Whether or not you’re seeking to spend 100 nights on the path or need to follow a decent finances, we’ve discovered the most effective backpacking tents of 2022.
From PCT hikers spending 6 months on the path to the nascent hiker spending 6 days on their first solo backpacking journey, an excellent tent is the cornerstone of out of doors preparedness. The precise tent could be a shelter from the weather and critters. Within the wild, it’s a house away from residence.
Our workforce of testers has spent a whole bunch of nights in tents in climate circumstances that run the gamut from excruciating desert warmth to frigid winter nights at excessive elevations to carry you our collection of the most effective backpacking tents for this yr. In the case of selecting a tent, one fact stands out: no single tent will work nicely for each scenario.
Generally you need a superlight bivy that simply retains the bugs away on a protracted hike. Different instances, you need a burly winter abode able to standing as much as gale-force winds and heavy snow. Perhaps you need that tent that may perform a little of the whole lot.
On the whole, selecting a tent largely comes all the way down to how you intend to make use of it. In the event you need assistance deciding, take a look at our purchaser’s information. And in case you’re in search of one thing roomier for automotive tenting or household tenting, we have now a separate overview of the most effective tenting tents.
We thought of six components whereas evaluating the most effective backpacking tents: ease of establishing, sturdiness and supplies, weight and packed dimension, inside house, climate resistance, and worth.
Ground house and packed weight had been a very powerful components to our panel, whereas additional options akin to pouches and pockets weighed much less closely in our analysis.
Every tent excels in a number of of those facets, and we have now awarded excellent fashions “Better of Ranking” equivalent to their excellent qualities. So whether or not you’re pinching pennies, able to splurge on the tent of your desires, or simply wanting to exchange your tattered gear, we have now discovered a tent that may suit your finances and wishes.
Scroll by way of to see all of our advisable buys, or bounce to the class you’re in search of. On the finish of our listing, you should definitely take a look at our comparability chart and FAQ part.
The Finest Backpacking Tents of 2022
Finest Total Backpacking Tent: Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
In search of a three-season freestanding tent that suggestions the scales at simply 3 kilos, 2 ounces? Enter the Large Agnes Copper Spur ($500). Though yow will discover lighter tents in the marketplace, this tent is mild sufficient to make it a contender for the most effective backpacking tent, even for the gram-counters amongst us.
This tent boasts an excellent overlap between the bath flooring and the rainfly, guaranteeing a dry evening’s sleep. Above the ground materials, high quality mesh offers a breathable, well-ventilated house that ought to preserve condensation low.
With so little weight in your pack, you get a very snug abode for the path. It has two doorways, two vestibules, 29 sq. ft of flooring house, and 18 sq. ft of mixed vestibule house. The vestibules rework into awnings with trekking poles to cook dinner beneath or to permit airflow.
Simple-to-use tent buckles on the corners the place the fly attaches make for fast setup in a storm. We additionally appreciated the storage pockets on the ft and head for electronics, snacks, or layers. Plus, the ceiling pocket on the head has media pockets with cord-routing for electronics if you’re caught in dangerous climate.
The Copper Spur is a light-weight tent, subsequently, the supplies are extra delicate to avoid wasting weight. The ripstop flooring and fly have 1,200mm polyurethane (PU) coating however are very skinny. The poles are a mixture of DAC’s NSL and NFL, and are the lightest the model presents. The four-way hub on the apex the place the poles be a part of aids in a speedy setup.
Bear in mind, it is very important train warning when setting as much as keep away from ripping or breaking poles. All the time double-check to verify poles are correctly seated earlier than flexing them into place.
Watch out when packing mild tents into your pack, too. With conscientious care and upkeep, these tents can final a very long time.
This Large Agnes Copper Spur tent is right for light-weight backpacking as long as you’re taking excellent care to guard the supplies. Hikers who use electronics extra, or who suppose they could take a relaxation day or two within the tent, will get pleasure from the additional options.
There are lighter tents accessible for ultralight hikers and beefier ones for individuals who will likely be inside spitting distance of a automotive. Total, this tent is nice for summer time tenting, backpacking, and any multiday journey the place you’re in search of a stability of consolation and weight.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 2 oz.
- Top: 40 in.
- Ground house: 29 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Nylon, aluminum, and composite
- Vestibule space: 18 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Mild
- Steady
- Roomier than anticipated
- Wonderful storage and vestibule design
Cons:
- Costly
- Struggles in excessive winds (above 40 mph)
- Considerably fragile
Test Worth at AmazonTest Worth at REI
Finest Price range Backpacking Tent: Marmot Catalyst 2P Tent
At $219, the Catalyst two-person tent is a wonderful worth for somebody in search of a stable backpacking tent that may additionally operate as a automotive tenting tent, all with out breaking the financial institution.
At a minimal path weight of 4 kilos, 11 ounces, it’s on the heavy aspect, nevertheless it’ll do the job and packs down sufficiently small to suit comfortably in a backpack. It’s additionally fairly spacious, with 32.5 sq. ft of flooring house.
We love the color-coded poles for simple setup, which most say is a chunk of cake even for brand new campers. It additionally has two D-shaped doorways with vestibules, including room for gear storage.
The one drawbacks to this tent are its weight and bulk. A minor criticism is that the completely different size poles could be complicated if you’re in a rush. Working towards your setup upfront (at all times advisable) is an effective method to shorten setup time.
The packed dimension is 21 by 7.5 inches, and the Catalyst weighs 5 kilos, 3 ounces. That is pretty heavy for a two-person tent, and it’s no straightforward activity to hold up a steep go.
