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Best Backpacking Tents 2023

August 24, 2023

Camping within a stone’s throw of your vehicle makes for a pretty great escape, but there may come a time when you’d like to further distance yourself from the beaten path. Fortunately, a lot of your favorite car camping equipment can come with you—sleeping pads, headlamps and even outdoors-inspired spirits included. But your camping tent, as dependable and spacious as it may be, should probably stay in the gear closet. In its place, you should bring one of the best backpacking tents that weigh significantly less and offer just a little less room. It’s a tradeoff, to be sure, but one you won’t regret when everything literally rests on your shoulders.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 shown here is our favorite backpacking tent overall for when you … [+] need to travel light and set up quickly.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

Lightweight and compact, the best backpacking tents are designed to shed every conceivable ounce in an effort to take the load off your back. Beyond lessening your burden, they’re also easy to pitch, weather-resistant and you could even use them at the local campground (sadly, the camping tent can’t pull double duty).

So how to go about choosing a backpacking tent? Well, that’s where we come in. Below, we’ve identified 12 of the best backpacking tents for every type of hiker and adventure. There’s one for the solo traveler (the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo), another for the ultralight thru-hiker (the Zpacks Duplex Tent) and even a model for the avid bikepacker (the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2). If you need a backpacking tent, you’ll find it below.

We find ourselves in the weeds while researching these technical topics just as you do when you’re bushwhacking somewhere beyond the trail. That’s why we enlisted the help of Dahn Pratt, an onX Backcountry strategic analyst who’s logged over 20,000 miles thru-hiking various trails, including those that constitute the Triple Crown. If you need someone who knows a thing or two about backpacking tents, he’s your guy.

The real trick, as with all camping tents, is to recognize that every shelter offers a number of benefits and tradeoffs. Perhaps it’s in weight, ventilation, set-up time or cost. But it’s worth remembering that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort, safety or ease-of-use on your next sojourn. As Pratt recalls, “Anything I have, including my shelter, allows me to recreate outdoors, doing what I love most, immersing myself in nature.” Keep that in mind while you peruse the 12 best backpacking tents below.

Best Backpacking Tent Overall: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Best One-Person Backpacking Tent: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Duplex
Best Value Backpacking Tent: Kelty Discovery Trail 2
Best Backpacking Tent For Quick Pitches: Gossamer Gear The One
Best Four-Season Backpacking Tent: MSR Remote 2
Most Versatile Backpacking Tent: Sea to Summit Alto TR1
Best Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tent: Six Moon Designs Deschutes UL Backpacking Tarp
Best Backpacking Tent For Thru-Hiking: SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle
Best Backpacking Tent For Bike Trips: Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2
Best Backpacking Tent For Hunting: Kuiu Mountain Star
Best Backpacking Tent For Bad Weather: MSR Hubba Hubba 2

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Although the Copper Spur may not be superlative in any one particular category (height, weight, price or durability), this well-designed sub-3-pound tent is packed with tons of features and does a lot very well. That’s why it perennially earns a spot on countless roundups. For example, its triple-function tent buckles serve to secure the pole tips, rainfly and stakeouts. And couples will love the fact that its two dual-zippered doors can be separately propped up as vestibule awnings (providing extra shade from direct sunlight and protection from light rain) or just as easily stashed away in special pockets. Speaking of which, lots of storage options and multiple interior loops for attaching accessories round out this fan favorite.

Pros:

Superb blend of space, quality and weight
Secure, easy set-up
Dual vestibule awnings provide extra room and protection

Cons:

Some users report that it’s a bit narrow
Delicate materials make it a little less durable than others

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Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent

If you’re used to setting up traditional freestanding tents, the Lunar Solo may take a little getting used to. But after a couple of times figuring out the order of tensioning all the guy outs, this single-pole tent looks like a cinch to set up. Given its space and durability, it’s very affordable. And the adjustability of the floating floor and canopy means you won’t have to sacrifice comfort in a wide range of conditions just because you’re solo.

