Who doesn’t love a bit of adventure in their lives, especially when you have the best backpacking tent to give you company? Imagine having the time of your life by going on a trek or camping out with friends and family with just a backpack. To live amidst nature all sounds very exciting, but you need to plan it out well with the best backpacking tent with add-ons such as sleeping bags and hiking shoes. Read on to know more about choosing the best backpacking tents for an enjoyable camping adventure.
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tents
For a successful camping trip, ensure you carry the best backpacking tents that can withstand any kind of wear and tear and give the required protection you need. Here are some factors that you need to consider for selecting the backpacking tents for any kind of camping or trekking plans.
Types of Backpacking Tents
Backpacking tents come in all forms and categories. It is easy to choose the right kind backpacking tents if you are clear about the nature of your trip and your intended destination. It is equally important to keep in mind the weather conditions and the length of your trip. Take a look at some of the best backpacking tents of different categories to know what you need for the trip.
Double-walled Tents
The double-walled tents have all the elements to protect against any kind of camping condition. Featuring a waterproof base, an outer waterproof shelter, and an inner tent, it is supported by poles for standing upright. However, know that these tents make a heavy backpack. The double-walled tents are of various types, such as free-standing tents, semi-free-standing tents, and tunnel tents. They can also have two-person or three-person capacity. These ones can too be of higher capacity, so we recommend you to try out a 6 man tent as one of the most common camping options.
The free-standing tents are just right to withstand harsh weather conditions. These kinds can stand upright without poles or stakes and are spacious too. The semi-free-standing tents have poles to hold them in position for maximum space and offer better security and protection. The tunnel tents have almost the same features as that of the semi-free-standing tents. With poles and guy-lines to support the tent structure, this tent has a sizeable space when compared to the rest. Also, the sense of security is enhanced because of its structured layout.
Double-walled tents can have a single-side door or double-side door. The single-side door tents are good for solo travelers. Tents with double-side doors are more comfortable for groups of two or three.
Single-walled Tents
Check out the tarp tents that feature as the single-walled tents. Easy to pitch, these tents have a hard base, an outer single-walled shelter, and meshed protection against bugs and insects. Carrying a tarp tent as a backpack is easy because of its lightweight nature. The only disadvantage is that it is not completely waterproof. During rains or damp conditions, there are high chances of moisture accumulating on the inside. Tarp tents can be lightweight or ultralightweight depending on the presence or absence of poles.
Some common types of tarp tents are a frame tarp tent or a pyramid tarp tent. Frame tarp tents are the most flexible and lightest backpack tents. Natural in outlook, they can be used as a tent or donned as protective gear when sleeping. For nature-lovers, this is the perfect kind to stay grounded and as close to nature as possible. However, even though they are condensation-resistant, these tents are not advisable for extreme weather conditions. The pyramid tents, on the other hand, are sturdier and have better weather-resistant features. The dedicated poles let you pitch the tent with no trouble at all. The steep-sides design lends privacy and also protection against harsh weather conditions. However, the only drawback is that it is sensitive to condensation.
Quality and Durability
The quality and durability of the backpacking tent is an important factor in selecting the most appropriate one for the trip. For example, you need to check the fabric of the tent, the material used for poles, and the quality of stakes and guy lines required for the tent assembly.
Fabric
Most of the backpacking tents are made up of polyester, nylon, or cuben fiber. Each of these materials has its own significance.
- The polyester-coated tents are the standard and most used backpacking tents for their reasonable pricing. It offers moderate protection against any kind of weather conditions.
- The nylon-coated tents have better waterproofing and are more durable and lightweight when compared to the polyester ones.
- The cuben-fiber tents have the best durability and waterproofing amongst the lot. They are also very popular with trekkers and campers.
Poles
Most poles are made up of aluminum and the quality is dependent on the model and design of the tent. It is best to check the design of the pole and how it supports the tent rather than the material used for the pole.
Stakes and Guy Lines
Stakes and guy lines are usually seen as supporting structures for double-walled tents or freestanding tents. It is not a mandatory constituent of tents. However, know that for a better quality of tents, a higher number of stakes and guy lines are desirable.
Ease of Installation
It is easier to pitch a double-walled tent than a single-walled tent. The ease is due to the poles and guy-line system used to install the double-walled tent and hold it in place.
Alvantor Camping Tent Outdoor Warrior Pro Backpacking Light Weight Waterproof Family Tent
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The Alvantor Camping Tent is one of the best backpacking tents for all kinds of outdoor activities. A tent that has the stamp of this popular brand is worth buying for all the right reasons. The first thing that strikes about this tent is its unique design and shape when assembled. However, being fancy-looking is not its only forte. The ultralightweight tent of two-person capacity has the built to endure extreme weather conditions as well.
