

Zpacks Duplex 2P

Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Tent

• Nice for: ultralight backpacking while you already carry trekking poles, long-distance journeys, 3-season backpacking

• What we like: most light-weight backpacking tent on our checklist, don’t have to hold tent poles if utilizing trekking poles, comparatively straightforward to arrange, well-ventilated, sturdy, can stand up to sturdy winds

• What we don’t like: exhausting to arrange on rocky terrain, costly funding, single-walled tent so it’s liable to condensation buildup

The Zpacks Duplex tent is a single-walled, ultra-lightweight 2-person backpacking tent. Weighing simply 1 pound, 3 ounces, and roomy sufficient to sleep two, it’s an amazing selection for long-distance backpacking journeys the place weight actually issues. This tent is constantly on the prime of the checklist for PCT and JMT thru-hikers.

Since this can be a tarp-style tent reasonably than a freestanding one, it does require slightly extra effort to arrange proper and makes use of trekking poles as an alternative of tent poles (though you should purchase Zpacks tent poles individually should you desire).

On my latest journey to Sequoia Nationwide Park the place we had been typically tenting on granite rocks, this tent was a problem to arrange, however with some creativity, you need to use rocks to stabilize the tent. You’ll additionally want 8 stakes (bought individually), and I like to recommend the ultralight carbon fiber ones.

Underneath regular floor situations, the Duplex is simple to arrange. I’d simply advocate watching a video or studying the directions on the Zpacks web site earlier than heading out simply to be sure you are assured in the way to set it up.

The Zpacks tent has 4 storm (vestibule) doorways that may open or shut independently relying on the climate and local weather. On a pleasant clear night, you may preserve the vestibule doorways open and stargaze proper out of your mattress. It’s really useful to maintain not less than one door open (climate allowing) to cut back the quantity of condensation buildup in a single day.

Different nice options embody 2 mesh pockets for storage, extraordinarily sturdy material (a footprint shouldn’t be mandatory, however may be purchased individually if desired), and a built-in design to stop condensation from dripping onto the ground.

This can be a single-walled tent, and the material is totally waterproof. I’ve used this tent throughout a number of days of consecutive rain and heavy winds within the Boundary waters and we stayed dry as a bone inside. I additionally couldn’t consider how sturdy it was.

Nonetheless, this backpacking tent may be liable to condensation, which does make it troublesome to place the tent away moist within the morning.

If you would like much more room, I’ve been utilizing the Zpacks Triplex (3-person model) of this tent for years. We received the Triplex as a result of it’s nonetheless gentle and compact, however it’s roomy sufficient for us and our two canines. Even the Triplex model packs down smaller than any of my freestanding two-person tents.

Large Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

Most Light-weight Semi-Freestanding Backpacking Tent

• Nice for: moist & windy situations, 3-season backpacking

• What we like: excessive inside ceiling, comes with many man traces and choices for staking it out, holds up properly in rain and wind

• What we don’t like: included stuff sack tears simply

The Large Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent is an ultralight, semi-freestanding tent with ample headspace. Whereas your ft could also be a bit cramped with the tapered foot, it nonetheless has two doorways and vestibules designed for environment friendly entry and exit whereas retaining the inside dry throughout moist climate (this tent is thought to do very properly within the rain). It has a novel single-pole system for simple setup, reflective guylines, and inside storage pockets.

The draw back of this tent is that the mesh may be very skinny and may tear simply should you aren’t cautious. If you wish to go much more light-weight, make the most of the Quick Fly set-up by leaving the tent at residence and simply pack the rainfly, footprint (bought individually), and poles for a easy shelter.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent

Sturdy Tent With out Breaking the Break

• Nice for: individuals who need a dependable, sturdy, roomy backpacking tent with out breaking the financial institution, backpacking with pets

• What we like: straightforward to arrange, features a footprint, spacious sufficient for two outsized sleeping pads and equipment, nice value

• What we don’t like: heavier than different backpacking tents

If you happen to’re in search of a sturdy and easy-to-set-up shelter, try the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+. At over 4lbs, it’s not probably the most light-weight tent on the market, however it’s excellent for informal backpackers in search of high-quality gear at an reasonably priced value level. This tent is constantly certainly one of REI’s greatest sellers and we agree that it’s a stable selection for many backpackers.

The tent has ample inside area for 2 individuals, their gear, and their pet (therefore the two+ measurement). It has two doorways and vestibules present easy accessibility and loads of storage choices. The Half Dome 2 can also be well-ventilated, with mesh panels that preserve the inside from getting stuffy on sizzling nights.

REI Co-op Trailmade 2

Greatest Finances Backpacking Tent

• Nice for: budget-conscious buyers, newbie or informal backpackers

• What we like: footprint is included with tent, straightforward to arrange, sturdy

• What we don’t like: heaviest and bulkiest tent on our checklist

Whereas all of the tents on our checklist are fairly straightforward to arrange, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent takes the cake. Two poles cross over in a simple design making setup plain and easy.

