Finding the best tents for backpacking is really not too hard if you know what to look for. Firstly, it must be light enough since most of the time you will be carrying it on your back. At the same, it must be big enough for you, or for all the people that it is going to house. Thankfully, with the best ultra lightweight tents for backpacking that I will review here, your search is easy.
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Sorry, but for backpacking, you cannot bring the best luxury tent. You need something that is light and very functional at the same time. Remember, you still have to bring your camping or backpacking knife, self-inflating sleeping pad and portable coffee mug, all in your backpack. What you need is protection against the weather. The weather can turn quite nasty without notice.
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Best tents for backpacking reviews
If you are looking for the best backpacking tent, well, you will find all the help you need from this article. Do not go backpacking without one of the best tents for backpacking. For example, if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you know most of the times you will have to sleep outdoors. You need the best tent for that job. Every backpacker deserves a good tent to shelter him when they will not make it to the hostel. After all, what is the essence of being outdoors if you cannot sleep under the stars?
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is among the best backpacking tents that we have in the market. It is roomy with 35 square feet of the internal floor area and a head space of 43 inches. This is more than ample space for 2 people to maneuver comfortably within the tent. You would like to move about without tripping over each other’s feet.
It is a freestanding 2 person 3 season tent. This means that you can set it up on just about any terrain, without requiring to tie it up to the ground. It comes with stakes and all the other accessories that you require to secure it firmly because of wind.
The tent’s body, floor and the rainfly are of high quality polyester fabric. This is a sturdy and durable fabric. The doors are made from robust and long-lasting mesh. The fly and the floor have a PU coating. The floor seams are taped to ensure that you are well-protected from the rain or snow.
It has a packing weight of 5 pounds. While a bit on the heavy side, this 2 person 3 season tent is still one of the best tents for backpacking in the market.
The two doors on the sides ensure that you do not step on your mate when getting in or going out. It comes with a footprint that adds on to its weight but enhances its floor protection against rocks and water. This tent has good ventilation, it is easy to set up and the package includes a carry bag.
Pros
- Quite roomy
- Good ventilation
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof
- Comes with a gear loft
- Durable construction
- Has a rainfly
Cons
- A tad heavy at 5 pounds
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx – 2 Person Tent
If you are looking for the best 2 person tent, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 is a nice choice. The tent’s fly is made from 75D polyester with a 1500mm UV-resistant polyurethane coating. The floor is 75D taffeta with a 2000mm urethane coating. This makes it very durable and waterproof. That is why it is one of the best backpacking tents.
It comes in a freestanding design, which makes it very easy to set up. It is roomy and comfortable. With a total weight of 5lbs, that makes it the best lightweight tent in the market. It has been designed with two doors for easier access and the half mesh walls ensure that the tent is well ventilated.
Other features include two vestibules and gear loft. These provide you with extra storage space. The package includes aluminum stakes and guy ropes. These make the setting up easier and to enhance its stability. To carry this 2 person tent easily, a carry bag has been provided to enhance your convenience on the go. It is also easier for storage when the tent is not in use.
Pros
- It is a spacious tent
- Easy to set up
- Well ventilated
- Sold with all accessories
- Robust, durable construction
- Waterproof
Cons
- No footprint
- Slightly heavy at 5 pounds
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr – best tents for backpacking
This is another good 2 person tent. The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr is the best backpacking tent for various reasons. It comes in a sturdy and durable construction that is designed to withstand serious weather conditions.
It offers ample space that is very comfortable for two occupants. The available headroom space allows the users to sit comfortably without any hitches. It comes in a freestanding design that makes its set put pure bliss. The aluminum stakes and the pole clips ensure that you enjoy an easy and fast set up.
The fly is made from 75D polyester with 1500mm coating and the floor from 75D taffeta with 3000mm polyurethane coating. This ensures that your tent remains completely dry even when it rains because the material is waterproof. It is light in weight since it has a packing weight of 4 pounds, ideal for backpacking.
The walls are made from mesh material for enhanced ventilation. The dual doors ensure that you do not crawl on your friend when getting in or going out. In addition, the tent has two vestibules and a gear loft, which provides plenty of storage space.
Pros
- Big enough for two people
- Easy to set up
- Great ventilation
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Waterproof
Cons
- Weak plastic window
TNH Outdoors 2 Person Camping & Backpacking Tent
The TNH Outdoors 2 person tent for backpacking is one of the best budget backpacking tents in the market. Just as its name suggests, it is a 2-person tent, which is designed for reliability and comfort.
This is best backpacking tent as it is made from high quality material that is very sturdy, durable, breathable, and waterproof. Weighing 4 pounds, it makes it quite lightweight, but it is not the lightest model in the market.