Nonetheless, for brand new hikers moving into the sport, the Marmot Catalyst 2P Tent is a good place to begin. Divide the components of the tent between you and your mountaineering companion and begin exploring. Anybody who’s uncertain about how a lot backpacking they may do is unlikely to have purchaser’s regret, making this top-of-the-line backpacking tents for the worth.
Specs:
- Weight: 4 lbs., 11 oz.
- Top: 44 in.
- Ground house: 32.5 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Polyester and aluminum
- Vestibule space: 11 sq. ft., 6.5 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Nice worth
- Spacious
- Simple setup with color-coded poles
Cons:
- Heavier than different backpacking tents
- Cumbersome when packed
- Completely different pole lengths
Finest Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Plex Solo
A sub-14-ounce, totally enclosed tent utilizing just one trekking pole? Sure, please! How Zpacks retains managing to crank out top-shelf, ridiculously sturdy gear catered for the gram-conscious backpacking crowd, we’ll by no means know. However the Plex Solo ($600) carries the torch of their fame.
Once we obtained this package deal within the mail, we thought they’d actually forgotten to incorporate the tent within the padded envelope. Sure, a shelter you reside in for months got here in an envelope and was left in our mailbox. This factor is LIGHT mild.
Retaining the sturdiness and performance we have now grown accustomed to with Zpack’s flagship fashions just like the Duplex, the Plex Solo shaves ounces through the use of a single 132 cm trekking pole, and implementing a no-frills, easy design.
They’ve additionally eradicated a zipper from the storm flap/vestibule, utilizing steel hooks to maintain it closed. This technique pairs down on weight, however we additionally discovered it to be rather less handy than a zipper, primarily if you’re attempting to faff round with it late at evening to go to the toilet. Utilizing just one trekking pole, the Plex Solo maximizes house with a sequence of guylines throughout the tent that pull the material outwards from the middle pole.
One of many issues that plague single-wall, ultralight shelters essentially the most is condensation buildup. The Plex Solo addresses this with top-of-the-line designs we’ve seen within the business, and we’ve been mega grateful for the dearth of drips on our sleeping baggage within the morning.
There’s a display between the bath flooring and the tent partitions which could be sloped downward by an elastic wire that retains the bath elevated. This enables the condensation to run down the wall, and fall by way of the sloping display, versus onto the ground.
As one of many lightest, fully-enclosed shelters you should purchase for devoted long-distance backpacking, the Plex Solo is rapidly turning into the gold customary for the ultralight and thru-hiking crowd. It’s simply so laborious to beat 13.9 ounces, with a design that doesn’t skimp on efficiency or consolation. In the event you’re staring down the barrel of a multi-month thru-hike, or simply need an ultralight shelter for quick forrays within the backcountry, look no additional.
Specs:
- Weight: 13.9 oz. (for the blue shade scheme)
- Top: 52 in.
- Ground house: 20.6 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Dyneema (0.75 oz./sq. yd.)
Execs:
- Extraordinarily Ultralight
- Nicely-ventilated
- Distinctive system of coping with condensation buildup
- Solely makes use of one trekking pole as a substitute of two
Cons:
- Costly
- Considerably annoying not having a zipper on the vestibule
Finest Worth Ultralight: Gossamer Gear The Two
So far as light-weight, spacious, and intensely sturdy single-wall shelters for 2 go, it’s laborious to seek out one thing that compares to the worth of Gossamer Gear’s The Two ($375). Easy, reasonably priced, and tremendous straightforward to arrange, The Two provides weight-conscious backpacking {couples} seeking to streamline their package a stable ultralight possibility.
At 23.5 ounces and packing down to simply over the dimensions of a Nalgene, The Two can simply be carried by one member of the occasion, or the burden could be shared barely by one hiker carrying the tent stakes (its poles are your trekking poles). All in all, it’s a no-frills, weatherproof escape from the weather that critical backpackers can depend on to final the space.
At $375 this is likely one of the least costly ultralight shelters that has been completely examined by numerous thru-hikers (often its smaller sibling, The One), and weekend warriors alike. Comparable single wall, trekking pole type tents such because the Zpacks Duplex will put you out $700 or so, don’t stuff down as small, and aren’t, in our expertise, fairly as long-lasting.
The Two is constructed with a lightweight Nylon and SilNylon combo, a completely waterproof, barely stretchy materials good for decreasing weight with out sacrificing energy and sturdiness. It holds out rain phenomenally, and the catenary minimize permits for stable drainage so water doesn’t construct up anyplace.
This tent can really feel like a fortress. With ample headroom and a beneficiant bathtub flooring, it presents loads of house for 2 tapered 25-inch-wide sleeping pads. The large double vestibules add much more lounge, and are lots sufficiently big to cook dinner in if the climate turns foul round time for dinner. One among our testers was 6’2, and she or he was capable of simply sit up with out hitting her head, and stretch out totally with out touching the highest and backside of the tent.
Regardless of being closely ventilated, condensation does construct up fairly considerably in The Two, however you may drastically cut back this if the climate permits by holding the 2 vestibules totally opened on both aspect. Two inner mesh pockets enable for ample storage however are positioned slightly awkwardly in the course of the tent. This makes them tougher to entry whereas mendacity down.
These gripes apart, this is likely one of the finest shelters you should purchase for ultralight backpacking with a companion. If a 6-month thru-hike is in your future, or sporadic outings to distant alpine lakes are on the docket, The Two will preserve you cozy and dry with out weighing you down.
Specs:
- Weight: 23.5 oz.
- Top: 43 in.
- Ground Dimensions (LxWxH): 84 x 48/42 (head barely wider) x 43 in.
