Top 10 Backpacking Tents

Introduction

When picking a backpacking tent, there are a few major considerations that matter. What is the weight of the tent? Is the tent spacious? What is the price? For a hiking tent, these factors always go hand in hand. The best backpacking tent is – simply – one that strikes the perfect balance between weight, durability, space and cost.

How much should a backpacking tent weigh?

A typical backpacking tent weighs about 2.5 lbs. However, ultra-light tents weigh way less. If you expect to be always on the move during your backpacking endeavors, go for lightweight tents. We all hate walking with loads of luggage in our backpack. For this reason, you should consider paying extra for a lightweight backpacking tent. A heavy tent comes at a lower price, but it eats into your backpacking fun and enjoyment.

How much is a hiking tent?

For a quality backpacking tent, expect a price range between $200- $500—the price increases in reference to the weight of the tent. Generally, lightweight tents  are more expensive, even though durability is compromised because lightweight tents are built with a light fabric that easily succumbs to wear and tear.

A 2 person tent will come with a bit more space, unlike the tightly spaced 1 person tents. This extra space can be used to store your headgear and lamp, while leaving room for you. Furthermore, the fact that you have to keep crawling over your partner during movement further supports purchasing 2 person tents.

So, which are our top 10 picks for a backpacking tent?

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2

Dimensions (length, width and height): 84*50*39

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 will surely catch your eye due to the simple fact that it’s freestanding. Again, the durability of this tent is unmatched and offers an excellent shield against harsh weather conditions. The tent is spacious enough to  easily hold 2 backpackers. It also features two doors that enable easy roaming to and from the tent. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 weighs 3 lbs and is also available in 3 and 4 person versions. The cost is about $450, a fair price considering the numerous perks that come with it.

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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL

Dimensions:       88*42*40

Sizes:                     1-4 person.

If you don’t mind the extra ounces of weight, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL is the best. The tent offers great stability,  can withstand harsh weather conditions, and has a large freestanding interior room. Additionally, setting up this tent is incredibly easy. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 offers even more space. This extra space is wonderful to have when camping with a partner. These perks come at an additional cost, though; the price is $450  for the UL3. The tent may not be as durable as some of the rest; however, you get great value for your money on this one.

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Nemo Hornet Elite

Dimensions:       87 *40*37

22 square foot floor area

What other backpacking tent comes with side doors? With the Nemo Hornet Elite tent, you don’t have to keep crawling over your partner while trying to leave the tent. You can sleep with the utmost peace of mind since its fly waves off any strong winds. The doors are, however, quite small, and the tent could do with a little more space. The tent is a bit pricy, since a 2 person tent goes for about $500. Otherwise, this ultra-light masterpiece is one to excite any backpacker out there.

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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

Dimensions:       86*42*39

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall Ul2 is wide at the front and a bit narrower at the rear. For this reason, you can be sure to get extra space for your headrest. The interior space is also quite large; however, it’s a bit short for a tall backpacker. The tent material is as light as it can get, hence making it an ultra-light tent. The retail price for this tent is about $400 and is available in 2 and 3 personversions.

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Nemo Dagger 2p

Dimensions:       90*50*42

The Nemo Dagger 2p weighs about 3 lbs and comes with great room to stretch out after a long day of walking. The ceiling of the neon dagger is symmetrical, offering  abundant space for standing. The design on this one is quite convenient for even a pair of backpackers, and it’s easy to set up. It has two doors and is very light in relation to the amount of space you have. This tent, however, lacks sufficient ventilation. The fact that each door requires an extra stake is also a turn-off, though this tent is one of the best in convenience. The  price is $430. and this tent is also available in 2 and 3 person versions.

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Marmot Tungsten 2P UL

Dimensions:       85*36*38

                              19 square foot floor area

Are you wondering which backpacking tent offers a large room but is reasonably affordable? The Marmot Tungsten 2p UL is the one for you. The fact that it goes for only $385 makes it a great value considering its quality. The tent comes in 1, 2, 3 and 4 person versions. It’s quite easy to set up and can withstand harsh conditions due to its high-quality rainfly. However, this tent is  heavy (3.4lb).

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Slingfin Portal 2

Dimensions:       85*51*44

                                27.5 square foot area

Probably the most convenient backpacking tent out there, the Slingfin Portal 2 is a stylish camping package. It weighs about 2 lbs. The tent has numerous interior pockets that ease storage and colored door tags to label the doors. The stability and strength of this one is guaranteed to entice any backpacker planning a trip to the cold mountains. Due to its rather luxurious naturethe price is $485 for the 2 person version. All in all, this tent is simply the best stylish tent to pack while hiking with your partner.

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The REI Co-op Quarter dome

Space dimensions:           88*35*38

                                            20 square foot area

Which backpacking tent is best suited for the rain forest? The main stand out feature for the REI Co-op Quarter Dome is that guarantees no leakage. With this tent, it feels like you have an actual roof during rainy weather. Additionally, the tent is spacious enough to provide extra room for storing your gear. The Dome weighs l lb, making it an ultralight backpacking tent  – despite the large interior space. A 2 person tent will cost you $350, which can be reduced ifyou have some REI member dividends.

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The Gossamer gear the one and the two

Dimensions:       88*36*46

                                18.5 square foot floor area

The Gossamer Gear is an ultralight backpacking tent that comes with essentially everything a hiker would wish for. The tent accommodates tall backpackers, and it is quite easy toset up, also offers  great ventilation and has a relatively low price. The tent weighs 1 lb, and also comes in a 2 person version for about $200.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II

Dimensions:       84*52*41

                                24 square foot area

The floor of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear II is rectangular and offers an interior room that fits 2 hikers. It’s ultra-light, weighing only 1 lb, and is quite spacious, especially for a single hiker. This tent is double-walled and flexible,  offering the choice between a tarp and an insert. This feature of separating the tarp and the insert makes this mind-blowing tent a quite rare piece. The tent has  a unique design, probably the reason it comes with a whopping price tag of $695.

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Conclusion

While matters of space, durability, and weight may seem the key factors – your budget l also has to be considered. A small budget may tend to result in a low-quality purchase.  Purchasing the best tent possible means you need to know the attributes you need in a tent and, most importantly, where you will be hiking. Start by identifying the challenges to be expected. For  rainy hilltops, go for a tent with minimal leakage- and pay less attention to unnecessary  options. For hot desserts or high humidity areas, choose a tent with adequate ventilation for smooth respiration. So find a hiking tent that takes into consideration the location of your next adventure and best fits your needs and your budget.