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10 Finest Backpacking Tents of 2023


PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Your backpacking tent might be one of the essential gear purchases you make. Discovering one which has the very best stability of weight, inside area, comfort, and climate safety will make it a lot simpler to remain pleased and cozy on path.

There are tons of backpacking tents to sift by, so It may well simply grow to be overwhelming to delve into such a giant determination. Our workforce of drugs specialists has examined dozens of tents on trails everywhere in the world – from the alpine peaks of Patagonia to summer time monsoons within the Rockies. We’ll use our expertise on this information that can assist you discover the very best backpacking tent to suit your wants.

Fast Suggestions

Take a look at this fast checklist of the very best backpacking tents, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist of favorites with in-depth evaluations.

What’s New:

We put the main semi-freestanding tents by extra head-to-head testing, and added our favorites. The Massive Agnes Tiger Wall 2 got here out on prime as our primary semi-freestanding decide as a consequence of its low weight and good headroom. The NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 was additionally added for hikers searching for a stability between weight and inside area.

Backpacking Tent Comparability Desk

big agnes copper spur tent in the mountains by a lake
Massive Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 – PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

What’s Most Necessary to You in a Backpacking Tent?

WEIGHT:

Your backpacking tent might be one of many 4 heaviest gadgets in your pack – tent, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad – so this can be a good spot to avoid wasting weight. We think about weight one of the essential specs for backpacking gear. The lighter your backpack, the extra snug will probably be, the extra miles you’ll be capable of hike, and the extra gratifying your journey might be.

Three hikers and two tents in front of a beautiful mountain at sunset
Zpacks Duplex & Triplex – PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

PRICE:

We’re usually keen to spend a bit extra for a high-quality backpacking tent with a low packed weight as a result of we really imagine that results in extra snug and gratifying backcountry journeys. Livability and weight are likely to trump price in our books, however we suggest high quality choices at a wide range of value factors in our checklist under.

A backpacker standing by the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 with sunrise mountains in the background
Massive Agnes Tiger Wall UL2– PHOTO CREDIT: Heather Eldridge (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

SPACE:

When selecting a backpacking tent, search for one with a very good stability of area and weight. Many backpacking tents are available in a number of measurement choices (1P, 2P, and so forth.), nevertheless it’s quite common for tents to really feel smaller than their capability rankings indicate. When you plan to share your tent with one other hiker, take into consideration how snug you’re with tight areas and the width of your sleeping pads (many 2P backpacking tents received’t match two broad pads).

A couple sitting next to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo tent surrounded by snowy mountains
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION:

When you are typically powerful on gear otherwise you typically backpack in harsh, uncovered situations, selecting up a extra sturdy backpacking tent will seemingly be a wise selection. Small abrasions can simply be fastened, however all tents have their breaking factors. If long-term sturdiness is certainly one of your prime considerations, it could be useful to go together with a tent that’s a bit extra burly. Sturdier tents often weigh extra, however they’ll shed nasty climate simply and final a really very long time.

msr hubba hubba tent by a river
MSR Hubba Hubba 2– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

BEST 1-PERSON BACKPACKING TENTS:

Going with a 1-Particular person tent is a simple means for a solo hiker to drop loads of bulk and weight out of their pack. Nevertheless, some solo hikers want having more room and could be happier in a light-weight 2-person tent. You’ll must resolve which is extra essential to you: saving area and weight in your pack with a 1P tent or having extra room and flexibility with a 2P tent.

interior of tent with sleeping pad
MSR FreeLite 2 – PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Finest Backpacking Tents of 2023

Massive Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3

Finest backpacking tent total for weight, area & high quality

Value: MSRP (UL2): $550

Weight: (UL2): 3 lb. 2 oz.

Dimensions: 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

Measurement: 1-Particular person 2-Particular person 3-Particular person 4-Particular person

Professionals

  • Light-weight
  • Freestanding
  • Roomy inside
  • Fast/straightforward to pitch
  • Nice pockets
  • Massive doorways/vestibules
  • High quality development/supplies

Cons

  • Costly
  • Rainfly zippers can snag

The Copper Spur HV UL2 and UL3 are a few of Massive Agnes’ best-sellers, and so they’re amongst our all-time favourite backpacking tents. The ultralight freestanding design of the Copper Spur allows hikers to pitch virtually anyplace, and it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, climate safety, or livability.

