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Home » Gear » best backpacking tent

5 Best Travel Tents (MUST READ! • 2024 Buyer’s Guide)

Let’s be honest now, do  you actually even NEED to buy a travel tent? With an abundance of cheap hostels, nice airbnbs and moving trains to sleep on, you may well be wondering if modern backpackers need to burden themselves by hauling a tent around with them.

But hear me here. A backpacking tent offers you a home . Anywhere you go, be it parks in the urban sprawl or glorious remote vistas in the wilderness, you’ll have your home with you!

Camping out in the woods, on the beach, or at the foot of some mighty mountain is a truly amazing way to reconnect with nature. I love to camp and have been lucky enough to camp out in over fifty different countries across five continents. Plus I saved a hell-a-lotta dough on accommodation costs in the process too…

In this in-depth post, I’ll  condense my years of traveling with a tent down and review the best tents for backpacking for all budgets and styles of travel – cheap tents, light tents, hiking tents, travel tents. It’s a goddamn tent city and we’re finding you a sweet crib!

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Quick Answer: Best Backpacking Tents for 2024

The 5 best backpacking tents of 2024, how to pick the best backpacking tent for you, thoughts on camping hammocks  , how and where we tested to find the best backpacking tent, faq about the best backpacking tent, so, what is the best tent for backpacking.

• Overall Best Tent for Backpacking –>  MSR Hubba Hubba
• Best One Man Tent –>  REI Co-op Trailmade 1 Tent
• Best 3 Person Tent –> MSR Hubba Hubba
• Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent –>  Nemo Hornet
• Best Hammock Tent –> Lawson Blue Ridge Hammock Tent
• Best Bivvy Style Tent –> Crua Hybrid
• Jump to –>  Backpacking Tent Reviews

MSR Hubba Hubba 2

• Price > $549.95
• Weight > 3.25 lbs.
• Capacity > 2 Person
• Free Standing > Yes

Nemo Hornet

• Price > $429.95
• Weight > 2.5 lbs.
• Capacity > 2 person
• Free Standing > No

REI Co-op Trailmade 1

• Price > $179
• Weight > 4.6 lbs.
• Capacity > 1 Person

Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock

• Price > $207.71
• Weight > 4.25 lbs.
• Capacity > 1-2 Person

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution Dye

• Price > $449.95
• Weight > 1.13kg
• Capacity > 2
• Free Standing > Semi free standing

Crua Hybrid

• Price > $279.99
• Weight > 6.6 lbs
• Capacity > 1

#1 Overall Best Tent for Backpacking: MSR Hubba Hubba

• Price: $549.95
• Weight: 3 lb. 4 oz
• Dimensions: 84 x 50 inches
• Size when packed: 4.5 x 19 inches

Discover the perfect blend of lightweight design and robust performance with the MSR Hubba Hubba tent. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this tent is a backpacker’s dream, offering an incredibly spacious interior without the extra weight. Its durable construction, intuitive setup, and eco-friendly materials make it an ideal choice for any adventure. Enjoy ample headroom, two large vestibules for gear storage, and a mesh canopy for ventilation and stargazing. The Hubba Hubba stands out for its quick assembly, compact packing, and adherence to high environmental standards, ensuring that your outdoor experiences are not only comfortable but also sustainable.

While it IS expensive at $500, it’s a great bloody tent. MSR is one of the most respected brands in the backpacking tent and gear industry and they have seriously decent customer support – when you buy an MSR tent it comes with a lifetime warranty so you can see it as an investment, it’ll be the last tent you ever have to buy!

Finally, the MSR Hubba Hubba comes in three sizes, 1 man, 2 man and 3 man. We have tried all of them. The one in the picture is the One-Man.

• Ultra Light Weight
• Great weight to space ratio
• Leading material in technology
• Lifetime warranty
• Expensive (but the lifetime warranty makes it worth it!)

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

#2 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Nemo OSMO Hornet

• Price: $429.95
• Weight: 2lbs 8 oz
• Dimensions: 85 x 51 x 43 in
• Size when packed: 7.5 x 12.5 inches

Check out our epic full review of the Nemo Hornet here!

Step into the future of backpacking comfort with the Nemo OSMO Hornet tent, where innovation meets affordability. Priced competitively, this tent offers exceptional value, combining Nemo’s cutting-edge OSMO fabric technology with a design that’s both ultralight and ultra-durable. Weighing barely over 2 pounds, the OSMO Hornet is an ideal companion for hikers and backpackers looking to minimize their load without sacrificing space or comfort.

Experience the OSMO difference with its advanced waterproof and breathable fabric, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable no matter the weather. The tent’s spacious interior, innovative pole structure, and two-door design provide ample room and easy access. With its quick setup, compact pack size, and focus on sustainability, the Nemo OSMO Hornet is not just a shelter but an investment in comfortable and eco-conscious adventures. Enjoy the wilderness in a tent that balances price, weight, and remarkable living space, making it a smart choice for any outdoor enthusiast seeking value and performance.

• Well designed
• Waterproofing has mixed reviews
• So does it’s strength
• No lifetime warranty

#3 Best One-Man Tent: REI Co-op Trailmade 1 Tent

• Price: $179
• Weight: 4 pounds 9 ounces
• Dimensions: 88 x 36.5  inches
• Size when packed: 7.5 x 22.44 inches

Are you a backpacking enthusiast searching for a practical yet sustainable tent? This 1-person, 3-season offering might just be the one. The REI Co-op Trailmade 1 prioritizes usability with eco-friendly construction. REI is a Climate Neutral Certified brand, meaning it’s a great way to look after our planet whilst backpacking.

Weighing in at 4 pounds 9 ounces, this tent won’t slow you down either on the trails or backpacking around a new town. Packing down to an incredibly small 7.5 x 22.44 inches, it’s the perfect compact companion for your next adventure. Where it might be small when packed down, it opens up like a tardis when pitched. With floor dimensions of 88 x 36.5 inches, it offers a spacious 20 square feet of floor area and a height of 41 inches. On top of that, you’ve also got a super useable 9.5 square feet of vestibule area which is perfect for storing your gear.

One of the areas that we really love about this tent is the way in which its construction reduces its carbon impact. REI’s commitment to sustainability can be seen in its use of recycled materials and solution-dyed mesh meaning no harmful chemicals have been used during the process to make it fire retardant.

Need more options? Check out our list of the best one-man tents for some more ideas.

• Lightweight
• Pretty durable
• Center seam can tear
• Entry level

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 #4 Best Camping Hammock Tent: Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge

• Price: $207.71
• Weight: 4.25 pounds
• Dimensions: 90 x 42 inches
• Size when packed: 6 x 22 inches

Hammock tents are super versatile, well made and can be set up like a normal tent on the ground if needs be – this offers the best of both worlds. If you are looking for a quality one-man tent for backpacking but also want to hang out on the beach in a hammock during the day, the Lawson Hammock Tent offers incredible versatility and best of all these bad boys are tough and you can put them through hell.

This particular hammock tent comes with an integrated mosquito net to keep bugs out and a waterproof ripstop nylon rain fly to keep you dry (it actually rained hard when we tested it too). It’s also easy enough to put up despite the novel design. They felt it wasn’t overly complicated to put up despite being a very different design than they were used to.

Super lightweight Best of two worlds Seriously cool

Not cheap for a hammock Not everyone likes hammocks

#5 Another Great Travel Tent – Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution Dye

• Price: $449.95
• Weight: 1.13kg

Big Anges have really outdone themselves with the Tigerwall UL Solution Dye series. Now being their smallest and lightest tent, it is designed to be the perfect travel companion for 3-season multi-day trips. When this parcel arrived in the post, at first, I thought I had the wrong order; it was way too small for a 2-person tent. How wrong I was. Every tiny detail, from the poles to the pegs have been meticulously thought about to reduce every single gram – yet maintaining that balance of strength and structure. Boasting their solution dye fabric, this tent doesn’t just reduce weight; its fabrication even has a reduced energy and water usage – making it one of the most eco-friendly tents on the market too. 

The single pole structure is made with DAC Featherlite NFL aluminum. It comes in a Y-shape with a small, built-in T-bone to add the necessary dimensions, while also creating a super-fast build time. The inner canopy is made of a breathable ripstop nylon/polyester mesh which allows perfect airflow with a bug protector. It has a large built-in pocket for storage.

As much as I love the Big Anges Tigerwall, like everything, it comes with its flaws. The footprint is made of the same Silicone-treated ripstop Solution Dye nylon that the raincover is made from. Although this maintains that super ultralightweight design, I can see it ripping. This is the only disappointing part of the design of this tent for me.

#6 Best Bivvy Tent for Backpacking: Crua Hybrid

• Price: $279.99
• Weight: 6.6 lbs
• Length of Sleeping Area:  6.1ft
• Size when packed: 29.1 x 13.3 x 13.3 in

If you’re looking to travel light, quickly and lay your head wherever you can, then the Crua Hybrid might just be for you. This tent is probably one of the most versatile on the market at the moment and for backpacking it makes the perfect accompaniment for those on a real adventure.

Whether you choose to use it as a bivvy or hang it off the nearest palm tree as a hammock, you’ll be able to bed down whenever and wherever the need arises. Luckily, the tent is made up of super-strong and durable rip-stop polyester meaning wherever you put it night in night out, it will last the course of your trip!

Make no mistake, this thing is most definitely a one-person tent but that doesn’t mean it isn’t spacious! The interior of the tent is a mummy shape meaning it’s tapered for the wider parts of the body and it features a pretty large vestibule for the style of tent. This area is not only ideal for keeping your gear but it can also be used by those who want a bit more headspace.

Another great feature of this tent is the integrated anti-bug mesh meaning during the warmer months or whilst travelling around tropical areas you can pull the waterproof flysheet off and let the breeze blow through without getting eaten alive. It also makes the tent less claustrophobic than you might imagine for a bivvy-style tent.

The tent is predominantly designed for the summer months but it can be combined with the Crua Culla Solo, an insulation insert built specifically for this tent. This adds not only insulation for the winter months but can also be used to keep out the blazing sun as well as acting as a sound and light barrier for the ultimate night’s sleep. But of course, this is to be purchased extra and does add extra weight to your pack.

• Hybrid design can be adapted to different travel styles
• Super durable
• Quick and easy set up

Ten years ago, I hit the road with almost no money in my pocket, a battered tent and an old camping stove. I hitchhiked my way across Europe, thriving on a shoestring budget and having an incredible adventure. Since then, I’ve personally tried and tested dozens of backpacking tents in my travels.

If you’re a long-distance hiker, your needs will be pretty different to a backpacker traveling around the world. Weight is arguably the most important factor to look at when choosing both a travel or hiking tent and personally I would never carry a tent that weighs more than 5 pounds – it’s just too heavy.

Personally, I opt to go for a light and compact tent which I can pitch quickly. All of the tents that I’m reviewing weigh under 5 pounds and are quick to set up but some of them are lighter, or faster to set up, than others.

Price is obviously an important factor and if you’re on a budget, your choices are plentiful! Once upon a time, cheap backpacking tents were dogshit, falling apart and breaking before long. These days, however, many kickass companies have stepped up to the plate and offer some seriously good cheap tents; so much so that we have a roundup of the best budget backpacking tents!

Think carefully about what you need your personal tent for and how many people you envision sleeping in it. Most of the time, three-man backpacking tents only weigh a little bit more than two-man tents so if you will be camping with a buddy, it’s well worth picking a three-manner and taking the extra sleeping space.

Two-man backpacking tents can be pretty cramped, especially if you want to roll around a lot. 😉

Considerations to make about your backpacking tent.

When choosing the best backpacking tent for yourself, here’s what you should consider…

• Size when packed
• Size when open
• Pitching time
• Functionality
• Durability and strength

Having a backpacking tent with you opens up a whole new world of possibilities – you can save a ton of money by camping and if you’re hitchhiking you really MUST have a tent as there is no way of knowing where you’ll end up sleeping!

If you are on a long-term budget adventure, having a tent for camping really is a necessity as it will save you so much cash and gives you so many more options. A backpacking tent not only saves you money in the long run but frees you up to stay in a place you otherwise could never have stayed in. Some of my most memorable travel experiences were only possible because I was camping.

Check out the comparison table and detailed tent reviews below so that you can choose the best backpacking tent for your needs.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

If you just don’t want to take a tent, at least take a hammock! Camping hammocks are compact, light and give you a ton of freedom.

If you’re travelling solo then I would suggest getting a hammock rather than a tent (depending on where you are travelling) or even getting both as a hammock opens up a whole new world of outdoor sleeping…  Check out The 10 Best Camping Hammocks to find the best backpacking hammock tent for you or, if you’re feeling lazy – buy this one; it’s the best value camping hammock around (but it can’t be pitched on the ground like the Lawson Blue Ridge).

Also, if you ever want to step up your camping game to another level, check out our epic review of the best rooftop tents .

The only way to really test a tent out, to be honest, is to get all up inside it! So in the name of science we took each tent out for a proper few nights camping to give them all a proper old test drive and find you the perfect backpacker tent!

In order to fairly and consistently assess and compare them to one another, our testers applied the following metrics to each of them;

Packed Weight

You can go onto a tent manufacturer’s website and find out what the packed weight of a tent is but that KG/Ibs number only really comes into sharp focus once you’re 5 hours into a hike, halfway up a mountain and your shoulders a screaming bloody murder!

The lighter a tent feels when strapped to your back, the better, simple as that! Either way, you’re going to want a compact tent for backpacking.

Packability (Packing and Unpacking!)

One of the most annoying features when it comes to tents is twofold. The first is pitching and unpitching. No one wants to be messing about with an overly complicated tent in gale-force winds and a downpour! Equally, many tents can be a nightmare to pack back into the inhumanly small bags they come in. Again, having to be a master in origami to get the thing back into its bag is no fun for anyone!

Our testers awarded each tent points for being easy to pack and unpack and deducted points for being difficult. Fair enough right?

Warmth, Waterproof and Ventilation

When you spend a night sleeping in a tent, you really get to know it. Nothing brings into reality those temperature ratings until you’re freezing your arse off for hours on end or alternatively spending the night rolling around in what feels like a tropical swamp!

Insulation and ventilation are key components to a good tent and an enjoyable experience! One great way to really get on top of your temperature rating outdoors is a solid insulated tent .

Obviously, when assessing the warmth and ventilation capabilities of a tent our testers took into account the weather and the sleeping bag they were using.

In terms of testing out the waterproofing, if our testers ended up somewhere dry, they just went back to basics and threw a whole heap of water over it! Leaky mofos were sent packing!

Spaciousness and Comfort

Tents are not exactly designed for throwing parties (ok, some are) unfortunately… but I mean, we can try! Either way, you still want to have enough space to sit up and store your gear.

Again, this is something you only really get a feel for after spending a night inside a tent which is exactly what we did. 

Build Quality and Durability

All of our testers were instructed to subject tent poles to a good bit of good-natured force, look closely at the seam sewing and take notice of the thickness of the fly sheets.

As a side note, ultralight tents are not as durable as heavier ones so there is always a tradeoff between longevity and packed weight when it comes to this type of tent.

Still have some questions about the best tent for backpacking? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the overall best backpacking tent?

We think the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 offers the best value, however, the Nemo Hornet is a very strong competitor.

How many people can fit in a backpacking tent?

Backpacking tents are generally smaller than camping tents. Therefore, they can only fit 1-2 people at a time. There are some 3-man backpacking tents on the market as well.

Are backpacking tents durable and waterproof?

Loads of backpacking tents are durable and waterproof, however, they also cost accordingly. Budget tents don’t offer as much quality. The highest value tent is the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 .

What do I need to consider when buying a backpacking tent?

Keep therse things in mind: 1. Size and Price 2. Durability, strength and functionality 3. The season you’re backpacking in 4. The weight as you need to carry it

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I decided to break down all the information you really need to pick the best tent for backpacking so hopefully, you have found this post useful and can now pick out the best tent for your needs.

If I had to pick one overall epic tent for backpacking I would say go for the  MSR Hubba Hubba .

So pick up the best budget solo backpacking tent and head out there! Happy camping amigos!

Found the right tent? Now check out the best backpacking sleeping bags to put inside!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Aiden Freeborn

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32 Comments

I appreciate this post. Looking for ultralight tents that are easy to carry and setup, also made without flame retardants / VOCs.

Hey there, Will. Thanks for this useful resource.

Very curious about your take on the newly launched NEMO Firefly. Perhaps it’s too new for you to have any first-hand experience, but interested especially in how you feel it might stack up to the HHNX2.

I know that’s your go-to (and mine), but I have to admit this Firefly has me intrigued. Thoughts?

Looking for as in-depth as you’re capable of offering, in light of the fact I might consider purchasing one myself. Pros/cons/etc.

Hello, We do not yet have personal experience with the Nemo Firefly, but from all reports, it sounds like a good tent. If you end up buying one, let us know how you like it!

Hello, We do not yet have personal experience with the Neo Firefly, but from all reports, it sounds like a good tent. If you end up buying one, let us know how you like it!

Recently read through the Broke Backpacker web site and see you make recommendations on various backpacking gear. I represent a manufacturer of light weight backpacks designed for a backpack and or motorcycle pannier. Would you be so kind as to let me know how I might be able to participate in your web site helping people become aware of the DL Adventure products.

Thank You Al

Hello, Please email us for this sort of inquiry. Thanks!

So, after shopping around for tents and giving myself a headache from staring at the screen, I gave up and decided to purchase the Bearheard Emergency tube tent, a quick backup in case I couldn’t find a room to rent in a hostel or wanted as little set-up hassle as possible on camping grounds. (Plus, hey! Super lightweight, doesn’t take up much space in my pack, and will keep me dry and warm in harsh climates.)

And now I’m in post-purchase regret because I have no clue how I’d secure myself and my backpack within this doorless/flapless tent, but buying another tent that’s going to break my bank and add too much weight to my pack just doesn’t seem like an option. I guess I’m thinking too much about this, but for anyone who’s reading:

Any tips on keeping myself and my stuff safe in this humble thing? I have a retractable cable lock, if I can do anything with that.

Hey Timmmy,

Hmmm, your options are limited in such a small space. I recommend keeping your valuables in your tent with you when possible. Good luck!

Is there is any tent that suits for hot weather ? I mean while travel in the summer which tent is perfect?

The MSR Zoic 2p is great for hot weather if you don’t use the rainfly. The tent has a ton of mesh all the way around the tent body, allowing for maximum airflow. Cheers!

Hi Will. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your site. I’m planning a trip in the summer of 2020 full of firsts (first backpacking, first solo, first SEA) and your insights have been extremely helpful. So I have a question about the need for a tent. I’m gonna be doing a modified banana pancake trip, but i’m really planning on hostel hopping. I have a travel hammock, but not one I’d sleep in without jerry-rigging a mosquito net. Is it worth me bringing a tent just in case or am I better served saving weight/space in my pack?

Hey Dan, and Hi from Chiang Mai! We’re on the pancake trail right now and you’ll do well in hostels on the pancake trail. You can bring a tent if you’re planning on camping up in the hills outside of civilization, but depending on your travel style, you’re likely to get invited into people’s homes more often than not if you’re off the beaten track, respectful, and like spicy food. If it comes down to it, you can pick up a mosquito net here. Happy adventuring!

Couldn’t find the Vango Banshee for the listed price… Seems it has gone up to 240$ for the Banshee 300 Pro I see on Amazon. Is it still worth the price?

The Vango is a solid tent for its price bracket.

Well done . Great review. Totally covered all I needed on Pakistan. Also one of my favourite countries to travel . I hitched from Calcutta to London way back in 1995 and Pakistan was the Jewel . Doing it all again and should be back there in a couple of weeks .I can’t wait .

Do you have any negative experience with the MSR mutha hubba 3 person tent regarding waterproofness? Almost all the negative feedback state that the rainfly touches the inner tent during heavy rainfall. Is this a manufacturing default or just the result of a wrong set-up?

Hi Nicolas,

If tensioned properly, the rainfly should NOT touch the inner tent body during heavy rain. That said, if many people are reporting the issue, it could be a design flaw that MSR may well have addressed for their upcoming release of the updated 2019 MSR Hubba Hubba tent series. I have personally never encountered such an issue with the rainfly (I have an older Hubba Hubba tent as well as the 2019 updated version), but that is not to say that it can’t happen. I have always been 100% dry in my Hubba Hubba, and I have spent weeks sleeping in it. If you follow the steps to tension the rain fly properly using all the grommet straps and guy lines you should be enjoying night after night of (dry) sleeping in the tent. Hope that helped! Good luck!

In the reviews online I’ve read on the MSR Mutha hubba NX 3-person tent, there seems to be a recurrent problem with condensation/leaks, specifically the fact that the rain fly touches the inner tent. Do you know if, for the 2019 version, this problem has been taken care of? Is this, in your expertise, a real problem or just a consequence of a bad set-up? I am going backpacking in a very wet country for 3 months so this concerns me a bit. I am torn between the Big Agnes copper spur HV UL 3 and the MSR Mutha hubba NX 3 person tent, so I’d like to get an experts opinion!

Kind regards,

Brilliant review, thank you. It says the MSR Hubba Hubba is a 3 season tent, does that mean its no good for winter?

This definitely depends, but it is not built to handle intense winter/mountaineering camping and snow, nor extremely low temperatures, so I guess it depends how harsh your winter is.

I love your articles and I’m going to follow your advice for haggling in Vietnam and Thailand in my near future. Just wondering if you’ve ever tried a bivy sack or a sleeping pad/air bed and could you comment on it?

I will choose the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 all the way. It might be expensive but it’s totally worth it!

Thank you very for your great review.

For a travel of several months in Latin America, I would like to take an MSR Hubba NX tent. I will hiking with my tent several times and will volunteer in places where I will have to stay in my tent. I think that MSR Hubba NX tent is good alternative for this travel, but I hesitate between solo or two person tent. Taking into consideration that I will stay a lot of days in the tent, I would like to be able to move a little in the tent (I am 1.80 tall), perhaps to store my backpack, but I am hesitating for the extra weight (1/2 kg) /place that I will have to carry.

Do you think that it will worth taking the NX2, for the extra room that it will provide? I will not always be in camp and will carry this tent in cities, buses, etc. when I am not using it..

Personally, if I am camping a lot – I always opt for more room, however if I am going to be carrying that over a multi-day trek, I would sacrifice comfort for weight. It’s really a matter of personal preference and what kind of activities you will be doing 🙂

Really useful comments, thanks Confused on the name of the 3 man MSR Hubba Hubba. The link takes you to the MSR Mutha Hubba NX. Is it the same thing or am I missing something.

That’s correct buddy – the 3 man is the Mutha Hubba NX.

Really useful review! Can I ask what your thoughts on the MSR Elixsr – seems similar to the Hubba Hubba, but a little heavier and bigger to pack down, but quite a lot cheaper (£200 vs £360). Or would you say the Vango Banshee is better than the Elixsr? Seems like there’s more livable space and vestibule space with the Elixsr… Thanks, Sky

The MSR Elixsr is definitely superior to the Vango Banshee but obviously it’s twice the price… I genuinely think that the Vango Banshee is the best value backpacking tent around but if you have more money to spend, and want to splash out on a tent that will last a lifetime, MSR simply make the best tents in the world. Really though it depends on how many people, and how much stuff, you need to get into your tent… The Vango Banshee 300 is good for two people, not the advertised three people that Vango say you can comfortably fit inside.

Sorry dude, but the vango banshe is a piece of shit… barely no ventillation, not enough screens, useless in a tropical climate and fire retardent, pigs arse, half the fly burnt down on mine I informed vango and they told me bad luck, as I needed another fly, they told me to buy another tent….wankers !!! Also its a pain to put up the way the inner bag attaches to the fly, stupid design. Rant over.

I respectfully disagree dude… I traveled with a Vango for years and it was a trusty workhorse, it ain’t as light or as tough as some of the other tents out there but for what you pay – it’s a great backpacking tent! Probably shouldn’t have been cooking in your tent porch if you didn’t want it to burn 😛

Hi, can you name the tent on the first picture? The triangle-ish one (doesn’t look like the Vango..?!).

Thank you annette

That’s actually an ANCIENT North Face tent that my mates in Bhutan lent me.

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The 8 Best Backpacking Tents for Three-Season Adventures

We tested 12 tents in the wild this year. these were our favorites..

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Every year, tents get lighter, stronger, and more sustainable. 2024’s batch of three-season shelters was no exception, with ultralight trekking pole designs, purpose-built bikepacking bivvys, and cleverly guyed-out basecamps. The eight winners of this year’s exhaustive testing process proved themselves over and over in wind, rain, and even snow.

At a Glance

• Editors’ Choice: Durston X-Mid Pro 1 ($549-639)
• Best Bikepacking Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2-Person ($580)
• Best Budget Tent: Mountain Hardwear Meridian 2 ($275)
• Best Basecamp: Seek Outside Twilight 3P ($480)
• Best Strength-to-Weight: SlingFin Portal 3 ($600)
• Best Ultralight 2-Person: Zpacks Offset Duo ($799)
• Most Spacious 1-Person: Argali Owyhee 1p ($345)
• Most Improved: Exped Mira II ($449)
• How to Choose a Tent

How We Test

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.   Learn more .

Note: All tent weights are “packaged” weights, not minimum weights.

Editor’s Choice

Durston x-mid pro 1.

$549-639 at Durston Gear

Weight : 17.8 oz (DCF floor); 1.2 lbs (sil-nylon floor) Interior Space : 20 square feet Peak Height : 45 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Incredibly lightweight ⊕ Tall peaks ⊕ Weatherproof ⊕ Small footprint ⊗ Setup has a learning curve

With the Durston X-Mid Pro 1, Durston Gear has perfected its signature asymmetrical tarp-tent design to create the most comfortable, storm-worthy one-pound shelter we’ve ever tested. The secret sauce behind founder Dan Durston’s ultralight success, both in his one- and two-person tents, is a deceptively simple offset design: Where many other trekking-pole tents are set up with poles at the midpoint of the tent, the X-Mid’s poles sit with one towards the feet and the other towards the head. That means 45 inches of peak height at both ends, which lends an airy, vaulted feeling and enough room to change. Offset poles also mean that there’s no obstruction in front of the mesh doors, which can be operated easily with one hand thanks to two easy-sliding zippers.

“It felt positively palatial for a one-person tent,” said one tester after backpacking on the Art Loeb Trail in the Pisgah National Forest. “And yet, it weighed less than my sleeping pad, and was small enough to get lost in my pack.”

Interior space is optimized, too, with a parallelogram (instead of rectangular) floorplan that sits diagonally under the Dyneema fly. With 90 inches of floor length, it’s possible to store all of your clothes, electronics, and ditty bags inside while an astonishing 22 square feet of vestibule space is more than enough for even the most gear-heavy ultralighters.

The X-Mid Pro 1’s double-pole pitch, steep walls, tall bathtub floor, and ten stake-out points (plus four guylines) give it the edge over competing tarp-style tents, allowing for increased sturdiness in windy and wet conditions. One tester put it through a late-season windstorm in Vermont’s Green Mountains, with 40-mile-per-hour gusts that flattened a freestanding tent in the same campground. There are lighter Dyneema tents on the market, but few that can handle those windspeeds.

Two generous top vents and an all-mesh interior to minimize the dreaded single-walled condensation factor. Durability is solid for an ultralight Dyneema tent, but careful campsite selection is a must. Thankfully, the one-person footprint is svelte enough to squeeze into the tightest third-choice nooks.

Best Bikepacking Tent

Msr hubba hubba bikepack 2-person.

$580 at REI $580 at Backcountry

Weight : 3.75 lbs Interior Space : 29 square feet Peak Height : 42 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Portability ⊕ Weather protection ⊗ Livability ⊗ Ventilation

It’s a testament to the growing popularity of bikepacking that the folks at MSR decided to release a brand-new version of their long-running Hubba Hubba tent to cater specifically to those exploring the wilderness on two wheels. Our testers were unanimously glad they did, touting its portability and weather protection.

Weighing a tick over three pounds, the Hubba Hubba Bikepack is just 3 ounces heavier than the original, with shorter poles and increased vestibule space (17.5 square feet total) to stash bike shoes and helmets. Inside, a gear loft holds electronics while a clothesline dries out wearables. An average peak height of 42 inches allows most folks to sit up and change clothes, and its 29 square feet of interior space is small but acceptable given the Bikepack 2’s weight and portability (though two broad shouldered bikepackers should be prepared to get cozy).

Despite its low weight and small size, this tent doesn’t skimp on protection and durability, utilizing lightweight aluminum poles and 20-denier ripstop nylon for fly and body (with 10-denier poly for the canopy.) Its lack of mesh improves weather and wind protection, but makes for poor ventilation. “I felt stuffy at lower elevations when the temperature was about 50 degrees,” reported one tester from Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Best of all for our bikepacking testers, the whole thing packs down into a waterproof stuff sack, which is roughly the size of a small paper towel roll—just right for most handlebar shapes.

Best Budget Tent

Mountain hardwear meridian 2.

$275 at Amazon $275 at Mountain Hardwear

Weight : 5.6 lbs Interior Space : 31.8 square feet Peak Height : 43 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Price ⊕ Easy setup ⊗ Weight ⊗ Lack of features ⊗ Durability

The Meridian 2 occupies a special bottom-shelf status in the backpacking tent world: It’s cheap, reliable in moderate rain and wind, and made by a bonafide outdoors brand with longevity and quality in mind. You can go lower at a sporting goods store, but it won’t do you any favors when an afternoon thunderstorm rolls through. “This is a no-frills tent that you can rely on when the weather turns sour,” reported one tester after a trip in Moab, Utah.

Mountain Hardwear’s entry-level shelter is both the most affordable and spacious two-person tent we tested this year, with a near 32-square-foot interior, an ample 43-inch peak height, and 18.3 square feet of vestibule space. Five interior pockets allow the interior to stay free of clutter.

At nearly five and a half pounds, the double-walled Meridian is also the heaviest tent in our testing class. The increase in weight comes from heavy materials, including a 68-denier polyester floor and fly with a perfectly serviceable 1500mm waterproof coating that kept us dry during light afternoon rainstorms, but showed signs of seepage in more sustained, heavier rains. A bathtub floor and side panel provide coverage halfway up the tent at the entrances, and the included groundsheet bolsters that weatherproofing prowess. But thanks to a full mesh upper canopy and easily-secured rollback fly, stargazing is still an option.

Best Basecamp

Seek outside twilight 3p.

$480 at Seek Outside

Weight : 4.2 lbs Interior Space : 105 square feet Peak Height : 72 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Massive floor plan ⊕ Versatile ⊕ Stove-compatible ⊗ Finicky guyline setup ⊗ Extra cost for stove/poles/mesh insert

By far the largest tent in our testing group, the Twilight offers an excellent space-to-weight ratio with a gigantic 105 square-foot floor plan that can be used in a variety of ways. Our testers loved it as a floorless basecamp, with ceilings tall enough to allow for standing, plenty of room for three sleepers and gear, and a stove jack that allows it to convert to a hot tent using a lightweight titanium stove (sold separately, starting at $309). “It was cold and raining when we woke up in the morning, so we set up our chairs inside, threw some wood in the stove, and cooked breakfast by the fire,” reported one tester from Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado.

The non-freestanding Twilight can be set up using two carbon fiber poles (sold separately, $150), or three trekking poles with a hitch to connect two of them together. Like all mid-style tents, it needs to be guyed out extensively to provide proper weather protection. Setup is made a bit more complicated than a typical pyramid owing to the two-pole design, but most testers were able to pitch it in fifteen minutes or less. With nine guy-out and eight stake points, the Twilight stood tall in 20 mile-per-hour wind gusts and kept the interior dry during storms. That waterproofing is thanks to the silicone-coated 30-denier Nylon 6.6 ripstop body which has a 3000mm waterproof coating. A peak vent helped keep condensation at bay, although airflow was never an issue when running the shelter floorless. In bug season, a half-mesh insert can be installed (sold separately, $200), with the other half serving as a giant vestibule.

Testers were split on Seek Outside’s proprietary zipperless technology, which forgoes a traditional zippered door on the vestibule and instead allows entry by sliding the bottom edge of the tent along a fixed guy line. In the pro camp: No stuck zippers from ice or dust and dead-quiet nightly pee breaks. Cons? Some testers felt the zipperless technology was difficult to operate from the inside, and that its setup required patience.

Best Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Slingfin portal 3.

$600 at SlingFin

Weight : 4.2 lbs Interior Space : 41.5 square feet Peak Height : 44 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Bombproof ⊕ Durable materials ⊗ Livability

SlingFin’s new double-walled Portal 3 is the bigger brother to the brand’s bomber Portal 2, adding about fifty percent more space while maintaining a reasonable 4-pound weight.

There’s nothing flashy about this tent on the surface: The Portal 3’s setup is quick and straightforward, using two poles connected with a swivel as well as one cross-pole to create a standard freestanding pitch. But, like the two-person variant, the Portal shines in the details of its construction materials and weather protection, including thick, lightweight aluminum poles, a 20-denier PE-coated bathtub floor, and 10-denier Nylon 66 Ripstop silicone-coated fly that wards off inclement weather. Ten external guy-out points (with included lines) and the two internal pre-installed guylines allow for increased stabilization in high winds. “By the time we staked out all ten guy lines, it was clear that this tent would survive just about anything,” one tester reported from Kaibab National Forest in Arizona. “We had gusts of 25 miles-per-hour and the tent didn’t move.”

Sleeping in the 41-square-foot interior was more or less shoulder-to-shoulder for three people, but the generous 44-inch peak height, 20 square feet of vestibule space, and eight pockets—including one that runs the entire width of the tent—lend a feeling of spaciousness. An all-mesh body allows for stargazing on clear evenings, while kickstand vents on the fly aid with ventilation during inclement weather.

