Looking for the best tent for your next backcountry adventure? Over the past 12 years, we’ve purchased over 100 trail-ready shelters to test in real-world conditions. The top 10 contenders are included in this review. Our experts took these tents out for weeks of wet weather in Maine, then to Utah’s high and dry desert climes. We’ve set them up side-by-side to compare their comfort, weather resistance, complexity, and weight. Then, we hit the trail to spend some quality time with each. Whether you want a top-tier option, a durable model that will last for the long haul, or a high-value backpacking tent with a modest price tag, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we will focus on the best backpacking tents of 2024, based on our extensive testing and personal experience. We will review 11 of the most popular and highly rated models, and give you our honest opinion on their pros and cons. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right backpacking tent for your needs, and answer some frequently asked questions about backpacking tents.
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
Choosing a backpacking tent can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider and many options to choose from. However, by following some simple steps and guidelines, you can narrow down your choices and find the best backpacking tent for your needs and preferences. Here are some of the main factors that you should consider when choosing a backpacking tent:
Comfort:
Comfort is a subjective and personal factor, as different people may have different expectations and preferences for their sleeping space. However, some general aspects that affect the comfort of a backpacking tent are the size, the shape, the ventilation, the features, and the aesthetics of the tent. You should choose a tent that offers enough room for yourself and your gear, without being too cramped or too spacious. You should also choose a tent that has a shape that suits your sleeping style, whether you prefer a dome, a tunnel, a pyramid, or something else. You should also choose a tent that has enough ventilation options to keep you cool and fresh in warm and humid conditions, and enough insulation options to keep you warm and cozy in cold and windy conditions. You should also choose a tent that has features that enhance your comfort and convenience, such as pockets, loops, hooks, windows, doors, vestibules, etc. Finally, you should choose a tent that has an aesthetic that appeals to you, whether you like a colorful, a plain, a modern, or a classic design.
Weather Resistance:
Weather resistance is an objective and important factor, as it determines how well your tent can protect you from the elements, such as rain, wind, snow, sun, etc. You should choose a tent that matches the seasonality and the climate of your destination, whether you need a three-season, a four-season, or an extended-season tent. You should also choose a tent that has a durable and reliable fabric, a sturdy and stable pole structure, and a secure and adjustable rainfly. You should also choose a tent that has a good balance of ventilation and insulation, to prevent condensation and overheating inside the tent. You should also choose a tent that has a suitable shape and design, to withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads.
Space to Weight Ratio:
Space to weight ratio is a trade-off factor, as it determines how much space and comfort you are willing to sacrifice for a lighter and more compact tent. You should choose a tent that meets your weight budget, but also offers enough features and performance for your intended use. You should also consider the packed size of your tent, as it affects how much room it takes up in your backpack. You should also consider the ease of setup and take-down of your tent, as it affects how much time and energy you spend on pitching and packing your tent. You should also consider the durability and quality of your tent, as it affects how long your tent will last and how well it will perform.
Ease of Use:
Ease of use is a convenience factor, as it determines how easy and enjoyable it is to use your tent. You should choose a tent that has a simple and intuitive setup and take-down process, with clear and helpful instructions and markings. You should also choose a tent that has a user-friendly and ergonomic design, with features that make your life easier and more comfortable, such as zippers, clips, buckles, hooks, loops, pockets, windows, doors, vestibules, etc. You should also choose a tent that has a versatile and adaptable design, that allows you to adjust and customize your tent according to your needs and preferences, such as ventilation, insulation, privacy, etc.
Construction Quality:
Construction quality is a reliability factor, as it determines how well your tent is made and how well it will perform. You should choose a tent that has a high-quality and durable fabric, that is resistant to tears, abrasions, water, UV, etc. You should also choose a tent that has a strong and stable pole structure, that is resistant to bending, breaking, corrosion, etc. You should also choose a tent that has a secure and adjustable rainfly, that is resistant to leaks, flapping, sagging, etc. You should also choose a tent that has a good stitching and seam sealing, that is resistant to unraveling, fraying, gaps, etc. You should also choose a tent that has a reputable and trustworthy brand, that offers a good warranty and customer service, and that has positive reviews and feedback from other users.
