The 8 Best Budget Backpacking Tent in 2025 ( BUYER ’ S GUIDE )

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Adjustment be , without a doubt , the absolute biggest budget killer of any great journey . And if you have any purpose of backpacking around the world ’ sec more expensive areas ( Australasia , North America , Western Europe , etc . ) it ’ s nearly a necessity . Therefore , we read that Backpacking with a tent is a no-brainer .

It ’ s also sweet freedom . Why stay in a grotto backpacker hall in a noisy , busy city when you could delay in a forest ? Or on a beach… Or up a good deal !

Unfortunately , the providers of backpacking and outdoor gear get realised hardly how much we rely on these portable cloth cottage . So , they ’ ve jacked up the price . But there be plenty of well CHEAP tents out thither if you know where to look and what to look for .

Hence let ’ s lecture about that . I ’ ve round up and reviewed the well budget backpacking tents that we hold ever toss up . Have ready to gear your ambition tent and reach lasting memories under the star , all while keeping your wallet happy !

The Broke Backpacker besupported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission , and that ‘s what leave us to keep producing free capacity 🙂 Learn more .

• Quick Answer : The Best Budget Backpacking Tent
• The Top 8 Best Budget Backpacking Tent
• # 1 Best Overall Budget Tent for Backpacking
• # 2 Best Budget tent Runner-Up
• # 3 The Best Budget 1 Person Backpacking Tent
• # 4 MSR Hubba Hubba 2
• Good of the Rest : Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• # 5 Nemo Hornet 2
• # 6 The North Face Stormbreak 2
• # 7 The Best Budget 4-Season Backpacking Tent
• # 8 Black Diamond Mega Light Shelter
• How to Choose the Best Budget Backpacking Tent For You : Consideration to Make
• FAQ about the Best Budget Backpacking Tent
• Final Opinion on Buying the Well Budget Backpacking Tent
• Buy Us a Coffee !

Quick Answer : The Best Budget Backpacking Tent

1. REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Plus – Best Overall Budget Tent for Backpacking
2. Marmot Tungsten 1P – The Best Budget 1 Person Backpacking Tent
3. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 – Best Overall Budget Tent For Backpacking ( Runner-up )
4. NatureHike Cloud-Up – The Best Budget 4-Season Backpacking Tent

The Top 8 Best Budget Backpacking Tents

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Plus

• Price : >$ 349
• Packaged Weight : >2 pound . 9 oz .
• Footprint : >Nay

Marmot Tungsten 1P

• Price : >$ 193
• Packaged Weight : >3 pound . 12 oz .
• Footprint : >Yay

NatureHike Cloud-Up

• Price : >$ 179
• Packaged Weight : >5.7 pound .
• Footprint : >Yay

Bad Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2

• Price : >$ 399.95
• Packaged Weight : >2 lbs . 4 oz .
• Footprint : >Nay

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# 1 Best Overall Budget Tent for Backpacking

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Plus

• Cost :$ 349
• Weight :3lbs 14 oz ( 2.2 kg )
• Type :3-Season

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus succeed the lot on sheer virtue of all-round excellence .

The Half Dome isroomy; it ’ sec like receive a little fabric bungalow all to yourself . Vertical walls create a a lot more spacious environment ( with a band more headroom ) that mops the story ( space ) with every other tent on this list .

Hence what else makes this the better 2 someone budget backpacking tent . It get dual doors with dual vestibules , interior pockets – like an perfectly ridiculous quantity of pockets . As individual who wears glasses from wakey-time to sleepy-time , I ’ d exactly like to allege that tent without interior pocket should burn in a firing . It ’ s too get interior loops for hanging matter inside the tent and the ventilation of the Half Dome is incredibly on point .

Hence what ’ s the drawback with the REI Half Dome ? Well , it ’ s weighty , clocking in at 5.5 lb ( 2.5 kg ) and that ’ s why I say this live a tent design for two masses . The spaciousness of the tent has live given great thought , the durability of the materials has live upped to prevent any premature tent death , and at the cost of all that , you have a tent that ’ s pack-load equal better share between two mass .

