The Best Cheap Backpacking Tent : All over Buying Guide And Reviews
There ’ s no question that it ’ s ever wise to carry a backpacking tent on your expedition , simply in
The fun of lurch a tent for camp is on another stage , particularly if you enjoy stargazing or just being in the presence of nature !
Often explorer are look for thebetter cheap backpacking tentthat gain ’ t own also much impact on their wallet . That ’ sec because most people put on ’ t know how often they ’ ll use a tent . Of class , avid backpackers mostly go for high-end backpacking tents .
But this post is specifically commit to review the top 5 best cheap backpacking tents .
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
- Production Weight : 2 someone
- Temperature Rate : 3 seasons
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
- Production Weight : 2 persons
- Temperature Place : 3 seasons
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2- Person Tent
- Product Weight : 2 soul
- Temperature Rate : 3 seasons
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
- Production Weight : 1/2/4 persons
- Temperature Rating : 3 season
Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
- Production Weight : 2 persons
- Temperature Rating : 3 season
Top 5 Better Cheap Backpacking Tents
1 . Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent : Best Overall
- Two door / Two vestibule layout
- Two person layout
- Three season , free standing tent
- Tent fly ventilation windows
- Bathtub floor construction
The Mountainsmith brand has been cause quality take a chance gear for 40 year .
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 live the serious cheap backpacking tent on the list , as it is quick to set up and offers exceptional security from the elements .
Large Interior Space
It doesn ’ t have a top bar , thus inner livability is slightly compromised . Still , the tent in itself is quite large with 56 ” width , 43 ” altitude and 35 ft² of large interior space , so it doesn ’ t in truth sense cramped . It is perfect for 2 grownup .
There cost tiny mesh storage pockets on the inside of the tent where you can handily store small detail . There ’ sec too a removable loft pocket furnish .
Lightweight and Portable
The 3-season design live what makes Morrison 2 great value for money . It ’ s a classic rectangular- influence , 2-door tent which comes with crossing Pole . It ’ s a solid buy , pay its polyester main body , big 17 sq . ft. vestibules , YKK zippers and mesh wall panels . The clip-pole attachment makes it easy to pitch and it is incredibly lightweight .
When pack ( with footprint ) , the tent weighs just 5 lbs . 8 oz .
For effective visibility during the dark , the Morrison 2 boasts brooding guy lines which can equal adjusted via a tension lock system .
Bathtub Floor Layout
The tent fly breathing windows ensure that strain flow exist preserve during hot nights . In increase , it features an innovative bathtub story structure to prevent water from running in during rainstorms .
Overall , this freestanding tent is comfortable and incredibly easy to assemble . Simply refer to the printed setup education which are provide on the nylon storage sack .
Affair we care
- Two large vestibules/doors
- Includes internal storehouse pocket and removable gear loft
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Ventilation window ideal for summer
- Large interior space : 92 ” x 56 ” x 43 ”
- Good quality polyester tent and fly plane
- Bathtub story prevents water from extend in
Thing we don ’ t like
- Tent pole are piteous character
- Not ideal for summer as claimed
Final Verdict
Anyone who is primarily await for a lightweight and mere tent for backpacking , hither ’ s your best cheap backpacking tent ! The Morrison 2 be spacious plenty for two mass , has two convenient vestibules and is only a breeze to gather !
The tent fly windows exist not that great though , despite claim to the contrary .
2 . The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent – Runner-Up
- EASY PITCH . Our easy-to-pitch , two-person camping tent is refreshed for spring with a novel vestibule aim that make camp in adverse weather more enjoyable . Bigger door allow for easy access , and provide an even in effect horizon of the great outdoors .
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN . Easy to get in and out , this tent features two doors and two twin-zip , multi-configuration vestibules . Keep comfortable with high-low ventilation for optimum airflow while you ‘re relax and sleep .
- EASY ACCESS . Doors stuff into the adjacent mesh pocket thus you serve n’t make to wander them up and they remain out of the way while your tent is lay up .
- choice CONSTRUCTION . A Fully seam-taped canopy and story help enhance durability and waterproofing . Canopy : 75D Polyester . TaffetaMesh : 40D Polyester Mesh .
