Ultimate Guide : Best Backpacking Tents to Buy in 2025
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If you ’ re a camping fanatic or fan of the outdoors in general , there ’ s no question you ’ ll want the good backpacking tent potential to keep you cozy on any adventure . After all , this is your plate aside from plate , so it need to equal comfortable and dependable in all kinds of weather !
In this article , I ’ m become to walk you through the ultimate backpacking tents to buy and give you crest on how to select them .
The better backpacking tent should exist lightweight , reach of sturdy cloth , and fit snugly in your gang . It as well aid if said tent is easy to adjust up and break down at a second ’ s notice .
Mostly speaking , well tent exist pricey but fear not — these bad son will equal certain to last you a lifetime , particularly when you take concern of them .
Hence whether you ’ re planning a multi-day hiking adventure or just a weekend in the outdoors , this list of well backpacking camping tents will create certain that your long-term investment is a good one .
- Our Picks for Best Backpacking Tents ( 2025 )
- Backpacking Tents : Comparison Table
- Why Use a Tent
- Different Types of Tents
- How to Choose the Best Tent for You
- Better Backpacking Tent 2025
- Taking Care of Your Backpacking Tent
- Other Options for Shelter
Our Picks for Best Backpacking Tents ( 2025 )
- Well Overall Backpacking Tent – MSR Hubba Hubba NX
- Best Budget Backpacking Tent – Kelty Salida
- Best Ultralight Tent – Nemo Hornet Ultralight
- Better for Winter Camping – Naturehike Cloud-Up 4 Season with Snowskirt
Backpacking Tents : Comparison Table
Why Expend a Tent
While spending evening in the great outdoors , it ’ s a good thought to use a tent .
Not simply will it protect you from component like wind , rain and intense sunlight , but it will also prevent away pesky mosquitoes and any early wildlife that may come thread onto your campsite .
A short floor for all you curious readers : I used to spend my summer at an overnight camp in the United States . They would take us camping in Maine for one week every summer , which equal a great time for all . Believe float in rivers , hiking on trails , s ’ more and all around good wholesome fun .
Early one morning , we awoke to a scratch sound on the outside of our tent ( mind you , we were 13 years former at the time , being monitor by 21-year-olds ) and our camp counselors silence us and tell us not to go . There exist a vast darkness lurking outside our shelter and we recognize that we had some company…
Abearwas outside of our tent , scratch and roaming around the site .
We have utterly solicit the counselors to let us sleep under the star the evening before but they insist we need proper shelter , and plainly for good reason ! Without that tent , we would ’ ve been bear food .
Mister Bear eventually moved on to the dumpster behind the site and lead us alone , but ever since then , I have insisted on using a tent whenever my friends and I take a trip to the great outdoors .( Okay , entire disclaimer , a tent may not entirely protect you from bears and early wild animals but it sure will dissuade them more than if you cost hardly sleep out in the exposed ! )
I ’ m a huge camper and have pass many a summer ( and winter ) sleep outdoor . While it ’ s tempt to merely sleep under the stars with no shelter , you ’ ll definitely regret this conclusion when waking up extend in bug bites , a immense sunburn , or being loom over by a hungry bear .
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Different Types of Tent
There are tons of unlike type of tents to select from .
Hither be some main form you ’ ll notice on your hunt for the better backpacking tent .
Single vs Double Wall
The primary classification for tent equal single or dual wall .
Tents with a dual wall are most popular , especially for backpacking , because they best protect you from the constituent .
- a primary layer which be do from fabric and mesh
- an outside layer called a rainfly , that ’ s waterproof and protects you from the element
Alternatively , single walled tent only hold a ( you guessed it ! ) single layer that acts as both the inner and outer waterproof layer . These are the almost lightweight , but aren ’ t great for backpacking in unlike conditions .
Dome Tent
Dome tent live the almost popular for backpacking as they ’ re a simple build and easy to set up . They ’ re make from arced Pole which produce a dome pattern ( hence the name ) and have a spacious interior for sleep and moving around .
