9 Best Backpacking Tents in 2024
Get recommendations for some of the best tents for backpacking and learn the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new tent.
Find this post helpful? Learn how you can support Bearfoot Theory’s work here. You can also shop for gear through the affiliate links in this blog post where we get a small commission at no cost to you. It helps keep our team running and the lights on. THANK YOU! -Kristen
The best backpacking tents are lightweight, durable, weather-proof, and a cinch to set up. Sounds simple enough, but a good backpacking tent is an investment and with all the choices out there, picking the right one can quickly get overwhelming.
We’ve collectively tested dozens of backpacking tents in a variety of conditions from quick weekend trips to multi-day backcountry adventures and even through hiking the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight tents for backpacking in 1-person, 2-person, 3-person, and even 4-person sizes to help you narrow down your search and find the right tent for you.
Plus, at the end of this post, you’ll find more info on what features to consider when shopping for a backpacking tent and how to choose the best backpacking tent for your needs.
Best Backpacking Tents at a Glance
- Best overall for durability, weight, & roominess: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2P (1P / 3P)
- Best ultralight tent: ZPacks Duplex 2P (1P Plex / 3P Triplex)
- Durable without breaking the bank: REI Half Dome SL2 (3P)
- Best lightweight semi-freestanding tent: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 (1P / 3P)
- Best budget option: REI Trailmade 2 (1P)
- Most headroom: Sea to Summit Telos TR2 (3P)
- Best for wet & windy weather: MSR Hubba Hubba 2P (1P / 3P)
- Roomiest option: Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P (3P)
- Best for families: Marmot Tungsten UL 4P
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Best Overall for Durability, Weight, & Roominess
- Great for: lightweight backpacking, 3-season backpacking
- What we like: color-coordinated setup system, interior organizational pockets
- What we don’t like: requires trekking poles to stake out the awning, hard to stake out fly on rocky terrain
The Big Anges Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent is a great option for backpacking missions that require lightweight yet reliable gear. A large door makes getting in and out easy and the awning-style vestibule expands the living space to provide more protection if the weather turns wet. You can set up the awning with trekking poles or attach the guy lines to rocks or a tree.
This tent also comes with a variety of pockets and loops in the interior to help with organization and its simple-pole architecture makes set-up and breakdown extra efficient. If you want to go even more lightweight and the weather looks good, you can leave the tent at home and just pack the fly, poles, and footprint as a “Fast Fly” option.
Zpacks Duplex 2P
Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- Great for: ultralight backpacking when you already carry trekking poles, long-distance trips, 3-season backpacking
- What we like: most lightweight backpacking tent on our list, don’t have to carry tent poles if using trekking poles, relatively easy to set up, well-ventilated, durable, can withstand strong winds
- What we don’t like: hard to set up on rocky terrain, expensive, single-walled so it’s prone to condensation buildup
The Zpacks Duplex tent is a single-walled, ultra-lightweight 2-person backpacking tent. Weighing just 1 pound, 3 ounces, and roomy enough to sleep two, it’s a great choice for long-distance backpacking trips where weight really matters. This tent is consistently at the top of the list for PCT and JMT thru-hikers.
Since this is a tarp-style tent rather than a freestanding one, it does require a little more effort to set up right and utilizes trekking poles instead of tent poles (although you can purchase Zpacks tent poles separately if you prefer).
On my recent trip to Sequoia National Park where we often camped on granite rocks, this tent was a challenge to set up, but with some creativity, you can use rocks to stabilize the tent. You’ll also need 8 stakes (sold separately), and I recommend the ultralight carbon fiber ones.
On normal ground conditions, the Duplex is easy to set up. I’d just recommend watching a video or reading the instructions on the Zpacks website before heading out just to make sure you are confident in how to set it up.
The Zpacks tent has four storm (vestibule) doors that can open or close independently depending on the weather and climate. On a nice clear evening, you can keep the vestibule doors open and stargaze right from your bed. It’s recommended to keep at least one door open (weather permitting) to reduce the amount of condensation buildup overnight.
