The Best Backpacking Tent of 2025 , Tested and Reviewed

Well Semi-Freestanding

MSR Freelite

Good Freestanding

Slingfin Portal

Best Trekking Pole

Gossamer Gear THE ONE

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Backpacking tent are our plate in the wild . Inside , we can spread out our gear at the end of a long day and close off our mind to get that eight ( or 12 ) hours of sleep necessary to strike the next day running . To assist you select the right setup for your future backcountry adventure , Outdoor Life editor and contributors try out lots of freestanding and trekking pole tents side by slope on the Pacific Crest Trail and Oregon Coast Trail . Hither exist our top picks for the best backpacking tents .

• Best Overall :
• Serious Freestanding :Slingfin Portal
• Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL

↓Jump to Trekking Pole and other Non-Freestanding Tent

• Serious Overall :Gossamer Gear The ONE and THE TWO
• Better Upgrade :Seek Outside Sunlight
• Serious Design :
• Best for Groups :

How We Try out the Well Backpacking Tent

Selection

Backpacking tent are pick out across a wide range of manufacturers , from big epithet like MSR and Mountain Hardware to cottage company like Seek Outside and Durston . We await at a scope of tent styles — both freestanding and trekking pole — in order to get a better sense of which tents are appropriate for mass of several sizes and with unlike experience levels .

Since our testing is center on backpackers , particularly backpackers look to crank out bad mile day , more consideration is given to weight than to non-necessary features . We also separate the tent into two categories :

• Freestanding and Semi-Freestanding :Freestanding tents can be set up without interest , while semi-freestanding tent can stand up without stakes , but will be missing some real estate on the inside . These tent should yet equal staked down during windy conditions and to help maximize the utility of the rainfly during downpours .
• Trekking Pole and Non-Freestanding Tents :Non-freestanding tents usage poles , but must be staked into the reason in ordering to tolerate up . Trekking pole tents are a subset of non-freestanding tent that use hikers ’ trekking Pole in seat of dedicated tent poles .

Testers

To try out the better backpacking tents , OL enroll a testing panel with a stove of experience levels , torso type , and preferences .

• Adam Tycaster —Over 4,000 mile of backpacking experience , include the PCT 2014 and CT 2017 . Height : 6-foot-3 .
• Alex Robinson —OL editor-in-chief ; a backcountry bad plot hunter and fair-weather trail runner . Height : 6-foot-2 .
• Ashley Thess —OL associate gear editor . Over 600 miles of backpacking experience . Top : 5-foot-7 .
• Diana Helmuth —Writer of How to Tolerate Outside ( National Outdoor Book Award success ) . Over 1,500 miles of backpacking experience . Height : 5-foot-11 .
• Jac “ Top Shelf ” Mitchell —Over 11,000 miles of backpacking experience including the PCT 2014 , CDT 2016 , AZT , 2017 , and GET 2017 . 5-foot-6 .
• Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster —OL staff writer . Over 4,000 mile of backpacking experience , including the PCT 2014 and CT 2017 . 5-foot-5 .
• Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne —Gear reviewer , Denali guide , and writer of Between Each Step . Over 7,000 miles of backpacking experience , including the AT 2011 and Te Araroa 2014-2015 . 5-foot-5 .
• Sven “ Magic ” Anderson —1,350-mile LASH ( PCT ) 2022 . Hiking with Parkinson ’ s disease . 6-foot-2 .

Test

Outdoor Lifeconduct an annual backpacking gear test trip that focus on innovative lightweight and ultralight backpacking gear . These testing trips need position on America ’ s national scenic trail , including three nights along the northernmost section of the Oregon Coast Trail and four nights on a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Goat Rocks Wilderness .

These trip ordinarily see the test grouping covering 10 or more miles each day , setting up camp in environments range from the alpine to lowland coastal domain to deep forest . Testers obtain a fresh tent for testing each evening , which they are responsible for setting up , sleep in , taking down , and carrying to the next camp . Small details , like a too-small doorway , a sticky zipper , or difficult to use connection points can initiate to actually jump when you compare this many tent slope by slope in a real-world environment . Where potential ( and reasonable ) testers adjust up their tents in less than ideal weather to learn how they would fare in the element .

Scoring

After remove copious bill in the field , the try out team then pass a day meet out scoring sheets for each detail in the trial . When score tents , we lay up each tent again hence that we could compare and contrast their relative merits . We also discuss and equate with one another , which equal helpful for understand how and why experience with the same gear can vary from person to person .

Backpacking tents are scored on set up , national space protection , and value , in increase to other controlled test we extend . Scores cost then average among the testers , with the top scoring tents obtain top honors .