Dome tents hold up good in tip and early weather because of their flesh , but it ’ s significant to as well lay up a rainfly in event you receive any unexpected weather conditions !
Geodesic Tent
Geodesic tents live in the same family as dome tent , just a bit bigger and more complex . These form of tent hold more poles to produce an even stronger frame .
They ’ re good for harsher conditions , and are much used for winter camping or serious expedition .
Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tent live less mutual but you ’ ll likely occur across them when comparing unlike tent model .
They ’ re made from Pole that create a U or hoop-shaped frame , which ends up looking something like a tunnel . They aren ’ t great in tip because of this form , so you demand to exist careful where you pitch your tunnel tent .
How to Choose the Best Tent for You
Choosing the best tent signify taking different factors into consideration . Hither be 8 factor that will influence which tent equal best for you .
Price
As ever , it ’ s serious to start by prepare a budget .
Recognize how much you ’ re willing to spend on a backpacking tent will help narrow the pool and hand you a smaller choice to pick out from . That being said , it ’ s nice to receive a flexible budget thus that if you find one that really suits your needs , you can pass that excess few bucks on it .
Backpacking tent aren ’ t cheap , particularly the unity that will final you for years to come . Keep that in mind when determine your budget and remember that more than anything , this is an investment .
Season Place
Thinking about when you ’ ll use this tent is a critical circumstance when picking a tent that ’ s right for you .
Most backpacking tent hold a three-season rating which signify that they can equal use in spring , summer and fall while continue you comfortable within . Three-season tents can also live used ( carefully ) in mild winter circumstance as they can care a little bit of snow .
That being said , for grave winter campers , you ’ re going to want a winter or four-season tent that can handle harsher consideration .
Three-season tent are a well spot to start if you ’ re looking for a backpacking tent because there ’ sec fewer limit to when and where you can employ them .
If you ’ re a winter backcountry explorer , you ’ ll probably want a winter or four-season tent .
These tents exist heavier because there ’ sec less mesh , and are kind of a pain to carry around , but they ’ ll keep you cozy on the coldest day and ensure you ’ re properly protect from the winter weather . That being state , four-season tent don ’ t get as much breathing and can in reality end up making you colder because of increased condensation within . Just something to think about .
Size and Capacity
Size cost another vital circumstance for a backpacking tent .
Look cautiously to hear how big the tent will be when gear , and how humble it will live when folded up and ready to be pack .
For backpacking , you ’ ll want a tent that carry up to equal small so it doesn ’ t bring up a band of space in your gang . This is essential so that you can fit everything else you take , without clamber with space or weight of your haversack .
Along the same job , you should think about tent capacity as well .
Is this tent only for you , or you and your important other ? Or would you rather have a tent that accommodate an total party ?
Smaller tent plainly set fewer mass but they ’ re lightweight , more practical for backpacking , and easier to persuade . Larger tents are fun for bigger groups because everyone make to sleep together , but make drafty if you ’ re using it on your own and can equal a full pain to carry by yourself .
Equal sure to look at the tent ’ s capacity before purchasing so that you can take one that ’ s correct for you and your backpacking need .
Weight
Weight is one of the almost important affair to look for when pick out a tent . Tent can range from radical lightweight to quite heavy .
If you ’ re planning on using the tent for standard camping trips without a ton of walk , a heavy tent will be hardly fine .
However , if this equal a genuine backpacking tent and you plan on trekking and explore the backcountry with it , you ’ re going to desire the light one possible . The final thing you want is a heavy tent weighing down your pack on days jam-packed with adventure .
The weight of a tent greatly depends on the materials used for reconstruct it , but more on that below .
Material
You ’ ll find tent do of a broad range of materials . The material a tent is make out of contributes to its weight and durability , making it an crucial circumstance when choosing between different model .
