The Best Backpacking Tents of 2022

Whether you’re seeking to spend 100 nights on the path or wish to keep on with a good price range, we’ve discovered the perfect 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, a great tent is the cornerstone of outside preparedness. The proper tent could be a shelter from the weather and critters. In the wild, it’s a house away from house.

Our group of testers has spent a whole lot 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 number of the perfect backpacking tents for this yr. When it involves selecting a tent, one fact stands out: no single tent will work properly for each state of affairs.

Sometimes you need a superlight bivy that simply retains the bugs away on a protracted hike. Other occasions, you need a burly winter abode able to standing as much as gale-force winds and heavy snow. Maybe you need that tent that may do some of every thing.

In basic, selecting a tent largely comes all the way down to how you propose to make use of it. If you need assistance deciding, try our purchaser’s information. And in case you’re in search of one thing roomier for automotive tenting or household tenting, now we have a separate overview of the perfect tenting tents.

We thought-about six components whereas evaluating the perfect backpacking tents: ease of organising, sturdiness and supplies, weight and packed dimension, inside area, climate resistance, and worth.

Floor area and packed weight have been crucial components to our panel, whereas further options corresponding to pouches and pockets weighed much less closely in our analysis.

Each tent excels in a number of of those features, and now we have awarded excellent fashions “Best of Rating” akin 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, now we have discovered a tent that may suit your price range and desires.

Scroll by way of to see all of our really useful buys, or soar to the class you’re in search of. At the top of our checklist, you should definitely try our comparability chart and FAQ part.

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2022

Best Overall Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Looking for a three-season freestanding tent that ideas the scales at simply 3 kilos, 2 ounces? Enter the Big Agnes Copper Spur ($500). Although you could find lighter tents in the marketplace, this tent is mild sufficient to make it a contender for the perfect backpacking tent, even for the gram-counters amongst us.

This tent boasts a great overlap between the bath ground and the rainfly, making certain a dry evening’s sleep. Above the ground materials, high quality mesh gives a breathable, well-ventilated area that ought to maintain condensation low.

With so little weight in your pack, you get a very comfy abode for the path. It has two doorways, two vestibules, 29 sq. ft of ground area, and 18 sq. ft of mixed vestibule area. The vestibules rework into awnings with trekking poles to cook dinner underneath or to permit airflow.

Easy-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 ground 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 provides. The four-way hub on the apex the place the poles be part of aids in a speedy setup.

Remember, it is very important train warning when setting as much as keep away from ripping or breaking poles. Always double-check to verify poles are correctly seated earlier than flexing them into place.

Be cautious when packing mild tents into your pack, too. With conscientious care and upkeep, these tents can final a very long time.

This Big Agnes Copper Spur tent is right for light-weight backpacking as long as you are taking excellent care to guard the supplies. Hikers who use electronics extra, or who assume they might 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 might be inside spitting distance of a automotive. Overall, 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.
• Height: 40 in.
• Floor area: 29 sq. ft.
• Materials: Nylon, aluminum, and composite
• Vestibule space: 18 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Light
• Stable
• Roomier than anticipated
• Excellent storage and vestibule design

Cons:

• Expensive
• Struggles in excessive winds (above 40 mph)
• Somewhat fragile

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at REI

Best Budget Backpacking Tent: Marmot Catalyst 2P Tent

At $219, the Catalyst two-person tent is a superb 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 ground area.

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 solely drawbacks to this tent are its weight and bulk. A minor criticism is that the completely different size poles might be complicated if you’re in a rush. Practicing your setup upfront (all the time really useful) is an efficient solution to shorten setup time.

The packed dimension is 21 by 7.5 inches, and the Catalyst weighs 5 kilos, 3 ounces. This is pretty heavy for a two-person tent, and it’s no simple process to hold up a steep move.

Still, for brand new hikers entering into the sport, the Marmot Catalyst 2P Tent is a superb place to begin. Divide the elements of the tent between you and your mountaineering companion and begin exploring. Anyone who’s not sure about how a lot backpacking they’ll do is unlikely to have purchaser’s regret, making this among the finest backpacking tents for the value.

