The Best Backpacking Tents of 2024 | The Inertia (2024)

Camping is always worth it, but there’s something special about backpacking. Getting deep in the backcountry and finding a near-untouched slice of wilderness is what we’re all about. But getting out there and sleeping comfortably are two different things. There’s immense value in a well-made backpacking tent. Backpacking tents reduce weight and speed setup so you can carry your shelter easily and get comfortable quickly. Our favorite options this year balance weight, interior space, weather protection, and features.

We’ve spent the bulk of this year testing these backpacking tents for their portability, livability, ease of setup and takedown, and durability.

If you’d like to see how they match up, check out the Comparison Table. To learn about how we tested the best backpacking tents, view the How We Tested section. And to learn more about picking the ideal backpacking tent for your needs, view our Buyer’s Guide. And if you’re looking for more spacious tent options, check out our guide to the Best Camping Tents.

Editor’s Note:Due to seasonal sales at the time of publishing, many backpacking tents in this guide are available at a discounted price through July 4, 2024. We’ll keep an eye on availability and update any links if tents go out of stock during these sales.

Best Overall Backpacking Tent: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P
Best Budget Backpacking Tent: Kelty Late Start 2p
Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Duplex Lite
Best Value Backpacking Tent: The North Face Trail Lite 2

Best Overall Backpacking Tent

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P ($530)

Packaged Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz
Floor Area: 31.3 sq ft
Peak Height: 42″

Other Versions:3P

Pros: Made from recycled materials, excellent blend of weight, space, and features
Cons: Expensive

The Dagger OSMO 2P is an update to what has been regarded for some time as one of the top-choice premium backpacking tents on the market. The “OSMO” indicates the upgraded materials: This tent uses bluesign-approved materials and the OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric is made from 100% recycled yarns that are PFAS-free. The material is designed to avoid sag when wet, and we found it to be durable and perform well in all weather. And as great as that is, this backpacking tent still contains all the clutch NEMO features we love, including the Divy Cube stuff sack, nightlight pockets, strut vents at entries to keep your pitch taut, and an included Landing Zone for inclement weather.

Our team especially loves the overhead design: NEMO has figured out how to maximize headroom in a small, lightweight shelter. Two people can comfortably sit up in this tent — great if you need to eat a backpacking meal or play a game of cards in the rain. With a 90″ by 50″ floorplan, this backpacking tent feels plenty wide enough for two, plus it’s long enough for taller backpackers. The pole hub system is easy to use, the fly clips on quickly, and the materials all feel premium and long-lasting.The interior also features ample pockets to store small items. Finally, we found the vestibule system to be one of the best: The vestibules are large, well-covered, and not over-complicated with extra setup.

Of all the tents we tested, the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P isn’t the lightest, the most spacious, the easiest to set up, or the most protective. Why is it our favorite, then? Because the Dagger has the absolute best combination of all those features, boasting an ideal blend of weight, durability, overhead and floor space, ease of use, and features. We also tested the Dagger OSMO 3P model and loved it. Just a half-pound more, the three-person version boasts 44 square feet of floor space and the same suite of excellent features.

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Best Budget Backpacking Tent

Kelty Late Start 2 ($160)

Packaged Weight: 4 lb 12 oz
Floor Area: 30.6 sq ft
Peak Height: 42.5″

Other Versions: 1P, 4P

Pros: A breeze to set up, nice views from the inside
Cons: Poles did not seem as durable as others

If sleeping under the stars is your biggest draw to backpacking, but the bug situation requires you to stay in a tent, Kelty’s Late Start series has one of the best, most unobstructed views. The tent gets its name from people who maybe don’t get to the trail at the crack of dawn and need to play catch up by having a tent with a fast setup time. The Late Start succeeds there, using two poles in the classic crisscross design but having sleeves instead of grommets to ensure they don’t come out during setup. Then it’s just a few clicks and wham — you’re in business.

