If you are planning to travel the world with a backpack or just want a durable, lightweight tent that you can take on your next wilderness expedition, then you need a tent that is specifically designed for a backpacker.
The ideal backpacking tent is made from lightweight material but has a tough construction that can handle most weather conditions and can be set up and packed down easily. The days of heavy and bulky tents are gone and for the backpacker, this is good news.
Tent manufacturers are now using the latest technology to give you thinner fabrics that are still durable and lightweight poles that are sturdy and strong. If you are living out of a backpack, you need a tent that is tailor-made for your on-the-go traveling lifestyle.
The 5 Best Backpacking Tents
- Night Cat Backpacking Tent
- ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent (Our Top Pick)
- DEERFAMY 3-Season 4-Person Tent
- Hyke & Byke Yosemite Hoop-Style Dome Tent
- Clostnature Backpacking Tent
Our Top Pick for the Best Backpacking Tent
Our top pick for the best backpacking tent is the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent. The ALPS Mountaineering tent is the perfect choice for all backpackers. As well as giving you great value for money and being very affordable and super easy to set up and pack down, the Zephyr is extremely durable with high-quality construction. So whether you are backpacking in the middle of summer or early winter, you will be very comfortable.
The tent is very spacious and has a good ceiling height and can fit 2 people who measure at 5-feet 11-inches very well or a single person with camping gear. The Zephyr may be a little heavier than the standard weight for a 2-person tent. However, to make it lighter, discard the carrying sack and pack it straight into your backpack for great on-the-go portability.
Check the price on AmazonChoosing the Best Backpacking Tent
When it comes to choosing the right type of backpacking tent, you have a few things to consider:
How Much Does the Tent Cost?
Most backpackers have a tight budget so the ideal tent gives you the best value for the price. Backpacking tents can range in price from $30-$200, which will depend on how big the tent is, the type of material the tent is made out of, whether it has one pole or two, how many doors, windows, or vestibules it has, and any extra features.
In this backpacking tent review, we have strived to find only the best high-quality tents at affordable prices. So whether you are spending $30 or $200, you will able to take home a tent that will be the perfect fit for your backpacking lifestyle.
How Many People Will Use the Tent?
Tents can be designed for one person such as the Night Cat Backpacking Tent, which has a good amount of room for one person and storage space for a small amount of camping gear. However, if you are extra tall, like over 6-feet, you may have trouble fitting into this type of tent as it does not have a very high ceiling. If you want to share your tent with another travel buddy, Clostnature Backpacking Tent has a very generous internal space.
One thing to remember about the tent’s size is that some manufacturers may say that their 2-person tent can fit 2 people. However, the tent may only have enough room to sleep in but may not provide you with extra space for playing cards or just chilling out with your buddies, or for storing your camping gear.
If you are traveling ultra-light, as most backpackers do, then the storage issue will not be a problem. However, if you are sharing a tent with other buddies and you need extra storage space, look for a tent that has two large vestibule areas such as the DEERFAMY 3-Season 4-Person Tent.
Is the Tent Designed for 3 or 4 Seasons?
A 3-season tent is specially designed for spring, summer, and autumn. Four-season tents are designed for all of the seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
The most popular tent among backpackers is the 3-season tent, but some tents are classed as 3-4 season tents. A tent that is built for 3-4 seasons, such as the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent, is a good choice as it is designed for spring, summer and fall and can also handle moderate amounts of snow in early winter. Three-4 season tents provide you a nice balance of ventilation, durable material strength, and extra warmth-retention.
4 Season Tents
While 4-season tents are specifically designed for all types of terrain and weather conditions, especially rough weather such as heavy rain and snow, their material and poles are thicker and more heavy-duty which may prove to be too heavy for a backpacker to carry. However, if you are going to be backpacking for long periods in the wilderness, and are planning a trip in the dead of winter, and would like a 4-season tent, then have a look at our review on the Best Camping Tents.
How is the Tent Constructed?
As a backpacker, one of the most important questions is ‘Is the tent lightweight?’ Generally speaking, a 1-person tent should weigh around 2 pounds and a 2-person tent should weigh about 3 pounds. You need to keep in mind that the final weight will depend on the weight of the poles and whether you carry the tent in its own carry bag. The carry bag or storage sack can add extra weight.
A good tip for reducing the tent’s weight: If you compress the tent and put it straight into your backpack and fold up the poles and attach them to the outside of your backpack with a carabiner, this can help to minimize the weight.