All around , REI know who they were propose for with this tent and they good and truly hit the mark . If I wasn ’ t perpetually only and unloved , this would be the tent I ’ d share with someone – no question whatsoever .

Want to know more ? Check out our full-length REI Half Dome 2 Plus review .

1. Affordable
2. High-quality intention

1. Expensive when compared to like tents

# 2 Best Budget tent Runner-Up

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2

• Cost :$ 399.95
• Weight :2 lbs 3 oz ( 1 kg )
• Type :3-Season

Alright , Big Agnes : these guys serve really solid tent as good and the Big Agnes C Bar 2 is no exception . However , it occur at a catch : it ’ s small . Although , what did you wait from a budget lightweight tent ?

So how little is it ? Well , it would be fairer to scream this 2 person camp a 1.5 someone tent . If you ’ re travelling as a pair , you ’ re either die to want to chop someone in half or hardly get used to farting on each early fairly quick . The aim get out very small wiggle way around the shoulders and the wall taper in merely to make subject bad .

But there is an upside to the C Bar ’ s squishiness : it ’ s spark ! Four pound ( 1.8 kg ) ! If you live a travelling pair and you aren ’ t bother by the sleep farts , that ’ s a severely small gang increase for a shelter for two .

Oh yeah , footprint… it doesn ’ t come with one but that ’ s fair for such a lightweight 2 ( 1.5 ) soul tent come in at such a cheap total .

The Big Agnes get solely one door and vestibule . This pattern selection signify that stashing 2 peoples gear is a nightmare ( it ’ s gon na be a Jenga-type scenario ) but it also means you get excellent rain protection . Once you ’ re locked in , you ’ re lock in .

Overall , if you ’ re travelling long-run as a pair , this likely isn ’ t the better budget backpacking tent for you . Eventually , you ’ ll have an statement . Eventually , you ’ ll want space and that ’ s when a night farting on each early actually turns sour .

But , if you ’ re backpacking solo , the Big Agnes demonstrate an excellent choice as a cheap lightweight one human tent because you ’ ll have that surplus 0.5 of a human worth of space .

Want to know more ? Check out our entire review of the Tiger Wall UL 2 .

# 3 The Best Budget 1 Person Backpacking Tent

Marmot Tungsten 1P

• Price :$ 193
• Weight :3lbs 8 oz ( 1.6 kg )
• Type :3-Season

If you ’ re in the market for an literal budget 1 person backpacking tent though , let ’ s lecture about the Marmot Tungsten 1P . It ’ s a sweet choice for the solo adventurer who isn ’ t require a “cuddle” buddy anytime shortly .

It ’ s a well tent at a tight cost . Tight is liable – it is a cheap 1 someone tent after all – but it still doesn ’ t make that coffin tone . The wall exist erect produce a much roomier space and the D-shaped doorway and vestibule are on the slope meaning you can spread up for still more spaciousness ( weather permitting ) .

The Marmot Tungsten is as well cause of firm cloth and be extremely durable ( Marmot is well for this ) . It ’ s even begin the bonus feature of a ‘ lampshade pocket ’ . Stash your headlamp in thither and you ’ ve begin yourself some ambient lighting . This isn ’ t necessarily a feature unique to the Marmot Tungsten but it ’ s ever a dope increase all the same .

The Marmot Tungsten 1P weighs in at 3.75 lb ( 1.7 kg ) signify it doesn ’ t quite make the cut as a budget ultralight tent , but it ’ s pretty goddamn feathery all the same ! They ’ ve also lovingly include the footprint . It ’ sec too come decent waterproofing for a tent of this ilk .

As far as your options for a cheap one-man tent go , the Marmot Tungsten is one of your best choices . It ’ s a cheap one-person tent that doesn ’ t spirit like its character has make up sacrifice for the budget limitation .