It’s by no means a luxury tent, but the price matches the simplicity. The poles also felt a bit weaker than some of the premium models, so they would require a bit more care and consideration to ensure they didn’t get bent. But for an easy-to-set-up and relatively light tent for a respectable price, we were happy with everything this tent had to offer.

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Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Zpacks Duplex Lite ($669)

Packaged Weight: 15 oz
Floor Area: 25 sq ft
Peak Height: 48″

Other Versions: N/A

Pros: Incredibly light, yet durable
Cons: Setup takes some practice

For those who count every gram and want to crush long distances but still need good shelter from storms and wind, Zpacks has come up with a real winner. An updated version of Zpacks’ classic Duplex, the Lite is spacious with a high-walled bathtub-style floor that is waterproof enough to not need a footprint.

Trekking pole tents cut weight by using your trekking poles as supports instead of packing a set of tent poles. That structure — combined with Dyneema Composite Material that is totally waterproof but doesn’t stretch — results in a bit of fiddling during setup. As such, you want to practice setting this up a few times at home before taking it into the field. But once you get it, you’ve got it. The result is a tent that weighs less than a pound, although that weight is without stakes, which aren’t included.

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Best Value Backpacking Tent

The North Face Trail Lite 2 ($300)

Packaged Weight: 5 lb 2 oz
Floor Area: 29 sq ft (vestibule)
Peak Height: 41″

Other Versions: 3P

Pros: Roomy and spacious inside, large vestibules
Cons:Not much ventilation when fully zipped up

The North Face makes expedition gear that has been to all corners of the globe. The Trail Lite 2 is not exactly something you’d want to summit Everest with, but it can take you to some pretty cool places thanks to its design. With an easy setup and ample headroom, the two-person tent felt much roomier than similar models. This is partially thanks to the large vestibule space on both sides that can keep your pack out of harm’s way and also serve as cooking space in bad weather.

We gave this tent the “Best Value” pick due to its functionality at a great price point. The Trail Lite 2 comes in at nearly half the price of the more premium models in this list. Price is definitely a big consideration for most when it comes to shelters, and we feel that for the durability and spaciousness, it’s a great compromise for something so affordable.

Although a great backpacking tent, it was also one of the heavier options on our list, so the ultralight crowd might turn their nose up at this. It also felt a bit stuffy with the fly fully zipped, so make sure you give it a bit of breathing room underneath. That same fly, however, felt like it could withstand whatever weather it encountered — as long as the guylines were fully staked. So the tradeoff, we think, is worth it to have either a well-protected rainfly or a huge viewing area with it off.

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Excellent Performance for Weight

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($550)

Packaged Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz
Floor Area: 29 sq ft
Peak Height:40″

Other Versions: 1P,3P,5P

Pros:Lightweight and packable but has all the bells and whistles
Cons:Expensive

We believe this is the best ultralight backpacking tent around. For years now, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL line has been the standard for freestanding ultralight backpacking. And the latest version (seen here) continues the trend. It’s nearly three pounds, set up is a breeze, it has excellent storage and use of space, and it simply screams fast, light movement for long treks. The updated model includes new TipLok Tent Buckles, which are a very simple snap-in for the rainfly, as well as double ripstop nylon and prebent DAC Featherlite pole hub.

The Copper Spur HV UL2 also has ultralight nods, like the awning capability of the vestibule with trekking poles, creating a porch-like experience for lay days, an easy, fast pitch if you get the included footprint (recommended), and excellent ventilation for long, rainy nights.

The Copper Spur series is known for its great pockets to all the thru-hikers. This means sunglasses pockets, journal pockets, headlight pockets, and more. It is engineered to place everything every night, then pack up and go the next morning, and it does this well. The vestibules aren’t gigantic, but there are two of them and two doors, which is plenty for that sub-three-pound base weight you’ve got.