Specs:

• Weight: 4 lbs., 11 oz.
• Height: 44 in.
• Floor area: 32.5 sq. ft.
• Materials: Polyester and aluminum
• Vestibule space: 11 sq. ft., 6.5 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Great worth
• Spacious
• Easy setup with color-coded poles

Cons:

• Heavier than different backpacking tents
• Bulky when packed
• Different pole lengths

Check Price at REI

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Plex Solo

A sub-14-ounce, absolutely enclosed tent utilizing just one trekking pole? Yes, 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. But the Plex Solo ($600) carries the torch of their fame.

When we acquired this bundle within the mail, we thought they’d actually forgotten to incorporate the tent within the padded envelope. Yes, 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 now we have grown accustomed to with Zpack’s flagship fashions just like the Duplex, the Plex Solo shaves ounces by utilizing 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 system pairs down on weight, however we additionally discovered it to be rather less handy than a zipper, primarily if you’re making an attempt to faff round with it late at evening to go to the lavatory. Using just one trekking pole, the Plex Solo maximizes area with a sequence of guylines throughout the tent that pull the material outwards from the middle pole.

One of the issues that plague single-wall, ultralight shelters essentially the most is condensation buildup. The Plex Solo addresses this with among the finest designs we’ve seen within the business, and we’ve been mega grateful for the dearth of drips on our sleeping luggage within the morning.

There is a display between the bath ground and the tent partitions which might be sloped downward by an elastic wire that retains the bath elevated. This permits 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 buy for devoted long-distance backpacking, the Plex Solo is shortly turning into the gold customary for the ultralight and thru-hiking crowd. It’s simply so onerous to beat 13.9 ounces, with a design that doesn’t skimp on efficiency or consolation. If 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 coloration scheme)
• Height: 52 in.
• Floor area: 20.6 sq. ft.
• Materials: Dyneema (0.75 oz./sq. yd.)

Pros:

• Extremely Ultralight
• Well-ventilated
• Unique system of coping with condensation buildup
• Only makes use of one trekking pole as a substitute of two

Cons:

• Expensive
• Somewhat annoying not having a zipper on the vestibule

Check Price at Zpack

Best Value Ultralight: Gossamer Gear The Two

As far as light-weight, spacious, and very sturdy single-wall shelters for 2 go, it’s onerous to seek out one thing that compares to the worth of Gossamer Gear’s The Two ($375). Simple, inexpensive, and tremendous simple to arrange, The Two offers weight-conscious backpacking {couples} seeking to streamline their equipment a stable ultralight choice.

At 23.5 ounces and packing down to only over the scale of a Nalgene, The Two can simply be carried by one member of the social gathering, or the burden might 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 gap.

At $375 this is likely one of the least costly ultralight shelters that has been totally examined by numerous thru-hikers (often its smaller sibling, The One), and weekend warriors alike. Similar single wall, trekking pole model 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 excellent for lowering weight with out sacrificing power 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 citadel. With ample headroom and a beneficiant bathtub ground, it provides loads of area for 2 tapered 25-inch-wide sleeping pads. The large double vestibules add much more front room, and are lots large enough to cook dinner in if the climate turns foul round time for dinner. One of our testers was 6’2, and he or she was in a position to simply sit up with out hitting her head, and stretch out absolutely with out touching the highest and backside of the tent.

Despite being closely ventilated, condensation does construct up fairly considerably in The Two, however you may enormously cut back this if the climate permits by holding the 2 vestibules absolutely opened on both aspect. Two inner mesh pockets permit for ample storage however are positioned a bit awkwardly in the midst of the tent. This makes them more durable to entry whereas mendacity down.

These gripes apart, this is likely one of the finest shelters you should buy 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 maintain you cozy and dry with out weighing you down.

Specs:

• Weight: 23.5 oz.
• Height: 43 in.
• Floor Dimensions (LxWxH): 84 x 48/42 (head barely wider) x 43 in.
• Materials: Custom 10D Nylon Ripstop SIL/PU material
• Vestibule Area: 10 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Super spacious
• Ultralight
• Affordable

Cons:

• Condensation tends to construct up fairly simply
• Internal mesh pockets are positioned a bit awkwardly

Check Price at Gossamer Gear

Best Minimalist Backpacking Tent: Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 is unbelievable, 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 if you’d like the mesh insert to maintain bugs away. For critical hikers, the hefty funding could also be price it, because it’s undoubtedly among the finest backpacking tents accessible.

