Investing in your own outdoor equipment isn’t a bad idea. Especially if you love to do solo backpacking every weekend. The first and foremost thing about enjoying the great outdoors is having a proper tent. In this article, we’ll present you with some great alternatives to the best tent under 200.
While there are plenty of tents under 100 out there, they’re not exactly the best solution. These tents won’t last long enough, especially if you have regular trips. If that’s the case, then this is the perfect time to upgrade your gear collection. Below, you’ll find the best tent for under 200 that might suit your needs. In case you don’t, don’t forget to check out our buying tips and guide that comes right after the reviews. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Kelty Late Start 2
- Northface Stormbreak 2
- ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tipi 2
- Paria Outdoor Bryce
- Eureka Solitaire
- ALPS Mountaineering Meramac
- ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr
- Teton Sports
- Coleman Sundome
- Wenzel Klondike
- Coleman Evanston
- Core Equipment
- Wakeman Dome
- How to Choose The Best Tent under 200
- Which tent brand is best?
- Why are Backpacking Tents so Expensive?
- How Much Should I Spend on a Backpacking Tent?
Kelty Late Start 2
13
Kelty Late Start 2 is pretty light for the best tent under 200. Putting it in the ultralight category would be an exaggeration, but you should be able to easily carry this shelter around on your own. After all, a true ultralight tent will cost you well over $400, so consider this a nice discounted version.
As for the assembly process, Kelty Late Start 2 is very user-friendly. You should be able to get it done in a few minutes, even under low light conditions. All you have to do is unroll the tent, extend the poles, insert them into the sleeves, and clip the tent body. Meanwhile, the rainfly provides extra space for your gears and essentials. And as expected of Kelty products, this one is of good quality.
- What We Love:
- A lightweight backpacking tent. Comes with a rainfly for extra gear storage.
- Pros:
- Color-coded fly attachment
- Single door and vestibule
- Polished aluminum
- 68D polyester
- Cons:
- It’s a bit bulky
Northface Stormbreak 2
12
There’s a lot to love about Northface Stormbreak 2. First of all, this tent is roomy. There was more than enough space for two campers to rest comfortably, without having to touch each other. Apart from that, the two openings are a massive game-changer. We’re able to have a quiet bathroom break, without having to climb on each other during the night. Apart from that, this shelter is fairly easy to pitch and disassemble.
If you’ve never pitched a temporary shelter before, this is the best tent for under 200 you’re looking for. It only takes a maximum of two minutes to make it fully habitable. There are pockets and compartments to store your gears and other essentials. And in case you need extra lighting, there’s a spot to hang a lantern.
Considering yourself a tall camper? Check out our 13 best tents for tall person for some of the greatest shelters with generous headroom.
- What We Love:
- Provides more than enough space for two campers to rest comfortably, without having to touch each other
- Pros:
- Easy pitch
- Comfortable design
- Easy access
- Quality construction
- Cons:
- Not suitable for strong wind
ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tipi 2
11
The ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tipi 2 is a nice-looking backpacking tent. As you’d expect from one of the leading outdoor gear manufacturers, this tent is simple to set up. You just need to lay it down, put the pegs in, insert the poles, and don’t forget to tighten the guy lines. There’s a metal ring at the end of each guy line to make the whole process easier. Meanwhile, the plastic tensioner makes a nice addition. We absolutely love it!
Since the inside is quite spacious, you can fit up to two people in this tent. However, you may need to sleep diagonally and try to use a medium-sized sleep pad. Meanwhile, the vestibules are large enough for one person. Our only complaint is the poor quality of the seams. But considering the fact that we’re talking about the best tent under 200, this isn’t a big deal at all.
- What We Love:
- A decent tent from one of the leading outdoor gear manufacturers
- Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Works with any trekking pole
- 360-degree mesh
- Aluminum stakes
- Cons:
- The seams aren’t very strong
Paria Outdoor Bryce
10
Looking for a tent that’s lightweight, won’t break the bank, but comfortable enough for your backpacking? Paria Outdoor Bryce is the answer. In terms of construction, this single-person tent is identical to the more popular options like Big Agnes and REI’s quarter dome. As for weight, Bryce is definitely not the lightest around. But in return, this tent is truly durable. Plus, it comes with a footprint worth around 30 bucks.
The pole system is easy to understand. With a lot of practice, you should be able to set up this tent in a matter of minutes. There are several aluminum stakes and lots of guy lines to secure the shelter. We did have some light rain while testing Bryce and it turned out the tent worked just fine. The ventilation is good and thanks to the rectangular shape, we can sleep in here comfortably. Overall, this is the best tent under 200 that you shouldn’t miss. We don’t have any major issues with it and neither should you.
- What We Love:
- Comes with a solid construction identical to more popular options like Big Agnes and REI’s quarter dome
- Pros:
- Durable
- Flexible
- Lifetime warranty
- Fully-featured
- Cons:
- We’re still working on that!
Eureka Solitaire
9
Eureka Solitaire is a decent little tent. It should be more than enough to give you a comfortable haven while spending time in the wild. The floor is dominated by a sleeping pad to protect you from the various elements. Meanwhile, the assembly process doesn’t require much effort. After a while, you should be able to do it really fast. Furthermore, this tent feels lightweight, which makes it perfect for backpacking trips.