As well as the cost, the size, the different seasons the tents are built for, and their weight, there are a few more things to consider.
Material
A tent is usually made out of nylon or polyester-reinforced material or a combination of both. Nylon/polyester is very strong and durable and also quite lightweight. However, it can deteriorate in sunlight over time. While most backpacking tent manufacturers say that their tents are waterproof, you need to check that their seams and the floor have been sealed to ensure they are fully waterproof such as the Clostnature Backpacking Tent.
Depending on the manufacturer’s design, the tent may have a single-wall construction or a double-walled construction. Single-walled tents are very lightweight but do not provide a lot of protection against very cold conditions. A double-walled tent provides you with extra protection from the weather, but it may also make the tent heavier to carry.
You also have to think about the structure of the tent, how many poles it has, one or two, and what are the poles made out of, aluminum or fiberglass. Although aluminum and fiberglass poles are very lightweight, fiberglass poles make any tent extra lightweight and so much easier to pack away and carry such as the Night Cat Backpacking Tent.
Additional Features
Does the tent have additional features to make camping out in the great doors more comfortable?
Regardless of the season, camping outdoors can be a challenge. If the sun is hot and beating down on your tent, it can become very stifling inside the tent. Large mesh windows provide you with a good amount of ventilation, such as the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent, which allows you to unzip the outside mesh panel and roll it back and leave the inside mesh panel open to the air for maximum ventilation as well as unzipping the back plastic window for extra airflow.
Some tents have 2 doors that you can open to allow a fresh breeze to flow through the tent.
– Vestibule
If you need somewhere to store your dirty boots, a vestibule is a great storage place. A vestibule can also give you an extra area to relax and play cards with your travel buddies. While many backpacking tents have two vestibule areas, the Clostnature Backpacking Tent gives you an extra-large storage area that is created by rolling back the rain fly cover.
– Other
Other additional features are internal storage pockets where you can store small personal items such as cell phones, iPods, or even a mesh net or hook where you can hang a lantern or headlamp for extra illumination.
5 Best Backpacking Tents – Reviews
1. Night Cat Backpacking Tent
If you are traveling around the world, the Night Cat Backpacking Tent is the perfect size for one person. This single-layer dome tent features a waterproof and windproof design that will keep you protected from the elements. The tent is made from durable 210DT PET fabric and the 150D Oxford floor has a PU 3000 waterproof coating.
When the winds blow or light rain beats against your tent, you will be safe and secure inside as the fiberglass poles ensure the stability of the tent, and the buckles, pegs, and ropes make sure that the rain fly and tent are connected tightly and stay securely attached to the ground. Double-sided zippers make it convenient to open and close the tent from outside and inside. The smart foldable design also makes the tent very easy to set up and pack down in just a few minutes.
You can relax or sleep in comfort even in the middle of a storm as the tent has waterproof tape on every seam. When the weather heats up, you can open the 2 mesh windows and the mesh door to let the fresh air in and keep bugs out. The rainfly can also be removed for even more ventilation.
Even though this backpacking tent does not have storage vestibules, it has a generous amount of room inside to fit an air mattress or sleeping bag plus a backpack, footwear, and trekking poles. You can also stash smaller items in the inner pocket on the bottom, and the hook at the top of the tent can be used to hang up a camping light or torch.
For on-the-go tent storage, Night Cat includes a sturdy bag to carry your tent in. The tent only weighs 4.4lbs and when it is packed up inside the bag, it is extremely compact. which makes it a must-have tent for backpacking enthusiasts.
Fashionable as well as functional, the Night Cat backpacking tent comes in 8 attractive colors: army green, blue, blue+white, dark green, fruit green, green+white, orange, orange+white, and pale green, and a double-layered tent for 2 people is available.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very easy to set up foldable design
- Waterproof and windproof
- Strong fiberglass poles
- Durable PET fabric
- Waterproof Oxford floor
- Two windows
- Spacious interior
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Eight attractive colors
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme weather conditions
- Material is very thin
- No storage vestibules
2. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent
If you are a passionate backpacker, then invest in the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent. Whatever type of weather you are camping in, rain, light snow, or bright warm sunshine, the Zephyr free-standing dome tent by ALPS Mountaineering is an excellent choice for a backpacking tent. It is one of the more affordable tents on the market but it also features a superior level of construction.
The main tent body is made out of strong polyester mesh that protects you from cold weather. In the summer, you can unzip the outside mesh panel and roll it back and leave the inside mesh panel to provide maximum ventilation or open the back plastic window for that much-needed fresh breeze.