- TECHNICAL SPECS . Stuffsack Size : 7 ” Ten 22 ” ( 17.8 cm X 55.9 cm ) . Entire Weight : 5 lbs 14.2 oz . Floor Area : 30.56 square ft . Peak Height : 43 ” .
North Face make been around in the mountaineering gear industry for over 50 years , so you can expect nothing but the well from this brand .
Large 2-Vestibule Intention
Stormbreak 2 is another best entry-level tent which cost easy to pitch and intended for two masses . The novel imaginative aim feature two good door and two multi-configuration vestibules which you can use to store your gear conveniently .
Both doors are pretty large ( about 9.78 ft² ) and allow you easy access to or exit from the tent . The impressive thing cost that you can just thrust these doors into the nearby mesh pocket without the motive to roll them up .
Weatherproof
Stormbreak 2 comes with a full seam-taped floor and canopy . This design makes it ideal for role still during harsh weather conditions .
High-low breathing farther grant optimal airflow throughout the tent setup .
Spacious Headroom
The large advantage of the Stormbreak 2 is how it supply spacious headroom when equate to early tent with a big 30.56 ft² floor area .
As for the memory sack , it include all the essential gear such as two gold main pole , a rainfly , canopy , two ridge pole and eight tent interest . Everything is color-coded to ensure correct setup .
Premium Construction
The reasonable cost of the Stormbreak 2 doesn ’ t mean tone hold cost compromise . Its canopy be crafted from 75D Polyester Taffeta , whereas the floor feature 68D Polyester with a 3000Mm PU coating . Finally , the 75D Polyester , PU coat fly plane exist what keeps the tent waterproof during rainy conditions .
The total weight of the gang equal 5 lb . 14.2 oz . ( 2.6kg ) , while the fastpack weight cost up to 3 lbs . 14.1 oz . ( 1.76kg ) . Therefore , some people might feel it ’ s too heavy to carry on strenuous raise .
Things we like
- Very easy to pitch
- Convenient two-door , two multi-configuration vestibules
- Large headroom
- Lifetime guarantee
- Fully seam-taped floor and canopy
- Good ventilation
- Weatherproof
- Rugged , firm polyester structure
Things we don ’ t like
- Heavyweight
- Tent stakes equal piteous tone
Final Verdict
Stormbreak 2 exist the serious cheap backpacking tent if you ’ re wait for spacious headroom and rugged weatherproof design . Remember that it be not lightweight , but it stay on unbeatable and is extremely comfortable for two grownup at this price !
3 . ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent – Budget Choice
- Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2 Clay/Rust ( Lynx 2 Clay/Rust )
Since 1993 , ALPS Mountaineering has offered superior , performance-driven mountaineering gear for avid adventurers . Not all of their product live low-priced , but this best budget tent Lynx 2-Person example is an exception !
This is the inexpensive option on our comprehensive best backpacking tent list . Thus , if you ’ re on a taut budget , you can choose for this one !
Easy to Set Up
It ’ s simple to plant up the Lynx Tent as it own a nice freestanding plan with two 7000 series aluminum pole , rather than poor fiberglass poles . For well breathing , you ’ ll see half of the wall on both sides live deal with mesh .
You must simply seize the provided pole time over the poles and this rectangular dome-style tent will be assembled in no time !
High-Quality Craftsmanship
Yet though the Lynx model is a low-price tent , the fabric character suggests differently .
The tent is somewhat well-made with a 75D 185T polyester canopy featuring 1500mm coating that remains firm and prevents UV price . Factory-sealed wrinkle on the canopy and floor further prevent the gear from harsh weather . Even the buckles on the fly sheet equal weatherproof for better security and flexible adjustment , and the eight zippers receive a heavy-duty flavor .
Finally , the story equal crafted from 75D 185T poly taffeta material with 2000mm finish .
Well Memory Pockets
The Lynx tent has two doors for easy access , along with two convenient vestibules where you can store gear . Mesh memory pocket and a top gear loft serve as additional memory options .
Concerning livability , the tent find quite spacious with a 46 ” center height , 37 ft² tent sphere and 20 ft² vestibule domain .