- Supplies: Customized 10D Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU material
- Vestibule Space: 10 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Tremendous spacious
- Ultralight
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Condensation tends to construct up fairly simply
- Inside mesh pockets are positioned slightly awkwardly
Finest Minimalist Backpacking Tent: Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 is unimaginable, nevertheless it’s additionally tremendous costly. So whereas we do love this mannequin for a number of causes, it comes with a caveat of an $824 price ticket, plus one other $395 in order for you the mesh insert to maintain bugs away. For critical hikers, the hefty funding could also be value it, because it’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line backpacking tents accessible.
Hyperlite builds the UltaMid 2 with Dyneema material, a very sturdy materials that withstands tons of abuse but stays extremely mild. This tent, which makes use of trekking poles for help, weighs in at simply 1.19 kilos for the principle tent physique.
Add 1.3 kilos for a matched mesh insert, and it’s nonetheless tremendous mild. It offers a flooring space of over 50 sq. ft, sufficient house for 2 hikers and packs.
The one drawbacks are the worth and that you need to have trekking poles. You are also going to want house to man out the traces, as it’s not freestanding.
Whereas costly, it is a top-tier tent that can final a really very long time. In the event you’re in search of an ultralight tent our tester referred to as a “surprise of engineering” that provides you with many seasons of use, this one is value contemplating. For extra, take a look at our full overview of the UltaMid 2.
Specs:
- Weight: 1 lb., 2 oz.
- Top: 64 in.
- Ground house: 50 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Cuben fiber, your trekking poles
Execs:
Cons:
- Costly
- Trekking pole tents aren’t for everybody
- Want house to arrange man traces
Test Worth at Hyperlite Mountain Gear
The Better of the Relaxation
NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
With stable upgrades to the already legendary Hornet Elite 2 tent, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($599) presents better water resistance and fewer sag when moist than its predecessor with Nemo’s proprietary Osmo material. We completely love this tent. Principally, we love how a lot this tent saves each weight and pack house. It’s a marvel of engineering and is actually top-of-the-line backpacking tents ever designed.
The Hornet Elite Osmo weighs a scant 2 kilos, 1 ounce. And you may ditch some stakes and the stuff sack for a minimal path weight of 1 pound, 11 ounces. For gram-counters, that makes it a contender on weight alone.
This tent is extra than simply mild. It’s additionally a really legit abode in dangerous climate. On wet, stormy nights on the path, the Hornet Elite Osmo stored our workforce dry and cozy.
Not like many ultralight choices, which rely on trekking poles, it is a freestanding tent. It makes use of a intelligent three-pole design with a small “Flybar” the place all of them join to provide it that additional little bit of quantity. It has a mesh inside and makes use of an built-in rainfly to maintain out bugs, rain, and wind.
Inside, a 27.3-square-foot flooring provides a small however acceptable house for 2 adults. That is definitely not a big footprint, and you may be shoulder-to-shoulder together with your tentmate. Bear in mind, we’re ultralight backpacking right here, so snuggle up.
Luckily, there may be sufficient room beneath the 2 vestibules (serviced by two doorways) for a big pack, sneakers, and another gear. We’ve used it many instances within the rain, and it’s sufficient house to maintain your package dry, even in nasty climate.
Setup and takedown are additionally straightforward. As soon as conversant in the tent, our testers had been capable of set it up simply in lower than 5 minutes.
In fact, at $599, the Hornet Elite Osmo is a big funding. However we’ve used it for sufficient nights to be impressed with its sturdiness. That mentioned, it is a tremendous mild OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material tent. Which means it received’t maintain as much as tons of abuse, and we don’t advocate it for automotive tenting, as that might put put on and tear on a really costly tent.
For many who need a light-weight tent to hold over large miles, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo is one in every of our favourite ultralight backpacking tents in the marketplace proper now.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 1 oz.
- Top: 37 in.
- Ground house: 27.3 sq. ft.
- Supplies: OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material
- Vestibule space: 12.4 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Ultralight
- Packs small
- Withstands climate
Cons:
- Costly
- Fragile for automotive tenting or sharp rocks
Zpacks Duplex
For minimalist backpackers and thru-hikers that put weight financial savings on the high of the listing, it’s laborious to beat the Zpacks Duplex ($699). This non-freestanding, trekking pole-supported design has been a long-time favourite on the AT and PCT because of its wonderful mixture of minimal weight, ample house, and safety from the weather.
That includes a Dyneema Composite development (slightly than nylon or silnylon discovered on most backpacking fashions), the tent is legitimately ultralight at simply 1 pound, 3.4 ounces. However the distinctive material holds up nicely to tough use and isn’t vulnerable to sagging, even in heavy moisture.
The Duplex presents good all-around livability for 2 backpackers with a peak top of 48 inches, two aspect doorways and vestibules, and a symmetrical rectangular flooring.
What do you quit with the ultralight construct? For one, the setup course of is way more concerned than a typical, pole-supported backpacking tent. You’ll want a pretty big space to stake out all of the guylines, and it takes fairly a little bit of apply to get a fair pitch.
Additionally, condensation buildup could be a difficulty at evening, particularly alongside the cover peak. This mannequin makes use of single-wall development (and no mesh insert). Lastly, in significantly tough and windy climate, we did discover it to be fairly drafty as a result of mesh sidewalls.
As such, the Duplex seemingly isn’t your best option for informal backpackers, four-season adventurers, or these in search of an incredible worth. (It prices $699, and that doesn’t embrace stakes.)
