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Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or want to stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2024.
From PCT hikers spending 6 months on the trail to the nascent hiker spending 6 days on their first solo backpacking trip, a good tent is the cornerstone of outdoor preparedness. The right tent can be a shelter from the elements and critters. In the wild, it’s a home away from home.
When it comes to picking a tent, one truth stands out: no single tent will work well for every situation. Sometimes you want a superlight bivy that just keeps the bugs away on a long hike. Other times, you want a burly winter abode capable of standing up to gale-force winds and heavy snow. Maybe you want that tent that can do a little of everything.
We considered six factors while evaluating the best backpacking tents: ease of setting up, durability and materials, weight and packed size, interior space, weather resistance, and value.
Floor space and packed weight were the most important factors to our panel, while extra features such as pouches and pockets weighed less heavily in our evaluation.
Each tent excels in one or more of these aspects, and we have awarded outstanding models “Best of Rating” corresponding to their outstanding qualities. So whether you are pinching pennies, are ready to splurge on the tent of your dreams, or just want to replace your tattered gear, we have found a tent that can fit your budget and needs.
Our team of testers have spent hundreds of nights in tents in weather conditions that run the gamut from excruciating desert heat to frigid winter nights at high elevations to bring you our selection of the best backpacking tents for this year. Senior Editor Chris Carter has put over 10 different backpacking tents to the test in the past year alone. He pitched them all over the world to determine their worth, from snow-blasted alpine ridges in the San Juans to wind-whipped dusty sandflats in the African bush. No stone was left unturned in an effort to narrow in on the most deserving models on the market.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ section.
Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on November 30, 2023, adding additional details about our testing practices, and more information and photos in the buyer’s guide. We also made sure our product list is up-to-date with current models, colorways, and designs.
Looking for a three-season freestanding tent that tips the scales at just 3 pounds, 2 ounces? Enter the Big Agnes Copper Spur ($550). Although you can find lighter tents on the market, this tent is light enough to make it a contender for the best backpacking tent, even for the gram-counters among us.
This tent boasts a good overlap between the bathtub floor and the rainfly, ensuring a dry night’s sleep. Above the floor material, quality mesh provides a breathable, well-ventilated space that should keep condensation low.
With so little weight in your pack, you get a really comfortable abode for the trail. It has two doors, two vestibules, 29 square feet of floor space, and 18 square feet of combined vestibule space. The vestibules transform into awnings with trekking poles to cook under or to allow airflow.
Easy-to-use tent buckles on the corners where the fly attaches make for quick setup in a storm. We also appreciated the storage pockets at the feet and head for electronics, snacks, or layers. Plus, the ceiling pocket at the head has media pockets with cord-routing for electronics if you are stuck in bad weather.
The Copper Spur is a lightweight tent, therefore, the materials are more delicate to save weight. The ripstop floor and fly have 1,200mm polyurethane (PU) coating but are very thin. The poles are a mix of DAC’s NSL and NFL, and are the lightest the brand offers. The four-way hub at the apex where the poles join aids in a speedy setup.
Remember, it is important to exercise caution when setting up to avoid ripping or breaking poles. Always double-check to make sure poles are properly seated before flexing them into position.
Be careful when packing light tents into your pack, too. With conscientious care and maintenance, these tents can last a long time.
This Big Agnes Copper Spur tent is ideal for lightweight backpacking so long as you take good care to protect the materials. Hikers who use electronics more, or who think they may take a rest day or two in the tent, will enjoy the extra features.
There are lighter tents available for ultralight hikers and beefier ones for those who will be within spitting distance of a car. Overall, this tent is great for summer camping, backpacking, and any multiday trip where you’re looking for a balance of comfort and weight.
Fast is slow — and slow is the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 ($199). You won’t be setting a land speed record with this in your pack, but for durable, consistent functionality in the backcountry, it’s hard to beat this budget bargain. Unabashedly tipping the scales with a chunky six-pound packaged weight, the Trail Hut is for casual trekkers prioritizing comfort and utility over streamlined minimalism. It boasts one of the lowest price tags on this roundup, and given its broad feature set, sturdy construction, and thoughtful design, we think it punches well above its weight.
We’ve pitched, lived in, and wrestled mid-storm with enough tents to know a piece of junk when we see it — and the Trail Hut is anything but. Right out of the box it sets up intuitively, the poles and materials feel premium, and the fly provides comprehensive protection from the elements. Leave it to the REI Co-op to deliver a quality design that won’t break the bank.
While this wouldn’t be our abode of choice for an ultralight foray across the country, for shorter backpacking trips with a partner, we have no qualms about braving inclement weather or burly wind in this fortified shelter. The 66 and 68-denier materials are much tougher (and heavier) than many models on this list, and instill heaps of confidence when Thor’s Hammer charges up. The fly snugs down close to the ground, with generous vestibules and low-profile vents, making this a cozy, well-ventilated escape in wild downpours. In mild weather, the fly can be rolled back almost entirely, opening up the full side of the tent and affording a stellar cross breeze.
A ridge pole lays under the two primary poles, giving the Trail Hut near vertical walls, and greatly boosting the interior living room. This comes at the cost of some significant bulk, but it becomes a manageable package when one person carries the fly and poles, and the other the tent body.
If casual, occasional trips are on the docket, you’ll love this reliable, hard-working beast. Split the weight between the two of you, get after it, and you’ll forget you’re hauling a budget model.