Other great features include 2 mesh pockets for storage, extremely durable fabric (a footprint is not necessary, but can be bought separately if desired), and a built-in design to prevent condensation from dripping onto the floor.
This is a single-walled tent, and the fabric is completely waterproof. I’ve used this tent during several days of consecutive rain and heavy winds in the Boundary waters and we stayed dry as a bone inside. I also couldn’t believe how sturdy it was.
However, this backpacking tent can be prone to condensation, which does make it difficult to put the tent away wet in the morning.
If you want even more room, I’ve been using the Zpacks Triplex (3-person version) of this tent for years. We got the Triplex because it’s still light and compact, but it’s roomy enough for us and our two dogs. Even the Triplex version packs down smaller than any of my freestanding two-person tents.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Most Lightweight Semi-Freestanding Backpacking Tent
- Great for: wet & windy conditions, 3-season backpacking
- What we like: high interior ceiling, comes with many guy lines and options for staking it out, holds up well in rain and wind
- What we don’t like: included stuff sack tears easily
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent is an ultralight, semi-freestanding tent with ample headspace. While your feet may be a bit cramped with the tapered foot, it still has two doors and vestibules designed for efficient entry and exit while keeping the interior dry during wet weather (this tent is known to do very well in the rain). It has a unique single-pole system for easy setup, reflective guylines, and interior storage pockets.
The downside of this tent is that the mesh is very thin and can tear easily if you aren’t careful. If you want to go even more lightweight, take advantage of the Fast Fly set-up by leaving the tent at home and just pack the rainfly, footprint (sold separately), and poles for a simple shelter.
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent
Durable Tent Without Breaking the Break
- Great for: people who want a reliable, sturdy, roomy backpacking tent without breaking the bank, backpacking with pets
- What we like: easy to set up, includes a footprint, spacious enough for 2 oversized sleeping pads and gear
- What we don’t like: heavier than other backpacking tents
If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-set-up shelter, check out the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+. At over 4lbs, it’s not the most lightweight tent out there, but it’s perfect for casual backpackers looking for high-quality gear at an affordable price point. This tent is consistently one of REI’s best sellers and we agree that it’s a solid choice for most backpackers.
The tent has ample interior space for two people, their gear, and their pet (hence the 2+ size). It has two doors and vestibules provide easy access and plenty of storage options. The Half Dome 2 is also well-ventilated, with mesh panels that keep the interior from getting stuffy on hot nights.
REI Co-op Trailmade 2
Best Budget Backpacking Tent
- Great for: budget-conscious shoppers, beginner or casual backpackers
- What we like: footprint is included with tent, easy to set up, durable
- What we don’t like: heaviest and bulkiest tent on our list
While all the tents on our list are pretty easy to set up, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent takes the cake. Two poles cross over in a straightforward design making setup plain and simple.
While this tent is on the heavier side of backpacking tents (5+ lbs), it’s a basic, budget option that will allow you to get out on the trail and sleep comfortably in the backcountry. Plus, the footprint is included in both the packaged weight and the price.
The Trailmade 2 has two doors and two vestibules so you won’t have to climb over your tent partner and the height and non-tapered design make this tent feel relatively spacious. The mesh canopy allows for stargazing and open-air sleeping without the bugs, and the ceiling vents help with airflow even when the fly is on.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
Backpacking Tent with the Most Headroom
- Great for: people who need extra headroom, 3-season backpacking, backpacking with friends
- What we like: easy setup, 3-piece storage sack system allows you to easily split the load with a friend
- What we don’t like: hard to set up as a solo backpacker
Sea to Summit recently added a series of lightweight tents to their line of backpacking products. The Telos TR2 tent provides plenty of livable space inside with high vertical walls and large doors that make it easy to get in and out. Unique features include a rain fly that can be rolled up or rolled down from inside the tent as needed depending on the weather – no more getting out of your tent in the rain to put the fly on.