This tent is right for the kind of one who cuts their toothbrush in half and takes satisfaction in total base weight. Total, the Duplex is a standout possibility for critical hikers who plan to log lots of miles and aren’t shy about paying for high quality ultralight supplies.
Specs:
- Weight: 1 lb., 3.4 oz.
- Top: 48 in.
- Ground house: 28.1 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Dyneema (0.55 oz./sq. yd.)
- Vestibule space: 11 sq. ft.
Execs:
Cons:
- Costly
- Exhausting to arrange
- Requires giant space, stakes, and guylines
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P
Nemo upgraded a lot of its best-selling fashions this yr with its proprietary OSMO material. The Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P ($479) now advantages from the OSMO material’s elevated water repellency and lowered stretch, and all of us can profit from its use of one hundred pc recycled yarns.
Like earlier variations, the setup course of stays quick and simple, with one pole related by a sequence of hubs. No guessing is required because of color-coded webbing and plastic inserts for the pole ends. As with earlier iterations, our testers are involved concerning the sturdiness of the crucial plastic components, although none broke throughout our testing journey.
With gear within the pockets, this tent presents good group. You may dangle a headlamp from the overhead mesh mild pockets (one at every finish). Two doorways and two sizable vestibules make sure you and your tentmate have straightforward exits and house for gear, and in case you occur to have this tent to your self, it looks like a palace.
The Dagger held up nicely to robust winds as soon as we totally guyed it out and angled it into the wind. It was heat and condensation-free throughout a wet evening, and the brand new material considerably alleviates our earlier criticism about this tent sagging when moist.
Whereas this tent isn’t Nemo’s lightest mannequin, it’s inexpensive and extra sturdy than the model’s ultralight tents, and can higher serve campers who spend equal time backcountry and entrance nation tenting.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full overview of the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P.
Specs:
- Packed weight: 4 lbs., 2 oz.
- Top: 42 in.
- Ground house: 31.3 sq. ft.
- Supplies: OSMO Ripstop/Nylon mix, aluminum
- Vestibule space: 11.4 sq. ft. x 2
Execs:
- Spacious for two individuals
- Sturdy sufficient for automotive tenting
- Simple to arrange
Cons:
- Costly
- Not the lightest
REI Arete ASL 2 Backpacking Tent
The Arete ASL 2 ($449) is a chunker, however presents a ton of versatility and safety from the weather in an reasonably priced package deal, which earned it a spot on this listing. With a minimal path weight of 5 kilos, 10 ounces, it’s not ultralight by any stretch, however it’s surprisingly mild and fairly priced for a winter-ready four-season tent. It does nicely in the summertime too, with loads of mesh for air flow.
We discovered the four-pole setup fast and simple, because of the intuitive shade coding. The vestibule offers sufficient room for 2 packs and mountaineering sneakers. The nook pockets and dangle loops preserve necessities at hand. For higher sturdiness and luxury, we advocate including on the footprint, which is offered individually.
We don’t love the single-door design, however at the very least the door is giant and simple to entry from both nook of the tent. Earlier fashions of this tent skilled points with the rainfly seam sealant, however it seems that REI has mounted that downside with this latest replace.
Total, the Arete ASL 2 is a sturdy, all-season tent, and is available in at about half the worth as different four-season tents. This tent is nice for any winter fanatic not prepared to spend so much of money on a specialised winter tent, nevertheless it’s too heavy for many warm-weather backpackers.
Specs:
- Weight: 6 lbs., 5 oz.
- Top: 43 in.
- Ground house: 32.9 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Nylon and aluminum
- Vestibule space: 8.7 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Worth
- Storm-ready
- Light-weight for a four-season tent
Cons:
Sea to Summit Telos TR2
Sea to Summit launched its first tents, the Alto and Telos ($559), for spring 2021. We examined each fashions and located that we most popular the free-standing Telos between the 2.
The Telos is a wonderful first try from the model on this crowded market. It undoubtedly stands other than different tents, with distinctive structure that creates very steep sidewalls and a excessive 43.5-inch peak top.
This offers even tall customers (like our 6’4″ editor-in-chief) loads of headroom to put down or sit upright. It additionally proved to have robust structure. Our take a look at confronted very robust winds, pushing 50 mph, and the Sea to Summit Telos didn’t collapse in any respect, even when receiving heavy gusts.
Nonetheless, our testers didn’t love the whole lot concerning the Telos. The largest complaints surrounded the tent’s distinctive storage system. Sea to Summit opted to make use of two baggage and a “mild bar” tube (a separate slender stuff sack for the poles that has a light-diffusing materials to create an evening mild when a headlamp is positioned in it).
We agreed that the sunshine bar concept was overly intelligent and that we might in all probability by no means use it. Moreover, you stuff the tent physique into one bag, the fly into one other, and the poles into the tube. This enables customers to separate the load or drop parts of the tent from the journey (as you may arrange the fly with out the physique for ultralight use).
Nonetheless, our testers discovered it pointless and complicated. All of us agreed that you just’d seemingly find yourself shedding components this manner. Briefly, whereas Sea to Summit actually thought by way of this design, we would like a easy stuff sack and pole bag.
All that mentioned, the Telos is a wonderful backpacking tent that gives good air flow, wonderful inside house, two doorways, and two vestibules.
We’d not hesitate to purchase one primarily as a backpacking tent that might flex into automotive tenting, because of pretty sturdy supplies and an accessible footprint. For many who like versatility in setup, and are good at holding monitor of stuff sacks, it is a stable selection.
Learn our full overview of the Sea To Summit Telos.
Specs:
- Packed weight: 3 lbs., 10.7 oz.