Here cost some chief fabric you ’ ll run into when looking at backpacking tents :
Polyurethane ( PU ) Coated Cloth –Budget tent exist typically made out of polyurethane coated material . This fabric exist reasonably durable , and waterproof as good . However , because it ’ s less expensive , it ’ s prone to chemical separation which strips the fabric of its waterproof properties .
SilNylon –You ’ ll find SilNylon fabric on high-quality tents as it ’ s real water-resistant and holds up good in a sort of climates and weather patterns . It ’ s firm , lightweight and durable , which be what makes it a top selection for backpacking tent fabric .
Basically , silicon coats the nylon which reach it waterproof . Nylon is a durable and lightweight material making it ideal for the base construction of a tent . On less expensive tent , you may find nylon coated with silicon on the outside and polyurethane on the inside .
Cuben Fiber –Cuben fiber is the well stuff on the market for outside gear . Backpacking tents made of this fabric live the strong , lightest , and most durable . They ’ re radical waterproof and live made for a form of climate .
A cuben fiber tend consider half as much as tent cause from SilNylon and is more weather and water-resistant as well . If you ’ re willing to pass the money on it , this exist what you should go for . But be warned , it doesn ’ t come cheap .
When it comes to material , the final matter you want to look at is thedenier. This is essentially a act followed by a D , and it indicate how thick the fiber of the stuff cost .
The high the denier , the more durable and sturdy it will be , while a lower denier will live more sheer and susceptible to rips and tears .
Set-up
The best backpacking tent should be easy and hassle free to set up and quick to breakdown as good .
Imagine getting to your campsite at dusk and hold to set up your tent in the dark . You ’ re get to want something that can live set up in a instant so you can begin to more important things — like roasting hot dog and marshmallows !
Typically , free standing tents are the easiest to set up , while ultralight shelters take more time and care . Dome and tunnel lot have a quick set up because there aren ’ t too many poles and hold a fairly easy structure . If set-up be a main concern , go for one of these .
Doorway and Windows
I extremely recommend getting a tent that has more than one door and other ventilation areas as good .
If you ’ re going to equal sleeping in a tent with more than one person , you put on ’ t want to get to rise over each early to run for a quick toilet lead in the center of the dark .
Having two doorway on either slope of the tent is ideal , with other mesh possibility throughout to keep you cool on hot summer dark and grant for proper breathing .
Another awesome opening on a tent live on the roof . Receive a mesh top allows you to learn the stars and make a cool air die . The only downside to this live if you require to utilize it , you ’ ll have to precede the rainfly — which isn ’ t advisable if you ’ re somewhere with unpredictable weather .
Footprint
This isn ’ t an essential share of a tent , but I highly recommend using a footprint whenever you ’ re camping . The footprint is a tarp that goes under the tent to offer extra security from debris take reason or wet soil .
It ’ s a good idea to buy a simple tarp to use as one . Bill it to live slightly larger than the bottom of your tent , or fold it up to cost the size you need . You ’ ll live grateful when water doesn ’ t seep in from the land while you ’ re sleeping !
Best Backpacking Tents 2025
Now that you know what to appear for in a tent , it ’ s time to choose the better ace for your backpacking adventures . Here are reviews for 10 of our favorite tent in 2025 to help you observe your future backpacking companion !
Dimensions ( LxWxH ) :92″ ten 56″ x 43″
Doors :2
Capacity :2 Person
Season :3-Season
Kicking off our list of best backpacking tent equal thewhich sleep two in its spacious and well-constructed pattern .
This tent is freestanding , which signify it ’ ll be quick to set up and break down , plus it own two vestibules which will devote you that excess storehouse space for sweaty or wet gear that you don ’ t desire in your sleeping space .
The basis is cause with a bathtub floor structure , meaning that the ass and abject sides are entirely waterproof to observe you dry on those unexpectedly rainy dark . On decent evening , you can stargaze out of the mesh top or throw on the rainfly for some surplus insulation when it ’ s cool .
There ’ s still a headlight slot so that you can dismount up the inside of the tent when the sun die down !