Manufactured of high-quality PU material with sealed seams, the single-walled tent is 100% waterproof. Made up of thick PE tarpaulin, the deep tub-shaped base allows any camper to settle comfortably on any kind of hard rocky or flooded-surface. Add to that, it is pretty easy to clean. There is a large U-shaped mesh window at the front and a back vent for proper air circulation. Plus, there are internal storage pockets and shoes cover spaces making it convenient for users to keep important items at bay.
The tent is easy to pitch as well and can be easily rolled up into the backpack after usage. The three poles and ropes along with four stakes ensure a stable and windproof tent for camping. So, with all these features, the Alvantor Camping Tent is not only affordable, but also a risk-free purchase for its lifetime warranty.
What We Love
- Sleek design and model
- Highly durable
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up and take down
- Quite roomy for two people
- High-quality PU-coated tent to endure harsh weather conditions
- 100% waterproof and windproof tent
- Great ventilation
- Durable tub-shaped floor
- Convenient storage pockets and shoes cover
- Portable
Cons
- Interior may be prone to condensation
- Sleeping at an angle causing discomfort
Eureka Solitaire Backpacking Tent
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Featuring a tunnel-shaped design, the two-hoop bivy-styled single-capacity Eureka Solitaire Tent is every traveler’s dream travel gear. Designed to be shock-corded for a smooth and fast setup, the fiber-glass frame gives it a great structure after the setup. Furthermore, the nylon pole sleeves add to the stability of the setup. The compact three-season solo tent with a zippered top entry protects you from all kinds of weather conditions.
Another feature that makes it attractive to solo backpackers is its inner net floor with a waterproof base. Better still, the inner tent does not get wet even when you pitch the tent in rainy conditions. The tent has a large mesh roof for good airflow and an attached full-coverage fly to be rolled back quickly. Furthermore, for convenience, there are internal storage pockets, a loop for flashlights, and three storm guyouts on the fly.
What We Love
- Small, lightweight, and convenient
Pros
- Smooth and fast setup features
- Suitable for all kinds of weather conditions
- Waterproof
- Easy to take down and pack
- Very affordable
Cons
- Available in one-color combination of yellow and black
- Rain fly does not detach completely
Paria Outdoor Products Zion Lightweight Tent
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The dome-shaped Paria Outdoor Products Zion Lightweight Tent is considered the best backpacking tent option for all kinds of outdoor activities. Be it camping, hiking, kayaking, or biking, it is meant to last any kind of adventure. The durability is due to the ripstop silnylon/PU fly, waterproof floor, and 7000-series aluminum alloy poles and stakes. So, you can easily call it a great three-season tent that can endure varied weather conditions.
With a spacious dual-door design, the tent has a gear loft, double vents with a kickstand, taped seams, and convenient mesh pockets. The greatest advantage is that this tent can be easily set up, even in extreme conditions. Plus, you can effortlessly pack it back into the bag after use. What’s more, you have a lifetime warranty on this loyal camping buddy.
What We Love
- Three-season tent for any kind adventure trips
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to pitch
- Waterproof base
- Withstand varied weather conditions
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Light tent tears and cuts are possible
- Mesh may not be of premium quality
yodo Lightweight Backpacking Tent
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Out of the many backpacking tents, the Yodo Lightweight Backpacking Tent is a basic tent for fun camping in fair weather conditions. Meant for two people, the tent is undoubtedly an easy one to set up with the rain fly vented roof, two durable glass-fiber poles, and four metal guy stakes. It can also easily fit inside your backpack and comes with a carrying bag.
Compared to other tents, the tent will provide reasonable protection against rain and water. Plus, it is a comfortable stay with its easy entry zippered front door and two-way zippered mesh window. At the top, there are mesh side wall vents to keep the bugs and insects away and also provides a good view of the surroundings. Available in bright colors, the Yodo Backpacking tent is a decent choice for short camping trips.
What We Love
- Extremely light and affordable
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Comes with a carry bag
- Large mesh side wall vents provide good ventilation and view
- Durable glass fiber poles and metal stakes
- Flexible door curtain with buckle
Cons
- Not a big tent
- Not meant for backpacking in inclement weather
Kelty TN 2 Person Tent
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Among all the best backpacking tents, the Kelty TN 2 Person Tent is the best choice for backpacking and camping. As the winner of two popular awards – 2014 Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice and 2016 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year award, this brand of tent can be easily considered a prized possession.
Let’s find out why. Equipped with a host of useful features, the three-season Kelty TN 2 Person Tent is easy to manage on any kind of outdoor activity. To begin with, it is extremely compact and lightweight, the most sought-after features by any backpacker. When it comes to setting it up, it’s quite simple due to the innovative hug-clip technology. Even the packing up is not so cumbersome thanks to the 14-inch aluminum poles. Plus, the roll-up Stargazing Fly lets you experience the joy of sleeping under a clear star-lit sky from the comforts of your tent.