- Top: 43.5 in.
- Ground house: 23 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Polyester and aluminum
- Vestibule space: 19.5 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Mild however pretty sturdy
- Accommodating for individuals over 6 ft tall
- Steep partitions
Cons:
- Costly
- Storage system overly difficult
Kelty Late Begin 2
If worth is your major concern when shopping for a tent, however you continue to need good high quality, the Kelty Late Begin 2 is an effective place to look. At $160, the Late Begin 2 is a modestly priced tent. And it has high quality development whereas hitting a worth level that most individuals received’t balk at.
It units up tremendous quick with a easy two-pole design. As soon as up, the bath flooring presents a slight overlap with the rainfly, so splashback may very well be a difficulty in heavy rain and wind.
The tent packs all the way down to 16 x 7 inches. Whereas definitely not tiny, it is going to work in a backpack. Equally, at a minimal weight of 4 kilos, it’s not ultralight however works for brief backpacking excursions.
The vestibules are barely sufficiently big for a single backpack, however they may suffice for hikers on a finances. Two small pockets supply house to stash a few necessary objects.
There are higher tents on the market, however you’ll pay extra for them. For $160, this one is a worth that ought to final by way of a lot of completely satisfied tenting.
Specs:
- Weight: 4 lbs., 8 oz.
- Top: 40 in.
- Ground house: 29.5 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Polyester and aluminum
- Vestibule space: 7.85 sq. ft.
Execs:
- Good worth
- Simple setup
- High quality development
Cons:
- Heavier
- Not constructed for excessive climate circumstances
Test Worth at BackcountryTest Worth at Bass Professional
Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle
The cottage model Six Moon Designs focuses on constructing very mild gear with long-distance hikers in thoughts. Whereas fairly specialised, the Haven Bundle ($335) is an easy-to-use trekking pole tent that suggestions the scales at simply 2 kilos, 2 ounces, together with a tarp and inside internet.
You need to use the tarp alone on the path, which, for 17 ounces of packed weight, provides you a big 53 sq. ft of shelter. In the event you’re in a buggy locale, add the Mesh Nest contained in the tarp for much more safety.
The nest is 48 inches large and 114 inches lengthy, offering 38 sq. ft of house for 2 adults. On this configuration, you find yourself with two giant vestibules and two doorways. At $335 for the package deal, it’s a reasonably priced ultralight tent.
Because of the flexibility to be arrange as a tarp alone, the system packs lots of versatility and may stretch from fast-and-light missions to extra leisurely base camps.
It’s held again largely by the ultralight 30-denier silicone-coated nylon. This lacks the sturdiness of bulkier materials. It’s slightly trickier to arrange and requires good guyline attachments for stability and ample house as a result of it’s not freestanding.
The Haven is essentially the most versatile ultralight system we examined, because it is ready to be arrange as a easy tarp with out the insert. That is particularly good in stormy climate so that you just aren’t bringing water and detritus into the sleeping space. This tent is nice for any gram counter and is a steal in comparison with different tents in its class.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 2 oz.
- Top: 45 in.
- Ground house: 38 sq. ft.
- Supplies: Nylon
Execs:
- Ultralight
- Packs down small
- Can operate as a tarp alone at simply 17 oz.
Cons:
- The 30-denier material is considerably fragile
- Requires mountaineering poles (or a pole package, bought individually for $30-80) to arrange
MSR Hubba Hubba
Shaving over 10 ounces off the unique mannequin (for the two-person mannequin), the brand new Hubba Hubba by MSR someway improves on an already legendary traditional. With new expertise and added options, this sturdy, light-weight, and cozy shelter guarantees to nonetheless be a high decide for die-hard backpackers and informal campers alike.
For 2022, the Hubba Hubba tent is offered as a one-person, two-person, and three-person and consists of some key enhancements.
Some new options included on the Hubba Hubba mirror these which can be additionally on MSR’s new 2022 Freelite model. These updates embrace easy-open, no-curve door zippers, cable ports in all storage pockets for electronics, and rain gutters on the fly to information condensation away from the tent when opening the doorways.
The tent has a sturdy flooring materials fabricated from 20D ripstop nylon and 1,200mm Durashield polyurethane, in addition to a DWR therapy. Its symmetrical rectangular form offers loads of house for full-size sleeping pads.
The air flow is ample even when the rainfly is on. There could be some vibration and flapping on the rainfly within the wind. And in case you use this tent within the winter, make certain your sleeping bag is heat when it’s chilly out.
Launched in 2002, that is MSR’s bestselling tent for a motive. It manages to mix the whole lot you need into one compact package deal. It’s light-weight, sturdy, and spacious when arrange, and the brand new upgrades shave off weight and supply extra sturdiness, which is a win-win in our e book.
You should definitely take a look at our full overview of the brand new Hubba Hubba for more information.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz. (10 oz. discount from earlier mannequin)
- Top: 29 x 15 sq. ft.
- Ground house: 29 sq. ft.
- Inside Peak Top: 40 in.
- Supplies: 20D ripstop nylon & DWR (cover material), 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR (flooring material)
- Packed Dimension: 19 x 4.5 in.