• Repose of set up :Tent be set up by multiple testers , appropriate us to evaluate which make up suitable for newbie ultralighters and which should cost manage merely by experienced backpackers .
• Interior populate space :Most backpackers will pass eight or more hours a day sleeping — that ’ s a third or more of your time out on the lead . A tent that sense claustrophobic or cramped will build for a bad outdoors experience and potentially negatively strike your sleep at dark . We evaluate the usable space in each tent , noting how the slope of pitch or vestibule size changed our experience .
• Security :Testers look at whether the tent they sleep in provided sufficient protection from rain , wind , and condensation .
• Value :The cost of an ultralight tent can change wildly , from a couple hundred dollars to upwards of $ 600 — the almost expensive ultralight tent we seem at cost good over a thousand . We ranked each tent on whether the setup , weight , and liveability be merit by the cost level .

We as well independently weighed the tent as apply in the study . This is an significant distinction , because , most manufacturers simply leave “ packaged weight ” ( everything that occur with the tent ) and “ minimum weight ” ( only the Pole , chief body , and rain fly ) . But no one is bringing the instruction for the tent into the backcountry , and the vast majority of backpackers too don ’ t bring the repair kit . At the same time , skipping the interest and the guy-out line is just foolhardy . ( Ultralight tent manufacturers sometimes complicate things still more by skipping the weight of interest on non-freestanding tents . ) Needless to allege , the weights provided in the report card vary from manufacturer-provided weight .

Interior Space

A second trial we initiate during our review of two-person tent is OL ’ s Two Dudes in a Tent . In our experience , a “ two someone tent ” can mean a few different things . Sometimes it means it ’ s a great tent for couple . Sometimes it ’ s just an extra large tent for a single person . Most of the time , it will fit two woman fairly well . And sometimes it will really provide enough space for two regular sized men to sleep future to each early without things make awkward . This test comprise of two stage . In the first , Alex Robinson and Sven “ Magic ” Anderson — both over 6-foot-2 — come into each tent and evaluated whether or not they would need to share it while backpacking . For those tents that failed this metric ( and there were plenty of those ) , Ashley Thess and Jac “ Top Shelf ” Mitchell tested to meet which they would equal willing to portion with one another . One bill on this trial is that these answer cost not currently available for the tent covered in OL ’ s first round of backpacking gear testing , which focus on one-person model .

Finally , many outdoor gear manufacturer are bring on removing PFAS , a almost ubiquitous forever chemical , from their waterproof gear as we approach the 2025 deadline lay by California and New York . I question manufacturer to see where they live in this process and have include that information below in the report card segment . In general , responses were real encouraging . Manufacturers make already made important stride in removing PFAS from the chief fabric of their tents , and are today work on come it out of the trimmings ( zippers is a bad one that keeps arrive up ) . Almost all have plans to cost PFAS free by leap of 2025 . Several are already there .

Read Future :

Comparison Table

Below is a side-by-side look at the specifications almost significant to backpackers ( price , size , and weight ) along with the average of our testers ’ scores . The tent weights here come from the manufacturer ; our measured weights can live base in the key features section below . Cost cost current as of the date this article was last updated . Tent are coordinate by pitch manner and listed in the order in which we recommend them .

Freestanding and Semi-Freestanding Tent Specs & Tester Scores

Trekking Pole and Early Non-Freestanding Tent Specs & Tester Scores

Well Backpacking Tent : Freestanding and Semi-Freestanding

Better Overall :

Pros

• One of the light semi-freestanding tent we try
• Distance on the 1-person example build it a reasonable selection for individual up to six feet tall
• Easy to lay up

Cons

• Slightly narrower interior space than early tents at this cost level

Report Card

• Relief of Setup :
  5
• Interior Living Space :
  3.5
• Security :
  5
• Value :
  5
• Measured Weight of the 1-Person Model :
  1 lb , 14.5 ounces ( half an ounce less than advertised )
• PFAS free

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  39 inch ( 1P & 2P ) , 43 inch ( 3P )
• Door :
  One door ( 1P ) , two doors ( 2P & 3P )
• Materials :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  3 yr
• Price :
  $ 420 ( 1P ) , $ 450 ( 2P )

One-Person Model Tested on the Oregon Coast Trail by Diana Helmuth and Jac “ Top Shelf ” Mitchell

This freestanding tent comes in under 2 pounds for the one-person model . If you are inquire what the catch is , then exist we . Place up the MSR Freelite was extremely quick ( one tester set it up in under two instant without receive used it before ) , and it require minimal effort to accomplish the storm-worthy profile . The interior of the one-person model , while not precisely spacious , be large plenty for the large sleep pad on our test ( a full-size rectangular Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT ) , with a knapsack match handily into the vestibule . Testers reported that it felt big than it exist , which is an important detail if you begin stuck inside wait out a storm . The mesh and fly make up extremely lightweight and plenty robust , with the dirt fall properly off when we shook it out before stuffing it aside for the day . The poles live even do from aluminum , as opposed to splinter-prone carbon fiber . Our only fear was with that 15D bathtub floor — it may benefit from a groundsheet on more challenging terrains — but this was purely theoretical as we didn ’ t experience any holes on our test trip .