Best Ultralight 2-Person Tent

Zpacks offset duo.

$799 at Zpacks

Weight : 1.2 lbs (does not include stakes or stuff sack) Interior Space : 31.4 square feet Peak Height : 48 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Livability ⊕ Weight ⊗ Price ⊗ Condensation

The Zpacks Offset Duo came as a bit of a shock to ultralighters who thought the brand’s popular Duplex was the peak of ultralight two-person design. Weighing just over 1.25 pounds while offering more than 31 square feet of interior space, 100 inches of length, and a peak height of 48 inches, our testers raved about its space-to-weight ratio, which bests the Duplex in almost every regard.

One tester who took the Offset Duo to the Lost Lake Trail in Chugach National Forest, Alaska, was able to comfortably fit two people and a medium-sized dog without issue (watch those claws, though). The non-freestanding Dyneema shelter owes its voluminous shape to a pitch that utilizes one small 32-inch carbon fiber support pole at the foot of the tent in addition to the usual double-trekking pole setup found on most tarp-style tents. All three must be securely guyed out to ensure a solid pitch, so patience and experience is required to prevent collapse in high winds. The foot pole also introduces a potential weak point in windstorms, although testers never encountered any issues.

It’s single-walled with a built-in tent body, so condensation was a factor, though air circulation is aided by two vents and a mesh interior. In dry conditions, magnetic toggles make rolling the doors up a cinch. Vestibules are small (two-by-six-and-a-quarter square feet) but adequate for ultralighters with limited gear.

Most Spacious 1-Person Tent

Argali owyhee 1p.

$345 at Argali

Weight : 2.1 lbs Interior Space : 27.91 square feet Peak Height : 50 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Livability ⊕ Storage space ⊗ Add-ons increase price

Because many one-person tents lack large vestibules or adequate interior space, some solo backpackers end up carrying a two-person tent, taking on extra weight and bulk in the process. The new Argali Owyhee strikes a much-needed balance, offering the low weight, quick setup, and packability of a one-person tent paired with the increased storage of a two-person tent.

“One-person tents usually don’t have enough storage for me,” one tester said after a climbing outing in Colorado’s Uncompahgre National Forest. “But I could fit all my gear in the Owyhee with room to spare.” Sporting a generous interior floor plan of nearly 28 square feet plus more than 11 square feet in its front-door vestibule, it weighs a hair over two pounds and can be pitched with a single trekking pole or carbon fiber pole (sold separately), packing down to the size of a liter Nalgene.

An all-mesh body and top vent keep air moving, and a peak height of 50 inches will allow most to sit up and change. Utilizing 20–denier Nano-Ripstop SilPoly fabric—an increasingly popular cottage industry fabric choice that doesn’t sag like silnylon—with 2000mm double silicone coated waterproofing, aluminum stakes, and six stake-out points (with 5 additional guy-outs), the Owyhee kept us dry during moderate rain and stood up tall to 15 mile-per-hour winds in the Uncompahgre.

Ding: The mesh insert is sold separately ($130); otherwise, it runs floorless without interior pockets. Double-ding: Seam sealing will cost you another $45.

Most Improved

Exped mira ii hl.

$449 at Exped

Weight : 3 lbs Interior Space : 30 square feet Peak Height : 42 inches

Pros and Cons ⊕ Easy setup ⊕ Solid weather protection ⊗ Durability

The latest version of Exped’s double-walled Mira II HL boasts a lower weight and speedier setup, two improvements that made our testers love this weekend warrior even more than the previous iteration.

First, the new tent drops roughly three ounces from the previous version thanks to material changes, using slightly thinner 15-denier ripstop nylon on the body and 10-denier on the fly; a footprint is recommended for rocky sites. The Mira II HL’s packability is a huge improvement: “For a freestanding tent, this one is fairly light and really compact—it packs down as small as many trekking pole tents I’ve used,” said one tester after an outing on the Art Loeb Trail in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest.

Another big change? The tent now uses DAC’s lightest type of 8.7mm pole, hubbed together for a much easier and more intuitive setup. Weather protection still punches above its weight thanks to a beefy pole arch design running the length of the tent and a half dozen guy out points.

Inside, livability is the same as the previous version, with 30 square feet of interior space, a 42-inch peak height, and more than 18 square feet of vestibule space. One downside: The tent is technically freestanding, but the foot needs to be staked out to take on its full shape.

How to Choose a Three-Season Tent

Capacity, size, and vestibules.

The first thing to consider when buying a tent is its size. You’ll want to know the number of people it’s designed to hold, but also look closely at the square-footage to ensure it will work for your specific needs. Check the length of the tent if you are more than 6 feet tall—a couple inches of head and leg room are critical for a good night’s sleep, and not all tents are created equal. Pay attention to the amount of vestibule space a tent offers, especially if you plan to backpack in colder, more gear-heavy months.

Weight vs. Durability and Weatherproofing

While the best tents offer a lightweight balance of livability, weather protection, and durability evenly, those qualities often come at a weight penalty. Consider how far you’ll be hiking and how much weight you can comfortably carry over that distance. Some folks are happy to carry a five-pound tent that has a large floorplan and ample headroom, while others will prefer to minimize weight at the cost of comfort. Once you get a sense of your maximum weight, think about the weatherproofing you’ll need in the environments you plan to visit. Campers in Florida have different needs than campers in Colorado. An all-mesh tent body will improve ventilation in hot climates, but let heat escape in cold climates. If heavy rain or bad weather is the norm for you, invest in heavier-weight, more waterproof tent fabric and thicker, stronger poles. Burlier floor materials also add weight to the tent, but offer more durability on abrasive ground.

Freestanding vs. Semi- vs. Non Freestanding

Another thing to consider is the type of pitch a tent uses. Freestanding tents are supported by a set of structural poles and can be pitched anywhere, without the use of guy lines or added tension. They are the easiest to pitch, but offer minimal customization in foul weather. Semi and non-freestanding tents all use poles of some sort (structural aluminum poles or trekking poles), but need to be staked out using guy lines. This requires more patience and know-how when pitching, however it also allows the tent to be pitched in a variety of ways, making it easier to fit into tight spaces. Non-freestanding and semi-freestanding tents also typically weigh less than freestanding tents because they don’t come with as many—or any—poles.

Finally, a Pro Tip

Know the return policies. The only way to truly know a tent is to spend a couple of nights in it. Some stores and brands allow you to return used products without a penalty.

• Number of Testers: 11
• Number of Products Tested: 12
• Number of Miles Hiked While Testing: 382
• Number of Nights Slept Outside: 88

Our testing group spanned the country, in wilderness areas from Maine to Hawaii. Testers come from a variety of backgrounds, genders, and professions, from public school teachers to park rangers. All of them are backpackers, ranging from veteran trekkers to weekend warriors. Over the course of two months, these testers evaluated tents on a multitude of criteria, including livability, ventilation, design, weather protection, setup, and price, among other intangibles. Those that didn’t stand up to the elements, were uncomfortable to live inside for weeks on end, or simply weren’t worth the price tag, didn’t make it onto this list

Meet Our Lead Tester

Will McGough has been writing about the outdoors and testing tents for Backpacker and Outside since 2015. Specs aside, he believes the most important quality of a tent is how it makes you feel—a good tent should make you feel at home, regardless of climate and conditions.

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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The Best Camping Tents

By Claire Wilcox , Kit Dillon and Kalee Thompson

Whether you’re thinking of hitting the road or staying close to home for your next car-camping adventure, you and your loved ones will need a comfortable place to sleep.

After researching nearly 100 tents, talking to tent designers and tent-pole manufacturers, and sleeping in a total of 51 tents on 12 weekend camping trips over seven years, we’ve concluded that the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent is the best car-camping tent for two people, and the Kelty Wireless 6  is the best choice for most families.

Everything we recommend

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent

The best camping tent for two.

Easy to set up and pack away, the Mineral King 3 is a lightweight, two-door tent with a generous footprint and a sturdy dome shape. It’s the perfect choice for three-season multipurpose camping.

Buying Options

Kelty Wireless 6 Tent

The best camping tent for families.

Spacious and easy to pitch, this dome tent also has other features most families need: two large doors, roomy vestibules, and an affordable price. The tradeoffs: bulky fiberglass poles and flimsy stakes.

Marmot Tungsten 4-Person Tent

Higher price, more space for two.

With nearly 60 square feet of floor space plus two large vestibules, the Tungsten 4 is roomier than our top-pick tent for couples. It also costs more, though, and is less forgiving of a careless set-up.

Budget pick

Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent

A cheap but reliable tent for couples and families.

Great for backyard overnights, this simple dome-style tent is for anyone who doesn't want to spend more than $150 on a tent but also doesn't want to buy another one next year. It has a partial rain fly, but only one door and no vestibule.

Upgrade pick

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023)

A family tent with a spare room.

This dome-style tent has nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single vestibule the size of an actual mudroom. It’s also straightforward to set up, and it is made with sturdy, light materials. It’s expensive, but you get value for your money.

REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent

A hardier tent for two people.

A full rain cover, two vestibules, and an extra-sturdy pole structure make this the best choice for couples who want to get outside in any weather. It’s pricey, though, and unless the other couples’ tents we recommend, it doesn’t include a footprint.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent

A hardier tent for families.

A full rain cover, two vestibules, and an extra-sturdy pole structure make this the best choice for families who want to get outside in any weather. It's the most expensive of our picks, though.

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent is the best car-camping tent choice for couples. It has everything you need for three-season camping, with the bonus of being light enough to double as an occasional backpacking tent. Although it’s designed to accommodate three people—hence the “3” in its name—we found that at 42.5 square feet, the tent is more comfortable for two, plus gear and maybe a medium-size dog.

A classic polyester dome tent, the Mineral King 3 uses two high-quality pre-bent aluminum poles, which maximize head and shoulder space, making this tent feel less cramped than other dome tents we tested. Two large doors provide easy entry and exit, and a vestibule—that’s camping speak for “mudroom”—outside each door adds significant sheltered storage. The Mineral King 3 has a full rain fly, which you can roll up halfway or completely remove for epic stargazing. It also comes with a groundsheet (aka footprint) to protect the tent floor.

The Kelty Wireless 6 is a spacious tent that is easy to pitch, and it offers solid weather protection and durability for a reasonable price. Like the Mineral King 3, it has a simple, dome-style design that maximizes livability and minimize headaches. With 87 square feet of interior space, plus 28 square feet of vestibule space, the polyester tent fits four adults comfortably, or two adults with two or three children, with plenty of room to store gear and muddy boots. (As its name indicates, it’s meant to house six people, but we wouldn’t recommend that.) The Wireless 6 has two large doors and a full rain fly.

Like most tents we saw in its price range, the Wireless 6 uses cheaper materials: Its poles (two, plus a “brow” pole that supports the two vestibules) are fiberglass, and its stakes are too light for their size (two bent during testing). Unlike the competition, this tent is functional, durable, and a joy to inhabit in most weather conditions. (We did notice that the fly took longer to dry than others we tested; don’t put it away while it’s still damp, or it’ll mildew.) It packs into a duffle with a handy shoulder strap and weighs about 17 pounds—manageable for most people across short distances. As with most six-person tents we’ve seen, this tent’s footprint is sold separately.

Though the Marmot Tungsten 4-Person Tent lacks the Mineral King 3’s adaptable fly, which makes access and protection from the elements such a breeze, the Tungsten 4 provides more living space and equal protection against the elements. A full rain fly with easy-attach color-coded clips covers the tent body and adds two large vestibules. Like the Mineral King 3, the Tungsten has aluminum poles that are connected at the top (for lightning-quick pitching) and pre-bent, which increases the dome tent’s headroom. With pentagonal doors and a fly scaffolded by two brow poles—as opposed to the Mineral King 3’s single one—this tent provides excellent shielding from multidirectional wind and rain, providing you follow the setup instructions faithfully.

The Tungsten 4’s poles are bent at a more acute angle and closer to the ground, which, we discovered, can cause the tent to collapse in windy conditions if you don’t attach the poles to the fly using the Velcro tabs running under the seams. You can also set up the tent without the fly while retaining some privacy, since the tent body has a high polyester wall on one side. Like the Mineral King 3, this tent comes with a footprint.

The best-selling Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent has a footprint larger (100 square feet) than that of our top-pick tent for families, but it felt smaller because it has a lower ceiling, no vestibule, and only one door. Nevertheless, it still comfortably accommodates four people, and it’s a roomy choice for two. This no-nonsense tent is intuitive to set up, has mesh on the top halves of two walls, includes a partial rain fly that’s easy to put on and stake out, and feels cheery inside and out. (We don’t recommend the smaller version of this tent for couples who might actually take it on the road; it was just too flimsy in our tests.) Also note that this tent does not come with its own groundsheet. Coleman says that the tent doesn’t need one, probably because its floor is a crinkly (though tough) tarp-like polyethylene, not a taped-seam polyester as in our other picks.

The North Face Wawona 6 costs $200 more than the Wireless 6, but if you can swing the price, the tent offers a superior combination of livable space, smart design, and durable, high-quality materials (aluminum and heavy-duty polyester and mesh). Its fly extends into a huge front vestibule that can store large items like bikes, or even accommodate a table and chairs. Adults over 6 feet tall will be able to walk upright inside this tent—which has almost-vertical walls that can easily accommodate beds, cribs, and cots—as well as in the vestibule.

We also appreciated the tent’s construction, which combines good ventilation (the upper part of the canopy walls are mesh) with campsite privacy (those mesh bits are covered by the fly, which reaches only halfway down the tent on the back and sides). And this tent is easy to set up and pack down, especially considering its size. (It comes with a carrying bag equipped with duffle-style handles.) You’re unlikely to find a similar-sized tent that matches the Wawona’s quality and features for less money—most comparable tents we tested cost much more. As with most six-person tents, the Wawona 6’s footprint is sold separately.

Car campers who plan to brave miserable weather will appreciate the extra strength and protection of the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent . The main bodies of our other picks are structured with two main poles with added support from smaller brow poles. The Base Camp, by contrast, has four full-size aluminum struts woven throughout it, somewhat like a basket, plus an additional brow pole that frames the front entrance and supports the larger of the two vestibules. The Base Camp also offers more privacy compared with our other picks—with or without the rain fly. Our other favorite features are the tent’s two wide doors, which you can open halfway from either direction or open fully (you can tuck the doors into “roof pockets” to keep them out of the way), turning the tent into a useful beach tent or sun shade.

Families who regularly pitch their tent in rainy locales need a wind-fighting tent with a good-size vestibule for storing wet shoes and gear, as well as a full rain fly for added weather protection. With almost 45 feet of vestibule space and four stability-enhancing criss-crossing poles, the next size up of REI’s Base Camp, the Base Camp 6 Tent , offers the best combination of space and features among the six tents we tested that fit those criteria. A footprint for each model is sold separately.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how (and where) we tested, best camping tent for two people: mountain hardwear mineral king 3 tent, best camping tent for families: kelty wireless 6 person tent, runner-up tent for two people: marmot tungsten 4-person tent, best budget tent: coleman sundome 6-person tent, upgrade tent for families: north face wawona 6 tent, also great for unpredictable weather: rei co-op base camp 4 tent and base camp 6 tent, other good tents, what to look forward to, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

An avid hiker, camper, and long-haul road-tripper, Claire Wilcox has slept in (and occasionally improvised) tents in 11 states. She covers outdoor gear for Wirecutter and worked on the most recent update of this guide, testing couples’ tents and family tents. She lives on Oahu, Hawaii.

A senior staff writer at Wirecutter, Kit Dillon has written about everything from backpacks and cooking gear to luggage and road-tripping . When he was younger, he worked for five years on oil rigs as an NDT (non-destructive testing) inspector, testing metal and welds for signs of corrosion, rust, and whatever other breakdowns and chaos might happen to the steel in the ocean. It is oddly relevant work for testing aluminum tent poles.

This guide also builds on the work of Kalee Thompson, a senior editor at Wirecutter.

For this guide, we focused on tents that suit the most common terrains you’re likely to encounter when car-camping—grassy lawns or clearings, beaches, dirt campsites, and basic platforms—in spring, summer, and fall. We’re not looking at tents designed for such specialized activities as mountaineering, backpacking, or winter camping, though some of our recommendations have cross-over potential.

Even if you’re not seeking any extreme-weather adventures, you’ll still need something that can withstand whatever the elements throw your way. The tents we discuss here are designed to keep you comfortable in wind, rain, and even light snow. (If you find yourself in a lightning storm, it’s best to seek shelter in your car or abandon the adventure for a motel, especially if you’re camping in an exposed area.)

Finding a small, light tent is the logical approach when you’re backpacking. But with car camping—the industry term for what most people consider just camping—you’ll likely be parking next to your campsite and unloading. If you won’t be carrying your tent more than a couple hundred feet, more space means more comfort (as well as more room for your stuff).

After putting in about 40 hours studying online reviews and company websites, as well as spending time consulting with frequent campers (both with and without kids) and considering our own diverse car-camping experiences, we evaluated the options (about 100, in the course of the past seven years) according to the following criteria:

The right capacity: Tent makers measure tent capacity by how many people can fit in them sardine-style, lying inside mummy bags. That means you can fit six adults in a six-person tent—but you probably wouldn’t want to do that, because those adults would be sleeping hip to hip, with little spare room for gear.

We concluded that the best option for two people is actually a large three-person, or smaller four-person, tent that’s 40 to 60 square feet in size. For families with three to five members, we concluded that the best option is a tent rated for six people that’s between 80 and 100 square feet. Also, the height should be at least six feet, which allows most adults to comfortably stand upright inside. “When you camp with kids, you camp with a lot of gear,” Helen Olsson , author of The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids , told us. Olsson has three kids, a dog, and a six-foot-two husband. Bigger is better when it comes to car camping, she said: “Look for a base-camp-style tent that is meant for when you pull up in your car and pitch your tent right there.” All of the tents we considered fall into that category.

A dome shape: Usually designed around two- or three-pole arches, dome-style tents tend to be stronger than cabin-style designs, which maximize ceiling height by sacrificing some structural integrity. The dome shape does reduce overall livable space, but it’s better at deflecting winds and shedding rain, something you’re likely to appreciate if an unexpected storm hits. Our picks are all dome-style tents.

Adequate weatherproofing and durability: A good dome-style tent should be able to withstand high winds and driving rain without pitching or collapsing. We assumed that most car campers would likely not be camping in snow, so we focused on three-season models instead. Most of the tents we looked at could handle an unexpected flurry or a coating of frost, but we wouldn’t intentionally take them on a winter-camping trip.

Tent makers generally treat the fabrics with a water-repellent coating described in millimeters; 1,200 mm to 3,000 mm is the typical range found on family tents. That number does not refer to the thickness of the coating or the fabric; instead, it measures a specific test of water pressure , namely, how many millimeters of water can sit on top of the material before water starts leaking through. (As a Coleman product manager told us, “Nothing’s waterproof, not even submarines. Given the right conditions anything will leak.”) A higher number means better water resistance, but such stronger coatings aren’t always necessary: As this MSR blog post explains , “the more coating you add, the heavier and more rigid the fabric becomes, and—after a point—the more susceptible to tearing.” A typical umbrella has a rating of only 420 mm, the company’s experts point out, and it does just fine at keeping you dry.

It’s natural to focus on the quality of a tent’s rain fly—you need that piece to work when the skies open up. But according to our experts, the durability of the floor of your tent is actually more important.  Tent designer Bob Howe, who has developed models for nearly every major tent maker, including Easton, Marmot, The North Face, REI, and Sierra Designs, said that when it comes to a tent floor, two lightweight layers are often stronger than one heavy layer; he suggested using a groundsheet or footprint, even with a high-quality tent floor. If the tent you buy doesn’t come with a footprint (two of our recommended tents, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 and the Marmot Tungsten 4 , do), we recommend purchasing a companion footprint , if one is available. A footprint doesn’t take up much space, is relatively inexpensive, and is much easier to repair or replace than a tent bottom if it tears. A basic tarp can do in a pinch.

The right materials for the job: On most tents, the walls and flies are made of either nylon or polyester . Nylon weighs less but more susceptible to UV damage, which makes it better for backpacking, when a tent spends most of its daylight hours packed up. Car campers generally leave their tents up for much longer periods of time, increasing the material’s UV exposure. As polyester is stiffer and heavier than nylon but not as susceptible to UV damage, Howe told us, and it doesn’t absorb water like nylon does, it’s generally better for car camping. It’s also less expensive.

To compare tent fabrics, you also need to know their overall rip strength. For most fabrics, rip strength is expressed as a measurement of the diameter of the fibers in their thread, or a denier—the higher the denier, the stronger the fabric. We found 40 denier up to 150 denier to be typical for car-camping tents; you can read more about these measurements in gear manufacturer MSR’s blog post and in this Outside article .

As for poles, Howe explained to us that each material has its advantages and drawbacks: Aluminum poles are far lighter and slide together more easily but cost more, while fiberglass-and-steel poles are often trickier to fit together and can leave splinters in your palms. They can, however, be stronger in high winds.

Ease of setup: We looked for dummy-proof tents that were intuitive to set up and that a lone person could erect fairly quickly. If you’ve ever arrived at a campsite after dark with two small kids who have been stewing in the backseat for hours, you know that dealing with a tent is often a one-person job. We’ve also found that a car-camping tent is the kind of item your friends may want to borrow from time to time. Those friends may well be novice campers, so we wanted something that the uninitiated but reasonably intelligent could erect, even if the original instructions had disappeared long ago. (You’re going to lose the instructions. Everyone loses the instructions.)

We also wanted self-standing tents, which can stay up on their own. Even so, you should, ideally, stake down each corner securely; in some crowded campgrounds, however, finding a flat spot with soil soft enough to do that can be difficult. A tent that requires staking to stand up—especially a larger, six-person tent—is unwieldy, and it’ll be impossible to set up on a hard surface such as blacktop or on raised wooden tent decks.

It is also important to consider the way in which the tent poles attach to the tent. Many of our picks use grommet attachments, which are more secure and simple to repair than key attachments if anything should break.

Some of our tent picks also have guy-line systems that secure their outer rain fly—although most people probably won’t need to use those often. Guy-line systems are somewhat unique to each tent, with every model boasting its own specific rope bites and tie-downs. (Kit scoured YouTube tutorials and found this video to be the most informative tutorial on guy lines. With this video and a little practice, you’ll soon be pitching tents like a pro.)

Affordability: Car-camping tents should be relatively inexpensive. They don’t need to be the top of the line or made of the lightest possible materials or the most advanced fabrics (something you’d likely look for in a pure backpacking tent). We decided that the tents for this guide should not be precious items—but they shouldn’t be disposable, either. When we researched couples’ tents in 2022, we found no tents below $150 worth considering; our cap was $400. For our 2023 family tent testing, after completing our research we realized that $500 was now the average price for a good-quality tent. Below this amount, the flaws and tradeoffs started to mount. Still, we felt that $500 was a lot to pay for a family tent, so we looked for options that were more affordable and didn’t sacrifice too much.

Extra features: Stake design, pole strength and arrangements, rain-fly tie-downs, door construction, zipper strength, and gear-loft placements all play a role in the overall comfort and enjoyment of your tent. We also considered privacy, vestibules, extra headroom, and any other bonuses.

Once we had our criteria nailed down, we scoured Amazon reviews of four- and six-person tents, as well as owner reviews on retailer sites such as Backcountry , Cabela’s , Campmor , Dick’s Sporting Goods , Eastern Mountain Sports , L.L.Bean , and REI , plus professional reviews from GearJunkie and GearLab . We perused the lines of outdoor companies like Big Agnes, Marmot, and The North Face. And we studied the offerings of big-box stores including Costco, Sears, Target, and Walmart. We then requested test samples of the models that met our criteria and also had a consistent record of positive reviews.

For earlier incarnations of this guide, we tested tents in Arizona (alongside Lake Mead and just south of the Hualapai reservation , near the Grand Canyon) and southern California (near Joshua Tree National Park; at the Mountain Oak Campground , an hour or so east of Los Angeles; and at Wheeler Gorge Campground , outside Ojai, California).

After our longtime top-pick tent for two people ran into some stock issues in 2021, we researched new models and redesigns, and we assembled a batch of small tents for testing in March 2022, on Oahu. Over two blustery March weekends, we pitched eight tents in an exposed ocean-fronting yard on the northwestern coast of the island by Kaena Point State Park, leaving the tents up for 48 hours to face the salt air, the wind, and the rain while we tested. During this period, winds rose up to 35 to 40 knots, and we experienced passing showers as well as direct sunlight and 80-degree temperatures. To mimic heavier rain and to test the tent’s ability to withstand soggy ground conditions, we also soaked our tents with a garden hose. A few weeks later, we brought the front-runners to a platform in an area that had higher elevation, near the Waianae Mountain Range, and camped out overnight in intermittent but consistent rainfall.

In 2022–2023, we tested 15 six-person tents on Oahu, pitching them once again in both coastal and higher mountain locations, where they encountered the full range of Hawaii’s mercurial winter weather patterns, including winds ranging from 10 to 40 mph, passing squalls, direct sun, and good old fashioned buckets of rain. Temperatures ranged from the 50s at night to the 80s during the day.

To test the tents, we first opened them, splayed out their parts, and tried to put them together without consulting the instructions. We assembled and disassembled the tents on all of our testing sites multiple times. We tried the rain fly for each tent as well, one time rushing to get several of them up during an unexpected rainstorm at night. When heavy trade winds buffeted our Oahu-coast testing site, we pitched each tent in full face of the blast. We then rotated the tents looking for structural weaknesses, and we tested their guy lines and tabs to see which tents had the best and most intuitive design for withstanding wind.

Throughout all our testing, we wanted to know how it felt to be inside the tents for long periods of time. Did we feel claustrophobic or rejuvenated? If we had to spend a day in the tent during a storm, would it be comfortable? After first removing the models that failed the structural tests, we slept, watched the stars, and ate our meals in all of the tents, as well as planned hikes from them.

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent was the favorite tent of testers at our Oahu coastal and mountain locations. Through rainy nights and soggy mornings, on windy afternoons, and under an intense midday sun, this tent’s primarily polyester mesh body, two large doors, and adaptable polyester fly kept us dry, well ventilated, and in good spirits.

We were surprised at first to see the Mineral King 3 come out on top because it was the smallest tent in our test group. But all our testers, including our tallest panelists, gravitated toward this tent.

What sets the Mineral King 3 apart is its combination of easy setup, solid weather resistance, and livability in variable conditions. It comes with its own footprint, and is made of high-quality materials that are easy to handle. Simply put, it was the most effective, user-friendly tent in any situation we encountered. It also delivered a little something extra: Not only did the Mineral King 3 keep us sheltered in shifting weather, but key design features—such as a barely-there mesh canopy, generous vestibule space, and a well-placed toggle on top of the rain fly—kept us connected to the environment.

One night during testing, for example, clouds loomed in the distance with clear skies overhead. After we pitched the tent, the Mineral King 3’s adaptable fly let us leave half the mesh dome uncovered. We watched as night fell and the first stars appeared. At the first sign of rain, it took only a few seconds—and a quick hand stuck outside the tent—to unfurl the fly and secure it for a dry night’s sleep. When we awoke, we could roll back one part of the vestibule, make coffee, and watch the sky lighten even though it was still raining.

Despite having the smallest capacity of the tents we tested—42.5 square feet—the Mineral King 3 easily fits two people with a full-size mattress, or two sleeping pads, and gear. Two large vestibules add nearly 40 square feet combined—that is, 18.75 square feet on either side.

Setting up this tent is simple: You stake out the four corners, extend the tent’s two pre-connected poles, and dock them into grommets. The tent’s body attaches to the poles via plastic clips, and a third pole (the “brow”) fits into two grommets sewn into a seam above the tent’s two doors. These now-common clip-style setups are generally intuitive and can be accomplished in minutes. Certainly this was true of the Mineral King 3. Under good conditions one person pitched the tent in under five minutes. In high winds, it took us 10 minutes to pitch and fully secure the tent fly with extra lines and stakes.

All three poles—two main poles and the shorter brow pole—are made of strong, lightweight aluminum and come pre-bent and pre-connected. The bend in the poles has a subtle yet significant affect on the tent’s structure and interior feel: As you clip the tent fabric to the poles to create the dome, bends pull the mesh outward in the head and shoulder area. Where traditional dome tents often feel cramped, the Mineral King 3 offers a little extra space. Only one other couples’ tent we tested had this feature—our runner-up, the Marmot Tungsten 4—and we found it made both tents more livable.

We also appreciated the shepherd’s hook stakes that come with the tent. Most of the tents we tested came with basic L-shaped stakes, which tended to spin around in the soil and slip a line. The shepherd’s hook design, in contrast, held lines secure.

Underneath the fly, the Mineral King 3 has a full mesh dome with a waterproof, tape-seamed bathtub-style polyester floor. The overall feeling inside the tent is airy and comfortable. The tent doors are nearly wall-sized, and after you unzip them, you simply stuff them into pockets, rather than having to roll and toggle-tie the fabric. Another two hanging pockets plus loops for a ceiling hammock provide simple yet effective interior storage.

The Mineral King 3’s fly attaches intuitively with plastic buckles and has well-placed guy tabs. You can secure the fly to the poles with Velcro ties underneath the fly, so that the extra lines anchored the whole tent, not just the thin protective fabric, but we only needed to do so in very windy conditions. When the fly is fully deployed, the tent has two vestibules, which provide additional gear storage and also help ventilate the tent in inclement weather. And in a stroke of design brilliance, a small loop sewn into the top of the fly makes it possible to roll up one half of the fly, exposing the full mesh canopy while still providing shade and privacy.

When the weather permits, it’s fun to omit the fly entirely, but a word to the wise for those planning a fly-less night: Besides providing protection from rain, the fly also helps manage condensation. Though condensation (video) occurs in all conditions, it’s worse when your surroundings are wet and humid, and anytime you have a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of a tent. But if your tent has a breathable inner layer, like the mesh walls of the Mineral King 3, condensation will gather on the fly instead of on the interior of the tent itself.

At $350, the Mineral King 3 isn’t cheap. But it’s one of the least expensive tents we found that had no significant drawbacks and will truly cover your bases for three-season camping. The tent also comes with its own footprint, a groundsheet that protects the tent from abrasion, which we recommend that you have.

Weighing just 7 pounds, the tent is light enough to double for backpacking trips, especially if you divide the pieces among hikers.

Note: The Mineral King 3 was the only tent in our test group free of fire-retardant chemicals. That means it’s less likely to contain potentially hazardous materials, but it is also less fireproof than tents coated in flame retardants. As always, it’s a good idea to pitch your tent far away from any open fires.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Our only quibble with the Mineral King 3 is that it comes with only six stakes. (Our runner-up pick comes with eight.) Six is enough to secure the tent and fly but not to fully secure the tent’s extra lines in very windy conditions. This shouldn’t be an issue in most situations, but if you’re headed into a particularly windy place or simply want some backup, we suggest picking up four extra tent stakes at your local outdoor shop or online. These inexpensive stakes are comparable to the ones that accompany the Mineral King 3; these slightly more expensive stakes will serve you well in any car-camping terrain.

Claimed weight (including fly, tent poles, and carry bag): 7 pounds 1.2 ounces

Claimed packed size: 25 by 7 inches

Number of doors: two

Number of vestibules: two

Maximum interior height: 48 inches

Tent floor area: 42.5 square feet

Footprint included: yes

After researching 30 six-person tents and testing 15 side by side on a total of five trips, we chose the Kelty Wireless 6 as the best entry-level camping tent for most families. It’s spacious, easy to set up, has weather protection, and is durable, all at an affordable price. The Wireless 6 lacks some of the premium materials found in pricier tents, but it features solid workmanship and should provide dependable, comfortable shelter in most three-season camping situations.

Like our couples’ tent pick , the Wireless 6 is a dome-shaped tent with a tried and true two-pole design. It has an interior footprint of 87 square feet, which sleeps four adults on single pads, or two adults and two or three children, and can accommodate a crib. It has two large doors, and a peak height of 6-foot-3. That wasn’t the tallest we encountered—the Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 and the Alps Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 each topped out at 7 feet—but it’s enough space for most adults to maneuver standing up. The tent comes with a full rain fly that adds two vestibules for storage (each 14 square feet), totaling 115 square feet of livable space—which is fairly generous yet still practical for most campsites.

The Wireless 6 goes up easily, using the same kind of intuitive pole and clip method as our couples’ pick. The fly is equally simple to attach and orient with color-coded clips. A single person can pitch the tent in 10 to 15 minutes. (Users under 5-foot-5 may need some help fastening the highest clip. At 5-foot-3, Claire managed with a little hop.) Instead of grommets or keys, reinforced fabric sleeves hold the tent-pole ends, a particularly thoughtful feature that suits the tent’s budget fiberglass-and-steel poles. This type of pole tends to be less flexible and bulkier than pricier aluminum, and it can be a pain to handle.

Like most dome-style tents, the Wireless 6 withstands wind like a champ—it fared noticeably better than the Camp Creek 6 in 15-mph gusts. The continuous curve of the dome shape allows for wind to pass over and around it. You can also get a nice cross breeze going by leaving the vestibules open. On sunny days and clear nights, take off the fly and enjoy the sky through the tent’s clear mesh canopy. Some testers, though, thought the tent was stuffy when the fly was fully closed and the sun was out.

The Wireless 6 kept us dry in everything from scattered showers to serious downpours. As always, the vestibule is useful in rain: It gives you extra breathing room and a place to store boots—or tired feet still wearing boots.

The Wireless 6’s drawbacks have mainly to do with material quality. First, it uses fiberglass poles. These can be as strong, or even more so, than aluminum poles (especially cheap ones), but they’re always bulkier, heavier, and not as nice to handle. However, the Wireless 6’s poles were the best fiberglass ones we tested—they left no splinters, unlike those on the Camp Creek 6 or the Copper Canyon LX 6.

