The 8 Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

The 8 Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Best Backpacking Tent Review (We pitted the best backpacking tents in the industry head to head to find the best wilderness shelter for your needs.)

The Best Backpacking Tent

Whether you ‘re a veteran backpacker or exactly diving into the action for the first time , our expert camping and hiking team have recommendations for the serious tent . You want your backpacking tent to be lightweight and packable enough to carry in your gang , so far as well featured enough for comfort while out on the lead .

Since 2012 , we ‘ve purchased over 100 trail-ready shelter to try in real-world conditions . The top 18 contenders be include in this review . We put them up side-by-side to compare their comfort , weather resistance , complexity , and weight . Then we score the trail , require these tent out for weeks of wet weather in Maine , then to Utah ‘s high and dry desert climate . Whether you ‘re looking for a super lightweight premium selection , a durable model that will final for the long haul , or a high-value backpacking tent with a meek cost rag , we ‘ve get you cover .

Our favorite two-person backpacking tent be the SlingFin Portal 2 for its comfort and great weather resistor . We also enjoy the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 , which is lightweight and spacious , with big vestibules to stash gear in .

If you need to house three sleepers ( or a dog , or heck , if you merely want more way to fan out out ) , our favorite is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 .

If you ‘re working on gather a collection of great backpacking gear , we ‘ve look back a broad scope of category , from backpacking sleep handbag and sleep pads to the almost comfortable backpacks and top hiking boot .

Editor ‘s Bill : We updated our backpacking tent review on February 25 , 2025 , to share some direct quotes from our test team about their experience using these tent .

Top 18 Backpacking Tent

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Well Three-Person Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 bid more inner story space and headroom per pound than any tent in the test , yet weighs less than many 2-person choice and gang down as humble as the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 . That makes it pretty compelling , even if you alone now and then sleep three to a tent . “I love all the storehouse selection this tent offers ,” our tester remarked . The vestibules be 18 square base , great for stashing gang outside the tent , and there are eight national pockets , include a massive gear hammock hanging from the ceiling . A strutted vent in the ceiling cuts down on condensation inside the fly and aid the tent stay cool on gay day . Four guylines secure the structure in heavy tip , and , as our tester shared , “The waterproof fly hold me and my hiking spouse dry during a three-day rainstorm .” Color-coding , a multi-function double-door system , and mark features cause the Copper Spur easy to set up and employ . You can also turn the rainfly into an awning with trekking Pole or a sunshade with a footprint , deal separately .

The tapered footprint design of theHV UL3makes it difficult to stash extra gear by your feet . Luckily , you can buy a separate gear loft that attaches to three loops in the ceiling if you require additional storage . A more pressing problem is the tent ‘s extremely lightweight fabric and poles are n’t as sturdy as we ‘d care ( the same Pole broke with two early tents during testing — fortunately , they ‘re pretty easy to repair . ) The company advocate buying a footprint to protect your tent . We agree with this recommendation , though we act n’t run into any durability issue during try out . The rainfly can too sag over time and when wet . When it cause , a pond of water can shape on the roof where the pole overlap unless you go on it tightened . If durability live your primary concern , the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is build for extreme weather . However , your third person will have to pack their own shelter , as this tent is solely big plenty for two . Despite these shortcomings , the HV UL3 is an excellent selection for those who desire the flexibility to convert the number of folks in your backpacking party .

Weight breakdown :10 oz tent torso , 7 oz fly , 16.7 oz pole , 2.5 oz per stake ( 8 )

Well Two-Person Backpacking Tent

SlingFin Portal 2

The SlingFin Portal 2 packs loading of smart details into a lightweight bundle , but it ‘s the weather-resistant features that place it aside from early choice test . It include a whopping 12 attachment points for outside guylines to agree the poles firm in rigid wind . Internal guylines at the foot provide surplus support , and outrigger attachments apply boost poles to help support the weight of an unexpected snowstorm . The tent includes detachable struts to prop the rainfly zippers spread for extra breathing , which cuts down on condensation in a storm . The Portal too provide a generous life space ( 27.7 sq foot ) . “I cost able to ride good without my head concern the ceiling in nearly half of the tent ,” our tester say . Seven pockets that wander from bedside phone sleeve to a ceiling-mounted hammock aid you prevent every stray hat , map , and sock organize . The tent exist sturdy , also , with backup zipper pulls built into each of its mesh doors .