We love how Eureka Solitaire is available at a bargain price. Especially considering that this tent is made from one of the top outdoor gear brands. It’s low profile, so you can expect it to perform well against the wind. Meanwhile, the included rainfly comes with a nice design. Our only complaint is the zipper design. There’s a small gap that allows tiny insects to enter. But apart from this, Eureka Solitaire is the best tent for under 200 that’s worth keeping an eye on. Make sure to check it out if you can.
- What We Love:
- Available at bargain prices. Comes with a well-designed rainfly.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Integrated rainfly
- Durable 7000 series aluminum frame
- 68D polyester taffeta
- Cons:
- The zipper design can be improved
ALPS Mountaineering Meramac
8
The ALPS Mountaineering Meramac is the best tent under 200 you’re looking for, especially if size and weight are your main concerns. This shelter utilizes lightweight but strong aluminum poles. Additionally, they don’t have to be passed through the fabric sleeves to be pitched or disassembled. All you have to do is attach the poles to the external hooks and you should be done in minutes.
There’s a pre-installed rainfly for added protection against the elements. We did have some light rain while spending time in here and it turned out that the tent remained upright all night. Everything remains secure and tight. Overall, this tent was awesome. It’s available at a reasonable price, lightweight, and easy to carry around.
- What We Love:
- Available at a reasonable price, relatively easy to pitch, and comes with a pre-attached rainfly for extra protection against the elements.
- Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Polyester fly
- Storage pockets
- Gear loft
- Cons:
- Not recommended for windy or cold weather
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr
7
The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr is a reliable two-person tent. One user on Amazon claims to have been an avid camper for over two decades and he says this shelter is really easy to set up. The stitching, pole, and material are of high quality. Meanwhile, the assembly and disassembly process doesn’t take much time. And in case something happens, ALPS offers a solid warranty policy and excellent customer service.
Some say that the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr is a little heavy for a backpacking trip. However, you should have no problem carrying this tent alone if you’ve gotten used to solo camping before. Our only complaint is that the internal space is a bit small. The tent itself is labeled as a two-person shelter. But unless you want to be intimate with the second person, we recommend looking for something bigger. That being said, this is the best tent under 200 you might need. It has good qualities and is relatively easy to set up.
Want to have a peaceful nap while in the wild? Consider checking out our 13 best blackout tents for camping. Find shelters that work effectively in blocking the sun and allowing you to wake up whenever you want.
- What We Love:
- The stitching, pole, and material are of high quality. The assembly and disassembly process doesn’t take much time.
- Pros:
- Great ventilation
- Polyester tent fly
- Storage pockets
- Aluminum stakes
- Cons:
- Not suitable for two people
Teton Sports
6
Teton Sports is a three-person tent that won’t force you to break the bank. The model you’re looking at is available for less than 200 bucks. For that amount of money, you’ll get nothing less than a fully-mesh body, a thick floor with decent waterproofing, and a rainfly made of 75D 3mm ripstop material.
Measuring at 98×83 inches, Teton Sports will provide more than enough room for a maximum of three campers. We’re not too sure about the convenience, but there’s an option for that if you prefer. Meanwhile, its height peaks at the center at around 60 inches, which provides more than decent headroom. If you’re looking for the best value for money, then this is the best tent under 200 for you.
- What We Love:
- A decent three-person tent that won’t force you to break the bank
- Pros:
- Great ventilation
- Excellent water resistance
- Enough headroom
- Durable
- Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a footprint
Coleman Sundome
5
When it comes to the best tent for under 200, it’s hard not to think about the Coleman Sundome. This shelter has won the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts out there, in large part because of the value and great features it has to offer. Available in a variety of sizes and models, the Sundome is perhaps one of the most popular budget tents around.
Most people love the fact that Sundome performs well in the wind and rain. All thanks to Coleman’s excellent WeatherTec system. It utilizes inverted seams, welded bathtub floors, and weather-resistant fabric to keep all moisture and liquids away. If you’re planning to camp in the windy season, then this is the best tent under 200 you’re looking for.
- What We Love:
- Performs well in wind and rain, all thanks to the fantastic WeatherTec system
- Pros:
- Great value for money
- Roomy
- Waterproof
- Easy to setup
- Cons:
- The construction could be better
Wenzel Klondike
4
The Wenzel Klondike is everything you’d expect from the best tent under 200. It comes with a screened porch and offers a wide and comfortable space. Sadly, this tent only has one exit in the screen room. Fortunately, this made up for the good and well-positioned vents. There are large windows and a mesh roof to ensure optimal airflow. And in case it’s raining out there, putting the rainfly down won’t interfere with the ventilation system.
As we said earlier, Wenzel Klondike is a spacious tent. It measures 11 x 16 feet and offers no less than 6.5 feet of headroom. You should be able to walk around without having your head hit the roof over and over. Meanwhile, the assembly process is fairly simple. However, it’ll probably take at least two people, especially if you’re not used to pitching a tent beforehand.