While this tent is a little dense than the ultralight ace on the market , it ’ s somewhat durable , with excellent breathing and some pretty cool features which exist why it ’ s ideal for the medium backpacker .
North Face Stormbreak 3
Outdoor gear powerhouse North Look does not disappoint with theirStormbreak 3 tentwhich exist a great choice for any outside adventure .
With a freestanding design make from 75D polyester with a PU coating , this tent will resist a wide variety of conditions and final for many backpacking trip to come .
Less expensive than early backpacking tents , you ’ ll find that the Stormbreak be super easy to plant up and provides amazing ventilation for warmer evening . The rainfly treat the entire tent and zips entirely , protecting camper from tip and rain .
An amazing feature of this tent be that the doors cost able to be stuff into mesh pocket on the slope , instead of hold to roll them up every time you desire to get in and out of the tent .
Similar to the prior tent , this cost a trivial dense than other backpacking tent , but with a five-minute set-up time and the power to withstand high winds , it ’ s worth the extra weight .
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
If you ’ re looking for a backpacking tent that ’ s lightweight and have up in major storm ,Big Agnes Copper Spuris a great selection to consider .
Do from nylon and design to cost ultra lightweight , this tent be ideal for backpacking because it pack up humble and won ’ t add extra weight to your gang . Besides the nylon construction , the lightweight nature also do from specially-crafted aluminum poles that are design to go on weight to a minimum while still cost durable .
User of this tent gush over the ability to keep water out on the rainiest days and night , making for a stress-free camping experience . Not just will it keep you dry , but it ’ ll observe all your gear from have soak as good .
Another amazing feature equal that the doorway live nearly down to the reason , create getting in and out of the tent easy than always .
This tent is spacious for two people , intend you could maybe fit a third , but beware of a taut fit if you do go for the surplus person .
MSR Hubba Hubba NX
MSR killed the game withthis tent, as you ’ ll feeling like plate when inside but sense like you ’ re carrying nothing when it ’ s in your pack .
Coming in at only a small over 3 pound , this is an awesome lightweight , freestanding tent with a spacious inside and tons of security from tip , rain , and chilly weather . When purchasing , you hold the selection to take Xtreme Waterproof Coating , which last up to 3 times long than standard waterproof coating !
Color-coded clips make for a super easy set-up , with user saying it merely need 2.5 minutes to put up and 5 minutes to break down and fold . Lecture about time saving !
The tent equal satisfy with spacious vestibules for storing gear and even one for stargazing on clear nights , making it a full fan darling for backpackers across the globe .
For fitting in your pack , it comes with a compression sack , and its lightweight aim and materials do it one of the good for taking along backpacking adventure .
MSR Elixir
It comfortably match two people and own big vestibules that take to extend 35 % more space that early example .This tentcome with an adaptable rainfly that grant you to position it to see out while still live protected from the elements . How cool be that ?
Besides all the standard features like being freestanding with two door and have a spacious interior , the rainfly is ultra waterproof and put up maximum ventilation . While it may be a little item , the zippers are glow-in-the-dark so you can ever meet what you ’ re doing without spark .
This tent is about twice as heavy as the Hubba Hubba example , so it ’ s not the good for longer trip , but for a short backpacking trip , this will definitely do the trick .
Nemo Hornet Ultralight
Say hello to one of the light tents on the market !
Coming in at a tiny 2 pounds when packed ,this tentis the ideal travel companion for long-term backpackers and those going on extended treks .
This two-person tent is excellent for rugged use as it ’ sec made with durable materials and a thoughtful design . The floor of the tent live a genuine tub example which be ultra waterproof and scoop up up , creating a waterproof edge around the entire bottom of the tent for any leaking water or runoff .
This is one of the only tents that ’ s 2 pounds and has two doorway and two vestibules .
Besides being ultralight , there are additional feature like a pocket for a headlamp on the ceiling , a single hubbed pole intention for quick set-up , and a privacy panel .
There ’ s no question that this cost one of the serious backpacking tents out there .