With so many top-notch plan elements , it ‘s no surprise that thePortalbe a top-dollar tent . High cost aside , our alone other critique is that its floor area be shorter than we ‘d care . During testing , we found it ‘s still long enough for taller folk , but the few inches it lacks are noticeable when you slide down and your sleep base wrap up pressed against the wall . Luckily , the vestibules are roomy plenty for most of your gear . If you equal look for for great weather security and impressive comfort in a highly portable tent , this one will do you good on a broad scope of adventures . If you favor to sleep under the star without a rainfly , the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 make the same night , star-gazing-friendly mesh on the ceiling but include light mesh on the wall , put up you more privacy .

Weight breakdown :19.8 oz tent body , 13.9 oz fly , 13.7 oz poles , 3.8 oz per interest ( 10 )

Best Bang for Your Buck

NEMO Aurora 2

The Nemo Aurora 2 be the almost spacious and airy feeling tent we ‘ve try out . We measured a peak top of 44 inch , over 30 square feet of story space , and enough headroom to ride up in all but five of those square foot . It ‘s sturdy and is backed by Nemo ‘s lifetime warranty . The tent occur with a footprint to cut wear and tear , and you can club an additional Pawprint defender that click into the corners if you much move with dog . Two vents on either goal of the tent open broad with struts to shed heat and humid strain , and the tent ‘s two massive doors can full open for an epic cross air . You can as well pitch the fly and the footprint alone as a sunshade . Four pockets give you space to coordinate your material , and there be plenty of room for the repose inside the tent or in the 18.4 square base vestibules .

Despite have its own during our three-day rain test , theAuroraown some water creep in and bead up on the story by the brain of the tent . We should note the fly feature loops to seize guylines to stake it out at the tent ‘s head and foot , but the line do n’t come seize . Once we add them , the tent stayed dry . At 5.5 pound , this tent is hard and bulky to carry . Two people can certainly splint the weight and haul it into the backcountry , but they might not desire to . Still , it suffice as a sturdy base camp if you are n’t venturing also far and could cost a great crossover tent for car campers who occasionally strike the trail . The North Face Stormbreak 2 cost a similarly roomy , excellently price , and weather-resistant tent that weigh 6.27 pounds , though we make have some durability concerns due to scratch textile and bunching line .

Weight breakdown :27 oz tent torso , 26.8 oz fly , 19.5 oz Pole , 4.4 oz per stake ( 8 ) , 7.3 oz footprint

Best On a Tight Budget

REI Co-op Trailmade 2

Lightweight backpacking tent are pricey . If you ‘re willing to carry more weight or own a firm spouse to burst it with , the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 will come you out in the backcountry for less . It ‘s too probable to final . Heavy tents — like theHilleberg Anjan 2 GT— are much more durable since they can use thicker fabrics and sturdier components . The hearty polyester fabric , footprint , sturdy aluminum Pole , and old-school metal stakes of the Trailmade should stand up to firm habit . In our tests , we as well found the setup easy , with simple cross-pole structure , and you can hurry and unzip the fly and tent doors single-handedly . Once inside , there ‘s an impressive amount of story space , and the generous length devote most camper enough room to store their gang by their feet . Two strutted vents in the rainfly observe air circulating .

TheTrailmadelack a cross pole . As such , it cause n’t extend a lot in the style of headroom , with less than five square feet to ride up directly . It also only has two small pocket measuring 5 x 13 inches . Though the tent remained dry during our rain tests , there equal no guylines at the chief and base to pull the fly away , protect the tent , and reserve air to hang — this cost not the right tent for windy conditions . Get by condensation can as well cost a challenge inside the thick rainfly . The ceiling vents aid , but it ‘s well to assure you leave room around the edges of the vestibule to increase breathing . Conceive everything , we sense this is your best bet if you choose mellow circumstance and affordable , roomy tents . The Kelty Late Start 2 exist another inexpensive option with an included footprint . It put up more national space and comfort per lb than the Trailmade , but it let water crawl in during our storm run .