A sub-14-ounce, fully enclosed tent using only one trekking pole? Yes, please! How Zpacks keeps managing to crank out top-shelf, ridiculously durable gear catered for the gram-conscious backpacking crowd, we’ll never know. But the Plex Solo ($600) carries the torch of their reputation.
When we got this package in the mail, we thought they had literally forgotten to include the tent in the padded envelope. Yes, a shelter you live in for months came in an envelope and was left in our mailbox. This thing is light light.
Retaining the durability and function we have grown accustomed to with Zpack’s flagship models like the Duplex, the Plex Solo shaves ounces by using a single 132 cm trekking pole, and implementing a no-frills, simple design.
They’ve also eliminated a zipper from the storm flap/vestibule, using metal hooks to keep it closed. This system pairs down on weight, but we also found it to be a little less convenient than a zipper, primarily if you are trying to faff around with it late at night to go to the bathroom. Using only one trekking pole, the Plex Solo maximizes space with a series of guylines all around the tent that pull the fabric outwards from the center pole.
One of the things that plague single-wall, ultralight shelters the most is condensation buildup. The Plex Solo addresses this with one of the best designs we’ve seen in the industry, and we’ve been mega thankful for the lack of drips on our sleeping bags in the morning.
There is a screen between the bathtub floor and the tent walls, which can be sloped downward by an elastic cord that keeps the bathtub elevated. This allows the condensation to run down the wall and fall through the sloping screen, as opposed to onto the floor.
As one of the lightest, fully enclosed shelters you can buy for dedicated long-distance backpacking, the Plex Solo is quickly becoming the gold standard for the ultralight and thru-hiking crowd. It’s just so hard to beat 13.9 ounces, with a design that doesn’t skimp on performance or comfort. If you’re staring down the barrel of a multi-month thru-hike, or just want an ultralight shelter for fast forays in the backcountry, look no further.
As far as lightweight, spacious, and extremely durable single-wall shelters for two go, it’s hard to find something that compares to the value of Gossamer Gear’s The Two ($320). Simple, affordable, and super easy to set up, The Two gives weight-conscious backpacking couples looking to streamline their kit a solid ultralight option.
At 23.5 ounces and packing down to just over the size of a Nalgene, The Two can easily be carried by one member of the party, or the weight can be shared slightly by one hiker carrying the tent stakes (its poles are your trekking poles). All in all, it’s a no-frills, weatherproof escape from the elements that serious backpackers can rely on to last the distance.
At $320 (a significant drop from last season’s $375 price tag), this is one of the least expensive ultralight shelters that has been thoroughly tested by countless thru-hikers (usually with its smaller sibling, The One), and weekend warriors alike. Similar single wall, trekking pole style tents such as the Zpacks Duplex will put you out $700 or so, don’t stuff down as small, and aren’t, in our experience, quite as long-lasting.
The Two is constructed with a light nylon and SilNylon combo, a fully waterproof, slightly stretchy material perfect for reducing weight without sacrificing strength and durability. It holds out rain phenomenally, and the catenary cut allows for solid drainage so water doesn’t build up anywhere.
This tent can feel like a castle. With ample headroom and a generous bathtub floor, it offers plenty of space for two tapered 25-inch-wide sleeping pads. The massive double vestibules add even more living room, and are plenty big enough to cook in if the weather turns foul around dinner time. One of our testers was 6’2″, and she was able to easily sit up without hitting her head, and stretch out fully without touching the top and bottom of the tent.
Despite being heavily ventilated, condensation does build up pretty significantly in The Two, but you can greatly reduce this if the weather allows by keeping the two vestibules fully opened on either side. Two internal mesh pockets allow for ample storage but are placed a little awkwardly in the middle of the tent. This makes them harder to access while lying down.
These gripes aside, this is one of the best shelters you can buy for ultralight backpacking with a partner. If a 6-month thru-hike is in your future, or sporadic outings to remote alpine lakes are on the docket, The Two will keep you cozy and dry without weighing you down.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 is incredible, but it’s also super expensive. So, while we do love this model for several reasons, it comes with a caveat of a $730 price tag, plus another $399 if you want the mesh insert to keep bugs away. For serious hikers, the hefty investment may be worth it, as it’s definitely one of the best backpacking tents available.
Hyperlite builds the UltaMid 2 with Dyneema fabric, an extraordinarily durable material that withstands tons of abuse yet remains incredibly light. This tent, which uses trekking poles for support, weighs in at just 1.19 pounds for the main tent body.
Add 1.3 pounds for a matched mesh insert, and it’s still super light. It provides a floor area of over 50 square feet, enough space for two hikers and packs.
The only drawbacks are the price and that you must have trekking poles. You also are going to need space to guy out the lines, as it is not freestanding.
While expensive, this is a top-tier tent that will last a very long time. If you’re looking for an ultralight tent our tester called a “wonder of engineering” that will give you many seasons of use, this one is worth considering. For more, check out our full review of the UltaMid 2.
With solid upgrades to the already legendary Hornet Elite 2 tent, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650) offers greater water resistance and less sag when wet than its predecessor with Nemo’s proprietary Osmo fabric. We absolutely love this tent. Mostly, we love how much this tent saves both weight and pack space. It’s a marvel of engineering and is truly one of the best backpacking tents ever designed.
The Hornet Elite Osmo weighs a scant 2 pounds, 1 ounce. And you can ditch some stakes and the stuff sack for a minimum trail weight of 1 pound, 11 ounces. For gram-counters, that makes it a contender on weight alone.