The Copper Spur is a well-liked selection amongst thru-hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT, all of that are notoriously powerful on gear. When you take care to clear pokey particles out of your campsites, this tent will final for hundreds of miles. We’ve been backpacking with our Copper Spur 2 and three for a number of years and so they’re nonetheless going sturdy.

The Copper Spur’s bent-pole construction and prime crossbar create almost vertical sidewalls offering a ton of usable inside area and ample headroom. The UL2 has sufficient area for 2 regular-width sleeping pads and a few gear, whereas the UL3 is roomy sufficient for 2 broad pads and retaining all your gear inside. Whichever measurement you go together with, you’ll have a backpacking tent that gives an distinctive stability of camp consolation and weight.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Copper Spur HV UL2.

Zpacks Duplex, Triplex & Zpacks Plex Solo

Finest ultralight backpacking tent

Value: (Duplex): $669

Weight: (Duplex): 1 lb. 2.5 oz. (no stakes or poles)

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 45 x 48 in.

Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • Massive doorways/vestibules
  • Roomy for 2 (Triplex)
  • DCF materials received’t sag when moist
  • Sturdy
  • Trekking poles can double as tent poles

Cons

  • Costly
  • Condensation administration vital for single-wall tents
  • Non-freestanding design has a studying curve

The Zpacks Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo are our go-to ultralight backpacking tents for thru-hiking and long-distance adventures. These tents present a superb quantity of inside area and climate safety at a freakishly low weight.

The key to those tents is the DCF materials. It’s waterproof, powerful, extremely gentle, and doesn’t sag when moist; the draw back is that it’s costly. The Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo could also be spendy, however they’re an unimaginable funding for those who like to backpack as gentle as potential. The opposite key to the Plex’s ridiculously low weight is the non-freestanding, single-wall design. This eliminates the necessity for tent poles and a rainfly, however it could take a number of pitches to get it excellent for those who’ve by no means used a backpacking tent like this earlier than.

The excessive ceiling of the Duplex/Triplex will enable you and your mountain climbing associate to sit down up comfortably on the similar time, and the two-door design will preserve you from crawling over one another to get out and in. When you’re searching for the very best ultralight backpacking tent in the marketplace, that is your man.

We expect the Duplex and Triplex are each spacious sufficient for 2 hikers. However since they’re so gentle, we’re keen on the Duplex for solo hikers who prefer to have further inside area and the Triplex for extra sq. footage when mountain climbing with a associate. Solo hikers who prioritize saving weight above something can’t go improper with the Plex Solo.

For extra, take a look at our full evaluations of the Duplex, Triplex, and Plex Solo.

REI Half Dome SL 2+

Finest finances crossover tent for backpacking & automotive tenting

Value: MSRP: $329

Weight: 4 lb. 11.5 oz. (together with footprint)

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 56 x 42 in.

Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Reasonably priced
  • Very roomy inside
  • Sturdy
  • Fast/straightforward to pitch
  • Freestanding
  • Footprint included

Cons

  • Heavier/bulkier than some

REI’s Half Dome SL 2+ has an distinctive stability of value, sturdiness, and inside area. Its symmetrical freestanding design and really roomy dimensions make it snug and user-friendly for hikers of all expertise ranges. This tent is our favourite budget-friendly crossover selection for many who like tenting within the frontcountry and the backcountry.

Although the load of the Half Dome is greater than we want for strenuous backpacking adventures, it’s not too unhealthy when break up between two hikers. As well as, it can save you about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint – a pleasant tent flooring sturdiness bonus – at residence.

If a very good stability of sturdiness, comfort, inside area, and affordability is what you’re searching for, it’s very powerful to beat the REI Half Dome SL 2+.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Half Dome SL 2+.