The Copper Spur HV UL2 has simply excellent weather resistance. The tapered design provides even less of a windblock than a dome, and you will not get wet when staked properly. The high bathtub floor walls also do great at keeping water out. Much like the Dagger, this is an ultralight backpacking tent.

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Protective 3-Season Tent

MSR Hubba Hubba 2p ($550)

Packaged Weight: 3 lb 4 oz
Floor Area: 29 sq ft
Peak Height: 40″

Other Versions: 1P, 3P

Pros: Easy setup, Ample space inside
Cons: Pricey

We fell in love with MSR’s Hubba Hubba thanks to its easy pitch, spacious headroom, and plenty of extras that add to the comfort. Built to withstand a heavy wind load and repel even the soggiest downpour, the Hubba Hubba isn’t the lightest tent out there, but it is one you’d want to have when the weather takes a turn. The poles unfold to lay out in no time, while clearly marked grommets make for a painless setup. The fly easily hooks underneath the poles and cinches down for throwing it on in a hurry when the weather changes.

It’s certainly a pricey tent, but when you consider how much rent costs in most parts of the country, it’s not such a bad deal. That said, if you’re not going out very often, the price tag could be a painful pill to swallow. But if you’re heading out for at least a few weekends every year, this is a tent that will last and bring comfort on the trail if you need to hunker down and wait out a storm for a bit.

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Excellent Value for Money

REI Half Dome SL 2+ with Footprint ($349)

Packaged Weight: 4 lb 11 oz
Floor Area: 33.75 sq ft
Peak Height: 42″

Other Versions: 3+

Pros: Roomy inside, quick setup, sustainable materials
Cons: Seams collect water

REI knows a thing or two about good camping products, and its ability to innovate and draw upon its customer base and staff for new product design is a huge bonus for the brand. Its wildly popular Half Dome tents recently had a full makeover, and the two-person version now comes in at over a pound lighter.

The seams tended to collect water. While that didn’t result in leakage during our testing, it’s something we’re keeping an eye on. That aside, it’s a great tent and has a built-in footprint, which helps save time during setup (and cost when purchasing). Inside the tent, it’s roomy and spacious, with many different options to store gear either in pockets or hanging gear loops.

The 90-inch length was one of the longest head-to-toe lengths we tested, so if you’re on the taller side, you will appreciate the extra headroom. It’s not the lightest tent we tested, but again, the updated SL version is about a pound lighter than its predecessor, and at the price, the Half Dome is tough to beat. Its price has climbed out of the “budget” range but still holds great value for what you get, which is a quick setup, spacious interior, and packs up small enough to carry on your back without too many gripes.

Because it’s slightly more expensive than The North Face Trail Lite 2 above, we gave that the nod for “Best Value.” However, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is an excellent tent for the money, and when it goes on sale, it’s a real steal.

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Best 4-Season Backpacking Tent

MSR Remote 2 ($860)

Packaged Weight: 7 lb 2 oz
Floor Area: 33 sq ft
Peak Height:44″

Other Versions:3P

Pros:Heavy-duty, stormworthy, spacious vestibule
Cons:Poles are confusing to set up at first, pricey

The MSR Remote 2 is a heavy-duty two-person tent that will serve you well in all seasons and all conditions. The four-season tent is designed for mountaineering and winter camping, though it works great for high-alpine or other cool-weather adventures.

The pole situation for the Remote 2 is a little confusing at first. There are two main poles that are attached to one another and form the main body of the tent. Then, a third pole goes across from one door to the other. Finally, the last pole inserts into the rainfly, creating an extremely generous vestibule. Although it’s a little confusing at first, the snap-in attachments make the tent easy to set up once you get it figured out. The inside of the tent is spacious, providing enough room for two people and their gear.