This tent is more than just light. It’s also a very legit abode in bad weather. On rainy, stormy nights on the trail, the Hornet Elite Osmo kept our team dry and comfortable.
Unlike many ultralight options, which depend on trekking poles, this is a freestanding tent. It uses a clever three-pole design with a small “Flybar” where they all connect to give it that extra bit of volume. It has a mesh interior and utilizes an integrated rainfly to keep out bugs, rain, and wind.
Inside, a 27.3-square-foot floor gives a small but acceptable space for two adults. This is certainly not a large footprint, and you will be shoulder-to-shoulder with your tentmate. Remember, we’re ultralight backpacking here, so snuggle up.
Fortunately, there is enough room under the two vestibules (serviced by two doors) for a large pack, shoes, and some other gear. We’ve used it many times in the rain, and it’s enough space to keep your kit dry, even in nasty weather.
Setup and takedown are also easy. Once familiar with the tent, our testers were able to set it up easily in less than 5 minutes.
Of course, at $650, the Hornet Elite Osmo is a significant investment. But we’ve used it for enough nights to be impressed with its durability. That said, this is a super light OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric tent. That means it won’t hold up to tons of abuse, and we don’t recommend it for car camping, as that would put wear and tear on a very expensive tent.
For those who want a lightweight tent to carry over big miles, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo is one of our favorite ultralight backpacking tents on the market right now.
For minimalist backpackers and thru-hikers that put weight savings at the top of the list, it’s hard to beat the Zpacks Duplex ($669). This non-freestanding, trekking pole-supported design has been a long-time favorite on the AT and PCT thanks to its excellent mix of minimal weight, ample space, and protection from the elements.
Featuring a Dyneema Composite construction (rather than nylon or SilNylon found on most backpacking models), the tent is legitimately ultralight at just 1 pound, 3.4 ounces. But the unique fabric holds up well to rough use and isn’t prone to sagging, even in heavy moisture.
The Duplex offers good all-around livability for two backpackers with a peak height of 48 inches, two side doors and vestibules, and a symmetrical rectangular floor.
What do you give up with the ultralight build? For one, the setup process is much more involved than a typical, pole-supported backpacking tent. You’ll need a fairly large area to stake out all the guylines, and it takes quite a bit of practice to get an even pitch.
Also, condensation buildup can be an issue at night, especially along the canopy peak. This model utilizes single-wall construction (and no mesh insert). Finally, in particularly rough and windy weather, we did find it to be pretty drafty due to the mesh sidewalls.
As such, the Duplex likely isn’t the best choice for casual backpackers, four-season adventurers, or those looking for a great value. (It costs $669, and that doesn’t include stakes.)
This tent is ideal for the type of person who cuts their toothbrush in half and takes pride in overall base weight. Overall, the Duplex is a standout option for serious hikers who plan to log a lot of miles and aren’t shy about paying for quality ultralight materials.
The Arete ASL 2 ($449) is a chunker, but offers a ton of versatility and protection from the elements in an affordable package, which earned it a spot on this list. With a minimum trail weight of 5 pounds, 10 ounces, it’s not ultralight by any stretch, but it is surprisingly light and reasonably priced for a winter-ready four-season tent. It does well in the summer too, with plenty of mesh for ventilation.
We found the four-pole setup quick and easy, thanks to the intuitive color coding. The vestibule provides enough room for two packs and hiking shoes. The corner pockets and hang loops keep essentials at hand. For better durability and comfort, we recommend adding on the footprint, which is sold separately.
We don’t love the single-door design, but at least the door is large and easy to access from either corner of the tent. Previous models of this tent experienced issues with the rainfly seam sealant, but it appears that REI has fixed that problem with this newest update.
Overall, the Arete ASL 2 is a sturdy, all-season tent, and comes in at about half the price as other four-season tents. This tent is great for any winter enthusiast not ready to spend a lot of cash on a specialized winter tent, but it’s too heavy for most warm-weather backpackers.
Sea to Summit launched its first tents, the Alto and Telos ($599), for spring 2021. We tested both models and found that we preferred the free-standing Telos between the two.
The Telos is an excellent first attempt from the brand in this crowded market. It definitely stands apart from other tents, with unique architecture that creates very steep sidewalls and a high 43.5-inch peak height.
This gives even tall users (like our 6’4″ editor-in-chief) plenty of headroom to lie down or sit upright. It also proved to have strong architecture. Our test faced very strong winds, pushing 50 mph, and the Sea to Summit Telos did not collapse at all, even when receiving heavy gusts.
However, our testers did not love everything about the Telos. The biggest complaints surrounded the tent’s unique storage system. Sea to Summit opted to use two bags and a “light bar” tube (a separate narrow stuff sack for the poles that has a light-diffusing material to create a night light when a headlamp is placed in it).
We agreed that the light bar idea was overly clever and that we would probably never use it. Furthermore, you stuff the tent body into one bag, the fly into another, and the poles into the tube. This allows users to split the load or drop elements of the tent from the trip (as you can set up the fly without the body for ultralight use).
However, our testers found it unnecessary and confusing. We all agreed that you’d likely end up losing parts this way. In short, while Sea to Summit really thought through this design, we would prefer a simple stuff sack and pole bag.
All that said, the Telos is an excellent backpacking tent that offers good ventilation, excellent interior space, two doors, and two vestibules.
We would not hesitate to buy one primarily as a backpacking tent that could flex into car camping, thanks to fairly durable materials and an available footprint. For those who like versatility in setup and are good at keeping track of stuff sacks, this is a solid choice.