REI Flash 2 & Flash 3

Finest finances freestanding ultralight tent

Value: (Flash 2): $399

Weight: (Flash 2): 3 lb. 4.2 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Reasonably priced for the standard & weight
  • light-weight
  • freestanding
  • roomy inside
  • fast/straightforward to pitch
  • good pockets
  • massive doorways/vestibules
  • high quality development/supplies

REI has made a few of our favourite tents through the years, however few have been as spectacular because the Flash 2. This tent has a weight and inside quantity that rival among the hottest backpacking tents of all time, nevertheless it prices far lower than something in its class.

With its distinctive pole structure, the Flash 2 manages to really feel extra spacious than tents with the very same dimensions – just like the Massive Agnes Copper Spur 2. The headwall of the Flash 2 stands vertically and is supported by an arch pole that pulls the sidewalls out. Consequently, you find yourself with extra headroom the place you want it most.

Like most tents that goal to chop down on weight as a lot as potential, the Flash 2 will have to be handled with care to increase its lifespan. We had a pointy pine needle work its means by the ground early on throughout testing. There’s no everlasting injury to point out for it, nevertheless it did drive residence the necessity to actually filter out an area to camp for those who don’t plan to make use of a footprint. We at all times hike with a little bit of Tenacious Tape to restore the inevitable snags and tears that include use on path.

We extremely suggest the Flash 2 to hikers trying to save a major sum of money with out having to compromise on weight, area, or the comfort of a freestanding design. And people searching for much more area ought to take a look at the Flash 3, which nonetheless prices lower than most of the two-person tents on our checklist and solely weighs about 10 ozmore than the Flash 2.

We’re placing this tent by extra field-testing to find out its remaining place on this checklist. It has the potential to take excessive spot. Checkout our full overview of the Flash 2 right here.

Massive Agnes Tiger Wall 2

Finest semi-freestanding tent

Value: MSRP: $450

Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 86 x 52/42 x 39 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • Handy pockets
  • Excessive-quality {hardware} (easy zippers & DAC poles)
  • Roomy for one
  • Two doorways/vestibules (a perk for solo hikers)

Cons

  • Tight for 2
  • Not as sturdy as some (flooring materials is skinny)
  • No rainfly vents

Ounce-counting hikers will love the ultralight, semi-freestanding design of the Massive Agnes Tiger Wall 2. With sufficient construction to carry out properly in inclement climate, however a weight that’s barely over a pound when break up between two hikers – the Tiger Wall is a extra handy different to non-freestanding ultralight tents.

Usually semi-freestanding tents can really feel a bit cramped. And whereas the quarters within the Tiger Wall are a bit tight, it has a wider ridge pole than most different tents of this type. This creates extra livable area the place you need it most – on the head when sitting up. One other characteristic that will increase consolation within the Tiger Wall is the easy-to-use door toggles that provide the skill to roll again either side of the vestibule for taking in grand views or maxing out air flow on clear nights.

General, hikers who prioritize saving weight and don’t thoughts sharing a tighter area will love the minimal but purposeful design of the Tiger Wall 2. When you want extra room to unfold out, the Tiger Wall 3 has further flooring area and some extra inches of peak peak however remains to be lighter than many 2P tents. For more information, take a look at our full overview of the Tiger Wall right here.

SlingFin Portal

Light-weight & sturdy tent with plenty of headroom

Value: MSRP: $540

Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 85 x 51/42 x 44 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Wonderful climate safety
  • light-weight
  • roomy inside
  • fast/straightforward to pitch
  • helpful pockets
  • massive doorways/vestibules
  • high quality development/supplies
  • freestanding

Cons

  • Costly
  • Rainfly zippers can snag

With an additional secure body, maximized inside area, and top-quality development/supplies, the SlingFin Portal is a wonderful shelter to hunker down in when nasty climate hits. Thicker poles, inner guylines, and the power to connect trekking poles for added structural power make the Portal extraordinarily strong in wind, rain, and even gentle snow. These options are distinctive for a light-weight backpacking tent and are extra widespread in high-end mountaineering shelters.

Certainly one of our favourite options of the Portal is its beneficiant quantity of headroom, which makes it really feel way more livable than the common light-weight 2P backpacking tent. Different particulars, like nice pockets and further zipper sliders, come along with the storm-worthy design to make the Portal among the finest backpacking tents we’ve ever examined.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Portal.