Designed to withstand snowfall and heavy storms, the Remote 2 has guylines that are reinforced from the inside, snow flaps, and poles that attach to the center hub to increase its strength against wind. The tent has two doors that are placed off to the side, two mesh pockets, and two ventilation zippers. The ventilation windows are small so if you plan on doing summertime camping in a warm region, you’ll likely be hot. The rainfly is heavy-duty and works well in a wide range of conditions. The Remote 2 packs down small but getting it packed nicely back into the bag is challenging. We don’t recommend a tent this stout for most folks, but it’s a great option if you spend plenty of time in the alpine or camping in the snow.

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Best 1-Person Backpacking Tent

Sea to Summit Alto TR1 ($410)

Packaged Weight: 2 lb 11 oz
Floor Area: 19.5 sq ft
Peak Height: 42″

Other Versions: TR2, TR2+

Pros: Multiple setup options, great headroom
Cons: Might be too narrow for larger bodies, expensive

Versatility is the name of this tent’s game. The thoughtful design allows for a variety of setup options, from the fly only when you just need some respite from the rain to the full vestibule setup with plenty of space to stash your pack and other necessities. The 1p version we tested isn’t very wide, but the headroom makes up for it. The setup was a cinch thanks to the unique proprietary “Tension Ridge” design, which was one of the fastest setups we encountered.

The tent is full of wise ways to reuse the stuff sacks for gear pouches and a soft-light lantern you can hang inside. Although it’s not in the same weight class as other ultralight tents, it’s still incredibly light, especially considering you don’t need trekking poles to pitch it. For a good self-contained unit that is comfortable and easy to pitch, the Alto TR1 has a lot going for it.

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Best Budget 1-Person Backpacking Tent

Kelty Discovery Trail 1 ($115)

Packaged Weight: 3 lb 15 oz
Floor Area: 18.7sq ft
Peak Height:40″

Other Versions: 2P

Pros:Easy to set up/tear down, rainfly buckles on
Cons:Not super spacious

The Kelty Discovery Trail 1 is an affordable 1-person tent that gets the job done for just around $100. Inverse to many older or less premium camping tents, this backpacking tent sports poles that slide in at the ends but clip in throughout the dome for easier setup. The rainfly buckles on, which makes it easy to throw it on last minute should you get caught in a storm.

The Discovery Trail 1 is advertised as a backpacking tent and while it’s a touch heavy for a solo setup, we think at the price it’s well worth a few extra ounces. The tent has just enough room for one without much extra room and a small vestibule at the door. The tent has mesh pockets for stashing small essential items and a mesh canopy for stargazing. At the end of your trip, the Discovery Trail 1 easily packs into a stuff-style sack.

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Six Moons Designs Lunar Duo ($395)

Packaged Weight: 2.8 lb
Floor Area:34 sq ft
Peak Height:45″

Other Versions:Solo

Pros:Works well for backpacking, lightweight
Cons:Poles and stakes not included, seams not sealed

The Six Moons Designs Lunar Duo is a great lightweight tent that works for both backpacking and camping. However, there is a learning curve when it comes to getting the tent set up, so we’d recommend practicing at home before setting out. The tent doesn’t come with poles or stakes, but you can purchase them or use a hiking pole.

The Lunar Duo offers an exceptional amount of space for two despite its lightweight and compact packing size. It also has two doors and vestibules so you can stash gear outside if you need to. The Luna Duo has a floating canopy for weather protection that can be set to different heights. Unfortunately, the seams aren’t sealed so in order for the tent to be fully waterproof you must seal the seams. Although the tent doesn’t come with everything you need, we like the fact that it is light and versatile and works for both car camping and the backcountry.

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Snow Peak Minute Dome Pro Air 1 ($865)

Packaged Weight: 6.5 lbs
Floor Area:31 sq ft
Peak Height: 40″

Other Versions:N/A

Pros: Secure in the wind, large vestibule
Cons: Difficult to set up, heavy

The Snow Peak Minute Dome Pro Air is advertised as a lightweight backpacking tent that can be set up in less than a minute. Weighing in at 6.5 pounds, the Minute Dome is not necessarily lightweight, but its sturdy construction and ease of use make for a solid backpacking choice.