Execs:
- Light-weight
- Sturdy
- Spacious
- No-curve door zippers
- Rain gutters on the fly
Cons:
- Fairly costly
- Rainfly considerably troublesome to arrange
Test Worth at REITest Worth at Amazon
Backpacking Tent Comparability Chart
| Backpacking Tent | Worth | Weight | Top | Ground house | Supplies | Vestibule space |
| Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | $500 | 3 lbs. | 40 in. | 29 sq. ft. | Nylon, aluminum, and composite | 18 sq. ft. |
| Marmot Catalyst 2P Tent | $219 | 4 lbs. | 44 in. | 32.5 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 11 sq. ft., 6.5 sq. ft. |
| Zpacks Plex Solo | $600 | 13.9 oz. (blue shade scheme) | 52 in. | 20.6 sq. ft. | Dyneema, one trekking pole | N/A |
| Gossamer Gear The Two | $375 | 23.5 oz. | 43 in. | 84 x 48/42 (head barely wider) | Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU material, your trekking poles | 10 sq. ft. |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent |
$824 | 1 lb. | 64 in. | 50 sq. ft. | Cuben fiber, two trekking poles | N/A |
| NEMO Hornet Elite | $500 | 2 lbs. | 37 in. | 27.3 sq. ft. | Nylon and composite | 12.4 sq. ft. |
| Zpacks Duplex | $699 | 1 lb. | 48 in. | 28.1 sq. ft. | Dyneema, two trekking poles | 11 sq. ft. |
| NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P | $479 | 4 lbs. | 42 in. | 31.3 sq. ft. | OSMO Ripstop/Nylon mix, aluminum | 11.4 sq. ft. x 2 |
| REI Arete ASL 2 Backpacking Tent | $449 | 6 lbs. | 43 in. | 32.9 sq. ft. | Nylon and aluminum | 8.7 sq. ft. |
| Sea to Summit Telos TR2 | $560 | 3 lbs. | 43.5 in. | 23 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 19.5 sq. ft. |
| Kelty Late Begin 2 | $160 | 4 lbs. | 40 in. | 29.5 sq. ft. | Polyester and aluminum | 7.85 sq. ft. |
| Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle | $335 | 2 lbs. | 45 in. | 38 sq. ft. | Nylon, two trekking poles | N/A |
| MSR Hubba Hubba | $480 | 2 lbs. 14 oz. (2-person) | 40 in. (2-person) | 29 sq. ft. (2-person) | Nylon, Easton Syclone | 15 sq. ft. (2-person) |
Why You Ought to Belief Us
Ryan Baker, one of many authors, lives within the Japanese Sierra together with his spouse and enjoys mountaineering, climbing, and snowboarding each probability he will get. Final summer time, he spent over a month backpacking on and off-trail following the Sierra excessive route.
He has a whole bunch of nights spent within the backcountry from humble beginnings of sleeping beneath a ironmongery store tarp guyed out with parachute wire to totally kitted-out backcountry ski excursions.
After 20 years of expertise, he has discovered the worth of a real tent. He nonetheless prefers to journey as mild as doable, whether or not it’s with a summer time tent that matches within the palm of his hand or his zero-pound all-season tent for ski excursions within the useless of winter.
He believes each journey requires the proper device for the job, and an excellent evening’s sleep in a succesful tent is crucial for fulfillment within the backcountry.
Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select a Backpacking Tent
Do you intend to camp alone or with your loved ones? Are automotive tenting tents your jam, or do you repeatedly head out for weeks within the backcountry? Are you strictly a summer time camper, or do you sleep exterior all yr lengthy?
There’s no proper or fallacious reply, however being clear on the way you need to camp will make selecting a tent simpler. The Zpacks Plex Solo may go for some customers who need to go as mild and minimalist as doable.
However, the Marmot Catalyst, whereas heavier, offers a finances possibility for individuals who don’t plan to hike as far and wish slightly extra room. Utilizing the six components we listed initially of this text as a information, discovering the most effective backpacking tent could be a easy errand of selecting which qualities are most necessary to you.
Ease of Setup
That is your first second together with your brand-new tent and perhaps you may intuitively work out the place the whole lot goes, or perhaps it’s worthwhile to reference the guide each step of the way in which. Some tents make setup straightforward with color-coded poles or poles which can be all the identical size.
Single-walled winter tents are infamous for barely making room for poles within the materials to carry a taut exterior. Nonetheless, different tents want quite a few man traces to carry in place and aren’t freestanding with out them.
Regardless of the case could also be, our desire is that the simpler a tent is to arrange, the higher. In fact, domes for alpine basecamps are going to be tougher than a two-person bug internet.
The Sea to Summit Telos has many hubs connecting completely different size poles, so it pays to try to set one of these tent up upfront. Nonetheless, the Hyperlite UltaMid merely calls for 2 trekking poles lashed collectively within the middle with equalized man traces. Desire is king and it doesn’t matter what design fits your expertise stage, at all times apply setting it up at residence earlier than you go.
Sturdiness and Supplies
Most tents for backpacking are produced from nylon materials, cuben fiber, or polyester. Every of those supplies has its distinctive advantages, from decrease price to harder climate resistance or ripstop qualities.
Cuben fiber has confirmed to be a wonderful materials that could be very light-weight and intensely weather-resistant. It additionally resists tearing — however it’s costly. Sadly, it may possibly puncture comparatively simply, however crosshatched reinforcement prevents additional tearing.
Nylon is a less expensive materials however can also be much less sturdy. Usually it’s strengthened in opposition to the weather with polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic coating. This makes it extra water resistant however much less breathable. Polyester is heavier than nylon and in addition not significantly breathable.
The thickness of the fabric is measured in denier items, that are principally the density of fibers measured in grams over meters. The decrease the denier rely, the lighter the fabric. Decrease deniers are nice for decreasing pack weight however require extra care to forestall rips and tears.
Light-weight tents will often have 15-20-denier fly and flooring. And a heavy automotive tenting or winter tent may have a ranking as excessive as 75 or extra.
