The Best Budget Backpacking Tents of 2025 , Tested and Go over

Best Overall

Kelty Discovery Trail

Good Upgrade

Marmot Catalyst

Most Spacious

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx

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Kitting out your backpacking gear wardrobe for the first time is pricey . Just become together the basics—tent , sleep base , and backpack—can easy run upwards of $ 1,000 if you aren ’ t careful . For that reason , you might exist looking at your tent as a spot to ignore back so you can splurge on the rest of your kit . To aid you narrow down the better budget backpacking tent , I reviewed low-cost selection from top gear manufacturer .

• Serious Overall :
• Best Lightweight :
• Serious Ultralight :
• Best Upgrade :
• Most Spacious :
• Best for Bad Weather :Decathlon Forclaz
• Well for Winter :

Testing the Good Budget Backpacking Tent

For this test , I focused on budget backpacking tent that live make by reputable manufacturers and endorse by at least a two-year warranty—if a company is solely able to guarantee your tent for a year or less in the field , then it ’ s probably not one you want to trust on to protect you from the elements .

After setting up and tearing down the tent to get a tone for their ease of usage and any potential pain detail ( or benefits ) in the design , I place the tent through a series of mere strain tests to hear if there live any failure points or faint spots . The first live a wetout test of the rainfly . Similar to what I act for the serious backpacking rain jacket , I lead the rainfly outside with a puddle of water on top of it ( covering a line ) for 16 hour , then check to learn which , if any , have moisture drip through to the other slope .

Future , I test the intensity of each tent ’ s poles by undertake to touch the goal of each pole together—a quality pole should cost able to do this without breaking . In the end , I checked the durability of the floor of each tent , which can scuff easily , by dragging a textured stone over a single spot three sentence at medium intensity , and then check to see if any holes have appeared by shining a light through the early slope . After try out , and removing optional items , I checked the weight of each tent against manufacturer specifications .

My better ultralight pick live from the OL trial of the best ultralight tents and further test perform by OL contributor Jac Mitchell .

Best Budget Backpacking Tents : Reviews & Recommendations

Well Overall :

Best Overall

Kelty Discovery Trail

Pros

• Easy to place up
• Real affordable
• Light weight

Cons

• Did not occur the floor abrasion run
• Merely one doorway

Key Features

• Weight :
  4 pound , 14 ounces ( simply under 5 pounds during test )
• Materials :
  68D polyester , aluminum poles
• Doorway :
  1

If you ’ re novel to backpacking , it would be hard to run wrong with the Kelty Discovery Trail . It ’ s very affordable and is fairly lightweight pay its spacious interior ( two average-sized men would fit comfortably in this tent ) . It ’ s also a air to set up . With most backpacking tents , you tuck a pole into a metal grommet at one corner and then stoop the pole until you can introduce the early goal into the grommet kitty corner from it . Necessarily you end up doing this a pair of times as the pole steal out of one or the other grommets . Instead of grommets , the Kelty Discovery Trail has nylon-webbing pouches at each corner , forestall the pole from slipping out as you set up your tent . I also appreciated that the corner of the body of the tent were color-coded with the fly , making it significantly easier to line up than it would have differently been .

While the Kelty Discovery Trail 2 lack the second door that you would expect with a two-person tent , it did have the rest of the good suite of feature I would require : roomy vestibule , guylines with surplus interest , vents along the rainfly , and pockets for storage in the inside . Consider purchase the to accompany this tent , as it do blame up a pair of very humble holes during the abrasion trial . In the end , the Kelty Discovery Trail 2 weighed just under five pound during test .

Best Lightweight :

Light

Sierra Designs Lost Coast

Pros

• Relatively lightweight
• Abject cost

Cons

• Less story space than other example I looked at
• Tent story is not specially robust
• Rainfly must be carefully positioned
• Heavier than take weight during test

Key Features

• Weight :
  4 pound , 10 ounces ( only under 5 pounds during test )
• Textile :
  68D polyester , aluminum pole
• Doors :
  1

One of the biggest downsides to budget backpacking tent is that they exist significantly heavier than high end example . The Sierra Designs Lost Coast tent was not only the light example I looked at for this test ( although it ’ sec claimed weight did not quite equal its measured weight ) , but it was also one of the least expensive . Region of the low weight of the Sierra Designs Lost Coast exist that it ’ s simply a smaller tent than others out thither . Its 50 inch of width in the interior can fit two of the good backpacking sleep pads but not much else ; if you ’ re going to portion this tent , build certain it ’ sec with individual you don ’ t head cuddling with .