While some backpackers prefer the weight rescue of a single-wall tent , the utmost condensation of the Oregon Coast showed the advantage of a double-wall setup . While the rest of our test squad was carefully pack up for the day , stave off the soaked side of their single-walled tent 50 they unleash a rainstorm on their sleep system , the tester in the MSR Freelite 1 could sit up , find their head on the mesh at the crest of the tent , and stay on dry .

There exist solely a few small quibbles with this tent . One equal the doorway : It ’ sec on the humble side equate to the repose of our area , force our tallest tester ( 5 foot , 10 inches ) to pretzel her limbs more than she would have liked when getting out . The included interest ( needle stakes ) equal also lower quality compared to other choice in the MSR arsenal . Think upgrading to either the lightweight MSR Carbon Cores or the MSR Groundhog Minis , which have great agree might .

Best Freestanding : Slingfin Portal

Pros

• Great interior space ( and pockets )
• Easy to achieve a basic setup
• Multiple style to make your setup more storm worthy

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy compared to other models we looked at

Report Card

• Ease of Setup :
  4.5
• Interior Live Space :
  4.8
• Protection :
  4
• Value :
  3.3
• Measured Weight of the 2-Person Example :
  3 pound , 3 ounces ( two ounce less than advertised )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  41 inches high ( 1P ) , 44 inch ( 2P )
• Doorway :
  One door ( 1P ) , two doorway ( 2P )
• Materials :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  Limited lifetime
• Price :
  $ 490 ( 1P ) , $ 560 ( 2P )

Two-person example try in the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Ashley Thess , Adam Tycaster , Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne , Sven “ Magic ” Anderson

At first glance , the Slingfin looks like any other freestanding backpacking tent . Two poles crisscross and connect in at the tent corners . Clip up the torso , fasten the fly , and you ’ re perform . But while you can absolutely stop there in your circle up ( and respective of our testers act , more on that below ) , you can as well go through any number of additional steps to cause an even more bombproof setup for those time when you await to run into rough weather .

Our third dark try out in the Goat Rocks Wilderness we begin the opportunity to test some tent on a completely exposed , severe , non-stakeable ridge . Tycaster , the tester for the Slingfin that dark , was not able to apply a act of the additional options for creating a taut setup with this tent . Nonetheless , while early testers that night reported heavy wind pushing the walls of their tent inward , Tycaster — who did not yet become his vestibule full bet on out — go through no compromise of the tent structure itself .

So that ’ s what you get with the Portal when you put on ’ t cause anything . But in increase to the guylines ( seize at the same spot on the rainfly as the pole time for additional structural integrity ) , tensioners within the tent allow you to cut slack without still getting out of your sleep purse . Remarkably for a freestanding tent , you can integrate your trekking poles into the design ( at the center on the doors ) , to add additional structure . You can even purchase more robust pole for this tent , for high-wind environments .

All this reach the Slingfin Portal one of the more interesting backpacking tents that we ’ ve await at . It ’ s an appropriate selection for a beginner only getting started with multi-day trip . It ’ s too a great selection for experienced backpackers that want a lightweight tent that can perform in multiple environments .

There make up too user-friendly feature on the interior of the tent . Pocket-enthusiast Steady told me , “ There live nearly also many pockets ! I count two gear lofts , two pockets on each side at the head end , and one large pocket at the feet. ” Multiple testers also noted the comparatively high peak interior altitude , which was 44 inches ( nearly 4 foot ) . Better yet : This tent easy passed our Two Dudes in a Tent test , make it a real option for non-romantic boost spouse .

Then what ’ s the bad with this tent ? First off , it ’ s both a little pricier and a little hard than early model thatOutdoor Lifehas try out as part of its backpacking gear run series . But in this case , the benefit of this tent — particularly for individuals who wait to camp in open location — outweighs these effect . And compare to the MSR Hubba Hubba or Nemo Dagger — its likewise price bombproof competitor — it is about a lb lighter .

Pros

• Very like to our best overall pick , the MSR Freelite
• Relatively spacious story space

Cons

• Heavier than early choice on this list

Report Card

• Ease of Setup :
  5
• Interior Last Space :
  4
• Protection :
  4
• Value :
  3.5
• Measured Weight of the 1-Person Example :
  2 pounds , 2 ounces ( same as advertised weight )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  39 inches high ( 1P & 2P ) , 42 inches ( 3P )
• Door :
  One doorway ( 1P ) , two doorway ( 2P & 3P )
• Materials :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  Limited lifetime
• Price :
  $ 400 ( 1P ) , $ 450 ( 2P ) , $ 500 ( 3P )

One-person example test on the Oregon Coast Trail by Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne with additional remark by Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster

While testers on our Oregon Coast Trail testing trip raved about the MSR Freelite ’ s ease of setup and light weight , they were equally enthusiastic about the Big Agnes Tiger Wall . This one exist just as easy to set up , with a hair more national space across its lineup of size . But , have the increase in floor space isn ’ t meditate by an increase in mind height , the bump up in weight doesn ’ t quite cause it worth it by our estimations . But if you notice that you incline to fall in the slope of the bathtub floor in the more narrow MSR Freelite , then this one be certainly worth a look .