It is roomy, which makes it very comfortable for you and your buddy. It has good ventilation and ample headroom that allows you to sit upright without any hassle or discomfort. The tent also brings convenience since it comes with a carry-bag. This enables you to easily pack it up for easier transportation and storage when it is not in use.
It is a freestanding tent, very easy to set up. The single aluminum pole makes the set up work easy. It sells with aluminum stakes, and reflective rope for better visibility and safety.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Great ventilation
- Spacious
- Affordable to buy
- Light in weight
Cons
- Seams are only taped once; you might be forced to use a liquid seam sealer if you will be camping in heavy rain
Hyke & Byke Zion 2 Person – Best Backpacking Tent
The Hyke & Byke Zion is a 2 person tent that has been designed for comfort, convenience and reliability. It is one of the best tents for backpacking especially as it weighs about 3 pounds only.
Despite the lightweight design, it comes in a tough and durable construction. It is made from a polyester non-stretch and rip-stop material for enhanced durability. To back its high quality construction, this tent comes with a lifetime warranty. It is very comfortable and offers plenty of room for two to sit or sleep comfortably.
The mesh walls of the 2 person tent keeps it well ventilated and its freestanding design makes its set up easy and quick. It comes with aluminum alloy stakes, a stake presser and reflective guy lines. It is sold with a PU 5000mm footprint for enhanced protection of your tents floor. Other things include a detachable gear loft and 2 vestibules for added storage space.
The rain fly is waterproof as well as the bathtub floor. All the seams are factory taped to keep rainwater out. The dual door design ensures that each occupant has an easy time accessing and getting out of the tent. For packing and storage, the tent comes with a carry bag for enhanced convenience when backpacking. It also has interior pockets where you can keep your watch, chargers and other accessories as you sleep.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Roomy
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof
- Footprint included
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Not enough standing room for very tall people
Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent – best backpacking tent
Coleman is no doubt one of the best brand names out there for the best backpacking tent. Whether you want a one person tent, 2 person tent or any other kind of tent, they have what you need.
Under this name, you will find a reliable tent without breaking your bank, in the Coleman Sundome 2 person tent. Who says having fun outdoors should be expensive?
This backpacking tent houses two people comfortably. It comes with two big windows and a ground vent for enhanced ventilation. Designed in a freestanding design, it allows you to pitch it on any ground.
It is made from high quality waterproof material and features a bathtub floor that keeps the tent dry and comfortable. All the seams are inverted to enhance the waterproofing function and the rain fly is hooded to ensure that water does not find its way inside the tent even when there is a downpour.
This backpacking tent is a bliss to set up and disassemble. It has one door only though. It is quite heavy because it weighs a total of 9 pounds and hence it is not so convenient for backpacking.
The tent comes with mesh pockets sewn conveniently on its walls. It allows you to store and organize your small items so that you do not risk trampling them on the floor. Lastly, it comes with a carrying bag for easier packing and storage. The bag is rip-stop, making it safe against branches, rocks and other abusive material.
Pros
- It has good ventilation
- Waterproof
- Durable construction
- Roomy and comfortable
- Sold with aluminum stakes
Cons
- Heavy
- No footprint
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
The Kelty Salida camping and backpacking tent is a high quality tent. It is constructed with the user’s convenience and comfort in mind. It is among the best backpacking tents that you can get in the market.
Its walls are made from a 68D polyester material that is tough, durable and waterproof. They are very breathable and hence the ventilation is not compromised. The floor is made from 68D nylon material, which is also sturdy, durable and leak proof. All the seams are fully taped to keep water outside the tent in case of a heavy downpour.
The interior is spacious, housing a maximum of two people comfortably. When packed, it weighs a total of 4 pounds, which is an ideal weight for backpacking. It is easy to pack since it comes with poles that fold into a more compact size. In addition, it comes with a carry bag for a more convenience when travelling or when storing the tent after use.
It has a single D-shaped door that facilitates for easy entry and exit from the tent. It has internal sewn in storage pockets, gear loft loops and a large vestibule area. All these provide you with ample storage space.
Finally, it comes in a freestanding design that allows you to pitch it on any terrain and it is very easy to set up.
Pros
- The tent is spacious
- Lots of interior storage areas
- Built to last a long time
- Inexpensive
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Internal condensation is likely to occur
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx – 1 Person Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is a great tent for people who are looking for the best budget backpacking tent. This is a 1 person tent, good design and light in weight. It will protect you against the elements out there. Rain, snow, wind, sleet and sun all happen without notice when you are backpacking.
It comes in a freestanding 2-pole design that offers ample space for solo use. The upper part of the tent comes in tough and highly breathable fabric for enhanced ventilation. The lower part and the floor are from waterproof material. The floor has sealed seams ensuring that your tent remains dry and comfortable.