- What We Love:
- Comes with a screened porch and offers a wide-comfortable space
- Pros:
- Convertible screen room
- Removable seam
- Mesh roof vents
- Shock-corded fiberglass
- Cons:
- Lack of holes for power cables
Coleman Evanston
3
The Coleman Evanston is probably one of the best tents we’ve tested. We managed to have this shelter fully erected in less than three minutes and it’s surprisingly spacious. There was more than enough room to fit a queen-size air mattress. Meanwhile, the porch is big enough to accommodate a small camping table and two chairs. Overall, we really had a wonderful time with this tent. It’s no wonder that many people consider Evanston as the best tent for under 200!
Overall, this is a reliable tent. If you followed all the instructions well, you shouldn’t have any problems. This shelter is just as good as any tent out there. It’s made to keep you dry and easy to pack. Check this one out if you can.
Spending the night in the wild doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t maintain your hygiene. Check out our 13 best shower tents for camping and keep yourself fresh and clean!
- What We Love:
- One of the best tents we’ve tested. You can get it fully erected in minutes.
- Pros:
- Polyester taffeta 75D
- Imported
- Weatherproof
- Bug-free lounging
- Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a rain cover
Core Equipment
2
Core Equipment Dome is made for those looking for a convenient camping experience. The initial setup process takes less than a minute, with no stakes or guy lines involved. Other features worth mentioning include two side pockets, a third mesh pocket in the rear window, and sleeves for electrical cables. We also love the fact that the floor is quite sturdy and the rainfly is actually working. It was awesome for a tent at this price.
Being the best tent for under 200, Core Instant Dome offers a large living area. We’re able to fit a 72×20 inch sleeping pad with some space to spare. Our only complaint is that the poles are too stiff. This makes the assembly process a bit harder. Otherwise, this is an impressive tent.
- What We Love:
- Made for those looking for a convenient camping experience. The initial setup process takes less than a minute.
- Pros:
- 100 percent polyester
- Imported
- Core H20 block technology
- Electrical cord access port
- Cons:
- The poles are a little too stiff
Wakeman Dome
1
If you’re looking to save some cash, the Wakeman Dome Backpacking Tent would be great. Available at around 25 bucks, this is one of the cheapest shelters on this list. But make no mistake, because when it comes to quality, this tent can compete with some of the more expensive tents out there.
All thanks to the sturdy construction made of 190T polyester. This allows the tent to offer more protection against the elements and makes it ideal for long-term use. Apart from that, there’s a water-resistant rainfly included. It’ll keep you dry when it’s raining hard out there. On the inside, there’s plenty of space and storage pockets for your gears. Unfortunately, the tent doesn’t provide enough airflow, as there’s only one mesh window in the D-shaped door.
- What We Love:
- Available at 25 for around 25 bucks, which makes it one of the cheapest tents on this list
- Pros:
- Durable material
- Spacious
- Convenient
- Interior storage pockets
- Cons:
- Only has one mesh window
How to Choose The Best Tent under 200
Our curated list above is the result of three months of research and testing. But in case you don’t find anything to your liking, don’t worry. Below are some useful tips that you can apply to choose your own best tent under 200.
We take into account several crucial factors such as construction, design, and durability. This way, you should be able to find the best tent for under 200 that really fits your personal preferences.
Material
Materials are basically everything from a tent. It’ll determine how the shelter withstands different elements and scenarios. For the best tent under 200, you probably can’t expect the best build quality. However, consider getting temporary shelters with aluminum poles, as they can handle rough usage. As for the fabric, choose the ones made of polyester or nylon as they have good water resistance.
Weight
Next, let’s talk about weight. This will be crucial, especially if you’re going solo. Trust us, you wouldn’t want to carry a 10lbs tent on your own. If you’re going on a solo trip, consider getting an ultralight tent. These days, you can easily get the best tent for under 200 with an average weight of 2.5lbs. But on the other hand, if you’re going with the family, a massive 15lbs tent will make a reasonable choice.
Looking for a tent within a budget? Well, you’re just at the right place! Check out our list of 13 best tents under 100.
Durability
The best tent under 200 should give you a decent three or four-season option. This kind of shelter can withstand wind, rain, and even some snow quite well. That way, you can use your tent whenever you want. But remember, don’t overdo it by getting a four-season tent, unless you plan on going during winter. Tents of this type are generally heavier and require more effort to set up.
Which tent brand is best?
There’s plenty to choose from. For starters, you can consider famous names like The North Face, Black Diamond, or MSR. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can look to more specific brands like MSR, Vango, and Hilleberg.
Why are Backpacking Tents so Expensive?
That’s because backpacking tents are generally made using sturdy materials. The poles and fabrics are meant to withstand a wide variety of tears and wear. Apart from that, they’re supposed to give excellent performance under wind and rain.
Planning to camp under harsh conditions? Check out our 13 best tents for high winds for some of the most recommended three-season shelters.
How Much Should I Spend on a Backpacking Tent?
A decent tent is generally offered at around 150 bucks. But if you want a sturdier shelter, be prepared to invest between 400 to 500 bucks. Anything below that is considered a great deal.