Pros:

Smallest packed size on this list
Super light, at less than two pounds
Highly affordable

Cons:

Not freestanding
Takes a little practice to set up

It’s no coincidence that one of the lightest tents on this list is also the most expensive. After all, they’ve pulled out all the stops—along with the two tent poles and six to eight stakes you’ll need to set it up. However, the Duplex offers a bunch of distinctive features, such as overlapping storm doors that close with a custom metal hook at the bottom and a loop fastener in the middle. This keeps you protected and avoids the kind of zipper failures you might expect after years of mixing dusty trails and rainy nights with cheap metals. Also, the overhead tarp extends past the floor by a few inches on each side, so you don’t have to worry about annoying drips when the storm doors are peeled back. Furthermore, a screen situated between the sewn-in 8-inch bathtub floor and walls is held up at an angle by an elastic band, thereby increasing ventilation while preventing flooding.

The Duplex comes in different weights, depending on the fabric you choose—though the “heavier” ones only add a couple of ounces. Zpacks offers an optional kit to make the Duplex freestanding, an XL version that adds six inches to the floor length and a Triplex version if you want to add another person or pet (or just prefer more space).

Pros:

Lightest tent on this list, making it perfect for long-distance backpacking
Dyneema composite fabric and taped seams help keep out water
Four independently opening storm doors offer 360-degree protection

Cons:

Expensive—and the price doesn’t include the poles or stakes
Sloped walls may make it feel less spacious
Can feel a little drafty in certain conditions

Kelty

Kelty Discovery Trail 2 Tent

The Discovery Trail 2 isn’t just the most affordable tent on this list—by a wide margin—it’s also a great tent for beginner backpackers. Features that include Quick Corners and pre-attached guy lines make it easier to set up (and more stable in windy conditions). And it offers other common features, such as internal storage pockets, lightweight aluminum poles, a rainfly, vestibule and handy carry bag. Really, everything you need to get started as you make the move from car to backpack-based camping.

Pros:

Very affordable
Easy for beginners to set up
Roomy interior

Cons:

Relatively heavy

Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear The One Tent

According to Pratt, Gossamer Gear’s The One is “a no fuss, easy to set up tent that can feel rather palatial, especially for a one-person shelter.” He continues, “It’s also a great tent to get if you’re not sure about non-freestanding tents, as it has many similarities to traditional tents while still using the trekking pole and stake design.” Pratt used it on his 2018 thru-hike of the PCT and gives it high marks for simplicity, internal volume and ease of setup.

Pros:

Extremely small and lightweight
Easy setup
Relatively roomy interior for a small person

Cons:

Limited floorspace
Not freestanding—requires a trekking pole

REI Co-op

MSR Remote 2 Tent

If you’re planning to camp in a variety of landscapes and conditions at different times of the year, this is a fantastic choice. Although zippered mesh windows and a strut flap help improve circulation, the ventilation on super hot summer nights isn’t stellar—as tends to be the case with all-season tents made to survive frigid temps. In fact, the Remote 2 would be more at home near an isolated treeline or in alpine locales in wintertime. Its tapered shape and ripstop polyester rainfly make it virtually impervious to wind, rain and snow. So the bottom line is: The Remote 2 is great if you don’t want the calendar or climate to dictate when or where you camp.

Pros:

Sturdy and stable
Weatherproof, pull-through hooded guy lines
Decent balance of weight and price, given its versatility

Cons:

Not the best choice for really high temperatures
On the heavier side for a backpacking tent

Sea to Summit

Sea To Summit Alto TR1 Tent

As opposed to Sea to Summit’s Telos model, a freestanding tent available in 2- and 3-person versions, the Alto is a semi-freestanding tent that’s available in 1- and 2-person iterations. It uses their proprietary tension rod (ergo the “TR” in its name) to create a higher canopy and vertical walls. It stuffs into three sacks, which helps distribute the already light weight (assuming you’re not solo). And coolest of all, the rainfly can be pulled back all the way for star gazing on breezy nights, configured partially or even set up independently as its own shelter for weathering a quick downpour before you reach basecamp.