Hyperlite builds the UltaMid 2 with Dyneema material, an awfully 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 gives a ground space of over 50 sq. ft, sufficient area for 2 hikers and packs.

The solely drawbacks are the value and that it’s essential to have trekking poles. You are also going to wish area to man out the strains, as it’s not freestanding.

While costly, it is a top-tier tent that can final a really very long time. If you’re in search of an ultralight tent our tester known as a “wonder of engineering” that provides you with many seasons of use, this one is price contemplating. For extra, try our full overview of the UltaMid 2.

Specs:

• Weight: 1 lb., 2 oz.
• Height: 64 in.
• Floor area: 50 sq. ft.
• Materials: Cuben fiber, your trekking poles

Pros:

Cons:

• Expensive
• Trekking pole tents aren’t for everybody
• Need area to arrange man strains

Check Price at Hyperlite Mountain Gear

The Best of the Rest

NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P

With stable upgrades to the already legendary Hornet Elite 2 tent, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($599) provides larger water resistance and fewer sag when moist than its predecessor with Nemo’s proprietary Osmo material. We completely love this tent. Mostly, we love how a lot this tent saves each weight and pack area. It’s a marvel of engineering and is really among the finest 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 group dry and comfy.

Unlike many ultralight choices, which depend upon 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 further 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 ground offers a small however acceptable area for 2 adults. This is actually not a big footprint, and you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder together with your tentmate. Remember, we’re ultralight backpacking right here, so snuggle up.

Fortunately, there may be sufficient room underneath the 2 vestibules (serviced by two doorways) for a big pack, footwear, and another gear. We’ve used it many occasions within the rain, and it’s sufficient area to maintain your equipment dry, even in nasty climate.

Setup and takedown are additionally simple. Once accustomed to the tent, our testers have been in a position to set it up simply in lower than 5 minutes.

Of course, at $599, the Hornet Elite Osmo is a major funding. But we’ve used it for sufficient nights to be impressed with its sturdiness. That stated, it is a tremendous mild OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material tent. That means it received’t maintain as much as tons of abuse, and we don’t suggest it for automotive tenting, as that might put put on and tear on a really costly tent.

For those that need a light-weight tent to hold over large miles, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo is one among our favourite ultralight backpacking tents in the marketplace proper now.

Specs:

• Weight: 2 lbs., 1 oz.
• Height: 37 in.
• Floor area: 27.3 sq. ft.
• Materials: OSMO poly-nylon ripstop material
• Vestibule space: 12.4 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Ultralight
• Packs small
• Withstands climate

Cons:

• Expensive
• Fragile for automotive tenting or sharp rocks

Check Price at REI

Zpacks Duplex

For minimalist backpackers and thru-hikers that put weight financial savings on the high of the checklist, it’s onerous 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 area, and safety from the weather.

Featuring a Dyneema Composite building (relatively than nylon or silnylon discovered on most backpacking fashions), the tent is legitimately ultralight at simply 1 pound, 3.4 ounces. But the distinctive material holds up properly to tough use and isn’t susceptible to sagging, even in heavy moisture.

The Duplex provides good all-around livability for 2 backpackers with a peak peak of 48 inches, two aspect doorways and vestibules, and a symmetrical rectangular ground.

What do you quit with the ultralight construct? For one, the setup course of is rather 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 good pitch.

Also, condensation buildup might be a problem at evening, particularly alongside the cover peak. This mannequin makes use of single-wall building (and no mesh insert). Finally, in significantly tough and windy climate, we did discover it to be fairly drafty because of the mesh sidewalls.

As such, the Duplex seemingly isn’t the only option for informal backpackers, four-season adventurers, or these in search of a terrific worth. (It prices $699, and that doesn’t embrace stakes.)

This tent is right for the kind of one that cuts their toothbrush in half and takes satisfaction in total base weight. Overall, the Duplex is a standout choice for critical hikers who plan to log a whole lot of miles and aren’t shy about paying for high quality ultralight supplies.