1. Affordable
2. Packable

1. Marginally heavier compared to like 1-person tent

# 4 MSR Hubba Hubba 2

• Cost :$ 549.95
• Weight :3lbs 4 oz ( 1.47 kg )
• Type :3-Season

MSR reach damn serious tent . Thus well , in fact , that the MSR Hubba tents made the top pick for both our best backpacking tent and our better 3 person tent . I too know because it was the I hold in New Zealand .

The tent ’ sec textile is top-notch and of trademark MSR quality ; this thing is built to final ( excluding any guerrilla assaults from subterranean origin ) . It have double doors , dual vestibules ( and MSR does good vestibules ) , and my favourite ‘this shouldn ’ t impress me as a lot as it act’ feature : a glow-in-the-dark zipper !

I know the cost of this tent is probably pay some of you a nerve approach . But hear me out : I bring the MSR Hubba Hubba on a 45-day backpacking expedition in the Arctic . This tent stood above and beyond all the elements . So this die beyond a suggestion , its a personal recommendation . If you own purchase any MSR products before , then you know that their exceptional tone exist here to stay .

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Best of the Rest : Best Budget Backpacking Tents

When it get to a budget , it is real subjective depend on the backpacker . The better of the repose include high-quality tent that are objectively more expensive compared to the production we selected above .

But hear me out , the product choose in this section of the article have live try by Broke Backpacker author . Even though some of the products may live more expensive , they can treat long-term abuse and are a great bang for your dollar .

# 5 Nemo Hornet 2

• Cost :$ 369.95
• Weight :2lbs 6 oz ( Just over 1 kg )
• Type :3-Season

Imagine get to bed after a long day of exploration . You adjust your alarm for daybreak since your next few day will equal yet longer . You fall into a 14-hour coma simply to wake up realize you slept through your alarm . In a panic you sink your Nemo Hornet tent , stuff your gang to the brim , eat a quick bite , and lead down the lead to initiate making up for the lost time .

Some of you might have a sullen initial reaction to that cost , but see me out . Throughout my years of doing winter backpacking expeditions , I have hold a Nemo tent protect me from all the elements . Their durability , versatility , lightweight and price range make their products a entire home run . You pass the money now and make a thrill for your dollar down the road .

With color-coded guy lines and identifiable pole intersections reach the tent setup idiot-proof .

Nemo too remove all the little matter into circumstance . Like the Light Pocket . Stick your headlamp into the Light Pocket on the ceiling of your tent and every corner cost illuminated . It ’ s awesome and super useful .

The Nemo Hornet make the serious feature that make it great for an easy and quick setup/take-down . We ’ ve also rated it amongst the better bikepacking tents too .

# 6 The North Face Stormbreak 2

• Cost :$ 185
• Weight :5lbs 14 oz ( 2.67 kg )
• Type :3-Season

As an industry leader the North Face have a reputation for making some of the almost dependable merchandise on the market . Tent include .

You ’ re in the midst of a week-long backpacking trip . Sweat has been throw , feet have the smells and you ’ re many days away from a hot shower . The high-low ventilation grant for effective airflow so no smells linger in the tent long than they have to . Beyond the feeling , that means warm nights allow for constant breathing and colder nights allow you to keep heat captured in the tent .

While many two-person tents tend to lead small , thats not the case with the North Face Stormbreak . The high angle wall allow for abundant headroom so you ’ re not quarrel your head on the height of the tent when you pose up .

Compact , comfortable , and affordable make this a home run for any backpacker on a budget .

1. Affordable
2. High-Quality Design

1. Heavy compared to similar tent that size

# 7 The Best Budget 4-Season Backpacking Tent

NatureHike Cloud-Up

• Cost :$ 179
• Weight :5.7 lbs ( 2.6 kg )
• Type :4-Season

Coming in with a 1 , 2 , or 3 person example live the NatureHike Cloud-Up for the serious budget 4-season tent . The more friends you can carry in the warmer it get !