Though the Wireless’s fly kept water out of the tent’s interior, it took longer to fully dry once the rain stopped than some others we tested. It uses a 1200mm waterproof coating on 68 denier fabric, which didn’t seem to bead as well as higher-rated fabrics, such as those on the The North Face Wawona 6 or the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 (each of those have 1500mm coatings). If you don’t have time to let the fly dry before you pack the Wireless in its duffle, we recommend laying it out when you get home so it doesn't mildew in storage.

We were not particularly impressed by the quality of the Wireless 6’s stakes: They felt light, and two of the eight bent during our testing. The Wireless 6 also doesn’t come with a footprint, so you’ll have to purchase or make that separately. But to be fair, only one six-person tent we tested comes with a footprint, and that tent costs $950!

Claimed weight (including fly and tent poles): 17 pounds 3 ounces

Claimed packed size: 27 by 8 inches

Maximum interior height: 76 inches

Tent floor area: 86.9 square feet

Footprint included: no

If the Mineral King 3 is out of stock, or if you’d like a slightly larger tent, we recommend the Marmot Tungsten 4 . The Tungsten 4 shares many of the Mineral King 3’s best features, and provides 10 square feet of additional living space as well as excellent weather protection—as long as you set it up properly. Like our top pick, the Tungsten 4 is a sturdy, two-door dome-style tent that can be deployed in about 5 minutes. It uses high-quality materials such as aluminum poles, breathable mesh, and water-resistant polyester fabric, and it comes with a full fly and a footprint. The Tungsten 4’s larger size accounts for the higher price tag (about $40 more), but campers who would like that extra room may find the expense worthwhile.

The Mineral King 3 and the Tungsten 4 have similar shapes, and their pitching process is nearly identical, except that the Tungsten 4 uses two brow poles instead of one. Both tents feature pre-connected poles, and they use the same clipping method to attach the tent body. Marmot provides color-coded buckles to help users orient the Tungsten’s fly, a feature the Mineral King 3 lacks.

Like the Mineral King 3, the Tungsten 4 has a mesh canopy, though the opaque polyester part of its walls go higher, and provide more privacy, than the Mineral King’s. Its tape-seamed bathtub floor and fly had no problem handling rain. The Tungsten’s fly is not adaptable in the same way the Mineral King 3’s is, but it is treated for extra UV protection, which should help lengthen the tent’s lifespan.

In terms of how the two tents feel, the Marmot Tungsten 4 is more geared toward hunkering down and providing stalwart defense against wind, rain, and sun. In contrast to the Mineral King 3’s triangular vestibules, the Tungsten 4’s vestibules are trapezoidal, opening via a central door with protected areas on either side. This design does a better job shielding the tent from incoming—and sideways—wind and rain. The Tungsten’s two brow poles create an especially effective awning over the tent door, so very little water gets in when someone comes or goes.

Marmot uses color coding smartly to help you position the tent as well as set it up. Both of the doors zip open to the side that’s color-coded blue, as opposed to zipping open to opposite sides. This means the vestibules equally protect the doors, rather than providing opposite entries and exits—the latter creates a situation where, in stormy weather, one side of the tent is always more exposed to blustering wind or rain. In other words, one partner—or one partner’s gear—is always going to get a dose of weather when they head out. The Tungsten 4 design equalizes exposure and protection.

In the current version of the Marmot Tungsten 4, we did notice a weakness in the tent’s pole design absent in earlier versions of the tent: The pre-bent joints seem sensitive to the wind. Here's what we observed. Without the fly, the tent’s poles were stable in windy condition. With the added weight of the fly, the poles sometimes twisted, causing the tent to accordion inward and lose its shape wherever it was most exposed. If we Velcroed the fly directly to the poles in these areas—as the directions say to—the tent regained its structural integrity. We suspect that the bends in the current Tungsten’s poles, which are lower to the ground than in the Mineral King 3’s poles, are too acute. (Neither the Mineral King 3 nor any straight-poled dome tent we tested collapsed in this way.) Also, like the Mineral King 3, this tent is short on stakes. Ideally, Marmot would provide another six, in addition to the eight that come with it.

Like our top pick, the Tungsten 4 comes with a footprint. Unlike our top pick, the Tungsten 4 is coated with flame retardants.

Claimed minimum weight (including fly and tent poles): 7 pounds 15 ounces

Claimed packed size: 24.8 by 8.3 inches

Maximum interior height: 52 inches

Tent floor area: 52.7 square feet

The square footprint, ample windows, and functional fly of the Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent make it a good choice for occasional or backyard campers who want an inexpensive tent that is easy to put up, and looks and feels reasonably nice to camp in.

Unlike some cheap tents we’ve tested over the years, the Coleman Sundome has a simple shape and pole design that should be easy for even inexperienced campers to figure out. The base is a square: Two identical fiberglass poles feed through sleeves on the tent roof to form an X. Pegs at the corners of the tent slip into the ends of the poles, and then the dome-shaped tent pops up (video) .

The separate fly, which covers the upper half of the tent, uses a third, shorter “brow” pole to form protective peaks over the door and the back window. In our tests, an experienced camper took only about six minutes on the first try to set up the tent body alone and stake it out. Getting the fly placed and staked properly took about five more minutes. That’s pretty fast.

Measuring 10 by 10 feet, the Sundome covers an area larger than that of our family-tent top pick though its lower roof leaves it with less headroom. (The Sundome’s center height is exactly six feet, while the Wireless 6 and The North Face Wawona 6 each reach six-foot-four.) The Sundome has only one door, which can be inconvenient, especially for someone trying to slip out of the tent without waking anyone.

Like the REI Co-op Base Camp tents , the Sundome combines high polyester walls with mesh higher up to facilitate stargazing, should you use the tent without the fly, without sacrificing privacy (two of the four walls have mesh from about thigh height up to the roof). That mesh also keeps the tent feeling airy and cool in hot climates.

The biggest material difference between the Sundome and our other picks is its crunchy, tarp-like polyethylene floor. The other tents in this guide all have bathtub-style tape-seamed polyester floors, which is the standard among high-quality tents. The Sundome’s tarp is clearly a budget material, but for what it was, we found it user-friendly. It’s easy to mop up after wet paws and spills, and it doesn’t hold moisture. It’s unlikely to be as durable, though, as the softer, stronger polyester found in our other picks.

Coleman makes no dedicated footprints for its tents—the idea being that the polyethylene is tough enough not to need one. (Still, we suggest that you buy a groundsheet.) The tent has two small, internal pockets—fewer than on any of our other picks—and a loop at the ceiling center to hang a small, lightweight light. It also comes with a little doormat. The tent weighs just 16 pounds, less than any other family tent we tested for this guide.

Although our test tent lasted through two moderate showers with no leaking, be aware that a couple of Amazon buyers have experienced leaking in rainstorms and poles breaking in high winds . When it comes to tents, you tend to get pretty close to what you pay for. If you’re likely to be camping in downpours or high winds, don’t rely on a sub-$150 tent.

Claimed weight (including fly and tent poles): 16 pounds

Claimed packed size: 23.89 by 6.22 inches

Number of doors: one

Number of vestibules: none

Maximum interior height: 72 inches

Tent floor area: 100 square feet

If you can afford to spend more on a family tent, we recommend The North Face Wawona 6 . Everyone who tested this tent loved it, and it’s not hard to understand why. With plenty of interior space, near-vertical walls, and a gigantic vestibule that could accommodate a golf cart, the Wawona feels more like a tiny home than a tent.

At $500, this modified dome-style tent isn’t cheap, but it represents substantial value. Many tents with similar profiles—such as the Big Agnes Dog House 6 —either cost more or require you buy the tent body and attachable vestibule separately. The Wawona doesn’t come with a footprint—few tents this size do—but it’s otherwise all-inclusive, and it is compact considering how much livable space you get. The price also reflects the high quality of the materials, such as the four reinforced aluminum poles, which weigh little yet result in a remarkably strong tent.

The Wawona 6 is more complex to set up than a classic dome-style tent like the Wireless 6, but not by much. We recommend doing it with two people, but one person can manage in about 15 minutes. As with any free-standing tent, with this one you stake out the four corners, and then you feed the two main tent poles through the Wawona’s fabric sleeves, which go halfway down the tent’s body. The North Face’s color-coded poles make this process easy to navigate. Orienting the fly took us a minute on our first try. (We were stubborn and didn’t look at the instructions.) Once you identify the front and back, the process is straightforward. The fly goes up and over the tent body, covering only the upper half of the mesh dome, and then forms the glorious vestibule with the aid of a third pole. Use the extra stakes and guy-lines provided to stabilize the vestibule as much as you need.

Once you set up the Wawona 6, you may not want to leave. Adults as tall as 6-foot-3 can move about this tent standing upright. With a 44-square-foot vestibule, and 86 square feet of interior living space, the tent has plenty of room to house beds, cribs, gear, pets, and camping furniture. Zippered doors can enclose the vestibule fully, so it serves as a separate room for the tent, or you can leave one or both open, so the vestibule can act like a porch or mudroom. The main tent body has a giant front door that’s oriented to make entry and exit easy for all the tent’s occupants at night, and a smaller back window that doubles as a second door.

The Wawona 6’s side-walls are high and straight, but the structure stays very stable in wind thanks to a final pole that wraps around the front and sides—and thanks to the absence of any acute angles in the poles. We were skeptical about the vestibule’s ability to handle wind, since it’s big and supported by a single pole, but it stood fast in 30 mph oceanside gusts and 15 mph hilltop winds.

The Wawona did equally well in rain. Its walls are 75-denier polyester fabric (tougher than the Wireless 6 ’s 68-denier polyester and the same as the REI Co-op Base Camp ’s) that extends about two-thirds up the tent’s sides, and then is topped with mesh. The partial fly does a great job of keeping rain out of the upper, mesh areas, and cleverly placed vents maintain airflow so it never feels too stuffy. (You can also roll up the fly on the two sides to expose the mesh and let in more light.) Thanks to the high opaque walls, users have the privacy to change standing upright and plenty of storage options to stash their gear, including ceiling pockets and a three-pocket back window organizer.

The Wawona 6 uses no flame retardants. This is great for avoiding potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, but you should pitch the tent well away from any open flames.

In terms of flaws, there aren’t much to speak of with the Wawona 6, apart from the price. The North Face offers a limited lifetime warranty on the tent, and will repair most flaws and damage at its discretion.

Some campers might find the Wawona 6’s footprint unwieldy in smaller campsites, or they might simply prefer a tent with a more straightforward design. If you want a six-person tent made with high-quality materials but a traditional profile, we recommend the similarly priced Big Agnes Spicer Peak 6, or Nemo’s Aurora Highrise 6 . MSR’s Habitude 6 is also a good tent, but it costs about $200 more. Unfortunately, you have to buy a separate groundsheet for the Wawona 6 and for most other tents its size as well.

Claimed weight (including fly and tent poles): 20 pounds 5 ounces

Claimed packed size: 32 by 10 inches

Number of vestibules: one

Tent floor area: 86.11 square feet

If you’re a more heavy-duty camper heading into an area with unpredictable weather and can afford to spend a bit more, the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent (for two people) and the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent (for families) are both excellent choices. After many hours of testing, we found that the Base Camps’ reinforced four-pole structure and ultra-spacious interior and vestibules made them the most sturdy, flexible, and reliable models in our test group. (Unlike with our top and runner-up picks for couples, however, you do have to purchase a footprint for your Base Camp 4 tent separately, as well as for the Base Camp 6. REI makes dedicated ones for both the Base Camp 4 and the Base Camp 6 . We recommend that you buy one to protect your tent’s floor.)

Superior vestibule space helped both the Base Camp 4 and the Base Camp 6 rise to the top of their respective test groups. On the Base Camp 4, the two vestibules (front and rear) add up to 44 square feet (the area of the tent itself is 60 square feet). That’s the most of any couples’ tents we tested. As for the Base Camp 6, the vestibule area covered by its front fly and rear fly is also 44 square feet (the interior measures 84 square feet). Only one six-person tent we tested had a larger vestibule: the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 . (The Big Agnes Big House 6 and the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 also have large vestibules, but you must purchase them separately, for an extra $200 and $125, respectively.)

The Base Camp tents include a low side vent and multiple stuff pockets on the walls and ceiling, which are made of 75D polyester treated with 1500mm of polyurethane waterproofing. Note that these tents are strictly meant for car camping; the Base Camp 4 and the Base Camp 6 weigh 16 and 21 pounds, respectively, so you won’t want to carry either one very far. Both come with storage sacks that you sling over one shoulder.

Both Base Camp tents have two doors and lots of mesh in the main tent body. But unlike the Mineral King 3 and the Tungsten 4, the mesh on each Base Camp tent starts high on the walls—more than 4 feet from the ground. This design is a big plus for people who regularly camp in crowded campgrounds and don’t like to get naked in front of strangers. And you can unzip the front door, remove it, and neatly stash it into one of the tent’s internal pockets—a useful feature if you’re feeling sociable.

The geodesic structure of the Base Camp tents is built to withstand wind and rain. It has two main that thread through sleeves, stretching between the four corners of the tent. Generally, we like clip-on designs better, since those are easier to put together, but in the case of the Base Camp models, the sleeves add extra tension and stability throughout the tent fabric. There are also two poles that arch over each doorway and down the sides of the tent to add extra shape and support; these attach to the tent body with clips. The rain fly has an additional tent pole, too, to support the vestibule. Overall, these poles—all of them aluminum—contribute to a particularly sturdy structure, with or without the rain fly. During our testing, our Base Camp shrugged off both a rainstorm and a desert windstorm as if they were nothing. Despite losing some headroom in comparison with the Kelty Wireless 6 and The North Face Wawona 6 , both of which measure six-foot-four in height, the Base Camp 6 offers a substantial six-foot-two.

If anything happens to your Base Camp, REI’s warranty and replacement program has an impressive reputation. Kit lived in the 2013 version of the larger Base Camp 6 for seven months, and it stayed up the entire time, with the tent poles under constant tension—that is, until two of the poles snapped within a week of each other. After a short phone call, REI offered Kit a full replacement. (This was before Kit started reviewing tents for Wirecutter, so REI didn’t know who he was.)

Base Camp 4:

Claimed weight (including fly and tent poles): 16 pounds 14 ounces

Claimed packed size: 20 by 10 inches

Maximum interior height: 60 inches

Tent floor area: 59.7 square feet

Base Camp 6:

Claimed weight (including fly and tent poles): 20 pounds 10 ounces

Claimed packed size: 24 by 11 inches

Maximum interior height: 74 inches

Tent floor area: 84 square feet

Tents for couples (that is, four-person tents)

If you need to save money and don’t need two doors: Try the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 . When we first tested tents in 2016, the Grand Mesa was one of the few tents with a large mesh canopy. As this design became more common, the Kelty tent became less unusual and ultimately couldn’t compete  two-door models, which are more convenient for couples and have better ventilation. We think our top pick is a more well-rounded choice, but if you’re looking for a reasonably priced tent that’s just as easy to pitch, and you’re not fussed about having two doors, the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 is a good choice. It comes with a full rain fly but no footprint.

Tents for families (that is, six-person tents)

If the Coleman Sundome 6 is out of stock: Try the Core 6 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent . Core Equipment is a relatively new company, popular on Amazon, whose products seem designed to compete directly with products from Coleman, an outdoor legacy brand that has been around 1900. We tested Core’s basic six-person dome-style and cabin-style tents, and each performed as well as the Coleman tent did. (The Core 6 Person Dome Tent that we tested has since been replaced by Core’s 6 Person Dome Plus Tent , which we plan to take a look at.) We can’t yet speak for the long-term durability of the tent—or the company—which is why we’re not making it our budget pick, but we’ll continue testing it.

If the Wireless 6 is out of stock or you’re camping in fair weather and prefer more indoor space: Try the Big Agnes Dog House 6 . Although technically a dome tent like the Wireless 6, the Dog House 6 has walls that are more vertical, and more head and shoulder space as well—its peak height is 80 inches, taller than any of our picks. It also was the most affordable family tent we tested to use high-quality aluminum poles. So why is it not our top pick? Well, the Dog House 6 lacks a full fly and has no vestibule space.  Instead, it comes with a pre-attached, non-removable cap fly, and short awnings that don’t do much to protect the entry. We weren’t psyched to be in this tent even in light rain or when the wind picked up significantly.

If The North Face Wawona 6 is out of stock: Try the Big Agnes Spicer Peak 6 or the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 . Both of these tents are well-structured, dome-style tents with high-quality workmanship and design. We preferred the single huge vestibule of the Wawona 6 to the smaller front and back vestibules on these two tents, but either tent would be a good runner-up. Both contain about 83 square feet of space, but the Aurora has more of a bread-loaf shape with two big doors running lengthwise—great for kids who want to run in and out—and a peak height of six-foot-five, while the Spicer Peak has doors at the narrower ends, and a peak height of six-foot-eight.

For longer stays or families with older kids: Try the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 . This is the redesign of REI Co-op’s beloved Kingdom 6 tent, which was a favorite among many family campers, including Wirecutter’s deputy editor Christine Cyr Clisset. Like the old Kingdom, the Wonderland is a delightful wagon-shaped tent with two round doors on either end. It has a massive interior, and comes with a room divider for privacy, good for families with older kids. REI Co-op changed the Wonderland’s pole design to increase its stability in wind, a weakness of the old Kingdom. We don’t yet know how well it stands up over time, but it handled 35 mph winds on the North Shore of Oahu without a problem. The tent has a partial fly and lots of interior storage, but no vestibule—and it costs a hefty $600. You can purchase an attachable mudroom for an additional $125; this substantially increases the footprint of an already large tent if you’re headed to a campsite with limited space.

If you want something that goes up instantly: Try the Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin , which, thanks to telescoping, pre-attached poles, goes up and comes down much faster (in less than two minutes) than any other tent we tested. It also has no standalone fly, instead relying on a solid roof, which helps make setup easier. The drawback here is that this tent offers less protection from the elements and does less to reduce condensation than models with a separate fly. Although we were impressed by the Instant Cabin’s ease of setup, we thought that it was darker and less well ventilated than the Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent.

The North Face Wawona 4 , which we used to list in our Other Good Tents section, has been redesigned; it's now made of polyester, not nylon. We’ll take another look at it soon.

We’ve tested (and recommended) Eureka tents in past versions of this guide. In October 2023, Eureka’s parent company, Johnson Outdoors, announced that it was discontinuing the Eureka brand . The product line, including its tents, should remain available through the end of 2024.

Alps Mountaineering Meramac 4-Person : Though this tent was sturdy (its poles were much heavier and of better quality than some of the other fiberglass poles we saw), it has no vestibule, and it didn’t offer as good ventilation as our picks when fully closed.

Eureka Kohana 4 Person Tent : The poles were finicky to insert and left the tent looking decidedly off-kilter.

Sierra Designs Tabernash 4 : We had high hopes for this $150 tent, but the pole (once again, a fiberglass-and-steel design) meant to frame the Tabernash’s doorway and vestibule kept jumping out of its grommet, repeatedly collapsing the only point of entry.

Stoic Madrone 4 Tent : Although the Madrone 4 features lots of fun colors, it didn’t quite match similar tents in its price range in the overall quality of its construction and design.

Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent : The Pop-Up Tent is packed into a 3-foot-wide carrying case that, when opened, shoots the tent forth like a snake-in-a-can gag gift. Presto—there’s your tent. The only problem is that it’s not a very good tent—only for backyard duty at best. Also, packing the tent back up is a nightmare.

Big Agnes Big House 4 : This is a cabin-style tent that we tested as a control; we wanted to know whether a dome-style tent was really better than a cabin-style tent for two people. Though this tent offered a little more livable space, the broad, flat walls had some trouble during high winds.

Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent : We recommend this tent in its six-person design, but the four-person model we tested was too weak to support itself when subjected to even mild wind or rain.

We dismissed several tents because their fiberglass poles were too flimsy to offer support against anything but the lightest breeze: the Amazon Basics Outdoor 4-Person Camping Tent , the Coleman Hooligan 4-Person Backpacking Tent , and the Eureka Tetragon HD 4 (it’s since been replaced by  the Tetragon NX , which has similar fiberglass poles).

REI Co-op Skyward 6 Tent: This did perform well overall for a cabin-style tent, but like many of its brethren, it didn’t handle wind well, and we didn’t like how much we had to wrestle its poles to dock them during setup.

ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 : This spacious cabin-style tent met its downfall the same way almost every other cabin-style tent we tested did—in wind. Its fiberglass-and-steel tent poles also left splinters in our palms.

MSR Habitude 6 : This pricey tent has some of the most impeccable workmanship and nicest materials we encountered, but it has only one door. Its red and turquoise color scheme also absorbs a lot of heat and feels overly intense, at least in warmer climates, and the tent lacked options for ventilation.

Mountain Hardwear Bridger 6 : What is a $950 six-person tent like? Quite nice, unsurprisingly. The Bridger 6 is the only six-person tent we encountered that can actually house six people, it’s made of high-quality polyester, and it has powder-coated aluminum poles and endless storage options. It features a large front-facing porch-style vestibule, which can accommodate a table and multiple chairs without blocking the entry. It was also the only six-person tent we saw that came with a groundsheet. But the tent’s striking sea-foam green walls show every scuff and mark—not in the least practical for camping with kids. When we pitched the tent alongside our upgrade pick, we still gravitated to the Wawona’s more versatile vestibule. Also, $950.

Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 Person Tent : This tent was our family-camping pick for a long time, and served Wirecutter editor Kalee Thompson’s family well during many camping trips in California. It’s a spacious, robust tent for fair-weather camping, but its windows let in wind and rain in less temperate climates.

Eureka Jade Canyon 6 Person Tent: In the severe gusts of a windstorm, one of the Jade Canyon’s aluminum poles bent badly, while a couple of other poles bent slightly but remained functional. (Eureka will replace poles for around $10 each.) We also had an issue with two of the Jade Canyon’s poles sticking together at takedown and making it impossible to get the whole tent back in the already-way-too-snug carrying bag. (The Jade Canyon 6 has since been replaced by the Jade Canyon X6 Person Tent , which has similar poles.)

Big Agnes Big House 6 : Although we liked the look and feel of this brightly colored tent, it costs $600 and the vestibule is a separate purchase ($200), making the full package significantly more pricey than our family-tent picks.

Cabela’s West Wind 6-Person Dome Tent : This tent has a more complicated design than many other six-person models. Our testers struggled for well over half an hour to get it up, eventually attracting the attention of other campers, who came to their rescue.

We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate the lifespan of their tents. When pushed, most of the reps we talked to estimated five to 10 years, though the actual lifespan will vary widely depending on care and frequency of use (for more advice, read REI’s excellent tips ). In conducting research for this guide, we heard multiple tales of careful campers who had been using the same tent for 15 years or more.

There are several straightforward ways to make any tent last longer:

• Use a groundsheet. A footprint made by the same company that made your tent and that’s sized to match is ideal to prevent pooling water—and to avoid the wrinkles and crumply sound of a cheap, $10 tarp. That said, a cheap tarp will do the job just fine, as long as you buy it or cut it to fit. A tarp that’s too big will collect rainwater off the fly and funnel it right under the tent.
• Clean your campsite. Before you lay out your footprint and tent, make a reasonable effort to remove from the site any small stones, sticks, and briars that could puncture the tent floor.
• Set some ground rules. “Your tent is your sanctuary,” said camping expert Helen Olsson, who would always bring a “play tent” (an old, two-person backpacking tent) for her little kids to use as a daytime play space. When they were in the “real” tent, everyone followed Olsson’s “no shoes in the tent” rule.
• Zip it up. Similarly, keep your tent zipped to keep bugs and critters out, and become a pro zipper user: A thumb placed in the area forward of the direction you’re pulling the zipper will clear the fabric path and help prevent snags.
• Sweep out before packing. Tiny pebbles or sticks packed inside the tent can rub and erode the material over time. Another nice thing about tents that retain their structure without being staked is that a couple of people should be able to team up to lift the tent and shake out detritus before removing the poles and putting the tent away. You could also follow the lead of some campers and carry a small whisk broom and dustpan to keep the tent floor tidy during your trip.
• Dry before storing. “Nothing will destroy a tent faster than mildew,” tent designer Bob Howe told us. “And if it doesn’t destroy it, it just makes it unlivable.” To avoid mildew (and the accompanying stink), never, ever pack away a tent that’s still damp. Line-dry it, hang it up in your basement, or set it up in your garage until any hint of dampness is gone.

This article was edited by Eve O’Neill and Christine Ryan.

Bob Howe, tent designer , phone interview , March 10, 2016

Helen Olsson, author of The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids , phone interview , March 10, 2016

Ryan Flynn, salesperson for Johnson Outdoors, parent company of Eureka , phone interview , March 7, 2016

Campmor Tent FAQs , Campmor

MSR Tents Frequently Asked Questions , Mountain Safety Research (MSR)

Tent Fabrics Part 1: Fabric Specs , Mountain Safety Research (MSR) , November 16, 2015

Tent Fabrics Part 2: Waterproof Ratings , Mountain Safety Research (MSR) , November 22, 2015

Compare Camping Tents , GearLab

Meet your guides

Claire Wilcox

Claire Wilcox contributes outdoors coverage to Wirecutter. An avid swimmer, surfer, hiker, and camper, she currently lives on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where she can be found, as much as possible, in water.

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Kalee Thompson

Kalee Thompson is the senior editor heading up the team responsible for health, fitness, baby, and kid coverage at Wirecutter. She has previously been a writer on the emergency prep and outdoor beats and is the author of two non-fiction books: Deadliest Sea and The Border Within .

Further reading

What to Pack for Camping Trips With Kids

by Kalee Thompson

Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.

The Best Canopy Tent for Camping and Picnics

The easy-to-set-up REI Co-op Screen House Shelter is our canopy tent pick, with good sun and insect protection and a bright, roomy feel.

How to Clean a Smelly Camping Tent

by Elissa Sanci

Here’s what you need to hand-wash your tent and fight the funk that builds up after a long time in storage—and what to avoid (like top-loader washing machines).

Keep Your Tent Out of the Sun (And More Tips to Make Your Tent Last)

A good tent is one of the most important pieces of camping equipment you’ll buy. Here’s how to make it last for years.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Tents for Campers, Backpackers, and Families

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best for Car Camping Coleman Dome with Screen Room (6-Person) Read more

Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent REI Half Dome SL 2+ (2-Person) Read more

Best Outdoor Palace Snow Peak Land Nest Medium Tent Tarp Set Read more

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent Big Agnes Copper Spur (2-Person) Read more

Camping is intense! No, really. If you're going camping, you will probably be in a tent. Hammock lovers might disagree—and we love sleeping under the stars when weather permits—but most of the time, finding and preparing adequate shelter for yourself, your family, or your pets is a nonnegotiable step toward being comfy in the great outdoors. There are as many kinds of tents as there are ways to go camping, and they range widely in price and features. To help you figure out the best tent for your next adventure, we've pooled our favorites from years of testing—whether you're getting away for the weekend with the family or soloing Denali.

Be sure to check out our other buying guides , including the Best Rain Jackets , Best Hiking Gear , Best Camping Gear , and Best Barefoot Shoes .

Updated March 2024: We've added Nemo Equipment's new Mayfly Osmo Tent, along with a new section on tents to avoid, some more tent buying advice, and updated prices and links throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best for Car Camping

Stroll through any campground in America and you'll see plenty of these no-frills Coleman tents. For good reason—they're some of the best budget car camping tents around. They're reasonably cheap, available just about anywhere, and get the job done. They're all you need, especially if you're only camping for a week or two a year.

This budget tent is our top pick for newcomers and the experienced alike. It's easy to set up, provides good rain protection and three-season comfort, and the price doesn't break the bank. If you're not backpacking there's no reason to pay a premium for low trail weight or a tent that packs down impossibly small (the packed size on this one isn't bad, crammed down into the included stuff sack it’s about the size of your average collapsible camp chair).

If you forgo the extra vestibule with the bug screen, the Coleman Sundome Tent is even cheaper. But living in the southern United States, I really appreciate the bug barrier (and the extra room to stash stuff).

Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent

REI's Half Dome tent series has been a popular choice with backpackers for many years. It's still one of the best backpacking tents you can buy and we’ve toted it on many a backpacking trip. It's rugged, simple to set up, and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh (both fabrics are bluesign approved). It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes it easy to setup and take down.

The mesh design, when coupled with the rainfly and good staking, will stand up to storms and not roast you when camping in the midsummer heat. The dual doors with dual vestibules ensure you aren't climbing over your partner in the middle of the night. That said, the vestibules are on the small side—big enough for boots and an empty pack, but not much else.

The Half Dome isn't the lightest tent on this list (see the Copper Spur below), but with a packed weight just under 4 pounds, it's not too heavy when split between two people. I also like that the rainfly is symmetrical—there's no "front" and "back," and the vestibules are identical—which makes setup easier.

Best Outdoor Palace

Snow Peak makes achingly stylish outdoor gear. It’s an exclusive club with a hefty buy-in, but there’s no denying the quality. The tent-tarp set consists of two pieces, the Land Nest Dome Medium ($540) and a matching tarp. The tent is a compact, self-supporting dome, with light but strong steel poles that took minutes to pitch, with barely a glance at the instructions. It weighs in at 19 pounds (9 kilograms), and it has two entrances, a removable bedroom pod (ideal for two adults and two small kids), and impressive ventilation for warmer months. There’s no communal area ground sheet, but Snow Peak sells a footprint if needed.

The generously sized Tarp ($390) sits neatly over the porch of the tent to extend the living space. It puts other vestibules to shame with a massive amount of extra living space, but it does add 16 pounds (7 kilograms) to the total. In fair weather, the tarp setup is open, comfortable and envy-inducing. First time pitching it, however, we experienced seven hours of torrential rain and 47-mph gusts. Thanks to the heavy-duty pegs, the tarp performed admirably in the high winds. We did take it down at night, but only to avoid noise from flapping, rather than out of concern for structural integrity. Despite the howling gale, the tent itself was utterly dependable and durable. I highly recommend it. — Chris Haslam

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents. I've used both the two-person and four-person models over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that I have nothing left to complain about. This is a high quality, well-designed tent. We recently tried the updated one-person Copper Spur ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) and loved it. If you can afford it, this is one of the best tents on the market. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The Copper Spur is also very livable, with steep sidewalls to maximize interior space. Mesh pockets help with gear storage and give you a place to stick your headlamp for dispersed light. The ingenious “awning” design makes getting in and out a snap. All seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. They're also durable despite their lightweight fabrics, standing up to years of abuse on the trail.

My only criticism is that it can be a tight squeeze. For a long trip where your partner isn't your significant other, you might want to go with the next size up. The three-person could be a spacious, comfortable living space for two people with all their gear, and will still be lighter than most two-person tents. WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer owns this tent and has broken sections of the aluminum poles twice now. Make sure you bring a repair kit (after the fact, Big Agnes will replace your pole section for $5).

Best Bikepacking Tent

Bikepacking (that’s backpacking on a bike, for the uninitiated) means adventurous types can explore further without having to carry mountains of gear on their back, and brands like Big Agnes are now designing tents that have shorter pole lengths, enabling them to fit between drop handlebars, or in panniers.

My pick of the bunch is the superlight, super premium Copper Spur HV UL3. It weights just 3 lb, 11 oz ( 1.6 kilos), and it has enough space for two (a squeeze for three). It’s also available in lighter, smaller, one- and two-person options, all with twin vestibules and doors, hidden helmet storage, and external webbing for hanging out wet clothes. The superb DAC Featherlite NSL poles fold short and fit between drop handlebars, secured in place with heavy-duty clips, while the eco-sensitive process dyed ripstop nylon is strong and exceptionally light. Oddly for a bike-specific tent, you’ll need to carry hiking poles if you want to create two awnings, but in truth, this tent is equally good if you are adventuring on foot.

There’s a whole range of Big Agnes bike-specific tents , but I want to give a special mention to the hammock-style Gear Lofts ($20) , which create a huge stash space without cluttering up the tent floor.

For more tips, check out our full guide to the best bikepacking gear .

Best Family Tent

If you're camping with a family, let me make an argument for backcountry camping. Paddling out to a distant shore might be preferable to figuring out how to keep a rambunctious dog or toddler from annoying everyone around them in a campground. If you're headed away from the car, you want a sturdy, more reliable tent like this MSR.

The Habitude is strong and light. It fits easily on a canoe or paddleboard and is easy to set up—the design is simple and the poles are color-coded. There's plenty of floor space for sleeping pads and sleeping bags to keep two adults, two toddlers, and a large-ish dog warm at night. It also has storage pockets, places to hang lights, and a vestibule. The only major downside is that it doesn't get quite as much airflow as our other picks. But otherwise, this is a good option if your family is ready to move past car camping but not quite prepared to snap the handles off everyone's toothbrushes and go full-on ultralight. —Adrienne So

Best Super-Sturdy Backcountry Tent

Nemo's new Osmo fabric is the star of the show in the Dagger Osmo 3P ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). The new fabric resists sagging in wet weather, which means even when the rain is coming down, the fly is not. It's also nice that the Osmo nylon-polyester blend is made with 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns, with no flame-retardant chemicals or fluorinated water repellents (PFC and PFAS). Nemo is using this new fabric on all its backpacking tents.

While the new fabric does a great job, what I really love is how low to the ground (the peak height is 42 inches) and sturdy it is—it holds up really well in even in high winds (45 mph when I was testing). Pair the sturdiness with large, spacious vestibules and a roomy interior with excellent stargazing potential thanks to the mesh roof, and you have a great backcountry tent. There's plenty of room for three sleeping pads, and mesh pockets help keep little items from getting lost. The color-coded poles make setup a snap. The only real downside is the weight. I find 4 pounds fine when split between two people, but the ultralight-obsessed will likely prefer Nemo’s Hornet or Dragonfly tents.