NEMO Hornet OSMO 3

Nice worth tent for UL hikers wanting more room

Value: MSRP: $550

Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 68/62 x 44 in. (wider at head, narrower at foot)

Measurement: 1-Particular person 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • Effectively-priced for the specs
  • Roomy for 2
  • Handy pockets
  • Excessive-quality supplies (sag-free material & easy zippers)
  • Good air flow

Cons

  • Rainfly zippers can snag
  • Just one facet of the rainfly could be tied again

Ultralight doesn’t should imply sacrificing consolation. With the NEMO Hornet OSMO 3, a pair of hikers can have all of the conveniences of a standard 2-person tent – two doorways/vestibules, a roomy inside, helpful pockets – with out the extra weight. As an added bonus, this spacious shelter prices across the similar sum of money as most of the main 2-person backpacking tents.

You may want further area for a wide range of causes – perhaps you wish to match two broad sleeping pads with room to spare, you journey with a big canine or an adventurous child, otherwise you simply need a bit of extra respiratory room when sharing your tent with a associate. No matter your purpose could also be, the beneficiant flooring dimensions and peak peak of the Hornet 3 will accommodate.

Not too way back, NEMO rolled out their proprietary OSMO material and commenced implementing it on all of their tents. OSMO material repels water higher than commonplace nylon or polyester flysheets, and better of all – OSMO stretches far much less when moist. This implies your pitch stays taut throughout rain, and also you received’t have to fret about saggy rainfly materials inflicting moist spots in your tent physique, sleeping bag footbox, or head.

We’ve at all times been massive followers of NEMO’s consideration to element, high-quality development, and modern designs, and the Hornet OSMO 3 positively doesn’t disappoint. For individuals who prioritize saving weight over having further area, the NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 can be an incredible selection and is a little more reasonably priced than equally designed tents.

MSR FreeLite 2

Good stability of weight & livability for solo hikers

Value: MSRP: $450

Weight: 2 lb. 5 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 84 x 50 x 39 in.

Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • roomy for one
  • two doorways/vestibules (a perk for solo hikers)
  • handy pockets
  • rainfly gutter prevents drippy entry

The MSR FreeLite 2 is a superb choice for these trying to go lighter with out sacrificing the comfort of a double-wall tent. It has two massive doorways/vestibules, and the inside area feels extra roomy for 2 hikers at a a lot decrease weight than different equally designed tents.

We typically view the FreeLite as extra snug for solo hikers for the reason that inside headroom can really feel a bit of cramped when spending any prolonged period of time inside. However for pairs that worth saving weight over having further wiggle room, the FreeLite actually has sufficient area to accommodate two.

The rainbow form of the FreeLite is efficient at shedding rain, and some design particulars – like well-placed pockets and a rainfly gutter – make this tent notably interesting. Any backpacker wanting the very best mixture of weight, livability, and climate safety will certainly love the FreeLite.

Sea to Summit Telos TR2

Exceptionally spacious tent with modern options

Value: MSRP: $599

Weight: 3 lb. 10 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.

Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Ample headroom
  • Freestanding
  • Light-weight
  • Wonderful air flow
  • Fast/straightforward to pitch
  • Massive doorways/vestibules

Cons

  • Costly
  • Heavier than some

The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an modern tent with loads of distinctive options to like. It has extra headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class, which makes it really feel much more livable than many others.

Creature comforts, just like the light-dispersing Lightbar and shady Hangout Mode, make the Telos really feel like a bit of slice of luxurious within the backcountry. Sea to Summit took further care designing the adaptable air flow on the Telos, and we discovered that it offered snug and virtually condensation-free nights.

Whereas it’s a bit of spendy, the consolation the Telos supplies is value the fee for those who’re searching for a flexible 2-person backpacking tent with all the particulars dialed in.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Telos TR2.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo & Solo

Reasonably priced & spacious ultralight backpacking tents

Value: (DUO): $395

Weight: (DUO): 2 lb. 13 oz. (no stakes or poles)

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 54 x 45 in.