To keep you safe and warm from the wild elements, the full-sized aerodynamic fly is made out of a durable polyester that is guaranteed to last and the factory sealed floor and seams provide extra weather protection. With ALPS’s dedication to designing a superior tent, you will find that this tent is ideal for 3-4 seasons.
The Zephyr can be easily pitched due to the simple 2-pole design and once you clip the tent’s material with the strong buckles to the sturdy aircraft alloy aluminum poles and then secure your fly, you are all set.
There is plenty of room to move around inside the tent, with a floor dimension of 58 x 88-inches. However, if you need extra storage space, the vestibule that extends from one side gives you a generous amount of space. And as it is pitched at a low angle, it protects you against high winds as you get in and out of the tent’s entrance. If you are sharing the tent, there is a second door on the opposite side of the tent that provides easy access.
As well as being a compact and sturdy tent, there is an interior storage pouch and a gear loft, and if you want to hang a lantern up for out-of-the-way lighting, the mesh net in the top of the tent has 4 hooks so you can attach your lantern with a carabiner. The tent weighs just under 5lbs with the poles but is easier to carry if you discard the carry sack and put the folded tent into your backpack and attach the poles to the outside of your pack.
The tent comes with 7075 aluminum stakes and guy-out ropes.
Pros
- Fantastic backpacking tent
- Excellent value for money
- Solid construction
- Spacious and comfortable
- Sturdy aluminum poles
- Innovative design is equal to a 4-season tent
- Lightweight
- Set up is quick and easy
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Can be heavy with the storage sack
3. DEERFAMY 3-Season 4-Person Tent
Whether you are traveling by yourself or with some buddies, the DEERFAMY 3-Season 4-Person Tent is just right for your backpacking needs. This double-layered 3-season dome tent provides very good protection from the sun, cold, and moderate rainfall. Its outer layer and rainfly are made from strong polyester and the waterproof Oxford floor keeps you dry. For much-needed airflow, there are 2 ventilation vents and a good amount of internal space.
The 2 aluminum poles are lightweight but also more durable than fiberglass poles, and the strong guy ropes keep the tent securely in place during windy weather. You can roll up the sides to maximize views or generate extra airflow in hot weather and roll the sides down when it gets cold.
For easy access, there are 2 doors, and 2 vestibules that have plenty of room to safely store boots or camping gear. There are small pockets on two sides of the tent and near the door where you can stash other camping items.
A large mesh roof also offers a clear view of the night sky when the top fly is removed, as well as protecting you against unwanted insects and pests.
Besides its sturdy and strong construction, the DEERFAMY backpacking tent has 2 smart features:
- It has reflective strips on the windows, so you will have no problem finding your tent at night.
- The intelligent storage bag has a zipper on the bottom which enlarges the storage room for the tent. So you do not have to worry about struggling to make the tent fit inside the bag.
The backpacking tent also comes with four guy ropes, 13 stakes, a detachable storage net where you can store small things in or hang up your camping light.
DEERFAMY also makes a 2-person tent, and you can choose from a blue tent or an orange tent.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Sturdy and strong
- Durable frame
- Two doors
- Very good protection against moderate rainfall
- Good ventilation
- Easy to set up and pack down
- Lightweight
- Reflective strips on the windows
- Intelligent storage sack as it has a bottom zipper
Cons
- Zippers are not very durable
- Not ideal for extreme weather
4. Hyke & Byke Yosemite Hoop-Style Dome Tent
If you are planning an epic outdoor adventure, the Hyke & Byke Yosemite Hoop-Style Dome Tent is the ultimate camping tent. Not only is it lightweight and strong, but its fashionable color options will have you backpacking in style.
Whether you are worn out after a long day hiking in the great outdoors or exploring vibrant cities, the Hyke & Byke backpacking tent will keep you safe and dry from the elements. It is very easy to set up and pack down as the 2 aluminum poles have clip-pole attachments that fit together quickly securely, and the handy stake press helps you insert the aluminum stakes into the ground.
This sturdy double-walled tent is made from breathable polyester cloth and the fully encompassing rainfly and waterproof floor are made from polyester non-stretch fabric. Taped floor seams also provide extra protection from the wet weather.
The 2 large D-frame doors provide quick entry and there is plenty of room to stretch out inside the tent. No-See-Um mesh walls can be rolled back for extra ventilation in hot weather and protection from annoying insects. In the hot weather, you can roll back the cover and attach the sides to the reflective guy lines. As well as relaxing in comfort, you will be the most prepared backpacker ever!