Read our full review of the Sea to Summit Telos.
One of our litmus tests of a solid shelter is how intuitively we can throw the thing up right out of the box. With color-coded “Jake’s Foot” pole clips, hubbed pre-bent poles, and a simple rainfly, the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO ($500) can be deployed in mere minutes.
But the magic definitely doesn’t stop there. There’s been a lot of hype around NEMO’s proprietary OSMO polyester ripstop fabric — and for good reason. Boasting four times better water repellency and three times less stretch than previous iterations, this is a massive upgrade in overall quality and dependability. Like the Hornet Elite Osmo, the lightweight Dragonfly weathers gnarly storms like a champ, and will keep you snug as a bug when mother nature reveals her savage side.
Let’s talk living space. The Dragonfly is, in many respects, the streamlined, lightweight cousin of the wildly popular Dagger OSMO, and shaves weight with a tapered floor plan and sloping roof. This makes the tent feel noticeably more confined compared to the Dragonfly or Copper Spur. Our tester has clocked some serious miles while sharing a tent with partners, and he felt it was a bit too tight of a fit when juggling gear, food, and sleeping systems at night.
We do like the overall design of the tent, and it allows for a smooth camp setup, and efficient transport. The tent’s stuff sack is what NEMO calls a Divvy Cube. This is a rectangular pouch that allows you to easily split the tent’s weight with a partner carrying the poles and stakes, while still packing down efficiently in your pack. We are always dividing up the weight on group trips, so appreciated this simple, unique touch.
An interior gear loft and adequately large gear pockets provide solid storage, and an overhead Nightlight Pocket diffuses a headlamp’s light to illuminate the tent with a soft orange glow. Pretty nifty. We found The Dragonfly to be warm and condensation-free during rainy nights, and the new fabric significantly alleviates our previous complaint about this tent sagging when wet.
Overall, we loved the newest model of this crowd-favorite, and feel it provides stellar weather protection and lightweight durability for long trips in the wild. It’s not the most spacious tent out there, but if that isn’t a deal-breaker for you, it’s hard to go wrong with this lightweight offering from NEMO.
With a unique geometric design, stellar weather resistance, and an approachable price point, the Durston X-Mid 1 ($240) is making a significant splash in the ultralight backpacking community. Our author decided we needed to get our hands on one of these to test after seeing over seven of them pitched in various campsites on a recent overnight trip into the Grand Canyon. These things are blowing up — and for good reason.
We set it up in our front yard soon after receiving it in the mail, and immediately got an idea of why these are flying off the shelves. It’s now one of our favorite ultralight shelters for trips where featherweight minimalism isn’t our biggest concern.
First, it’s extremely intuitive to pitch, requiring under half the time as some other ultralight shelters we’ve tested. The tent can miraculously be pitched with a minimum of four stakes, and requires little to no guesswork on stake location. We aren’t aware of any other shelter using two trekking poles that boasts this ability.
This is due to its rectangular design with offset trekking pole locations between a diagonal sleeping area. Without getting too much into the weeds of this mathematical layout, this effectively maximizes sleeping and vestibule space, utilizing a shape that handles wild wind and snow like a champ.
The X-Mid is also a double-wall shelter. Anyone who’s dealt with the condensation calamities of single-wall tents can appreciate the value of this. The removable mesh inner has a waterproof bathtub floor, and easily clips into the tent, or can be removed to shave weight.
We also love the 2,500 mm sil/PEU coated polyester used as the waterproof fabric, as it doesn’t sag when wet, and holds up longer to UV exposure than other fabrics that are commonly used. This adds some weight but boosts durability, and our tester was pleased that he didn’t have to worry about tightening up stakeout points mid-rainstorm late at night.
We barely have any complaints about this lightweight phenomenon, but some slight cons stood out. The X-Mid is on the heavy side for an ultralight shelter (30.8 ounces), which is a turnoff for many in the ultralight community. We also found the guy lines to be a bit difficult to tighten, and we wish there were bigger storage pockets in the mesh insert.
These gripes aside, we think the Durston X-Mid is one of the better trekking pole-style backpacking tents you can buy. Its thoughtful design and quality materials make this a reliable, spacious escape from the elements for rugged forays into the backcountry.
If price is your primary concern when buying a tent, but you still want good quality, the Kelty Late Start 2 is a good place to look. At $160, the Late Start 2 is a modestly priced tent. And it has quality construction while hitting a price point that most people won’t balk at.
It sets up super fast with a simple two-pole design. Once up, the bathtub floor offers a slight overlap with the rainfly, so splashback could be an issue in heavy rain and wind.
The tent packs down to 16 x 7 inches. While certainly not tiny, it will work in a backpack. Similarly, at a minimum weight of 4 pounds, it’s not ultralight but works for short backpacking excursions.
The vestibules are barely big enough for a single backpack, but they will suffice for hikers on a budget. Two small pockets offer space to stash a couple of important items.
There are better tents out there, but you’ll pay more for them. For $160, this one is a value that should last through lots of happy camping.
The REI Flash Air 2 ($399) borrows the popular one-piece design from the Zpacks Duplex and offers up a moderately priced alternative for the backpacker who’s looking to cut weight without parting with too much of their hard-earned dough. While not quite as light or easy to set up as its high-dollar competition, those willing to compromise will enjoy plenty of beautiful nights in the backcountry without breaking their backs to get there.
Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, this tent is light without skimping on features. It has two doors, each with a small vestibule, and several pockets for gear storage so you’ll always know where your headlamp is at night. Its hubbed pole design allows you to swap out the included vertical support poles with your own trekking poles for even more weight savings.