Pros:

Proprietary tension rod system maximizes interior space
Tall doors and high canopy
Rainfly can be configured fully, partially or even as its own shelter

Cons:

A little more complex than other models for one camper to set up

Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs Deschutes Ultralight Backpacking Tarp

Pratt praises this pyramid-style shelter for how well its simple, one-pole design performs in a variety of conditions. He recommends it to folks looking to make their foray into non-freestanding tents, saying “I’ve used it on over 8,000 miles of backpacking trips and have set it up in precarious nooks as well as exposed valleys.” He loves its modularity, and how it pairs with a lightweight bivy. But he warns that because this shelter is not enclosed like a traditional tent, you should either be comfortable with that or get such accessories as a skirt and/or internal netting, which Six Moons includes in their bundles.

Pros:

Ridiculously lightweight
Great space-to-weight ratio
Pyramid design with variable height helps shed wind from any direction

Cons:

Doesn’t come with a floor or storage pockets
The required stakes and a pole are both sold separately
Limited headroom for taller campers

SlingFin

SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle

When you’re planning a trek that’ll last hundreds of miles over a period of months—and/or you’re shooting for your FKT—you’ll want to pack a tent that’s both light and versatile. Case in point, the tarp, mesh body and removable vestibule for SlingFin’s SplitWing can each be purchased separately, but are all included in the above bundle. So you can set up your shelter based on whether you’re on your own or with a partner, in good or inclement weather and overnight or just out for a quick respite. Just make sure to order the complementary removable floor for your rig, so you don’t sacrifice an ounce of comfort or protection.

Pros:

Highly versatile modular design
Very light
Vestibule adds 6.8 square feet

Cons:

Requires two trekking poles (not included)
The removable floor is sold separately

REI

Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent

You probably wouldn’t expect to see the word “sprawling” as a backpacking tent descriptor, but it certainly applies (almost exclusively) to this tent. The Wyoming Trail 2 features a roomy 34 square feet of space in the main living area—plus another 44 square feet of extra space thanks to its trekking pole-supported awning vestibules. Sure, it’s as heavy as several tents on this list combined, but the tent and pole stuff sacks can separate to divvy up the load. All told, there’s enough room in here for two, plus your bikes and all your gear, protecting everything from the blazing sun or light rain.

Pros:

Tallest on this list
Roomiest on this list—even without the spacious vestibule
Two doors allow entry via the rear or front (vestibule) side

Cons:

Very heavy
Large pack size
Footprint sold separately

Kuiu

Kuiu Mountain Star 2P Tent

This lightweight, freestanding tent certainly doesn’t skimp on functionality. Its connected rain fly, mesh body and tub-styled floor make for an easier and drier experience when setting up in the rain. The tent’s double-walled design and adjustable vents promote better air circulation and reduced condensation accumulation—especially in conjunction with its unique double intersecting pole and horizontal roof truss construction. And its dual vestibules add a significant 17.5 extra square feet of space. But what’s more, this new version of the Mountain Star features an array of updates that speak to increased durability despite shedding weight.

Pros:

Highly stable and functional
Dual vestibules
Connected fly, body and floor promotes faster, drier setup
Alternate configurations can ditch the mesh body and/or footprint

Cons:

Not great headroom

REI

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent

No tent is perfect. (Otherwise this would’ve been a very short article.) But this sequel to MSR’s popular Hubba Hubba sure checks a lot of boxes. Named with a nod to its unified hub-and-pole system, this well-rounded all-weather tent is easy to set up, in part due to its designed symmetry—definitely a bonus when an unexpected squall arises. The rainfly not only protects everything (and everyone) under the canopy—thanks in part to built-in rain gutters—but it also adds 50% more area via vestibules that are great for preventing/storing muddy gear. Plus, its durable Easton Syclone poles, DuraShield waterproof coating and taped seams all combine to keep you stable and dry in even the most inclement conditions.

Pros:

Great all-around tent with superior weather protection
Redesigned to be significantly lighter than the previous model
Tech-friendly pockets feature cable ports for threading various cords

Cons:

A little bit less headroom than others (such as the Copper Spur)

How We Chose The Best Backpacking Tents

Nowadays, investing in a backpacking tent feels akin to buying a car. Fabrics, dimensions, weights, heights, designs—this is about as technical as a tent gets. Here at Vetted, we understand how overwhelming it can be to shop for a new backpacking tent, which is why we did the heavy lifting for you.