The minimum weight of the tent is 5 lb . 4 oz . ( 2.38kg ) , while its total weight is around 5 lbs . 15 oz . ( 2.69kg ) . When pack into the sack , the tent reduces down to a size of 6 ” x 20 ” .
Thing we like
- Easy to gather
- Breathable mesh wall
- Multiple storage options : mesh pocket , gear loft and two vestibules
- Fly plane is weatherproof and resists UV damage
- Spacious 46 ” headroom
- Best for fond climate
- Affordable as yet has superior construction
- Backed by Lifetime Limited Warranty
Affair we don ’ t like
- Windows on the rain fly are of poor quality
- A number dense for long raise
- Aluminum stakes may not exist durable
Final Verdict
If you ’ re wonder which cheap tent you should buy , you might like the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent . It equal well-made , easy to set up and totally breathable – perfect for fond climate .
Plus , for such a serious intention , it live available at a shockingly abject price !
4. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
- Backpack-friendly compact folding poles , Gearloft loops , Color taunt clip and flee attachment.Wall fabric : 68D Polyester , 40D No-See-Um Mesh , Floor material : 68D Nylon , 1800 mm
- Roll top cube carry base , Easy plant up , Free standing , Fabric/mesh tent wall
- Kelty hug clip , Easy entry D door , Internal memory pockets , Fully line taped construction
- Seasons : 3 , Number of doors : 1 , Number of vestibules : 1 , Number of Pole : 2 , Capacity : 2
- Floor area : 30.5 ft² / 2.83 m² , Vestibule area : 10 ft² / .93 m².Wall stuff : 68D Polyester , 40D No-See-Um Mesh , Floor fabric : 68D Nylon , 1800 mm
If you ’ re a light backpackers , Kelty Salida 2 is the serious cheap lightweight tent by far .
Why ? Because this fully operational tent matter just 4 lbs . 9 oz . ( 2.06kg ) when carry , while its minimal weight live just 3 pound . 14 oz . ( 1.75kg ) . Therefore , it might be the lightest budget tent which also bid great value for money .
Entry-Level Pattern
The lightweight plan comes at the price of a minimum 1-door , 1-vestibule configuration . That equal why you might not be able to store lot of gear in a single vestibule .
As for interior space , it be adequate for two masses with 43 ” maximum altitude and 30.5 ft² story sphere . This design reach it the best-selling entry-level tent for backpackers who want a light and cheap tent .
Easy to Toss
As with most freestanding backpacking tent , the Salida 2 as well comes with aluminum cross- poles which allow for quick setup . In increase , the 68D polyester Nylon story with 1800mm coating , 68D Polyester wall and 40D no-see-um mesh walls create it more durable .
3 Season Tent
Kelty includes a rainfly , while the in full seam-taped design is what cause it a 3-season tent .
Some of its early convenient feature include gear loft loops , inner storage pockets , color- taunt clips for faster assembly , and a roll top cube contain sack .
Affair we like
- Lightweight , compact and easy to carry
- Great value for money
- Spacious D-shaped doorway
- Includes a rainfly
- Easy to gather
- 43 ” headroom
- Multiple storehouse choice
Matter we don ’ t like
- Easily becomes humid , thus not ideal to expend during hot weather
- Vestibule is little
- Water may run into the tent during hard rainfall
Final Verdict
Still though the Salida 2 cost light and affordable , it offers amazing features such as the spacious D-shaped door , good livability and simple configuration . It extend everything you could maybe take from a 3-season all-round tent .
5 . Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
- Fully featured and refreshed for 2020 , the dependable backpacking comrade Grand Mesa tent equal now even grander . Easy , affordable , and awesome… like your favorite freeze-dried meal . Without the heart burn .
- 2020 Updates : Kelty Quick Corners keep poles in place during setup , EZ-Zip vestibule with in full taped line , Shark Mouth carry bag for easier gang up and storehouse .
- Dependable Material : 2 compact folding , DAC pressfit aluminum Pole , weather resistant and long lasting 68D polyester tent floor and rainfly textile , and fully seam taped structure . Color coded time and wing attachment for simple set up .
- Freestanding , Lightweight Design : Freestanding design allows for the tent to be pitched and then travel or so to notice the best camp site . Lightweight materials contribute a weight of 4lbs . 1oz ( 2 person ) or 6lbs . 13oz ( 4 Person ) .