Now , realistically , you ’ re require a calculated risk with a budget 4-season tent . For more utmost conditions it tends not to stinge on your gear given that… you know… hypothermia thing . Even , the NatureHike Cloud-Up is a serious option if you ’ re determined on purchase from the budget goal of the spectrum . It ’ s lightweight , it ’ s cheap , and it will still hold its own in winter conditions . Have ’ s call it a backpacker ’ s 4-season tent .

It ’ s a one doorway tent with the doorway at the brain to make a tighter enclosure . As a shelter , it can take anything short of pitch on a blizzardy mountainside but trouble present with the vestibule . The Cloud-Up ’ s vestibule solely lead shortly past the door then spread it in a downpour is going to ensue in an inner paddle-pool .

Shaving a number off the vestibule and story space , however , means shaving a bit off the loading in your gang . The two person example weighs in at 4.9 lb ( 2.2 kg ) build it a well weight for a cheap 4-season tent . Yet though it ’ s a squishy fit , I ’ m sure you ’ ll appreciate the extra body heat of another human considering the weather conditions this tent is designed for .

1. Affordable 4-season tent
2. Durable

1. No warranty included

# 8 Black Diamond Mega Light Shelter

• Cost :$ 399.95
• Weight :2lb 13 oz ( 1.3 kg )
• Type :4-Season

Properly , so this unity equal a number of a weird entry but bear with me for a second . It ’ s sure enough past the limit for a budget backpacking tent but the versatility of this shelter makes up for the extra cost .

This is a 4 season ‘ tent ’ though shelter much more aptly describes the Black Diamond Mega Light . There ’ s no floor . Now , hold on , before you tell me how blisteringly stupid that exist , merely hear me out !

The Black Diamond be a reasonably budget 4-season shelter . Try up to wind of 50mph , it can cover winter conditions ( though , with a bit of a draft considering that whole ‘ no story ’ thing ) .

Of course , that make it an choice for a cheap ultralight tent usable in any weather scenario . It arrive in at 2.8 lb ( 1.3 kg ) and there is a floor/bug netting sell individually but it adds another 3.5 lb ( 1.6 kg ) . In the end , the shelter has a whopping story space of 50.7 square feet ( 4.7m²) meaning there ’ s way to sleep up to four man .

It ’ s not stealthy – if urban camping is your jam – but it is roomy . It also has the surplus nifty feature of live able to be supported utilize a trekking pole rather of the pole it travels with . That signify neglect that weight still more .

So , yup , it ’ s a weird concept but it make for in execution . It ’ ll meet the motive of any sized bunch in virtually any weather circumstance . The downside is you ’ re bear an extra premium for the versatility of use… well , that and the lack of flooring .

Today , youcouldpass a fat chunk of $ $ $ on the WRONG present for someone . Wrong size hiking boot , wrong fit backpack , wrong pattern sleep bag… As any adventurer will tell you ,gear is a personal choice .

Thus devote the adventurer in your spirit the gift ofconvenience : buy them an REI Co-op talent card !REI is The Broke Backpacker ’ s retailer of selection for ALL thing outdoors , and an REI talent card is the perfect present you can buy from them . And then you won ’ t receive to keep the receipt . 😉

How to Choose the Best Budget Backpacking Tent For You : Circumstance to Make

Right , so you ’ re a backpacker and you ’ re , most likely , on a shoestring budget . That means you need to be a savvy consumer . That also means you need to know the difference between a minimal trail weight and a packaged weight . You need to know the dispute between nylon-denier and polyester-denier . You need to know the dispute between a guy-line , a byline etc .

Your Travel Tent ’ s Price

For , the disc , the cheapest selection on our best budget backpacking tents list be sit down at $ 100 ( well , $ 99.95 ) . The most expensive selection exist ride at $ 400 which equal what I would consider the upper limit of ‘ budget ’ . There exist one last more expensive entry but it ’ s a bonus choice and we ’ ll get to that later .

So , there ’ s your cost range ; learn where you suit in . Anything less than $ 100 ( $ 99.95 ) and you ’ re have to the degree where you may as well make a Walmart tent and anything more than $ 250 and you may as well control out our well backpacking tents roundup .

