A number of leading ultralight tents are built with Dyneemathe high-tech fabric commonly used in boat sails and praised for its strength-to-weight ratioand the Zpacks Duplex is best in class.
This age-old question challenges newbie backpackers and veterans alike. All told, we think the Half Dome is a great value for what you get and should keep many backpackers happyits the tent we recommend most to family and friends. The term freestanding means that by attaching poles to the tent body, it has a solid structure and can stand completely on its own.
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. REIs Half Dome above offers even more room inside while weighing less (if you leave the REIs included footprint behind). Regardless of your tent choice, its always a good idea to set it up at home first.
The good news is that with advancements in fabric technology and tent design, its possible to bump to a more spacious shelter without dramatically increasing your load.
While fabric thickness is a large factor in determining a tents durability, its not the only one.
As is the case with most outdoor gear, shaving weight from a tent design will result in some tradeoff, often in the form of compromised durability, interior space, weather protection, or ventilation (not to mention a higher price tag). But most tents need to go through a few iterations before reaching perfection, and we really like the direction the Telos is headedRead in-depth reviewSee the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2.
And for those who want to save money or weight, there are a number of DIY options, including grabbing a sheet of Polycryo or Tyvek from your local hardware store. 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. Its important to keep in mind that the Double Rainbow is a non-freestanding design, which means youll need soft ground or good anchors to get a good pitch (alternatively, you can convert it to freestanding with trekking poles). *Editor's Note: "Weight" refers to the packaged weight of each tent, with the exception of trekking pole-supported models. One downside is the tents packed size, which is large enough to make it difficult to squeeze into a backpack (its much easier to divide up the load between two people). 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. And a final note: Tarptent also makes the Double Rainbow Li ($699), a Dyneema version of the tent here that competes with the Zpacks Duplex aboveRead in-depth reviewSee the Tarptent Double Rainbow. These tents offer more protection than your standard 3-season tent without being quite as bulky or expensive as a 4-season tent. All things considered, we like the Marmot Tungsten and it makes a nice hybrid backpacking and car camping option. Given that the majority of family trips are of the casual variety, we think the Trail Hut 4 is the best overall solution for most groups of three or four. 
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. We had high hopes that the Dragonfly would amount to a budget-friendlier and slightly more durable alternative to the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but came away underwhelmed.See the Nemo Dragonfly 2P. But while the Hornet bests the Fly Creek in most metrics, its ultralight build still has a host of limitations.
In terms of other tents that fit a similar designation, the Hilleberg Nallo below is an impressively tough option that can handle extreme wind with relative ease.
Weve found the most helpful area for a pocket is near your head, and a simple mesh drop-in pocket or two is sufficient. Another factor to consider is the Hubba Hubbas solid tent walls (the Copper Spur is more mesh-heavy), which will be better in high winds but result in less ventilation overall. But we should note that the Sea to Summit has a flaw in wet weather: During our testing, rain pooled in the concavities of the fly and dripped into the tent through the vent opening. Category: All-seasonPackaged weight: 5 lbs. This is an expensive processtheres a reason Hilleberg tents are $700 or morebut the payoff is incredible toughness even on a tent like the Nallo that uses otherwise thin 30-denier fabric. 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. And although its more expensive at $329, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ weighs over 6 ounces less than the Tungsten yet offers considerably more floor area and vestibule space. Category: UltralightPackaged weight: 2 lbs. A tents 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 Zpacks Duplex. heavier than the Hornet), you get two doors and two vestibules, 29 square feet of floor area thats tapered at the feet, and a generous 41-inch peak height. And if weight isn't your top priority, you can always bump up to a 3-person version for more space. Enter Hillebergs fantastic Nallo (Hilleberg describes it as all-season and they dont use that designation lightly). You get two large doors, two spacious vestibules for storing gear, and a generous interior thats a few inches longer than most of the competition (and a full half-foot longer than the Hubba Hubba above). 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). 
Without getting too into the nitty gritty on tent poles and stakes, there are a few important details to cover. 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.