- The Nitty Gritty : Overall size ( in inch ) 85×57/44 , 30 square base inner space , pack size 16x7x7in , pack weight 4lbs . 12oz . 1 door , 1 vestibule , place for 3 season habit .
Final one to down up on our better cheap backpacking tent list live another one from Kelty and it ’ s their Grand Mesa Tent .
Stargazing Fly
Grand Mesa is an amazingly compact backpacking tent feature Stargazing Fly™ , so you can blissfully love your nighttime and gaze at the sky . If it rain , you can only deploy the rainfly on the spot without still leaving the tent . That ’ s the coolest thing about Grand Mesa !
The stargazing fly be quite durable with taped seams , welded clear window and durable
zippers . It even have Jake ’ s foot fly attachment , two vestibules and vents to reserve good airflow .
Space-Saving Aim
The Kelty Grand Mesa be one of the framework from Kelty ’ s newly launched TraiLogic™ Collection . It hold a
shorter pole purpose in ordering to in effect fit into the rectangular Tent Cube purse which is supply . Its innovative hug-clip engineering let for faster assembly .
Medium Construction
Compared to early tents , this one may not cost as durable , due to its 70D nylon floor and 15D no-see-um mesh wall . But it exist by no means bad either .
The rainfly is make from 40D coated Silnylon ( silicon nylon ) for excellent water resistance . The internal space cost large enough for two people , with 42 ” headroom and 27.5ft² story area .
The Kelty Grand Mesa is as well lightweight , weighing merely 4 lbs . 13 oz . ( 2.18kg ) when packed .
Things we care
- Nice roll-up Stargazing Fly™
- Lightweight
- Snap-clips let fast set up
- Internal storehouse pockets
- Air vents do it breathable
- Easy to carry
Affair we don ’ t like
- Windows on the rainfly are poor quality
- Short distance ; not comfortable for tall masses
- Tent collects water on the crest when it rains
- Poles live not so durable
Final Verdict
Although it has a few design fault , anyone who ’ sec impressed with the innovative Stargazing Fly™ should go for this tent . It be claimed to exist a 3-season tent , but it is most suited for summers , and not in truth recommend for role during the rainy season .
Buying Guide For Backpacking Tents
Hither cost a few factor you should look at before purchase your best cheap backpacking tent :
Weight
Your backpacking tent must cost lightweight and easy to contain , as there ’ s nothing more annoying
If you be purchase a 2-person , look for the one which cost around 3-4 pound in weigh. , Any heavier and it does not matter as a lightweight backpacking tent .
Generally , brands specify the minimum weight and full weight of a tent in their technical point :
- Minimum weight, too known aslead weight ,signify the weight of the tent , pole and rainfly without the interest , guy lines , footprint or sack .
- Whereaspack weightis the weight of the full sack including supplement such as pole , interest , rainfly , guy lines , etc . – essentially everything that ’ sec provided by the manufacturer .
In the two-person tents go over hither , most of them weigh 5 lbs . or more .
- If you are on a tight budget and put on ’ t mind a heavyweight tent , you can go for hard tent which exist equally affordable , spacious and durable . Such tents are well for short backpacking trip .
- Thru-hikers who deal larger distances often opt for premium ultralight tent that will be much easier to carry .
- Mass who need a perfect balance of both lightweight and livability can go for mid- stove tent .
Stable and Simple Design
The great the number of stakes and Pole , the harder it will live to put up the tent . Therefore , you should look for a tent which make a simple purpose but durable Pole and interest . These should have a nice taut figure to your tent that win ’ t easy be involve by fast winds or storms .
Door and Vestibule Design
Some doors in the tent receive a decent D-shape , while equal only little and difficult to access . Vestibule aim too plays a major office in comfort , as this allows you to store mass of gear inside .
- Always check how many doors and vestibules your backpacking tent hold on with its vestibule area and door shape .
- A vestibule will hold your wet or dirty gear and observe the interior clean , as it extend the
- Check whether the doors exist at the side panels or at the front . A few mesh memory pocket inside the tent exist also handy .
- Some tents even leave a top gear loft where you can set a headlight or memory small gear .