We will say that figuring out how to set up the Minute Dome was a doozy. One of our testers set up the tent for the first time in the dark, which made things all the more challenging. For most of the backpacking tents we’ve used, we have attached the tent poles to the main tent body fabric, but the Minute Dome is set up by attaching the poles to the outermost, “rainfly” layer. Once the poles are attached, you must crawl inside the tent to secure the inner layer. We didn’t understand the purpose of the backward design and felt that it made the tent more challenging to set up. However, once you get the tent set up, it’s extremely sturdy and resilient to the elements.

The Minute Dome is designed for one to two people and we felt that it was plenty spacious for two. We tested this tent on a couple of windy nights and with everything staked in, it was the most secure tent we tested. The tent also has lots of ventilation points and there’s a spacious vestibule at the entrance. While it’s not the lightest (or the cheapest) backpacking tent available, if you want a unique option that holds up well to the elements, the Snow Peak Minute Dome is a great choice.

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Testing backpacking tents means going backpacking as much as possible. Because as much fun as it is to set up and take down a bunch of tents in your backyard, hanging out inside them and sleeping overnight in the wilderness is the true test of what a backpacking tent is made of.

Our testing team for this guide is comprised of Steve Andrews, Nathan Lemin, and Rebecca Parsons. All three are experienced backpackers with hundreds of miles logged on the trail. We tested these all over the United States and Canada, from the Coast Mountains of British Columbia to the blooming desert on the Arizona Trail. With more testers spending more time with these backpacking tents, we re-ordered our picks with added context. We’re confident this list represents an excellent selection from the current backpacking tent market, but we’re always keeping an eye out for new innovations and updated tent models, so we’ll keep this guide updated to reflect any changes we see.

Editor’s Note:We updated this guide in June of 2024. We re-ordered our list after more time spent with each backpacking tent. We also added some former picks in our Best Camping Tents guide that better fit this guide.

The right backpacking tent can make or break your experience in the backcountry. It’s your portable shelter, a cozy refuge after a day of exploring, and protection against the unpredictable elements of nature. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best backpacking tent for your needs? This guide is here to help you navigate the vast world of tents and find the perfect one for your needs and wants.

What to Look For in Backpacking Tents

Tent Materials

Most tents are made from synthetic materials — either nylon, polyester, or Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). A higher denier count means more durability but will add to the thickness and weight. Ripstop is a technique that reinforces the weave to help with durability.

Both nylon and polyester stretch some when wet, but polyester stretches less and absorbs less water than nylon. Meanwhile, nylon is available in thinner deniers, leading brands to use it to produce lightweight tents without the price point of DCF.

DF is becoming more common for the ultralight set. It is strong and completely hydrophobic, meaning it won’t absorb water or stretch out overnight. But it’s certainly the most expensive tent material out of the three.

Poles

Higher-quality poles are lighter and stronger but will come with a higher price tag. Still, you don’t want the poles to fail out in the backcountry (they are a pain to repair in the field) so it’s worth having quality. Aluminum is the most common material, while carbon fiber is lighter and stronger but much more expensive. Fiberglass poles are more brittle and heavier, so we don’t recommend those for serious backpacking tents.

Floor Area

This is the real estate you’ll find inside the tent. While it’s nice to have a general overview of the area, it’s also wise to know the dimensions of the tent, especially if you’re on the taller side, just to be sure that you’ll fit comfortably from end to end.

Vestibule Area

This is the area outside the tent that is under the fly and is (presumably) protected from the elements. Most tents will offer enough space for your pack and dirty boots. Some can even provide enough space to cook in when the weather is too ugly to be exposed to the elements (always use caution when doing this!). A larger vestibule area offers more liveable space in bad weather; however, the trade-off is a larger overall footprint, making it more difficult to find ideal campsites.