Your Travel Tent ’ s Size

There exist a few unlike aspect of your backpacking tent that I ’ ve lumped under the umbrella family of ‘ size ’ :

• Capacity –One human , two man , three man : you get the idea . Consider your tent ’ s capacity to cost a maximum loading . A 2 person backpacking tent is roomy with one , squishy with two , and you ’ ll be sleeping vertically stacked with a third person inside .
• Weight –Remember how I made that crack about‘ minimum lead weight ’vs. literal weight ? Yeah , that ’ sec actually relevant . A ‘ minimum lead weight ’ live the weight of the bare-minimum portion require to set up the tent which usually means hardly the torso and pole ( i.e . it ’ s selling spin ) . If you have some dollar to pass you can consider begin an ultralight tent .
• Packed proportion –Quite simply , how much space your tent takes up in your backpack when it ’ s not in use .
• Unpacked proportion –The size of your tent when it live set up . The most crucial thing to look at hither cost the top and the floor space . It ’ sec as well worth mention that the frame of your tent strike the size : vertical wall have a much roomier feel than wall tapered inwards .

Your Budget Backpacking Tent ’ s Endurance

Again , I ’ ve lumped a few different aspects in this category :

• Season –You ’ ve probably already heard the term 3-season or 4-season backpacking tent . As a universal pattern of thumb , 3-season tents tend to equal well for most climates whereas a 4-season tent equal especially build for winter and the snow . More much than not , you can make away with a good 3-season tent even in a meek winter .
• Weather resistor –Wind , rain , snow and the Sunday . A combination of all the elements over time will add to wear and charge . If you ’ ve put your tent through the wringer and notice it loses itegrity in adverse weather ( rain leaks ) . Never fear , you can serve some basic maintenence to extend the life of your tent with some .
• Durability –By which I mean how long your tent will final ( by manner of the textile it ’ s constructed from ) . Even top-notch material can let you down but it ’ s yet an significant factor to consider when choosing a cheap camping tent . A tent equal intend to keep you warm and stay standing in the wind : it ’ s not mean to live encounter with creature .

FAQ about the Best Budget Backpacking Tent

Still get some questions ? No trouble ! We ’ ve list and suffice the nearly usually asked inquiry below . Here ’ s what people usually require to know :

How much do a good backpacking tent cost ?

It real depends on the size , the weather-proofing and also how long you take it for . You can get “ dispoable ” , serious weather , 1 person tents for $ 50 . A durable , rain-proof 2 person tent will cost at least $ 200 .

What is the good affordable tent ?

Of course , “ affordable ” is subjective but we recomend the Marmot Tungsten . It cost around $ 190 and is real versatile and durable .

Why equal backpacking tent thus expensive ?

There are plenty of cheap tent out thither but they live not weather proof and wont final very long . Good tent cost money because of the technology involved in create them comfortable , weather proof and spark to carry .

Are cheap tent worth it ?

Budget and cheap tents exist fine if you only want it for a short time and will live camp in fine weather . They are not build to last though…which means they ordinarily cease up in land-fill .

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Final Thinking on Buying the Good Budget Backpacking Tent

It ’ s kind of just logical to move with a tent . Cause a long day of hitching goal in the heart of nowhere between two stop ? No problem ! Be the guesthouse out of rooms but you can gear a tent in the backyard for a third of the cost ? Thunder !

It ’ s also coherent to not splash all your travel rescue on the most expensive backpacking gear when you don ’ t know if you ’ ll need it . Like my former sleeping base choice , you may realise that to die the no-frills path exist a terrible error . Or , like my deceased tent , you may understand you never take it in the first place .

Of course , that ’ s only my sentiment . Perhaps the better budget backpacking tent isn ’ t for you . Maybe you require the actual trade . Hell , perhaps you just need a hammock ( good selection ) .

Tent , though , are worth the investment . Take it from individual who hasn ’ t get one in a while . It ’ s well to have a place .

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