Best for Lots of Gear

Do you go all-out when you go out? No one at our group campsite could believe the size of our Bridger 6, especially since it packs down to around the same size as our 4-person MSR Habitude . Even though the assembly is pretty simple and fast, I am just a little too short at 5'2" to be able to manage it alone and needed to rope in my 5'10" husband. If you set up the multiple vestibules, the footprint also becomes a bafflingly big 18 feet deep. We did fit it on a backcountry site between some trees, but it took some trial and error.

Once it’s set up, though, it’s worth it. The tent floor area is a whopping 90 square feet, big enough to fit two air mattresses if Dad is tired of always being forced to sleep on the floor. The enormous vestibule is another 90 square feet, which is big enough to fit multiple mountain bikes. There’s all the interior storage you could possibly want, including guy lines to hang your wet clothes for when you’re swimming in the lake and forgot to bring your clothesline, as I always do. The full-coverage fly kept us pretty warm while camping with 40-degree nights, but there are also two saloon doors. On lazy days, there’s plenty of room to roll up the doors, admire the lake in front of you, and take a nap. It would also make a good base camp center if you have a bunch of kids that want to hang out in the heat of the day. — Adrienne So

Best Budget Ultralight Tent

Nemo Equipment’s new Mayfly Osmo two- and three-person tents are everything you’d expect from Nemo—solidly built, cleverly designed, with weather resistance and durability in mind. I tested the Mayfly two-person, which has a trail weight of 3 pounds, 8 ounces. A little heavier than the Copper Spur above, but still pretty light when split between two people.

To save on weight, the Mayfly uses a semi-freestanding design, which means there are fewer poles, but you have to stake out or otherwise secure the foot-end of the tent. Two sewn-in ridged stays help ensure there’s plenty of room by your feet, but the Mayfly is on the tight side. Two sleeping pads fit and hikers under 6'4" will be fine, but if you’re not close with your hiking partner, the three-person model will be a better option.

The Mayfly has many internal pockets and storage options, as well as roomy vestibules with enough room for your pack. Like the Dagger, the dark mesh ceiling makes for good stargazing on clear, warm nights. The rainfly also uses the same Osmo fabric as the Dagger, giving you great weather protection without known toxic chemicals. If you’re looking for a great ultralight backpacking tent on a budget, the Mayfly Osmo delivers.

Best Lightweight Family Tent

The MSR Elixir 4 tent isn't quite as pricey as the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but it's not much heavier (just under 8 lbs versus just under 6 lbs for the Copper Spur 4-person ). I’ve used this with my three kids on several backpacking trips, and there was plenty of interior space for all of us. That said, three adults will be more comfortable than four.

The Elixer is a solidly built tent, made of quality materials—the 70D taffeta nylon floor has proved durable in my testing. There are three color-coded aluminum poles with corresponding color-coded clips, making it easy to set up. The side walls are steep thanks to the crossover pole, making the interior roomy, though the storage pockets up top are on the small side. The mesh at the top provides great ventilation on warm summer nights (and leaving off the rainfly gave my kids and me a great view of the stars at night).

There’s double vestibules with enough room to keep boots and other gear out of the weather, though cooking under the vestibule is cramped and tricky. On the whole though, this is one of the better hybrid front/backcountry tents available. I should note that a number of people on the MSR site has reported the fly delaminating or tearing. I have not had that issue, but it’s something to be aware of.

For Going Solo

Sea to Summit's ultralight Alto ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is designed to keep weight down on your solo adventures. WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer recently took one to Hawaii, where he notes that despite the mere 33-ounce weight, it held up on the abrasive volcanic rock and high winds of the north shore on the Big Island and Kauai. The top's zippered vent should probably have mesh to keep the bugs from flying in between the tent’s inner and outer walls, but let's be honest—bugs will probably get in there anyway. You can use a tiny zipper to open and close the vent without leaving the tent. This tent and the Telos ($599) are Sea to Summit’s first tents, but the company nailed it. There's also a two-person TR2 model ($549) if you like the design but need more room.

Best Pop-Up Tent

We're not saying Decathlon is lying, but if you can get this tent up in two seconds, you're doing better than we are. That said, it sets up plenty fast, far faster than anything else in this guide. It's freestanding, although for maximum ventilation you'll want to use the side guy ropes, which help open up some space for air to flow.

Aside from the quick and easy setup, what makes the Quechua special is the black fabric, which gets you pretty close to darkness even in broad daylight. That makes it a good choice for festivals or a day at the beach, or anywhere you want to take a nap or just get out of the sun for a while.

Tents to Avoid

Not every tent makes the cut, here are a few we suggest you avoid.

• MSR Habiscape 4 : On paper this is a fine tent. In practice … The stuff sack carrying case is awkward and doesn’t stay closed, since it cinches up with a poor-quality drawstring. The color-coding is difficult to figure out, making setup a bit annoying no matter how many times you do it. The biggest flaw, though, is marketed as a feature: There’s a pass-through pocket near the main door. You can pass items through the wall without wrestling open the door. Sounds good, but the pass-through pocket doesn’t have a zipper or a way to seal it up. MSR says the pocket is bug-proof. It is not. Every single time I’ve camped in this tent, I’ve woken up to bugs in the pocket and in my tent. The tent does have excellent ventilation and nifty ceiling loops for lantern-hanging, and the interior is roomy. It’s just also full of daddy longlegs. Consider yourself warned. — Louryn Strampe
• Inflatable Tents: They aren't all bad. In fact there are some upsides—easy to setup, stable in high winds—but they're expensive, heavy, and very bulky, often taking up most of your trunk, which leaves little room for that nice cooler and fancy new camp stove . Still, if you're a dedicated car camper looking for a dead simple tent, it might be worth checking out inflatable options.

How to Pick the Perfect Tent

There are hundreds of tents out there. If none of our top picks quite works for you, here are a few things to consider while doing your own research.

Know how you plan to use your tent. Are you a car camper? Backpacker? Bike packer? All of the above? If you're primarily headed to established campgrounds, there's no need for an expensive ultralight tent. By the same token, if you're not happy until the trail head is 20 miles behind you, it might be worth sacrificing living space to save weight. The unfortunate truth is that there are very few tents that work well in the backcountry and the campground. It's often worth buying a good backcountry tent and something cheap for campgrounds to spare your expensive tent the added wear and tear.

Keep the weather in mind. “Three-season” or “four-season” usually refers to how much ventilation (that is, mesh) the tent has. A three-season tent will offer better ventilation but will have a harder time retaining heat. For most people, a three-season tent is fine. But if you're planning to snowshoe into the backcountry, or if you live in northern climes and want some protection against the occasional early or late winter squall, then a four-season tent might be appropriate.

What specs are important?

• Floor space: We look at all the dimensions, rather than the four-person or six-person designations. Those tend to assume that all campers are pint-sized people. Remember that you will probably want to keep spare clothes or a backpack in the tent itself and that you need it to be long enough to stretch out comfortably for your height. Be aware, though, that there are some restrictions on tent size; be sure to check out the regulations at the campground you're planning to visit.
• Headroom: Can you stand up in the tent? How steep are the walls? The steeper the side walls the better, since that gives you more space to move around.
• Storage areas: Are there plenty of pockets to stash your smaller items? The more mesh pockets the merrier, especially higher pockets that won't reduce sleeping space. We love corner pockets for stashing headlamps to give the tent a nice even light to read by.
• Vestibule: Does it have one? Two? Is it big enough to store boots and other gear that you want to stay dry but don't want to have in the tent with you? If you're backpacking, is it big enough to safely cook under?
• A footprint. What kind of tent, in the year 2024, doesn’t come with a footprint? Quite a few it turns out. We suggest them in most cases, so you'll want to factor in the added cost if the tent you're interested in doesn't have one.
• Materials: These days, most tents are made from nylon that's coated in polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic to help it shed water. Most, but not all, tents come seam-sealed so water doesn't leak in, but if yours isn't, REI has a great guide to doing it yourself . We also like to look for more eco-friendly, possibly healthier fabrics that have certifications like bluesign .

How Heavy Should a Backpacking Tent Be?

Is a 6-pound tent too heavy for backpacking? How about 5 pounds? Four? The answer is that it depends how much everything else you're carrying weighs, but a good rule of thumb is that your tent should weigh about 2.5 pounds per person on the trip. So for two people, a 5-pound tent would be fine. Split the weight by having one person carry the tent and stakes while the other carries the poles and rain fly. That said, obviously a 4-pound tent is going to be even lighter divided like this. If you can afford it, go with the lighter tent, your back will thank you. It also may well be possible to shave some weight off the rest of your backpacking kit, thus making a 6-pound tent acceptable so long as you split the weight with your partner.

Less weight means more money. This isn't always true, but unfortunately, it usually is. If you want to go ultralight, you're going to have to spend more. But before you fork over the big bucks, ask yourself: Do I really care about saving 6 ounces? Are you going to notice those 6 ounces at the end of a 20-mile day? If the answer is yes, then rejoice. There is an internet subculture of people who obsess over saving ounces. The r/ultralight Reddit is a good place to start your research.

How We Tested Camping Tents

It was intense! Sorry. But sometimes it really was. We test tents individually in most cases, taking them on real trips into the backcountry in the case of backpacking tents, and to the local campground in the case of camping tents. We try to use them the way you do, in the real world. It really doesn't matter much how a tent performs in a lab, what matters is how it does after a long day hiking as a storm is moving in. That's when a tent's performance, easy of setup, and durability really matter. We try to test each tent for several weeks at time to get a feel for what it's like to live in it day in and day out. We also set them up in our backyards during more extreme weather to see how they perform.

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Best Backpacking Tents of 2024

An in-depth look at the top backpacking tents on the market, from ultralight models to spacious all-rounders and leading budget options.

Switchback Travel ( Brian McCurdy )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Uses and budgets vary, and the ideal tent for beginners and those taking shorter trips differs significantly from thru-hikers counting every ounce. After extensive testing and many nights sleeping under the stars, we narrowed in on the best backpacking tents of 2024, selecting 18 standouts for everyone from beginners to seasoned veterans. For ease of comparison, we’ve primarily listed two-person models here with other available capacities in the specs. For more background information, see our backpacking tent comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor's note:  We updated this guide on May 16, 2024, to include Nemo's latest Aurora 2P, add information about our testing practices , and expand some of the sections in our buying advice. We also combed through the guide to ensure prices, colorways, and products are current at the time of publishing.  

Our Team's Backpacking Tent Picks

• Best Overall Backpacking Tent:  Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
• Best Budget Backpacking Tent: REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
• Best Combination of Price and Performance: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+
• Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Duplex Zip
• Best All-Season Backpacking Tent: MSR Access 2

Best Overall Backpacking Tent

1. big agnes copper spur hv ul2 ($530).

For a backpacking tent that deftly balances weight, interior space, and features, look no further than Big Agnes’s Copper Spur. This tent helped define the ultralight category and is still going strong many renditions later. In the latest two-person version, you get a healthy 29 square feet of floor space, solid headroom with pre-bent poles and steep walls, and two doors and vestibules—all at just 3 pounds 2 ounces. It’s much lighter than competitors like the Nemo Dagger below but has few compromises with a spacious and freestanding design. We’ve tested various iterations of the Copper Spur everywhere from Patagonia to Mongolia, and it’s performed flawlessly in conditions ranging from warm nights to heavy rain and wind. 

At $530, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the pricier tents in its class, and you’ll want to be careful with the delicate materials (its 15 x 20D floor, in particular, is quite thin and won’t hold up to wear and tear as well as heavier models below). In addition, while the low weight is worth it for those who get out a lot, recreational backpackers may be better off with a heavier yet more durable design. Nevertheless, the Copper Spur’s quality is impeccable, with substantial zippers, thoughtful interior storage, color-coded grommets, and easy adjustments to really dial in your setup. And for bikers, Big Agnes also makes the Copper Spur HV Bikepack in one, two, and three-person versions, which feature shortened poles and rugged compression sacks that attach to a bike frame in multiple configurations... Read in-depth Copper Spur HV UL2 review See the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Best Budget Backpacking Tent

2. rei co-op trail hut 2 ($229).

Let’s be honest: A fair share of us are casual, fair-weather backpackers who make our way into the backcountry for just a weekend or two each summer. If this sounds like you, a budget pick like REI’s tried-and-true Trail Hut 2 is a great choice. For just $229, you get a durable tent (its 66D and 68D materials are much tougher than the lighter-weight options here) that features a door and vestibule on each side, full-coverage rainfly, and ridge pole for increased headroom. Throughout our testing (we even took the tent to Southern Patagonia), we’ve been very impressed with its high-quality and confidence-inspiring feel. The around-$200 category is dwindling as inflation causes tent prices to rise, but the Trail Hut 2 continues to hold down the fort with a winning formula that few tents match. 

What do you sacrifice by going with the REI Trail Hut? At almost 6 pounds (that includes the footprint), it will add significant weight and bulk to your pack, which is not ideal for those covering long distances over multiple days in the backcountry. In addition, you get standard aluminum rather than DAC poles, which are generally less premium and don’t come pre-bent like many high-end designs (this helps to boost interior space). But we can’t help but love the low price of REI’s budget model, which makes it a great pick for shorter trips and most casual backpackers. It’s also worth noting REI’s even cheaper Trailmade 2 ($199), but its quality and livability are noticeably more compromised for a mere $30 savings... Read in-depth Trail Hut 2 review See the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2

Best Combination of Price and Performance

3. rei co-op half dome sl 2+ ($349).

If you’re looking for the right combination of performance and price, it’s hard to beat REI’s iconic Half Dome. This tent has gone through multiple iterations over the years, and the most recent SL (“superlight”) is one of the most balanced offerings yet. For $349, the SL is well built, easy to set up and take down, relatively durable with a 40-denier floor, and has ample mesh for stargazing and ventilation. Yes, you can save with the cheaper REI Trail Hut above, but there are real trade-offs in terms of interior space, weight, and packed size. All told, we think the Half Dome is a great value for what you get and should keep many backpackers happy—it’s the tent we recommend most to family and friends.

For $180 less than the top-rated Copper Spur, the Half Dome SL offers a bump in durability, and its generous dimensions make it a very roomy tent for two. But you can’t have it all, and in the case of the SL, the big compromise comes in terms of weight and bulk. At over a pound and a half heavier than the Copper Spur, “superlight” is a bit of a misnomer, although you can drop about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint behind (the Big Agnes does not come with a footprint). Despite the nitpicks, we think the Half Dome SL is in a class of its own among value options, making it a reasonable choice for avid backpackers and beginners alike... Read in-depth review See the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent

4. zpacks duplex zip ($729).

A number of leading ultralight tents use Dyneema—the high-tech fabric praised for its hydrophobic nature, sag resistance, and stellar strength-to-weight ratio—and the trekking-pole-supported Zpacks Duplex Zip is a classic and time-tested design. With an incredibly low weight of just 1 pound 4.4 ounces (excluding stakes), it’s by far the lightest tent here, yet offers a surprisingly roomy sleeping area for two and includes a bathtub floor for a true tent-like feel. In use, we found the Zpacks to be surprisingly user-friendly and weather-protective, roughly on par with ultralight semi-freestanding tents that check in a full pound heavier. And the latest “Zip” version builds off the original Duplex, with modernized features like zippered storm doors, peak vents, and magnetic doorkeepers. In the end, no tent is perfect, but the Duplex Zip is an ultralight yet durable and roomy option that has stood the test of time.

Within this category, we’d be remiss not to also mention the Hyperlite Unbound 2P ($699). The Unbound closely follows the design of the Duplex Zip but with a noticeably higher-end look and feel. It features a stellar build quality (the cottage-brand Duplex feels ever so slightly handmade), a sleek buckle at the base of the door that can be operated with one hand, and contrasting colorways and components. However, the Unbound is 3.6 ounces heavier, uses a thinner floor fabric, and lacks the Duplex’s end cinches that close the mesh gap between the canopy and bathtub floor, which can make a difference in high winds or heavy rain. In the end, neither tent is our first choice for exposed campsites or inclement weather (largely due to the mesh-heavy design), and your final decision will come down to priorities: Do you want the durability and low weight of the Duplex Zip, or the premium finishes of the Unbound?... Read in-depth Duplex Zip review See the Zpacks Duplex Zip

Best All-Season Backpacking Tent

5. msr access 2 ($800).

The majority of backpacking tents are of the lightweight, 3-season variety, but if you anticipate getting out in tougher conditions, you may want to step up your protection. Slotting just below a full-on winter-ready design is MSR’s Access 2. With a sturdy structure, durable poles, and considerably less mesh than its warmer-weather counterparts, the Access is built to handle driving wind, rain, and snow. Importantly, you still get two doors and vestibules and a decently roomy, non-tapered floor area for just 4 pounds 1 ounce, which is a truly impressive feat. For backcountry ski trips or spring mountaineering when you need a step up from a standard backpacking tent, the Access is well worth a closer look.

Our biggest gripe with the Access is that it’s not particularly versatile for mild conditions—with very little mesh in the tent body, it’ll overheat quickly unless you’re mindful to keep doors and vents open at night. And at $800, it’s surprisingly pricey. In terms of other tents that fit a similar designation, the Hilleberg Nallo below is an impressively tough option (compare its 70D floor to the MSR’s 30D) but offers less interior space, is less breathable due to its thicker materials, and is over a pound heavier than the Access at 5 pounds 5 ounces. Additionally, Big Agnes makes a beefed-up Expedition version of its popular Copper Spur, and we’ve had good luck with the Nemo Kunai over the years. These are all worthy tents for intrepid backpackers headed out year-round, but the Access meets a particularly nice balance of weight, price, and performance. See the MSR Access 2

Best of the Rest

6. msr hubba hubba 2p ($550).

One of the most well-rounded backpacking tents on the market for years running, MSR’s Hubba Hubba offers exceptional livability and weather protection in a durable, lightweight package. The newest version shaves a considerable amount of weight (10 oz.) off of the outgoing model with the use of thinner materials, but the overall design remains the same. A non-tapered floor plan, 40-inch peak height, and near-vertical walls offer excellent interior space, and you get great weather resistance with a long-lasting waterproof coating on the fly and a hubbed pole design for stability in high winds. Checking in at just 3 pounds 4 ounces, our takeaway is that it’s the best Hubba Hubba yet.

How does the Hubba Hubba measure up to our top-ranked Copper Spur? The Big Agnes is 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider at the head, and the steep walls and non-symmetrical pole structure create an impressive amount of headroom at one end. On the flip side, the MSR’s non-tapered build offers more width throughout, which means you have the option of sleeping head-to-toe with your tentmate. Another factor to consider is the Hubba Hubba’s solid tent walls (the Copper Spur is more mesh-heavy), which will be better in high winds but result in less ventilation overall. Finally, both tents use relatively similar materials—the MSR’s floor is 20D versus the Big Agnes’ 15 x 20D—but there have been several complaints with the latest Hubba Hubba’s durability, including reports of the carbon fiber poles splintering (we didn’t experience this during testing). In the end, the Copper Spur maintains the top spot due to its unparalleled ventilation, livability, and reliability, but the slightly more weather-worthy Hubba Hubba is hot on its heels... Read in-depth Hubba Hubba review See the MSR Hubba Hubba 2P

7. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Solution Dye ($500)

If you’re traveling as a pair, a two-person tent is your best bet for streamlining weight and bulk. But if you’ve ever been tent-bound in a storm before, you know: The walls can start closing in quickly. The good news is that with advancements in fabric technology and tent design, it’s possible to bump up to a more spacious shelter without dramatically increasing your load. Big Agnes’ Tiger Wall UL3 is one of our favorite three-person tents thanks to its low weight—for under 3 pounds, it’s a very roomy shelter for two, with space still left over for a child, a canine, or gear. If you’re traveling in inclement weather, with a smaller third companion, or just like the idea of some extra room (without a crazy weight penalty), it’s as good an option as any.

The Tiger Wall keeps weight down with a semi-freestanding design, which does come with some disadvantages. We’ve found it particularly difficult to get a taut pitch when camping on rock, and the tent simply isn’t as weather-worthy as a freestanding design like the Copper Spur above. But you do get two doors and two vestibules, and a large ridge pole across the center offers a great boost in headroom. In terms of materials, the Tiger Wall’s silicone-coated nylon is impressively strong (although it’s still thin and requires gentle treatment), and we like that Big Agnes has turned to fade-resistant solution-dyed fabrics in order to reduce their environmental footprint. Finally, keep in mind that you can shave even more weight by opting for the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum ($650, 2 lb. 4 oz.) or Carbon ($1,800, 1 lb. 11 oz.), which are largely similar but use lighter materials. Note: For more info on the Tiger Wall, check out our review of the MtnGlo version , which is the same design outlined above with the addition of built-in string lights. Big Agnes no longer makes that variation, although they do offer a light-equipped Copper Spur MtnGlo. See the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Solution Dye

8. Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P ($530)

For weight-conscious backpackers who don’t want to compromise on livability and durability, the Nemo Dagger Osmo is a proven option. At 4 pounds 2 ounces for the two-person version, this tent is roomy, reasonably lightweight and durable, and packed with features. You get two large doors, two spacious vestibules for storing gear, and a generous interior that’s a few inches longer than most of the competition (and a half-foot longer than the Hubba Hubba above). And like the MSR, the floor of the Dagger Osmo is symmetrical as opposed to tapered toward the feet, making it possible for two people to sleep in opposite directions (head to toe) for more shoulder room.

The big news with the latest Dagger is the use of Nemo’s Osmo fabric, which is intended to boost water resistance and reduce sagging, all while eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in production. It’s a great win for weather protection and sustainability, but with a 4-ounce weight increase, the Dagger Osmo is now considerably heavier than tents like the Copper Spur (3 lb. 2 oz.) and Hubba Hubba (3 lb. 4 oz.). Further, its design falls short in a few other ways: The small openings at the doors don’t dump condensation as well as the MSR’s large vents at each end, and the fly doesn’t extend all the way to the ground at the head and foot. But the Dagger Osmo is unparalleled in terms of interior space, making it especially well suited for taller hikers or those who want a bit more room. For a lighter (3 lb. 8 oz.) and cheaper ($400) option from Nemo, their Mayfly Osmo 2P offers an excellent balance of weight and durability but is a notably tighter fit for two... Read in-depth Dagger review See the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P

9. Tarptent Double Rainbow ($299)

Category: Ultralight Packaged weight: 2 lb. 10 oz. Floor dimensions: 88 x 50 in. Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P What we like: A fairly uncompromised design that’s still affordable and lightweight. What we don’t: Not freestanding and seam sealing costs extra.

California-based cottage brand Tarptent isn’t a household name yet, but the company offers an inspiring ultralight lineup at reasonable price points. The Double Rainbow is our favorite model, featuring a unique single-wall design that keeps weight in check while still maintaining impressive livability. For just 2 pounds 10 ounces, you get a 30-denier floor (15D is standard in UL tents), a generous and symmetrical floor plan that easily fits two sleepers (30.6 sq. ft. compared to the Tiger Wall’s 28 sq. ft.), and two doors and vestibules. Priced at just $299, it’s no wonder that the Double Rainbow is one of the most popular cottage designs among ultralighters and thru-hikers this year.

The Tarptent’s hybrid single-wall construction means setup is a breeze: You simply thread the main pole through a sleeve in the rainfly and stake everything out (the “tent body” is made of mesh and hangs from the bottom of the rainfly). This is particularly nice in wet conditions, as there’s no moment during the setup process when the inside of the tent is exposed to rain. It’s important to keep in mind that the Double Rainbow is a non-freestanding design, which means you’ll need soft ground or good anchors to get a good pitch (alternatively, you can convert it to freestanding with trekking poles). Finally, it does not come seam-sealed, but it’s a fairly simple DIY process, or you can add it onto your order for $35. And a final note: Tarptent also makes the Double Rainbow Li ($679), a Dyneema version of the tent here that competes with the Zpacks Duplex Zip above... Read in-depth Double Rainbow review See the Tarptent Double Rainbow

10. Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650)

For the cream of the crop in ultralight tents, look no further than the Nemo Hornet Elite. At just 2 pounds 1 ounce for the two-person model, this semi-freestanding tent is just about as light as you can go without dipping into the trekking-pole shelter market. And thanks to the use of Nemo’s thin yet durable Osmo material and features like their headroom-increasing “Flybar” pole clip, it’s impressively functional as well. We love the Hornet Elite’s two-door and two-vestibule design, and creative storage solutions offer organization for you and your tentmate’s headlamps, phones, backpacks, and more. Further, Nemo uses ripstop nylon (rather than mesh) at the head of the tent, which translates to increased protection in windy conditions (some ultralight tent bodies are fully mesh). Ounce for ounce, the Hornet Elite is one of the most livable and premium options in its weight class, making it an ideal choice for serious thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers.

But while the Hornet Elite is arguably the best semi-freestanding tent on the market, its ultralight build still has a host of limitations. Nemo doesn’t list a thickness for the fabric, but we’d place it around 10-denier for the fly and floor, which is undeniably thin. What’s more, the Elite’s tapered and streamlined floor plan is a very snug place for two people, and weather protection is slightly compromised with just a partial rainfly at the head (meant to increase ventilation). But if you choose your campsites wisely (don’t pitch the Hornet Elite on top of sharp rocks or sticks) and aren’t opposed to cozying up with your tentmate, the Nemo is a remarkable 2-pound shelter. For those willing to suffer a slight weight penalty, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 offers a bump in headroom and better weather protection via its full-length fly ($450; 2 lb. 8 oz.). See the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P

  11. Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 ($449)

Australia-based Sea to Summit is a reliable go-to for outdoor gear, but 2021 marked their first foray into backpacking tents. And they entered the competitive market with a bang, unveiling two models: the semi-freestanding Alto TR and the all-around Telos TR featured here (a newer, more budget-friendly Ikos TR was released last year). The headliner is the unique Tension Ridge, which gently bends the ridge pole upward at each end rather than the more common downward-sloping design (concave vs. convex). It’s a small tweak in construction with a significant effect, resulting in taller doors, increased livable space, and better airflow (the vent naturally remains agape at the apex rather than drooping closed). Tack on a number of creative extras—including a snap-on “Lightbar” headlamp diffuser and a versatile fly that sets up in multiple configurations—and it’s safe to say that Sea to Summit made one heckuva debut.

The Telos TR2 takes direct aim at the Copper Spur HV UL2 above: Both are freestanding tents that feature thin fabrics, tapered footprints, and two doors and vestibules. The Copper Spur is $80 more but gets the edge in terms of weight and floor dimensions, with a half-pound lighter build and 3.5 inches more length. That said, it’s a close call in terms of livability: The Telos’ generous 42.5-inch peak height and ridge-pole design makes for a very spacious interior (the Big Agnes’ peak height is 39 in.). But we should note that the Sea to Summit has a flaw in wet weather: During our testing in a torrential downpour, rain pooled in the concavities of the fly and slowly dripped into the tent through the vent opening. But most tents need to go through a few iterations before reaching perfection, and we really like the direction the Telos is headed... Read in-depth review See the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2

12. Nemo Aurora 2P ($300)

For backpackers who care more about saving money than ounces, Nemo’s Aurora is an interesting addition to the market. And it’s not all pinching pennies here: The Aurora is impressively livable with two oversized doors, near-vertical walls, and a full-coverage fly with built-in vents. The symmetrical design and Nemo’s intuitive hardware make setup easy, and thoughtful internal storage is great for staying organized at camp. All in all, we’ve found that Nemo tents consistently are high-quality and offer a nice balance of thoughtful features, and the Aurora falls right in line.

The Aurora was lightly updated recently, with key changes including an added inch of width, a slightly thicker floor (from 68D to 75D), and a 3-ounce bump in weight. Nemo also upped the sustainability focus, including utilizing recycled materials and more environmentally friendly water-repellent coatings. The price hasn’t changed, giving REI’s Half Dome SL above a run for its money in terms of value. You save $50 with the Nemo and get more durable materials (75D vs. 40D for the floor), but the REI is almost a full pound lighter and more spacious with an additional 2 inches of length and an inch of width (although the Aurora’s peak height is 2 in. taller). Weight-conscious hikers will likely opt for the Half Dome, but the Aurora is still a durable and affordable choice. And for more space, you can bump up to the Aurora 3P (88 x 73 in.) for $360...  Read in-depth Aurora 3P review See the Nemo Aurora 2P

13. Durston X-Mid 2 ($280)

A lot goes into making a solid tent at a low weight, so ultralight price tags can be fairly steep compared to standard backpacking tents (as evidenced by the Nemo Hornet Elite and Zpacks Duplex Zip above). It’s for this reason that the Durston X-Mid is such a surprising entry. Like many trekking-pole shelters, the X-Mid 2 is well built, stormworthy, roomy, and checks in for less than 2.5 pounds. But at just $280, it’s less than half the price of many tents in its weight class. Importantly, there’s nothing about the X-Mid that is cheap: It features a double-wall build, which does a lot to boost ventilation (a rarity among trekking-pole shelters), polyester fly that doesn’t sag when wet, and innovative parallelogram shape that ensures that the doorways aren’t blocked by poles. If you’re looking to go light on a budget, the X-Mid 2 is a high-quality option.

So how does Durston manage to make the X-Mid at such a low price point? In short, with compromises that will be fairly minor for most, but might add up for serious users. The X-Mid is over a pound heavier than the Duplex Zip, which could be a deal breaker for thru-hikers set on a low base weight. What’s more, the sil/PEU polyester fly will gradually lose its waterproofing over time, while Dyneema is naturally hydrophobic. And for just $19 (and 2.6 oz.) more, the Tarptent Double Rainbow above offers a more user-friendly setup with standard tent poles, although the Durston is a better ventilated and more spacious design (and once you get the hang of the trekking-pole setup, it’s a breeze). For UL hikers looking for a very high-quality budget tent, it’s truly hard to beat. If you venture out solo, you can save even more with the X-Mid 1 ($245 with stakes). See the Durston X-Mid 2

14. SlingFin Portal 2 ($560)

SlingFin might not be a household name, but don’t be fooled: This company knows how to make a serious tent. Established by the original Mountain Hardwear tent designer (also a former TNF and Sierra Designs designer), SlingFin is employee-owned and self-describes as “small, lean, and scrappy,” specializing in high-quality tents with no constraints. The Portal is their most popular and lightest freestanding design, alleged to handle rough weather with more ease than most 3-season tents. SlingFin accomplishes this feat by way of internal guylines, a plethora of exterior guy-out points, secure connections between the fly and poles, and attachments that allow you to reinforce the structure with trekking poles. And as a nice touch, the Portal also features pre-installed spare zipper sliders on both doors, which quickly extends the life of the tent (and makes in-the-field repairs easy).

We brought the Portal 2 backpacking in Patagonia, thinking the windy environment would be an excellent testing ground for a tent that claims to be between 3- and 4-season categories. Unfortunately, we faced conditions that were unfair for almost any tent, and spent a night with the Portal collapsed on top of us, bivy-sack style (we did not set it up with trekking pole reinforcements, which would certainly have helped). It is worth noting, however, that the SlingFin didn't fare as well as other tents we had with us that night, including the much heavier Sea to Summit Ikos (we suspect some of this is due to the Portal's lighter poles and predominantly mesh upper). In the end, the Portal 2 is a great 3-season tent with a premium fit and finish (it falls in the same category as models like the Copper Spur and Dagger above), but we just can’t get behind SlingFin’s strong claims regarding its weather resistance.  See the SlingFin Portal 2

15. Hilleberg Nallo 2 ($945)

For hitting the backcountry in winter or even treks in inhospitable places like Nepal or Peru, you’ll most likely want a step up in toughness and warmth from the 3-season tents that dominate this list. Enter Hilleberg’s fantastic Nallo (Hilleberg describes it as “all-season” and they don’t use that designation lightly). With a tunnel-like shape as opposed to a traditional dome layout, the Nallo excels in strong gusts and heavy precipitation. Just face either end of the tent in the direction of the wind, batten down the hatches with the many guylines, and sleep in relative peace. We used the Nallo in some brutal weather above the Arctic Circle and came away extremely impressed with its toughness.

The Achilles' heel of the Nallo is breathability. If you’re backpacking in warm conditions, it struggles to ventilate and can build up serious condensation on the inner walls. It’s for this reason that we’re such big fans of the Nemo Kunai , which has canopy walls that unzip to reveal breathable mesh. Other downsides of the Nallo include the steep price and hefty build, which is over a pound heavier than the MSR Access above. What's more, the Hilleberg features just one door and vestibule—if you want a step up in convenience, check out their Allak 2 instead. In the end, there’s no denying that Hilleberg tents are expensive, but their ridiculously high quality and stalwart weather protection make them top choices for guides, avid explorers, and those headed into seriously inclement conditions. See the Hilleberg Nallo 2

16. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye ($400)

Fast-and-light hikers love the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL—the two-person version weighs in at a measly 2 pounds 4 ounces, which is comparable to a decent bivy sack or hammock. This feathery weight is accomplished with a single door at the head end, an interior that tapers aggressively towards your feet, and a hubbed pole that runs the length of the tent in a spine-like shape. The tent and rainfly fabrics are also impressively strong despite being so thin they’re semi-see-through, and with a recent update are now solution-dyed, which means they’re less prone to fading (notably, this process also reduces energy and water use during manufacturing).

