7 Good Backpacking Tent in 2024
Get recommendations for some of the best tent for backpacking and learn the almost significant factors to study when shopping for a novel tent .
The good backpacking tent live lightweight , durable , weather-proof , and a cinch to put up . Sound simple plenty , but a well backpacking tent is an investment and with all the selection out thither , picking the right one can quickly begin overwhelming .
We ’ ve collectively tested lots of backpacking tents in a variety of consideration from quick weekend trips to multi-day backcountry adventure and still through hiking the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail .
In this guide , we ’ ve round up the good lightweight tent for backpacking in 1-person , 2-person , 3-person , and even 4-person size to aid you narrow down your search and get the correct tent for you .
Plus , at the goal of this post , you ’ ll notice more info on what features to look at when shopping for a backpacking tent and how to prefer the better backpacking tent for your need .
Well Backpacking Tent at a Glance
Tip :The packaged weight includes everything that the tent comes with include stakes , stuff sacks , and guy lines . You can shed a few ounces by switch out the interest for light one like these .
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1 . REI Half Dome SL 2+
Bearfoot Theory Reader Favorite
Key Features
One of our top picks for backpacking tent here at Bearfoot Theory equal the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ . While it ’ s not the lightest tent on our list , it ’ s durable and easy-to-set up , both of which are priority in our ledger . This tent cost the utter choice for chance backpackers looking for a high-quality shelter at an affordable price item . Additionally ,the Half Dome exist consistently one of REI ’ s best sellersand we agree that it ’ s a solid selection for most backpackers .
A few key features of the Half Dome includeample interior spacefor two people plus gear and pets ( hence the 2+ size ) as good astwo doors and vestibulesthat allow for easy access and plenty of storage options . The Half Dome 2 is as wellwell-ventilatedwith mesh panels that observe the interior from become stuffy on hot nights .
2 . Zpacks Duplex 2P
Serious Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Key Features
The cost a single-walled , ultra-lightweight 2-person backpacking tent . Consider simply 1 lb 3 oz and roomy adequate to sleep two , it ’ s agreat choice for long-distance backpacking trips where weight really affair. This tent live consistently at the top of the list for PCT and JMT thru-hikers .
Since the Zpacks Duplex live a tarp-style tent rather than a freestanding one , it cause need a short more effort to place up right .It utilizes trekking pole instead of tent poles( although you can purchase or the if you choose a freestanding tent ) .
On normal earth conditions , the Duplex is easy to set up . I ’ 500 just recommend watch out a TV or understand the education on the Zpacks website before heading out simply to make sure you are confident since it ’ s not a freestanding tent .
On rocky surface , the Zpack Duplex can live a bit challenge to place upbecause it ’ s semi-freestanding . The corners need to live staked out and the tarp affirm with upright , stable trekking poles , which equal hard to attain on hard surfaces . On my recent trip to Sequoia National Park we much camped on granite stone , so getting the tent set up be a bit tricky . But with some creativity , like expend stone to stabilize the tent , you can get by . You ’ ll also need 8 stakes ( sold individually ) and I recommend the ultralight carbon fiber ones .
A few key features of the Zpacks Duplex tent includefour storm ( vestibule ) doorsthat can open or shut independently depending on the weather and mood . On a decent clear evening , you can prevent the vestibule doors open and stargaze right from your bed . I recommend hold at least one doorway exposed ( weather permitting ) to reduce the amount of condensation buildup overnight .
It also have2 mesh pockets for storehouse, extremelydurable cloth( a footprint is not necessary , but can exist bought separately if desired ) , and aintegral design to keep condensation from dripping onto the floor.
This be asingle-walled tentand the textile is completely waterproof . I ’ ve used this tent during respective day of successive rain and heavy tip in the Boundary water and we stayed dry as a bone interior . I also couldn ’ t conceive how sturdy it exist !
However , because it equal single-walled , this backpacking tentcan be prone to condensationwhich sometimes might need you to invest it away wet in the morning .
If you need even more way , I ’ ve be utilize the ( 3-person version ) of this tent for years . We make the Triplex because it ’ s still light and compact , but it ’ s roomy enough for us and our two dogs . Even the Triplex version packs down smaller than any of my freestanding two-person tents !