In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. The quality of the rest of the materials (poles, zippers, etc.) In use, we found the Zpacks to feel decently roomy for its weight with a 48-inch peak height, and you can adjust the dimensions fairly easily depending on the campsite and conditions. Do you like to travel fast and light or prioritize comfort and durability? Weve found it particularly difficult to get a taut pitch when camping on rock, and the tent simply isnt as weather-worthy as a freestanding design like the Copper Spur above. How much space do you need?
A backpacking tent is one of the heaviest and bulkiest items youll pack for an overnight trip, but the good news is that modern designs are lighter than ever. Category: BudgetPackaged weight: 5 lbs. At almost 6 pounds, 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. For example, REI's Trail Hut 4 checks in at 8 pounds 1.6 ounces, while the two-person version weighs 5 pounds 15 ounces. 
Finally, keep in mind that you can shave even more weight by opting for the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum ($650, 2 lbs. For this reason, we feature a few ultralight tents here and are sure to call out their weaknesses in the write-ups above.
13.5 oz.Floor dimensions: 92 x 56 in.Capacities: 2+, 3+What we like: A well-built tent with tons of room at a good price.What we dont: Relatively heavy and only comes in plus sizes.
Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 4 lbs. Thats all fine and good for setting up in mild conditions, but its insufficient for bad weather when you want to use guylines. Not everyone will need to prioritize a tent with a generous peak height throughout, but its especially worth it for those who anticipate bad weather or spending a lot of time inside. and Hubba Hubba (3 lbs. Logically, denier lines up with weight: The premium Nemo Hornet ($400; 2 lbs. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is one of our favorite three-person tents thanks to its incredibly low weightfor under 3 pounds, its a very roomy shelter for two, with space still left over for a child, a canine, or gear. off of the outgoing model with the use of thinner materials, but the overall design remains the same. Priced at just $319, its no wonder that the Double Rainbow is one of the most popular cottage designs among ultralighters and thru-hikers this year. 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 alikeRead in-depth reviewSee the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+.
The good news for backpackers is that setting up a modern tent has become surprisingly easy.
As the name indicates, the rainfly covers the exposed tent body for increased resistance from precipitation, wind, and cold. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. REI has dabbled in ultralight tents in the past with models like the discontinued Dash, but theyve gone all-in with the Flash Air 2. 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. 3.4 oz.
Updated last year, this backpacking tent has a unique design with a lot of upsides for less than $300. What are the shortcomings of the Zpacks Duplex? 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.
In the end, it helps to be mindful of your priorities when making your tent purchase. If youre traveling as a pair, a two-person tent is your best bet for streamlining weight and bulk. And the Dragonfly also splits the difference between the Dagger and the Hornet in terms of durability, with a 20-denier floor and 15-denier fly. 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 its included with the tentas is the case with REIs Half Dome SLand Passage). We certainly understand the appeal for thru-hikers and serious backpackers, and in the right environments the compromises can be minimal. The Copper Spur is $59 less and gets the edge in terms of weight and floor dimensions, with a half-pound lighter build and 3.5 more inches length. 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.
With a tunnel-like shape as opposed to a traditional dome layout, the Nallo excels in strong gusts and heavy precipitation. 11 oz.) All-Around
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). Theres 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 inclement conditions.See the Hilleberg Nallo 2. Sliding into Nemos lineup between their Dagger and Hornet above is the Dragonfly here. Category: BudgetPackaged weight: 5 lbs.
So what can you do? As a result, most mainstream tents on the market are freestanding. Australia-based Sea to Summit is a reliable go-to for outdoor gear, but 2021 marked their first foray into backpacking tents.
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. Designs Nemos Dagger has long been considered one of the most livable lightweight backpacking tents on the market, and the new OSMO version offers a similarly competitive mix of weight and roominess. 7 oz.Floor dimensions: 88 x 52 in.Capacities: 2P, 3PWhat we like: Eye-catching design and steep walls at a good price.What we dont: Not as roomy or lightweight as the REI Half Dome SL above. Its worth noting that some ultralight tent systems can be more finicky to set up and definitely require some practice.
Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 3 lbs. If your tent has a fast-pitch option, the footprint will complete the setup, allowing you to set up an ultralight shelter by adding your tent poles and rain fly.
All in all, weve found that Nemo tents consistently are high quality and offer a nice balance of thoughtful features, and the Aurora falls right in line.