It's important to be aware that the Fly Creek won’t offer the same protection from the elements as a sturdier design like the MSR Hubba Hubba above. The rainfly is prone to sagging onto the tent body (guying it out thoroughly will help alleviate this issue), and the fairly simple pole structure means the tent collapses inward during heavy winds. What’s more, the all-mesh body is vulnerable to drafts and does a poor job of keeping out flying dirt and sand. In the end, we think the Tiger Wall and Nemo Hornet Elite are the better all-around UL choices for parties of two, both of which utilize two-door-and-vestibule layouts for just a few ounces more... Read in-depth Fly Creek HV UL2 review See the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye

17. Marmot Tungsten 2P ($249)

REI’s Trail Hut above isn't the only good value on the market. At a budget-friendly price of $249, the updated Marmot Tungsten has a similar 3-season build with durable fabrics and all the features that most weekend backpackers need. The tent has two doors and vestibules, offers a roomy 32 square feet of floor space, and comes with a footprint to maximize longevity. We also like the mix of solid nylon and mesh on the tent body, which provides good ventilation alongside privacy and weather protection. And whereas the Half Dome SL above has a 40-denier floor and 30-denier fly, the Tungsten ups the ante with 70- and 68-denier fabrics in the floor and fly, respectively.

All things considered, the Marmot Tungsten makes a nice hybrid backpacking and car camping option. Two obvious downsides are the tent's weight and packed size—it's on the heftier end at nearly 6 pounds and large enough to make it difficult to squeeze into a backpack (it’s much easier to divide the load between two people). Although it’s more expensive at $349, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ checks in over a pound less than the Tungsten yet offers considerably more floor area and vestibule space. But the Tungsten nevertheless is a solid option for penny pinchers, and we like that the newest version features solution-dyed fabric, which reduces energy and water consumption during manufacturing. Marmot also offers the two-person tent in a lightweight version called the Tungsten UL  ($379) that uses substantially thinner materials to trim away more than 2 pounds from the standard model (it's 3 lb. 6.5 oz. all in). See the Marmot Tungsten 2P

18.  The North Face Stormbreak 2 ($185)

The North Face makes a lot of high-performance tents for expedition use, but their casual lineup also has a lot to offer. For just $185 at full retail price, the Stormbreak 2 is a great value in a two-person backpacking tent. All the intangibles are there: The Stormbreak is roomy with a full 50 inches of non-tapered width, offers good weather protection with a full-length fly, and has two large doors and vestibules for storing your gear at night. In terms of durability, the TNF uses a burly 75-denier canopy and 68-denier floor, which means it should last you years to come. All in all, that’s a lot of bang for your buck.

What are the downsides of The North Face’s Stormbreak 2? With a packaged weight of 5 pounds 14 ounces, it’s one of the heaviest two-person tents on this list, although most of the competition is literally hundreds of dollars more expensive. And given the low cost, the fabrics and poles feel cheaper than mid-range and premium models. It’s also important to note that the Stormbreak’s fly does not feature any venting, which means it could overheat quickly in a storm (on a dry night, you can open up your vestibule doors for airflow). The price is right, but we’ll always point you first to REI’s in-house collection for the best value.  See The North Face Stormbreak 2

Backpacking Tent Comparison Table

*Editor's note: "Weight" refers to the packaged weight of each tent, with the exception of trekking pole-supported models.  

About Our Testing Process

From lofty peaks in the Cascades to the hot, dusty African savannah, the Switchback Travel team has pitched hundreds of different tents in just about every environment and climate imaginable. We know the importance of a lightweight but stalwart shelter for comfort, safety, and efficiency in the backcountry and set a high bar for tents that earn a spot in our packs—and in the rankings above. Pulling from his experience on endless treks in the Pacific Northwest and extensive international expeditions alike, former editor-in-chief  John Ellings  hand-picked our initial collection of eight tents back in 2015. Senior editor Chris Carter took over this guide in 2024. A lifelong backpacker and alumnus of each of the Triple Crown trails in the United States (AT, PCT, and CDT), Chris has arguably spent more time under a flimsy sheet of silnylon than a real roof.

We consider several key factors before giving tents any real estate in this guide. Livability is an obvious place to start, and we look for designs that effectively balance roominess with weight and durability (there's always a trade-off). Weather protection and ventilation are also top considerations, along with vestibule space, interior storage, and ease of setup. Each model had to stand out in multiple categories and prove itself on grueling real-world tests to land a spot above. Rest assured, we will continue to research and test the latest and greatest options on the market and update this guide accordingly.  

Backpacking Tent Buying Advice​​ ​

Backpacking tent categories, backpacking tent weight, interior space, fabric durability (denier), weather protection, ventilation, storage: vestibules and interior pockets.

• Set up and Take Down

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Tents

Tent poles and stakes, backpacking tent capacities, do you need a footprint, price and value.

There are as many styles of backpacking tents as there are backpackers, from streamlined thru-hiking-inspired designs to durable and comfortable classics. It follows that when deciding on a tent, you’ll first want to think about what backpacking looks like for you. Are you someone who gets out every weekend of the summer, or just a few days a year? Do you like to travel fast and light or prioritize comfort and durability? How much space do you need? Below, we break the field down into four separate categories: all-around, budget, ultralight, and all-season.  

All-Around Backpacking tents in our all-around category are the core of the market. These tents offer the best combination of livability and weight-savings, checking in around 3 to 4 pounds (for a 2P model) and featuring complex pole structures that result in steep walls and generous interior space. Their design also translates to impressive stability in high winds and great wet-weather protection. Further, most all-around tents feature two doors and two vestibules, which adds a great deal of convenience and storage. But there are a few caveats: These tents are expensive (our top-ranked Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is $530) and aren't particularly durable, with relatively thin fabrics and zippers. Finally, although all-around tents are very doable for two sleepers, you’ll often find larger floor plans in our budget category. But for class-leading performance, tents in our all-around category are our top choice for most.  

Budget If you’re new to backpacking or only get out a few times a year, it’s worth taking a look at a budget tent. Most of these designs have an MSRP of less than $350 and are defined by their thicker fabrics, simple pole structures, and heavier builds. Comfort is high, with spacious floor plans that don't compromise for weight-savings, two doors and two vestibules, and lots of storage. And with considerably more durable fabrics, they can withstand much more use and abuse, which is good news for those who don’t want to spend too much time taking care of their gear. It's true that budget tents lack the fancy architecture and low weights of more expensive tents here, but in our opinion, they're all beginners need and nothing they don’t. From our list above, the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 is our favorite budget tent, and you can bump up to the Half Dome SL 2+ for an impressive mix of price and performance.  

Ultralight Weight-conscious thru-hikers have relied on bare-bones shelters for a long time but only recently has the ultralight craze hit mainstream backpacking. The number one consideration here is keeping weight to a minimum (3 pounds or less), which ultralight tents do by way of thin fabrics and zippers, tapered floor areas, heavily sloped ceilings, fewer doors, smaller vestibules, and simplified pole structures. Further, the majority are non-freestanding and semi-freestanding, meaning they must be staked out in order to hold their shape. Unsurprisingly, there are a fair share of potential trade-offs with tents in this category: They suffer in terms of weather protection (we’ve had particularly bad luck with the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 in high winds), require a lot of extra care, and can be fairly cramped quarters for two. Further, you'll spend up to drop weight: Most ultralight tents are $400 or more, and Dyneema tents like the 1-pound 4.4-ounce Zpacks Duplex Zip will run you $729.  

But we’re big believers that ultralight gear can be taken too far, which is what happens (in our opinion) when tent floor fabrics drop below 15 denier (as is the case with the Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum’s 7D floor) or when you wake up with a tent wall stuck to your face (a real life experience we had with the Six Moon Designs’ Lunar Solo). We certainly understand the appeal for thru-hikers and serious backpackers, and in the right environments, the compromises can be minimal. But for most recreational backpackers, the weight savings probably aren’t worth it. Most of the time, you can get a whole lot of comfort and convenience (not to mention a longer lifespan) by bumping up to a tent that’s just one pound heavier (at just over 3 lb., the Big Agnes Copper Spur is fairly uncompromised). For this reason, we feature a few ultralight tents here and are sure to call out their weaknesses in the write-ups above. For a deeper dive on this topic, see our article: Backpacking Tents: How Light is Too Light?  

All-Season We’ve included a few all-season tents on this list to provide a complete view of the backpacking market, including the MSR Access   and Hilleberg Nallo. These tents offer more protection than your standard 3-season tent without being quite as bulky or expensive as a 4-season tent . Whereas most 3-season designs are fairly mesh-heavy, all-season tents use mostly nylon walls for better warmth and wind protection. You also get sturdier pole structures, which adds a bit of weight but is worth it when the weather turns. You can expect higher price tags and increased weights in this category, but all-season tents are nevertheless our top pick for backpacking in areas like Peru, Nepal, or Alaska. And if weight isn't your top priority, you can always bump up to a three-person version for more space.  

A backpacking tent is one of the heaviest and bulkiest items you’ll pack for an overnight trip, but the good news is that modern designs are lighter than ever. The two-person tents on our list range from 1 pound 4.4 ounces for the non-freestanding Zpacks Duplex Zip to 5 pounds 15 ounces for the budget REI Co-op Trail Hut 2, with popular models like the MSR Hubba Hubba  and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 settling somewhere in the 3-pound range. In general, you can expect budget tents to be the heaviest, followed by all-season, all-around, and ultralight. As is the case with most outdoor gear, shaving weight from a tent design will result in some trade-offs, often in the form of compromised durability, interior space, weather protection, or ventilation (not to mention a higher price tag). In the end, it helps to be mindful of your priorities when making your tent purchase.   

Packaged Weight vs. Trail Weight When researching tent weight, you’ll commonly see manufacturers and retailers list two specs: packaged weight and trail weight (also referred to as "minimum weight"). The former includes everything that comes with the purchase of the tent, including the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines, stuff sacks, and footprint (when it’s included with the tent—as is the case with REI Co-op's Trail Hut 2  and Half Dome SL 2+). This is an important factor to consider when comparing models, as a footprint can tack on 7 ounces or more to the total tent weight, not to mention a stuff sack that may be unnecessary while backpacking.

The trail weight, on the other hand, only includes the tent body, rainfly, and poles. We’ve chosen to list packaged weight in the specs above—it’s closer to what most folks realistically bring—but keep in mind that you can trim ounces from there. Depending on the build of the tent components, the difference between packaged weight and minimum weight can be substantial: anywhere from over a pound for the entry-level REI Trail Hut 2 with its heavy aluminum stakes and included footprint to a 7-ounce difference for the Big Agnes Copper Spur .  

Floor Dimensions  In parsing out how roomy a backpacking tent is, the first thing you’ll want to evaluate is the floor dimensions (L x W), which matter quite a bit when you’re trying to fit two backpackers with their sleeping pads side-by-side. In general, the floor area of a tent tends to go down as weight goes down, and some two-person tents can get pretty cozy with two adults and gear inside (you always can size up to a “plus” or three-person version for more space). It’s also worth mentioning that some tents taper at the foot end, which helps shave weight but also has a negative impact on livability (making it hard to sleep head-to-toe). In these cases, we’ve provided two measurements for the floor width (86 x 52/42, for example). And a final note on floor dimensions: While they’re a good place to start, they certainly don’t tell the whole story about a tent’s interior space. It’s a good rule of thumb to take the tent’s peak height and shape into consideration as well, and in particular the slope of the walls (more on this below).  

Peak Height and Slope A tent’s “peak height” refers to its tallest point, and among two-person models varies from 39 inches for a design like the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 up to 48 inches for the Zpacks Duplex Zip and Durston X-Mid 2. But while peak height does make a difference in terms of sitting up and moving around inside your tent, it’s important to also consider the slope of the walls in order to get a true picture of a tent’s livability. To understand this, just picture the difference between a pyramid-shaped tent (a tall peak height at the apex with sharply sloped walls) and a box-shaped tent, which features the same peak height throughout (headroom is the same at the sides as in the middle). Slope is a trickier subject than peak height and cannot be communicated via a simple measurement, but there are a few telltale signs to look for. 

Most of today’s premium designs feature pre-bent poles and a ridge pole, both of which help to stretch the walls outward and make them near-vertical. This can go a long way in extending the peak height both length and widthwise, and is seen in popular tents like the REI Half Dome SL and Nemo Dagger. On the other hand, some budget and ultralight tents use simplified pole structures (or even trekking pole setups), resulting in a sharper slope and less interior space (the Nemo Hornet Elite, for example). While a tent like the Nemo Dagger is actually fun to hang out in (two people can sit face-to-face), the Hornet Elite can feel a bit like a coffin. Not everyone will need to prioritize a tent with a generous peak height throughout, but it’s especially worth it for those who anticipate bad weather or spending a lot of time inside.  

One of the easiest ways to think about tent durability is to consider the thickness of the fabric, which is measured in terms of denier (technically speaking, the weight of the yarn). The higher the denier—of the floor, canopy, and rainfly—the more durable the tent. Logically, denier lines up with weight: The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 ($500; 2 lb. 15 oz.) has a thin 15-denier floor, while the 5-pound-14-ounce TNF Stormbreak 2 ($185) uses a robust 68-denier fabric. Ultralight gear certainly requires an extra level of care—we typically recommend using a footprint with lightweight tents and checking your campsite for sharp sticks or rocks—but it’s a sacrifice many are willing to accept to reduce their packed weight. Because the area most vulnerable to punctures or tears is the floor, this is the number we list in the specs and comparison table above.  

While fabric thickness is a large factor in determining a tent’s durability, it’s not the only one. The quality of the rest of the materials (poles, zippers, etc.) also plays a part, as does the attention to detail. Additionally, premium tents will often add a silicone coating (also referred to as “silnylon”) to their thin fabrics for additional tear strength and longevity, while most budget designs do not. This is an expensive process—there’s a reason Hilleberg tents are $850 or more—but the payoff is incredible toughness even on a tent like the Nallo that uses otherwise thin 30-denier fabric. We’ve learned to trust the build quality of tents from leading manufacturers like REI, Nemo, and MSR, but you’ll want to be a bit more careful with dedicated budget brands like Alps Mountaineering and Eureka, which specialize in the entry-level market.  

Your first line of defense in bad weather is the rainfly. As the name indicates, the rainfly covers the exposed tent body for increased resistance from precipitation, wind, and cold. Even ultralight designs have a waterproof coating, are seam-taped (or can be, inexpensively), and can withstand hours of downpour without leaking, provided they cover the entire tent body (we’ve found that most leakage actually comes from the ground around the bottom of the tent). We almost always recommend a full-coverage rainfly, although some tents like the Nemo Hornet Elite  have impressive weather resistance even with some sections only protected by the tent body.  

The next factor in weather resistance is the tent structure. In general, more expensive tents offer increased weather resistance (some ultralight models are exceptions). The poles and pole systems on budget tents are likely to bow during strong winds, while high-end tents like those from MSR and Big Agnes have stronger poles and tons of exterior ties to anchor yourself down during a storm.

A healthy percentage of people get up to the mountains a few weekends a year during the summer months and encounter moderate conditions in terms of temperature, wind, and precipitation. If you fall into this category, all on our list should perform admirably. We once slept in an older version of the REI Half Dome for six consecutive weeks in Patagonia with only a couple of uncomfortable nights during big storms. That being said, subsequent trips in a Hilleberg did make us appreciate the quality and bombproof feeling you get in a high-end tent.  

How well a tent ventilates depends on a couple of factors. First, look at the amount of mesh on the tent itself. A double-wall tent (the tent body and rainfly being two independent pieces) with liberal amounts of mesh should breathe well in mild weather. Leave the rainfly off and the tent will be even more comfortable in hot temperatures so long as the sun isn't hitting you directly. With the rainfly on, things get a little trickier. A standard rainfly has a waterproof coating to help protect the interior from getting wet, which also means the rainfly doesn’t ventilate very well, and moisture from your breath is trapped inside, creating a dewy interior.  

So what can you do? Tent manufacturers combat these problems by installing roof vents towards the top of the rainfly that can be deployed even in the rain. The vents are covered from the top by the rainfly fabric, so only in a strong storm with rain coming sideways will there be an issue with raindrops reaching the interior. By creating good airflow out the top of the tent, along with good spacing between the rainfly and tent body at the bottom, problems with moisture collecting on the interior of the tent can be greatly reduced. And some tents like the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 have convertible-like rainfly designs that roll back fairly easily. You can leave half of the rainfly open for ventilation and stargazing, but if you feel a couple of raindrops during the night, it only takes a few seconds to roll the rainfly back down.  

Tent storage can be broken into two categories: vestibules and gear closets outside the tent, and pockets inside the tent body for small items you need close at hand. A traditional vestibule covers the entry door to the tent with enough space for a couple backpacking packs and footwear. Without it, your options are bringing the wet and grimy gear inside the tent or letting it soak outside. Needless to say, we put a priority on some sort of outside gear storage. The amount of vestibule space is measured in square feet and can vary a fair amount. From our top picks above, the smallest vestibules are designs with just one door, like Big Agnes’ Fly Creek (8 sq. ft.). On the other end of the spectrum is the REI Half Dome’s roomy 22.5 square feet divided between two vestibules. For those camping with a partner, the REI’s added space makes staying organized (and sane) much easier.  

A tent with excellent interior organization isn’t a top priority; that is, until you get into the tent for the first time and look for a spot to store your headlamp , handheld GPS, or other small items. We’ve found the most helpful area for a pocket is near your head, and a simple mesh drop-in pocket or two is sufficient. Some tents have pockets along the interior of the roof, which make for an easy place to squeeze in a headlamp to light up a game of cards. Should the tent not include pockets along the roof, look to see if it has hang loops instead for securing a light. These extra little details can make your backcountry camping experience all the more enjoyable.  

This article covers primarily two-person backpacking tents (the most common capacity), and a quick look at our picks above shows our clear preference for models with two doors. These designs are by far the most convenient if you consistently camp with a partner: Each person has their own door for getting in and out, including vestibule storage space. A few models above use just one door to save weight—the Big Agnes Fly Creek , for example, puts its door on one end. If you’re sharing the tent with a partner, this can be a major downside—you’ll be crawling over your tent mate to get in and out and will be limited to one vestibule for exterior storage. In the end, unless you’re traveling alone or pulling out all the stops to save weight, we recommend a tent with two doors.  

Set Up and Take Down

The good news for backpackers is that setting up a modern tent has become surprisingly easy. Many of us remember the fabric sleeves of old that were both time-consuming and extremely frustrating, but the majority of tents now use simple clips that take a matter of seconds to attach. In addition, tent poles have become streamlined and come together with ease. To set up most tents, you simply lay out your footprint if you have one, stake out the corners, attach the poles, and clip everything together. From there, the rainfly often can be the trickiest part (we’ve put ours on inside or backwards more times than we can count), plus you have those small Velcro attachments on the inside. But the whole process usually takes just a few minutes from start to finish, which is fantastic.

It’s worth noting that some ultralight tent systems can be more finicky to set up and definitely require some practice. When getting acquainted with shelters like the Zpacks Duplex Zip , we've found ourselves initially fumbling a bit to get everything taut and in place. And because Hilleberg tents are designed so uniquely, it can take a few tries to get setup speed where you want it to be. Regardless of your tent choice, it’s always a good idea to set it up at home first. Not only will this help guarantee that you know what you’re doing in the backcountry when the conditions may be more challenging, but it also ensures that you have all of the necessary components.  

The term freestanding means that by attaching poles to the tent body, it has a solid structure and can stand completely on its own. Non-freestanding or semi-freestanding tents need to be staked out in some (or all) of the corners to create a rigid frame. The benefit of a freestanding tent is a simple setup that is far easier to move from one area of your campsite to another (or to use on a rocky surface). As a result, most mainstream tents on the market are freestanding. Non-freestanding tents require fewer pole sections, which reduces weight, and are a popular choice for backcountry enthusiasts who are well versed in choosing a good campsite and erecting a tent. Owing to their design, semi- and non-freestanding tents also tend to have more sloped walls (read: less headroom) and less interior space overall. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article on  freestanding vs. non-freestanding tents .  

Without getting too into the nitty gritty on tent poles and stakes, there are a few important details to cover. In terms of poles, nearly every quality backpacking tent uses aluminum poles (exceptions to the rule are the Zpacks Duplex Flex and Big Agnes Fly Creek Carbon, which use carbon fiber poles). Aluminum is relatively affordable, lightweight, and will flex quite a bit prior to failing. Name-brand poles like Easton or DAC are easy to trust, although we always recommend bringing along a lightweight pole splint (like this one from Gear Aid ) in case of failure mid-trip. In terms of structure, you’ll find simple pole layouts in budget tents—for example, the criss-crossing design of the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 —while more premium tents tack on a ridge pole at the apex for stability and headroom. And in 2024, most of our favorite tents feature hubbed poles (meaning that the poles are all attached at a center “hub”), which offer greater rigidity and easier setup.  

No matter the tent style or manufacturer, stakes are an integral part of setting up a tent. Most two-person tents will include six: one for each corner and one for each side of the vestibule. That’s all fine and good for setting up in mild conditions, but it’s insufficient for bad weather when you want to use guylines. Thus, you may want to purchase some extra stakes, and it could be worth replacing your stock ones as well. Cheaper hook-style aluminum stakes come with most tents and can be a pain to use because they’re too thick and round to easily sink into the ground, plus they have a tendency to bend when being hammered in. Thankfully, upgrading isn’t very expensive. We really like the MSR Groundhogs : They are light, tough, and easy to put in the ground. And the DAC stakes that come with the Hilleberg Nallo (and other Hilleberg models) are some of the best we've used.  

Most of the backpacking tents above are of the two-person variety, with floor plans that can accommodate two 20-inch sleeping pads side-by-side. The two-person tent is the most popular capacity, but many backpacking models also come in one-, three-, and four-person designs. Solo travelers can save some weight by opting for a one-person option, while families or couples traveling with a dog can bump up to a three- or four-person model. It almost goes without saying that weight and packed size will increase alongside capacity, but it is worth noting that, in general, one four-person tent will be lighter than two two-person models. For example, the Marmot Tungsten 4 checks in at 9 pounds 3.8 ounces, while the two-person version weighs 5 pounds 14.2 ounces.  

We’ll start by noting that a footprint is optional—some of the tents above come with an included footprint, while others do not. These simple tarps go beneath your tent (usually attaching to the pole in each corner) to provide an extra layer of protection underneath. They’re a nice added bit of assurance to have when it’s wet (make sure to tuck them under the tent to avoid pooling, as that can have the opposite effect) or when you’re camped on rough surfaces like granite or sharp plants. That said, they do add an additional cost (a $40 footprint would increase the price of a $200 tent by a whopping 20%) and 5 to 10 ounces to your pack.

Here’s our take: A footprint is a good idea if your tent is thin in terms of denier (see the durability section above ) or if you plan on camping on rough surfaces like granite, tend to be careless with your gear, or don’t have the risk tolerance for a torn floor (and the subsequent repair). On the other hand, if you have a durable tent and are camping on dirt, it’s unlikely that your tent will rip.   

Cost always is a key consideration and a backpacking tent is a big purchase. Here’s our take: if you are on a budget, only plan on backpacking once or twice a summer, are covering short to moderate distances, or just don’t mind carrying a few extra pounds, we are big fans of entry-level tents like the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2   ($229 with a footprint included) and Half Dome SL 2+ ($349 but a noticeable step up in interior space and features). These tents offer the highest value: Build quality is good, they are durable and roomy, setup is easy with simplified pole structures, and they cost considerably less than lighter-weight models. For casual backpackers on shorter trips, there is no need to spend more.  

Continuing up the price ladder, the trend is toward lighter and more packable designs. For those who take multi-day backpacking trips, get out a lot, and prioritize a low pack weight, the investment will be well worth it. Tents that are lightweight yet fairly uncompromised will be some of the most expensive (consider the $530 Big Agnes Copper Spur), while semi-freestanding designs with smaller footprints will come in a bit less (the $400  Big Agnes Fly Creek , for example). Most people may not want to consider anything above $500, but this is where you’ll find the lightest designs and the most expensive materials, such as Dyneema fabrics and carbon fiber poles. These tents (like the $729 Zpacks Duplex Zip and $650 Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum) are a good fit only for extremely weight-conscious backpackers and thru-hikers who spend countless nights outside and need the best tool for the job. However, unless you care a lot about saving weight, they’re often not the best value, with fragile materials and compromised livability and features. Back to Our Top Backpacking Tent Picks    Back to Our Backpacking Tent Comparison Table

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Backpacking Checklist

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The 7 Best Beach Tents, Tested and Reviewed

Guarantee shade on your next trip to the sea with these top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Jamie Griffin

Investing in a beach tent means elevating your seaside experience from a brief dance with skin damage to enjoyable hours spent relaxing with friends and family. In addition to protecting you from the sun and wind, traditional walled tents provide privacy when changing or snoozing, while modern sideless designs offer shade without impairing your view or airflow. Whatever style you go for, top things to look out for include a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, durable materials, and a reliable way of anchoring the tent against the wind. 

To help you find the best fit for your requirements, the TripSavvy team took 12 of the most popular options to the beach for some real-life testing. Each tent was scored for portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and value.

Other Beach Tents We Tested

How we tested, what to look for in a beach tent, why trust tripsavvy, best overall, pacific breeze easy setup beach tent.

• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

User friendly

Stable, even with wind

Well ventilated

A porch would be nice

The Pacific Breeze Easy Set-Up Beach Tent is marketed as offering “the fastest and easiest set up and take down” on the market, and while we can’t confirm or deny that, we can say that setup took just five minutes and was wonderfully straightforward (no more fiddly, segmented poles to fit together). It’s made of breathable, water-resistant polyester with a lightweight fiberglass frame. We were left with an overall impression of high-quality durability and liked that the included stakes and sand pockets withstood wind easily. 

Once it was set up, we found the interior much more spacious than expected. It offers complete, UPF 50+ protection from the sun, with two large windows to prevent the tent from getting too hot. These have roll-down shades so you can get changed or take a nap in peace. Store your sunglasses, snacks, and other essentials away from the sand in the internal pockets, and revel in the tent’s lightness when packed away into its compact travel bag. The only downside? No porch area for helping reduce tracked sand. 

Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 87 x 47 x 49 inches | Folded Size: 40 x 5 x 5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Taylor Calta

Best Budget

Whitefang 3-person beach tent.

• Durability 4.5 /5

Wind complicates solo installation

Retailing for a fraction of the price of other picks on this list, the WhiteFang Beach Tent is an excellent budget choice. It does have one major inconvenience: Setup is very much like a traditional camping tent with poles, stakes, and guy lines. We found it too difficult to wrangle the lightweight fabric and unwieldy poles single-handedly in the wind, although we felt this would be possible on stiller days. Nevertheless, we loved the durable feel of the materials and the fact that the tent stayed securely in place despite considerable gusts. 

Our favorite feature was the double-zippered door, which you can fully or partially zip to afford just the right amount of privacy. We felt this was especially helpful for families with small kids, as they might need to change diapers or breastfeed in public. When fully unzipped, the door doubles as a porch (great for sunbathing near your belongings). The tent has three large mesh windows for 360-degree views and great ventilation, two handy storage pouches, and a hook for hanging a lamp or fan. At 3.3 pounds, it’s also nice and light to carry.

Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 83 x 55 x 46 inches  | Folded Size : 17 x 6.5 x 5 inches  | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Katrina Cossey

Best Extra-Large

Oileus xl beach tent.

Lightning-fast installation

Super stable

Gear storage

Made from water-resistant polyester with a sturdy fiberglass frame, the Oileus X-Large Beach Tent provides ample space for a family of four, or two adults with beach loungers . An awning and porch add to the overall sense of space. We loved how easy it was to set up despite its large size, thanks to an automatic pop-up mechanism that enabled us to assemble it in under a minute. The instructions were clear, and we didn’t need any extra tools. The tent comes with six sand pockets and eight steel stakes, but even without them it withstood wind well. 

We also appreciated the tent’s internal pockets, which provided plenty of space for everything from a book to sunnies. Two windows offer extra ventilation but can also be closed with roll-down shades for privacy. We were surprised by how light the tent was (4 pounds) and found it conveniently compact—so much so that we could easily sling it over a shoulder or fit it into a large beach bag . Colors range from orange to pink or sky blue, and whichever you choose we feel the price is very fair considering the tent’s quality construction and ease of use.

Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 92 x 45 x 45 inches | Folded Size: 32 x 5 x 5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Morgan Glaze

Most Versatile

Neso 1 beach tent.

Dick's Sporting Goods

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Performance 4 /5

Sleek and minimalist

Easy to set up and use

Surprisingly light and compact

Not particularly effective in strong wind 

The Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended Neso 1 Beach Tent features a canopy made from a unique Lycra and nylon blend. We loved its high-tech feel and the fact that it’s both rated UPF 50+ and water-resistant. Rust-proof aluminum poles and reinforced corners add to the overall impression of a high-quality product. The shade canopy uses four anchor bags to stay in place, which you can fill with sand or rocks—making it usable anywhere you can find sufficient ballast. We did find that it struggled to stay steady in high winds, however. 

Assembly was easy and we appreciated that the instructions are printed on the carry bag rather than on an easy-to-lose sheet of paper. Be warned that you’ll need quite a bit of space and about 20 minutes to complete the process. Once up, the tent’s distinctive open-sided design provided our ideal level of shade: just enough to stay protected from the sun, without feeling too much like we were camping at the beach. It weighs just 4 pounds, fits in a carry-on suitcase when disassembled, and comes in a choice of nine vibrant colors. 

Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 80 inches | Folded Size: 19.5 x 4 x 4 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Kimberly Souza

Most Portable

Sun ninja pop up beach tent.

• Performance 3 /5

Compatible with different terrains

Durable and easy to clean

Not effective on windy days

If your local or favorite vacation beach is pretty sheltered, the Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent is a great choice in the sideless category. The canopy is made from extra-durable, elasticated Spandex with triple overlock stitching. It’s water- and wind-resistant, machine washable, and large enough to provide shade for four adults. Despite the tent weighing in at a relatively heavy 7.2 pounds, we found that it felt super light—possibly because the carry case is nice and compact as a result of the aluminum poles folding four times to fit inside. 

The tent is also really easy to set up (so much so that the instructions were superfluous). Lay it out; fill the integrated sand anchors at each corner with sand, dirt, or pebbles depending on the terrain; and pop it up using the poles. You can even set up on grass using the included metal stakes as an alternative anchoring method. Unfortunately, we found that the tent could not stay upright in strong wind. Nevertheless, it’s a spacious, well-made, and easy-to-use option for good weather days available in navy, turquoise, green, or royal blue.

Weight: 7.2 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 90 inches | Folded Size: 6 x 11 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

Best Cabana

Qipi beach cabana.

• Portability 4.5 /5

Customizable

Can be installed solo

Stakes are too short for optimum stability

Can’t decide whether you want a sideless tent or not? The QiPi Beach Cabana delivers the best of both worlds with a side wall that you can attach or detach depending on the amount of shade or privacy you need. Removing it also makes the cabana more stable on gusty days, giving you options when the wind picks up unexpectedly. The tent is large enough to provide shade for the whole family, but easy enough to set up on your own. The instructions are sewn onto the case and simple to understand, with the whole process taking about 15 minutes. 

We liked that the tent comes with stakes as well as integrated sand anchors, giving some versatility in terms of the kinds of terrain it’s compatible with. We did wish the stakes were a little longer, though, because the cabana is prone to toppling over in strong wind. Nevertheless, the materials are of a high quality and seem likely to last—and although the tent weighs 10.4 pounds, we found it easy to carry thanks to the bag’s convenient straps. Choose from an array of cute patterns and colors, including Sea Life and Pineapple Jungle. 

Weight: 10.4 pounds | Dimensions: 72 x 72 x 90 inches | Folded Size: 56 x 8 x 5.5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Andrea Tenborg

Best Canopy

Shibumi shade.

Extremely lightweight and compact

Abundant shade for up to six people

Most expensive option on this list

Although not a tent in any conventional sense, the Shibumi Shade deserves a space on this list as an ingenious alternative to traditional options. Made from ocean-bound recycled plastic and sewn in the U.S., it’s uniquely designed to work with the wind instead of against it, making it suitable for even the gustiest beach days. Here’s how setup works: Thread the pole through one side of the canopy, plant the ends in the ground, fill the single anchor bag with sand, and let the canopy fly with the wind to provide 150 square feet of shade. 

We found the process really easy and feel that after the first learning curve, it should take no longer than three minutes. The day we tested followed a night of tornado warnings, and the wind was considerable. Despite this, the canopy stayed secure throughout the entire test period, providing ample coverage from the sun and great airflow. It works on calmer days, too, requiring just 3 mph of wind to stay comfortably afloat. The only downside is the high price tag, although the long-lasting quality of the materials goes some way to make up for it. 

Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 180 x 120 inches | Folded Size: 26 x 5 inches | Sun Protection: UPF 50+

TripSavvy / Jenna Fortino

Final Verdict

Our favorite was the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent , which we are glad to report lived up to its name, offering a painless and speedy setup, durable construction, and functional, roll-down shades. For a worthy budget alternative, consider the WhiteFang Beach Tent .

Here are some of the other beach tents we tested that we did not find up to par with other options on our list, although some of them have worthy qualities of their own.

EZ-UP Canopy: More canopy than tent, this product weighs in at 35 pounds and is therefore unsuitable for carrying to your local beach. It could be a useful addition to an RV camping setup, though. 

Easierhike Family Beach Sunshade Tent: This tent was surprisingly flimsy in the wind despite taking over 20 minutes to set up. We liked the size of the canopy, but ultimately felt it didn’t perform well enough to justify its high price tag. 

Sunba Youth Beach Shade: If you’re looking for a budget buy, this tent could fit the bill. But, while the pop-up style is easy to set up, it’s a nightmare to pack away and we felt the overall quality was poor. 

WolfWise Portable Beach Tent: We loved how compact and lightweight this tent is, and found it very easy to set up. However, it moved around a lot in the wind and the collapsible poles felt a little flimsy. 