Packaged Weight Vs. Minimum Trail Weight

We’ve listed the packaged weight here, but oftentimes, a company will also include the “minimum trail weight” on a tent. This is the bare minimum that a tent can safely work out in the field, so that means no stuff sack, guy lines, and sometimes even stakes. Since the amount of acceptable comfort is different for each person, we opted just to include the packaged weight with everything involved.

Peak Height

The peak height of a tent is the highest point in the interior. This is important for those who prefer to sit up or move around without feeling cramped. Taller peak heights increase comfort but may also add to the weight and profile of the tent.

Seasonality and Weather Resistance

While most backpacking tents are designed for three-season use, consider the specific weather conditions you’ll encounter. Four-season tents offer enhanced protection against snow and high winds but are usually heavier and offer less ventilation.

Ventilation

Look for tents with good ventilation to prevent condensation buildup inside. Mesh panels and adjustable vents can help maintain airflow and reduce moisture inside the tent.

Color and Visibility

Your tent’s color can affect visibility in different environments. Brighter colors are easier to spot in emergency situations, while more subdued tones blend into natural surroundings.

Key Considerations When Buying Backpacking Tents

Cost

One aspect of purchasing a backpacking tent that’s easy to overlook is the cost. And we understand: Backpacking tents are not cheap. We do believe, for the most part, that you get what you pay for in terms of quality. Because of that, we always look to purchase big-ticket items like tents during seasonal sales. Beyond that, think about how frequently you will use your backpacking tent throughout the season. If you only go once or twice per year, a budget or value pick might suit you better than a more premium option. However, top-tier tents like the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P are designed for frequent, long-lasting use.

Weight

When you’re carrying your home on your back, every ounce counts. Look for tents that strike a balance between weight, livability, and durability. Ultralight tents are great for long treks, but make sure they can withstand the rigors of the trail.

Size and Capacity

Are you a solo explorer, or do you prefer the company of a fellow traveler? Backpacking tents come in various sizes, from snug one-person shelters to spacious three-person abodes. Consider your space needs, and remember, a little extra room can be a luxury in the wilderness.

Single Wall vs. Double Wall

Most of the tents in this guide are double-walled, meaning they have mesh sides and a solid bottom, all supported by a structure that a rainfly clips onto. The Zpacks shelter is single-walled (as many DCF shelters are), meaning the rain fly and sides are all sewn together. Single-walled shelters are lighter but suffer from more condensation than double-walled shelters.

Seasonal Versatility

Most backpacking tents are designed as 3-season shelters, perfect for spring, summer, and fall. If you’re venturing into winter wonderlands, a 4-season tent with sturdier poles and less mesh can provide the warmth and protection you need.

Livability Features

A tent is more than just a place to sleep. Look for features that enhance your comfort, like ample headroom, storage pockets, and vestibules for stashing gear. A well-designed tent can feel like a cozy retreat after a day of adventure.

Ease of Setup

After a long day on the trail, you don’t want to wrestle with a complicated tent. Opt for models that are straightforward in their setup to save you precious time setting up camp. The tents we have listed here were all chosen partly due to the fact that setting them up is a breeze.

Ease of Entry/Exit

Multiple doors or larger doors can make it easier to enter and exit the tent, especially for two or more occupants. Because backpacking tents aren’t designed with extra interior space, we choose two-door tents when possible. Consider the door design and placement for convenience and comfort.

Environmental Impact

Some tents are made with eco-friendly materials or practices, reducing their environmental impact. If this is important to you, look for tents with certifications (such as Bluesign) or commitments to sustainability.

Repairability

Check if the tent comes with a repair kit or if replacement parts are easily available. Repairing minor issues in the field can extend the life of your tent. DCF tents are easier to repair in the field than nylon or polyester models because the fabric doesn’t stretch and DCF tape patches are widely available.

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Editor’s Note: Looking for something more spacious? We’ve also reviewed the Best Camping Tents. Going backpacking? Upgrade your night’s sleep with our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads and Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guides. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.