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We purchased and tested 12 of the best backpacking tents from brands like Big Agnes, REI, Nemo, and The North Face to help you find the perfect one for your next trip
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated June 16, 2026
A great tent solves the backpacker's ultimate dilemma: how to stay comfortable, especially in bad weather, without carrying more weight than necessary.
Our favorite overall backpacking tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. It's a 3-person tent that weighs less and packs smaller than many of the 2-person tents we tested, which means there's no reason for a pair not to splurge on the extra space.
While the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 is much heavier than the Copper Spur UL3, it's the most livable tent in our review. It's very spacious for two people (plus a dog), but unlike many other 3-person tents, it's large enough to sleep three adults comfortably.
The North Face Stormbreak 3 is the best bang for your buck. In many ways, it's directly comparable to the Half Dome 3. It's not quite as roomy, but it is significantly more affordable.
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested over 100 tents and logged thousands of nights sleeping under the stars. For this review, we pitted 12 of the best backpacking tents against each other, taking them on trips ranging from the temperate forests of Maine to the high desert of Utah, to the alpine of California's Sierra Nevada. We then rated and ranked them to help you easily find the best option to fit your needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our backpacking tent review on June 16, 2026, with new awards and individual gear reviews after retesting the top-scoring tents.
Very spacious for two people and gear;
Fits three people with a small amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
3.28 lbs
Measured Packaged Weight
3.81 lbs
Number of Doors
2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is a 3-person tent that weighs less than many of the 2-person models we tested. It has plenty of space for two people and their gear, and since it's so lightweight, there's no reason not to splurge and carry a 3-person tent for the extra comfort if it affords. The tent body is largely mesh, providing excellent airflow, and the featherweight, breathable rainfly does a great job of keeping you dry during a rainstorm and dissipating interior condensation. One of the most distinctive features of the Copper Spur UL3 is the ability to convert the vestibules into awnings with a pair of hiking poles. While the awning is primarily intended as a sunshade, it also provides a covered space for cooking in drizzle, expanding your living space even further.
The tents we tested that are more spacious than the Copper Spur UL3 are much heavier, and the lighter ones are much less comfortable. This tent falls within a Goldilocks zone that's perfectly tailored for backpacking trips of any length, but all of that performance comes at a premium. Experienced backpackers – whether going solo or as a pair – heading out for weekslong trips may want to consider the lighter, more packable Copper Spur UL2. But casual backpackers, and even ones who regularly go out for one or two nights, may find it hard to justify spending more on a tent than the REI Half Dome 3. However, the Half Dome 3 is incredibly bulky to carry – if you plan to progress from weekend to weeklong backpacking trips, it may be worthwhile to invest in a tent like the Copper Spur UL3 right off the bat.
Very spacious for two people and gear;
Fits three people comfortably with a moderate amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
5.11 lbs
Measured Packaged Weight
7.10 lbs
Number of Doors
2
The REI Co-op Half Dome 3 is an incredibly comfortable tent at a price that's much more affordable for your average backpacker. The interior floor space is about the size of a California king bed, offering plenty of space for two people to stretch out. Thanks to the durable tent floor, we're never afraid to bring our big dog along, either. There's ample vestibule space on either side of the tent to store wet and muddy gear, and if you're stuck inside during an extended rainstorm, the heavy-duty rainfly will keep you dry while two large vents keep the tent from feeling clammy. While every 3-person tent is a spacious fit for two backpackers, often you'll have to cram three people inside. “The Half Dome 3 is the only tent that actually accommodates three people comfortably, without forcing anyone to overlap sleeping pads,” explains our lead tester, which is a huge bonus for friends looking to share a tent.
Unfortunately, there's no getting around the fact that the Half Dome 3 is bulky and heavy. The more affordable The North Face Stormbreak 3 is lighter-weight and a bit more packable, but the tradeoff is that it's a very tight fit for three people and their gear. If you'd rather carry your own tent, or you're comfortable in close quarters, it's well worth considering the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 as another alternative. Anyone planning week-long backpacking trips should consider upgrading to an even lighter tent, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. However, given that we could easily divvy up the components to distribute the weight and bulk among two or three friends, the additional livable space afforded by the Half Dome 3 makes it the most reasonable choice for most backpackers.