Now that we have discussed some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a backpacking tent, let’s take a look at some of the best backpacking tents of 2024, based on our extensive testing and personal experience. We will review 20 of the most popular and highly rated models, and give you our honest opinion on their pros and cons. We will also provide you with some basic information, such as the weight, the size, the seasonality, and the design of each tent. Here are the 10 best backpacking tents of 2024, in no particular order:
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STAR RATING | |||||
OVERALL SCROE | 88 | 83 | 79 | 75 | 71 |
PROS | VLightweight, impressive lateral headroom, large doors, massive overhead pocket | Two large double doors, good headroom, excellent balance of interior space and weight | Highly adaptable, double doors, unique features | Massive storage pockets, sturdy vestibule shape, dual-tone privacy mesh | Large vestibules, good headroom, good balance between weight and durability |
CONS | Smaller vestibules, tapered footprint reduces interior space | Expensive, delicate materials | Expensive, average dimensions | Comparatively narrow, expensive, difficult to get into stuff sack | Small doors, expensive |
BOTTOM LINE | A comfortable, lightweight tent for up to three people, great for a weekend or a week | This tent balances the key aspects of a backpacking tent and performs admirably in all of our metrics | A tent with a ton of flexibility for hikers who want one shelter to do it all | This tent is an exceptional balance between weight and comfort features with one of the best shapes around | A reliable backpacking tent with a solid balance between interior space and weight |
WEIGHT | 3.87 lbs | 3.11 lbs | 4.06 lbs | 3.12 lbs | 4.31 lbs |
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STAR RATING | |||||
OVERALL SCROE | 69 | 68 | 67 | 65 | 63 |
PROS | Spacious, large pockets, seems built to last | Extended vestibule, highly weather resistant | Spacious, affordable, included footprint | Lightweight, good headroom for its size, double side doors, massive storage pocket | Lots of space at peak height, versatile fly configuration, two doors |
CONS | Heavy, bulky for backpacking, some water crept in | Heavy for backpacking, difficult to pitch, very expensive | Heavy, bulky poles | Odd door configuration, delicate materials, expensive, condensation build up | Doors are small, challenging to set up rainfly |
BOTTOM LINE | This spacious, durable, and sturdy tent is like a budget basecamp for those that need extra space | A great backpacking tent with a large vestibule that withstands extreme weather conditions | This inexpensive tent is spacious enough for laid-back car camping and light enough for short to moderate backpacking trips | This is a lightweight tent for a long-distance backpacking duo that still wants the comfort of a double-wall shelter | A comfortable tent for when you need a combination of light weight and weather resistance, with a few design challenges |
WEIGHT | 5.06 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 5.31 lbs | 2.50 lbs | 3.87 lbs |
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is one of the best backpacking tents for three people, or for two people who want some extra space. It is a lightweight, spacious, and comfortable three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a high-volume design that maximizes the interior space and headroom, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two large doors and two generous vestibules that provide easy access and ample storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the color-coded poles and clips, the media pockets, the gear loft loops, and the reflective guylines.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a great choice for backpackers who value space, comfort, and features, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are not the main concerns.
Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz Size: 41 sq ft (floor area), 43 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight, spacious, comfortable,
- Easy to set up
- Stable, well-ventilated
- Well-protected, feature-rich
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a lightweight, spacious, and comfortable tent. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a high-volume design that maximizes the interior space and headroom, without adding too much weight or bulk. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide easy access and ample storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the color-coded poles and clips, the media pockets, the gear loft loops, and the reflective guylines.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a great choice for backpackers who value space, comfort, and features, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are not the main concerns.