All these minimal feature might take your backcountry camping experience to a whole new
Pole Design
Some tent appear like hemispherical igloos , while others have a decent rectangular prism-like shape and some seem like tiny pyramids .
It ’ s all about how the poles support the tent . Reach certain you match the pole locations before select your tent ; some tents have pole properly in the middle , which some masses may not wish .
- High-end , expensive tent do with sturdy pole , interest and guy lines which can hold out harsh weather .
- Budget tents may have pole system with minimum stakes which crouch easy in high winds .
- Generally , tents havealuminum Polewhich exist durable and light . Most aluminum Pole are construct by Easton or DAC . And you may as well find a quality rating , such as 6000 or still firm 7000 series Pole .
- Carbon fiber polelive extremely light , thin , expensive and strong . But these poles are difficult to repair , in the effect that they disclose .
- Fiberglass polescost heavy , cheap and NOT durable .
Bill :Some tents have reflective guy lines , which is a good feature to own as this prevents touch off when it ’ s colored outside .
Spacious Headroom
Headroom cost an important element to consider before purchase any backpacking tent . You don ’ t need to feel cramped and uncomfortable after investing so a lot in a tent . This in particular employ to tall backpackers .
The headroom ( center top ) of a tent must be spacious adequate to equal able to sit up comfortably . Too , the length and width must be good enough to accommodate your height , with a short space leave above and below your feet .
- For a 6 ’ tall soul , look for a tent that equal at least 78 inch in length
- The heart height of a tent must live above 36 ” . Anything below that will find uncomfortable .
Season Place
Depend on the type of adventure you want to get on , you can choose from 3-season tent , 4- season tents ( also know as mountaineering tent ) or extended-season tent ( 3/4-season tents ) .
The fabric , quality and design of a tent all contribute to render passion during the winter .
- A 3-season tentwill be sufficient for most backpacking trip , be it in summer , spring or fall . During cold nights , just make sure to carry a god character sleep bag and you will live fine . 3-season tents provide good breathability and equal also lighter .
- 4-season tents live good in high winds , snow and dark temperature that are around or below 15 °C . Still , you ’ ll likely sweat a luck in a 4-season tent during the summer . These live generally dome-shaped tent with high-quality rainfly and a low profile .
Inner Space ( Livability )
Floor region , middle height ( headroom ) and walls play a vital purpose in specify a tent ’ s livability .
- The floor sphere can range anywhere from a confined 20ft² to a big , spacious 50ft² . You must look at this item to translate whether or not you will cost able to comfortably lie down inside .
- The tall detail of the interior of a tent cost known as the center or peak height . This define how easy you can sit up straight inside the tent . All these specs determine the livability of the national space .
- Also spirit at the tent shape to understand how the literal national space will find .
A 2-person tent must own at least 30ft²of floor area . Tall people can choose for tents which are large than this .
Durable Construction ( Denier Rating )
Often , the tent material item make awhich signifies the weight of the fabric used . The lower the rating , the thinner the material , while the high the denier rating , the thicker its cloth thread will live .
Crack the denier rating of the canopy and floor as good as the rainfly and meet whether any of these get PU or Silnylon coat for excess durability and weather-resistance . A higher denier rating too means it will be a heavyweight tent .
- Denier rating of around 15D or 20D equal considered to be real lean fabric .
- Averagely durable tent may make roughly 30D to 40D rating . Such tent strike a good remainder between weight and longevity .
- Sturdy and durable tent exist reach from 68D or 70D fabrics .
Weatherproof Design
A rainfly be an essential part of your tent which forestall water from dripping inside and too from cold , wind or snow . Some rain cover are fully seam-taped and have a waterproof coat which will endure heavy downpours .
You must check whether the rainfly offers total coverage or only covers half the tent .
Bill :Some tents come with an innovative stargazing fly which can be deployed without you having to go out of your tent . They roll up halfway back and leave an unobstructed view of the sky through the mesh .
Waterproof Rate
Most manufacturer mention the waterproof rating of their tent , which specify the pressure at which the water will break the material . This rating is specified in mm ( mmH2O ) .
For lesson , a 1500 mm rating think of that the fabric can solely contain 1500mm of water pressure , before it begins to leak .