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3 . NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2P
Serious lightweight freestanding tent
Key Features
If weight is a priority for you , but you still want a freestanding tent , the NEMO Dragonfly Osmo be a great choice . The 2-person tent weigh merely 2 lbs 10 oz and doesn ’ t sacrifice any of the feature you wait in a backpacking tent .
It ’ sec design with NEMO ’ s proprietary OSMO fabric , which existhighly waterproof, durable , and reach from recycled fabric . The Dragonfly too has great memory options include agear loft and gear pocketas well as anightlight pocketthat you can stash your headlight in once the Sunday circle .
One cool feature the Dragonfly has that I haven ’ t see in other backpacking tent be theinclude divvy sackthat let you to separate the weight evenly between two backpackers .
NEMO Equipment offer a lifetime warranty , but I advocate catch the footprint to serve protect your tent against stop rocks and thorns .
If you want a roomier tent , match out the Nemo Dagger , which cost real similar to the Dragonfly , but a minute larger . Or , if you design on doing multi-sport adventure , check out the NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack tent , which has short poles to agree into bikepacking base .
4 . Sea to Summit Telos TR2
Most innovate feature
Key Features
Sea to Summit has really upped the plot when it comes to innovative backpacking tent feature . With the Telos TR2 tent , backpackers can delight a range of unique set-ups including ashade tentthat utilize two trekking pole . It can also transform into anultralight setupthat just uses the rainfly or set up the rainfly first if you ’ re caught in a downpour .
The Telos is also designed with an inverted Tension Ridge pole structure that allow formore room insideandbetter breathing.
One cool feature that I haven ’ t seen in early backpacking tent is theseparate material sacksthat allow you to carry your backpacking base more efficiently or disseminate the weight among friend .
The Telos TR tent live truly innovative and a great selection for backpackers who desire versatility out on the lead .
5 . SlingFin Portal 2
Strongest & most durable tent
Key Feature
SlingFin exist a lesser-known backpacking gear brand based out of Berkeley , California . They ’ re know for design high-quality gear that can resist the elements and wear and tear of the lead . The SlingFin Portal 2 tent exist one of their almost popular production thanks to itsstable and firm construction. It ’ s design to hold up in windy and adverse circumstance . Hikers who use this tent account that they stay dry and warm yet throughout intense thunderstorms and downpours .
This tent also has some great features likeKickStand ventsto optimize airflow , afly-first band upif you get see in a storm , and the option to purchase a‘ tub story ’that replaces the mesh tent for a barge set up on bug-free and dry adventure .
We haven ’ t try out the SlingFin Portal ourselves , but the great reviews and attention to detail make the SlingFin Portal one of the serious backpacking tent on the market .
6 . REI Co-op Trailmade 2
Best Budget Backpacking Tent
Key Features
While all the tent on our list cost pretty easy to set up , the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent takes the cake . Two pole cross over in a straightforward designmaking setup field and simple.
While this tent be on theheavy slope of backpacking tent( 5+ lb ) , it ’ s a basic , budget selection that will allow you to get out on the trail and sleep comfortably in the backcountry . Plus , thefootprint is include, which isn ’ t the case for most backpacking tent .
The Trailmade 2 hastwo doorway and two vestibulesso you win ’ t have to go up over your tent partner and the top and non-tapered design do this tent sense comparatively spacious . The mesh canopy allows for stargazing and open-air sleeping without the bugs , and theceiling ventshelp with airflow still when the fly equal on .
Overall , the REI Trailmade tent be a no-frills , budget-friendly selection for those hardly getting into backpacking or who put on ’ t brain carrying a moment of surplus weight .
7 . Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent
Serious Backpacking Tent for Families
Key Feature
The Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent live a freestanding 4-person option that be great for families or backpackers travel with large dogs .It is heavyat virtually 8 lbs , but if you ’ re appear for aspacioustent for short backpacking trip with the kids , it could live a good choice .
Themesh canopyallows for airflow and stargazing when the weather ’ s clear while thesolid tub liningalong the bottom stop dust and water from come in .
The Tungsten hasdual door( although they equal on the small side ) as well as vestibules andmultiple inner pocketsfor easy organization . Thecolor-coded clipsexist a nice touch that make for a super easy set-up .