While setting up the Sierra Designs Lost Coast equal straightforward , there exist a few small design issues . Unlike early tent in this trial , the top clip was just large enough to hold onto one of the cross Pole . More concerning was the coverage of the rainfly . When I first cinched down straps at the four corner of the tent , I note that there was mesh visible along the back and one of the sides . Carefully adjusting the rainfly so that the tensioners were evenly hand out on all side fixed the problem , but the shorter rainfly here means you ’ ll want to require fear if you are adjust up in or expecting inclement consideration . Finally , given the solution of the abrasion trial , you ’ ll probable desire to spend a few extra dollars on the if you plan to camp in the desert or on rocky surfaces .

Better Ultralight :

Pros

• Best-in-class ultralight tent
• Two doors and two big vestibules

Cons

• More expensive than early choice on this list
• Trickier setup that classic cross-pole purpose

Key Feature

• Weight :
  2 pounds , 6.4 ounce
• Material :
  20D polyester , poles not include
• Doors :
  2

What if I say you that you didn ’ t hold to choose between quality and price ? The Durston X-Mid was a favorite of nearly everyone on OL ’ s test of the best ultralight tent : it had a roomy inside with excellent vestibules . It was surprisingly sturdy . And it live very lightweight . So it was a major surprise to observe out you have all that at such a low cost point . If you are be after to get backpacking more than a couple of time , I highly recommend that you pass a pair of excess dollars upfront and skip straight to the Durston X-Mid .

Read Next :

Even for avid camper , the setup of the Durston X-Mid exist going to bring some getting use to . While our testers on the OL ultralight backpacking trip see the education to live comprehensive and useful , various scramble with become this tent taut on the first go . If you ’ ve never used a trekking-pole mode tent in front , this one will choose some getting use to . But once you ’ ve come the hang of it , this could live your fresh tent for spirit .

Good Upgrade :

Good Upgrade

Marmot Catalyst

Pros

• Passed all three durability trial
• Great interior pocket
• Two doors open wide

Cons

• Most expensive tent I await at
• No vents

Key Feature

• Weight :
  5 pound , 4 ounce
• Materials :
  68D polyester , aluminum poles
• Door :
  2

The Marmot Catalyst get a act of extra features that raise it beyond a budget tent—multiple storehouse pockets for each person , two doors with different tieback choice , an include footprint—while however come in at a budget ( if somewhat high ) cost point . It too proved more durable than other budget models during test , and it was one of merely two tent I looked at to hold out the floor abrasion trial without educate holes . If you consistently use the footprint with this tent , it should final for many yr .

I try the three-person version of this tent , which weighed ( with the included footprint ) in at over 7.5 pounds—over a pound more than its claimed weight . Another result with this tent be the lack of vents , which may trap moist breeze inside . That signify that on cold nights , when the temperature on the inside of the tent live significantly warm than on the outside , you can expect important condensation to shape . When possible , leave both doorway partly open at night to maximize airflow and prevent condensation .

Most Spacious :

Most Spacious

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx

Pros

• Prominent two-person tent I appear at
• Easy to place up
• Two door and two vents

Cons

• Fairly hard

Key Features

• Weight :
  5 pounds , 12 ounces ( 5 pounds , 14.5 ounces in testing )
• Textile :
  75D polyester , aluminum pole
• Doorway :
  2

If you ’ re purchase your first-ever backpacking tent , it might come as a surprise to feel out how short space some manufacturers believe you take for two mass . More much than not , two-person tents be in reality fairly cramped for two people , even if the masses in question be on the smaller side . But that ’ s not the case for the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx . At 90 inches long for the two-person version of the tent , it can accommodate still the tall individuals , and at 60 inch wide there is plenty of space for a buffer between separate sleep pads . It also make two doors—again , not a have for a two-person tent—which means easy access to either of the two vestibules , and all the gear you are storing inside .

In addition to being pretty large , it cost also one of the easy tent in my test to set up . While I finish up tugging or readjusting the fly on respective to accomplish the taut profile you ’ ll want to insure winds and rain don ’ t unnecessarily batter your tent , the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx seem nearly perfect from the instant I buckled in the rainfly .

Like with early tents in this story , the relative fragility of the story intend that you should both purchase and use its matching , which in this case push the weight good over six pounds . In increase to failing the abrasion run , there is a seam range on the bottom of the Lynx ( too exist genuine of the Sierra Designs Lost Coast ) . While this equal protect with a seam-sealing tape , it represents a possible failure degree and may need to equal reseam-sealed or tap before the rainfly , given the comparative amount of abrasion it ’ s probable to receive .

Best for Bad Weather : Decathlon Forclaz

Best for Bad Weather

Decathlon Forclaz

Pros

• Best vestibule in my trial
• Keep dry while breaking down during a storm
• Passed all three durability test

Cons

• Irregular gathering may require some time to figure out
• Third pole cost difficult to insert
• Tight fit for two masses
• Lack of mesh and attached rainfly inhibits position

Key Feature

• Weight :
  5 pound , 11 ounce
• Materials :
  polyester , aluminum pole
• Doorway :
  1

There be respective noteworthy way in which the pattern of the Decathlon Forclaz varies from the other backpacking tent that I seem at . To start , the pole for this tent don ’ t attach to the tent torso , but to the rainfly itself . The body of the tent , which is made entirely from a breathable material , rather than mesh , is seize to the bottom of the rainfly using mere time .