The Flash Air 2 isn’t a freestanding tent, meaning you’ll need to properly stake it out at six points to keep it from falling over. For the experienced camper in a forest or meadow with soft soil, this is a fairly easy task. In the high desert outside of Gunnison, Colo., our team of seasoned testers had to fight hard to pitch this tent in heavy winds on top of a rock slab, where they needed additional cordage to use boulders as anchors. In short, a little practice and planning go a long way when pitching the Flash Air 2.
This tent employs ripstop nylon (now recycled and Bluesign-approved) which is heavier and less durable than the Dyneema composite material used by the Zpacks Duplex. But the Flash 2 is almost half the price, and with careful campsite selection, you can keep the Flash 2 rip-free and watertight. If you’re an experienced backpacker who wants to go ultralight without going ultra-expensive, this tent is the perfect choice.
The cottage brand Six Moon Designs focuses on building very light equipment with long-distance hikers in mind. While quite specialized, the Haven Bundle ($375) is an easy-to-use trekking pole tent that tips the scales at just 2 pounds, 2 ounces, including a tarp and interior net.
You can use the tarp alone on the trail, which, for 17 ounces of packed weight, gives you a large 53 square feet of shelter. If you’re in a buggy locale, add the Mesh Nest inside the tarp for even more protection.
The nest is 48 inches wide and 114 inches long, providing 38 square feet of space for two adults. In this configuration, you end up with two large vestibules and two doors. At $335 for the package, it’s a fairly priced ultralight tent.
Thanks to the ability to be set up as a tarp alone, the system packs a lot of versatility and can stretch from fast-and-light missions to more leisurely base camps.
It’s held back mostly by the ultralight 30-denier silicone-coated nylon. This lacks the durability of bulkier fabrics. It’s a little trickier to set up and requires good guyline attachments for stability and ample space because it is not freestanding.
The Haven is the most versatile ultralight system we tested, as it is able to be set up as a simple tarp without the insert. This is especially nice in stormy weather so that you aren’t bringing water and detritus into the sleeping area. This tent is great for any gram counter and is a steal compared to other tents in its class.
Shaving over 10 ounces off the original model (for the two-person model), the new Hubba Hubba ($549) by MSR somehow improves on an already legendary classic. With new technology and added features, this durable, lightweight, and comfortable shelter promises to still be a top pick for die-hard backpackers and casual campers alike.
For 2024, the Hubba Hubba tent is available as a one-person, two-person, and three-person and includes some key improvements.
Some new features included on the Hubba Hubba mirror those that are also on MSR’s new 2022 Freelite version. These updates include easy-open, no-curve door zippers, cable ports in all storage pockets for electronics, and rain gutters on the fly to guide condensation away from the tent when opening the doors.
The tent has a durable floor material made of 20D ripstop nylon and 1,200mm Durashield polyurethane, as well as a DWR treatment. Its symmetrical rectangular shape provides plenty of space for full-size sleeping pads.
The ventilation is ample even when the rainfly is on. There can be some vibration and flapping on the rainfly in the wind. And if you use this tent in the winter, make sure your sleeping bag is warm when it’s cold out.
Launched in 2002, this is MSR’s bestselling tent for a reason. It manages to combine everything you want into one compact package. It’s lightweight, durable, and spacious when set up, and the new upgrades shave off weight and offer more durability, which is a win-win in our book.
Be sure to check out our full review of the new Hubba Hubba for more info.
Ahh, the crinkle of Dyneema in the morning! Rounding out this guide with a bang, a new DCF player on the ultralight field is already impressing the difficult-to-sway thru-hiking crowd on a number of fronts — with the hefty price tag to accompany its fame. Cutting ounces costs, though, and if you simply won’t settle for anything but the best, HMG’s fresh-off-the-press Unbound 2P ($699) should be on your radar.
Dyneema Composite Fabrics are the crème de la crème of lightweight weatherproof materials, and at a scant 0.5 oz/yd2, DCF5 stands at the bleeding edge of the most premium ultralight tent fabrics on the market. Its performance-to-weight ratio is next to none. This makes up the bulk of the Unbound’s body, while the slightly heavier 0.8 oz/yd2 DCF8 is found in its floor, affording a smidge more durability where it counts.
Our tester was definitely giddy to get his hands on this new model. Quite frankly, the pyramid layouts, extra mesh inserts, and single pole designs of other HMG tents could never do it for him. A sturdy two-pole build with a single wall, fully enclosed silhouette, constructed with that top shelf HMG Dyneema magic we’ve grown to cherish — now that he can get behind. This is our tester’s favorite ultralight tent configuration, and the Unbound knocks it out of the park with thoughtful touches and features that aren’t present on similar, cheaper models.
Is it worth $700 though (pre-stake kit), when you can snag a similar design (GG’s The Two) for nearly half the price? Dyneema vs. SilNylon aside, it boasts noticeably more headspace and living room than The Two with the same weight, and even three more inches of width than its closest competitor, the Zpacks Duplex. Pile on a power concoction of deep vents on the vestibules, 3-D side walls, magnetic door closures, and waterproof zippers — and that’s why it’s tough on the wallet.
The Unbound can’t evade the common complaints of single-wall trekking pole shelters: condensation calamities, difficult setups on hard ground, and large footprint requirements. But these are to be expected, and impact all tents in this category. The DCF5 canopy, fully taped seams, and generous bathtub floor keep all-day rain at bay, and we love the low-profile waterproof zippers. Though we did find them to be a bit difficult to close when the tent is taught.