It has a D-shaped side door that is big enough for a hassle free entry and exit. The door material is tough mesh that also enhances on the tents breathability. The vestibule has a zipper provides you with ample storage space for your personal items like your wood stove for backpacking. The tent comes with two mesh pockets on the tents interior walls and gear loft for extra storage space.
The tent’s freestanding design makes the set up process easy. The two aluminum poles help in creating an extremely stable structure. The package also includes aluminum stakes and guy ropes. When packed, it weighs a total of 4 pounds, which is an ideal weight for backpacking.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Well ventilated
- Easy to set up and dissemble
- Sturdy construction
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- No footprint
- A bit heavy
Hyke & Byke Yosemite 2 Person Backpacking Tent
The Hyke & Byke Yosemite backpacking 2 person tent is a perfect choice for people looking for ultra lightweight tents for backpacking. Without the footprint, it weighs only 4 pounds when packed. It is also very affordable making it the best budget backpacking tent.
This tent comes in a good quality durable construction, and its high quality is backed up by a life by a lifetime warranty. The roomy interior accommodates two people comfortably. It is made from a tough and waterproof polyester fabric whose seams are taped to keep rainwater out during a storm.
The dual doors ensure easy entering and exiting the tent. You will not be forced to crawl all over your partner uncomfortably. There are sewn in pocket on the interior walls, a gear loft and two vestibules for extra storage space.
The walls and the doors have a mesh fabric that ensures great ventilation inside the tent. The tent also comes with a footprint. Although it increases the weight of the tent, it is handy for protecting the floor of your tent.
This backpacking tent 2 person is easy to set up since it comes in a freestanding design with 3 poles and clip-pole attachments. The package also includes a dozen on aluminum alloy stakes, a stake pusher and reflective guy ropes. For easy and convenience in backpacking and storage, the tent comes with a carry bag.
Pros
- Spacious
- Easy to set up
- Footprint included
- Good ventilation
- Tough, durable construction
Cons
- It is not recommended for mountaineering
Teton Sports Mountain 1-4 Person – best tents for backpacking
The Teton Sports Mountain Ultralight backpacking tents are good for people looking for the best backpacking tent. They are designed to comfortably house from 1 to 4 people, depending on the size of the tent that you buy. Besides, they come at a reasonable price.
This tent comes with all the necessary accessories that you require to enjoy a great outdoor adventure. This includes things such as a clip-on rainfly and footprint among others. The best tents for backpacking have lightweight but tough and durable construction. This tent is a good investment. It is able to handle rugged terrains and unfriendly weather conditions.
It is made from waterproof polyester material, which ensures that your tent interior remain dry and comfortable. All the seams are heat-taped to ensure that they are leak proof. This tent is roomy and the full micromesh upper ensures ample ventilation. At the same time, it gives you a chance to sunbathe or stargaze while still inside your tent.
The 1 person tent comes with only a single door while the other three sizes come with two doors each. The rainfly has inbuilt vents for optimal ventilation. The tents weigh from 4.5 pounds up to 9.5 pounds again depending on the size. Remember, as you will see when you click the buy button above, this tent can be a 1 person tent, 2 person tent , 3 or even 4 person tent.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Spacious
- Totally waterproof
- Great ventilation
- Easy to set up
- Has a carry bag for portability
Cons
- It could be lighter in weight
Winterial 1 Person Tent – Ultra lightweight tents for backpacking
The Winterial Single Person Tent is among the best one-man tents for backpacking that are currently in the market. This is a great 3-season tent that comes in an ultra lightweight design since it only weighs 2.9 pounds. The tent is perfect for hiking and backpacking.
You will buy it at a reasonable price and its interior is roomy enough for one person. It performs well in most weather conditions since it has a sturdy, durable construction.
To make it totally waterproof, the seams are pre-sealed and together with the robust rain-fly. They ensure that your tent remains dry and hence comfortable. However, it does not come with a footprint and hence you might consider getting one if you are anticipating for bad weather.
It is easy to assemble as it comes with all the accessories that you require to secure it to the ground such as stakes, aluminum poles and ropes. The mesh roof ensures nice ventilation and the large zippered door facilities for easy access. It has a vestibule that provides you with a storage space for your items.
Lastly, this tent comes with a stuff sack that makes it easy to pack the tent for backpacking and to store it when not in use.
Pros
- Great price
- Ultra lightweight
- Easy assembly
- Amazing ventilation
- Waterproof
- Spacious interior
Cons
- No footprint
- Small vestibule
Kelty Grand Mesa Tent –Backpacking Tent
This is a 2 to 4 person backpacking tent. Kelty Grand Mesa Tent is among the best backpacking tent that you can find in the market. It comes in low-profile a dome design that is very helpful if you are going to use it in a windy place. The wind cannot easily bowl it over.
It comes at a reasonable price and in different sizes made to accommodate from 2-4 people, and hence you can choose your size depending on the number of people who will be using it.