The Telos TR2 tent also has a unique “Hangout Mode” in which the fly can be used to create a rain or sun shelter that fits four people. BFT’s Director Linda tested this tent on a Utah National Park road trip and loved how easy it was to set up and how spacious it was.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent
Best Backpacking Tent for Wet & Windy Weather
- Great for: backpacking in heavy rain and wind, 3-season backpacking, backpacking in rocky terrain
- What we like: easy to set up, roomy headspace
- What we don’t like: poles are delicate and the cords inside lose elasticity over time
The MSR Hubba Hubba Tent has been around for over a decade, and it’s a great compromise between durability and weight. It has a non-tapered design so you have just as much room on both ends of the tent, which isn’t the case for many of the tents listed here.
The Hubba Hubba has two doors and two vestibules but the two features that really make it stand out are the built-in rain gutters and the cross-ventilating rainfly that provides airflow in any weather. It also comes with a compression sack, making it super packable. Other features include waterproof coating and durable yet flexible poles that can handle challenging weather. Poles are on a hub system.
I used a beefed-up version of the Hubba Hubba – the Elixir – during a 10-day backpacking trip in Alaska. It’s very similar to the Hubba Hubba and can withstand even stronger winds, but it’s a little heavier which is why it may be overkill for most backpacking trips. Unless you’re often backpacking in the heaviest of weather, the Hubba Hubba is our top choice.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P
Roomiest Backpacking Tent
- Great for: people who want additional floor space, 3-season backpacking
- What we like: largest floor area for a 2P tent, easy to set up
- What we don’t like: slightly heavier than other backpacking tents on our list
The NEMO Dagger OSMO Tent is the roomiest 2-person backpacking tent on this list and still manages to be pretty lightweight for a tent of this size. It also has all the features you could want in a multi-person backpacking tent.
It has two large doors and vestibules that make getting in and out easy with plenty of space to keep your gear dry in the event of a rainstorm, light pockets to help cast an even glow throughout the tent with just your headlamps, gear pockets in each corner to help with organization, and vents to help with airflow and breathability even when the fly is on. As an added bonus, it comes with a dual stuff sack that allows you to easily split the load with a partner.
Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent
Best Backpacking Tent for Families
- Great for: families, couples backpacking with large pets, 3-season backpacking
- What we like: easy to set up, roomy vestibules, includes footprint
- What we don’t like: heavy even if you split the load, unipole can be delicate – take caution when setting up the tent
The Marmot Tungsten UL 4P Tent is a freestanding 4-person option that is perfect for families. The mesh canopy allows for airflow and stargazing when the weather’s clear while the solid space along the bottom portion stops dust and wind. It has dual doors and vestibules and multiple interior pockets for easy organization. The rainfly doesn’t stretch or sag when wet and the color-coded clips make for a super easy set-up.
Best Backpacking Tents Comparison Table
See the comparison table below for a quick summary of each of the top tents for backpacking. You can click on the columns to sort by what’s most important to you.
Each tent listed in the table is the 2-person version for easy comparison, but many of these are available in 1-person, 3-person, and in some cases even 4-person capacity. The listed weight is the minimum trail weight which includes the tent body, rain fly, and tent poles (if applicable).
Tent | Type | Weight (oz) | Peak Height (in) | Floor Area (sf) |
Non-freestanding | 19 | 48 | 28.1 | |
Freestanding | 68 | 40 | 31.7 | |
Freestanding | 63 | 42 | 33.7 | |
Freestanding | 53 | 43.5 | 28 | |
Freestanding | 46 | 40 | 29 | |
Semi-freestanding | 35 | 39 | 28 | |
Freestanding | 54 | 42 | 31.3 | |
Semi-freestanding | 43 | 40 | 29 | |
Freestanding | 80 | 42.1 | 30.1 |
Tip: The packaged weight includes everything that the tent comes with including stakes, stuff sacks, and guy lines. You can shed a few ounces by swapping out the stakes for lighter ones like these aluminum tent stakes.
