best backpacking tents title shot tent by a lake in the mountains

PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

 
 

Author: Casey Handley | Editor: Dave Collins
Last Updated: June 15, 2023

What’s new: After more field testing and analysis, we reconfirmed many of our choices on this list. But there have also been some big changes: REI’s new Flash 2 tent was added and ranked highly, we added the Zpacks Plex Solo as one of our top solo tent options, and we moved the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 from our main list to our Honorable Mentions section. We’ve done a ton of testing, and it was a tough call. But at the end of the day, we feel like the newest version of the Hubba Hubba is a departure from the durability and spaciousness we loved about previous Hubba models.

Your backpacking tent will be one of the most important gear purchases you make. Finding one that has the best balance of weight, interior space, convenience, and weather protection will make it much easier to stay happy and comfortable on trail.

There are tons of backpacking tents to sift through, so It can easily become overwhelming to delve into such a big decision. Our team of gear experts has tested dozens of tents on trails all over the world - from the alpine peaks of Patagonia to summer monsoons in the Rockies. We’ll use our experience in this guide to help you find the best backpacking tent to fit your needs.

Zpacks Triplex Tent in the high sierra mountains

Zpacks Triplex - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of the best backpacking tents, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

big agnes copper spur tent in the mountains by a lake

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

What’s Most Important to You in a Backpacking Tent?

WEIGHT - Your backpacking tent will be one of the four heaviest items in your pack - tent, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad - so this is a great place to save weight. We consider weight one of the most important specs for backpacking gear. The lighter your backpack, the more comfortable it will be, the more miles you’ll be able to hike, and the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Zpacks Duplex & Triplex - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

PRICE - We’re typically willing to spend a bit more for a high-quality backpacking tent with a low packed weight because we truly believe that leads to more comfortable and enjoyable backcountry trips. Livability and weight tend to trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our list below.

three tents on a high ridge with mountains in the distant scenery

NEMO Hornet 2 & REI Quarter DOme 2 - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

SPACE - When choosing a backpacking tent, look for one with a good balance of space and weight. Many backpacking tents come in multiple size options (1P, 2P, etc.), but it’s very common for tents to feel smaller than their capacity ratings imply. If you plan to share your tent with another hiker, think about how comfortable you are with tight spaces and the width of your sleeping pads (many 2P backpacking tents won’t fit two wide pads).

Sea to summit telos 2 tent with low hanging fog in the mountains

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 - PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION - If you tend to be tough on gear or you often backpack in harsh, exposed conditions, picking up a more durable backpacking tent will likely be a smart choice. Small abrasions can easily be fixed, but all tents have their breaking points. If long-term durability is one of your top concerns, it may be beneficial to go with a tent that’s a bit more burly. Sturdier tents usually weigh more, but they’ll shed nasty weather easily and last a very long time.

msr hubba hubba tent by a river

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 - PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

BEST 1-PERSON BACKPACKING TENTS - Going with a 1-Person tent is an easy way for a solo hiker to drop a lot of bulk and weight out of their pack. However, some solo hikers prefer having more space and would be happier in a lightweight 2-person tent. You’ll need to decide which is more important to you: saving space and weight in your pack with a 1P tent or having more room and versatility with a 2P tent.

interior of tent with sleeping pad

MSR Freelite 2 - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Sortable Backpacking Tent Comparison Table

Backpacking TentPriceWeightCH Size Rating
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur 2$55050.0 oz.04Average for two
2. Big Agnes Copper Spur 3$60062.0 oz.09Spacious for two
3. ZPacks Duplex$69922.7 oz.*05Average for two
4. Zpacks Triplex$79925.6 oz.*10Spacious for two
5. REI Half Dome SL 2+$32967.5 oz.11Spacious for two
6. SlingFin Portal$54053.0 oz.08Average for two
7. MSR Freelite 2$45037.0 oz.03Tight for two
8. Sea to Summit Telos TR2$59958.0 oz.14Spacious for two
9. NEMO Dagger OSMO 2$53066.0 oz.13Spacious for two
10. REI Trail Hut 2$19987.0 oz.07Average for two
11. SMD Lunar Duo$39547.7 oz.*12Spacious for two
12. SMD Lunar Solo$26028.7 oz.*01Spacious for one
13. MSR Hubba Hubba 2$55052.0 oz.06Average for two