This tent is spacious and comfortable and it has internal sewn in pockets, gear loft and a spacious vestibule area. You will have ample space to store your items. The tent comes in a solid and durable construction. It has a waterproof fabric. The heavy-duty zipper does not jam.
The tent is easy to set up since everything that you require for the process is color-coded for easier assembly. All you need to do is assemble just two poles and clip the tent onto them. It comes with stakes and guy ropes to secure your tent firmly on the ground.
The tent is well ventilated allowing for ample airflow and it does not condense. It comes with a sturdy rain fly. You will find this very handy in case of a heavy downpour. For ease of packing, it comes with a carrying bag that enables you to travel with your tent conveniently.
Pros
- Roomy
- Great ventilation
- Ease of assembly
- Lots of storage space
- Lightweight hence ideal for backpacking
Cons
- No footprint
5 reasons to use ultra lightweight tents for backpacking
There are many reasons why you should bring the best backpacking tent with. However, you have to make it as light in weight as possible. Your choice of tent will vary depending on various factors such as the season.
Here are reasons why you should specifically get a lightweight backpacking tent:
You are able to cover more distance
When you carry lightweight tents, you are able to cover more distance daily. You get less tired as compared to when you carry a heavy tent. You can pack your camping flashlight, foam sleeping pad and other items that you will need for your backpacking experience.
It is important for your body
When your tent is light, it will be lighter on your muscles and joints and prevent them from aching. It also helps you prevent provoking old injuries if you have any. This will help you enjoy outdoor activities even in your advanced age.
Hike faster
A heavy tent can limit your movement on a trail and cause you to slow down as you try to move your heavy backpack over rough terrain and obstacles. When your tent is light, it will be easy for you to travel over rough territory with speed and ease.
Makes your hiking easier
When your tent is light, you get more time to enjoy doing what you love when hiking. You are able to pose comfortably for photos and take photos or videos of interesting things you may find on the way. However, do not that a lightweight tent should also be accompanied by a lightweight backpacking pack.
Features of the best tents for backpacking
Before you purchase one of the best tents for backpacking, ensure that it has the following features:
Tent Capacity
Backpacking tents are usually classified according to capacity. The models house 1 to 4 people. The names of most tents include a capacity number. Tents have a snug fitting to keep their weight low. There is no way to define the standards of dimensions per person, so the size of the tent can vary from one brand to another.
Season rating of the best tents for backpacking
When you consider the seasonality of the tent, you have four options which are;
2-season tents
These are designed for only good weather, the warm months of summer. They can only hold their own against minor rain and wind but not anything heavier. They have good ventilation and breathability.
3-season tents
The best tents for backpacking for summer, spring and fall have 3-season rating. They can hold strong winds, heavy rains and light snow. However, they are not the best option for exposure to violet winds, heavy snow or harsh storms.
Features of these tents are enough mesh panels to allow the flow of air and to keep insects out. They have more upright walls to create more headroom in the interior. Their poles are fewer and the fabric lighter to keep their weight low.
3-4 season tents are stronger and are capable of withstanding rougher handling as compared to the 3-season tent. They can hold windier, colder and wetter conditions, and moderate snow. They are perfect for summer, late fall and early spring.
These backpacking tents are suitable for people who make trips frequently to high places and exposed destinations. Their key features include two or one extra pole for strength. The walls are more upright to create more headroom in the interior. Their mesh panels are fewer to retain more warmth.
4-season tents
Perfect for all conditions! These tents will withstand extreme conditions of weather such as snow storms and fierce winds. They however have less ventilation and during mild weather, they can feel stuffy. Their key features include heavier fabric and more poles. Their design is rounded dome to sustain winds and eliminate flat spaces on the roof where snow is likely to collect.
Weight of the best tents for backpacking
You can make your overall load lighter depending on the choice of your backpacking tent. You can find a tent design with weight of less than pounds. It will still be comfortable and spacious. It may seem that tents with heavier weights may be sturdier. However, you may find that ultra light designs and materials can still be as strong, if they won’t be stronger.
The weight of rainfly, poles and tent body, floor print, stakes, stuff sack, poles and other accessories all constitute the weight of the tent. Packaged weight includes all components that you get when you purchase a tent; stakes, poles, pole sack, rainfly, stuff sack, instructions.
Buying the best ultra lightweight tents for backpacking will be the best decision you will ever make if you love the outdoors. When you are out there at the mercy of the elements, only a good pair of hiking boots, sturdy backpacking pants and the best backpacking tent will save you.
Conclusion
Ok guys, as you have seen here, choosing the best tents for backpacking is not hard at all. I have shown you all the features that such a tent should have. I have also brought you the reviews of the best backpacking tents. Nothing is as heavenly as sleeping under the stars for a person who loves the outdoors.