Speaking of comfort, the tent is also quite spacious for two people with an oversized D-style door having a noiseless zipper for convenient access. To add to that, there are taped floor and fly seams, fly vents, welded clear windows, mesh wall panels, guy lines, and internal storage pockets.
What We Love
- Star-gazing Fly feature
- Innovative snap-clip technology for a simple setup
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to pitch and pack up
- Good ventilation
- Oversized D door for easy entry
- Taped floor and fly seams
Cons
- Pricey
- The top part of the rain fly can collect water
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3-Person Tent
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The ALPs brand is a known brand for manufacturing high-quality outdoor products. So, if you want to make your first backpacking trip a memorable one, then the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3-Person Tent is the one for you. Featuring two aluminum poles, this free-standing polyester tent is quite easy to set up. Plus, it can resist water and block the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Other noteworthy features include the mesh walls and doors for ventilation, mesh storage pockets, gear loft, guy lines, and two vestibules for extra storage. Also, the design is such that the interior has great head room to sit up and move around.
What We Love
- Innovative design
- Ideal for hot humid nights
Pros
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Easy to set up
- Spacious interior for ample head room
- Mesh walls ensure good ventilation
- Dual doors and vestibules
- Endures all kinds of weather conditions
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Minor openings at the tent floor corners can cause leakage during the rainy season
- Tent stakes are not of premium quality
River Country Products Trekker Tent
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One of the lightest and best backpacking tent on a budget, the River Country Products Trekker Tent is highly desirable for its amazing features. This three-season tent is a great buy for its portability and with the ease it can fit into your backpack or bug-out bag. With enough room for two people, this tent has convenient storage features such as personal items’ pouch and loops for hanging flashlights or lanterns.
Note that the tent comes with eight aluminum stakes along with a carrying bag. Even though the tent has the structure to be set up using poles, no trekking poles are included. As an alternative, you can bring your own trekking poles or use sticks more than 42 inches or tie it between trees. In either way, the tent takes just less than a minute to set up.
What We Love
- Lightweight camping tent
Pros
- Compact and can easily fit in small bags or backpacks
- Suitable for all types of weather conditions
- Easy to set up
- Water-resistant fabric
Cons
- Trekking poles are not included
- Prone to condensation inside the tent
Rakaia Designs Camping & Backpacking Tent
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The portable easy setup hiking tent has always proved to be a loyal companion for any kind of outdoor activity and weather conditions. It is also considered one of the best backpacking tents on a budget. The Rakaia Designs Camping & Backpacking Tent can be set up in minutes due to the single aluminum pole structure. Furthermore, the free-standing structure is supported by aluminum tent stakes and reflective rope for safety and security. Packing up also does not require too much of an effort and can be easily kept inside the carrying bag.
The best feature is that the durable, lightweight, waterproof, and environmental-friendly tent material keeps you dry and comfortable in storms and also lets you be close to nature. It is quite spacious too with a rain fly attachment. Above all, this great outdoor backpacking tent has a lifetime warranty and provides prompt support for any kind of defects or issues.
What We Love
- High-quality backpacking tent
- Cost-effective
Pros
- Freestanding design for easy setup
- Easy to take down and pack up
- Lightweight and durable
- Protects well against rain and storms
- Roomy with mesh walls for bug protection
- Reflective guy lines for security and safety
- Solid rain fly cover
Cons
- Does not come with a footprint
Campla Camping Tent
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The beautifully-designed Campla Camping Tent is the ideal backpacking tent for camping with your family. The four-season tent is made of durable polyester material making it waterproof and windproof. Therefore, you can find it highly suitable for all types of weather conditions.
The tent has all the features to make your camping fun and enjoyable. Firstly, it is easy to assemble the tent with shock-cord aluminum poles, wind rope reinforcements, and stakes. Plus, the entry or exit is quite convenient due to inner and outer zipper facilities. Next, the smart design ensures good ventilation with mesh doors and prop-up triangle windows. Also, there are corner pockets to hold wallets or small gadgets. The most attractive feature, however, is the detachable and waterproof LED light strip for illuminating the interior.
What We Love
- Detachable, waterproof, and insulating LED
Pros
- Easy to assemble the tent and take down the tent
- Lightweight and includes a carrying bag
- Waterproof and windproof
- Endures all weather conditions
- Mesh doors for easy ventilation
- Convenient entry and exit with zippers
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Paria Outdoor Products Bryce Ultralight Tent
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Check out the best backpacking tent for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, camping, or bikepacking. No matter what the activity is, the three-season Paria Outdoor Products Bryce Ultralight Tent is right for any backpacker looking for reasonably affordable quality tents. Manufactured with top-notch durable materials, this high-quality lightweight tent is very easy to pitch in. Furthermore, the tent is supported by aluminum alloy poles and stakes. With all these features, this two-person tent is sure to last many adventures and trips all through the year.