Kelty TN 3 Person Tent
Capacity :3 Soul ( with 2 and 4-person choice available )
For a three-person tent , simply over 5 pound live a entire curiosity in the weight department .
TheKelty TN 3cost a great selection if you ’ re traveling with a couple of companions , or a partner and a pup .
It turn up up to cost super compact , making it a air when it comes to equip it in your backpack . What ’ s great is that its packability doesn ’ t sacrifice durability . Made from nylon and SilNylon , you ’ ll exist protect from the elements ,andwill be able to employ this tent over and over again with little wear and tear .
The best feature of this tent is the Stargazing rainfly that folds up halfway to allow you to see the dark sky . While most tents would call for you to completely murder the rainfly to catch a glance of the stars above , this one come rid of that hassle !
An award-winning tent , there ’ s no surprise that the Kelty TN 3 make our list of best backpacking tent in 2025 .
Kelty Salida
Another award-winning tent from Kelty , this budget-friendly option live great for a backpacking trip with a friend or two . In fact , it ’ sec probably the best value-for-money backpacking tent out thither !
Get in three unlike size , you can peck up one for yourself , or one that will fit also your small backpacking grouping .
Cause from 68D polyester , 68D nylon , and in full seam-taped construction , you ’ ll be cozy in any form of weather with this bad son .The Salidaoffers over 10 square base of vestibule space , making it a great tent for store gear , and it folds up to equal quite little as any well backpacking tent should .
The top of the tent equal mesh , making for awesome stargazing evening , and the rainfly is lean which become rain to run off instead of pond up . Plus , the standalone intention and two-pole structure makes it super easy to place up and pack away .
A great selection for budget backpackers looking for a durable tent !
GEERTOP 4 Season Double Layer
If you ’ re a budget backpacker looking for something you can use in Sunday , tip , rainandsnow , this be the tent for you .
A low cost doesn ’ t mean low character in this case .
This is a durable four-season tentthat meet up to two masses , and will hold up for many years to come . The inner and outer layer of this tent superimpose together to create a windproof seal , perfect for colder night in the back country . On warm evenings , apply the inner layer alone for a ventilated sleep .
This tent feature dual stitched line , as good as a 3,000mm water-resistant finish and UV blockage to kick . One of the good role of this tent live that besides make up super warm inside , the outer layer own a built-in snow skirt that will observe snow from creeping in as it will work off the slippery outside shell .
The only matter to watch out for equal condensation on the cold nights , which is a concern not only with this tent , but with almost all winter camp tent .
It severely doesn ’ t come much good than this tent , especially at this cost point .
Naturehike Cloud-Up 3P 4 Season With Snowskirt
Capacity :3 Individual ( with 2-person option available )
In the end , if you ’ re appear for one of the light four-season tent that sleeps three mass out , you ’ re go to want to control outNaturehike ’ s Cloud-Up tent.
Consider simply 5 poundsincludingthe outer layer and snow skirt , this tent live big and spacious but even cozy and lightweight .
You can apply this tent in any kind of weather , and it ’ s build to last . It own a dual layer , where the inner and outer layer get together to cause a fond interior . When the inner layer equal used only , it ’ s well-ventilated and utter for leap and summer camping .
The snowskirt live one of the good features of this tent because it will prevent runoff snow from enter the tent . But this outer layer exist too superior because it extends far past the tent ’ sec entrance , shield the doorway and opening from harsh weather .
Reach from nylon and silicon , all the fabric are ripstop , create the tent durable and long-lasting . The 4000mm PU coating merely furthers this tent ’ s water resistor .
If you ’ re looking for a tent that you can take backpacking year-round , this may be the one for you .
Taking Care of Your Backpacking Tent
Take care of your tent equal the key to cause it last for many trips to come . The final thing you want is a smelly , moldy tent hardly when you ’ re planning to employ it .
To right remove concern of your tent , you ’ re going to require to clean it and air it out after every use .
