When it comes to backpacking, choosing the right tent is essential. A good tent provides shelter, comfort, and protection against the elements, all while being light enough to carry on long treks. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option for solo adventures or a more spacious design for two, we’ve rounded up the 7 best tents for backpackers in 2024 to help you find the perfect shelter for your next outdoor expedition.
What to Look for in a Backpacking Tent
When selecting a backpacking tent, consider these key factors:
- Weight: Backpacking tents should be lightweight and easy to carry, ideally under 5 pounds.
- Capacity: Choose between 1-person, 2-person, or larger tents depending on your needs.
- Durability: The tent should be made from durable materials that can withstand wind, rain, and wear over time.
- Ease of Setup: A tent that’s easy to pitch quickly is essential, especially in changing weather.
- Weather Protection: Look for tents that provide good protection against rain and wind, with a durable rainfly and solid waterproofing.
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a highly popular, lightweight backpacking tent designed for hikers who need a reliable, spacious shelter without adding extra weight to their pack.
Key Features:
- Weighs only 3 pounds.
- Two doors and two vestibules for easy access and gear storage.
- High-volume design for extra interior space.
Overview:
Weighing just 3 pounds, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a top choice for backpackers looking for an ultra-light yet durable tent. This tent features a high-volume design, offering ample headroom and space for two people to sleep comfortably. The double doors and vestibules provide plenty of room for gear storage while keeping everything protected from the elements. It’s built with ripstop nylon, offering excellent durability while remaining lightweight. The tent is also designed for quick and easy setup with a hub pole system that allows for a secure pitch in minutes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultralight design for easy carrying | Higher price point |
| Spacious for its weight class | Thin material requires careful handling |
| Excellent ventilation and weather protection | Tight fit for two people with gear |
Why We Recommend:
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is perfect for backpackers who want a lightweight, high-performance tent that offers great space and protection without adding significant weight to their pack.
2. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a well-balanced tent that combines durability, weather protection, and lightweight design, making it ideal for backpackers who want reliable performance without extra bulk.
Key Features:
- Weighs 3.8 pounds.
- Two doors and vestibules for gear storage.
- DuraShield waterproof coating for weather protection.
Overview:
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX weighs in at just under 4 pounds and offers a great balance between weight, space, and durability. It features a symmetrical design with two large doors and two vestibules, allowing for easy entry and exit as well as plenty of storage space for gear. The tent is made from durable ripstop nylon with a DuraShield waterproof coating, making it highly resistant to rain and wind. Setup is quick and easy, thanks to the color-coded poles and clips. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or exploring forests, this tent will keep you protected without weighing you down.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and durable | Slightly smaller vestibules |
| Easy to set up with color-coded poles | Higher price compared to other tents |
| Excellent weatherproofing | Limited headroom for taller individuals |
Why We Recommend:
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is perfect for backpackers who need a tent that balances weight, weather protection, and durability for multi-day trips in a variety of conditions.
3. Nemo Hornet 2P Tent
The Nemo Hornet 2P Tent is one of the lightest double-wall tents available, offering impressive performance for ultralight backpackers who don’t want to compromise on space or comfort.
Key Features:
- Ultralight design at 2 pounds.
- Two doors and vestibules for easy access.
- Single-pole hub system for fast setup.
Overview:
Weighing just 2 pounds, the Nemo Hornet 2P Tent is designed for ultralight backpackers who want to minimize pack weight without sacrificing shelter performance. This tent features a unique two-door and two-vestibule design, allowing for easy access and convenient gear storage. The single-pole hub system makes setup fast and simple, while the strategically placed guy-out points maximize interior space. Despite its lightweight design, the Nemo Hornet offers excellent protection against wind and rain, making it a reliable choice for solo adventurers or pairs who need to pack light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the lightest tents available | Less durable compared to heavier models |
| Easy to set up and pack | Tight interior for two people |
| Good ventilation | Higher price for ultralight design |
Why We Recommend:
The Nemo Hornet 2P Tent is ideal for backpackers focused on ultralight travel who still want a tent that offers solid protection and convenient features for their adventures.
4. Kelty Late Start 2-Person Tent
The Kelty Late Start 2-Person Tent is a lightweight and budget-friendly option for backpackers who want a reliable tent that performs well in various weather conditions. Its easy setup and spacious interior make it an excellent choice for long-distance hikers.
Key Features:
- Weighs 4 pounds 8 ounces.
- Quick and easy setup with two-pole design.
- Full-coverage rainfly for weather protection.