The tent design also supports multiple features, such as two-way inner and outer zippers, mesh pockets, back-vent with the kickstand, taped seams, guy lines, and pole repair stint. So, it’s well worth the price and the lifetime warranty is a great add-on.
What We Love
- High-quality backpacking tent
- Extremely affordable
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Spacious interiors
- Good ventilation
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Mesh pockets for storage
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Comes only in one color
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
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Compared to all the backpacking tents, the Kelty Salida Camping And Backpacking Tents are the most lightweight of all and the best backpacking tent on a budget. In fact, this tent is so lightweight that you won’t even feel its presence in your backpack. Although lightweight, the tent has got some amazing features to make your trip comfortable as well as enjoyable.
To start with, the tent is durable and made up of polyester walls, no-see-um mesh, and nylon-coated floor. Featuring color-coded clip and fly attachment, the free-standing two-pole design of the tent allows quick setup. Also, it has ample vestibular space of 10 square feet. Other useful features are internal storage pockets, fully-taped seams, gearloft loops.
What We Love
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy on the pocket
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to set up
- Rain fly attachment
- Spacious interior
- Allows gear storage
- Protects all weather conditions
Cons
- Tent stakes are not of high quality
- Footprint and gear loft are separate purchases
Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
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Here is another famous Kelty brand that measures up as the best backpacking tents. The Kelty Grand Mesa Tent can accommodate two to four people and is perfect for the family or group outdoor activities. The three-season tent has a great functional design and can be pitched with great ease due to its color-coded construction clip technology. The free-standing design also includes stakes and stuff rack that can be easily moved around with during camping. Note that packing up is equally easy especially when you have foldable aluminum poles.
The two-person Mesa tent includes a spacious 14-foot vestibule, fully taped seams, internal pockets to store items, and gearloft loops. For four-person capacity, space is even greater with more than 50 square feet of floor space. There is also a single vestibule for gear storage. In either type, there is a large oversized D door for easy entry and exit. Also, both the tent types feature a bug-free no-see-um mesh wall to soak in the starry nights. However, for rainy or inclement weather conditions, you can use the full coverage waterproof rain fly.
What We Love
- Great all-round ultralight backpacking tent
Pros
- Lightweight and affordable
- Good ventilation
- Easy to set up and take down
- Rain fly attachment for weather protection
- Spacious interior with internal pockets
Cons
- Not the best in hot or humid weather
- Tent stakes are not of the best quality
Hyke & Byke Zion 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents
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Hike and bike as much as you want when you have the Hyke & Byke Zion 1 And 2 Person Backpacking Tents by your side. A world-famous brand used by thousands of people, it is no doubt one of the best backpacking tents for your outdoor adventures. The three-season tent has been specifically designed to endure tough terrain and weather conditions. The polyester non-stretch fabric coupled with rip-stop lends durability to the rain fly cover and the tent floor. Plus, the no-see-um mesh walls are not only bug-free but let you admire the constellation of stars on a clear sky.
Featuring a free-standing design, you do not need to worry about the setup procedure. The setup is easily done with the help of aluminum alloy stakes, reflective guy lines with tension lock cord adjustment, and a proprietary stake presser. You can breeze through the process due to the single pole with the clip-pole attachment feature. Also, the lightweight nature of this backpacking tent makes it easy to pack small into the carrying bag. Another sought-after feature is that the waterproof tent is quite roomy with add-ons like taped seams, four corner pockets, four guy lines, and two vestibules for gear storage. Most importantly, it comes with a lifetime warranty and that completes the picture of an ideal backpacking tent.
What We Love
- Single-pole backpacking tent
Pros
- Free-standing design for easy setup
- Better breathe-ability
- Durable and lightweight
- Spacious interiors with corner pockets
- Vestibule for gear storage
- Allows proper ventilation
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Faulty stake design
Frequently Asked Questions
What are backpacking tents?
Backpacking tents are designed to support any kind of hiking, trekking, or outdoor activities. As the name suggests, they are portable and can be easily fitted within a backpack or with the backpack.
Which backpacking tent design Is Simple to set up?
Most backpacking tents have innovative and user-friendly technology for easy setup. However, the simplest design for setup is the free-standing single pole design.
What’s most important in a backpacking tent?
What you should watch out for is the weight because it should be portable and not be heavy to carry. Next, always check the size and space and if it caters to all your travel needs. One tip is to go for a three-person tent even if you need space for just two people. The extra space ensures enough room for you and your partner’s travel gear. The most important features are the durability and weather-protection features that are the key to a successful trek or camping trip.
What is a footprint?
Most tents come with a footprint. It is a sheet that goes under your tent and will protect the tent floor from damages.