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent
Shopping for a lightweight backpacking tent can quickly get overwhelming with all the options out there, not to mention pricey. To help you hone in on what’s most important to you in a good backcountry tent, here are the main features you’ll see mentioned, what they mean, and some helpful things to consider when making your decision.
Tent Weight
When searching for a backpacking tent, weight is the first factor I consider. Most backpacking tents weigh somewhere between 1-4 pounds. The lighter the tent, the more comfortable you are going to be when you are carrying it on your back. That said, there is often a trade-off between weight and durability. Ultralight tents require more care when setting them up and storing them when you get home. They also come with a heftier price tag.
When comparing tents, you’ll typically see two different weight specs. The packaged weight is the weight of the complete tent set when you buy it including the tent itself, the fly, poles, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, and any other accessories. The minimum trail weight is the weight of the tent, fly, and poles only. Realistically, you’ll likely be carrying something close to the packaged weight since you’ll want to bring the tent, fly, poles, stakes, and guy lines. One way to save weight is to swap the stakes that come with the tent with a set of lightweight aluminum stakes. Some of the tents on this list also have a minimalist pitch option where you can bring just the fly, footprint, and poles to make a lightweight shelter in fair weather.
Capacity / Interior Tent Space
Who and how many people will you be sharing your tent with? And how tall are you? Many of the 2-person backpacking tents (especially the ultralight options) are very tight for two people and have space for two sleeping pads directly next to each other and not much else.
If you plan to shack up with a friend or partner, or if you’re backpacking with your pup, you’ll want a 2-person backpacking tent at least. The best 2-person backpacking tents have two doors so you don’t have to climb over each other when getting in and out of the tent. Also, look for ones that have a good-sized vestibule (or two) so you have space to stash your backpacking packs and hiking boots in case of rain.
If 3 people will be sharing a tent or if you and your partner or friend are backpacking with your pup, you’ll want a 3-person backpacking tent. This is what I backpack with most often since my partner and I typically backpack with our pup, Charlie, who is a diabetic alert dog.
Things to pay attention to are the floor area, whether or not the tent has a tapered design (where the head side is wider than the feet side), and whether there is enough headspace for you to sit up and hang out if you get stuck inside due to bad weather.
Number of Doors
Two doors will make getting in and out of the tent way more comfortable when you are camping with someone else. It means you won’t have to crawl over each other and in most cases, you will also have your own separate vestibule to store your stuff which helps you stay more organized and to keep your gear dry in case of rain. (A vestibule is the area outside of the tent door underneath the tent fly).
Seasonal Rating
A majority of backpackers will be fine with a 3-season tent which are designed to breathe well in moderate weather conditions (including heavy rain and light snow) during spring, summer, and fall.
If you plan on camping in heavy snow or in extreme, exposed conditions, you may need a 4-season tent. Four-season tents have less mesh and retain heat better, but the lack of ventilation can make them feel a bit stuffy.
Wall Construction
Most of the popular backpacking tents are double-walled – which means they come with the actual tent as your shelter and a separate rain fly that you can attach to the outside of the tent for weather protection. Double-walled tents ventilate better and experience less condensation due to airflow.
A single-walled tent is weatherproof all around without the need for a fly, and that often helps shave off some weight. But single-walled tents also typically have no windows and no mesh. This means that condensation can be a problem in wet conditions. It also means that you likely won’t be able to do any stargazing from bed or have the option to sleep in the open air since there is no removable fly. Single-walled tents are best for cold, dry conditions (like the southern Utah desert in early spring).
Freestanding vs Tarp-Style
A freestanding tent is one that comes with poles that support it. They are quick and easy to set up and can be pitched almost anywhere, which is why this style is more popular.
A tarp-style tent (like the 3-person Zpacks tent below) is one that you set up using your trekking poles for support and by tying guy lines to stakes, trees, rocks, etc to get it taut. Tarp-style tents are lighter since they don’t have poles and tend to appeal to experienced long-distance hikers looking to save weight.