For each tent we tested, our first step was to evaluate the overall quality and construction while also taking note of its weight and how cumbersome it was to carry. Then, we took it to our local beach for at least three hours of testing in real-life conditions. We assessed how easy the tent was to transport and assemble, how well it stayed in place and coped with the wind, the amount of sun protection and airflow it provided, whether it had any additional features, and how easy it was to disassemble. Each tent was then scored on a scale of one to five for portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and value. Overall scores were used to determine our category winners. 

The standard material for beach tents is polyester—a fabric loved by outdoor goods manufacturers for its combination of strength and lightness. High-tech brands may use a spandex or Lycra blend, which can be a great choice if your beach tent is often exposed to strong winds since the extra stretch makes the material less likely to rip. The most sustainable beach tents are made from recycled fabrics, including repurposed polyester and recycled plastic. Aluminum poles are probably the most common, but for extra strength and wind resistance, seek fiberglass ones instead. 

Budget beach tents are pretty basic, but as you look further up the price spectrum you can expect a list of features that range from nice-to-have to can’t-live-without. Windows made of breathable mesh make a big difference, allowing air to pass through and preventing the tent from getting too hot. If they have shades that you can roll down when you want privacy, even better. A porch is also great because it gives you a sand-free space to sunbathe or dry off after returning from a dip in the sea, while internal pockets solve the problem of keeping sand out of your food, drinks, and/or electronics. 

Beach tents come in all sizes, from super-portable models for solo beach trips to party-approved shades that can accommodate friends and family. Bigger isn’t necessarily always better, though, especially if you typically walk some way to your favorite beach and have to lug all that extra weight and bulk along with you (although a beach wagon can help with transport). So, consider your needs carefully and check that they’re met by the recommended number of people listed on the tent’s specifications. 

Setup and Portability

One of the most important considerations when buying a beach tent is how easy it is to use. Check the setup instructions carefully (the fewer steps, the better), then verify them using online reviews. Does the tent have an automatic pop-up feature? Can it be assembled single-handedly or does the entire family have to pitch in? And when you’re finished, how easy is it to wrangle back into its bag? Portability is important, too, so look for lightness, compactness, and a well-designed carry bag with handles and an over-the-shoulder strap. Check specific dimensions if you plan on adding it to your carry-on luggage .

All three offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Beach tents typically have at least three walls, making them the best choice if you want privacy and a physical barrier against wind and sand. Beach umbrellas and canopies are open on all or most sides, offering an unimpeded view of the beach and better airflow (great for hot climates, where beach tents can get stuffy). Anchoring methods differ between the three, too, with tents and canopies relying on sand-filled bags and/or stakes, and umbrellas relying on sand-filled bags and/or corkscrew-style augers. 

The majority of beach tents are water-resistant rather than waterproof, meaning that they will offer some protection from a light shower, but won’t stop anything heavier. This isn’t usually a problem because most people check the forecast for major weather events before heading to the beach (and with one open side, there’s limited point to a fully waterproof beach tent anyway). If waterproofing is important to you, check whether the material of the tent you plan on buying is compatible with at-home waterproofing spray (available from any good camp store or online).

Anchoring methods differ from tent to tent, but most use one (or a combination of) the following: sandbags, stakes, and guy lines. Sandbags are usually integrated into the body material of the tent and must be filled with sand, dirt, or gravel when you reach your destination. They help to weigh the tent down and can be very effective in windy weather. Stakes are great on surfaces that don’t lend themselves to sandbags, like grass. They are usually used in conjunction with guy lines for added support and stability.

Not all beach tents have built-in sun protection, but if you’re planning on using yours to shelter from the sun’s harmful rays, you should really only consider one that does. The highest and therefore most effective UPF rating is 50+.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. Having spent several years working as a scuba diving instructor in South Africa and South East Asia (and then as a mom of a beach-loving toddler), she has a keen appreciation for the benefits of a good beach tent. The products in this article were chosen according to real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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5 Best Camping Tents of 2024

These tents are so comfortable you'll feel like you're glamping.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

A spacious camping tent is not only a place for you to sleep and store your belongings, but it helps keep out unexpected critters as well as shields you from sudden showers. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight tent that’s easy to set up and pack up or one that’s suitable for the entire family, our pros have narrowed down the best camping tents for your next vacation or road trip .

The experts and analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested outdoor and travel gear for decades, from hiking boots to hiking shoes , hiking socks and backpacks . To evaluate the best camping tents, we looked at a number of factors: Is the tent easy to set up and carry around? Is it spacious and comfortable? Is it durable and able to stand up to the elements? After extensive vetting and evaluations, we think these are the best camping tents you can buy.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Camping Tent

Eureka jade canyon x4.

Best Value Camping Tent

Marmot limestone tent.

Best Camping Tent for Families

The north face wawona 6.

After our top picks, continue reading to learn what to look for when shopping for a camping tent as well as how we tested the best camping tents.

Ideal for small families or groups of four seeking a super spacious, comfortable tent, this camping tent has four storage pockets for organizing books, tablets and other essentials like solar phone chargers . Not only does it feature a large 64-square-foot footprint, but it's one of the tallest tents featured with a maximum height of seven feet so taller campers will no longer have to slouch when moving around or changing inside.

In our previous Lab tests, the Jade Canyon received top scores for performance, and our Lab experts found it to be one of the easiest to set up and take down. Just keep in mind that its weight comes in at just over 20 pounds, making it quite heavy to carry.

You may not want to spend a fortune if you only camp once or twice a year, which is where this camping tent from Marmot is appealing. Though you may sacrifice some floor area with the Limestone Tent, our pros note that it's one of the lightest tents on this list and of great value and excellent construction .

Not only is it easy to carry around, but it comes with two handy doors for easy entry and exit as well as two vestibules for added comfort. In Lab tests, it received top scores for durability and the fly cover left behind no water residue in our rain spray test. While we think the tent height could be taller, our pros found it super easy to set up and take down.

Need a camping tent that'll fit the kids too? Look no further than this six-person tent from The North Face. In previous Lab tests, The North Face camping tents received top-notch performance scores and we expect the Wawona to be no exception. According to the brand, this camping tent is waterproof and should be able to handle summer rain showers.

What our pros like most is that it includes a vestibule that gives the tent a homey feel and offers some much-needed shade on sunny days as well as gear storage. We also appreciate that the interior of the tent has a large floor area and nearly seven foot center height . In addition to internal storage pockets, this tent comes with ceiling pockets that make it easy to hold headlamps and lights for the perfect home away from home.

REI Co-op Wonderland 4 Tent

This camping tent's four-person capacity and 69.4 square foot floor area should feel spacious to most people . It even has a peak height of just over 6 feet, making it suitable for most campers. While we haven't tested this particular model yet, our pros found REI camping tents tested previously to be both easy to set up and take down. We love that this model features two doors for easy entry and exit, multiple storage options inside and great ventilation, according to online reviewers.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Planning a backpacking trip? Make sure to pack this tent from Big Agnes that can accommodate up to two people (or you and a furry friend). While it's a bit pricey and not nearly as spacious or tall as other camping tents featured, it's perfect if you're looking for an extremely lightweight design (it's only three pounds!) . While we haven't tested this specific model in the Textiles Lab, Big Agnes tents were a top performer in previous camping tent tests, standing out for superior workmanship and easy setup. According to our pros, this tent should be just as easy to pack up and carry from one camping site to another.

How we test the best camping tents

The Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles Lab has tested more than 170 different fitness and outdoor products over the past year , including snow boots , ski gloves , fleece-lined leggings , running jackets , base layers , workout leggings and ski goggles .

To find the best tents, our pros evaluated 10 camping tents for their ease of use, performance and durability. To determine ease of use, camping tents are measured for weight and size and scored for overall ease of carrying, ease of setup and ease of disassembly.

Performance scores are determined by analyzing a tent’s spaciousness, ventilation and overall comfort, noting any accessories and special features. Durability is assessed by scoring the tent’s overall workmanship, materials and construction.

Finally, each tent’s water repellency is evaluated by performing a spray test. While we tested the majority of camping tents featured above, we also considered top-performing brands, our personal favorites and popular styles with positive online consumer reviews.

What to look for when shopping for a camping tent

✔️ Size: One of the most important questions you should ask yourself is how many people will you be camping with and how spacious you want your tent to be. Check the floor area of each tent before purchasing, as well as the recommended capacity. Once you’ve settled on the right size, double-check the dimensions of the tent, paying particular attention to the tent height.

If you’re tall or will be camping with someone tall, you’ll want to opt for a tent with a greater height so you’re not always having to slouch over. Lastly, don’t overlook a camping tent’s weight. If you plan on backpacking you should look for a lightweight tent so it’s less of a burden to carry; just keep in might that in previous Lab tests, these tents have scored lower overall when it comes to spaciousness and comfort.

✔️ Ease of setup: A camping tent that is easy to set up will save you a lot of time and spare you from any frustration. Keep in mind that some tents will require at least two people to set up, and always practice setting up your tent at home before taking it out into the wilderness. While most tents are accompanied by clear instruction manuals, it might take you a few tries before you get the hang of it.

✔️ Durability: Ideally your camping tent should be made from high-quality materials and constructed to last a few years. Always check water-resistance claims since you want your camping tent to repel water and comfortably withstand rain showers and other unexpected weather.

✔️ Comfort: Camping and hiking isn't always comfortable, so you want your tent and sleeping grounds to be. Does the camping tent come with multiple doors for easy entry and exit? Are there any pocket storage or hooks to help store essentials? Some tents might even have lighting features, so make sure to decide which accessories are important to you before making a purchase.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided expert reviews and advice on the best gear you can buy for your outdoor adventures, whether you're going camping, hiking, skiing or snowboarding.

Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski , who covers everything from travel to outdoor gear to fitness to consumer electronics and more, recently attended the 2023 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show to meet with various brands and evaluate camping equipment such as tents and accessories firsthand.

A North Carolina native, she grew up camping and knows firsthand how the right setup is key to having a great experience (and a good night's sleep).

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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The 11 best camping tents of 2022, according to reviews.

Explore the top-rated options for every type of outdoor adventure.

The 11 Best Camping Tents of 2022

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Pack the perfect shelter for your next camping or backpacking trip.

Perhaps the most important piece of camping gear is your tent – after all, camping without the proper shelter can ruin the entire trip. Many factors come into play when choosing your camping tent, ranging from the time of year you plan on using it to the style, size and more. No matter what you're going to use your tent for – whether you want to camp at a national park , on the beach or anywhere else – there is an ideal option out there for you.

The Best Camping Tents of 2022:

U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best camping tents for 2022.

Best Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Best canopy tent for camping: clam quick-set escape screen tent, best dome tent for camping: alpha camp 3 person backpacking camping tent, best car camping tent: eureka space camp 4 person tent, best cabin tent: eureka copper canyon lx 4 person tent, best solo camping tent: rei co-op quarter dome sl 1 tent, best two-person camping tent: the north face stormbreak 2-person tent, best family camping tent: core 9 person instant cabin tent, best four-season camping tent: eureka mountain pass 2 person tent, best budget tent: coleman sundome camping tent, best waterproof tent: woods lookout 8-person 3-season tent.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)

Courtesy of Big Agnes

Coming in at about 3 pounds, this Big Agnes tent won't weigh you down as you backpack to your campsite. The tent also folds up to 6 x 19.5 inches, meaning you will still have plenty of space in your backpack for all your other necessities. This product includes off-the-floor storage so your important items stay safe and dry, and the seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. The canopy fabric – a double ripstop nylon – keeps the tent light enough to easily haul with your gear but strong enough to withstand the elements. Recent campers love that this tent is lightweight for carrying on hiking trips , yet roomy enough to be comfortable when set up.

[ Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent: $549.95 or less. View deal .]

When you're camping, ensuring you bring a shelter suitable for sleeping is important – as is having a screened-in area for eating and relaxing. This eight-person pop-up shelter will do the trick. At 140 inches wide and 140 inches long, this canopy tent boasts plenty of space for whoever you are entertaining and can even fit over a standard-sized picnic table. It typically takes less than a minute to set up, and the taped roof panel made with water-resistant fabric keeps campers dry, while the high-quality mesh screen keeps bugs out. A carrying case, stakes and tie-down ropes are included. Users comment on how easy this CLAM product is to put up and take down.

[ CLAM Quick-Set Escape Screen Tent: $329.99 or less. View deal .]

This dome tent has everything you need for a good night's sleep in the great outdoors. The high-grade fiberglass poles keep the tent secure, and three zippered windows provide ventilation. The mesh storage pocket inside will keep your valuables safe. This Alpha Camp tent also has electrical port access, so you can easily charge your electronics and keep them in the tent with you while you do so. Campers love the ease of assembly and this dome tent's adaptability in different weather conditions.

[ Alpha Camp 3 Person Backpacking Camping Tent: $72.99 or less. View deal .]

The best part about car camping is that you don't have to worry about how heavy your gear is, including your tent. This four-person, three-season tent is on the bulkier side but will easily fit in your car to drive to your campsite. It is equipped with an adjustable venting system so you'll be comfortable no matter what the weather is, plus two large doors and vestibules. This tent made by Eureka! has 10 pockets for easy organization, and the rainfly is made with 68-denier ripstop polyester, so you can stay dry on your camping adventure. Purchasers of this tent say it comfortably fits a queen-size air mattress plus gear.

[ Eureka! Space Camp 4 Person Tent: $369.95 or less. View deal .]

This roomy Eureka! Copper Canyon LX option has plenty of space for up to four people, even with air mattresses or cots for everyone to sleep on. Despite its size, this tent is easy to put up thanks to the combination steel-fiberglass frame featuring quick clips, pole sleeves and corner hubs. The extended fly coverage over the door is designed to protect you from precipitation, and the gear loft means you can take advantage of every inch of floor space. Recent campers appreciate how spacious this cabin tent is, allowing you to stand up inside without issue.

[ Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 4 Person Tent: $259.95 or less. View deal .]

Courtesy of REI

When you're camping solo, there's no need to lug around a tent bigger than what you need. This REI Co-op tent is perfect for use by one person. With plenty of space for a solo camper but weighing only around 2.5 pounds, this option won't weigh you down, either. The interior is fitted with plenty of pockets and hang loops so you can easily organize all of your gear. The rainfly can keep you dry, and the roof vent allows for airflow, so you will be prepared no matter what weather comes your way. And, since chances are you'll be assembling the tent on your own, note that the poles are color-coded, making the setup simple. Solo campers are impressed with how well this camping tent holds up in strong winds.

[ REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 Tent: $329 or less. View deal .]

Courtesy of The North Face

This North Face Stormbreak tent is a great option for any camping couple. Designed for an occupancy of two, this four-season tent features doors that stuff into pockets, so there is no tedious rolling. The fully seam-taped canopy and floor protect the interior – and both of you – when it rains, while the high-low ventilation maximizes airflow for ideal sleeping conditions. Recent users praise the color-coordinated setup system.

[ The North Face Stormbreak 2-Person Tent: $184.95 or less. View deal .]

If there's one thing every family seems to need, it's space, and this Core tent certainly has plenty of that, accommodating up to nine people – perfect for a family camping trip . It features a detachable room divider for added privacy, near vertical walls, and a 78-inch center height, so every family member can comfortably stand up inside. This tent option's floor plan can fit nine adult sleeping bags or two queen-sized mattresses, making it the perfect camping shelter for any family. The removable rainfly, tent stakes and carry bag are all included. Recent buyers of this tent love the expandable carry bag, which makes packing up much easier than with other tents.

[ Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent: $299.99 or less. View deal .]

Not only does this tent provide the ultimate weather resistance, but its 32-square-foot interior also gives plenty of room for two people. The breathable canopy and removable side panels allow for optimal ventilation during warmer months; those panels combined with a waterproof rainfly keep the harsher elements out during colder and rainier weather. Campers say this product is the only tent you need, since it works well year-round.

[ Eureka! Mountain Pass 2 Person Tent: $334.95 or less. View deal .]

When it comes to camping gear, you can't go wrong with Coleman. This budget option doesn't sacrifice quality, yet it will allow you to easily stay within your price range. The tent may not have lots of fancy extra features, but it offers you the protection you need for a night outdoors. The sturdy frame and pole attachments can withstand 35+ mph winds, and the Weathertec system with welded floors and inverted seams will keep you dry. Recent reviewers say they love how durable and well made this tent is.

[ Coleman Sundome Camping Tent: $69.99 or less for two-person tent. View deal .]

The Woods Lookout 8-Person 3-Season Tent can help ensure your camping trip isn't ruined because of some bad weather. This option features an exterior, floor and rainfly made with a water-resistant coating and taped seams, so campers can rest easy even as the rain pours down. You won't just be protected from the rain – the preattached mesh panels can keep the bugs out, too. Made by a Canadian company, this tent has been tested for extreme durability in the Canadian outdoors. Users appreciate how the roomy vestibule allows you to enter and exit without the inside of the tent getting wet.

[ Woods Lookout 8-Person 3-Season Tent: $259 or less. View deal .]

You might also be interested in:

• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Top Places for Camping in Colorado
• The Top Places for Camping in Florida
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top Packable Jackets
• The Top Beach Tents
• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Fanny Packs
• The Top Duffel Bags

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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The 7 Best Beach Tents and Canopies of 2024, According to Testing

You’ll have it made in the shade all summer long with the best beach tents and canopies.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

The Bottom Line

• Our Testing Process
• What to Know Before Shopping
• Others We Tested

Your Questions, Answered

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

Spending a day at the beach with your toes in the sand sounds idyllic, but things can quickly go from pleasant to blistering if you don’t have any shade available. But don’t worry—we tested the best beach tents and canopies, so you can relax on your beach towel and enjoy watching the waves crash on the sand all day long without getting sunburnt. 

What We Tested

Not all beach tents can handle a day on the sand, so we tested more than 20 beach tents and canopies at beaches from New Jersey to Florida. We evaluated each product based on assembly , stability , quality of shade and ventilation , and disassembly . For more information on how we tested tents and canopies, check out our testing process below.

Best Overall Beach Canopy

Neso 1 beach tent.

• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Performance 4 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It has a sleek, minimalist design that looks very chic at the beach.

It took up quite a bit of space to get it stretched out and secured in place. It may be hard to claim that much space on a busy beach.

We love this beach canopy for frequent beachgoers and travelers headed to a beach vacation who don’t want to pack a bulky beach tent. This lightweight canopy weighs just 4 pounds and folds up small enough to fit in a beach bag.

When using this canopy, we noticed that it looked sleek, and the fabric felt durable. We liked how it looked more elegant than a traditional dome-shaped beach tent.

There are two aluminum poles that hold up the front of the canopy and four cords that are secured in place with anchor bags filled with sand or rocks. We also appreciated that it comes in eight colors, so whether you’re looking for bright or neutral colors, there is an option for you.

When setting up this set, we found that it was important to set it up facing the wind. We recommend laying out the fabric and filling the anchor bags with sand and then lifting the front with the aluminum support poles for the easiest assembly.

If you have an extra set of hands it will help make the process go faster. However, this beach canopy was relatively simple to set up and provided much more ground for people to enjoy the shade.

One thing to consider is how much beach space this canopy requires. The shade measures 7 x 7 feet, but to keep the canopy taut, the anchor bags have to be set several feet behind and to the side of the canopy. Depending on how busy the beach is, it can be difficult to claim that much space at a popular beach destination.

Product Details: Capacity: Two to four people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Aluminum, nylon/lycra material | Dimensions: 66 x 84 x 84 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

Best for Families

Oileus xl beach tent.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

It weighs just 4 pounds and can fit into a large beach bag, making it easy to haul to the beach.

The extendable floor doesn’t have any loops to stake it down, so a beach chair or bag may be needed to weigh it down and make sure it doesn’t blow in the wind.

Our top pick for a beach tent is the Oileus XL Beach Tent because it’s big enough to fit four people, and it only weighs 4 pounds. This is a great option for families who are already weighted down with gear when they head to the beach. 

During testing, we found that this tent was easy to set up and assemble. To set up the tent, click the front two legs into position and pull the strings from the top of the tent until it pops into place. There are small stakes that you can use to anchor the tent, but if you’re at a beach with really fine sand it may not hold as well. 

We loved the extendable floor that enlarged the sitting space of the beach tent. During our testing, two people were able to comfortably lay down to enjoy the shade of the tent. We also appreciated that the floor could fold up and velcro to the top of the tent to create privacy for a change of clothes before heading back home.

One drawback is that there were no loops to tack down the extendable floor, so it may need to be weighed down with a rock or beach bag. However, when we tested this canopy, we found that the canopy didn’t move, even when a breeze was blowing. 

Inside the tent, there are windows that can be opened for ventilation and little storage pockets to keep sunscreen or water bottles off the floor. Overall, we loved its size, ease of assembly, and convenient features.

Product Details: Capacity: Four people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Fiberglass, alloy steel, polyester | Dimensions: 92 x 45 x 45 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Glaze

Best Cabana

Qipi beach cabana.

• Portability 4.5 /5

The 6 x 6-foot size provides a shade area large enough for families.

Using sand to weigh down the sides adds extra time to the set-up and tear-down processes.

For those looking for a cabana option, this is the best cabana beach tent we tested. It took us about 15 minutes to get this canopy set up. It went quickly, but it took a few extra minutes to fill the anchor bags with sand. The sides can also be staked down for an even more secure hold.

Once it is set up this 6 x 6-foot beach tent creates a large shade area for a group to enjoy. We like that there is space to set down beach chairs or a large picnic blanket in the shade.

The center pole also felt very sturdy, and the canopy was easy to disassemble and fit back in the carrying bag. There is an extra shade panel that clicks into place on any side of the cabana to block the sun. When we tested the side panel, a big gust of wind knocked the canopy on its side, so we don’t recommend adding the extra panel on windy days because it catches the wind like a sail.

The material is made of polyester, and it felt durable and high quality. There are seven pattern options, including blue and white strips, sea shells, and pineapples.

The only drawback to packing up this beach tent was that we had to take time to dump out all the sand that was used to hold down the sides. It wasn’t hard, but it was a little time consuming to get all of the sand out. Be sure to pack a small sand shovel to make the task a little easier.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Material: Plastic, metal, fiberglass, iron, polyester | Dimensions: ‎72 x 72 x 90 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Tenborg

Best Budget Beach Tent

Whitefang 3-person beach tent.

• Durability 4.5 /5

This lightweight and affordable beach tent has a floor, so we didn’t have to sit in the sand.

We recommend having someone help with setting this tent up as it can be difficult to assemble this tent on a windy day.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly beach tent, this is the best option for you. This three-person tent is made of lightweight materials and weighs just 4 pounds, which made it easy to haul to the beach and secure in place. We used the stakes provided and didn’t add the optional guy wires, and the tent felt secure once we had it in place. 

We timed how long it took for us to assemble the tent, and noted it took us about 18 minutes due to the wind. Assembly is similar to a camping tent, and we had to push the rods through loops in the polyester material.

This was hard to do in the wind and we needed two sets of hands to get the job done, but once it was in place it worked really well. On a less windy day, we feel like the process would have been more straightforward.

One feature we really like is the tent floor so we didn’t have to sit in the sand. The extended floor also folds up and can be closed with a two-way zipper so we could create some privacy if we wanted to change clothes.

There are also three large mesh windows that can be unzipped to enjoy the breeze. Inside the tent, there are two storage pockets and a hook to hang a portable light, battery-operated fan, or Bluetooth speaker. 

Teardown was smoother than assembly, and we recommend folding the tent around the rods so that it all slips back into the carrying case easily. 

Product Details: Capacity: Three people | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Polyester, fiberglass, alloy steel | Dimensions: 83 x 55 x 46 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Katrina Cossey

Best Budget Canopy

Sport-brella premiere outdoor umbrella.

It is easy to secure in place with an oversized auger bit and built-in handles to screw the base into the sand.

The umbrella pole is made of steel, which makes it heavier than some of the other beach tent options.

This beach tent is similar to a beach umbrella, with a long center pole, but it also has sides that secure to the ground with stakes to create more shade. In addition to having an oversized auger bit, which looks like a giant screw to secure the base of this canopy into the sand, there are also four stakes and tie-downs to prevent the side flaps from blowing in the wind.

It wasn’t very windy on the day we tested this umbrella, but with several spots to secure this beach canopy to the ground, it felt very secure. Set up was easy with the built-in handles on the auger bit.

The center pole is made of steel, and it has a built-in tilting mechanism to adjust the canopy with the changing position of the sun. There are zippered windows to offer airflow and to further reduce the risk of the canopy blowing away.

At 8 feet wide, we think this canopy would be comfortable for two adults or a small family, but the manufacturer does not specifically list the capacity. Be sure to bring beach towels or beach chairs to set under the canopy since it doesn’t have a floor or bottom.

There are internal storage pockets to keep phones or snacks out of the sand. The canopy folds down to 53 inches x 3.5 inches and it comes with a carrying bag to make it easier to transport it from a vehicle or home to the beach. It is available in six color options, including aqua, blue, gray, gray camo, red, and red, white, and blue.

Product Details: Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 8.41 pounds | Material: Steel, polypropylene | Dimensions: 96 x 96 x 53 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Stella Yu

Best Wind-Resistant

Pacific breeze easy setup beach tent.

It took less than five minutes for us to set up the tent.

It has a capacity for three people, but with beach chairs there may only be enough space for two people.

This lightweight beach tent was easy for us to carry to the beach. It comes with a carrying case that has a shoulder strap, and everything needed for set up fits inside the bag. There were no special tools required, and we were able to assemble the tent in less than five minutes.

It was windy on the day we tested this beach tent, but once the stakes were in the sand, it didn’t move at all. There are also five sand pockets to fill for extra security, but we didn’t feel like it was necessary. 

Inside there is plenty of space for a family with small children or a couple of adults. For larger families, not everyone will be able to fit in the shaded area at the same time, but it makes a great meeting spot to reapply sunscreen or grab some trail mix . 

Inside there are several mesh storage pockets that keep supplies off the ground. There are also two window screens that allow for air to circulate through the tent. The tent material is lightweight but feels durable and is water-resistant. It also stood up nicely to the wind at the beach.

When it was time to go, it only took a few minutes to tear down the tent and get it back into the carrying case. Overall, this is the best option for durability against wind.

Product Details: Capacity: Five people | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Material: Fiberglass, polyester | Dimensions: 86.6 x 49.2 x 47.2 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Calta

Best Portable Tent

Sun ninja pop up beach tent.

• Performance 3 /5

The stretchy material makes it a durable choice for the beach.

It doesn’t stand up well to high winds

This beach tent has two features that really stood out to us during testing. First, we liked the sizes available. The four-person canopy we tested measures 7 x 7.5 feet, providing plenty of shade for a family to hang out together at the beach.

There is also an eight-person tent available that measures 10 x 10 feet if you want even more space in the shade. The tents also come with a microfiber beach blanket to set on the sand. It comes in four color options, weighs just 7 pounds, and fits inside an easy-to-carry storage bag. 

We also appreciated how easy it was to set up. Once we picked our spot we laid it out on the ground, we filled the corner bags with sand (we could have also used the corkscrew-shaped stakes to secure it if we were in the grass). Then, we propped up each corner with the poles and secured the fabric with an elastic cord.

We liked that a scoop was included to fill the anchor bags with sand. The material was stretchy , and there were no worries about it tearing. We found it simple to set up, but it was nice to have an extra set of hands. 

One drawback was that this beach tent didn’t work very well for us in the wind. The manufacturer recommends setting up the tent facing the wind, but we had a hard time getting it set up when it was windy.

This beach canopy is great for a calm day at the beach or for creating extra shade at a grassy picnic area, but it might not be a great fit for a consistently windy beach area. 

Product Details: Capacity: Four people | Weight: 7 pounds | Material: Spandex, aluminum | Dimensions: 84 x 90 x 66 inches | UPF Rating: 50+

Overall, our top pick is the Oileus XL Beach Tent because it’s lightweight, creates shade for up to four people, and it is moderately priced. We also appreciated that the extended floor closed to create a private space to change clothes or take a beach nap. 

Our Testing Process 

We took 21 beach tents and canopies out into the field to test them in real-world conditions. 

Upon receiving the tents and canopies, we initially inspected the products for overall quality of construction. Then, we took the products to the beach and set them up, noting any difficulties hauling the products out to the beach. We timed how long it took to set up the beach tent, and responded to questions about how clear the instructions were and if we needed any additional tools to set up the tent. 

We kept the beach tents up for two to three hours and took notes on how stable the products were, how many times we had to adjust the tent to keep it secure, and how much shade and ventilation it provided. We also noted any features we particularly liked, such as storage features. Then, we disassembled the beach tents and evaluated how easy or difficult it was to put the product back into its original carrying case. 

Better Homes & Gardens / Lydia Price

What to Know About Beach Tents and Canopies Before Shopping

A beach tent is often just one of many items you’re carrying on a beach day, so you want something lightweight enough that you can also carry a beach chair, beach bag, or a cooler with ease.

The heaviest beach cabana on our list weighs about 10 pounds, but most beach tents on our list weigh between 4 and 8 pounds. The lightest tent on our list is the WhiteFang Beach Tent , which weighs 4 pounds. 

To keep a lightweight tent secure on a windy beach, most tents have attached sandbags that you can fill or stakes to hold the tent in place. 

Beach tents and canopies come in a variety of styles and sizes. “Low-hanging beach canopies allow for more movement with bigger families,” says Marc Taylor, manager of Beach Tent Rentals in Hallandale Beach, Florida. However, for groups with four people or fewer, he recommends using a 6 x 6-foot (or smaller) beach tent. 

“Thin, oversize tents will catch the wind. Keep it under 10 feet,” Taylor says. “A 6 x 6-foot tent is perfect for two to four people.”

Dome tents are also popular for two to four people. They look more like a camping tent that is open on one side, and they can range from 45 to 54 inches wide. Beach canopies come in bigger sizes, ranging from 72 to 96 inches wide. 

Most of the beach tents on this list are made from polyester, which is a lightweight material that is water resistant. Nylon is also lightweight and waterproof, and it’s stretchy, which makes it a great fit for beach canopies. 

We don’t recommend canvas beach tents because they hold onto moisture longer, and if they’re not completely dry when packed away it can lead to mold or mildew.

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

All of the beach tents are made of water-resistant fabric. However, since they are not enclosed on all four sides, they are not completely waterproof. If an afternoon rain shower pops up, all of these beach tents will offer some protection, but depending on the wind and the amount of rain, you may get wet. 

UV Protection

Every tent on our list has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50+. UPF indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. A UPF of 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and greatly reduces your risk of harmful sun exposure, meaning these tents will help prevent sunburn. 

Other Beach Tents and Canopies We Tested

Easierhike beach sun shade tent.

The Easierhike Beach Sun Shade Tent was lightweight and it came with a carrying case, which made it easy to transport. We also liked that it came with everything needed to set up the tent, including carabiners and shovels to fill the sandbags.

However, it was difficult to set up and it took us more than 20 minutes to get it assembled. We also had to readjust the shade canopy frequently to prevent it from blowing down in the wind. Because of this, we feel that there are other beach tents that are easier to assemble and secure in place. 

Sunba Youth Beach Shade

The Sunba Youth Beach Shade was easy to assemble; however, we had difficulties trying to fold it back down, and it took a long time to fit it back into the bag. We thought it was an ideal size for a parent and child to use together, but it didn’t seem very durable.

Additionally, the stakes were small and didn’t hold the tent in place well. Overall, we thought it wasn’t as durable as other tents and the disassembly process was too frustrating. 

Shibumi Shade 

We are big fans of the Shibumi Shade as it is made with sustainable materials, it’s lightweight, and easy to assemble—even in the wind. The materials are high-quality, and it provided a lot of shade. However, we weren’t fans of the high price point.

If you’re someone who spends a considerable amount of time at the beach, it may be worth the investment, but for the average beachgoer, we thought this canopy was too expensive.

What color is best for the beach?

The color of your beach tent is mostly a matter of personal preference. Many people opt for a beach tent in a shade of blue, for an aquatic feel. If you want family or friends to easily spot your tent at the beach, you may want to opt for red, orange, or yellow.

Patterns such as wide nautical stripes are popular on both beach cabanas and tents. Keep in mind that light colors reflect the light, while darker colors absorb light, which may make it warmer under the tent.

What is the most stable tent shape?

During our testing, we found that the dome-shaped beach tents, such as the WhiteFang Beach Tent , offered the greatest stability. They are generally lower to the ground, smaller, and can be both staked and secured with sandbags.

Many also have extended floors that can be further weighted down by coolers and beach chairs. It is important to note that on windy days you should open the ventilation windows to allow the breeze to flow through the tent. 

Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics, including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best beach tents and canopies she used research and insights from our field tests conducted throughout the United States. She also consulted with Marc Taylor , manager of Beach Tent Rentals in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

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11 Best Ultralight Tents for Backpacking & Thru-Hiking

Gone are the days of toting bulky six-pound Eureka tents around the woods — backpacking shelters today save hikers every possible ounce.

But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide on the best ultralight tent for your next backpacking or thru-hiking trip.

Your tent is one of your most essential pieces of gear , and I know from experience how tedious it can be to make the right choice.

While preparing to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail , I pored over the weight and sizes of different shelters for months before making my pick.

And I wasn’t alone — I’ve geeked out over tents with countless other hikers who have gone through the same tedious process.

We gear nerds are forever searching for the perfect shelter to keep us safe and shave precious ounces off of our base weight.

Well-known ultralight brands like Zpacks, Big Agnes, and Hyperlite Mountain Gear sell a variety of freestanding and trekking pole tents weighing under three pounds.

Whether you’re ultralight backpacking on a quick overnight or planning to thru-hike the PCT, you have plenty of options.