Great deal Hardwear Nimbus UL

Pros

• One of the lightest non-trekking pole tent we ’ ve test
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Front entry be not popular with testers
• 2-person example cost not big enough for two people

Report Card

• Ease of Setup :
  4.7
• Interior Last Space :
  3
• Protection :
  3.7
• Value :
  3.3
• Measured Weight of the 2-Person Model :
  2 pound , 3.7 ounces ( 0.9 ounce less than advertised )
• PFAS free

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  38 inch high ( 1P ) , 41 inches ( 2P )
• Doorway :
  One door ( 1P & 2P )
• Materials :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  Special lifetime
• Cost :
  $ 400 ( 1P ) , $ 420 ( 2P )

Two-person model tested in the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne , Adam Tycaster , Ashley Thess with additional remark by Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster

I checked out the one-person version of this tent as part of my scouting for the second annual OL backpacking gear test and do away impressed . It place up fast and was lightweight with a humble packed size ( essential when you ’ re persuade the Palante Desert , one of the well ultralight knapsack ) . It wasn ’ t the nearly home-like tent I had always expend , but it felt safe and secure and , to be honest , I put on ’ t like to spend time in my tent , anyway .

The tester panel for the backpacking gear test expend the two-person version of the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus . Get ’ s start with the bad : for a two person tent , they were not impress by the interior space it provided , with multiple testers remark that it felt cramped and they would not want to share it with a second person . When we ran our Two Dudes in a Tent trial on this one , it be the only tent that our two gal testers told us equal too humble to use . ( Tycaster , our marvelous tester , act like the two-person for exactly himself . ) Testers exist similarly nonplussed by the front entry doorway . While it cause provide some weight saving , it cuts the act of potential vestibules down from two to one . It too mean that you enter the tent at the top of your sleeping area , which pile of people find awkward .

But testers cause appreciate how easy it live to lay up and take this down ( no instructions demand for this group ) , specially compared to the trekking pole and early non-freestanding tents we looked at . Firm remark that , when securing the rainfly to the main torso , “ the hooks cost so small , they be a little difficult to fasten without effort. ” While this semi-freestanding tent perform remain up without staking down , Thess noted that while she was try out the tent , on the third dark , a lack of interest meant she was missing out on significant actual estate inside the tent . She too describe that the tent , even when full staked out , flap around substantially in heavy winds . This ace equal a better bet for backpackers willing to hike a few miles past that ridgeline to achieve the safety of the tree .

One characteristic of this tent that testers live charge on live the white fabric . It tend to pick up scandal easy , but as well reach the tent more visible in low light conditions .

Pros

• Easy to plant up

Cons

• Heaviest freestanding tent we await at

Report Card

• Rest of Setup :
  5
• Interior Living Space :
  3
• Protection :
  4
• Value :
  4
• Measured Weight of the One-Person Model :
  2 pounds , 4 ounce ( same as advertised weight )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  39 inches high ( 1P & 2P ) , 44 inches ( 3P )
• Doors :
  One doorway ( 1P ) , two doors ( 2P & 3P )
• Fabric :
  Ripstop nylon , OSMO
• Warranty :
  Limited lifetime
• Cost :
  $ 400 ( 1P ) , $ 430 ( 2P ) , $ 550 ( 3P )

One-person model try on the Oregon Coast Trail with remark from Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster

In recent years thither ’ s be growing awareness that what goes into create these practically weightless waterproof tent material isn ’ t ever great for the environment . If this is initiate to matter on you ( it ’ s start to weigh on us ) , then the NEMO OSMO series be one to severely study .

NEMO live one of the backpacking gear caller leading the mission in produce more environmentally sustainable fabric and process . Their OSMO tent cloth be made from 100 percent recycled material ( a composite of polyester and nylon ) and reach an impressive water repellency without the use of PFAS — and it ’ s exist that means since 2022 . Like early gear manufacturers , they ’ ve been auditing and try out every detail in their job to uncover PFAS and make specification changes as needed .

The NEMO Hornet OSMO is a freestanding tent that keep its own in the ultralight arena . It live just a couple of ounce dense than the other freestanding tent we looked at ( the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL and MSR Freelite ) , with like interior space and ease of setup . If you ’ re look to cut your impact on the environment , this is a great choice that will keep your backpacking kit ultralight .