Heres 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 dont have the risk tolerance for a torn floor (and the subsequent repair). 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. But there are a few caveats: These tents are expensive (our top-ranked Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is $500) and aren't particularly durable, with relatively thin fabrics and zippers. ), and two doors and vestibules. Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tents, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Solution Dye ($480), See the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Solution Dye, Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye ($370), See the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye. For 3 pounds 2 ounces (12 oz.
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. In short, its a very snug place to beespecially for two peopleand weather protection is slightly compromised with just a partial rainfly at the head (meant to increase ventilation).
For thru-hiking or ultralight backpacking, the Hornet by far the more livable option of the two for a small 2-ounce weight increase.
At the time of publishing, the Lyra II is tough to find due to supply chain issues, but we expect stock to improve with time.See the Exped Lyra II. No matter the tent style or manufacturer, stakes are an integral part of setting up a tent.
Non-freestanding tents require fewer pole sections, which reduces weight, and are a popular choice for backcountry enthusiasts that are well versed in choosing a good campsite and erecting a tent.
The trail weight, on the other hand, only includes the tent body, rainfly, and poles. And in 2022, 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.
The 2-person tents on our list range from 1 pound 3.4 ounces for the non-freestanding Zpacks Duplex to 5 pounds 14.2 ounces for the budget The North Face Stormbreak 2, with popular models like the MSR Hubba Hubbaand Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 settling somewhere in the 3-pound range.
Nevertheless, the Copper Spurs quality is impeccable, with substantial zippers, thoughtful interior storage, color-coded grommets, and easy adjustments to really dial in your setup. In parsing out how roomy a backpacking tent is, the first thing youll want to evaluate is the floor dimensions (L x W), which matter quite a bit when youre trying to fit two backpackers with their sleeping pads side-by-side. 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. For more information and to help you determine if a footprint is a necessary addition to your kit, see our article: Does Your Backpacking Tent Need a Footprint?
1.6 oz.Floor dimensions: 90 x 88 in.Capacities: 2P, 4PWhat we like: A spacious four-person tent with a ridge pole for extra headroom.What we dont: Not the most lightweight 4P option. Owing to their design, semi- and non-freestanding tents also tend to have more sloped walls (read: less headroom) and less interior space overall.
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.
Back to Our Backpacking Tent Comparison Table. has a thin 15-denier floor, while the 5-pound-14-ounce TNF Stormbreak 2 ($169) uses a robust 68-denier fabric. How does the Hubba Hubba measure up to our top-ranked Copper Spur? The Kunai is much burlier than a standard 3-season tent. We have minor nitpicks like the foot-end pole being too tight and initially difficult to insert and remove, but overall, we think REI knocked it out of the park with the Flash AirRead in-depth reviewSee the REI Co-op Flash Air 2. Its not a true 4-season design (Nemo lists 3-4 season), but the Kunai is ideal for winter camping, ski touring around treeline, and all-season backpackers looking for a stalwart shelter. If you do choose to buy a footprint, you can usually get one specifically designed for your tent, pre-cut to the proper dimensions with grommets that attach to the tent poles directly.
What are the downsides of The North Faces Stormbreak 2?
And its 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.
Thus, you may want to purchase some extra stakes, and it may be worth replacing your stock ones as well. Category: All-seasonPackaged weight: 4 lbs.
You've already spent a substantial amount on a tent, but should you tack on the extra purchase of a footprint? Checking in at just 3 pounds 4 ounces, all signs point to this being the best Hubba Hubba yet. With the Big Agnes you get 4 inches more length and a few inches more width at the head, and the steep walls and non-symmetrical pole structure create an impressive amount of headroom at one end. The North Face makes a lot of high-performance tents for expedition use, but their casual lineup also has a lot to offer. If youre traveling in inclement weather, with a smaller third companion, or just like the idea of some extra room (without a crazy weight penalty), its as good an option as any. Many of todays most premium designs feature pre-bent poles and a ridge pole, both of which help to stretch the walls outward and make them near-vertical. And some tents like the Exped Lyra have convertible-like rainfly designs that roll back fairly easily.
With a packaged weight of 5 pounds 14 ounces, its the heaviest two-person tent on this list, although most of the competition is literally hundreds of dollars more expensive. For just $159, you get a reasonable weight of 5 pounds 10 ounces (note: this includes the footprint), a door and vestibule on each side, full-coverage rainfly, and durable materials that dont require nearly as much care as the lighter-weight options on this list.