Fits two people very comfortably with gear;
Very tight for three people with very little gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
6.20 lbs
Measured Packaged Weight
7.10 lbs
Number of Doors
2
The North Face Stormbreak 3 is an excellent value for a sturdy backpacking tent. There's enough space for two people and a dog, and the floor's heavy-duty material is much more durable than the lightweight tents we tested. The floor is also seam-taped to help prevent water from seeping in from below; the sturdy poles and clips hold up well in strong winds; and the rainfly uses the same heavy-duty material as the tent body, all of which help the Stormbreak 3 live up to its name. When the weather is much more pleasant, the two large doors are mostly mesh, allowing a nice cross-breeze to cool down the tent during the day. Even though the Stormbreak 3 directly competes with premium tents in terms of livability, weather resistance, and durability, it won't break the bank. “It was hard to believe that this model costs less than half the price of some top-shelf tents,” exclaimed one tester.
While the more expensive REI Half Dome 3 comfortably fits three people, you'll be sleeping shoulder to shoulder in the Stormbreak 3. “Make no mistake, it's certainly possible to fit three people inside,” our lead tester shared. “But it's a much tighter fit than I'd like for more than a night or two.” For a 3-person tent that stays true to its listed size, the Half Dome 3 is worth the extra expense. For folks who want to go solo, or who don't mind sharing close quarters with one other person, the smaller version of the Stormbreak 3, the The North Face Stormbreak 2, is lighter, more packable, and even more affordable than either of these tents. However, if you're planning to share your tent with one other person regularly – or, occasionally, with three people for only a few nights – there's no better value than the Stormbreak 3.
It's hard to beat the price of the Stormbreak 3, and considering its relative comfort and durability, there's no better value on the market. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfortable for one person and gear;
Fits two people with a small amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
2.56 lbs
Measured Packaged Weight
3.10 lbs
Number of Doors
2
As our adventures stretch into 3-, 5-, and maybe even 14-day trips, the weight and packed size of a tent matter more because we need that extra capacity to carry more food. A heavier, bulkier tent works just fine for a long weekend, but to maximize our extended trips, we reach for a tent like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. It offers the same qualities as the larger Copper Spur UL3, just downsized to make an even lighter, more packable tent. Packed into the included stuff sack, it's a bit smaller than two paper towel rolls stacked end to end. Even with the interior space a bit compressed, the UL2 retains the same unique, boxy shape as the UL3, which offers much more headroom than other featherweight tents we tested. It's ideal for a solo backpacker, a couple, or close friends to share for a week on the trail.
While this may sound like the optimal backpacking tent, the tradeoff for lightweight and a small packed size is less livable space. While the interior floor space of the larger Copper Spur UL3 is akin to a California king, the smaller Copper Spur UL2 is closer to a standard full-sized (double) bed. The packaged weight of the UL3 (with everything you'd normally carry) is less than 1 lb more, and its packed size is only marginally bigger. Most of the time, the decision is easy: we'd rather carry a a slightly bigger tent, given the difference in livable space. However, if you're counting grams to maximize your time on the trail, the minimal weight and bulk of the Copper Spur UL2 might make all the difference – we consider it to be the best lightweight, fully freestanding tent on the market.
For two people on an extended backpacking trip, there's no other tent we'd want to carry than the featherweight Copper Spur UL2. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
How We Tested
Since we started testing backpacking tents back in 2011, we've slept in over one hundred different models. We've taken them on hundreds of backpacking trips to assess their livability and weather resistance. We've unpacked, repacked, and weighed them to confirm their weight and packed size. And we've examined every seam, zipper, guyline, pole, and stake to judge their durability.
Our in-depth testing breaks down into five key rating metrics:
Taking every tent on multiple backpacking trips over many months allows us to experience and relate the small details that might make all the difference to your purchase decision. Credit: Clark Tate
Why Trust GearLab
Our team is made up of highly experienced testers who have spent a significant portion of their lives in a tent. From professional mountain guides to backpacking guides, our team of experts has camped in every climate, from the damp northeastern US to the arid desert Southwest, to the untamed wilderness of Alaska.
Zach Lovell heads up our test team. Zach is an internationally certified Mountain Guide (IFMGA/AMGA), who has been “camping professionally” for the past 15 years – he estimates that his nights in a tent are approaching four figures. He has spent nights in a tent while car camping on a casual fishing trip and on high-altitude climbing trips in the Himalayas.