When selecting the best backpacking tents, we first considered the features backpackers care about most, such as capacity, trail weight, dimensions, durability and budget. We then tested a number of these tents in the real world to better understand how they perform, and who they stand to serve. When we couldn’t get our hands on a tent, we consulted backpacking forums and online reviews for additional insights. We also spoke with experts like Dahn Pratt who use backpacking tents day in and day out for months at a time.

The 12 picks found here illustrate the best of the current backpacking tents class. Whether you’re a hunter, biker or casual hiker, there’s a tent on this list that’s designed to support you and your needs.

What To Consider When Buying A Backpacking Tent

Backpacking tents are incredibly technical, and finding the ‘right’ one can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s a list of considerations to keep in mind when buying a backpacking tent:

Capacity

Determine how many people will be using the tent. Based on that number, choose a size that comfortably accommodates the intended number of occupants and provides space for gear. Keep in mind that many backpacking tents have vestibules—sheltered areas along the sides or front of your tent that offer additional protection—that store your gear, or sleep another occupant in a pinch.

Vestibules

Vestibules are covered areas outside the tent’s entrance where you can store gear, sleep or cook in inclement weather (just don’t burn your tent down). Consider the size and number of vestibules based on your storage needs.

Weight

Consider the weight of the tent, especially if you’re planning to trek over the course of days, weeks or months. Lighter tents are easier to carry, but they sacrifice some durability and comfort. Heavier tents, on the other hand, are harder to carry, but offer a bit more protection and durability.

Double-Wall Versus Single-Wall

Decide whether you prefer a tent with separate inner and outer layers (double-wall) or a single layer that combines both (single-wall). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but most backpackers who aren’t attempting to eliminate every unwanted ounce prefer double-wall tents for their superior ventilation.

Seasonality

Decide which seasons you’ll be camping in. Most of the tents on this list are three-season tents, which are suitable for spring, summer and fall, while four-season tents are designed for winter and alpine conditions.

Durability

Look for quality materials and construction to ensure your tent withstands wear and tear from rough terrain, wind and UV exposure. Every type of fabric and material comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, which is why we recommend reading up on the differences between each one.

Setup

Consider whether you prefer a freestanding or non-freestanding design. Freestanding tents are easier to set up and can be placed on various terrains, while non-freestanding tents may require more stakes and guy lines.

Interior Space

Evaluate the tent’s dimensions and design. Vertical walls provide more livable space and headroom, making the tent more comfortable for longer stays, but this adds a bit of weight. Angled walls, on the other hand, offer a bit less livable space, but they shed weight and are better-suited for inclement weather.

Ventilation

Good ventilation reduces condensation inside the tent, which keeps you and your equipment dry. It also reduces the risk of mold buildup, and means you won’t have to air your tent out every single day. Look for mesh panels, adjustable vents and multiple openings, all of which promote airflow.

Packed Size

Consider the packed size of the tent, especially if you have limited space in your pack. Some tents come with compression sacks to minimize their size, while others utilize different bags for different components (such as the tarp, tent body and poles) to spread the weight more evenly among a group.

Price

Set a budget and explore tents within that range, and remember that quality and features often correlate with price. Backpacking tents can cost a pretty penny, but a number of budget-friendly options exist that will supply you with what you need if you’re willing to compromise.

What Type Of Tent Is Best For Backpacking?

The type of tent that’s best for backpacking is the one that will meet your unique needs. And by that we mean, it depends on several factors. The best way to start your search is by first considering your budget, your number of occupants and how you intend to use your tent. From there, you can break down which variables matter to you most based on those we’ve discussed in great detail above.

What Does Freestanding Mean In Tents?

“Freestanding” means that the tent is designed with its own internal frame structure, usually consisting of flexible poles. This framework allows the tent to stand on its own without needing to be anchored with stakes or guy lines. Such a design offers convenient and easy setup, as well as the ability to be pitched on various types of terrain. Freestanding tents are a bit heavier than their non-freestanding counterparts, but different options exist. According to Pratt, “When the name of the game is cutting ounces, I always look at non-freestanding tents.” Though as you’ll see after perusing our list, we recommend freestanding tents that come with poles, and semi-freestanding tents that use a combination of tent and trekking poles to pitch.