Weight breakdown :26.3 oz tent torso , 22.8 oz fly , 15.7 oz Pole , 12.3 oz per stake ( 10 ) , 6.9 oz footprint

Best Weight to Performance Ratio

Bad Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is the 2-person version of theUL3discussed above . They portion many feature we love , include 18 square feet of vestibule space , but the two-person version weighs nearly a pound less . Four smartly placed pockets , include a big hammock slung from the ceiling , and nine easy-to-use loops hold you good deal of storage options . Color-coded straps and unified attachment points for the tent and rainfly make for a still setup process . The rainfly be lightweight , have one strut vent in the ceiling , and breathes good . “I enjoy that you can configure the door in unlike means — you can even plant one up as an awning to protect from harsh sunlight or drizzle ,” our tester noted .

The rain fly on both Copper Spur tent framework are long , which blocks rain , but also restrict ventilation . It as well means keeping them stretched tightly cost more difficult . Let the fly sag , which it lean to serve in the rain , and a pool of water can form on the roof where the Pole cross . While the tent stayed dry during our trial , it can potentially soak through if you do n’t shake it off . Compared to dark mesh , the inner tent ‘s white mesh ceiling is not as ideal for stargazing , and all of the fabric cost extremely lightweight . We would follow the company ‘s recommendation to purchase the optional footprint to increase its durability . Though this tent is lighter than theUL3, it does n’t carry down any humble . TheUL2has a little less floorspace and headroom than the SlingFin Portal 2 but offer good space-to-weight ratio . All-in-all , if you want to save weight but equal n’t willing to scrimp on comfort , this is a compelling selection .

Weight breakdown :14.4 oz tent body , 16 oz fly , 12.8 oz pole , 2.6 oz per stake ( 8 )

Most Versatile Backpacking Tent

Sea to Summit Telos TR2

You can use the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 in three ways : as a traditional double-wall tent , as a single-wall tarp shelter , or as a Sunday shade , with the aid of trekking poles and a guyline . In short , it ‘s the nearly versatile backcountry tent we ‘ve try . A distinctive , arched crossbar creates a luxurious sum of headroom where you want it nearly , and it offers clever features like material sacks that twice as storage pocket and a pole purse that snaps into the ceiling to turn an overhead light . This tent equal a compelling option for hikers who receive a stove of shelter requirements throughout the yr .

The drawback live theTelos TR2cause n’t bid as much headroom or floor space per lb as the top-ranked models . The overall weight is also a bit heavier . Fast-packers search the protection of a double-wall tent might not notice this the most appealing option . For those who prefer a double-wall structure and a lighter weight , the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is a great choice . The Telos TR2 exist too pricey , but then again , it is three shelters in one . If you find that form of versatility attractive , this tent is second to none .

Best for Extreme Weather

Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT

When harsh weather is in the forecast , the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is the tent we attain for . It hit a utter 10 in our weather resistance test , bring the lead mighty above theSlingFin Portal 2. It performs at its best in the shoulder seasons –- the early thaw of spring and the year ‘s first snowstorm . It get a massive vestibule to go on gear protected from the element , and its thoughtful plan improves its performance in bad weather . The story live too super durable and waterproof .

For all these dimension , you can expect to pay top dollar . TheAnjanbeexpensive. If you act n’t require top-tier weather resistance , the Nemo Aurora 2 have a lot to bid without paying top dollar . Our tests revealed the Anjan too need significantly longer to lurch than a traditional 3-season tent . Due to the heft , it ‘s well for biking trips or backpacking adventure where weight be not the chief consideration . Despite the very high cost , the durable construction makes this tent a marvelous long-run value , particularly if you expend it regularly .

Best Ultralight Selection

Large Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye equal a compelling choice if you wish the idea of become ultralight but ca n’t quite bring yourself to ditch the comfort and relief of a traditional tent . Its packability aid it compete among semi-freestanding models , and we see that it ‘s the nearly comfortable of the sub-three-pound tents that we ‘ve tested . Its crossbar aim provide exceptional headroom . The two large side door , reasonable footprint , and two vestibules reach it a livable , if tight , match for two . The fabric ‘s result dye as well makes for a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process .