If the tent isn’t pitched in the shade, we felt like the translucent white DCF lets a lot of light and heat into the tent, making it a toasty oven in desert climates. If you only crawl into it in the evening this isn’t an issue, but it’s not a great refuge from the sun. Also, while the vents help with condensation buildup, we wish they were held open by stays to allow more cross-breeze. Finally, we found it tough to pitch with our trekking poles pre-set to 125 cm. Once placed in the loops at the base of the tent, we were able to extend them to 125, but with some difficulty.
Don’t let these quibbles or the sticker shock dissuade you though. This is undeniably one of the best ultralight tents on the market at the moment, and would be a stellar shelter for pace-pushing thru-hikers or dedicated weekend warriors alike. Its bomber construction, simple setup, and sleek design make this a standard bearer in the backpacking community.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the GearJunkie squad has spent thousands of nights under the stars in these lightweight shelters. We’ve schlepped backpacking tents to just about every corner of the globe, and have weathered the gnarliest conditions cocooned within their thin walls. A good shelter is your first line of defense for escaping life-threatening elements in the backcountry — and as such, we don’t take our testing lightly. If you see a model in this guide, you know it’s been vetted by our stone-cold pros and proven to be worthy.
Editorial Director Sean McCoy, a seasoned backcountry hunter, hiker, and all-around outdoorsman, led the charge with this guide back in June 2020, amassing our initial selection of 11 top-shelf tents. Sean is intimately familiar with the necessity of a dependable shelter in the wild, and has battled through enough tempestuous nights to know that not all tents are created equal.
Senior Editor Chris Carter took over this guide in August 2022, and has been lurking in online backpacking forums, bugging the seasoned pros, and religiously scouring the interwebs to bring you the current, deserving selection of 16 tents you see today.
Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He’s spent so much time in flimsy backpacking tents that he almost sleeps better in them than under a solid roof. He’s frustratingly fastidious about the shelters he depends on during lightweight missions, and allowed only the best of the best to squirm their way into this guide. He believes every adventure requires the right tool for the job, and a good night’s sleep in a capable tent is essential for success in the backcountry.
Finally, we realize the fight for the backpacking tent podium is a vicious, ever-evolving landscape of Dyneema blends, futuristic pole designs, and otherworldly geometric shapes. We work hard to stay on top of current trends as they surface, and get our grubby paws on the newest and greatest out there. Rest assured, the selection above represents the crème de la crème of these portable homes.
Do you plan to camp alone or with your family? Are car camping tents your jam, or do you regularly head out for weeks in the backcountry? Are you strictly a summer camper, or do you sleep outside all year long?
There’s no right or wrong answer, but being clear on how you want to camp will make choosing a tent easier. The Zpacks Plex Solo may work for some users who want to go as light and minimalist as possible.
On the other hand, the REI Co-op Trail Hut, while heavier, provides a budget option for those who don’t plan to hike as far and want a little more room. Using the six factors we listed at the start of this article as a guide, finding the best backpacking tent can be a simple errand of choosing which qualities are most important to you.
This is your first moment with your brand-new tent and maybe you can intuitively figure out where everything goes, or maybe you need to reference the manual every step of the way. Some tents make setup easy with color-coded poles or poles that are all the same length.
Single-walled winter tents are notorious for barely making room for poles in the material to hold a taut exterior. Still, other tents need numerous guy lines to hold in place and aren’t freestanding without them. Some tout complicated geometric designs with multiple crisscrossing poles, while others are simply held up by one or two trekking poles.
Whatever the case may be, our preference is that the easier a tent is to set up, the better. Of course, domes for alpine basecamps are going to be more difficult than a two-person bug net, but will be able to weather much more gnarly terrain compared to a trekking pole-style ultralight option.
The Sea to Summit Telos has many hubs connecting different length poles, so it pays to try and set this type of tent up in advance. However, the Hyperlite UltaMid simply calls for two trekking poles lashed together in the center with equalized guy lines. Preference is king and no matter what design suits your experience level, always practice setting it up at home before you go.
Many manufacturers have opted to shave ounces by structuring their tents around the trekking poles hikers are already lugging around, simplifying the setup and greatly reducing pack size. These designs are often found in ultralight tents, such as Gossamer Gear’s The Two, and Durston’s X-Mid. They usually require a minimum of four stakes in the ground for them to stand up. Some non-freestanding tents, such as REI’s Flash Air 2, come with lightweight vertical support poles that can be used in lieu of trekking poles, for those who tend to hike without them.
Non-freestanding tents use the tension provided by stakes firmly planted around the trekking or support pole to hold the poles in an upright position. The stakes should consequently be on the longer side, and driven into the ground at an angle, or reinforced with large stones. Short stakes placed in loose or sandy soil can be easily plucked out by a strong gust of wind, causing your nylon home to fold in around you at three in the morning.
These non-freestanding models are often lighter but are not the best choice for every environment. Ensuring you have adequate ground for stakes can be frustrating for some, and sporting a simple freestanding tent, like Nemo’s Dragonfly, could be a game changer for easy camp setup. Frantically poking around in rocky earth to pitch your tent as a surprise storm sweeps in is a deflating experience.
Freestanding tents tend to, in general, boast higher durability in inclement weather than their non-freestanding siblings. Introducing trekking poles to the equation eliminates some of the integrity in its structure, making them less ideal in truly heinous storms or driving wind. Ultralight trekking pole tents can hold their own — don’t get us wrong — but a freestanding tent will almost always prove the more stable shelter.