Then there are the poles. In an effort to scale back weight, some tents such because the Zpacks Duplex or Hyperlite UltaMid forgo their very own poles and as a substitute depend on trekking poles to offer structural help. All the time you should definitely test that your trekking poles are suitable together with your tent.
Tent-specific poles are comprised of carbon fiber, aluminum, composite, or a mixture. Aluminum is mild however not almost as mild as carbon fiber or among the proprietary composites provided as we speak.
Aluminum poles are often discovered in additional reasonably priced fashions and may face up to rougher dealing with. The NEMO Dagger and the REI Quarter Dome, as an example, each make use of aluminum poles.
For sturdiness, we like to make use of a footprint, which often must be purchased individually. You may at all times trend a customized footprint by slicing a chunk of Tyvek, which is offered at most {hardware} shops however lacks the grommets and fastening factors of a manufactured footprint.
Shopping for from the producer insures a correct match and often will snap, click on, or tie in to combine with the tent. Numerous ultralight backpackers are going with a loopy mild polycryo footprint like this one to shave much more grams.
Tent stakes additionally are available in quite a lot of supplies. Carbon fiber tent stakes, akin to these provided by Hyperlite, are mild however have a thicker circumference in comparison with aluminum and are subsequently bulkier. Saving weight is a vital purpose, all of it simply is determined by how a lot you’re prepared to spend.
Weight and Packed Dimension
In the event you solely plan to automotive camp, weight and packed dimension aren’t main issues. However anybody planning to haul their tent into the backcountry ought to take a tough have a look at these issues.
An ultralight tent, akin to Gossamer Gear’s The Two or The One, is a good possibility for backpacking or thru-hiking. It doesn’t take up lots of house or weight in your pack, which means you may justify bringing a favourite flask or a couple of additional snacks. However as a result of mild supplies, it’s not as sturdy as heavier tents and requires extra care. The Kelty Late Begin 2 is over twice the burden at 4 kilos, 8 ounces, however is considerably cheaper.
So, it’s worthwhile to stability your wants for weight in opposition to sturdiness and value. You could discover that some tents, just like the Zpacks Duplex, hit the most effective of each worlds through the use of ultra-strong, super-light Dyneema (cuben fiber) material.
The REI Arete can appear a like backbreaker in comparison with lighter tents, nevertheless it has a great deal of headroom and opulent house. In case you are splitting a tent between many individuals, the additional kilos get unfold out. In case you are planning a solo thru-hike, coughing up the money for a small, mild tent can prevent lots of again ache.
No matter your selection, be sincere with your self in contemplating your seemingly makes use of. In the event you anticipate to do lots of automotive tenting, it’s sensible to hold slightly extra weight in change for sturdiness.
There are giant books written on shaving weight for backpacking. The uninitiated could balk at tent costs earlier than a visit, solely to be taught the laborious means that each gram actually does add up.
Inside Area
To save lots of weight, you need to be prepared to snuggle right into a two-person tent and rub shoulders or scent your companion’s ft. Ceiling top is a vital consideration as nicely.
Ultralight tents just like the Six Moons Designs Haven or the Hyperlite UltaMid nonetheless supply excessive ceilings, however they usually have extra roof angles and fewer total room in comparison with freestanding tents.
The UltaMid is likely one of the roomiest tents, with over 50 sq. ft of flooring house and a 64-inch ceiling. The advantage of a conventional tent just like the REI Arete is that it doesn’t have a pole by way of the middle of it.
Inside house in a tent equals consolation. The principle issues to contemplate are flooring dimensions, size, and ceiling top. Tents have a said variety of individuals they sleep, however how roomy or cramped they are going to be at capability varies by model.
In case you are solely packing the tent for “simply in case” or to largely retailer gear, you may downsize to a lighter, extra cramped mannequin. Take note of dimensions within the specs from a producer, as they can provide you a good suggestion of what number of sleeping pads will slot in it.
Climate Resistance
Fundamental tents deal with nice climate like a champ and may even handle mild rain and wind. However in case you plan to camp throughout rain or snow storms (which frequently roll in unexpectedly), it’s value it to avoid wasting up and purchase a sturdier tent.
Within the occasion of a storm or condensation buildup, all tents additionally want air flow to adequately take away moisture. The Sea to Summit Telos excels on this class with a rollaway fly that may be left open on a heat day to permit your whole objects to dry while you’re away.
Something can occur on an prolonged backpacking journey, and it’s worthwhile to have a shelter that can shield you in driving rain or hail, brutal warmth throughout summer time months, or snowy whiteouts within the winter … all whereas sustaining a light-weight package deal that simply suits in your bag.
It’s a tall order. However the entire tents on this listing have been examined for sturdiness and high quality, and we’d really feel snug battling the weather with them.
Many four-season tents are single-wall fashions. The advantage of a single-wall design is that there is no such thing as a hole for wind or precipitation to sneak in. Try our Winter Tent Evaluate for extra perception on this matter.
Double-wall designs are much more frequent for three-season or summer time tents. Detachable rain flies are a plus if all you want is a barrier from the mosquitos and also you need to stargaze.
In case you are assured within the forecast, dropping the fly can carry you to what some name “path weight,” which refers to leaving out the additional components to attain the naked minimal weight.
Vestibules are an necessary function to have in inclement climate. They act as a miniature mudroom and supply house for gear storage.
The Large Agnes Copper Spur provides a singular design with its awning vestibules. Sealed seams additionally assist buffer in opposition to the weather and leakage.