Specs:

• Weight: 1 lb., 3.4 oz.
• Height: 48 in.
• Floor area: 28.1 sq. ft.
• Materials: Dyneema (0.55 oz./sq. yd.)
• Vestibule space: 11 sq. ft.

Pros:

Cons:

• Expensive
• Hard to arrange
• Requires giant space, stakes, and guylines

Check Price at Zpacks

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 diminished stretch, and all of us can profit from its use of 100% recycled yarns. 

Like earlier variations, the setup course of stays quick and straightforward, with one pole linked 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 in regards to the sturdiness of the crucial plastic elements, although none broke throughout our testing journey.

With gear within the pockets, this tent provides good group. You can hold 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 simple exits and area for gear, and in case you occur to have this tent to your self, it appears like a palace.

The Dagger held up properly to sturdy winds as soon as we absolutely 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.

While 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, try our full overview of the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P.

Specs:

• Packed weight: 4 lbs., 2 oz.
• Height: 42 in.
• Floor area: 31.3 sq. ft.
• Materials: OSMO Ripstop/Nylon mix, aluminum
• Vestibule space: 11.4 sq. ft. x 2

Pros:

• Spacious for two folks
• Durable sufficient for automotive tenting
• Easy to arrange

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not the lightest

Check Price at REI

REI Arete ASL 2 Backpacking Tent

The Arete ASL 2 ($449) is a chunker, however provides a ton of versatility and safety from the weather in an inexpensive bundle, which earned it a spot on this checklist. 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 properly in the summertime too, with loads of mesh for air flow.

We discovered the four-pole setup fast and straightforward, because of the intuitive coloration coding. The vestibule gives sufficient room for 2 packs and mountaineering footwear. The nook pockets and hold loops maintain necessities at hand. For higher sturdiness and luxury, we suggest including on the footprint, which is offered individually.

We don’t love the single-door design, however at the least the door is giant and straightforward to entry from both nook of the tent. Previous fashions of this tent skilled points with the rainfly seam sealant, however it seems that REI has mounted that downside with this latest replace.

Overall, the Arete ASL 2 is a sturdy, all-season tent, and is available in at about half the value 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.
• Height: 43 in.
• Floor area: 32.9 sq. ft.
• Materials: Nylon and aluminum
• Vestibule space: 8.7 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Value
• Storm-ready
• Lightweight for a four-season tent

Cons:

Check Price at REI

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 well-liked the free-standing Telos between the 2.

The Telos is a superb 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 peak.

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 sturdy structure. Our check confronted very sturdy winds, pushing 50 mph, and the Sea to Summit Telos didn’t collapse in any respect, even when receiving heavy gusts.

However, our testers didn’t love every thing in regards to the Telos. The largest complaints surrounded the tent’s distinctive storage system. Sea to Summit opted to make use of two luggage and a “light bar” tube (a separate slim 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. Furthermore, you stuff the tent physique into one bag, the fly into one other, and the poles into the tube. This permits 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).

However, our testers discovered it pointless and complicated. We all agreed that you just’d seemingly find yourself shedding elements this fashion. In quick, whereas Sea to Summit actually thought by way of this design, we would like a easy stuff sack and pole bag.

All that stated, the Telos is a superb backpacking tent that gives good air flow, wonderful inside area, two doorways, and two vestibules.

We wouldn’t hesitate to purchase one primarily as a backpacking tent that would flex into automotive tenting, because of pretty sturdy supplies and an accessible footprint. For those that like versatility in setup, and are good at holding observe of stuff sacks, it is a stable selection.

Read our full overview of the Sea To Summit Telos.

Specs:

• Packed weight: 3 lbs., 10.7 oz.
• Height: 43.5 in.
• Floor area: 23 sq. ft.
• Materials: Polyester and aluminum
• Vestibule space: 19.5 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Light however pretty sturdy
• Accommodating for folks over 6 ft tall
• Steep partitions

Cons:

• Expensive
• Storage system overly difficult

Check Price at REI

Kelty Late Start 2

If value is your main concern when shopping for a tent, however you continue to need good high quality, the Kelty Late Start 2 is an efficient place to look. At $160, the Late Start 2 is a modestly priced tent. And it has high quality building whereas hitting a value level that most individuals received’t balk at.