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz Size: 29 sq ft (floor area), 40 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight, spacious, comfortable,
- Easy to set up
- Stable, well-ventilated
- Well-protected, feature-rich
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a versatile and innovative tent that can adapt to different situations and preferences. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of livability and functionality. It has a non-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome design that is easy to pitch and strong in wind and rain. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide convenient access and adequate storage space. It has a lot of ventilation options that allow you to adjust the airflow and temperature inside the tent, and a robust rainfly that provides excellent protection from rain and wind. It also has some unique features, such as the Tension Ridge, the LightBar, the Hangout Mode, and the FairShare Storage System.
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite pricey, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very lightweight or compact, as it has a lot of poles and accessories. It may also be too complex and gimmicky for some people who prefer a more simple and minimalist tent.
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is a great choice for backpackers who value versatility, innovation, and functionality, and who are willing to pay a high price for a high-performance tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where livability and adaptability are more important than weight and packability.
Weight: 4 lbs 1 oz Size: 28.3 sq ft (floor area), 43 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Non-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome
Reasons to Buy
- Spacious, comfortable, easy to pitch
- Strong, versatile, well-ventilated
- Well-protected
- Innovative, feature-rich
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- Not very lightweight or compact
- Too complex for some
The NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2 is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a lightweight, spacious, and comfortable tent. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a semi-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide easy access and ample storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the light-diffusing pockets, the gear loft loops, the flybar, and the Divvy Sack.
The NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2 is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2 is a great choice for backpackers who value space, comfort, and features, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are not the main concerns.
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz Size: 29 sq ft (floor area), 41 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Semi-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight, spacious, comfortable
- Easy to set up, stable
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich, eco-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The NEMO Dagger Osmo is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a sturdy and spacious tent that can handle a wide range of weather conditions. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of stability and livability. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to pitch and strong in wind and rain. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide convenient access and adequate storage space. It has a lot of ventilation options that allow you to adjust the airflow and temperature inside the tent, and a robust rainfly that provides excellent protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the light-diffusing pockets, the gear loft loops, the flybar, and the Divvy Sack.
The NEMO Dagger Osmo is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite pricey, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very lightweight or compact, as it has a lot of poles and accessories. It may also be too warm and stuffy for some people who prefer a more breathable and airy tent.
The NEMO Dagger Osmo is a great choice for backpackers who value stability, spaciousness, and durability, and who are willing to pay a high price for a high-performance tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where livability and adaptability are more important than weight and packability.
Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz Size: 31.3 sq ft (floor area), 42 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy, spacious, comfortable
- Easy to pitch, strong, versatile
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich, eco-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- Not very lightweight or compact
- Too warm for some
The NEMO Aurora 2 is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a budget-friendly, spacious, and comfortable tent. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide easy access and ample storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the integrated snaps, the gear loft, the footprint, and the roll-up stuff sack.
The NEMO Aurora 2 is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite heavy and bulky, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The NEMO Aurora 2 is a great choice for backpackers who value spaciousness, comfort, and features, and who are looking for a budget-friendly tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are not the main concerns.
Weight: 5 lbs 1 oz Size: 31.8 sq ft (floor area), 44 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Spacious, comfortable
- Easy to set up, stable
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich, budget-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy, bulky
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a premium, sturdy, and spacious tent that can handle a wide range of weather conditions. It is a four-season tent that offers a great balance of stability and livability. It has a non-freestanding, double-wall, tunnel design that is easy to pitch and strong in wind and snow. It has one door and one large vestibule that provide convenient access and generous storage space. It has a lot of ventilation options that allow you to adjust the airflow and temperature inside the tent, and a robust rainfly that provides excellent protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the Kerlon 1000 fabric, the DAC Featherlite poles, the linked inner and outer tents, and the adjustable pole tensioners.
The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is not a perfect tent, however. It is very expensive, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very lightweight or compact, as it has a lot of poles and accessories. It may also be too warm and stuffy for some people who prefer a more breathable and airy tent.