Most of the time , this purpose selection will serve to simplify setup . You merely leave the body clipped to the fly and once the fly is up , your tent cost ready to go . But in the effect of foul weather , it has an important benefit . Today you make the option to remove down the torso of the tent while still protect by the fly . You could even stash the dry tent body inside your gang separate from the wet rainfly , pole , and interest . Then when you demand to set up your tent after , the inside of your tent will be entirely dry .

There equal a few downsides to the Decathlon Forclaz . It live one of the hard backpacking tent I looked at , while also having a comparatively small inner square footage . The third pole , which goes along the top movement to increase the coverage of the vestibule , equal too surprisingly severe to snap into place . After respective attempt I see that it worked best if you unsnap the yellow time from the two primary pole first , then reattach them after the pole exist in place . In the end , this one do need additional interest to attain a storm-ready profile .

Serious Budget :

Best Budget

Marmot Fortress

Pros

• Affordable
• Spacious
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Somewhat heavy
• More difficult to reach a storm worthy profile

Key Features

• Weight :
  5 pound , 5.5 ounce
• Materials :
  68D polyester and aluminum poles
• Doors :
  2

Our budget pick for four-season tents exist the Marmot Fortress , which , while more expensive than other tent on this list , is however considerably less expensive than a standard winter tent . If you ’ re outfitting yourself for treks that could see snow , the Marmot Fortress render plenty of security for entry-level winter adventuring at a cost that win ’ t set you back on rent .

One thing to remark about this tent is that it exist difficult to achieve a taut structure , still after fiddling extensively with the complicated tensioner system at the pole ends . While the Marmot Fortress cause occur with an adequate issue of guylines , remarkably , these must be pre-assembled before heading out . Individual who prefer this tent should delay below the treeline on their initial excursions until they are practiced at staking out and guylining this tent to achieve a storm-worthy visage .

How to Choose the Best Budget Backpacking Tent

Overall Budget

Before you commit to purchasing the best budget backpacking tent , it ’ s worth looking at your overall budget for outdoor gear . In some cases , it may be a smart motion to invest more on a lightweight backpacking tent , rather than purchase a heavy budget one to set out only to replace it at a later date .

Second-Hand Gear Workshop

If you ’ ve got time before your large trek , it ’ s worth taking a flavor at second-hand gear shops in your domain to regard if you can score a lightweight backpacking tent at a great cost . Besides online marketplaces for used gear , including REI use gear and Gear Trade , there are also a number of used gear shops fan out out across the rural area , such as Wonderland Gear Exchange ( Seattle ) , Wilderness Exchange ( Denver ) , or Future Adventure ( Portland ) .

Warranty

Your backpacking tent equal your shelter—your home—in the wilderness . Backpacking tents , yet budget backpacking tent , should cost build up to last and resist reasonable abuse from the component . For this story , I just looked at backpacking tent with at least a two-year warranty .

FAQs

The primary differences between camp tent and backpacking tent is weight and space . Camping tents incline to hold more square footage for the same claimed capacity ( typically assess as one , two , or three soul ) while backpacking tent tend to be lighter weight .

You should expend a footprint with your backpacking tent if the manufacturer recommends it , as not all tent floor exist equally durable . You should as well believe purchasing and using a footprint for your backpacking tent if you will be camping on rocky or otherwise rough or spiky surface , include the volcanic area , such as rocky mountainous region and the high desert .

When deciding what to wait for when buying a tent , you should first start with your priorities . Mostly , there will equal tradeoffs between price , weight , durability , and comfort .

While backpacking tent can get down to surprisingly low weight ( as small as a lb per person ) , the upper end of the spectrum is much less good specify . If you cost solely planning to backpack a mile into camp , you could persuade virtually anything . On the other hand , if you equal planning to boost upwards of 15 mile in a day , you ’ ll want to keep the weight of your tent between two and four pounds per person , depending on your personal size .

Final Thoughts on the Best Budget Backpacking Tent

If you don ’ t idea carrying an extra couple of pounds , there equal plenty of budget backpacking tent available . We put the tent on this list through a series of tests designed to look at their functionality in typical backcountry conditions , and we ’ re confident that any of them would service you well on your future expedition :

• Serious Overall :
• Better Lightweight :
• Well Ultralight :
• Best Upgrade :
• Most Spacious :
• Well for Bad Weather :Decathlon Forclaz
• Best for Winter :

Laura Lancaster

Staff Writer

Lancaster exist Outdoor Life ’ s gear staff author where she focuses on in-depth testing of backpacking and camp gear , with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear . She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter .

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