It units up tremendous quick with a easy two-pole design. Once up, the bath ground provides a slight overlap with the rainfly, so splashback might be a problem in heavy rain and wind.

The tent packs all the way down to 16 x 7 inches. While actually not tiny, it can work in a backpack. Similarly, at a minimal weight of 4 kilos, it’s not ultralight however works for brief backpacking excursions.

The vestibules are barely large enough for a single backpack, however they’ll suffice for hikers on a price range. Two small pockets supply area to stash a few vital 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 number of completely happy tenting.

Specs:

• Weight: 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Height: 40 in.
• Floor area: 29.5 sq. ft.
• Materials: Polyester and aluminum
• Vestibule space: 7.85 sq. ft.

Pros:

• Good worth
• Easy setup
• Quality building

Cons:

• Heavier
• Not constructed for excessive climate circumstances

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Bass Pro

Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle

The cottage model Six Moon Designs focuses on constructing very mild gear with long-distance hikers in thoughts. While fairly specialised, the Haven Bundle ($335) is an easy-to-use trekking pole tent that ideas the scales at simply 2 kilos, 2 ounces, together with a tarp and inside internet.

You can use the tarp alone on the path, which, for 17 ounces of packed weight, offers you a big 53 sq. ft of shelter. If you’re in a buggy locale, add the Mesh Nest contained in the tarp for much more safety.

The nest is 48 inches vast and 114 inches lengthy, offering 38 sq. ft of area for 2 adults. In this configuration, you find yourself with two giant vestibules and two doorways. At $335 for the bundle, it’s a reasonably priced ultralight tent.

Thanks to the flexibility to be arrange as a tarp alone, the system packs a whole lot 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 a bit trickier to arrange and requires good guyline attachments for stability and ample area 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. This 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.
• Height: 45 in.
• Floor area: 38 sq. ft.
• Materials: Nylon

Pros:

• 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 equipment, bought individually for $30-80) to arrange

Check Price at Amazon

MSR Hubba Hubba 

Shaving over 10 ounces off the unique mannequin (for the two-person mannequin), the brand new Hubba Hubba by MSR in some way improves on an already legendary traditional. With new know-how and added options, this sturdy, light-weight, and comfy shelter guarantees to nonetheless be a high decide for die-hard backpackers and informal campers alike.

For 2022, the Hubba Hubba tent is accessible 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 are 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 ground materials made from 20D ripstop nylon and 1,200mm Durashield polyurethane, in addition to a DWR remedy. Its symmetrical rectangular form gives loads of area for full-size sleeping pads.

The air flow is ample even when the rainfly is on. There might be some vibration and flapping on the rainfly within the wind. And in case you use this tent within the winter, make sure that your sleeping bag is heat when it’s chilly out.

Launched in 2002, that is MSR’s bestselling tent for a purpose. It manages to mix every thing you need into one compact bundle. 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 guide.

Be positive to 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)
• Height:  29 x 15 sq. ft.
• Floor area: 29 sq. ft.
• Interior Peak Height: 40 in.
• Materials: 20D ripstop nylon & DWR (cover material), 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR (ground material)
• Packed Size: 19 x 4.5 in.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Spacious
• No-curve door zippers
• Rain gutters on the fly

Cons:

• Pretty costly
• Rainfly considerably tough to arrange

Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon

Backpacking Tent Comparison Chart

 

Backpacking Tent	Price	Weight	Height	Floor area	Materials	Vestibule space
Big 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 coloration 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 Start 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 Should Trust Us

Ryan Baker, one of many authors, lives within the Eastern Sierra together with his spouse and enjoys mountaineering, climbing, and snowboarding each probability he will get. Last summer time, he spent over a month backpacking on and off-trail following the Sierra excessive route.

He has a whole lot of nights spent within the backcountry from humble beginnings of sleeping underneath a ironmongery shop tarp guyed out with parachute wire to completely kitted-out backcountry ski excursions.

After 20 years of expertise, he has realized the worth of a real tent. He nonetheless prefers to journey as mild as potential, 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 lifeless of winter.