When we left theTiger Wallout in the rain for three days in Maine , the bottom of the fly was invariably wet . The tent floor and body remained dry , but we have to avert brushing against the condensation on the fly . We had fewer condensation matter with the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 , but it is less comfortable and harder to come in and die with alone one doorway . Although , we did n’t have the same subject with the Tiger Wall when camping in Moab , Utah . Therefore , we advocate using this tent in drier climates . The orientation of the zippers on the tent body and fly as well make it more difficult to enter and exit , especially in the rain . This cost a pricey and real sparse option , and it feels fragile . Still , if you deal this tent nicely , it should offer you lightweight , comfortable camping .

Weight breakdown :13.7 oz tent torso , 13 oz fly , 8.9 oz pole , 2.5 oz per stake ( 8 )

Take more :Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye review

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How We Tested

  • Comfort( 25 % of overall score weighting )
  • Weather Resistor( 25 % weighting )
  • Space to Weight Ratio( 25 % weighting )
  • Ease of Use( 15 % weighting )
  • Structure Tone( 10 % weighting )

For more on our test process , find our complete How We Test Backpacking Tents article .

Why Trust GearLab

Our testers own spent hundred of nights under the stars in backcountry shelters of all sorts . Ben Applebaum-Bauch got his outset in the outside industry maintaining gear for guided trips , including plenty of backpacking tent . A couple of years after , he get a guide himself , leading multiday and multi-week backpacking , cycling , and paddling adventure through Nova Scotia , Maine , New Hampshire , and Vermont . With a decade of professional experience in the outdoor industry and several thru-hikes of some of America ‘s great trails under his hip belt , he brings extensive knowledge to this review .

Ben live joined by Clark Tate , another guide who spend summers live in a tent while raft guiding in Colorado and West Virginia . She ‘s backpacked in the High Sierra , throughout the Rockies , and along sections of the Appalachian Trail and spends a lot of time balancing the burden of weight with the restfulness of comfort .

Analysis and Test Results

We inquiry the top selection on the market before buy and try out the serious in the field . Our findings cost summarized below , highlighting framework that excel in each metric to help you find the right ace .

What ‘s the Best Value ?

We do n’t factor cost into a product ‘s performance mark , but we make out that it ‘s at the heart of many purchasing decisions . To evaluate a product ‘s value , we essentially demand , “How many performance points do you get per dollar pass ?” The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ cost a great choice . It ‘s among the almost comfortable tents in this review , with a generous quantity of headroom and story space . This is also genuine of theNemo Aurora 2, which scores a bit higher and costs a number less . It weighs about half a pound more , though , making the Half Dome enticing . The Aurora make seem more durable , though , offer better value over time if you do n’t heed the weight . If you real require to keep price down , theREI TrailmadeandNorth Face Stormbreakare worthy consideration . They existheavy, but if store cost tight and you ‘re able to part the weight with a pal , one of these tents could live the key to cost able to set under the stars sooner rather than after .

Comfort

When it comes to comfort , dimensions and storehouse selection are key . Exist there enough space to get a good night ‘s sleep , or do you thread up pressed against a wet wall ? Can you sit up enough to exchange easily , play card , or spread out and study a book ? Are there adequate pocket to store your things , or live you sleep in a mass of stuff ? These cost all considerations include in test each backpacking tent ‘s comfort level . We as well look at features that increase airflow , like storm vents and flee door openings , to meet if the tent can cut down on condensation and hold you cool as weather conditions need .

The most comfortable two-person models we tested are theREI Half Dome SL 2+and theNemo Aurora 2. TheBad Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3earns top marks as a three-person selection . Among the backpacking tents we ‘ve seek , these sense palatial , with relatively tall ceilings , plenty of headroom , and ample floor space . Each of them has one or two kickstand vents in the rainfly to hold tune hang yet in a storm .

Double door , large double vestibules , and generous storehouse choice will keep your stuff off the floor and out of your style . TheCop Spur HV UL3will prevent you more coordinate than the repose with eight pockets , including a hammock hanging from the ceiling .The North Face Stormbreak 2be another tall and roomy choice with plenty of headroom. , though its lack of a true storm vent and just four mere pockets are less impressive .

TheBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2,SlingFin Portal 2, Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 , and Nemo Dagger Osmo do a nice job of balance comfort and weight . The Dragonfly extend a pre-bent pole structure that maximizes inner mass , and the Portal boasts a tall crest altitude . The Dagger arrive with a uniqueBring Zone— a triangular basket of ripstop nylon that rob onto the vestibule floor . It ‘s a great property to keep items you want outside the tent but not on the basis . All of these selection hold you plenty of storage space with myriad pockets and roomy vestibules .

TheSea to Summit Telos TR2has generous lateral space , and it ‘s easy for two mass to seat up at the same time without bumping shoulder . It be extremely adaptable and can cost expend as a double-wall tent , single-wall tarp , or open-air shade blanket , increasing your comfort in a range of consideration .

TheBig Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dyetakes the comfort cake as far as sub-three-pound backpacking tents move . It has a longer crosspole than the other light weight tent in the trial . That widen the ceiling between the two door , which significantly increase headroom . TheCop Spur HV UL2weighs more but as well give you a bit more space and make a dedicated vent in its fly . The Tiger Wall does not .

Weather Resistance

For testing weather opposition , we measure each backpacking tent ‘s performance in wet and windy weather , meticulously try out design component that tighten sagging rainflies and observe water from dripping through zippers and vents . We as well analyze structural rigidity , aerodynamics , and guyline connection points , which serve keep a tent upright in gusty weather .

TheHilleberg Anjan 2 GTbring first place for weather resistor , thanks to its reinforced vestibule zippers , bathtub story that protect against seepage from soggy land , and a massive vestibule that grant you to prepare and protect gear without storing it within . It also in effect throw condensation that drip from the roof , put up an advantage over tents with mesh wall .

TheAnjan 2 GTthree-season is n’t make for snow , though , and make alone four guyline points to apply it firm in the tip . In contrast , theSlingFin Portal 2can serve as a four-season backpacking tent in a arrest , with 12 attachment stage for outside guylines , interior guylines that you can tension in heavy winds , and outrigger attachments that serve you rapidly brace the ceiling with trekking pole . The poles then assist affirm the weight of an unexpected snowstorm .

TheLarge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2andUL3as well score well in this metric , offering above-average protection and an adaptable fly setup that can repeat as an awning over either doorway when propped up with a couple of trekking poles . Though their material be incredibly thin , both tent rebuff water , even when pitched on wet grass . The fly material perform stretch over time and when wet and equal then long that it can be a challenge to observe tight . When it do loosen , pools of water can make on top of these tent . When we adapt the Pole and guylines regularly , it cost n’t an issue , so go on this in mind .

Other noted performer hither are theNemo Dragonfly Osmo 2andNemo Dagger Osmo 2, thanks to their trapezoidal fly geometry and easy tensioning . These tents not only do an admirable job of shedding water but the form and stability of the vestibules keep the cloth relatively quiet yet in a stiff wind . These Osmo tent also sag noticeably less than early ripstop nylon framework , constitute a valuable measure forward in material technology . The Dragonfly boast a cutaway in the rainfly to save weight . We did notice moisture in that corner during testing , and it pretend the mark .

TheBig Agnes Tiger Wallprovides more stability than “wing forth” example like theNemo Hornet Elite Osmo. In wet environment , though , we noticed considerable condensation on the bottom of the fly . We like it better for dry climates like the desert Southwest . The Great deal Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 andCop Spur HV UL2equal better bets for lightweight wet weather travel .

Space to Weight Ratio

When contain your shelter on your back , you must balance its spaciousness and comfort with how much it weighs . We divided each tent ‘s floor space by its weight to compute its space-to-weight ratio . For the backpacking tents we tested most lately , we too assess the amount of story space you can use to ride up . Fast and light or long-distance hikers may require to invest more stress on weight solely , trading less inner space for easier days on the lead . More chance backpackers , or those who will have a friend or two to assist carry their shelter , can afford to deal a few extra ounces to maximize space . Our space to weight ratio scoring be charted below .