*pole weight not included

Best Backpacking Tents of 2023

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent

BEST BACKPACKING TENT OVERALL FOR WEIGHT, SPACE & QUALITY

MSRP (UL2): $550

WEIGHT (UL2): 3 lb. 2 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

SIZES: 1-Person, 2-Person, 3-Person, 4-Person

PROS: Lightweight, freestanding, roomy interior, quick/easy to pitch, great pockets, large doors/vestibules, quality construction/materials

CONS: Expensive, rainfly zippers can snag

BOTTOM LINE: The Copper Spur HV UL2 and UL3 are some of Big Agnes’ best-sellers, and they’re among our all-time favorite backpacking tents. The ultralight freestanding design of the Copper Spur enables hikers to pitch almost anywhere, and it doesn’t sacrifice convenience, weather protection, or livability.

The Copper Spur is a popular choice among thru-hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT, all of which are notoriously tough on gear. If you take care to clear pokey debris from your campsites, this tent will last for thousands of miles. We’ve been backpacking with our Copper Spur 2 and 3 for several years and they’re still going strong.

The Copper Spur’s bent-pole structure and top crossbar create nearly vertical sidewalls providing a ton of usable interior space and ample headroom. The UL2 has enough space for two regular-width sleeping pads and some gear, while the UL3 is roomy enough for two wide pads and keeping all of your gear inside. Whichever size you go with, you’ll have a backpacking tent that provides an exceptional balance of camp comfort and weight.

For more, check out our full review of the Copper Spur HV UL2.

ZPacks Duplex Triplex tent

BEST ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING TENT

MSRP (Duplex): $699

WEIGHT (Duplex): 1 lb. 2.5 oz. (no stakes or poles)

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 45 x 48 in.

SIZES: 1-Person, 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Ultralight, large doors/vestibules, roomy for two (Triplex), DCF material won’t sag when wet, durable, trekking poles can double as tent poles 

CONS: Expensive, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents, non-freestanding design has a learning curve

BOTTOM LINE: The ZPacks Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo are our go-to ultralight backpacking tents for thru-hiking and long-distance adventures. These tents provide an excellent amount of interior space and weather protection at a freakishly low weight.

The secret to these tents is the DCF material. It’s waterproof, tough, incredibly light, and doesn’t sag when wet; the downside is that it’s expensive. The Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo may be spendy, but they’re an incredible investment if you love to backpack as light as possible. The other key to the Plex’s ridiculously low weight is the non-freestanding, single-wall design. This eliminates the need for tent poles and a rainfly, but it may take a few pitches to get it perfect if you’ve never used a backpacking tent like this before.

The high ceiling of the Duplex/Triplex will allow you and your hiking partner to sit up comfortably at the same time, and the two-door design will keep you from crawling over each other to get in and out. If you’re looking for the best ultralight backpacking tent on the market, this is your guy.

We think the Duplex and Triplex are both spacious enough for two hikers. But since they’re so light, we’re partial to the Duplex for solo hikers who like to have extra interior space and the Triplex for more square footage when hiking with a partner. Solo hikers who prioritize saving weight above anything can’t go wrong with the Plex Solo.

For more, check out our full reviews of the Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo.

Half Dome SL 2+.jpg

BEST BUDGET CROSSOVER TENT FOR BACKPACKING & CAR CAMPING

MSRP: $329

WEIGHT: 4 lb. 11.5 oz. (including footprint)

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 56 x 42 in.

SIZES: 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Affordable, very roomy interior, durable, quick/easy to pitch, freestanding, footprint included

CONS: Heavier/bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: REI's Half Dome SL 2+ has an exceptional balance of price, durability, and interior space. Its symmetrical freestanding design and very roomy dimensions make it comfortable and user-friendly for hikers of all experience levels. This tent is our favorite budget-friendly crossover choice for those who like camping in the frontcountry and the backcountry.

Though the weight of the Half Dome is more than we prefer for strenuous backpacking adventures, it’s not too bad when split between two hikers. In addition, you can save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint - a nice tent floor durability bonus - at home.