He believes each journey requires the correct instrument for the job, and a great evening’s sleep in a succesful tent is important for fulfillment within the backcountry.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Do you propose to camp alone or with your loved ones? Are automotive tenting tents your jam, or do you commonly head out for weeks within the backcountry? Are you strictly a summer time camper, or do you sleep outdoors all yr lengthy?

There’s no proper or flawed reply, however being clear on the way you wish to camp will make selecting a tent simpler. The Zpacks Plex Solo may go for some customers who wish to go as mild and minimalist as potential.

On the opposite hand, the Marmot Catalyst, whereas heavier, gives a price range choice for individuals who don’t plan to hike as far and wish a bit extra room. Using the six components we listed in the beginning of this text as a information, discovering the perfect backpacking tent could be a easy errand of selecting which qualities are most vital to you.

Ease of Setup

This is your first second together with your brand-new tent and possibly you may intuitively determine the place every thing goes, or possibly that you must reference the guide each step of the way in which. Some tents make setup simple with color-coded poles or poles which are all the identical size.

Single-walled winter tents are infamous for barely making room for poles within the materials to carry a taut exterior. Still, different tents want quite a few man strains to carry in place and aren’t freestanding with out them.

Whatever the case could also be, our choice is that the simpler a tent is to arrange, the higher. Of course, domes for alpine basecamps are going to be harder 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 such a tent up upfront. However, the Hyperlite UltaMid merely calls for 2 trekking poles lashed collectively within the middle with equalized man strains. Preference is king and it doesn’t matter what design fits your expertise stage, all the time apply setting it up at house earlier than you go.

Durability and Materials

Most tents for backpacking are constituted of nylon materials, cuben fiber, or polyester. Each 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 very weather-resistant. It additionally resists tearing — however it’s costly. Unfortunately, it could possibly puncture comparatively simply, however crosshatched reinforcement prevents additional tearing.

Nylon is a less expensive materials however can be much less sturdy. Often it’s bolstered towards the weather with polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic coating. This makes it extra water resistant however much less breathable. Polyester is heavier than nylon and likewise not significantly breathable.

The thickness of the fabric is measured in denier items, that are mainly the density of fibers measured in grams over meters. The decrease the denier depend, the lighter the fabric. Lower deniers are nice for lowering pack weight however require extra care to forestall rips and tears.

Lightweight tents will often have 15-20-denier fly and flooring. And a heavy automotive tenting or winter tent can have a score as excessive as 75 or extra.

Then there are the poles. In an effort to cut 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. Always you should definitely examine 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 practically as mild as carbon fiber or among the proprietary composites supplied immediately.

Aluminum poles are often discovered in additional inexpensive fashions and may face up to rougher dealing with. The NEMO Dagger and the REI Quarter Dome, for example, each make use of aluminum poles.

For sturdiness, we like to make use of a footprint, which often must be purchased individually. You can all the time style a customized footprint by reducing a chunk of Tyvek, which is accessible at most {hardware} shops however lacks the grommets and fastening factors of a manufactured footprint.

Buying from the producer insures a correct match and often will snap, click on, or tie in to combine with the tent. Quite a lot of ultralight backpackers are going with a loopy mild polycryo footprint like this one to shave much more grams.

Tent stakes additionally are available a wide range of supplies. Carbon fiber tent stakes, corresponding to these supplied by Hyperlite, are mild however have a thicker circumference in comparison with aluminum and are subsequently bulkier. Saving weight is a crucial purpose, all of it simply is dependent upon how a lot you’re prepared to spend.

Weight and Packed Size

If you solely plan to automotive camp, weight and packed dimension aren’t main considerations. But anybody planning to haul their tent into the backcountry ought to take a tough take a look at these concerns.

An ultralight tent, corresponding to Gossamer Gear’s The Two or The One, is a superb choice for backpacking or thru-hiking. It doesn’t take up a whole lot of area or weight in your pack, which means you may justify bringing a favourite flask or a number of further snacks. But because of the mild supplies, it’s not as sturdy as heavier tents and requires extra care. The Kelty Late Start 2 is over twice the burden at 4 kilos, 8 ounces, however is considerably cheaper.