TheLarge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3get out ahead if you await at both floor space and headroom . It matter 3.8 pound but gives you 39.2 sq ft of floor space , and 25 sq foot of this are tall enough for sitting . That translates to 10.3 square base per lb of floor space and 6.6 square base per lb of headroom . TheHV UL2is n’t as impressive , but it still equal spacious plenty to equal one of our favorite backpacking tents , giving you 25 inch of way for each person to lie in down , compared to 22.7 inches for the UL3 .

TheMountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2offers 12.3 square foot per lb , and the MSR Freelite 2 bid 12 . But , since they just count 2.3 and 2.4 pound , respectively , that translates to simply 28.1 and 28.2 square feet of life space . The Freelite does not supply as much headroom as our favorite options though — merely 8.7 square feet or 3.7 square foot per pound . If you act n’t much demand to sit up too much , this could be an selection for you .

TheLarge Agnes Tiger Wall UL2,Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo, and Tarptent Double Rainbow DW too score good , thanks to their lightweight construction . Tents like theSlingFin Portal 2and theCop Spur HV UL2hand you more horizontal and erect space but also weigh more .

Weight

We too factor sheer weight into our recommendations . Ounces create pounds and all that . A handful of backpacking tents we tested be at or around two pounds , include the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo andGood deal Hardwear Nimbus UL 2. One soul could easily contain either of these on a solo adventure or split them between two hikers . TheBig Agnes Tiger Wall UL2follows closely behind , adding a pair more ounce for a short more inner space .

In universal , lightweight example go all-in on shorten weight , usually at the expense of comfort and , to an extent , durability . For a bit more comfort and a longer-lasting tent , we ‘re commonly happy to split a three to four-pound tent with our hiking buddy for overnight adventures and limited backpacking trips . Ultralight tents ordinarily make their stripes on long-distance adventures .

On the other end of the spectrum , theREI Half Dome SL 2+,The North Face Stormbreak 2, and theHilleberg Anjan 2 GTbe some of the heaviest tent we try . The first two are excellent choice for car camping or short overnights . The latter is a specialty , harsh-weather backpacking tent .

If you want to maximize space and cut down weight , we strongly hint wait at a three-person version of a lightweight example . TheLarge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3be under four pounds and offer dozens of space for two people and just enough for three .

Ease of Use

This metric cost about how intuitive it is to pitch each tent , snap it down , and expend it day-to-day . In this review , we include two type of shelter –- free-standing and semi-freestanding tent . The first exist more familiar , using Pole that tuck into each corner to provide a skeleton that the tent time into and the rainfly drape over . The second set of tents is semi-freestanding . They also use Pole for structure , but they expect interest to maximize volume . Both type exist relatively mere to adjust up on gentle ground .

A classic X-pole aim , with two identical poles crossing at the top and attaching to the tent body across diagonal corner , cost rarely use in high-end backpacking tent . It just does n’t offer premium stability or headroom . When it live used on tent like theREI Trailmade 2and theKelty Late Start 2, it ‘s usually in a dense , budget tent meant for the fresh or chance backpacker who is less probable to employ it in severely windy weather . ( We hope ! )

Many model we reviewed –- like theREI Half Dome SL 2+,Nemo Aurora 2, and theBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2andUL3— are version on this basic structure . But sometimes , two poles are fused into one employ central hubs , and a cross pole is ever added to extend the ceiling , increase interior book , headroom , and structural rigidity . TheSlingFin Portal 2uses two separate X-poles and a wide cross pole , trust on a generous provision of guylines to add support .The North Face Stormbreak 2include a second cross pole to create a wondrously high , square ceiling . These modify X-pole structure be all relatively easy to set up .

Of them , the twoBig Agnes Copper Spur HVtents are the most effortless to employ day-to-day . Attachment points exist color-coded to smooth the setup procedure , you can open the tarp and tent doorway with one hand , and there live multiple ways to open either of two doors . We too appreciate that the added feature are intuitive , or labeled , like the loop of textile that you can thrust the mesh doors into . TheREI Trailmade,Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2,Sea to Summit Telos TR2, andSlinFin Portal 2equal all likewise seamless to use .