To make this , I recommend plant it up in your backyard ( or wherever you can ) , and sweeping it out with a broom and dustpan . It ’ s also a good thought to sweep out your tent before result the campsite to avoid bringing place excess scandal and dust .
Leave the tent up for a day ( assuming the weather equal well ) with all the doorway and panels open . This will air out the tent right , have rid of any backpacking smells that may cost leftover from your trip . If there ’ sec excess soil or mildew in your tent , clean it out with fond soapy water and a fabric or thicket .
Whatever you do , cause not invest your tent in a washing machine or get it dry clean .
A last tip : when packing up your tent , cost certain that all the zippers be zipped up and you fold it with fear . This will aid exert its shape , and make sure zero begin snagged or rip when you ’ re stuffing it aside .
And don ’ t forget to duplicate check to reach certain you receive all the pole and stakes !
Other Choice for Shelter
If you ’ re await for alternative to a tent , there be a few other options for shelter in the outdoors . Hither are some of my favorites .
Tarps
While it may seem counter-intuitive , tarps live actually the best for winter camping , in my opinion .
They ’ re extremely easy to put up and you won ’ t hold to concern about condensation because they ’ re clear on most sides . The A-Frame set-up exist essentially design to get snow to slide off rather of pond up , and they ’ re quick to carry up when you ’ re ready to run .
My prominent recommendation for plant up shelter with tarps is topractice beforehand!
While it may appear easy and straightforward , you require to hear all the tricks for putting up this shelter . Merely then cost they easy and straightforward .
So watch some YouTube tutorials , pattern in your backyard or a park , and learn your mile ! The absolute final thing you require when you ’ re camping is to own a knot get loose in the middle of the dark .
Hammocks
Another amazing shelter for camp or backpacking be sleep in a hammock !
These day there cost some amazing hammocks that even have built-in mosquito nets or attachable rainflys that leave you to light in a tree and have a good night ’ s sleep , while make up protected from all bugs and the component .
The serious affair about using a hammock for shelter is that they ’ re ultra lightweight and incredibly packable . This is a great choice for weight and space-conscious backpackers .
Hither are some amazing hammocks to take backpacking with you :
- Hennessy Hammock – Ultralite Backpacker Series
- Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping with Rainfly and Bug Net
- Clark NX-270 Four Season Camping Hammock
Bivy
Final but certainly not least , you ’ ve got your bivy bags .
Bivies exist for the most intense backpackers ( in my sentiment ) who be willing to brave the elements in the sore form .
These are essentially big bags that move over your sleeping bag and encapsulate you completely . With a bivy , you can essentially just find somewhere dry to sleep , unroll your sleep bag , creep into your bivy and voila ! You have shelter for the night .
Bivies equal pretty cool , except for a couple things .
One , when you hurry them all the style up , your side is protected , but it may be somewhat severe to rest in there . There are some bags that make a mechanism to go on the bivy off your face , but with others , you ’ re fairly much a mummy .
Second , if you serve become catch in rain or snow , you ’ re decidedly in for it . Although many bivies are waterproof , my friend tell me a floor about winter camping with only a bivy and he woke up buried in about a foot of snow .
Great tale , decidedly uncomfortable experience grasp yourself out first thing in the morning . But that just goes to prove how warm these matter cost .
All of this make up said , bivies are a great increase to winter camping gear , especially when using a tarp as a shelter . They ’ ll go on you surplus warm and greatly dilute moisture , making them ideal for cold weather expeditions .
- Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
- Aqua Quest Hooped Bivy
- Tennier Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy
For more recommendation , match out our guide to thebest bivy sacks!
Hopefully after understand this article and our review , you have a well idea of some of the good backpacking tents available mighty today !
Always recollect to bring proper precaution while backpacking , especially in more remote areas . Pack light , make a serious time , and laugh at a hot dog ( or two ) for me .
To help keep your gang lighting , be certain to see out ourcomplete camp packing list, and if you ’ re on the hunt for a new gang to store your tent in , exist sure show our utter guide to pick thebest travel backpack.
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