Measurement: 1-Particular person, 2-Particular person

Professionals

  • Spacious
  • reasonably priced
  • ultralight
  • small packed measurement
  • sturdy
  • ample headroom
  • wonderful air flow
  • massive doorways/vestibules

Cons

  • Seam sealing prices further
  • condensation administration vital for single-wall tents
  • non-freestanding design has a studying curve

The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is likely one of the finest worth backpacking tents on our checklist as a consequence of its wonderful mix of area, weight, and sturdiness. We’ve put the Lunar Duo by the wringer on a number of thru-hikes, and it held up like a champ in every kind of situations.

It’s a bit heavier than some ultralight non-freestanding tents, however we discover the load tradeoff to be value it for the numerous financial financial savings. One factor that makes the Lunar Duo distinctive is that the guylines could be re-tensioned from contained in the tent, which is absolutely handy throughout a downpour. The massive vestibules are designed to open fully with out disturbing the construction of the tent, so you possibly can have related air flow and look at advantages of a double-wall tent.

When you’re searching for a roomy ultralight shelter at an exceptionally reasonably priced value, there are few tents that come near the Lunar Duo. For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Lunar Duo.

The Lunar Solo is certainly one of our prime picks for solo hikers. It’s very spacious for one particular person and their gear, is simple to arrange, and packs down extremely small. For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Lunar Solo.

REI Path Hut 2

Most reasonably priced crossover tent for backpacking & automotive tenting

Value: MSRP: $199

Weight: 5 lb. 15 oz. (together with footprint)

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 88 x 52 x 40 in.

Measurement: 2-Particular person 4-Particular person

Professionals

  • Reasonably priced
  • sturdy
  • freestanding
  • massive doorways/vestibules
  • sturdy zippers
  • fast/straightforward to pitch
  • footprint included

Cons

  • Heavier/bulkier than some

The reasonably priced REI Path Hut 2 is a wonderful tent for hikers on a good finances or these wanting a crossover tent for automotive tenting and backpacking. It’s fast and straightforward to pitch, made with sturdy supplies, and the load/bulk aren’t too unhealthy when break up between two hikers. You can even save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint at residence.

Whereas not one of the Path Hut’s specs or options (apart from value) are actually standouts, this tried-and-true design will maintain up properly in unhealthy climate and preserve you on the path for tons of – if not hundreds – of miles.

The budget-friendly Path Hut doesn’t skimp on inside area or high quality, so we expect it’s a superb funding for these eager to hit the path with out spending a fortune.

When you’re trying to go as reasonably priced as potential, the REI Trailmade 2 prices much less and is a bit lighter. Finally we want the Path Hut for its bigger inside area, however both tent is a strong selection.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Trailmade 2.

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2

Finest crossover tent for backpacking & automotive tenting

Value: MSRP: $530

Weight: 4 lb. 2 oz.

Dimensions: (L x W x H): 90 x 50 x 42 in.

Measurement: 2-Particular person, 3-Particular person

Professionals

  • Very spacious
  • Freestanding
  • Fast/straightforward to pitch
  • Versatile
  • Massive doorways/vestibules
  • Gentle for a way a lot area it affords
  • Sturdy
  • Nice pockets

Cons

  • Heavier than some
  • A bit costly

The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 affords a ton of inside area at an inexpensive weight, so it’s excellent for these wanting a tent that’s snug for each backpacking and automotive tenting.

The Dagger has a ton of handy options in-built, like two big vestibules for gear storage, light-dispersing headlamp pockets, and an included tub accent that retains your gear clear and dry within the vestibule. The modern OSMO material additionally doesn’t sag when moist like Silnylon and it’ll stay waterproof for longer than the coated materials used for a lot of different tents.

When you’re searching for light-weight livability in a handy design, the NEMO Dagger 2P is a wonderful selection.

For extra, take a look at our full overview of the Dagger OSMO 2.

