Overview
Nothing beats having the ideal cozy and dependable tent to keep you dry and warm at night, whether you're starting a large adventure on a long-distance trek or headed out for a weekend away in the bush. Some hikers like to pack light and minimally, while others choose a roomy shelter large enough to lounge in during a leisurely morning on the route.
To help you find the Best backpacking tents for your needs and budget, we've put together this list of available top models.
- SCORE9.3
- BrandBig Agnes
- SCORE9.3
- BrandBig Agnes
- SCORE9.0
- BrandNEMO
- SCORE9.0
- BrandKelty
- SCORE8.5
- BrandBig Agnes
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Weight
Weight is a consideration because your tent will be among the heaviest items in your load. Lightweight tents are typically more expensive and less long-lasting, but if properly cared for, they can last for many years and thousands of miles.
Price
Since we believe that they result in more comfortable and enjoyable backcountry journeys, we're often ready to pay a little bit extra for high-quality tents with light-packed weights. In our opinion, livability and lightweight are more important than price, but our selection includes high-quality options at a range of pricing points.
Space
Look for a backpacking tent that has a nice balance between space and weight. Numerous backpacking tents exist in different sizes (1P, 2P, etc.), however, tents frequently feel smaller than their capacity numbers would suggest. Consider your comfort level in cramped quarters and the width of your sleeping pads (many 2P tents won't fit two wide pads) if you intend to share your tent with another hiker.
Durability & Weather Protection
Investing in a tougher tent would probably be a wise move if you tend to be rough with your gear or frequently backpack in adverse, exposed circumstances. All tents have their breaking points, although minor scratches are easily repaired. Going with a tent that is a little bit more robust may be advantageous if long-term durability is one of your main priorities. Stronger tents typically weigh more, but they can easily withstand bad weather and last for a very long time.
1. Do you need a footprint?
Almost all of the tents on this list provide the option to purchase a footprint, which will help your tent floor last longer. However, leaving footprints is not required, therefore many people forego leaving them. It's entirely up to you to decide.
2. What Should the Weight of a Backpacking Tent Be?
What is a reasonable weight for a hiking tent if ultralight is too light for you? A 2-person tent should weigh no more than 5 pounds, according to a widely accepted rule of thumb that states that each person should weigh roughly 2.5 pounds.
3. What is the Price of a Backpacking Tent?
The cost of a backpacking tent varies widely. Prices for tents range from around $200 to over $1,000 out the door due to materials and weight.
Cheaper tents are designed for novice or infrequent hikers. Expect to spend one-third of your budget on a tent, another one-third on a sleeping bag, and the remaining money on things like food and other necessities. Your level of dedication to the sport will determine how much you are willing to pay. Starting with affordable solutions will allow you to determine how willing you are to invest.
Final thoughts
Even though there are a lot of alternatives when looking for the Best backpacking tents, we hope our professional reviews provide you with the assurance you need to make the right choice. There is a tent out there for you if you enjoy spending the nights in the great outdoors. A happy journey!
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