Most tents for backpacking are made from nylon fabrics, Dyneema Composite fiber, or polyester. Each of these materials has its unique benefits, from lower cost to tougher weather resistance or ripstop qualities.
Cuben fiber has proven to be an excellent material that is very lightweight and extremely weather-resistant. It also resists tearing — but it is expensive. Unfortunately, it can puncture relatively easily, but crosshatched reinforcement prevents further tearing.
Nylon is a less costly material but is also less durable. Often it is reinforced against the elements with polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic coating. This makes it more water-resistant but less breathable. Polyester is heavier than nylon and also not particularly breathable.
The thickness of the material is measured in denier units, which are basically the density of fibers measured in grams over meters. The lower the denier count, the lighter the material. Lower deniers are great for reducing pack weight but require more care to prevent rips and tears.
Lightweight tents will usually have 15-20-denier fly and floors. And a heavy car camping or winter tent will have a rating as high as 75 or more.
Then there are the poles. In an effort to reduce weight, as mentioned above some tents such as the Zpacks Duplex or Hyperlite UltaMid forgo their own poles and instead rely on trekking poles to provide structural support. Always be sure to check that your trekking poles are compatible with your tent.
Tent-specific poles are comprised of carbon fiber, aluminum, composite, or a combination. Aluminum is light but not nearly as light as carbon fiber or some of the proprietary composites offered today. Aluminum poles are usually found in more affordable models and can withstand rougher handling.
For durability, we like to use a footprint, which usually has to be bought separately. You can always fashion a custom footprint by cutting a piece of Tyvek, which is available at most hardware stores but lacks the grommets and fastening points of a manufactured footprint.
Buying from the manufacturer insures a proper fit and usually will snap, click, or tie in to integrate with the tent. A lot of ultralight backpackers are going with a crazy light polycryo footprint like this one to shave even more grams.
Tent stakes also come in a variety of materials. Carbon fiber tent stakes, such as those offered by Hyperlite, are light but have a thicker circumference compared to aluminum and are therefore bulkier. Saving weight is an important goal, it all just depends on how much you are willing to spend.
If you only plan to car camp, weight and packed size aren’t major concerns. But anyone planning to haul their tent into the backcountry should take a hard look at these considerations.
An ultralight tent, such as Gossamer Gear’s The Two or The One, is a great option for backpacking or thru-hiking. It doesn’t take up a lot of space or weight in your pack, meaning you can justify bringing a favorite flask or a few extra snacks. But due to the light materials, it’s not as durable as heavier tents and requires more care. The Kelty Late Start 2 is over twice the weight at 4 pounds, 8 ounces, but is significantly cheaper.
So, you need to balance your needs for weight against durability and cost. You may find that some tents, like the Zpacks Duplex, hit the best of both worlds by using ultra-strong, super-light Dyneema (cuben fiber) fabric.
The REI Arete can seem a like backbreaker compared to lighter tents, but it has loads of headroom and luxurious space. If you are splitting a tent between many people, the extra pounds get spread out. If you are planning a solo thru-hike, coughing up the cash for a small, light tent can save you a lot of back pain. It’s also a good idea to make sure your tent fits well in your backpacking backpack, and leaves space for the rest of your kit, before heading out on extended trip.
Regardless of your choice, be honest with yourself in considering your likely uses. If you expect to do a lot of car camping, it’s smart to carry a little more weight in exchange for durability.
There are large books written on shaving weight for backpacking. The uninitiated may balk at tent prices before a trip, only to learn the hard way that every gram really does add up.
To save weight, you have to be willing to snuggle into a two-person tent and rub shoulders or smell your partner’s feet. Ceiling height is an important consideration as well.
Ultralight tents like the Six Moons Designs Haven or the Hyperlite UltaMid still offer high ceilings, but they often have more roof angles and less overall room compared to freestanding tents.
The UltaMid is one of the roomiest tents, with over 50 square feet of floor space and a 64-inch ceiling. The benefit of a traditional tent like the REI Co-op Arete is that it doesn’t have a pole through the center of it.
Interior space in a tent equals comfort. The main things to consider are floor dimensions, length, and ceiling height. Tents have a stated number of people they sleep, but how roomy or cramped they will be at capacity varies by brand.
If you are only packing the tent for “just in case” or to mostly store gear, you can downsize to a lighter, more cramped model. Pay attention to dimensions in the specs from a manufacturer, as they can give you a good idea of how many sleeping pads will fit in it.
Basic tents handle pleasant weather like a champ and can even manage light rain and wind. But if you plan to camp during rain or snow storms (which often roll in unexpectedly), it’s worth it to save up and buy a sturdier tent.
In the event of a storm or condensation buildup, all tents also need ventilation to adequately remove moisture. The Sea to Summit Telos excels in this category with a rollaway fly that can be left open on a warm day to allow all of your items to dry while you are away.
Anything can happen on an extended backpacking trip, and you need to have a shelter that will protect you in driving rain or hail, brutal heat during summer months, or snowy whiteouts in the winter — all while maintaining a lightweight package that easily fits in your bag.
It’s a tall order. But all of the tents on this list have been tested for durability and quality, and we would feel comfortable battling the elements with them.
Many four-season tents are single-wall models. The benefit of a single-wall design is that there is no gap for wind or precipitation to sneak in. Check out our Winter Tent Review for more insight on this topic.