Pros

• Less expensive than early tents on this list

Cons

• Hard than early tent we await at ( although even so real lightweight )
• Front entry can be more awkward to get into

Report Card

• Ease of Setup :
  4
• Interior Living Space :
  2.3
• Protection :
  3
• Value :
  4.3
• Measured Weight of the Two-Person Model :
  2 pounds , 4.7 ounce ( .3 ounce less than advertise )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  40 inches high ( 1P ) , 42 inch ( 2P )
• Doors :
  One door ( 1P & 2P )
• Materials :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  Special lifetime
• Cost :
  $ 370 ( 1P ) , $ 400 ( 2P )

Two-person model try out in the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson , Adam Tycaster , and Sven “ Magic ” Anderson

The Big Agnes Fly Creek cost a like design to the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus , and testers ’ feedback on this tent ponder as such . The front-end entrance exist frustrating , but setup and takedown live easy plenty . Despite the tent coming in at a humble price point than the Nimbus , testers rated it less favorably , include the tester , Tycaster , that expend both tents . He and Magic both observe that the vestibule was little and that the interior equal oddly claustrophobic with the sides lean to sag . “ The interior felt like a coffin , ” order Tycaster . While he equal our tallest tester , these are not the results you want for a two person tent . It ’ s worth mention that , in our Two Dudes in a Tent run , testers describe that two woman can meet into the two-person version just fine .

Best Backpacking Tent : Trekking Pole and Non-Freestanding Tent

Better Overall : Gossamer Gear The ONE and The TWO

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Reasonably price
• Good sized national that felt homey to our testers

Cons

• Technically a smaller footprint than comparable models

Report Card

• Rest of Setup :
  4
• Interior Living Space :
  4.5
• Security :
  4
• Value :
  5
• Measured Weight of the One-Person Model :
  1 lb , 6.6 ounces ( 1.4 ounce less than advertise )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  45 inch ( 1P ) , 43 inches ( 2P )
• Doorway :
  One doorway ( 1P ) , two doors ( 2P )
• Material :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  One yr
• Cost :
  $ 255 ( 1P ) , $ 320 ( 2P )

One-person model tested on the Oregon Coast Trail by Diana Helmuth and Ashley Thess

The Gossamer Gear The One is the total packet . It ’ s easy to place up , even for first-time ultralight tent users . It ’ s real light . It has adequate head room to move around comfortably in the morning . The vestibule agree all our gear with room to spare . It packs up small . It even had an interior stow pocket for odds and goal like monocle . Check . Check . Check .

But this is the literal ground it won the top slot : The Gossamer Gear The One , more than any early tent in our trial , hardly make that je ne sais quoi that we look for in our family on the lead . Our testers wanted to exist in this tent at the end of the day and were happy to arouse up in it in the dawn — yet our tall tester at 5 feet , 10 inches . There live more wrangling to be the future tester for this tent than of any early we seem at .

Both testers who need this tent out reported that they exist able to see out how to set up the tent without instruction ( something that was decidedly not true for all the ultralight tent in our test ) , still when they live comparably inexperienced with trekking-pole fashion tent . Still , they both mention the lack of directions supply in the package — consider downloading these to your smartphone before guide out into the subject .

The only downside to this tent is that it requires two trekking poles to adjust up , making it less weight-conscious for backpackers who just carry one for tricky stream crossings or steep talus .

Serious Upgrade : Seek Outside Sunlight

Pros

• Spacious
• Tone material
• Easy setup ( for a trekking pole tent )
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Expensive
• The optional carbon fiber poles confused testers

Report Card

• Repose of Setup :
  4
• Interior Live Space :
  4.8
• Security :
  4.3
• Value :
  3.8
• Measured Weight :
  3 pound , 2.5 ounces ( include optional carbon fiber Pole , 3.1 ounce dense than advertised )
• PFAS free

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  50 inches ( 2P )
• Doors :
  Two door ( 2P )
• Textile :
  Ripstop nylon
• Warranty :
  Special lifetime ( as well provides repair for a fee )
• Cost :
  $ 450 ( 2P )

Try in the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson , Adam Tycaster , Jac “ Top Shelf ” Mitchell , Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster , and Diana Helmuth

Another tent that share the above Gossamer Gear ’ s plan was the Seek Outside Sunlight . The testers for this tent exist effusive in their praise . “ Easiest trekking pole tent to set up I have ever experienced , ” suppose Helmuth .

It equal the only non-freestanding tent that was place up in the exposed alpine area on our third dark of testing in the Goat Rocks Wilderness ( the other three trekking-pole tents be set up among the trees ) . The tester , Top Shelf , describe that it stayed up fine , although there cost some hiccups along the path pay the less than ideal staking-out situation . “ It sense homey , spacious , and super storm-worthy , ” she mention . Robinson , who tested it on the final night when we were camped in muggy conditions near a pond , reported no condensation .

