Whether you are on a short weekend getaway or completing a demanding thru-hike like the Appalachian Trail, you know how important it is to bring a resistant and comfortable tent.
If you would like to know what’s the Best Tent for Backpacking and Camping, you have come to the right place!
We have reviewed other hiking gear, like travel backpacks, sleeping pads, camping pillows and hammocks that you might need for your next adventure.
So, what’s the best backpacking tent of 2018? Follow this Ultimate Buyer’s Guide and find the one that best fits your needs and your budget!
COMPARISON CHART:
| Backpacking Tents | Inner Floor (sq ft) | Weight | Price | Editor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hilleberg Anjan 2 | 30.1 ft2 | 3.5 lbs | $$$ | 4.4 |
MH Ghost UL 2 | 27.0 ft2 | 2.5 lbs | $$$ | 5.0 |
Big Agnes Spur UL 2 | 29.0 ft2 | 2.7 lbs | $$ | 4.6 |
North Face Mica FL2 | 28.3 ft2 | 3.1 lbs | $$$ | 4.2 |
Nemo Hornet 2P | 28.0 ft2 | 2.0 lbs | $$ | 4.9 |
MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 | 29.0 ft2 | 3.4 lbs | $$ | 4.9 |
Black Diamond Mesa | 32.5 ft2 | 4.5 lbs | $$ | 4.8 |
Marmot Limelight 2 | 32.0 ft2 | +4 lbs | $$ | 4.7 |
Mountainsmith Morrison 2 | 35.0 ft2 | 4.6 lbs | $ | 4.6 |
ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2 | 33.0 ft2 | 4.9 lbs | $ | 4.8 |
Kelty TN 2 | 27.5 ft2 | 4.2 lbs | $ | 4.6 |
A few things to consider before buying the Best Hiking Tent:
CAPACITY
Unless you are planning to always travel by yourself, I suggest that, at the minimum, you get a 2-person tent. These tents are light and compact and can be used for solo travelers or with a partner. It’s always good to have extra space for gear.
If you are hiking in a group or need a bigger, family tent, there are great models available for up to four people.
3 SEASON or 4 SEASON?
3 season tents are usually the most popular choice among hikers and backpackers. They should withstand storms and light snowfall. They tend to be light and compact and have good ventilation.
4 season tents are designed for cold climates and heavy snowfalls. They are a good choice for high-altitude hikers and winter adventurers.
TYOE OF SETUP
Freestanding tents use a fixed pole sytem and can be pitched almost anywhere. These are the tents most people choose because they are versatile, practical and easier to set up.
Non-freestanding tents use guy lines, stakes and poles for setup. They tend to be lighter than freestanding tents, but also take longer to set up.
DOORS AND VESTIBULES
If you are going to use the tent for just yourself, one door and vestibule might be enough. But if you want to fit two people, I’d go for two doors and two vestibules. This way, you won’t need to jump over your tent mate to get out, and each person will have his own vestibule for keeping his gear.
WEIGHT
Carrying a few extra pounds for two or three days won’t be a big deal, but if you are planning a backpacking trip or long multi-day hike, you’ll be happier bringing a lightweight backpacking tent.
Review of the Top 11 Best Tents for Backpacking and Camping
TOP END
HILLEBERG ANJAN 2
The Hilleberj Anjan is an excellent, very light and resistant three-season tent. It’s been proven to withstand strong winds and snow even though it’s designed mainly for warm climates.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 1 door
Inner Tent Area: 30.1 ft2
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Pros: Solid construction, Resists hard wind
Cons: Expensive
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GHOST UL 2
The MH Ghost is one of the lightest double-wall two-person tents. It’s the perfect option for hikers and travelers looking for a lightweight, easy-to-set-up, freestanding tent.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 1 door
Inner Tent Area: 27 ft2
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Pros: Lightweight, Watertight construction
Cons: Only one door, A bit expensive
BIG AGNES COPPER SPUR UL2
The Copper is a full-featured, lightweight, easy-to-pack shelter for backpackers and adventurers. This tent features dual doors and steep, vertical walls.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 29 ft2
Weight: 2.7 lbs
Pros: Holds up in extreme winds, Lightweight, Solid
Cons: Expensive
NORTH FACE MICA FL 2
The North Face Mica is a streamlined, resistant and well-designed tent. It maximizes the interior space and it’s easy to set up and pitch. It’s a great option for serious hikers.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 28.3 ft2
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Pros: Good ventilation system, Solid construction
Cons: Expensive
NEMO HORNET 2P
The NEMO Hornet is definitely one of the best tents out there. It’s the lightest on the list and even though it’s not exactly cheap, it’s more affordable than the previous ones. It’s a resistant, durable, ultralight tent for backpackers and through-hikers.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 28 ft2
Weight: 2.0 lbs
Pros: Quick setup, Durable, Super lightweight
Cons: Reduced inner space
BEST BACKPACKING TENTS. MID-RANGE
MSR HUBBA HUBBA NX 2
The Hubba Hubba NX has been one of the most popular tents among backpackers and hikers for a long time. Nowadays, some new models are lighter and more comfortable (and more expensive). In my opinion, it’s probably the best in the mid-range.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 29 ft2
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Pros: Large vestibules, Different pitching options
Cons: A bit heavier
BLACK DIAMOND MESA
The BD Mesa is another great option. It’s not as light as other models, but it features a very comfortable, large inner space. It’s a good option for backpackers who need extra space for storage.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 32.5 ft2
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Pros: Well ventilated, Roomy
Cons: Heavy
MARMOT LIMELIGHT 2
The Marmot Limelight is a resistant, easy-to-set-up tent. It has generous floor space and offers full weather protection against strong winds and rain. It’s a good value for the money.
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 1 door
Inner Tent Area: 32 ft2
Weight: +4 lbs
Pros: Quick setup, Full weather protection
Cons: Heavy
TOP TENTS FOR BACKPACKING AND CAMPING. BUDGET
MOUNTAINSMITH MORRISON 2
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 35 ft2
Weight: 4.6 lbs
Pros: Great price, Lots of inner space
Cons: Heavy
ALPS MOUNTAINEERING CHAOS 2
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 33 ft2
Weight: 4.9 lbs
Pros: Good price, Full weather protection
Cons: Heavy
KELTY TN 2
Features: 2 person, 3 season, 2 doors
Inner Tent Area: 27.5 ft2
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Pros: Quick setup, Good price
Cons: Small inner space
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