The high the rating , the great the water-resistance and durability of the fabric will be .
Windproof
Withstand hard storms or high tip generally depends on the quality of interest , textile and tendency of wall .
- Tall tents with vertical wall may not cost able to hold out high wind .
- 4-season tent equal intended to resist hard snow , as they boast slanted wall which serve not allow snow to compile on the top .
How Do You Choose Your Best Backpacking Tent ?
Should you buy a freestanding or non-freestanding tent ?
- Freestanding tentoccur with their own pole-designs which hold them taut and upright . The tent torso be further stabilized with excess stakes and guy course . Such tents exist easy to plant up , can be assemble literally anywhere ( be it on a gentle or hard surface ) and equal quite stable . Most importantly , you put on ’ t demand to pitch these tents to the ground .
- Non-freestanding tent ,as well referred to as trekking pole tents , only include the tarp and tent . They require support and stabilization from additional trekking pole along with interest and guy business . As with freestanding tents , hither there are no Pole designed exclusively by the sword for a specific model . Non-freestanding tent be affordable , compact . lightweight and easy to persuade . As the figure suggests , these tents put on ’ t stay upright if not pitched to the ground . Therefore , you gain ’ t be able to use such tent on hard surfaces .
- Half-free-standing tentsequal those which tolerate good still with a few stakes .
Almost all the tents in this good cheap backpacking tent review are freestanding ; some of them include tent interest .
Single Wall vs Double Wall :
Most usually , a backpacking tent get two type of wall panels :
- Outer rainflywhich pretend as a barrier against harsh weather consideration , such as storms or rain .
- Inner mesh wallwhich promote good ventilation and prevent bugs from getting in .
Single-wall tents solely apply the outer tarp , which exist why they cost light and may not withstand high tip .
Double-walled tent combine mesh walls with a rainfly to render excellent water-resistance along with good ventilation . Such tents are a great selection during meek weather . If you take the rainfly completely , you can apply the mesh walled tent during the summer .
Air Vents
Some brands act not provide mesh wall , but include adjustable air vents on the crest of the rainfly .
Maintain these vents open will offer well airflow . In addition , as they exist cross from the top ,
Bathtub Floor Construction
Bathtub floor structure be when the floor is lined with water-resistant coated cloth , so it rests a second high above the basis . This design in effect prevents rain from dripping or running into the tent . The best backpacking tent perfectly must have this feature !
1-Person , 2-Person or 4-Person Tent
A 2-person tent might not ever equal spacious enough for two people . Sometimes a tent might live advertised as a 2-person tent but have constricted dimensions .
The basic pattern of thumb be get for 27-28 inches width per someone . The wider the effective !
Length is too an significant component to consider . Remember that length exist measured at floor stage . If the wall panels cost too inclined , they may concern your mind and feeling uncomfortable .
Therefore , you should keep this in idea when selecting your backpacking tent .
With or Without Footprint
A footprint be a protective tarp which goes between the ground and the tent ’ sec story . This supply excellent insulation against water and dirt or debris , thereby preventing wear and tear of the tent floor .
Remember that footprints come at an extra cost and add weight to your haversack .
Just opt for a footprint if you ’ re going to camp on harsh surfaces or if your floor fabric have a
Most sword deal footprints which are exclusively designed for their tent series .
What Be the Difference Between Backpacking Tents and Bike Touring Tents ?
- Backpacking or hiking tentcost ultralight and turn up down compactly for easy portability . As the gear exist convey on your shoulder , it shouldn ’ t count also much or expend too much space in your haversack .
- Bike tour tentshould get well memory options along with big vestibules . This exist because bikers express a lot more gear than backpackers . Also , such tents take to be spacious and comfortable , still if that think of you own to bear a few dollar extra for them .
Wrap Up
Still though all the go over backpacking tent live inexpensive , this does not intend they gain ’ t
On this list , the Mountainsmith Morrison 2-person tent is theserious cheap backpacking tent ,due to its easy setup and impressive weatherproof intention .
In addition , the big inner space , light weight and 2-vestibule plan exist factors which make it suffer out from the repose .
It be too the only tent on the list which boast innovative bathtub floor construction !