Honorable Mentions

The next backpacking tents didn’t make our remaining checklist, however they’ve nonetheless acquired loads of good issues going for them. You by no means know, certainly one of these tents is perhaps excellent for you:

  1. MSR Hubba Hubba 2 – This tent stands out for its mix of low weight and climate safety. The Hubba’s symmetrical freestanding design makes it fast and straightforward to arrange. However we discover that the pole construction causes the partitions to slope inward which limits inside headroom fairly a bit. Take a look at our full overview of the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 to study extra concerning the execs and cons.
  2. NEMO Dragonfly 2 – This tent is a bit of tight for 2, nevertheless it’s a roomy choice for solo hikers. It has two doorways, two massive vestibules, and a really small packed measurement. The Dragonfly has a freestanding design that’s straightforward to arrange and performs a bit higher in foul climate than the semi-freestanding Hornet on our fundamental checklist.
  3. Tarptent Double Rainbow – The Double Rainbow has among the finest value to weight ratios of any backpacking tent in the marketplace, nevertheless it additionally has some vital downsides. Its single-wall (hybrid) design makes it inclined to inside condensation, and the inside area isn’t as snug for 2. Whereas the rainbow form sheds rain successfully, it additionally cuts out a substantial quantity of headroom.
  4. Massive Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 – This tent is among the many lightest double-wall, semi-freestanding tents in the marketplace. It has the same flooring plan to the MSR FreeLite (each really work finest as 1-person tents in our opinion), however the Fly Creek solely has one door and vestibule which limits its livability. If a tent is simply going to characteristic one door, we far want a side-entry over the entrance entry of the Fly Creek.
  5. Hilleberg Anjan 3 – When you generally camp above treeline in harsh, uncovered situations, the Hilleberg Anjan may very well be a very good choice. We suggest selecting the 3-person mannequin over the Anjan 2 for the additional area at a minimal price/weight improve. This tent does have a number of key downsides although – only one door/vestibule, non-freestanding design, and a steep price ticket.

Essential Tent Concerns

PRICE

You shouldn’t should lay our a fortune to get an incredible backpacking tent. That’s why this checklist accommodates an array of strong choices at a wide range of value factors. When you backpack so much, it in all probability is smart to spend extra for a high quality product that may get a few years of use. When you’re on a restricted finances, you might wish to take a look at our finances backpacking tent suggestions, however they do are typically a lot heavier. 

CHOOSING A SIZE

The truth with tent sizes is that loads of producers exaggerate how many individuals can sleep comfortably in them. For instance, many two-person backpacking tents are a good match for 2 average-sized individuals. When you plan on sleeping two individuals in your tent and wish more room, you might discover a three-person tent to be extra snug. Additional area will add weight, so that you’ll in all probability wish to select a light-weight tent to maintain your backpack gentle. Take a look at our Tent Measurement Information for more information on discovering the best match for you.

When researching tents, you’ll seemingly discover a number of totally different specs listed for weight and it will probably get a bit of complicated.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

PACKAGED WEIGHT VS. MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT

When researching tents, you’ll seemingly discover a number of totally different specs listed for weight and it will probably get a bit of complicated. Some producers might even exaggerate how gentle a tent is to make it appear extra interesting. Sadly, there isn’t a required set commonplace for measuring backpacking tent weights throughout the trade, however listed below are some ideas that can assist you decipher all of the numbers:

  • Packaged Weight – This spec refers back to the weight of all components of the tent plus any equipment it comes with whenever you purchase it. That is often essentially the most correct measurement to contemplate, and it’s the spec we’ve listed with all of the tents on this checklist. In spite of everything, you’re going to be utilizing tent stakes together with your tent, proper?
  • Minimal Path Weight – This one will get a bit of furry. Since there’s no required trade commonplace for calculating this, some producers exclude extra gadgets than others. Minimal path weight is usually accepted to imply simply the important elements to maintain you dry. It’s going to at all times embrace the tent physique, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement often excludes tent stakes (until your tent is semi-freestanding), man traces, and stuff sacks.

MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT

This one will get a bit of furry. Since there’s no required trade commonplace for calculating this, some producers exclude extra gadgets than others. Minimal path weight is usually accepted to imply simply the important elements to maintain you dry. It’s going to at all times embrace the tent physique, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement often excludes tent stakes (until your tent is semi-freestanding), man traces, and stuff sacks.

DO YOU NEED A FOOTPRINT?