Whats more, the all-mesh body is vulnerable to drafts and wont keep out flying dirt or sand as well as some of the heavier tents here.
Its a good rule of thumb to take the tents peak height and shape into consideration as well, and in particular the slope of the walls (more on this below).
At $500, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the pricier tents in its class, and youll want to be careful with the delicate materials (its 15- x 20-denier floor in particular is quite thin and wont hold up to wear and tear as well as heavier models below). 15 oz.Floor dimensions: 88 x 66/60 in.Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3PWhat we like: Lightweight yet still roomy.What we dont: Semi-freestanding design is a bit more difficult to pitch. 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). If youre backpacking in warm conditions, it struggles to ventilate and can build up serious condensation on the inner walls. On the other hand, the MSRs non-tapered build offers more width throughout, which means you'll have the option of sleeping head-to-toe with your tentmate. It's important to be aware that the Fly Creek wont offer the same protection from the elements as a sturdier design like the MSR Hubba Hubbaabove. In addition, you get standard aluminum rather than DAC poles, which are generally less premium.
We used the Nallo in some brutal weather above the Arctic Circle and came away extremely impressed with its toughness. On the other hand, many 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, for example). 10 oz.Floor dimensions: 88 x 52 in.Capacities: 1P, 2PWhat we like: Inexpensive, tough, and easy to set up.What we dont: Not as modern-feeling or spacious as the Half Dome above.
What we dont: Not as well-rounded as the Half Dome above. With a sturdy pole structure and considerably less mesh than its warmer-weather counterparts, the Kunai is stable and relatively draft-free in high winds.
The symmetrical design and Nemos intuitive hardware make setup easy, and thoughtful internal storage is great for staying organized at camp.
When researching tent weight, youll commonly see manufacturers and retailers list two specs: packaged weight and trail weight (also referred to as "minimum weight"). For casual backpackers on shorter trips, there is no need to spend more. 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 roomRead in-depth reviewSee the Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P.
Revamped for 2022, the newest version shaves a considerable amount of weight (10 oz.)
The Double Rainbow is our favorite model, featuring a unique single-wall design that keeps weight in check while still maintaining impressive livability. The higher the denierof the floor, canopy, and rainflythe more durable the tent. In addition, interior space is excellent for the weight and the tent kept us fully protected in rain and wind without issue. California-based cottage brand Tarptent isnt a household name yet, but the company offers an inspiring ultralight lineup at reasonable price points. 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 Passage 2 with its heavy aluminum stakes and included footprint to a 7-ounce difference for the Big Agnes Copper Spur. Peak Height and Slope Aggressively priced at $349 and made with quality materials throughout, the Flash Air 2 is a UL tent for the every man or woman looking to shave weight without breaking the bank. Trail Weight
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.
Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 3 lbs. 4 oz.Floor dimensions: 84 x 50 in.Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3PWhat we like: Lightweight and livable, with excellent weather protection.What we dont: Less overall headroom than the Copper Spur; solid walls result in less ventilation. In the end, no ultralight tent is perfect, but the Duplex is a high-quality option that has been relied upon by serious thru-hikers for years. For hitting the backcountry in winter or even treks in inhospitable places like Nepal or Peru, youll most likely want a step up in toughness and warmth from the 3-season tents that dominate this list. Most two-person tents will include six: one for each corner and one for each side of the vestibule. This tent has gone through multiple iterations over the years, and the most recent SL (superlight) is one of the most balanced offerings yet.
A few models above use just one door to save weightthe Big Agnes Fly Creek, for example, puts its door on one end. Category: UltralightPackaged weight: 2 lbs. compared to the Tiger Walls 28 sq.
Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 8 lbs.
Uses and budgets vary, and the ideal tent for beginners and those taking shorter trips differs significantly from thru-hikers counting every ounce. The two-person tent is the most popular capacity, but many backpacking models also come in one, three, and four-person designs.
But thats the Expeds only true advantage, and the difference in spaciousness is hard to ignore: The Half Dome is wider, its pole structure creates even more vertical walls, and it nearly matches the Lyra in stargazing.
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