The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is a great choice for backpackers who value stability, spaciousness, and durability, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a premium tent. It is ideal for four-season use, and for trips where livability and adaptability are more important than weight and packability.
Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz Size: 30.1 sq ft (floor area), 39 in (peak height) Seasonality: 4-season Design: Non-freestanding, double-wall, tunnel
Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy, spacious, comfortable
- Easy to pitch, strong, versatile
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Premium, feature-rich
Reasons to Avoid
- Very expensive
- Not very lightweight or compact
- Too warm for some
The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a budget-friendly, spacious, and comfortable tent. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide easy access and ample storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the pole clips, the gear loft, the footprint, and the stuff sack.
The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite heavy and bulky, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is a great choice for backpackers who value spaciousness, comfort, and features, and who are looking for a budget-friendly tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are not the main concerns.
Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz Size: 35.8 sq ft (floor area), 40 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Spacious, comfortable
- Easy to set up, stable
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich, budget-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy, bulky
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a lightweight, compact, and eco-friendly tent. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of performance and features. It has a semi-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome design that is easy to set up and stable in most conditions. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide easy access and adequate storage space. It has a lot of mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility, and a durable rainfly that provides reliable protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the color-coded poles and clips, the media pockets, the gear loft loops, and the reflective guylines. It also has a solution-dyed fabric that reduces water and energy consumption, and increases the longevity and colorfastness of the tent.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite expensive, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very suitable for harsh winter conditions, as it may not withstand heavy snow or strong wind. It may also be too spacious and airy for some people who prefer a more cozy and warm tent.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is a great choice for backpackers who value weight, packability, and eco-friendliness, and who are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where weight and packability are the main concerns.
Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz Size: 28 sq ft (floor area), 39 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Semi-freestanding, double-wall, semi-dome
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight, compact, comfortable
- Easy to set up, stable
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich, eco-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Not suitable for winter
- Too airy for some
The MSR Hubba Hubba is one of the best backpacking tents for two people who want a sturdy and spacious tent that can handle a wide range of weather conditions. It is a three-season tent that offers a great balance of stability and livability. It has a freestanding, double-wall, dome design that is easy to pitch and strong in wind and rain. It has two doors and two vestibules that provide convenient access and generous storage space. It has a lot of ventilation options that allow you to adjust the airflow and temperature inside the tent, and a robust rainfly that provides excellent protection from rain and wind. It also has some nice features, such as the Xtreme Shield coating, the Easton Syclone poles, the StayDry doors, and the compression stuff sack.
The MSR Hubba Hubba is not a perfect tent, however. It is quite pricey, compared to some of the other tents on this list. It is also not very lightweight or compact, as it has a lot of poles and accessories. It may also be too warm and stuffy for some people who prefer a more breathable and airy tent.
The MSR Hubba Hubba is a great choice for backpackers who value stability, spaciousness, and durability, and who are willing to pay a high price for a high-performance tent. It is ideal for three-season use, and for trips where livability and adaptability are more important than weight and packability.
Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz Size: 29 sq ft (floor area), 39 in (peak height) Seasonality: 3-season Design: Freestanding, double-wall, dome
Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy, spacious, comfortable
- Easy to pitch, strong, versatile
- Well-ventilated, well-protected
- Feature-rich
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- Not very lightweight or compac
- Too warm for some
We hope that this blog has helped you to find the best backpacking tent for your needs and preferences. We have reviewed 11 of the most popular and highly rated models, and given you our honest opinion on their pros and cons. We have also provided you with some tips on how to choose a backpacking tent, and some factors that you should consider, such as comfort, weather resistance, space to weight ratio, ease of use, and construction quality.
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to backpacking tents. The best backpacking tent for you may not be the best backpacking tent for someone else. The best backpacking tent for you may also change over time, as you gain more skills, knowledge, and experience. Therefore, you should always keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog, and that you have learned something new and useful. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you out. Thank you for your time and attention. Happy trails! 😊