Overview:
Weighing just over 4 pounds, the Kelty Late Start 2-Person Tent provides a great balance between durability and weight. It features a simple two-pole design that allows for a quick and easy setup, perfect for when you arrive at your campsite after a long day of hiking. The tent is made from tough, weather-resistant materials, with a full-coverage rainfly to keep you dry in wet conditions. The Late Start also has a surprisingly spacious interior for a tent of its weight class, offering enough room for two people and gear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly option | Slightly heavier than ultralight tents |
| Durable and weather-resistant | Only one door |
| Spacious interior for its size | No gear loft included |
Why We Recommend:
The Kelty Late Start 2-Person Tent is an excellent option for backpackers who want a durable, affordable, and easy-to-set-up tent that performs well in all weather conditions.
5. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent is a budget-friendly option for solo backpackers who want a reliable, easy-to-pitch tent without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Freestanding design for easy setup.
- Full-coverage rainfly with vestibule.
- Mesh panels for ventilation.
Overview
For solo backpackers looking for an affordable, reliable tent, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent is hard to beat. Weighing just 4 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some ultralight options but offers excellent durability and ease of use. The freestanding design with two aluminum poles makes setup quick and hassle-free. The tent includes a full-coverage rainfly with vestibule storage, providing protection against rain and offering space to store gear. Its 75D polyester fabric ensures long-term durability, while the mesh panels allow for excellent ventilation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and reliable | Heavier than other solo backpacking tents |
| Easy to set up | Limited interior space |
| Durable materials | Not ideal for taller individuals |
Why We Recommend:
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent is a great option for solo backpackers on a budget who need a durable, easy-to-set-up shelter with solid weather protection.
6. Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent
The Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent is a versatile, affordable option for backpackers looking for a spacious tent that provides excellent weather protection and durability.
Key Features:
- Two doors and vestibules for easy access and gear storage.
- Pre-bent poles for increased interior space.
- Full-coverage rainfly for weather protection.
Overview:
The Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent is a favorite among backpackers for its roomy interior and affordable price point. It weighs just under 5 pounds, making it a bit heavier than some ultralight options, but it offers plenty of space and solid protection from the elements. The tent features two large doors and vestibules for gear storage, while the full-coverage rainfly ensures you stay dry in heavy rain. The pre-bent poles create vertical sidewalls, maximizing interior space and making the tent feel much larger than it looks from the outside. It’s an excellent choice for backpackers who want a more affordable, spacious tent for two people.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious interior for two people | Heavier than other backpacking tents |
| Affordable price point | Not as lightweight as some options |
| Easy to set up | Limited ventilation in warm weather |
Why We Recommend:
The Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent offers excellent value for its price, combining durability, space, and protection. It’s perfect for backpackers looking for a more budget-friendly tent that doesn’t skimp on performance.
7. Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent is a cutting-edge ultralight tent designed for maximum livability and ventilation, making it perfect for backpackers who want comfort on the trail.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design at 3 pounds.
- Tension Ridge architecture for increased interior space and ventilation.
- Two doors and large vestibules for gear storage.
Overview:
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent is a lightweight, double-wall tent designed with backpackers in mind. Weighing just under 3 pounds, it offers excellent livability with a spacious interior, vertical sidewalls, and high headroom. The tent features Sea to Summit’s Tension Ridge architecture, which provides exceptional ventilation and airflow, making it one of the most comfortable tents to sleep in, even in warm weather. With two doors and large vestibules, the Telos TR2 also offers plenty of space for gear storage. Despite its ultralight design, it’s built to withstand challenging weather conditions, providing reliable protection from wind and rain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious and comfortable interior | High price point |
| Excellent ventilation | Learning curve for setup |
| Ultralight design | Limited durability compared to heavier models |
Why We Recommend:
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent is ideal for backpackers who prioritize comfort and livability without sacrificing weight. Its innovative design makes it a standout choice for long-distance hikers who want a reliable shelter with excellent airflow.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Capacity | Weight | Weatherproofing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent | 2-Person | 3 pounds | Excellent | High |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent | 2-Person | 3.8 pounds | Excellent | High |
| Nemo Hornet 2P Tent | 2-Person | 2 pounds | Great | High |
| Kelty Late Start 2-Person Tent | 2-Person | 4.8 pounds | Good | Low |
| ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent | 1-Person | 4 pounds | Good | Low |
| Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent | 2-Person | 4.8 pounds | Great | Medium |
| Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent | 2-Person | 3 pounds | Excellent | High |
Conclusion
Choosing the right tent is essential for any backpacking adventure, and the options in this list offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an ultralight tent like the Nemo Hornet 2P or a more spacious option like the Marmot Tungsten 2P, these top picks provide the perfect balance of weight, durability, and weather protection for your next backpacking trip.
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