In the event you plan to make use of a tent in a moist, wet, or snowy surroundings, contemplate doing this your self, as seams are a weak level within the waterproof safety of a fly or single-wall tent. Conveniently, Six Moon Designs will seam-seal its tents for an additional charge, however this can seemingly delay delivery time.
Worth
It’s laborious to place a price ticket on the nights of journey and luxury {that a} backpacking tent offers. Price is immediately associated to the standard of the supplies and the packed weight.
The Marmot Catalyst is a living proof in terms of worth for the finances hiker, because it’s mild on the pockets however heavy on the again. A frugal hiker can get monetary savings on this piece of drugs to spend extra on different requirements like a sleeping bag and backpack.
Producers understand that the entry price of this ardour is steep and supply economical choices to suit any finances. With correct care and upkeep, essentially the most reasonably priced tent can final many seasons.
The Kelty Late Begin 2 is an instance of an entry-level tent that gives nice options for a fraction of the price of one thing just like the Hyperlite UltaMid. However, the UltaMid provides the savvy, devoted hiker what they’ve longed for on many arduous miles — a tent that weighs subsequent to nothing and is sturdy and simple to arrange.
The worth of a tent is basically the ratio of enjoyment versus price. All the tents we examined have a excessive worth when paired with the proper consumer. Sit down, and write out a finances that not solely consists of how a lot you may have within the financial institution but in addition signifies how devoted you’re to the game. Plan to spend a couple of quarter to a 3rd of your finances on a tent.
The true backcountry addicts — and people who really feel the hook sinking of their lip after their first journey — will virtually definitely personal multiple tent for his or her lifetime of out of doors adventuring.
Not all tents can deal with each surroundings completely, however are as a substitute tailor-made to a variety of circumstances. A great rule for gear is to begin inside your finances with a flexible possibility. As your passions develop, your gear will change into extra particular. Buying the most effective backpacking tent in your wants isn’t any small activity, however it is usually thrilling and can open up many new doorways to the pure world.
FAQ
How A lot Does a Backpacking Tent Price?
Costs of backpacking tents range significantly. Supplies and the burden of the tent trigger costs to vary from beneath $200 (such because the Kelty Late Begin 2) to over $1,000 out the door.
Specialised ultralight tents such because the Hyperlite UltaMid or burly all-weather mountaineering tents are often the most costly and are produced from very robust and lightweight supplies.
Inexpensive tents are priced for the start or occasional hiker. Anticipate to spend a 3rd of your finances on a tent, one other third in your sleeping bag, and the remainder in your cooking provides, and many others.
The quantity you’re prepared to spend is determined by your dedication to the game. Reasonably priced choices are an incredible place to begin, as you may then gauge your willingness to take a position.
What Ought to I Search for When Shopping for a Tent?
When shopping for a backpacking tent, take note of whether or not it’s freestanding, just like the REI Quarter Dome, or requires trekking poles, just like the Zpacks Duplex. Tents that use trekking poles are on common far lighter, however they take man traces and know-how to arrange.
Supplies are necessary to contemplate as nicely. The dearer tents supply mild rip-resistant supplies like cuben fiber (such because the Hyperlite UltaMid), whereas extra economical fashions are cumbersome and heavier (see the Marmot Catalyst). This impacts not solely weight but in addition packed dimension.
Ensure that the tent has satisfactory house in your wants, with flooring house, vestibules, and storage. Minimalist tents will likely be lighter however often supply much less by way of additional pockets and storage. Tents extra suited to automotive tenting may have these facilities however weigh significantly extra.
Ought to I Purchase an Ultralight Tent?
Ultralight tents are fragile, costly shelters uncovered to doubtlessly harsh circumstances within the wilderness. The most important good thing about a tent just like the Six Moon Designs Haven is available in little or no weight and quantity in your pack.
Having used a number of ultralight tents, I’d say that almost all backpackers ought to keep away from absolutely the lightest tents until they’re extraordinarily cautious with their gear.
And by that, I imply they put it away completely each time, and even go as far as to load their automotive and backpack with the care of their gear in thoughts. I’ve had holes worn in ultralight tents from nothing however friction and vibration throughout a 2-hour drive, so this isn’t an exaggeration.
How A lot Ought to a Backpacking Tent Weigh?
So, if ultralight is just too mild for you, what’s an inexpensive weight for a backpacking tent? A well-established guideline is about 2.5 kilos per individual, which means a tent beneath 5 kilos for a two-person tent is affordable.
The Large Agnes Copper Spur weighs in at 3 kilos, 2 ounces, which could be very mild cut up between two individuals, whereas the Zpacks Duplex is 1 pound, 3 ounces. Each tents are for 2 individuals however are produced from completely different supplies, and the Duplex is determined by your trekking poles to arrange.
What Is a Footprint, and Ought to I Use a Footprint for My Backpacking Tent?
Many tents supply footprints as an aftermarket add-on. A footprint is a chunk of cloth that matches the form of the tent flooring. It usually will clip into your tent poles or stake system to combine together with your setup beneath your tent.
The footprint presents safety in opposition to sharp objects on the bottom and will improve the lifespan of your tent. Nonetheless, carrying a footprint provides to the burden of your pack. So, it’s worthwhile to stability the necessity to shield your tent with the added weight of the footprint.
For ultralight tents such because the Hyperlite UltaMid or Zpacks Duplex, a footprint is commonly necessary to stopping harm. That’s considerably ironic, because the tent is supposed to be as mild as doable.
For that motive, typically a barely heavier flooring construct, as on the REI Arete, makes extra sense, as you may depart the footprint behind. For automotive tenting, a footprint is at all times a good suggestion, as it is going to improve the lifetime of your tent.
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