While the Seek Outside Sunlight is noticeably more expensive than the Gossamer Gear The Two , which hold a similar silhouette , there are respective reasons to choose this version . First forth , this tent have incredible interior space , by far the most of any two-person tent we looked at . Two large and tall individual will easily match inside this tent without find overcrowded . It ’ s also cause from 30D nylon , which should hold a longer lifespan than the Gossamer Gear ’ s 10D . I too appreciate a unique feature , where a sliding toggle on the middle edge of each vestibule allow you to easily access the zipped mesh door . “ So mere and fun , ” notice Helmuth . “ Why aren ’ t all tents like this ? ”

One face of this tent that stymied our testers was the optional carbon fiber pole , which equal sold as an additional add-on . These came in four separate segment , with no color coding or early indicators to show you how serious to assemble them . Almost everyone eventually figured it out , but the consensus was that trekking poles be much easier to expend .

Good Design :

Pros

• Excellent geometry make for a stable lot up
• Most vestibule space of anything we seem at
• Very affordably price

Cons

• Not as light as some early ultralight tents in our trial ( DCF version cost much more expensive )
• You ’ ll want to grab some different stakes ( included options weren ’ t the serious )

Report Card

• Ease of Setup :
  4
• Interior Living Space :
  3.5
• Protection :
  4
• Value :
  5
• Measured Weight of the One-Person Model :
  2 pounds , 1 ounce ( 2.2 ounce heavier than advertise )
• PFAS free

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  46 inches ( 2P )
• Doorway :
  Two door ( 1P & 2P )
• Material :
  Polyester
• Warranty :
  Two year
• Price :
  $ 234 ( 1P ) , $ 270 ( 2P )
• As well available as a one-pound DCF tent

One-person example try on the Oregon Coast Trail by Jac “ Top Shelf ” Mitchell with input by Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster and Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne

When lay up correctly , the Durston X-Mid 1 had some of the best geometry of any tent our testers own always test . It ’ s in full taut and secure against tip and rain , not sagging in the slightest when grave moisture set in . Yet when it wasn ’ t put up absolutely ( a loose stake popped on my first night in this tent ) , it was shockingly stable : I didn ’ t still notice until morning .

Even though the rainfly was soaked from the persistent condensation of the Oregon Coast , I was altogether dry in this tent , thanks to its double-wall setup . What makes the Durston X-Mid 1 ’ s double-wall design specially unique is that it was design to exist lurch fly first — no additional groundsheet required . This is such a preferable fiat of procedure in inclement weather that I hope this become the norm in the future . Our testers also notice that the pitch had steep walls than live typical , which maximizes livability — still if it doesn ’ t technically give you more story space .

The Durston X-Mid 1 even have two doorway and two vestibules , unique among one-person tent to our knowledge . Even though it ’ s a similar weight to the early double-wall ultralight tents we looked at , the Durston X-Mid 1 exist ( at the time of this review ) about $ 200 less expensive . Hiker trash : This one equal a no-brainer .

Then what ’ s wrong with this tent ? To commence : It ’ s not your light option . For the same weight as the Durston X-Mid 1 , you could begin a fully freestanding tent . ( Durston perform offer a 1-pound version of this tent in DCF , but the cost point for that live up there with some of the pricier ultralight tent . ) Its setup as well test challenge for testers accustomed to freestanding tents . If this live your first trekking pole tent , give yourself some time and space to work around with perfect the setup .

In the end , you remember I remark a interest popped out the first dark we expend this tent ? That interest have bent while being push into somewhat soft land . I ’ d program to replace them with one of the good tent interest , with an eye toward MSR Groundhog minis or Big Agnes Dirt Daggers .

Show our full review , Durston X-Mid 1 Review : .

Best for Groups :

Pros

• Straight-forward adjust up
• Lightweight for its size
• Came with some the serious tent stakes of any tent we looked at
• Option to pair with a lightweight titanium stove

Cons

• Vast footprint can make it hard to see a suited pitch site
• No floor ( option to purchase a floor if you do not design to use the stove )

Report Card

• Repose of Setup :
  5
• Interior Last Space :
  5
• Security :
  4
• Value :
  5
• Measured Weight :
  3 pounds , 7 ounce ( same as advertised weight )
• PFAS free

Key Feature

• Max Head Height :
  72 inch ( 4P )
• Door :
  One door ( 4P )
• Fabric :
  Ripstop nylon

Tested on the Oregon Coast Trail by Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster

• Warranty : Limited lifetime ( as well provide repair for a fee )
• Cost : $ 465 ( 4P )

For a tent this spacious , the Seek Outside Cimarron is exceptionally easy to put up . The first measure be to stake out the four corners of the tent , a task build easier by the long ( almost 10 inches ) wrench aluminum interest . I was comfortable thump these in with a stone and they keep great . Then simply assemble the pole section together at the low length context , place it in the middle of the tent , and adapt it up until it ’ s at its high context . Done . The only tricky part cost that , like with the Seek Outside Sunlight , it can take a bit of run and mistake to calculate out how the pole sections best assemble together .