Best Ultralight Tents

• Best Trekking Pole Tent: Zpacks Duplex
• Best Freestanding Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
• High-End Pyramid: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid
• Best on a Budget: Lanshan 2 3F UL Gear
• Tried-and-True (for One or Two): Gossamer Gear
• Ultra-Popular & Ultra-Reliable: Durston X-Mid
• Tarp + Net Bundle: Six Moon Designs Haven
• Optimal for Tall Hikers & Backpackers: Zpacks Altaplex
• Roomy & Spacious: Tarptent Double Rainbow Li
• Semi-Freestanding UL Haven: MSR FreeLite
• Freestanding Luxury: NEMO Hornet OSMO

Factors We Considered When Picking Products

• Final Thoughts: Best Ultralight Tents

Best Overall Trekking Pole Tent Zpacks Duplex

MSRP : $669 Weight : 1 lb 3 oz | 525 g Floor Dimensions : 90” x 45” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : DCF Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Extremely light, great weather resistance, easily upgraded Cons : Can be drafty, expensive

Popularized by thru-hikers long and far, Zpacks’ Duplex tops ‘best of’ lists year after year.

You’re almost guaranteed to see at least a few of these while you’re out backpacking, whether in the Sierra Nevadas or the Appalachians.

At a minuscule 18.5 ounces, the DCF Duplex has four storm doors and stands up well to inclement weather.

Some users say it can be drafty, but I’ve heard only glowing reviews from thru-hikers with the Duplex.

One friend notes that it can be pitched even in “horrendously unideal” conditions.

With some pitching practice to eliminate unwanted drafts, the Duplex could be the tent of your dreams.

Well-built and relatively spacious, it can handle tricky conditions while keeping your base weight to an absolute minimum.

Best Overall Freestanding Tent Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL

MSRP : $550 Weight : 3 lb 2 oz | 1.42 kg Floor Dimensions : 88″ x 52″/42″ Capacity : 2-person Main Material : Silnylon Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Sturdy, lots of extra features, large vestibules Cons : Small for two people

If you’d like a few extra frills from your backpacking tent, take a peek at Big Agnes’ fan-favorite Copper Spur HV UL.

As an added bonus over the Duplex, there’s no need to fiddle with trekking poles during setup.

I know several backpackers who swear by the Copper Spur for its abundant extra features, including an overhead gear pocket and large vestibules that double as awnings.

However, most prefer the Copper Spur for solo hikes, as its 52-inch-wide floor (and 42 inches at the feet) only goes so far.

On the bright side, you can pitch this ultra-durable tent anywhere and everywhere.

So, for those planning a trip on rough terrain or anyone who dislikes the finicky nature of a trekking pole tent, consider adding the Copper Spur to your pack.

Unstoppable High-End Pyramid Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid

MSRP : $825 Weight : 1 lb 3 oz | 541 g Floor Dimensions : 107” x 83” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : DCF Weather Resistance : 4-season Pros : Spacious, easy to pack, great airflow Cons : Expensive, no bug net or floor

Known for their high-end Dyneema craftsmanship, Hyperlite Mountain Gear products run on the costly side — but those high price tags reflect cutting-edge designs and low weight.

Just take a look at the top-notch Hyperlite Ultamid, built to withstand all four seasons.

The Ultamid ranks as the roomiest tent on our list, at more than eight feet long, nearly seven feet wide, and over five feet tall at the peak.

But don’t forget that weight savings have to come from somewhere.

Unfortunately, those 19.1 ounces don’t include a floor or bug net.

If price is no object, the Ultamid will provide unmatched weather resistance, effortlessly shedding rain, wind, and snow.

Before you hit the trail, read the setup instruction PDF (yes, there’s a PDF) and consider buying a ground tarp to protect your sleeping pad.

Best on a Budget Lanshan 2 3F UL Gear

MSRP : $156-$174 (depending on the weather resistance) Weight : 2 lb 11 oz | 1.22 kg Floor Dimensions : 86.6” x 43.3” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : Nylon and silnylon Weather Resistance : 3-4 season Pros : Great price, durable, excellent weather resistance Cons : Lower quality, small interior

We imagine you might be feeling some sticker shock by now, and that’s where 3F UL Gear comes in.

This budget brand has moved up gear rankings in recent years by selling less expensive alternatives to the costly equipment on REI shelves.

Besides an unbeatable price, the Lanshan 2 boasts seam sealing and a simple setup that makes pitching a breeze.

The tent body has a durable nylon composition, although reviewers note that some other parts — like the cords and tent stakes — could have a shorter shelf life.

If you’re on a strict budget or simply dipping your toes in the ultralight waters, give the Lanshan 2 a shot.

It may not be a showstopper in terms of weight or looks, but it does offer reliable shelter at a fraction of the price of most other ultralight tents on this list.

Tried-and-True (for One or Two) Gossamer Gear The One or Two

MSRP : $299 | $375 Weight : 1 lb 2 oz (503 g) | 1 lb 8 oz (667 g) Floor Dimensions : 84” x 33”/21” | 84” x 48”/42” Capacity : 1-person | 2-person Main Material : Silnylon Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Lightweight, good price, packs down small Cons : Needs a perfect pitch, fabric sags

DCF might be the shiny or (relatively) new tent fabric these days, but it’s not the only material in the ultralight tent scene.

Silnylon tents like the Gossamer Gear One and Two will save you both money and pack space.

The One and Two both pack down to less than 12 inches long.

But some backpackers say these tents may leave you a little damp in the morning—a PCT hiker with The One recently told me that despite head and foot vents, the ceiling sags and drops condensation, especially in the rain.

To get the most out of The One or The Two, be choosy about your campsites and perfect your pitch, which might take some practice for a tent that uses up to 10 stakes.

Once you know how to make these tents work, you’ll be rewarded with their comfort, style, and savings in short order.

Ultra-Popular & Ultra-Reliable Durston X-Mid

MSRP : $300 Weight : 2 lb 3 oz / 1 kg Floor Dimensions : 92” x 52” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : Polyester Weather Resistance : 4-season Pros : Spacious, great weather protection, adjustable condensation vents Cons : Famously difficult to pitch

The Durston X-Mid 2 is giving the Zpacks Duplex a run for its money in terms of popularity — and speaking of money, the polyester X-Mid 2 rings in at half the price of the Duplex.

But how does the X-Mid measure up in other ways?

To start, it’s very spacious, with a peak height of four feet and a massive floor space.

It also handles wind, rain, and snow with ease.

But many users note that pitching the geometrically confusing X-Mid can be fiddly at best and headache-inducing at worst.

For instance, if you’re trying to throw this thing together in a storm, the X-Mid may be too temperamental.

But for those who prioritize sleeping and storage space, this should be one of your top choices.

Keep in mind, you can upgrade to the Dyneema X-Mid Pro 2 to shed valuable ounces.

Tarp + Net Bundle for Ultimate Versatility Six Moons Designs Haven

MSRP : $375 Weight : 2 lb 2 oz | 963 g Floor Dimensions : 88” x 44” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : Silnylon Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Easy to set up, well-ventilated, versatile Cons : Needs large campsite, heavy

Six Moon Designs’ Haven tent offers unmatched versatility; it consists of a separate tarp and bug netting that can be used independently of each other.

And don’t be fooled by its several guylines; both parts of the Haven are very simple to set up.

The well-ventilated tent and tarp will keep you free from condensation throughout the night, and the slightly off-set roof peak allows hikers to sit up inside comfortably.

But the Haven’s larger-than-average footprint means you’ll need to find larger campsites.

Although it may be a little heavy for true ultralight fanatics, the Haven’s extra ounces significantly improve its livability.

And if you’re spending night after night in this tent — say, on a thru-hike — the extra liveability could be precisely what you need.

Optimal for Tall Hikers & Backpackers Zpacks Altaplex

MSRP : $669 Weight : 15.4 oz | 437 g Floor Dimensions : 90” x 36” Capacity : 1-person Main Material : DCF Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Spacious, lightweight, easy to pitch Cons : It may require a trekking pole upgrade

Given its high headroom and simple setup, the Altaplex is a favorite tent choice for tall solo hikers.

It has nearly all the advantages of the Duplex, with much of the interior space and three fewer ounces to boot.

Zpacks specifically designed this tent for taller hikers up to 6’6”, so the Altaplex delivers a peak height of nearly five feet.

This means you may need to upgrade your trekking poles if your current ones can’t reach a minimum of 56 inches, but Zpacks does address this issue by offering trekking pole jacks .

The Altaplex should be a no-brainer if you’re a taller, solo hiker. Lightweight without cutting comfort or space, this shelter is perfect for anyone struggling to fit inside the cramped confines of a standard-sized shelter.

Roomy, Spacious & Widely Recommended Tarptent Double Rainbow Li

MSRP : $724 Weight : 1 lb 13 oz | 822 g Floor Dimensions : 88” x 50” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : DCF Weather Resistance : 3+-season Pros : Simple setup, can become freestanding, large bathtub floor Cons : Small vestibules, low vertical height

Full disclosure: I used the Double Rainbow Li on my AT thru-hike and am a huge fan.

With its super easy setup, I could pitch it in under three minutes; plus, it converts to a freestanding shelter that can be picked up and moved with ease.

In the interest of fairness, though, I should note the Double Rainbow’s downsides.

The narrow vestibules can’t fully cover backpacks, so you’ll have to sleep with your gear inside on rainy nights.

The arch shape also lacks vertical space at the head and foot.

Although you should take the same precautions with the Double Rainbow as with any Dyneema gear, this tent handles just about anything you — or nature — can throw at it.

For the budget-conscious, Tarptent sells a slightly heavier silnylon version that’s even more durable.

Semi-Freestanding UL Haven MSR FreeLite

MSRP : $450 Weight : 2 lbs | 910 g Floor Dimensions : 84” x 50” Capacity : 2-person Main Material : Silnylon and polyester Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Easy to set up, extra gear storage features Cons : Low vertical height

Fans of MSR’s Hubba Hubba tents will love the FreeLite, which comfortably fits two people side-by-side with room to spare.

Because it’s semi-freestanding and symmetrical, you can pitch it on any site in just about any conditions.

The FreeLite does have a bit of extra heft but makes up for it with bells and whistles like overhead gear lofts, interior pockets with cable ports, and oversized vestibules.

However, taller hikers beware: you’ll have trouble sitting up straight due to its 36-inch vertical height.

If you’re on the shorter side, that low roof could be a bonus, helping retain warmth on chilly nights.

The FreeLite’s silnylon and polyester construction also means that it packs down small and can go anywhere you can.

Freestanding Luxury for 1, 2, or 3 NEMO Hornet OSMO

MSRP : $400-$550 Weight : 2 lb 4 oz (1.02 kg) | 2 lb 8 oz (1.14 kg) | 3 lb 5 oz (1.49 kg) Floor Dimensions : 87” x 43/31” | 85” x 51”/43” | 88” x 68”/62” Capacity : 1-3 person Main Material : Ripstop nylon Weather Resistance : 3-season Pros : Great wind and rain protection, decent interior space, easy to break down Cons : Fabric prone to abrasion

The NEMO Hornet OSMO is a freestanding shelter that’s light enough that you might forget you’re carrying it, but tough enough to stand up to downpours and high winds.

The Hornet also boasts an ultra-intuitive design that’s a godsend for anyone who hates poring over tent setup instructions.

And, unlike many other ultralight tents, the Hornet includes all materials, like poles and stakes, with your purchase.

Its ripstop nylon construction will lighten your load without compromising space, but can also be prone to abrasion on tough ground.

That aside, the Hornet OSMO is an exceptionally practical freestanding tent, and it seems as though nearly every measure has been taken to make it as comfortable as possible.

With such a quick and easy pitch, you’ll be safe from the elements with minimal effort on your part.

With countless ultralight tents on the market today, the 11 shelters we picked out stood out based on seven key factors: weight, floor, dimensions, capacity, materials, weather resistance, setup, and price.

Analyzing these details will help you select your next UL home away from home.

Even if you’re not an ultralight convert (yet), you can still save yourself tons of pack weight by picking the lightest possible shelter.

No matter how far you’re backpacking, lightening your load will help you hike faster and protect your joints.

But before you throw hundreds of dollars at the first ultralight tent you see, find a shelter that fits the rest of your preferences, especially your budget.

Ideally, your tent should strike a balance between weight and personal comfort.

Floor Dimensions

Though floor space may seem meaningless from the comfort of your bed at home, this is a critical factor for any ultralight shelter.

Measure each tent’s unique floor dimensions against your height and sleeping pad to see what works best for you.

To visually display floor dimensions, you can use pieces of string to lay out each tent’s approximate area.

You may also want to consider whether you plan to store your gear inside or outside your tent.

While perusing the tents above, you likely noticed that even shelters with the same capacity can vary in size.

You should base your purchase mostly on floor dimensions rather than how many people the manufacturer thinks you can cram into one tent.

If you’re a taller hiker or simply prefer more space, size up from a one-person to a two-person tent. Paired hikers who find two-person tents too tight should also upgrade to a three-person tent, dividing the parts between two packs to split the extra weight.

Main Material

With few exceptions, ultralight tents are usually made of one of three materials: polyester, silnylon, or Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF).

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so keep your backpacking goals in mind as you decide on your tent.

Heavy but long-lasting polyester and silnylon will be your most affordable options, though they may stretch out and sag in wind and rain.

Meanwhile, DCF is more prone to abrasion but beloved by ultralight hikers for its durability, weather resistance, and featherlight weight.

Weather Resistance

Unless you can predict the future, chances are you’ll encounter unexpected harsh weather at some point in your (hopefully long and enjoyable) backpacking career.

For that reason, it’s best to be prepared and know exactly what your tent can handle.

Our selected tents fall under three- or four-season ratings.

Four-season tents will shelter you even in snow, high winds, and low temperatures.

On the other hand, three-season tents can withstand wind and rain but function best in non-winter conditions.

Freestanding vs. Trekking Pole

The modes of tent setup are fairly self-explanatory.

Freestanding tents rely on aluminum or carbon-fiber poles to keep their shape, while trekking pole tents require only the help of your trusty hiking sticks (plus guylines and tent stakes).

With all the different parts you must carry, freestanding tents are almost always heavier but usually sturdier and easier to pitch.

If you want to “go light or go home,” you’ll likely prefer a trekking pole tent — just be aware of potential drawbacks like complex setups and condensation.

We know prices on ultralight gear can be steep, but you don’t have to take out a loan to afford a great tent.

Lighter doesn’t always equal more expensive—there are plenty of ways to hit your goal base weight without breaking the bank.

As you set your tent budget, take note of the factors and features most important to you.

Then, balance that against each tent’s price tag.

Your wallet (and, more importantly, your future self out on the trail) will thank you down the road.

Which UL Tent is Calling Your Name?

No matter where you’re backpacking or thru-hiking, the best ultralight tent for your needs will make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.

With a variety of freestanding and trekking pole tents on this list, there’s something here for just about everyone.

Shelters from trusted names like Durston, Six Moon Designs, and Gossamer Gear can all help keep your base weight down and maximize ultralight performance.

But if nothing on our list stands out to you, don’t give up — your dream ultralight tent is out there waiting for you to come find it.

And if you’re unsure about a piece of gear, chat with hikers who have used it before (and trust me, backpackers love to talk gear).

Any tent is an investment for your future self, so keep your desired features and base weight in mind as you brainstorm.

The goal here is to find the best ultralight tent for you .

Once you have that tent in your pack, it’s time for the best part: hitting the trail and sleeping under the stars.

Last Updated on July 1, 2024

Cu Fleshman

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2 thoughts on “11 Best Ultralight Tents for Backpacking & Thru-Hiking”

If the X mid 2 person tent is too complicated for you to set up maybe you shouldn’t be backpacking. The 1st time I set up my X mid 2 person tent I couldn’t believe how easy it was compared to my other my previous backpacking tents. Not to mention how roomy, stable & comfotable it is even very windy rainy conditions.

Thanks for the feedback, Vincw. I’m going to chat with some of my backpacking buddies who use the X-Mid 2 and get their feedback about the ease of setup. I’m willing to work with the author to change the product description if they give as glowing a review as you did. Cheers, and happy backpacking.

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The 6 Best Beach Tents That Are Ridiculously Easy To Set Up, According To Reviewers

Staff Writer

There is nothing shady about wanting extra sun protection when you’re at the beach or lake. Of course, if you’ve ever tried to set up a sun shelter on a hot day only to get tangled up in poles and sandbags, you’re probably in the market for a better portable structure that doesn’t take an entire day to install.

To help you stay protected from harmful UV rays and give your family a little privacy in the outdoors, we rounded up some of the highest-rated sun tents that are relatively easy to set up. Whether they are designed like camping tents or more like sun umbrellas with extra fabric, they’re beloved by reviewers for being a fuss-free addition to a day in the sun.

From wrangling your little ones to get them covered in sunscreen to shooing seagulls away from your lunch, there’s enough going on at the beach . You don’t need to spend any extra time or energy trying to set up a canopy for you and your family. If you’re looking to make some special memories this summer, grab one of these tents and enjoy long days in the sun without extra stress.

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10 Best 2 Person Backpacking Tents of 2024

By Annierose Donnelly

Whenever you and your adventure buddy decide it is time to go on a backpacking trip, choosing a tent is one of the most important decisions you will make. It will be your safe place for the duration of the trip, whether it’s a long hike or a quick weekend getaway. 

Our top pick for a two-person backpacking tent was the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 . This tent offers exceptional protection in all weather conditions, and is super light to carry to scenic spots on backpacking trips. 

Two budget backpacking tents we recommend, are the Kelty Late Start or the Marmot Crane Creek . Both offer durability, comfort and easy set-ups, which makes them perfect tents for exploring.   

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The Best 2 Person Tents for Backpacking in 2024

Best overall 2-person backpacking tent – big agnes copper spur hv ul2.

• Best Three-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent – REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
• Best Spacious 2-Person Tent – REI Half Dome SL 2+
• Best Waterproof 2-Person Tent – REI Co-op Trailmade 2

Best Sustainable 2-Person Tent – Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye

• Best Four-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent – The North Face Mountain 25
• Best Durable 2-Person Backpacking Tent – NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
• Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for 2 people – MSR FreeLite 2
• Best Comfortable 2-Person Tent – Marmot Crane Creek 2P

Best Budget 2-Person Tent – Kelty Late Start 2P

• Packed Weight: 3lbs 2oz
• Packed Size: 6 x 19.5 inches 
• Floor Area: 29 square feet 

Expertly designed, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV is an ultralight backpacking tent that will make your adventure extra enjoyable with a range of useful features.  

It has two awning-style vestibules on each side, a great addition for storage or protection from the sun or drizzle. Made from lightweight double ripstop nylon, its quality construction offers extra tear strength. 

The interior has several pockets, including an oversized media pocket with a headphone slot for wired headphones, and two small pockets near the doors. 

The Copper Spur has overwhelmingly positive user reviews, with customers mentioning the tent’s durability. According to customers, it has withstood extreme weather and varying terrains, from heavy hail in the Eastern Sierra to thunderstorms in New Zealand.  

Check out more picks for best ultralight tents .

Best Three Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent – REI Co-op Trail Hut 2

• Packed Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz.
• Packed Size: 8 x 18 inches 
• Floor Area: 31.7 square feet 

We’ve picked three REI Co-Op tents for our list. We like all three for their great value for money and price-to-performance ratio. This one is perfect for backpackers, with its easy setup and spacious living area, perfect for two people.

It has a freestanding dome architecture and a ridge pole to support door walls, allowing for increased space inside. The yellow shade makes it noticeable and easy to find. 

Although it’s not an ultralight tent to carry, the tent canopy, made from polyester, lasts well in wet and windy weather. There is extra coverage from a rainfly, made from coated nylon taffeta. It also comes with a footprint and it is easily packed away in a stuff sack. 

Best Spacious 2-Person Camping Tent – REI Half Dome SL 2+

• Packed Weight: 4lbs 11.5oz 
• Packed Size: 7 x 20.5 inches 
• Floor Area: 33.75 square feet 

The second REI co-op tent to make our list is the Half Dome SL 2+, another versatile, affordable, and lightweight choice. 

This one is an updated version of the previous Half Dome SL, a much-loved tent in the outdoors community. With color-coded poles and easy-to-follow instructions, this tent is quick to assemble. 

The floor space includes room for two and gear, or a furry friend, with vertical tent walls providing extra height and space. It has a useful single-pole design and has two vestibules and an overhead pocket for storage. The tent has large vents and mesh panels for breathability and to prevent condensation. 

It is made from 40-denier ripstop nylon and 20-denier nylon mesh. It offers good protection from the elements, but you might want to consider something a little more durable for extreme weather camping.

Best Waterproof 2-Person Tent for Wet Weather – REI Co-op Trailmade 2

• Packed Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz 
• Packed Size: 8.5 x 22 inches 

Our third and final pick from REI is the Trailmade 2, which is another comfortable and great value option for backpackers. It is easy to set up and break down with its x-pole configuration. The interior has pockets for gear storage.

It comes in the shade Desert Sun, an attractive three-tone color that is easy to spot. A rectangular floor plan makes it feel roomy and spacious for two. 

There is ample space for all your stuff, with a covered area. It comes with a rain fly made from coated polyester to keep you dry when camping in inclement weather. 

• Packed Weight: 2 lbs 8oz
• Packed Size: 5.5 x 18 inches 
• Floor Area: 28 square feet 

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 is a technical backcountry tent, it is easy to set up with a single-pole system and has two doors with vestibules. These ultralight tents are so easy to pack and carry on hikes, the tent also has a 3D-bin mezzanine at the foot, for additional storage. 

One of the coolest features is the LED lights integrated into the tent seams. No need to pack bulky camping lamps, these lights will be helpful for sorting gear, playing cards or hanging out at night.  

The fabric is solution-dyed and highly resistant to UV fade. This sustainable method reduces energy consumption by 80% and water use by 50% during the manufacturing process. 

Best Four-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent – The North Face Mountain 25 Tent 

• Packed Weight: 4lbs 1oz
• Packed Size: 6 x 18 inches 
• Floor Area: 29 square feet

The MSR Access 2 is a versatile freestanding tent designed for mountaineering which protects against extreme weather. This four-season tent provides a little extra warmth than most backpacking tents, providing comfort and protection in cold conditions.  

The central support frame and polyurethane waterproof coating on the rainfly and floor work together to provide lots of protection from rain and snow. There is limited mesh on the canopy to keep in the warmth, with vents in the rainfly to reduce condensation.

The floor plan provides ample room and a generous peak height of 42 inches in the interior. It’s compact, but you and your adventure buddy will enjoy the extra head space. 

Best Durable 2- Person Backpacking Tent- NEMO Dagger OSMO 2

• Packed Weight: 3lbs 6oz
• Packed Size: 19.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches 
• Floor Area: 31.3 square feet

NEMO’s Dagger Osmo tent is designed with a combination of practicality and peak performance on the trails in mind. 

It is made from Osmo polyester/nylon ripstop fabric. A sustainable choice on the tent market, this fabric is extremely durable. It has sturdy poles and stakes, so you can be sure the tent will stay in place even in extreme weather. 

The setup is intuitive and color-coded for ease. With plenty of pockets for storage and vestibules for leaving gear dry overnight, the design is well-thought-out. There is even a nightlight pocket for a night lamp. Roomy on the inside, it is the perfect size for two campers. 

Best Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent – MSR FreeLite 2

• Packed Weight: 2lbs 5oz
• Packed Size: 4.5 x 18 inches 

An unbelievably lightweight tent, the MSR Freelite 2 is designed for backpackers who do not want to be weighed down. The ultralight tent’s trail weight is just under two pounds, making it the perfect tent for anyone likely to carry a tent for long periods. 

It’s a semi-free standing option which is very easy to set up. It has a rectangular floor plan with pockets and cord slots for all your technological devices. 

The poles are made from lightweight aluminum, the tent body is micromesh, and the rainfly is waterproof DuraShield polyurethane. All of these materials are durable and contribute to its ultralight design.  

Best Comfortable 2-Person Tent – Marmot Crane Creek 2P/3P

• Packed Weight: 5lbs
• Packed Size: 22 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches 
• Floor Area: 32 square feet

The Marmot Crane Creek is a durable, comfortable option for cozy nights on the trails. It fits two adults easily with space for gear. Although it adds a little extra bulk to your backpack, the extra space will be worth it for some. 

Though it is an expensive option, this tent offers a great selection of features. Waterproof and reliable, the tent can be useful for backpacking, festivals, car camping, and lots of other outdoor activities. 

The Crane Creek has a seam-taped floor which prevents leaks, and sturdy aluminum poles add strength to the construction. It has two large D-shaped doors with two spacious overhead vestibules and pouches inside for storage.  

• Packed Weight: 4lbs 8oz
• Packed Size: 16 x 7 x 7 inches
• Floor Area: 29.5 square feet

This tent is the most inexpensive on our list, and there are a few reasons why we think it’s good value for money.

Firstly, Kelty is known for making good quality camping gear at a reasonable price. The Late Start is reasonably lightweight for its low price.

It is super easy to set up. It can be ready to go, even for first-timers, in under five minutes. The Late Start is made from 68D polyester fabric and the tent’s body is protected by a 68 denier rain fly, making it very effective in heavy rain. 

It has excellent ventilation for hot days, and an interior peak height of 40 inches, so there is plenty of room inside.

Two-Person Backpacking Tents: A Buyer’s Guide 

It’s important to check the specifications of your tent carefully to make sure the tent has everything you need for your backpacking trip. 

Check out our picks for the best backpacking tents .

The Main Components of a Tent 

Tent body .

The tent body (or canopy or inner tent) is the main fabric structure of the tent. It protects against weather conditions, as well as providing shelter and comfort. 

It will usually be made from a lightweight, durable material such as nylon, polyester, or ripstop nylon. These materials are known for their strength and resistance to abrasion, and they also can provide water resistance and sun protection. 

The tent body will also have mesh panels incorporated into the structure for ventilation. This enhances airflow, reduces condensation, and it helps keep bugs and insects out. 

Tent Poles and Stakes

The tent poles provide a structural framework for the tent, keeping it stable and upright. Tent stakes (or pegs) are used to keep the tent in the ground by anchoring the tent corners. They are attached through loops, preventing the tent from being blown away in the wind. 

Poles and stakes are usually made from strong, lightweight materials that are easy to carry, such as aluminum. 

Rainfly 

Always make sure your tent has a rainfly for protection against wind and rain. The rainfly is an additional waterproof cover that goes over the tent’s body. The rainfly should provide adequate coverage, extending over all openings and down to the ground.

Footprint 

The footprint, sometimes known as the groundsheet, is an additional layer between the tent floor and the ground. It offers extra protection and waterproofing against ground moisture. 

Some tent brands will include a footprint in the packaging, but other times you will need to purchase the footprint separately. It is very important to have one if you will be setting up your tent on rough or rocky terrain.

Vestibules are extensions of the rainfly that create additional covered space outside the tent for storing gear. They help keep gear dry and provide a buffer against rain entering the tent when you enter or exit.

Interior pockets 

Check for additional storage features that will help to optimize a compact space. Media pockets, for storing electronic devices, can be very handy. Pockets on the sides might also include headphone or cord slots, and storage for headlamps. 

Tent Types and Construction

All of the tents on this list are dome-shaped tents. This style offers a rounded shape held together by two or more intersecting poles that form a criss-cross shape, creating a dome.

Dome tents offer good stability, roomy interiors, and extra headroom. Their rectangular-shaped floors provide a spacious and comfortable interior. Keep an eye out for dome tents with an almost vertical wall construction. They will offer more headroom throughout the tent.

A cabin tent will feature vertical wall construction, but they are a little more bulky and less appropriate for backpacking. 

Weather Resistance

Waterproof protection.

It’s worth checking that the tent is made from a durable fabric, such as nylon, ripstop nylon, or polyester.

The tent’s waterproof rating is measured in millimeters (mm). This rating indicates the fabric’s ability to resist water penetration. A higher number signifies better waterproofing. For three-season tents, a rating of at least 1,000mm is considered adequate, while higher ratings are preferred for more challenging conditions.

Check the specifications for taped seams. This feature will prevent water from coming through the tent’s stitching.

A design that includes a bathtub floor is also helpful for water protection. This is a construction that includes the sides of the floor extending up along the walls, preventing water from entering the inside of the tent. 

Ventilation 

Good ventilation is an important factor to consider for all types of camping. Look for tents with mesh panels and windows that provide good airflow and will reduce the amount of condensation in the tent.

Wind Resistance 

Consider the tent’s design and structure for wind resistance. Sturdy poles and strong stakes will contribute to a tent’s ability to withstand windy conditions. 

If you think the weather will be extreme on your backpacking trip, it might be worth adding to your budget to buy something more substantial. Search for ‘four-season’ tents that are designed to withstand high winds.

Packed Weight vs Trail Weight

For backpacking, tents should be as light as possible since you will be carrying them on your back. Look for tents that weigh somewhere between 2 – 6 pounds when packed. There are usually two weights noted on the product’s specifications: the trail weight and the packed weight.

The trail weight (or minimum trail weight) is the weight of the tent, rainfly, and poles. There is usually a difference of a few pounds. Some tents offer a few packing options, so you can share the weight between multiple sacks. 

The packed weight refers to the entire weight of the tent package when it is purchased, including everything that comes with the tent. 

The packed dimensions are also useful to note, so you can determine whether the tent can fit inside your backpack. 

Season Rating 

Most tents are either three-season tents or four-season tents. 

Three-season tents are suitable for use in spring, summer, and fall, and four-season tents can survive winter and extreme weather conditions. 

Freestanding vs Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tents

Freestanding tents do not require stakes to stand. They can stand on their own with the need for stakes to hold them in the ground, making them easy to assemble. Semi-freestanding tents require some of their parts to be staked to the ground.

Nonfreestanding tents need to be secured in the ground, so their set-up is not as quick and easy. However, these tents are often more lightweight with a simpler design.

Ease of Setup

An easy setup can save lots of time on your backpacking adventure, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Look for tents with color-coded poles and a simple construction.

Interior Space

It’s important to check the floor dimensions of a tent to see how spacious it is for two campers with a sleeping bag each and gear. The manufacturer will note this information in the description in square feet. 

You should also check the peak height to get a sense of how much headroom the tent offers. Rectangular floor plans with vertical walls offer the most interior space. This makes it easier to arrange sleeping bags and belongings.

User Reviews and Brand Reputation 

User reviews are useful for gaining insight into how a tent performs in the real world. Look for feedback from campers who have used the tent in similar weather conditions. 

Consider the reputation of the tent manufacturer. Established outdoor gear brands with a history of producing reliable products may be more likely to offer well-designed and weather-resistant tents.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do i choose the correct size of tent .

Check the floor dimensions and the interior’s peak height. Most two-person tents measure between 28 – 33 square feet, which will offer a snug, but comfortable fit for two. 

Consider tents with good storage features for all your extra backpacking gear, including waterproof vestibules and internal pockets. Read user reviews to see how other customers find the space. 

Does the Tent Come with a Warranty?

Check with the manufacturer to see if it provides a warranty for the tent. Some reputable brands will offer a lifetime warranty to provide customers with peace of mind regarding the tent’s quality.

Can I Use the Tent for Stargazing?

If it’s dry, the rainfly can usually be removed or rolled back. This can be a lovely feature if you want to do some stargazing at night. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Tent?

The tents on this list are priced between $150 and $700. Your budget will depend on several factors, including the weather conditions you will experience and how often you intend to use the tent.

Remember, investing in a higher-quality tent may be worth it in the long run. Think about your budget carefully and find a tent that offers the best combination of features within that price range.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a tent is one of the most important purchases you will make for a backpacking trip. There are many options out there, so finding the right one will come down to your tent’s intended use, predicted weather conditions, and the amount of space you think you will need. 

It’s worth researching the best backpacking tents before you make up your mind. Read reviews and learn from other campers’ experiences with tents. 

Think carefully about your budget, and don’t just opt for the cheapest one you can find. We believe a great backpacking tent is a worthwhile investment, one that provides a home away from home in the great outdoors. 

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Can You Take a Tent on a Plane? Your Ultimate Guide to Air Travel with Tents

I magine this scenario: you've meticulously planned your dream camping trip. You've got your tent, sleeping bag, portable stove - everything you need for an epic adventure. But wait, you're traveling by plane! Suddenly, you're struck with a burning question: can you take a tent on a plane?

It's a common concern for travelers and a potential trip-ruiner if not addressed properly. But don't worry, we've got your back! Let's dig into the rules, regulations, and practicalities of carrying tents on planes.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• TSA allows tents in checked baggage, not in carry-on bags.
• Airlines may have specific size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, including tents.
• Tents may be considered oversized or overweight baggage, incurring additional fees.
• Checking with your airline before packing is crucial.
• Travel expert Samantha Brown emphasizes on following airline regulations and packing tents properly.

Read next: Can you bring a car seat on a plane?

Understanding Airline Regulations

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you're allowed to carry tents in your checked baggage but not in your carry-on bags. This is due to the tent pegs, which could potentially be used as a weapon. However, regulations may vary across different airlines, so it's always a smart move to check with your airline before you start packing.

Size and Weight Restrictions

Each airline has its own set of rules when it comes to the size and weight of checked baggage. While some airlines may accept your tent as standard luggage, others may consider it oversized or overweight. This could mean additional fees, so be sure to account for this in your travel budget.

Packing Your Tent Properly

Travel expert Samantha Brown advises, "Tents can be a great way to save money on accommodations when traveling, but it's important to make sure you're following airline regulations and packing them properly to avoid any issues at the airport."

A good tip is to remove the tent pegs and pack them separately in your checked luggage. Another tip is to pack your tent in a sturdy bag to protect it from damage during transit. If you're a frequent flyer with camping gear , it might be worth investing in a specialized tent travel bag.