If a good balance of durability, convenience, interior space, and affordability is what you’re looking for, it’s very tough to beat the REI Half Dome SL 2+.

For more, check out our full review of the Half Dome SL 2+.

REI Flash 2 Tent

BEST BUDGET FREESTANDING ULTRALIGHT TENT

MSRP (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)

SIZES: 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Affordable for the quality & weight, lightweight, freestanding, roomy interior, quick/easy to pitch, good pockets, large doors/vestibules, quality construction/materials

CONS: Not as durable as some

BOTTOM LINE: REI has made some of our favorite tents over the years, but few have been as impressive as the Flash 2. This tent has a weight and interior volume that rival some of the most popular backpacking tents of all time, but it costs far less than anything in its class.

With its unique pole architecture, the Flash 2 manages to feel more spacious than tents with the exact same dimensions - like the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2. The headwall of the Flash 2 stands vertically and is supported by an arch pole that pulls the sidewalls out. As a result, you end up with more headroom where you need it most.

Like most tents that aim to cut down on weight as much as possible, the Flash 2 will need to be treated with care to extend its lifespan. We had a sharp pine needle work its way through the floor early on during testing. There’s no permanent damage to show for it, but it did drive home the need to really clear out a space to camp if you don’t plan to use a footprint. We always hike with a bit of Tenacious Tape to repair the inevitable snags and tears that come with use on trail.

We highly recommend the Flash 2 to hikers looking to save a significant amount of money without having to compromise on weight, space, or the convenience of a freestanding design. And those looking for even more space should check out the Flash 3, which still costs less than many of the two-person tents on our list and only weighs about 10 oz more than the Flash 2.

We’re putting this tent through more field-testing to determine its final position on this list. It has the potential to take over the top spot.

SlingFin Portal tent

LIGHTWEIGHT & STURDY TENT WITH LOTS OF HEADROOM

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)

SIZES: 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Excellent weather protection, lightweight, roomy interior, quick/easy to pitch, useful pockets, large doors/vestibules, quality construction/materials, freestanding

CONS: Expensive, rainfly zippers can snag

BOTTOM LINE: With an extra stable frame, maximized interior space, and top-quality construction/materials, the SlingFin Portal is an excellent shelter to hunker down in when nasty weather hits. Thicker poles, internal guylines, and the ability to attach trekking poles for added structural strength make the Portal extremely solid in wind, rain, and even light snow. These features are unique for a lightweight backpacking tent and are more common in high-end mountaineering shelters.

One of our favorite features of the Portal is its generous amount of headroom, which makes it feel much more livable than the average lightweight 2P backpacking tent. Other details, like great pockets and extra zipper sliders, come together with the storm-worthy design to make the Portal one of the best backpacking tents we’ve ever tested. 

For more, check out our full review of the Portal.

MSR Freelite 2

GOOD BALANCE OF WEIGHT & LIVABILITY FOR SOLO HIKERS

MSRP: $450

WEIGHT: 2 lb. 5 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 84 x 50 x 39 in.

SIZES: 1-Person, 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Ultralight, roomy for one, two doors/vestibules (a perk for solo hikers), convenient pockets, rainfly gutter prevents drippy entry

CONS: Tight for two

BOTTOM LINE: The MSR Freelite 2 is a great option for those looking to go lighter without sacrificing the convenience of a double-wall tent. It has two large doors/vestibules, and the interior space feels more roomy for two hikers at a much lower weight than other similarly designed tents.

We generally view the Freelite as more comfortable for solo hikers since the interior headroom can feel a little cramped when spending any extended amount of time inside. But for pairs that value saving weight over having extra wiggle room, the Freelite certainly has enough space to accommodate two.

The rainbow shape of the Freelite is effective at shedding rain, and a few design details - like well-placed pockets and a rainfly gutter - make this tent particularly appealing. Any backpacker wanting the best mix of weight, livability, and weather protection will surely love the Freelite.

Sea to Summit Telos TR2

EXCEPTIONALLY SPACIOUS TENT WITH INNOVATIVE FEATURES

MSRP: $599

WEIGHT: 3 lb. 10 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.