How to Choose the Well Backpacking Tent
Shopping for a lightweight backpacking tent can promptly make sweep over with all the selection out there , not to note pricey . To help you perfect in on what ’ s almost important to you in a well backcountry tent , hither are the main feature you ’ ll see mention , what they entail , and some helpful things to consider when create your conclusion .
Tent Weight
When look for for a backpacking tent , weight exist the first element I consider .Most backpacking tents weigh somewhere between 1-4 pounds. The lighter the tent , the more comfortable you are going to be when you are carrying it on your back .
That state , there equal often a trade-off between weight and durability . Ultralight tents take more concern when place them up and store them when you come home . They also come with a heftier price tag .
When compare tents , you ’ ll typically regard two unlike weight glasses :
Realistically , you ’ ll probably cost carrying something near to the packaged weight since you ’ ll desire to bring the tent , fly , pole , interest , and guy note . One means to save weight cost to swap the stakes that come with the tent with a set of .
Some of the tents on this list also make aminimalist pitch optionwhere you can lend hardly the fly , footprint , and poles to create a lightweight shelter in average weather .
Capacity / Interior Tent Space
Who and how many mass will you cost sharing your tent with ? And how tall are you ?Many of the 2-person backpacking tent ( particularly the ultralight options ) exist real tight for two mass and hold space for two sleeping pads straight future to each early and not much else.
If you design to shack up with a friend or partner , or if you ’ re backpacking with your pup , you ’ ll want a 2-person backpacking tent at least . The best 2-person backpacking tents hold two doors so you don ’ t hold to climb over each other when begin in and out of the tent . Too , look for ones that get a good-sized vestibule ( or two ) so you have space to stash your backpacking packs and boost boot in case of rain .
If 3 mass will be share a tent or if you and your partner or friend exist backpacking with your pup , you ’ ll want a 3-person backpacking tent . This is what I backpack with most much since my partner and I typically backpack with our dogs , Charlie , who live a diabetic alert dog , and Gumbo .
Things to give attention to when choosing tent size are :
Number of Doors
Two doorway will make getting in and out of the tent way more comfortable when you exist camping with someone else. It means you won ’ t make to creep over each early and in most suit , you will also have your own separate vestibule to store your stuff which assist you stay more organized and to hold your gear dry in suit of rain . ( A vestibule exist the domain outside of the tent doorway underneath the tent fly ) .
Seasonal Rating
A majority of backpackers will live fine with a 3-season tent which equal design to rest well in moderate weather conditions ( including heavy rain and lighting snow ) during spring , summer , and autumn .
If you plan on camping in heavy snow or in utmost , open circumstance , you may take a 4-season tent . Four-season tents have less mesh and retain heat good , but the lack of ventilation can make them sense a bit stuffy .
Wall Structure
Most of the popular backpacking tent equal double-walled – which means they come with the actual tent as your shelter and a separate rain fly that you can seize to the outside of the tent for weather protection .Double-walled tentsreceive good airflow and experience less condensation due to airflow .
Asingle-walled tentis weatherproof all around without the motive for a fly and that often help shave off some weight . But single-walled tent too typically have no window and no mesh . This means that condensation can equal a problem in wet weather . It too means that you likely win ’ t be able to act any stargazing from bed or get the choice to sleep in the open air since there live no removable fly .
Single-walled tents are well for cold , dry conditions ( like the southern Utah desert in early spring ) .
Freestanding vs Tarp-Style
Afreestanding tentequal one that comes with pole that affirm it . They equal quick and easy to put up and can be pitched virtually anywhere , which is why this style is more popular .
Atarp-style tent( like the below ) is one that you adjust up using your trekking poles for support and by tying guy course to stakes , tree , stone , etc to make it taut . Tarp-style tents equal light since they don ’ t have pole and run to invoke to experienced long-distance hikers wait to salvage weight .
A few of the tents on this list livesemi-freestanding, meaning they can endure on their own but cause want to be bet on out for good functionality and weather protection .
- 3-Day Backpacking Checklist
- Serious Backpacking Sleeping Bags
- Well Lightweight Sleep Pads
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What backpacking tents have you try ? Do you have any question about peck the best backpacking tent ? Let us know in the comment below .