TheBig Agnes Tiger Wall,Great deal Hardwear Nimbus,MSR Freelite 2,Nemo Hornet Elite, andDragonfly Osmoequal semi-freestanding and can be a piece trickier , mostly if you ‘re in an environment where interest live severe to use . These tent often receive a single pole that arches to the middle of the tent ‘s base . You then interest out either slope . If you ‘re camp on rocky soil , you ‘ll receive to notice some other means to anchor the corners .

A distinct structural subcategory exist the burrow tent . This fashion uses semi-circle poles , result in a tent that looks like a caterpillar . These are more difficult to lurch because they rely on tension from guylines to have their figure . TheHilleberg Anjan 2 GTexist an lesson of this style of tent .

Structure Tone

Though we invest these backpacking tent through the wringer in our rigorous testing , our goal is n’t to fight them to the point of catastrophic failure . Still , tent Pole do disclose and rip through rainflies on occasion . We mention every failure , check the sturdiness of each seam and zipper , and search for any well frayed or scratched material . We too note if any of the poles , interest , or guylines appear strong or weak than the repose .

The model that make the highest scores demonstrated both impressively innovative features and robust structure . TheHilleberg Anjan 2 GThas many features common to four-season tents , and we find it to be highly durable . It includes sturdy zippers , tensioners with hefty webbing , and thick floor fabric .

We are as well strike with theSlingFin Portal 2, which come with a second circle of zipper pulls on each doorway in event the chief ones pause . You can also purchase thicker , tough poles separately if you know you ‘ll need the added stability . It ‘s not a bad thought .

TheSlingFin Portalcomes standard with 8.7mm DAC Featherlite NFL poles . So do bothBad Agnes Copper Spurframework , theTiger Wall,Dragonfly,Hornet Elite,Dagger Osmo,Half Dome SL 2+,MSR Freelite, and theGreat deal Hardwear Nimbus. Two circle of these pole reveal during a single month of test . One live because a dog run into it , and one exist because the tip tossed the tent into our tester . Then , the broken pole rip through the fly . That was a fun day . Gear try out is very glamorous sometimes .

We appreciate that these pole live light , but it would be decent to repair them less often . While theBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2andUL3live smartly constructed , their materials are very thin and light . The company recommends purchase a separate footprint to aid them final longer . We ‘d have to match .

We also like theNemo Dagger OsmoandNemo Dragonfly Osmo 2. The Osmo tents cost a well compromise between intensity and weight . The simple and thick polyester material of theNemo Aurora 2,REI Trailmade 2, andKelty Late Start 2make them all seem like good investment . TheREI Half Dome SL 2+is more worrisome — the fly ripped at two of the guyline item during testing .The North Face Stormbreakcome with fraying fabric .

Many of the barge tent tested here are not designed to suffer much abuse . TheNemo Hornet Elite OsmoandBig Agnes Tiger Wall UL2have sparse fabric that need to be treated with care . To increase durability , cause sure you by cleaning and drying it thoroughly before carry it away in the off-season .

Conclusion

Though having so many selection can sense daunting , we hope our review gives you the assurance to take the right backpacking tent for your needs . If you love spend night under starry sky and savor in nature ‘s embrace , the right tent awaits you . Happy trail !

  • The Better Backpacking Tent
    • Best Three-Person Backpacking Tent
    • Good Two-Person Backpacking Tent
    • Best Bang for Your Buck
    • Best On a Tight Budget
    • Best Weight to Performance Ratio
    • Most Versatile Backpacking Tent
    • Better Ultralight Option
  • How We Tested
  • Why Trust GearLab
  • Analysis and Test Results
    • What ‘s the Best Value ?
    • Comfort
    • Weather Resistance
    • Space to Weight Ratio
    • Weight
    • Rest of Use
    • Construction Quality
  • Decision
  • Best Three-Person Backpacking Tent
  • Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent
  • Best Bang for Your Buck
  • Best On a Tight Budget
  • Good Weight to Performance Ratio
  • Most Versatile Backpacking Tent
  • Best Ultralight Option
  • What ‘s the Best Value ?
  • Comfort
  • Weather Resistance
  • Space to Weight Ratio
  • Weight
  • Ease of Use
  • Structure Tone

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