SIZES: 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Ample headroom, freestanding, lightweight, excellent ventilation, quick/easy to pitch, large doors/vestibules

CONS: Expensive, heavier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an innovative tent with a lot of unique features to love. It has more headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class, which makes it feel a lot more livable than many others.

Creature comforts, like the light-dispersing Lightbar and shady Hangout Mode, make the Telos feel like a little slice of luxury in the backcountry. Sea to Summit took extra care designing the adaptable ventilation on the Telos, and we found that it provided comfortable and practically condensation-free nights.

While it’s a little spendy, the comfort the Telos provides is worth the cost if you're looking for a versatile 2-person backpacking tent with all of the details dialed in.

For more, check out our full review of the Telos TR2.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo

AFFORDABLE & SPACIOUS ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING TENTS

MSRP (DUO): $395

WEIGHT (DUO): 2 lb. 13 oz. (no stakes or poles)

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 54 x 45 in. 

SIZES: 1-Person, 2-Person

PROS: Spacious, affordable, ultralight, small packed size, durable, ample headroom, excellent ventilation, large doors/vestibules

CONS: Seam sealing costs extra, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents, non-freestanding design has a learning curve

BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is one of the best value backpacking tents on our list due to its excellent blend of space, weight, and durability. We’ve put the Lunar Duo through the wringer on multiple thru-hikes, and it held up like a champ in all kinds of conditions.

It’s a bit heavier than some ultralight non-freestanding tents, but we find the weight tradeoff to be worth it for the significant monetary savings. One thing that makes the Lunar Duo unique is that the guylines can be re-tensioned from inside the tent, which is really convenient during a downpour. The large vestibules are designed to open completely without disturbing the structure of the tent, so you can have similar ventilation and view benefits of a double-wall tent.

If you’re looking for a roomy ultralight shelter at an exceptionally affordable price, there are few tents that come close to the Lunar Duo.

The Lunar Solo is one of our top picks for solo hikers. It’s very spacious for one person and their gear, is easy to set up, and packs down incredibly small. For more, check out our full review of the Lunar Solo.

MOST AFFORDABLE CROSSOVER TENT FOR BACKPACKING & CAR CAMPING

MSRP: $199

WEIGHT: 5 lb. 15 oz. (including footprint)

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52 x 40 in.

SIZES: 2-Person, 4-Person

PROS: Affordable, durable, freestanding, large doors/vestibules, strong zippers, quick/easy to pitch, footprint included

CONS: Heavier/bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The affordable REI Trail Hut 2 is an excellent tent for hikers on a tight budget or those wanting a crossover tent for car camping and backpacking. It’s quick and easy to pitch, made with durable materials, and the weight/bulk aren’t too bad when split between two hikers. You can also save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint at home.

While none of the Trail Hut’s specs or features (other than price) are really standouts, this tried-and-true design will hold up well in bad weather and keep you on the trail for hundreds - if not thousands - of miles.

The budget-friendly Trail Hut doesn’t skimp on interior space or quality, so we think it’s an excellent investment for those wanting to hit the trail without spending a fortune.

If you’re looking to go as affordable as possible, the REI Trailmade 2 costs less and is a bit lighter. Ultimately we prefer the Trail Hut for its larger interior space, but either tent is a solid choice.

For more, check out our full review of the Trailmade 2.

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2

BEST CROSSOVER TENT FOR BACKPACKING & CAR CAMPING

MSRP: $530

WEIGHT: 4 lb. 2 oz.

DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 50 x 42 in.

SIZES: 2-Person, 3-Person

PROS: Very spacious, freestanding, quick/easy to pitch, versatile, large doors/vestibules, light for how much space it offers, durable, great pockets

CONS: Heavier than some, a bit expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 offers a ton of interior space at a reasonable weight, so it’s perfect for those wanting a tent that’s comfortable for both backpacking and car camping.

The Dagger has a ton of convenient features built in, like two huge vestibules for gear storage, light-dispersing headlamp pockets, and an included tub accessory that keeps your gear clean and dry in the vestibule. The innovative OSMO fabric also doesn’t sag when wet like Silnylon and it will remain waterproof for longer than the coated fabrics used for many other tents.

If you’re looking for lightweight livability in a convenient design, the NEMO Dagger 2P is an excellent choice.