Whereas this tent is on the heavier facet of backpacking tents (5+ lbs), it’s a primary, finances choice that may permit you to get out on the path and sleep comfortably within the backcountry. Plus, the footprint is included in each the packaged weight and the value.

The Trailmade 2 has two doorways and two vestibules so that you received’t must climb over your tent companion and the peak and non-tapered design make this tent really feel comparatively spacious. The mesh cover permits for stargazing and open-air sleeping with out the bugs, and the ceiling vents assist with airflow even when the fly is on.

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent

Backpacking Tent with the Most Headroom

• Nice for: individuals who want additional headroom, 3-season backpacking, backpacking with pals

• What we like: straightforward setup, 3-piece storage sack system lets you simply break up the load with a buddy

• What we don’t like: lacks inside storage pockets, exhausting to arrange as a solo backpacker

Sea to Summit just lately added a collection of light-weight tents to their line of backpacking merchandise. The Telos TR2 tent gives loads of livable area inside with excessive vertical partitions and enormous doorways that make it straightforward to get out and in. Distinctive options embody a rain fly that may be rolled up or rolled down from contained in the tent as wanted relying on the climate – no extra getting out of your tent within the rain to place the fly on.

The Telos TR2 tent additionally has a novel “Hangout Mode” wherein the fly can be utilized to create a rain or solar shelter that matches 4 individuals. BFT’s Director Linda examined this tent on a Utah Nationwide Park street journey and cherished how straightforward the rain fly arrange was.

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent

Greatest Backpacking Tent for Moist & Windy Climate

• Nice for: backpacking in heavy rain and wind, 3-season backpacking, backpacking in rocky terrain

• What we like: straightforward to arrange, roomy headspace

• What we don’t like: poles are delicate and the cords inside lose elasticity over time

The MSR Hubba Hubba Tent has been round for over a decade, and it’s an amazing compromise between sturdiness and weight. It has a non-tapered design so you will have simply as a lot room on each ends of the tent, which isn’t the case for lots of the tents listed right here.

The Hubba Hubba has two doorways and two vestibules however the two options that actually make it stand out are the built-in rain gutters and the cross-ventilating rainfly that gives airflow in any climate. It additionally comes with a compression sack, making it tremendous packable. Different options embody waterproof coating and sturdy but versatile poles that may deal with difficult climate. Poles are on a hub system.

I used a beefed-up model of the Hubba Hubba – the Elixir – throughout a 10-day backpacking journey in Alaska. It’s similar to the Hubba Hubba and may stand up to even stronger winds, however it’s slightly heavier which is why it might be overkill for many backpacking journeys. Except you’re typically backpacking within the heaviest of climate, the Hubba Hubba is our best choice.

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P

Roomiest Backpacking Tent

• Nice for: individuals who need further ground area, 3-season backpacking

• What we like: largest ground space for a 2P tent, straightforward to arrange

• What we don’t like: barely heavier than different backpacking tents on our checklist

The NEMO Dagger OSMO Tent is the roomiest 2-person backpacking tent on this checklist and nonetheless manages to be fairly light-weight for a tent of this measurement. It additionally has all of the options you possibly can need in a multi-person backpacking tent.

It has two massive doorways and vestibules that make getting out and in straightforward with loads of area to maintain your gear dry within the occasion of a rainstorm, gentle pockets to assist solid a fair glow all through the tent with simply your headlamps, gear pockets in every nook to assist with group, and vents to assist with airflow and breathability even when the fly is on. As an added bonus, it comes with a twin stuff sack that lets you simply break up the load with a companion.

Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent

Greatest Backpacking Tent for Households

• Nice for: households, {couples} backpacking with massive pets, 3-season backpacking

• What we like: straightforward to arrange, roomy vestibules, consists of footprint

• What we don’t like: heavy even should you break up the load, unipole may be delicate – take warning when organising the tent

The Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent is a freestanding 4-person choice that’s excellent for households. The mesh cover permits for airflow and stargazing when the climate’s clear whereas the stable area alongside the underside portion stops mud and wind. It has twin doorways and vestibules and a number of inside pockets for simple group. The rainfly doesn’t stretch or sag when moist and the color-coded clips make for an excellent straightforward set-up.

Black Diamond HiLight 2P

Greatest 4-Season Backpacking Tent

• Nice for: 4-season backpacking, excessive winds

• What we like: extremely ventilated for good airflow and fewer condensation buildup, straightforward to arrange in harsh climate

• What we don’t like: door design permits for water to get in while you open it if it’s raining

The Black Diamond HiLight 2P Tent is our best choice for a 4-season backpacking tent. It’s significantly light-weight for a winter tent and its 30-denier poly material will preserve you tremendous heat whereas chilly climate tenting. Reviewers be aware that this tent has nice air flow and the partitions don’t construct up condensation which is right for chilly temperatures.