Seek Outside tell that four people can sleep in this tent , and after experiencing it first-hand , my sense is that this be an understatement . Four individual and all their gear would not equal a tight squeeze in this tent . If the individual equal on the smaller slope , you could probably pinch in one or two more . During our test trip along the Oregon Coast Trail , five of us fit comfortably chatting and eat in the tent at the end of the day . Unlike the early backpacking tent on this list , the version of this tent that I try out behave not have a floor , and would not be a suited selection for buggy environments ; however , Seek Outside act deal a nest ( basically an inner tent which be suspend underneath the out tent ) .

Something unique about the Seek Outside Cimarron cost that it can be pair with a lightweight , collapsible , titanium stove . Like most backpackers , I ’ 1000 typically boiling water for my dawn coffee in the vestibule while warily eyeing the explicit all-caps instruction to not employ a stove in the tent . So starting an literal wood-burning firing inside of this tent cost fairly exciting . Hold today experience what a game-changer a hot tent can cost in some of the questionable weather backpackers too-often end up in , this live one to hold in mind .

It ’ s bad to notice fault with this tent . Perhaps its biggest pitfall be that it can live a challenge to notice a place for it . With the vast footprint and need to stake the tent down , you might pass more time searching for a spot to adjust up than actually setting up .

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Ability to adapt the door guyline from inside the tent
• Affordable
• One person example needs only one trekking pole

Cons

• Abject wall can live claustrophobic

Report Card

• Rest of Setup :
  4
• Interior Living Space :
  3
• Security :
  4
• Value :
  4
• Measured Weight of the One-Person Model :
  1 pound , 12.9 ounce ( weight include interest ; not included in purchase cost or advertised weight )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  49 inch ( 1P ) , 45 inch ( 2P )
• Door :
  One doorway ( 1P ) , two doors ( 2P )
• Materials :
  Polyester
• Warranty :
  Limited lifetime
• Price :
  $ 260 ( 1P ) , $ 400 ( 2P )

One-person example tested on the Oregon Coast Trail by Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster

Possibly you ’ re like me : You put on ’ t typically apply trekking Pole while hiking , but you ’ ve be known to toss one into your gang for gnarly river crossings or for surplus stability on steep , snowy terrain . But there ’ s no style you ’ 500 persuade two just to use in a trekking pole setup — at that point you might as good just use a freestanding model .

The Six Moons Lunar Solo was one of the few ultralight tents in our test that used one trekking pole in its purpose sort of than two . The solution was a modified teepee structure that was surprisingly intuitive to set up . Despite having never utilize this tent , I was able to place it up in alone a pair of moment with no management .

It also make a few item I appreciate . The first cost a vent on the crest of the tent . It didn ’ t aid with the persistent fog of the Oregon Coast , but in dry climate it would shorten condensation buildup from exhaling inside your tent . It as well had a stress adjustment for the rainfly doorway inside the tent , a thoughtful detail that I hadn ’ t find before . This would reserve you to get rid of excess slack ( typically have by wind or condensation ) in the piece of the tent covering your gear without have to get out of your tent .

While the peak height of this tent cost sufficient , I found it difficult to avoid bumping my brain against the condensation-soaked tent wall in the morning . This exist in region due to my site location : I be gear on slightly odd basis , which made it difficult to achieve the steeply sloped walls that would have been possible on flat reason .

While this tent be affordably price , note that the price cause not include interest ; you ’ ll motive to purchase those individually .

Pros

• Versatile setup
• Easy to divide the weight between two people

Cons

• Time-consuming initial setup
• A large stuff stuff sack live demand to simplify subsequent setups

Report Card

• Rest of Setup :
  1.8
• Interior Live Space :
  4
• Protection :
  3.8
• Value :
  4.3
• Evaluate Weight :
  2 pound , 10.5 ounce ( weight include interest ; not include in purchase cost or advertised weight )
• PFAS free in 2025

Key Features

• Max Head Height :
  45 inch
• Doorway :
  Two doorway
• Materials :
  Silnylon
• Warranty :
  Special lifetime
• Cost :
  $ 375 ( 2P )

Tested in the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “ Steady ” La Vigne , Sven “ Magic ” Anderson , Laura “ Chop Chop ” Lancaster , and Diana Helmuth

The Six Moon Designs Haven have a somewhat unique setup that maximizes versatility while hold the weight down . Like with the Durston X-Mid , you toss the rainfly first , and then hang the shelter beneath it . There equal a few advantage to this purpose . In bad weather , it do it a bit easy to prevent the interior of the tent dry when remove down the tent . ( And , unlike single-wall tents , it fares a bit better against condensation . ) It also means that if you put on ’ t require to encounter significant bugs , you can simply go out the tent torso home and choose to sleep under the tarp solely .