A few of the tents on this list are semi-freestanding, meaning they can stand on their own but do need to be staked out for full functionality and weather protection.
What backpacking tents have you tried? Do you have any questions about picking the best backpacking tent? Let us know in the comments below.
I’ve owned the same Hubba Hubba for about as long as they’ve been around. Nothing but high praise for it. I really like the large overhead mesh of the roof, and the fact that with a footprint, the rainfly alone can be set-up. I’ve used it 99% of the time solo, and use the left over space inside for my own gear. If I were to head out with a guest for any length of time, I’d upgrade to the Mutha Hubba.
Glad to hear you love your hubba hubba!
What no teepees or tarps?
I personally prefer a teepee and woodstove to just about anything for space to weight and comfort. Also with a woodstove there is no need to carry propane cans and camp stoves. And no eating freeze dried yuk either! You have the option to slow cook food on the woodstove. My teepee that sleeps five weighs 6 pounds including the woodstove. My 3 man teepee tarp and woodstove weigh 4 pounds total. Also I have used them in pretty extreme conditions – I live on Kodiak Island, Alaska and it rains all the time. I also once did a 10 day sojourn in the Brooks Range. Anyway floorless shelters and woodstoves are the way to go if it is really wet and raw.
But for when the mosquitoes are really bad I do like the enclosed environment of my Nemo veda 2P!
Patrick
Hey Patrick – agree that tarps can save a bit of weight…maybe that’s something I’ll cover in another blog post. Thanks for the tips! Kristen
I too am taking my brand new Mountain Hardware Skyledge on the JMT this year. A big thanks to the guys at MH for replacing my old tent when it started to delaminate. I definitely store it differently now – loosely folded in a spare room. Used the old one on the Thorsbourne Trail on Hinchinbrook Is. in both beautiful weather and tropical downpour. Never missed a beat.
Cool! I love my Skyledge and glad to hear that MHW’s customer service has been helpful. Have fun out there this summer!
I have been rereading your blog as I get ready to have my first real backpacking adventure. A friend wants to take us to the Wind River range in Wyo. I was thinking something more like Coyote Gulch. What do you suggest as a first time backpacking adventure? I really love reading your adventures and learning from your blog.
I actually haven’t done either, but I’ve heard amazing things about both. I’m sure you’ll have a blast no matter where you go! Just pick a trail that isn’t too tough for your first time and make sure you try your boots out before you embark on your hike. And makes sure to come back and tell me how it goes!
Hi I really want to begin backpacking but I don’t really know where to begin in choosing gear. Plus I have been look in to tents but I was wondering if you had a four seasons list?
Have you seen this post: https://bearfoottheory.com/3-day-backpacking-checklist/
If you are just starting out with backpacking, I’d recommend starting in spring-fall and then graduate to 4 season camping once you are more familiar with gear and your specific needs.
Hello, its good article about media print, we all know media is a
great source of information.
I had 3 weeks to prepare for my thru hike of the AZT and buy all my gear. I picked the 2 P REI Quarter Dome. I love it. It’s easy to put up and down. Plenty of room for one person. And I love the fact it has 2 doors – 1 on each side of the tent.
~Allie
These are indeed some really good option, thanks for putting all together 🙂
Been pack packing for decades a tried many tents. My life changed when I discovered the MSR Mesh House 2. Paired with the MSR 70 wing tarp and lightweight stakes it comes in right at two pounds. It sleeps me and the hubby snugly but is absolutely spacious for just me. Funny after trying fancy dome tents I end up back with an old school pup tent style.
Thanks for sharing that Amie! The MSR Mesh House 2 tent looks nice – simple and lightweight. I’d love to try something like that one day to test out the difference. Have you used it in windy or rainy conditions at all? I’m wondering how well it would stand up to wind and rain.
Great post Kristen. The dome tents from REI are great.