For more, check out our full review of the Dagger OSMO 2.

The spacious and lightweight BA Copper Spur HV UL3 is a nice luxury for two hikers in the high cascades

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The following backpacking tents didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these tents might be perfect for you:

  • MSR Hubba Hubba 2 - This tent stands out for its blend of low weight and weather protection. The Hubba’s symmetrical freestanding design makes it quick and easy to set up. But we find that the pole structure causes the walls to slope inward which limits interior headroom quite a bit. Check out our full review of the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 to learn more about the pros and cons.

  • NEMO Hornet 2 / NEMO Dragonfly 2 - We think both of these tents are a little tight for two, but they’re roomy options for solo hikers. Both tents have two doors, two large vestibules, and a very small packed size. The Hornet is lighter and a little more affordable, but its semi-freestanding design can be a bit limiting. The Dragonfly weighs and costs a bit more, but the freestanding design is easy to set up and performs better in foul weather.

  • Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 - The Tiger Wall is a combination of two popular BA tents - the shape is similar to the Copper Spur (but lighter), and the pole structure is similar to the Fly Creek (but with more interior space). Like many other semi-freestanding tents, we think the interior space of the Tiger Wall is more comfortable for solo hikers. And we find that when backpacking as a duo, the MSR Freelite above has a more generous amount of space. For more, check out our full review of the Tiger Wall here.

  • Tarptent Double Rainbow - The Double Rainbow has one of the best price to weight ratios of any backpacking tent on the market, but it also has some significant downsides. Its single-wall (hybrid) design makes it susceptible to interior condensation, and the interior space isn’t as comfortable for two. While the rainbow shape sheds rain effectively, it also cuts out a considerable amount of headroom.

  • Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 - This tent is among the lightest double-wall, semi-freestanding tents on the market. It has a similar floor plan to the MSR Freelite (both actually work best as 1-person tents in our opinion), but the Fly Creek only has one door and vestibule which limits its livability. If a tent is only going to feature one door, we far prefer a side-entry over the front entry of the Fly Creek.

  • Hilleberg Anjan 3 - If you commonly camp above treeline in harsh, exposed conditions, the Hilleberg Anjan could be a good option. We recommend choosing the 3-person model over the Anjan 2 for the extra space at a minimal cost/weight increase. This tent does have several key downsides though - only 1 door/vestibule, non-freestanding design, and a steep price tag.

A hiker sitting inside the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo set up in a forest

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo - PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Critical Tent Considerations

PRICE - You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to get a great backpacking tent. That’s why this list contains an array of solid options at a variety of price points. If you backpack a lot, it probably makes sense to spend more for a quality product that will get many years of use. If you're on a limited budget, you may want to check out our budget backpacking tent recommendations, but they do tend to be much heavier. 

CHOOSING A SIZE - The reality with tent sizes is that a lot of manufacturers exaggerate how many people can sleep comfortably in them. For example, many two-person backpacking tents are a tight fit for two average-sized people. If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent and want more space, you may find a three-person tent to be more comfortable. Extra space will add weight, so you’ll probably want to choose a lightweight tent to keep your backpack light. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more info on finding the right fit for you.

The NEMO Dagger OSMO set up in the desert

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 - PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

PACKAGED WEIGHT VS. MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT - When researching tents, you’ll likely notice a few different specs listed for weight and it can get a little confusing. Some manufacturers may even exaggerate how light a tent is to make it seem more appealing. Unfortunately, there is no required set standard for measuring backpacking tent weights across the industry, but here are some tips to help you decipher all the numbers:

  • Packaged weight - This spec refers to the weight of all parts of the tent plus any accessories it comes with when you buy it. This is usually the most accurate measurement to consider, and it’s the spec we’ve listed with all the tents on this list. After all, you’re going to be using tent stakes with your tent, right?

  • Minimum trail weight - This one gets a little hairy. Since there’s no required industry standard for calculating this, some manufacturers exclude more items than others. Minimum trail weight is generally accepted to mean just the essential components to keep you dry. It will always include the tent body, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement usually excludes tent stakes (unless your tent is semi-freestanding), guy lines, and stuff sacks.