Benefits of Traveling with a Tent

Aside from the cost-saving aspect, traveling with a tent provides the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. It allows you to connect more deeply with nature and can lead to more memorable experiences compared to staying in conventional accommodations.

In a nutshell, yes, you can take a tent on a plane! But it's essential to do your homework first. Understand the rules and regulations of your airline, pack your tent properly, and be prepared for possible extra fees. Happy travels!

Can I take tent pegs on a plane?

Yes, but they must be packed in your checked luggage, as they're considered a potential weapon and aren't allowed in carry-on bags.

What other camping gear is restricted on planes?

Sharp objects like knives, multi-tools, and large liquid containers are typically not allowed in carry-on bags. Always check with the airline and TSA for specifics.

Are there any additional fees for taking a tent on a plane?

Yes, if your tent is considered oversized or overweight, you may have to pay additional fees. Each airline has its own policy, so it's important to check in advance.

Can I carry a sleeping bag on a plane?

Yes, sleeping bags are generally allowed both as carry-on and checked baggage, but always check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

How should I pack my tent for air travel?

Pack your tent and its poles securely in a sturdy bag. Consider packing tent pegs separately in your checked luggage to avoid issues.

For all you camping enthusiasts, here is another useful article: Can I take a cooler on a plane?

1. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

2. Samantha Brown - Travel Expert

3. International Air Transport Association (IATA) - Baggage Guidelines

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The Best Backpacking Tents for Every Budget and Adventure, Tested and Reviewed

We hit the trails to test for durability, ease of setup, and performance in variable weather conditions.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

Whether venturing into familiar forests, taking a backpacking trip abroad, or camping with family, a quality backpacking tent is an important gear purchase for outdoor adventurers. Tent designs range from minimalist, lightweight models to tougher all-season shelters and everything in between. Beyond that, there are tents for different budgets and occupancy, though we’ve focused primarily on two-person tents for this list.

To determine which backpacking tents rise above the competition, we tested 18 tents in various outdoor conditions. We evaluated ease of setup, ease of use, performance, portability, durability, design, disassembly, and overall value. Our picks below stood out for specific attributes, like weight, longevity, weatherproofing, and spaciousness.

Best Overall

Nemo dagger osmo 2p tent.

It delivers all-around performance, ease of use, and convenient portability for backpacking camping trips.

Assembly instructions didn’t come included, though setup is made simple with color-coded components.

Backcountry camping warrants a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-use tent. The Nemo Dagger Osmo Lightweight Backpacking Tent delivers on all these fronts, earning perfect scores in all our testing categories. Clocking in at just over 4 pounds, the Dagger is both light and compact, ensuring backpackers have ample space and leftover weight for other gear and provisions. We found the separate bags for the poles and stakes helped keep the tent pieces organized and readily accessible. When it’s time to set up camp, the Dagger’s lightweight poles are color-coded for quick, intuitive assembly.

The Dagger is made from polyester/nylon ripstop fabric that provides superior water protection when camping off the grid. The fabric is made from certified recycled material that’s PFC- and PFAS-free for a reduced environmental footprint. And if weather takes a turn for the worse, rest easy knowing the Osmo fabric reduces stretch by three times when wet to limit water pooling on the rainfly and provide wind resistance. We found the rainfly offered excellent waterproofing while still allowing a breeze through the tent’s mesh ventilation. Even after five months of use, this tent has withstood all weather and keeps campers warm and dry inside. The tent features two large doors, covered vestibules for storing gear, and internal pockets for stashing valuables, headlamps, and other essentials. When it’s time to depart, it disassembles in minutes and rolls up easily to travel onward. While the Dagger isn’t the most budget-friendly option, it’s designed to withstand years’ worth of backpacking adventures in tough weather conditions. It also comes with a lifetime warranty from Nemo.

The Details: 4.1 pounds packed | 19.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches​​ packed | 90 x 50 x 42 inches assembled | 2-person

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Most Durable

Hilleberg allak 2 tent.

This dome-shaped tent has durable construction for excellent weather protection and use on tough surfaces.

The price and all-season design are a bit overkill for casual campers and balmier climates.

Designed for harsh weather and difficult terrain, the Hilleberg Allak 2-person Tent provides reliable protection while camping in the wilderness . The outer tent fabric is Kerlon 1200, which is made from 30D high-tenacity ripstop nylon and treated with three layers of silicone for UV resistance and weatherproofing. This durable outer layer is complemented by highly breathable, permeable fabric used in the interior to allow moisture out without letting precipitation in, helping dry out clothes and gear after long days on the trail. Throughout five months of use, we've cleaned the tent after rainy nights, returning it to like-new condition.

The tent floor is constructed from 70D triple-coated polyurethane — a puncture and abrasion-resistant material — that allows the Allak to be set up on rocky and rugged terrain. We were impressed by the tent’s stability amid windy, inclement weather. The dome-style tent is assembled with three poles that are color-coded with corresponding sleeves, plus 12 stakes for a secure setup. The Allak comes with separate stuff sacks for the tent and poles, which we loved for allowing us to divide weight between packs.

The Details: 7.3 pounds packed | 20 x 7 inches packed | 81 x 47 x 71 inches | 2-person

Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

Easiest Setup

Rei co-op half dome sl 2+.

This budget-friendly freestanding tent is incredibly straightforward to assemble and affords ample space for two campers plus gear.

The spacious dimensions and relatively higher weight make this tent less suitable for solo and long-distance treks.

Having a tent that’s quick and easy to pitch can make all the difference when setting up camp in bad weather or after an arduous trek. We were impressed by how simple it is to set up the REI Half Dome SL 2+, thanks to its freestanding, symmetrical design and hubbed pole system. REI includes setup instructions on the carry bag, though campers will quickly master how to assemble the Half Dome by connecting the color-coded poles, clips, and tabs. The rainfly, which is made from 30D nylon, easily attaches to the tent with buckle clips and uses eight stakes — four for the tent corners and four in line with the points of each vestibule. The Half Dome’s included footprint shortens setup time and prevents water from seeping in. Further weather protection is provided by the pitched vestibule doors and ripstop wall panels. We appreciated the excellent air flow and comfort provided by the ceiling vents while the rainfly was in place. It still looks brand new after multiple uses after a five-month period.

The Details: 4.7 pounds packed | 7 x 20.5 inches packed | 90 x 54 x 42 inches | 2-person

Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Best Budget

Rei co-op trailmade 2 tent.

This tent affords durability, solid weatherproof performance, and adequate storage space at an entry-level price point.

It may be too small for two adults to share.

Whether buying your first tent or replacing a well-worn one, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent offers strong performance and long-lasting construction at a value. The tent has a symmetrical, rectangular design with nearly 32 square feet, giving ample space for one camper and their pack or two campers without their packs. A set of internal pockets and gear loops help organize belongings and attach a lantern or headlamp. Meanwhile, two stake-out vestibules grant coverage for storing gear or airing out hiking boots and clothing. The Trailmade is equipped with a coated polyester rainfly that attaches over the mesh roof and includes a roll-up door for a view and better ventilation. We appreciated that the tent held up well against high winds and that the rainfly didn’t flap or loosen. Throughout our five months of tests, the material suffered no snags or rips and is easy to wash at home after trips if needed. We also liked that REI included detailed assembly instructions with illustrations for quick and easy setup.

The Details: 5.4 pounds packed | 8.5 x 22 inches packed | 88 x 52 x 39.9 inches | 2-person

• Travel + Leisure/Jessica Christopher

Best Lightweight

Mountain hardwear nimbus ul 2 tent.

The incredibly lightweight design is easy to set up and doesn’t come at the cost of performance or durability.

It only has one door, and the interior is not the most spacious compared to other two-person backpacking tents.

The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 Tent is ideal for shedding pack weight on long-distance backpacking trips . Weighing just over 2 pounds, this two-person tent is even light as a solo backpacking tent option. It also boasts some of the most compact dimensions of all the tents we tested, whether stowed in the included stuff sack or rolled up to be divided between two campers. The Nimbus’ floor and sides are made from ripstop nylon, while the canopy uses mesh for improved ventilation and reduced weight. The undyed, translucent rainfly provides eco-friendly weather protection. The fly has a silicone coating and can be staked out for a flared-out silhouette that sheds precipitation. We liked how easy it was to set up the single-pole design and secure the stakes on rockier ground. After five months of use, the entire tent still looks new and none of the poles have shown any signs of bending.

The Details: 2.3 pounds packed | 6 x 12 inches packed | 86 x 42-52 x 41 inches | 2-person

Travel + Leisure / John Somerall

Best for Beginners

Msr freelite 2-person tent.

Its user-friendly design and durable materials make it a value worth investing in for newbie campers.

Though the floor width is enough to sleep two, the tapered design and lower height make for tighter quarters.

The MSR FreeLite 2-person Ultralight Backpacking Tent caters to beginner campers with its simple assembly, handy features, and quality construction at a mid-tier price. Only two poles are required for assembly, with the larger Y-shaped pole running the spine of the tent and a shorter ridge pole that connects between grommets above the doors for a taut and secure structure. The tent carry bag includes a four-step diagram with illustrations to walk campers through the setup process. The floor and rainfly are made from 15D ripstop nylon with sealed seams and a DuraShield coating to keep out moisture. We liked how much ventilation was afforded by the upper mesh walls of the FreeLite, even with the rainfly in place. The FreeLite also features two doors and two vestibules for easy in-and-out and adequate storage when camping as a duo. After five months of use, the tent is good as new and we found it easy to re-pack in its stuff sack with just one person.

The Details: 2.75 pounds packed | 18 x 6 inches packed | 84 x 50 x 38 x inches | 2-person

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Noll

Other Backpacking Tents We Liked

There were three more backpacking tents that we liked during the test, but they didn’t impress us enough in any particular category to earn a spot on our final list.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 : We liked the ultralight and durable construction, but the narrow dimensions for a two-person tent reduced its ease of use score.

Sea to Summit Ikos TR3- 3/3.5 person : We appreciated the versatility of a tent with multiple setup options and configurations, but the lack of clear instructions made it challenging to assemble.

Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent With Footprint: We liked how it performed in inclement weather and its durable design, but the limited guidance on assembly lowered its ease of setup score.

The T+L team tested 18 tents on overnight excursions in a variety of outdoor trips to determine the best backpacking tents. We reviewed the tent assembly instructions to see if separate tools were required for setup before embarking on a backpacking trip, where we first assessed portability on the way to the campsite. Then, we assembled the tent according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if provided, to evaluate the ease of setup.

Throughout the camping trip, we spent as much time in the tent as possible to consider the quality of materials, comfort, ventilation, and protection from precipitation and wind. In dry conditions, we poured water on the tent exterior to test how waterproof the tent is, noting if any moisture reached the interior. After an overnight stay, we disassembled the tent, taking stock of any wear and tear, level of difficulty, and time required to pack it away. We continued to test and analyze the tents over a five-month period.

Tips for Buying a Backpacking Tent

Think carefully about size.

Tents generally designate the intended occupancy within their name or product description. That being said, there’s no universal sizing, so one two-person tent can vary in length, width, or height from another two-person model. Ultralight models, for instance, may sacrifice spaciousness for lower carrying weights. 

Bill Gamber, Founder and President at Big Agnes, suggests assessing how your camping pads match up with the tent width. “A camping pad is 20-25 inches wide for a single person, so you should be able to get four pads in a four-person tent, for example,” says Gamber.

Pay attention to the weather resistance

Preparing for worst-case weather conditions is recommended when it comes to packing camping gear and apparel. Tents are typically designed as three- or four-season varieties, with the latter usually having sturdier pole systems and weatherproof panels to cover mesh areas to perform in snow and higher altitudes. Three-season tents are designed to endure precipitation and wind, but to varying degrees. Make note of a tent’s waterproof rating (listed in millimeters) before purchasing to ensure it’ll keep out moisture. A tent rainfly with a rating of 3,000 millimeters or higher is recommended to be prepared for downpours. It’s also important to note if the seams are sealed and how the rainfly fits on the tent. 

Understand package weight versus trail weight

A tent’s packed weight includes everything you get when you buy it, such as the rainfly, poles, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sack, and repair kit. On the other hand, trail weight refers to the bare minimum components — tent body, rainfly, and poles — you’d need to set up the tent. Manufacturers may list both weights in the product descriptions. When assessing how the tent weight will factor into your backpacking pack, consider erring on the side of caution and go by the packaged weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Backpackers can store the tent in its stuff sack or separate the tent body and poles to share the weight with a fellow camper. If packing without the stuff stack, be sure to tightly roll the tent to save on space and protect fragile components, such as mesh, from snagging on other gear. The rainfly can be stowed in an external or outer pocket if wet. Packing the tent (and other heavier items) in the middle of the backpack, against your back, can help reduce strain and pressure on your shoulders and back.

Keeping backpacking tent weight below 2.5 pounds per person is recommended for comfort. “A very lightweight tent is something you really benefit from when you’re carrying it on the trail,” notes Gamber. If backpacking with multiple people, campers can divide tent components, including the poles, rainfly, and stakes between the group to help distribute the total weight.

A footprint isn’t necessary for a backpacking tent. However, using one can extend the lifespan of your tent by reducing wear and tear on the fabric and its waterproofing.

A good tent is essential for a successful backpacking trip, but there is some more gear you’ll want to bring along to get the most out of your adventure. 

Merrell Speed Eco Hiking Shoes : If you don’t like the feel of clunky hiking boots, these hiking shoes are a great alternative option. They’re light and breathable while offering great traction on all sorts of terrain. 

Moon Lence Camping Chairs Compact Backpacking Chair : The thought of lugging a camping chair with you for 10+ miles may not sound appealing, but this one weighs just two pounds. It won’t slow you down and you’ll be grateful for it at the end of a long hiking day. 

Rab 20F Mythic Ultra 360 Down Sleeping Bag : Yes, this unisex bag is pricey, but it’s designed to be portable and light, packing down to a small size and weighing in at less than 1.5 pounds — about half the weight of most high-end backpacking bags.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. Kevin used his backpacking and camping experience and testing insights conducted by us to curate this list of the best backpacking tents. He also referred to the expertise of Bill Gamber , Founder and President at Big Agnes.

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HEYTRIP SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Shade Waterproof Windproof Hatchback Camping Car Tent, Universal Fit Most SUV/Van/MPV/CUV, Gray

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Attaches to Your SUV: This tailgate tent attaches to the rear of almost any size of SUV, Van, CUV, MPV with its elastic universal fit design. The perfect companion to have a quick tailgate camp and sleep comfort of your own vehicle.
• Extra Space and Privacy: Large awning provides the ability to stretch out to built a shade space for the tailgate and also works as a cover that can be closed for great privacy. The mesh screen allows breeze to go through the car while keeping the bugs out.
• Wind and Water Resistant: Built with water-resistant 210T polyester that has PU coating to block sunlight and keep you dry in the rain, this SUV tent is also included 4 wind guy-lines and 2 stakes to ensure the stability on a windy day.
• Easy Setup and Lightweight: Super easy to set up by one person. Just slip the tent over the hatch and wrap the bottom portion of the tent under the car, then secure the tent with the ropes (Poles are NOT included). Lightweight to carry and convenient to store without worrying about taking too much space.
• Satisfaction Assured: The premium SUV tent is easy to turn your car into a shelter to share for the perfect tailgating or camping spot no matter where the road takes you. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our car tent or if any parts are missing or damaged, contact us and we'll make it right.

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Heytrip believes “Home is where you park it”.

On a road trip, we find out that the moment you step into the car it's hard to get away from each other, the time you spend camping, kayaking with your family will help you bond with them like never before.

Heytrip is meant to help you to embrace the road trip with family and friends easily, simply, and create memories to last a lifetime.

What makes our products unique?

Heytrip is more than just creating some “sort-of” outdoor gear, we are passionate about finding the most versatile product to survive a huge undertaking on road trips.

How did we get our start?

We’re a road trip family - we are here to make the memories of is unique and impossible to replicate on a basic day.

Why do we love what we do?

Heytrip aims to expand your horizons, to embrace the outdoor activities that connect us, to nature, to each other, to the things that matter.

Heytrip Car Seat Protectors

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Heytrip Car Accessories

Product description, suv tailgate tent with awning.

GO CAMPING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Stable & windproof.

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Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, looking for specific info, customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 67% 19% 8% 3% 3% 67%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 67% 19% 8% 3% 3% 19%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 67% 19% 8% 3% 3% 8%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 67% 19% 8% 3% 3% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 67% 19% 8% 3% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, performance, appearance and versatility of the vehicle cover. For example, they mention it's well made, works well and is effective. Some appreciate the ventilation, fit, and ease of installation. Opinions are mixed on the zipper.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the installation of the vehicle cover easy. They mention that it's easy to set up and take down, and it works great for their needs.

"...Yet, this thing was installed in less than 5 minutes without even looking at the instructions...." Read more

"This car-tent is very easy to install and works well...." Read more

"Quick and easy to assemble and remove . Gatorade duty? ......" Read more

" So easy to install and get set up for some fun camping...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the vehicle cover. They say it's well-made, durable, and thick. Some mention that it'll stay in place during strong gusts of wind. Overall, most are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.

"...And even with super strong gusts of wind, it never failed and stayed in place the whole time even at night...." Read more

"...] Cute, easy install, has nice bag, I think made well . But...how much we tried to hook it sides and top was leaving gaps!..." Read more

"...Speaking of high winds, this held up great . I 100% expected it to tear but it held up perfectly for an entire week of high winds...." Read more

"...Material seems reasonably durable and of good quality ...." Read more

Customers like the fit of the vehicle cover. For example, they say it fits their Ford Transit Connect perfectly, and it fits right back into the little bag it came with. That said, they mention it adds to the roominess and airflow.

"...even with super strong gusts of wind, it never failed and stayed in place the whole time even at night...." Read more

"...I had camped in my Subaru Outback many times, but this addition adds to the roominess and - most importantly - airflow in the car...." Read more

"...Should get easier next time with my wife. Fit is good except where it meet the roof at the top--about 1/2" short...." Read more

"I really like this tent, however it was too big for our Chevy bolt EV . It would probably work great on a larger vehicle such as a minivan or SUV...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the vehicle cover. They mention that it works well, is easy to set up, and effective. Some say that it covers the hatch and opening and that the screen provides great air flow. Overall, most are happy with the product's performance and recommend it to others.

"...It was up for nearly a week, performed as expected and appears to have not leaked during a rainstorm." Read more

"...Other than installation issues in the beginning, the tent worked beautifully ...." Read more

"...this and I was blown away at how easy it is to set up and how effective it is I have not been bitten once since I got this thing like I said I'm..." Read more

"... Works pretty well and should let plenty of air in. Wish I could find as good a solution for the side windows...." Read more

Customers find the vehicle cover versatile. They say it's a great addition for camping, perfect for solo car camping, and overnight camping. Some customers also mention that it'll fit over a spoiler. Overall, customers are happy with the product's versatility.

"So easy to install and get set up for some fun camping ...." Read more

"Cute, easy install, has nice bag , I think made well...." Read more

"Overall this is a great addition for camping in my MY. I wish it came with poles for the awning but luckily I grabbed some from my other tent...." Read more

" Perfect for our civic hatchback , even fit over the spoiler too just a bit trickier." Read more

Customers like the ventilation of the vehicle cover. They say it allows perfect airflow through their vehicle, keeps bugs out, and allows plenty of air in. Some mention that the screen gives great air flow. Overall, most are satisfied with the ventilation and recommend it to others.

"...It really helps with car camping ventilation and providing rear access while keeping bugs, bees and wasps out...." Read more

"...but this addition adds to the roominess and - most importantly - airflow in the car ...." Read more

"I set this up by myself without an issue. It kept out bugs and let in air . Fit my 2019 Toyota Highlander!" Read more

"...Works pretty well and should let plenty of air in . Wish I could find as good a solution for the side windows...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the vehicle cover. They mention that the design is great, cute, and slick. Some appreciate the color and carrying bag.

" Cute , easy install, has nice bag, I think made well...." Read more

"...The design is great , but supplement it with your own camp rope...." Read more

"The tent was made of good quality. I liked the color and the carrying bag was a nice extra. I wanted something I could put up by myself...." Read more

" Very simple design . The double zippered panels are great. It seems to fit a Honda CR-V well. I only used it once so I hope it’s durable." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the zipper of the vehicle cover. Some find the double zippered panels great, strong, and easy to use, while others say that the zippers are questionable and not the strongest quality.

"...the material seems to be a pretty good quality, zippers could be a little better reinforce but hold up OK...." Read more

"...great for car "screen door" for soccer mom days! Easy in easy out zipper funtion on tent and screen sections." Read more

" Zippers could be better . Steaks need an upgrade. The rest is awesome. So much better than crawling through a door. I have had perfect weather so far...." Read more

"...The construction was solid, zipper strong , and it fit well though it took a couple of tries to get it right...." Read more

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Top Tent Camping near St. Petersburg, FL

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near St. Petersburg? Finding a place to camp in Florida with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Florida camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near St. Petersburg, FL (17)

Hillsborough River State Park Campground

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.

Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.

Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.

• Electric Hookups
• Phone Service

$24 / night

Lithia Springs Conservation Park

Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.

After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.

The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Park rules to know:

-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September. -All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve -Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is -No rain checks / refunds

Terry Tomalin Campground

The preserve has recently undergone improvements to enhances visitors' experiences, including the new Terry Tomalin Campground, St. Pete's first public primitive family campground; Hammock Hall, a multipurpose building to provde rental space and programming opportunites; and a trail expansion. The 12-site campground's name honors the late Terry Tomalin, a former Tampa Bay Times outdoors writer who supported the preserve through several service projects.

The campground is open to both individuals and groups.

$30 / night

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.

Island Retreat Florida

A 2 Acres Private Island in the Alafia River Basin for camping and recreation. Complete with raised campsites and shaded trails covered by mangroves to multiple parts of the island. 26 Miles of river to explore. 1000 feet from the launch point @ William's Park and Boat Ramp.

Read reviews here: https://www.hipcamp.com/florida/island-retreat-florida/island-retreat-florida

• Picnic Table

$50 - $75 / night

Lake Rogers Park

Located in northwestern Hillsborough County, Lake Rogers Park is the “newest” of the County’s regional parks when it opened in 2000. Owned by the City of St. Petersburg, this 272-acre park was developed as a joint venture between the City and Hillsborough County.

First time visitors will notice that the park has two public entrances along North Mobley Road, with kiosks and parking lots, while an entrance for staff access and maintenance is along Gunn Highway. Fishermen and kayakers can enjoy the two fresh water lakes that enhance the beauty of the park, including Lake Rogers, which is the one of the largest Lakes in the County and the only one that is completely under public ownership by the City.

After strolling and biking through trails flanked by pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, Campers can take advantage of the park amenities, such as picnic shelters and tables, portable restrooms, and barbecue grills.

Cypress Creek Preserve

A free camping reservation is required and must be displayed.

• Standard (Tent/RV)

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

This wilderness park consists of 113 acres and there is so much to enjoy at this beautiful park. There is an observation tower, bird houses, a paved bike path, you can hike through the nature trails, stroll through the botanical garden and watch the birds and butterflies surround you. There is an outdoor amphitheater and primitive camping for families or group events. Shelters can be reserved for birthday parties or picnics online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site.

Dogs are allowed at the park on a 6' leash in designated areas. Please obey signs posted throughout the park.

The Suncoast Trail is located near the park and can be accessed via public roads and sidewalks. View the Florida Greenways and Trails website for more information on maps and other trails to explore.

The Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. offers free rides on their scaled down train on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter Number 2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties only by contacting Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad. View the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad website.

Recent Tent Reviews In St. Petersburg

630 reviews of 17 st. petersburg campgrounds, no reviews found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Petersburg, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Petersburg, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Petersburg, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near St. Petersburg, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

The Best Pop-up Tents We Tested and Recommended

These shelter shades are worth the investment for beaches and tailgates.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

The best pop-up tents are lightweight, portable, and made of UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) materials. While pop-up tents shine in the summer on the beach they’re just as useful during tailgate season and good for year-round park hangs. We even used them for my nephew’s birthday party in the backyard to give the little ankle-biters some shade between playing.

With all my beach days and afternoons drinking in parking lots waiting for a football game to start, I wanted to test out pop-up tents. Tents that were a bit more elevated than the standard budget ones you grab the day before and may not make it past the weekend. I tried a couple of pop-up tents along with Cat Bowen, Senior Editor at our sister publication Best Products , to find models that are durable, easy to transport, and are likely to hold up year after year.

Best Pop Up Tents

Soli Air Canopy

Shibumi Shibumi Shade Wind-Powered Canopy

Veer Family Basecamp

What we looked for.

If you look at a lot of pop-up tents, it doesn’t take long to realize that the vast majority have the same design: an aluminum frame that pinches fingers when it’s folded in and a canvas top that fits around the corners. It’s a design that’s tried and true and we respect the staying power, but we wanted something better.

We searched for pop-up tents that were supremely compact, easy to carry, and a snap to set up and takedown. The tents we decided to test have carrying cases included that are compact and under 20 pounds, whereas traditional pop-up tents can weigh as much as 40 pounds with cumbersome cases up to 4-feet long.

The ones we landed on have different ways of assembling that are a lot easier whether you’re by yourself or with a group. The pop-up tents we tested can be set up using just a couple of tent poles, an included air pump, or even just the wind and some sand in a bag.

What We Found

The pop-up tents we write about admittedly aren’t cheap. They’re upper echelon options that are an investment to use year after year at the beach and outside of the stadium. These pop-up tents are made of durable materials with considered design to make setup and takedown fast and simple. While a traditional pop-up tent is good in a pinch—and we use them frequently as well—these pop-up tents are worth considering and worth the money.

Best Pop-up Tent Reviews

The Soli Air Canopy opened my eyes past the standard folding tents I used for years at tailgates and beach house weekends with family. Whereas other pop-up tents are heavy, cumbersome, and hard to drag in the sand, the Soli is super portable. It packs down neatly into the included backpack and takes up very little space in the car. It’s comfortable to walk down the beach with while trying to find just the right spot.

Setting up the Soli is as straightforward as blowing up an air mattress . It takes a couple of minutes to fully inflate with the included rechargeable air pump and then stake down. The stakes that come with it are quite sturdy—they’re basically large, heavy-duty plastic screws that turn easily into the ground to secure the canopy in place. Even in high winds the Soli stays in place: On a particularly windy day on the beach in the Gulf Coast, our traditional pop-up tent was blown off kilter and we had to jump to grab it before it tipped. Meanwhile the Soli was unaffected as was my cousin who stayed comfortably seated under it, not even putting aside his beer. My coworker Cat also has the Soli and is a pro at setup and takedown.

“We use the Soli consistently whenever we’re bringing our whole family to the beach – which is pretty often.” she says. “ It sets up in seconds, and between the mesh wall and the solid wall, we can configure it for maximum shade and sun filtering.” She likes that there’s enough room to stand (and she’s quite tall) and the overall ease of use. Taking down the canopy admittedly isn’t as easy as blowing it up but still simple. You have to get all the air out so that it can fold and fit back into the backpack as compactly as it came. She suggests laying it flat as you pump out the air, and then roll the arms in toward the center to get the remaining air out when taking it down.

The domed shape provides ample shade for a group of six though the legs come in towards the center top and can encroach on standing room. Luckily, the arms of the canopy are filled with air after all so they’re soft—bumping your head happens but isn’t so much bumping your head as it is pressing it into a pillow. The zip-in shade wall is also handy to have and we used it to shade my nieces and nephew while they napped in the sand. All these included accessories make the Soli well worth it in my opinion. Sure, it’s expensive, but with the bundle you get is everything you need.

Shibumi Shade Wind-Powered Canopy

The Shibumi Shade is tailor-made for the beach which is probably why I see at least eight to ten, no exaggeration, every time I bike to the Rockaways. The sand is dotted with these sea-colored tents that look more like banners flowing in the wind declaring each beachgoers own territory. After a summer and half of eyeing these, I wanted to try one.

The Shibumi is the most lightweight pop-up tent I’ve ever tried. At just 4 pounds, a kid can carry it and it isn’t awkwardly long or cumbersome. It fits in my backpack riding to the beach but I can’t close it all the way. I position it to fit straight up and close the zippers around it so it stays in place—it’s not a perfect fit but most other pop-up tents wouldn’t be able to travel by bike, period.

I was skeptical about setup initially but it was as easy as the reviews I read. You just assemble the single pole (it’s basically a single tent pole) and thread it through the shade; it was easier than expected and didn’t snag along the way and the pole never came apart. Then you fill the carrying case with sand to anchor the arch to the floor which keeps things consolidated but also messy. At the end of the day, no matter how much you shake the carrying case/sandbag, there’ll still be sand in it.

The shade catches the wind pretty fast and only requires three-mile-per-hour winds to be functional. Using this in minimal wind on a partly cloudy day was still a breeze (had to). It provides ample coverage for up to eight people so there was plenty of shade for my three friends and I with beach gear in tow: coolers, speakers, towels, and chairs.

The main complaint with the Shibumi Shade is that it can be noisy as it flaps in the wind—a complaint I frankly don’t understand. Yes, I can faintly hear the tarp in the wind but I’m mostly hearing waves crash, the Bluetooth speaker we brought along with us, and our own conversation more than the Shibumi Shade. Even on a weekday when the beach would be less crowded, it’s still a pleasant cacophony that the sound of the wind in the tarp wouldn’t affect.

I like the ample coverage of the Shibumi and the ease of setup. It’s super lightweight and easy to transport to the beach on a bike. If you’re driving it’ll take up minimal space (virtually none) in a car. While the Soli Air Canopy is easier to set up in terms of steps, the Shibumi is just as fast and simple but requires you to do some of the work instead of an air pump.

I personally haven’t tried the Base Camp but it’s a favorite of Bowen’s. Here’s why:

“The Basecamp is our go-to sun shade. It’s just enough room for two adults and two kids, and putting it up and taking it down couldn’t be simpler. The mesh bottom is a particular favorite bit as sand flows right through it, keeping it off our feet and away from our snacks. The zippable walls allow for tons of air flow while keeping the shade, and since the whole thing is so light, I’ll take it out even if I’m going to the beach alone.

Depending on how precise you are when you take it down, it can be a huge pain in the ass to get it back into its case because the case is sized so specifically for the tent when it’s folded perfectly. My issue with the Soli is that you have to be pretty diligent about getting all of the air out of it before you roll it up.”

More Pop-up Tents We Recommend

We haven’t had a chance to try out these pop-up tents, but based on our intel from getting our hands on several models and from rigorously vetting specs, we stand behind them.

Sun Ninja Beach Tent Sun Shelter

The Sun Ninja is easy to set up and is similar to the Shibumi Shade in that it incorporates sand from the beach to keep it in place.

Sport-Brella Premiere XL Umbrella Shelter

The Sport-Brella is perfect if you’re escaping to the beach for some alone time or for couples. It’s compact and can be setup by one person.

WhiteFang Beach Tent

This tent gives you coverage on three sides, has good venting, and even a ground mat to keep the sand off of you.

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

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Camping near St Petersburg

Get your fill of white sand beaches, waterways, and wildlife near St.

• United States —
• St Petersburg

Popular camping styles for St Petersburg

Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

By the Pond...

Boulevard Landing

Cotee River Bend

Top camping destinations.

Star Hosts in St Petersburg

Mad Beach Rv Or Trailer Spot

12 top campgrounds near st petersburg.

Bobby's quite place

Bare RV Resort

WFL Event Ranch

Sagehub home

Tamiami Trails

10 Minutes From Anna Maria

Dog-friendly getaways.

Available this weekend

Nearby parks, explore the area’s public lands..

Petersburg.

Camping near St Petersburg guide

To explore Gulf Coast beaches, waterways, and wildlife near a city with a lively food and arts scene, look no further than St. Petersburg. Set on the western edge of Tampa Bay , St. Petersburg is a few minutes away from public beaches in St. Pete Beach, as well as numerous state park beaches with a more undeveloped and natural feel. These shores are home to dolphins, manatee, and tropical fish, plus hundreds of species of local and migrating birds. Boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and shelling are classic St. Petersburg pastimes for campers, but there are hiking and biking trails for land-based adventures too.

Where to go

St. Petersburg Surrounds  

Just over the water from St. Petersburg is St. Pete Beach. The entire barrier island has calm beaches where you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. There are local outfitters for kayak and paddle board rentals, jet skis, and fishing charters throughout this area. For an easy nature getaway in town, the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve can’t be beat. They have a public raptor rescue program, hiking and biking trails, and ample opportunities to spot gators and water birds like herons or the roseate spoonbill in its wetlands.

Fort De Soto Park

For a more natural beach site away from the hotels and condos, check out Fort De Soto Park . This sprawling beach park at the northern mouth of Tampa Bay has fishing piers, boat launches, and a campground on the water.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park has 4 miles of beach, paved biking routes, hiking trails, and cafes. On-site concessionaires rent kayaks and bikes. When the waves are up, the north end of this park is a popular surf spot.

Caladesi Island State Park

Considered by many to be one of the best white-sand beaches on the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is well worth the ferry ride or hike it takes to access. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island right off the Dunedin Causeway, while the long, 4.5-mile hike starts at the northern tip of Clearwater Beach.

In general, expect winters in St. Petersburg to be warm and comfortable, while summers trend hot and humid. Camping is possible year-round, but summer campers may get better sleep with a fan or AC, unless you’re tent camping right on the beach to catch the breeze. Rain can occur in St. Petersburg year-round, but is more frequent and heavier in summer. Summer and fall is hurricane season on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so be sure to monitor the National Hurricane Center’s Atlantic forecast during this time.

Popular St Petersburg trips

Top parks near st petersburg, top cities near st petersburg, best camping near me, safety at hipcamp.

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