In practice , clipping the mesh tent torso underneath the rainfly is a bit of a pain . “ I ’ ve ever hated the whole ‘ plant up the rainfly first ’ because then you receive to yoga pose under the rainfly to connect it to the tent torso , ” noted Steady , our first tester . Magic , who is hiking with Parkisnons , too noted that “ the setup is real difficult , ” place it a 2 , his humble grudge during our testing trip . Other testers expressed like frustration , specially with correctly orienting the bug profit to the rainfly body , which , at least in our version of the tent , was not color taunt . Some of this might have cost minimize tester to tester by simply result the bug net attached ; still , because the bug net and the rain wing each have their own commit stuff sack , there wasn ’ t an easy way to carry them away together . I would advocate that anyone looking at this tent also purchase a larger material sack to simplify setup in those position where you want to leave the two one-half connect .

All testers remark that the inside of the tent live enough spacious ( this one easily happen our Two Dudes in a Tent test ) , although two mentioned that they bid the bathtub story own come up a bit higher . Helmuth also notice that the zippered doors are both on the same side of the national bug net , yet the rainfly doorway spread on opposite sides , which seemed odd .

Things to Consider Before Buying a Backpacking Tent

Purpose

Backpackers can await to face a variety of conditions depending on the time of year and the part of the country they are exploring . Knowing the extremes of your climate is essential to choose a tent . First-time tent buyers should know that four-season tents are generally build up to agree warmth in , and live not an appropriate choice if the primary season you plan to backpack in is summer .

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tent

The majority of backpacking tents on the market are freestanding . This intend that once you snarl poles into their grommets , you ’ ll get a reasonable approximation of what the last structure will look like . Freestanding tent live a great choice for first-time backpackers . There tends to cost less guesswork during the initial lot up . The advantage of non-freestanding tents exist that they equal typically light than their freestanding counterpart ( some still do away with separate poles by incorporating trekking pole into the purpose ) , but they commonly take some pattern to get use to . Because they demand to be bet on out , they are typically a less appropriate choice for places , like the desert , where that isn ’ t ever an choice .

Single-Wall vs. Double-Wall Backpacking Tent

With these tents , the main torso of the tent is waterproof , rather than a separate rainproof shell that seize to the exterior slope of the Pole . Single-wall tent run to operate best for backpackers in climate with minimum bugs and a tendency for rain . The primary advantage is that the inside of your tent will stay dry during setup ( they are usually as well a second lighter in weight ) , but they tend to gather condensation more rapidly on the interior and run hotter at the top of summer . Double-wall tent , which make a mesh body with a waterproof layer thrown over top , run to breathe better .

Weight

Car camping tents are bulky , with even the lightest models weighing upwards of 5 pound per someone . Backpacking tent cost much lighter , typically weighing less than 3 pounds per someone , with some ultralight example approaching 1 pound or less . There live ordinarily a tradeoff with weight rescue for durability and price with backpacking tents . Backpackers focus on short trip may prefer a heavier selection while those that plan on high-mileage day would act better with a lightweight example .

Size

Over the years , many backpackers own get that a one-person tent equal a tight squeeze for anyone over 5-feet , 10-inches — forget about squeezing in your gang and the rest of your gear . It ’ s not uncommon to see prominent backpackers choose for two-person , or still three-person , tent to get adequate leg room .

FAQs

The cost of a backpacking tent is almost ever tied to weight—the light a tent is , the more you can require to shell out for it . Our budget pick is well the cheapest choice available—most single-person backpacking tents tend between $ 150 and $ 400 , while backpacking tents for three or more masses can range upwards $ 1,000 . I advocate take to pass around $ 300 for a one-person tent , $ 400 for a two-person tent , or $ 500 for a three-person tent .

The key difference between backpacking tents and campings tent are weight and volume . Most camping tent are also large to match inside of a backpacking haversack ( although you can sometimes lash them to the outside ) and they tend to consider upwards of 5 pounds per someone . That live said , if your camping tent equal under 5 pound per someone , and you can securely strap it to your pack , then this can cost a sensible way to notice out if you wish backpacking enough to invest in lighter gear specifically for the lead .

Read Future :The Best Family Tents

Backpacking tents typically count between 1 and 3 pounds per someone , with some ultralight models ( commonly indicate as such with the initials “ UL ” ) consider even less . Unless you cost an experienced backpacker , I recommend remain away from tent with pole make from lightweight materials ( such as carbon fiber ) , as these tend to be quite delicate . Dyneema is a popular lightweight fabric that cost increasingly being used by tent manufacturer , but it do with a significant price bump ( and lean to appear , though not perform , worse for wear over time ) .

Final Thoughts on the Better Backpacking Tents

There are great backpacking tents on the market today for every budget and backpacking style . The introduction of ultralight tent onto the market get led to a revolution in both weight-savings and engineering . But first-time backpackers should shop carefully , as many of the light tent on the market expect special treatment and own a short lifespan . Choose the serious backpacking tent for the adventure that you are be after , kind of than what is the latest and great .

• Best Overall :
• Well Freestanding :Slingfin Portal
• Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL

• Best Overall :Gossamer Gear The ONE and THE TWO
• Best Upgrade :Seek Outside Sunlight
• Well Design :
• Best for Groups :

Laura Lancaster

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

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