Double-wall designs are far more common for three-season or summer tents. Removable rain flies are a plus if all you need is a barrier from the mosquitos and you want to stargaze.
If you are confident in the forecast, dropping the fly can bring you to what some call “trail weight,” which refers to leaving out the extra parts to achieve the bare minimum weight.
Vestibules are an important feature to have in inclement weather. They act as a miniature mudroom and provide space for gear storage.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur adds a unique design with its awning vestibules. Sealed seams also help buffer against the elements and leakage.
If you plan to use a tent in a wet, rainy, or snowy environment, consider doing this yourself, as seams are a weak point in the waterproof protection of a fly or single-wall tent. Conveniently, Six Moon Designs will seam-seal its tents for an extra fee, but this will likely delay shipping time.
It is hard to put a price tag on the nights of adventure and comfort that a backpacking tent provides. Cost is directly related to the quality of the materials and the packed weight.
The REI Co-op Trail Hut is a case in point when it comes to value for the budget hiker, as it’s light on the wallet but heavy on the back. A frugal hiker can save money on this piece of gear to spend more on other necessities like a sleeping bag and backpack.
Manufacturers realize that the entry cost of this passion is steep and provide economical options to fit any budget. With proper care and maintenance, the most affordable tent can last many seasons.
The Kelty Late Start 2 is an example of an entry-level tent that provides great features for a fraction of the cost of something like the Hyperlite UltaMid. On the other hand, the UltaMid gives the savvy, dedicated hiker what they have longed for on many arduous miles — a tent that weighs next to nothing and is durable and easy to set up.
The value of a tent is really the ratio of enjoyment versus cost. All of the tents we tested have a high value when paired with the right user. Sit down, and write out a budget that not only includes how much you have in the bank but also indicates how dedicated you are to the sport. Plan to spend about a quarter to a third of your budget on a tent.
The true backcountry addicts — and those that feel the hook sinking in their lip after their first adventure — will almost certainly own more than one tent for their lifetime of outdoor adventuring.
Not all tents can handle every environment perfectly, but are instead tailored to a range of conditions. A good rule for gear is to start within your budget with a versatile option. As your passions grow, your gear will become more specific. Purchasing the best backpacking tent for your needs is no small task, but it is also exciting and will open up many new doors to the natural world.
Prices of backpacking tents vary considerably. Materials and the weight of the tent cause prices to range from under $200 (such as the Kelty Late Start 2) to over $1,000 out the door.
Specialized ultralight tents such as the Hyperlite UltaMid or burly all-weather mountaineering tents are usually the most expensive and are made from very strong and light materials.
Less expensive tents are priced for the beginning or occasional hiker. Expect to spend a third of your budget on a tent, another third on your sleeping bag, and the rest on your cooking supplies, etc.
The amount you are willing to spend depends on your commitment to the sport. Affordable options are a great place to start, as you can then gauge your willingness to invest.
When buying a backpacking tent, pay attention to whether it is freestanding, like the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2, or requires trekking poles, like the Zpacks Duplex. Tents that use trekking poles are on average far lighter, but they take guy lines and know-how to set up.
Materials are important to consider as well. The more expensive tents offer light rip-resistant materials like cuben fiber (such as the Hyperlite UltaMid), while more economical models are bulky and heavier (see the REI Co-op Trail Hut). This affects not only weight but also packed size.
Make sure the tent has adequate space for your needs, with floor space, vestibules, and storage. Minimalist tents will be lighter but usually offer less in terms of extra pockets and storage. Tents more suited for car camping will have those amenities but weigh considerably more.
Ultralight tents are fragile, expensive shelters exposed to potentially harsh conditions in the wilderness. The major benefit of a tent like the Six Moon Designs Haven comes in very little weight and volume on your pack.
Having used several ultralight tents, we would say that most backpackers should steer clear of the absolute lightest tents unless they are extremely cautious with their gear.
And by that, we mean they put it away perfectly every time, and even go so far as to load their car and backpack with the care of their gear in mind. We’ve had holes worn in ultralight tents from nothing but friction and vibration during a 2-hour drive, so this isn’t an exaggeration.
So, if ultralight is too light for you, what is a reasonable weight for a backpacking tent? A well-established guideline is about 2.5 pounds per person, meaning a tent under 5 pounds for a two-person tent is reasonable.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur weighs in at 3 pounds, 2 ounces, which is very light split between two people, while the Zpacks Duplex is 1 pound, 3 ounces. Both tents are for two people but are made from different materials, and the Duplex depends on your trekking poles to set up.
Many tents offer footprints as an aftermarket add-on. A footprint is a piece of fabric that matches the shape of the tent floor. It often will clip into your tent poles or stake system to integrate with your setup under your tent.
The footprint offers protection against sharp objects on the ground and may increase the lifespan of your tent. However, carrying a footprint adds to the weight of your pack. So, you need to balance the need to protect your tent with the added weight of the footprint.
For ultralight tents such as the Hyperlite UltaMid or Zpacks Duplex, a footprint is often important to prevent damage. That’s somewhat ironic, as the tent is meant to be as light as possible.
For that reason, sometimes a slightly heavier floor build, as on the REI Co-op Arete, makes more sense, as you can leave the footprint behind. For car camping, a footprint is always a good idea, as it will increase the life of your tent.
Head into the backcountry with the best backpacking backpacks of 2022. From budget-friendly options to ultra-comfortable picks, we’ve got you covered.
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Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other All Gear websites.
He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.
Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former Editor In Chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colorado, McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.
Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.
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