Virtually each backpacking tent on this checklist comes with the choice to purchase a footprint that may assist prolong the lifetime of your tent flooring. Footprints will not be vital, although, and plenty of select to not use them. It’s completely a private selection, however a footprint will make sure that your tent flooring lasts so long as potential. When you need assistance deciding if a footprint is best for you, take a look at our publish Do You Actually Want a Footprint for Your Tent.

PROTECTION

A backpacking tent that doesn’t defend towards the weather is worse than nugatory, it’s harmful. So watch out about excessive finances tents you’ll discover elsewhere. Each tent on this checklist will present wonderful storm safety to maintain you protected, dry, and heat.

INTERIOR SPACE

Backpacking tents preserve weight to a minimal by limiting inside area (and thus, use much less materials). One-person tents are nice for devoted solo hikers trying to journey quick and light-weight. Two-person tents are typically the most well-liked, as a result of they strike a very good stability between weight and inside area. Most two-person tents have simply sufficient room for 2 sleepers and some stuff sacks, with backpacks and further gear saved within the vestibules. In order for you extra inside area for tenting consolation, you might wish to bump up one measurement in tents (for instance, purchase a three-person tent to suit two hikers). Simply keep in mind, inside tent area is a tradeoff between consolation and weight. Take a look at our Tent Measurement Information for extra info on selecting which mannequin to go together with.

SEASON RATING

Three-season shelters are the most well-liked backpacking tents and the type we’re specializing in on this information. They’re constructed for spring, summer time, and fall journeys the place you’ll must preserve unhealthy climate out whereas selling air flow, which helps preserve inside condensation to a minimal. Three-season tents can often deal with a bit of snow, however they’re not made for heavy snow and harsh winter situations.

SETUP

Freestanding tents are typically preferable as a result of they’re simpler to make use of and faster to pitch. They arrive with a set pole system that may be arrange virtually anyplace – even on strong rock. Non-freestanding tents use stakes, guylines, and trekking poles for pitching. They save weight by chopping out tent poles, however require extra time/area to pitch and can take extra apply to grasp.

DOORS & VESTIBULES

When you plan on sleeping two individuals in your tent, it’s extra snug to have two doorways and two vestibules. Having separate entrances will make sure that you’re not climbing over a tentmate and two units of drugs each time you wish to get in or out of your tent. That’s an enormous profit, and it’s why virtually all of our backpacking tent suggestions have two doorways and vestibules.

WALL CONSTRUCTION

Double-wall tents include two separate components – a mesh tent physique and a rainfly. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that kinds on the within of the rainfly. Single-wall tents cut back weight by attaching the fly sheet on to the mesh inner-tent, however that leaves hikers weak to inside condensation in moist/chilly situations. Rubbing up towards a moist tent inside is the pits, so we principally suggest double-wall tents until you often backpack in arid, dry climates. For ultralight hikers open to the thought of single-wall shelters, take a look at our Finest Ultralight Tents checklist.

DURABILITY

The primary trade-off with light-weight backpacking tents is that they’re constructed utilizing thinner supplies, which are typically much less sturdy than heavy-duty shelters. That mentioned, ultralight tents will actually final for hundreds of miles if handled with care. It’s additionally essential to do not forget that a pointy stick or rock will puncture nearly any type of tent material. When you’re powerful on gear and don’t wish to cope with light-weight supplies, we suggest selecting certainly one of our heavier suggestions constructed for sturdiness or including a footprint to to extend the sturdiness of your tent flooring. For our private use, we expect light-weight tents are properly definitely worth the tradeoff.

The Zpacks Duplex has large doors that are perfect for taking in big views.
ZPacks Duplex – PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Extra Data

We hope this information helps you discover the proper gear to your wants. In case you have extra questions or a suggestion, we’d love to listen to from you! Join our e-newsletter to remain up to date on our newest posts then go to our Fb web page and Instagram to hitch the group dialog.

When you discovered this information useful, please share on social media and click on the little coronary heart button under to present us a digital excessive 5! Additionally, make sure to take a look at our CleverHiker Gear Information to see all of our prime gear picks.

Thanks for studying and pleased trails!

A granite peak over the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)





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