This tent is simple to arrange with poles that connect on the within. The draw back of this tent is it has only one door, which isn’t one of the best if you’re sharing with one other particular person and reviewers be aware that it doesn’t maintain up properly within the rain.

Easy methods to Select the Greatest Backpacking Tent

Purchasing for a light-weight backpacking tent can shortly get overwhelming with all of the choices on the market, to not point out dear. That will help you hone in on what’s most necessary to you in a very good backcountry tent, listed below are the principle options you’ll see talked about, what they imply, and a few useful issues to contemplate when making your determination.

Tent Weight

When looking for a backpacking tent, weight is the primary issue I think about. Most backpacking tents weigh someplace between 1-4 kilos. The lighter the tent, the extra snug you will be when you’re carrying it in your again. That stated, there may be typically a trade-off between weight and sturdiness. Ultralight tents require extra care when setting them up and storing them while you get residence. In addition they include a heftier price ticket.

When evaluating tents, you’ll usually see two totally different weight specs. The packaged weight is the burden of the entire tent set while you purchase it together with the tent itself, the fly, poles, stakes, man traces, stuff sacks, and every other equipment. The minimal path weight is the burden of the tent, fly, and poles solely. Realistically, you’ll possible be carrying one thing near the packaged weight because you’ll need to convey the tent, fly, poles, stakes, and man traces. One strategy to save weight is to swap the stakes that include the tent with a set of light-weight aluminum stakes. A few of the tents on this checklist even have a minimalist pitch choice the place you may convey simply the fly, footprint, and poles to make a light-weight shelter in truthful climate.

Capability / Inside Tent House

Who and the way many individuals will you be sharing your tent with? And the way tall are you? Most of the 2-person backpacking tents (particularly the ultralight choices) are very tight for 2 individuals and have area for 2 sleeping pads straight subsequent to one another and never a lot else.

If you happen to plan to shack up with a buddy or companion, or should you’re backpacking along with your pup, you’ll need a 2-person backpacking tent not less than. The most effective 2-person backpacking tents have two doorways so that you don’t must climb over one another when getting out and in of the tent. Additionally, search for ones which have a good-sized vestibule (or two) so you will have area to stash your backpacking packs and mountaineering boots in case of rain.

If 3 individuals might be sharing a tent or should you and your companion or buddy are backpacking along with your pup, you’ll need a 3-person backpacking tent. That is what I backpack with most frequently since my companion and I usually backpack with our pup, Charlie, who’s a diabetic alert canine.

Issues to concentrate to are the ground space, whether or not or not the tent has a tapered design (the place the top facet is wider than the ft facet), and whether or not there may be sufficient headspace so that you can sit up and hang around should you get caught inside as a consequence of dangerous climate.

Variety of Doorways

Two doorways will make getting out and in of the tent far more snug when you’re tenting with another person. It means you received’t must crawl over one another and normally, additionally, you will have your individual separate vestibule to retailer your stuff which helps you keep extra organized and to maintain your gear dry in case of rain. (A vestibule is the world exterior of the tent door beneath the tent fly).

Seasonal Score

A majority of backpackers might be high-quality with a 3-season tent that are designed to breathe properly in average climate situations (together with heavy rain and light-weight snow) throughout spring, summer season, and fall.

If you happen to plan on tenting in heavy snow or in excessive, uncovered situations, it’s possible you’ll want a 4-season tent. 4-season tents have much less mesh and retain warmth higher, however the lack of air flow could make them really feel a bit stuffy.

Wall Development

Many of the standard backpacking tents are double-walled – which implies they arrive with the precise tent as your shelter and a separate rain fly you could connect to the surface of the tent for climate safety. Double-walled tents ventilate higher and expertise much less condensation as a consequence of airflow.  

A single-walled tent is weatherproof throughout with out the necessity for a fly, and that always helps shave off some weight. However single-walled tents additionally usually don’t have any home windows and no mesh. Which means condensation could be a downside in moist situations. It additionally signifies that you possible received’t be capable of do any stargazing from mattress or have the choice to sleep within the open air since there isn’t any detachable fly. Single-walled tents are greatest for chilly, dry situations (just like the southern Utah desert in early spring).

Freestanding vs Tarp-Model

A freestanding tent is one which comes with poles that assist it. They’re fast and simple to arrange and may be pitched nearly anyplace, which is why this model is extra standard.

A tarp-style tent (just like the 3-person Zpacks tent under) is one that you just arrange utilizing your trekking poles for assist and by tying man traces to stakes, timber, rocks, and so forth to get it taut. Tarp-style tents are lighter since they don’t have poles and have a tendency to enchantment to skilled long-distance hikers trying to save weight.

Just a few of the tents on this checklist are semi-freestanding, that means they will stand on their very own however do have to be staked out for full performance and climate safety.

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