The rain fly of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 can be set up as an awning.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 - PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DO YOU NEED A FOOTPRINT? - Almost every backpacking tent on this list comes with the option to buy a footprint that will help extend the life of your tent floor. Footprints are not necessary, though, and many choose not to use them. It’s totally a personal choice, but a footprint will ensure that your tent floor lasts as long as possible. If you need help deciding if a footprint is right for you, check out our post Do You Really Need a Footprint for Your Tent.

LEFT TO RIGHT: TENT FOOTPRINT FOR COPPER SPUR, POLYCRYO, & TYVEK

LEFT TO RIGHT: TENT FOOTPRINT FOR COPPER SPUR, POLYCRYO & TYVEK - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

PROTECTION - A backpacking tent that doesn’t protect against the elements is worse than worthless, it’s dangerous. So be careful about extreme budget tents you'll find elsewhere. Every tent on this list will provide excellent storm protection to keep you safe, dry, and warm.

INTERIOR SPACE - Backpacking tents keep weight to a minimum by limiting interior space (and thus, use less material). One-person tents are great for dedicated solo hikers looking to travel fast and light. Two-person tents tend to be the most popular, because they strike a good balance between weight and interior space. Most two-person tents have just enough room for two sleepers and a few stuff sacks, with backpacks and extra gear stored in the vestibules. If you want more interior space for camping comfort, you may want to bump up one size in tents (for example, buy a three-person tent to fit two hikers). Just remember, interior tent space is a tradeoff between comfort and weight. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more information on choosing which model to go with.

The spacious Zpacks Triplex opened up fully for a big view in the Wind River Range

Zpacks Triplex - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

SEASON RATING - Three-season shelters are the most popular backpacking tents and the style we're focusing on in this guide. They're built for spring, summer, and fall trips where you’ll need to keep bad weather out while promoting ventilation, which helps keep interior condensation to a minimum. Three-season tents can usually handle a little snow, but they’re not made for heavy snow and harsh winter conditions.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is spacious and easy to set up.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2- PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

SETUP - Freestanding tents are generally preferable because they’re easier to use and quicker to pitch. They come with a fixed pole system that can be set up almost anywhere - even on solid rock. Non-freestanding tents use stakes, guylines, and trekking poles for pitching. They save weight by cutting out tent poles, but require more time/space to pitch and will take more practice to master.

Backpacking with the lightweight and spacious Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 in the Cascades.

BA Copper Spur HV UL3 - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WALL CONSTRUCTION - Double-wall tents come with two separate parts - a mesh tent body and a rainfly. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that forms on the inside of the rainfly. Single-wall tents reduce weight by attaching the fly sheet directly to the mesh inner-tent, but that leaves hikers vulnerable to interior condensation in wet/cold conditions. Rubbing up against a wet tent interior is the pits, so we mostly recommend double-wall tents unless you usually backpack in arid, dry climates. For ultralight hikers open to the idea of single-wall shelters, have a look at our Best Ultralight Tents list.

A couple sitting next to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo tent surrounded by snowy mountains

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo - PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DOORS & VESTIBULES - If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent, it's more comfortable to have two doors and two vestibules. Having separate entrances will ensure that you’re not climbing over a tentmate and two sets of gear every time you want to get in or out of your tent. That’s a huge benefit, and it's why almost all of our backpacking tent recommendations have two doors and vestibules.

The Slingfin Portal tent set up in front of a mountain view

SlingFin Portal - PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DURABILITY - The main trade-off with lightweight backpacking tents is that they're built using thinner materials, which tend to be less durable than heavy-duty shelters. That said, ultralight tents will literally last for thousands of miles if treated with care. It's also important to remember that a sharp stick or rock will puncture just about any kind of tent fabric. If you're tough on gear and don't want to deal with lightweight materials, we recommend choosing one of our heavier recommendations built for durability or adding a footprint to to increase the durability of your tent floor. For our personal use, we think lightweight tents are well worth the tradeoff.

The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 set up in the desert

MSR Hubba Hubba - PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Looking for a Different Type of Tent?

Check out these other CleverHiker Gear Guide tent lists:

ZPacks Duplex - PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

A backpacker standing next to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo in some foothills on the Continental Divide Trail

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo - PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

More Information

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

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