So, that you must stability your wants for weight towards sturdiness and price. You could discover that some tents, just like the Zpacks Duplex, hit the perfect of each worlds by utilizing 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 splendid area. If you’re splitting a tent between many individuals, the additional kilos get unfold out. If you’re planning a solo thru-hike, coughing up the money for a small, mild tent can prevent a whole lot of again ache.

Regardless of your selection, be trustworthy with your self in contemplating your seemingly makes use of. If you anticipate to do a whole lot of automotive tenting, it’s good to hold a bit extra weight in alternate 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 onerous approach that each gram actually does add up.

Interior Space

To save weight, it’s a must to be prepared to snuggle right into a two-person tent and rub shoulders or odor your companion’s ft. Ceiling peak is a crucial consideration as properly.

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 ground area and a 64-inch ceiling. The good thing about a standard tent just like the REI Arete is that it doesn’t have a pole by way of the middle of it.

Interior area in a tent equals consolation. The principal issues to think about are ground dimensions, size, and ceiling peak. Tents have a acknowledged variety of folks they sleep, however how roomy or cramped they are going to be at capability varies by model.

If you’re solely packing the tent for “just in case” or to largely retailer gear, you may downsize to a lighter, extra cramped mannequin. Pay consideration to 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.

Weather Resistance

Basic tents deal with nice climate like a champ and may even handle mild rain and wind. But in case you plan to camp throughout rain or snow storms (which regularly roll in unexpectedly), it’s price it to avoid wasting up and purchase a sturdier tent.

In 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 entire objects to dry when you are away.

Anything can occur on an prolonged backpacking journey, and that you must 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 bundle that simply suits in your bag.

It’s a tall order. But the entire tents on this checklist have been examined for sturdiness and high quality, and we’d really feel comfy battling the weather with them.

Many four-season tents are single-wall fashions. The good thing about a single-wall design is that there is no such thing as a hole for wind or precipitation to sneak in. Check out our Winter Tent Review for extra perception on this matter.

Double-wall designs are much more frequent for three-season or summer time tents. Removable rain flies are a plus if all you want is a barrier from the mosquitos and also you wish to stargaze.

If you’re assured within the forecast, dropping the fly can carry you to what some name “trail weight,” which refers to leaving out the additional elements to attain the naked minimal weight.

Vestibules are an vital function to have in inclement climate. They act as a miniature mudroom and supply area for gear storage.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur provides a novel design with its awning vestibules. Sealed seams additionally assist buffer towards the weather and leakage.

If you propose 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 price, however this may seemingly delay transport time.

Value

It is tough to place a price ticket on the nights of journey and luxury {that a} backpacking tent gives. Cost is immediately associated to the standard of the supplies and the packed weight.

The Marmot Catalyst is a working example with regards to worth for the price range hiker, because it’s mild on the pockets however heavy on the again. A frugal hiker can lower your expenses on this piece of substances to spend extra on different requirements like a sleeping bag and backpack.

Manufacturers notice that the entry price of this ardour is steep and supply economical choices to suit any price range. With correct care and upkeep, essentially the most inexpensive tent can final many seasons.

The Kelty Late Start 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. On the opposite hand, the UltaMid offers the savvy, devoted hiker what they’ve longed for on many arduous miles — a tent that weighs subsequent to nothing and is sturdy and straightforward to arrange.

The worth of a tent is de facto the ratio of enjoyment versus price. All of the tents we examined have a excessive worth when paired with the correct consumer. Sit down, and write out a price range that not solely consists of how a lot you have got within the financial institution but in addition signifies how devoted you’re to the game. Plan to spend a few quarter to a 3rd of your price range on a tent.

The true backcountry addicts — and those who really feel the hook sinking of their lip after their first journey — will nearly actually personal a couple of tent for his or her lifetime of outside adventuring.

Not all tents can deal with each surroundings completely, however are as a substitute tailor-made to a spread of circumstances. An excellent rule for gear is to begin inside your price range with a flexible choice. As your passions develop, your gear will turn into extra particular. Purchasing the perfect backpacking tent in your wants is not any small process, however it is usually thrilling and can open up many new doorways to the pure world.

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