If you need storage for your camping gear, there are 2 vestibules, 2 corner pockets, and a detachable mesh gear loft.
Hyke & Byke also include a footprint and a roomy carry bag for the tent. Another reason to love this tent is that it comes in forest green, orange, blue, and lime green, depending on whether you choose a 1-person or 2-person tent.
Although this backpacking tent weighs a little more than other backpacking tents, Hyke & Byke have designed its tent to be as lightweight as possible. The full tent weighs 3.26lbs when it is set up and 5.48lbs when it is packed up and stored in the carry bag.
If you are not completely satisfied with your tent, Hyke & Byke will gladly accept returns on orders shipped within the US within 30-days of your purchase. Hyke & Byke also offer a lifetime guarantee on its tents against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship and will replace the tent under this warranty. For Amazon orders, a refund request needs to be submitted via Amazon.
Pros
- High quality
- Superb design
- Sturdy, waterproof double-walled construction
- Very easy to set up and pack down
- Large 2 D-frame doors
- Great ventilation
- Good amount of internal space
- Attractive colors
- Compresses nicely into the carry bag
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty weather
- Not a lot of headroom
- Customer service is hard to get in contact with
5. Clostnature Backpacking Tent
Whether you need an extra tent for a family camping trip or you are planning a hiking expedition, the Clostnature Backpacking Tent is the perfect tent for you. It may be tagged as a 3-season tent, but its double-walled design is tough enough for all sorts of weather: spring, summer, fall, or early winter. So whether you are backpacking in balmy summer or when the snowflakes start to fall, the Clostnature tent will keep you comfortable and dry.
Featuring a superior level of construction, this backpacking tent has sturdy and strong aircraft-grade aluminum poles and the high-strength composite clips keep the fabric securely attached to the poles. Its outer material and rainfly are made from strong polyester and the factory-sealed seams stop water from entering the tent. The bathtub-style polyester floor has a waterproof PU 5000 coating.
Durable 2-way zippers open and close smoothly and the zippers are protected by Velcro sleeves. You can enter and exit the tent quickly through the 2 large D-shaped doors that are located on each side of the tent.
One of the most generously sized tents, this 2-person tent’s interior measures up to 7-feet and 3-inches which offers you heaps of room for a tall person to lay down comfortably. The 2 large vestibules give you lots of room for your camping gear.
Clostnature offers you a lot of versatility depending on the changes in the weather. In hot weather, the 2 windows let air circulate through the tent. You can use trekking poles or sturdy branches to convert the rain flap into an extra shelter. As this tent has a freestanding structure, you can relocate the tent without having to disassemble and reassemble the tent again.
You will be safe in windy weather as the 14 aluminum stakes, loops, and ropes are very sturdy and as the cords are reflective, they enhance night-time visibility.
Although the backpacking tent does not have a gear loft, there are mesh pockets inside where you can stash small items, and the hanging loop on the ceiling can be used for a camping light.
To further extend the life of your tent floor, Clostnature sells an ultralight and waterproof footprint separately.
As well as its weather-resistant construction and spacious interior, the Clostnature tent is quite lightweight at 5.4lbs and fits easily into the waterproof carry bag. Clostnature offers the tent in 2 colors: green and yellow, and a pole emergency repair kit is included.
Pros
- Excellent backpacking tent
- Great value for money
- Sturdy, strong, and durable
- Very good level of waterproofing
- Easy to set up and pack down
- Very roomy interior
- Lots of versatility for ventilation
- Two large D-shaped doors
- Two vestibules
- Rain flap converts into an extra shelter
- Comes in 2 colors
Cons
- Bit heavier than other backpacking tents
- Yellow is more of an orange color
Our Top Pick for the Best Backpacking Tent
Our top pick for the best backpacking tent is the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent. The ALPS Mountaineering tent is the perfect choice for all backpackers. As well as giving you great value for money and being very affordable and super easy to set up and pack down, the Zephyr is extremely durable with high-quality construction. So whether you are backpacking in the middle of summer or early winter, you will be very comfortable.
The tent is very spacious and has a good ceiling height and can fit 2 people who measure at 5-feet 11-inches very well or a single person with camping gear. The Zephyr may be a little heavier than the standard weight for a 2-person tent. However, to make it lighter, discard the carrying sack and pack it straight into your backpack for great on-the-go portability.
Check the price on Amazon