Ben Applebaum-Bauch has worked as a backpacking guide, leading multi-day and multi-week backpacking, cycling, and paddling adventures through Nova Scotia, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Clark Tate spent summers living in a tent while raft guiding in Colorado and West Virginia. She has backpacked in the High Sierra of California, throughout the Rockies, and along sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Our team of experts comprises lifelong backpackers who draw on their experience to examine these tents.
Analysis and Test Results
There's a lot to consider when purchasing a new backpacking tent. While some people are concerned about how weight savings, most of us want to know which tent is the most comfortable and weather-resistant. Below, we summarize our test results, highlighting the tents that excel in each metric.
The The North Face Stormbreak 3 scores nearly as well as the top-performers in the metrics that really count: Livability, Weather Resistance, and Durability. It's spacious, with generously sized vestibules for easy gear storage. Although the thicker fabric makes it relatively heavy, it is also highly durable. The Stormbreak 2 is perfect for anyone who wants their own tent or for folks who plan to share a tent with only one other person. Although it's smaller than the Stormbreak 3, it's lighter and significantly more packable.
If you're traveling with 2 or more people, we recommend The North Face Stormbreak 3 (left) for its overall value. If you're going solo, or you're comfortable in close quarters, the smaller Stormbreak 2 (right) is worth considering.
Livability
If we're going to live out of our tent for days, and sometimes, weeks on end, then we want that limited space to be both comfortable and usable. Measuring and comparing specifications only gets us so far – we want to know if we can sit up to play a game of cards, lie down comfortably without our heads bumping against the wall, and easily get in and out of the tent to go to the bathroom at night.
The ability to move around comfortably in a tent is often more about headroom than floor space. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Additionally, the listed capacity of a tent is often not the true capacity because usable space depends more on the tent's shape than on footprint or peak height. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, for example, offers more space than other 2-person tents because of its unique shape. When viewed from the end, the peaks make it look almost more rectangular, which affords more space than a classic dome- or A-frame-shaped tent.
Viewed from the end, the Copper Spur 2 offers plenty of shoulder space because the top edges overhang the vestibule. Viewed from the side, it has plenty of headroom, but you'll notice that it's just barely long enough to fit a 6-foot-tall person lying down comfortably.
Having a livable space matters the most when you're stuck inside during a storm. A tent can feel claustrophobic, especially when all your gear is either inside the tent body or in the vestibule. It might not be so bad if you're stuck in there during a passing thunderstorm, but when that time stretches into hours, you'll greatly appreciate having some space to move about (at least a little).
Consider Sizing Up
The listed capacity for the number of people a tent holds should not be taken literally. Our experience is that a 2-person tent is a more realistic fit for one person, and that two people are much more comfortable in a 3-person tent. While we test whether three people can fit in a 3-person tent, our Livability score is based on two people to provide a more direct comparison between 2- and 3-person tents. We believe the tradeoff of extra weight for more space is worthwhile.
When the sun comes back out, one of the best parts of a “double-wall” tent – one that includes a separate tent body and rainfly – is being able to strip the rainfly off to expose the mesh top. It's magical to watch the stars at night from the comfort of your tent, without being bothered by mosquitoes. Kicking back to read a book or take a nap while a gentle breeze blows through your tent is just as delightful.
Ventilation
Amount of Mesh
Number of Doors
Number of Vents
Other Factors
Ventilation Rating
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
Fully mesh above the middle of the door
2
1
Dual awnings; able to pitch just the rainfly; breathable rainfly material
1
2
3
4
5
REI Co-op Half Dome 2
Fully mesh above the middle of the door, but U-shaped so polyester extends further up the ends of the tent
2
2
Large doors; can roll rainfly up halfway
1
2
3
4
5
The North Face Stormbreak 2
No mesh on top; mesh between the middle of the door and polyester cap
2
0
Very large doors; very thick rainfly
1
2
3
4
5
Many tents, like the REI Half Dome 2, have full mesh tops to maximize ventilation and unobstructed stargazing. Tents with two doors are not only easier to get in and out of but also tend to have more mesh, allowing for a cross-breeze. If you really want to get close to nature (or you live somewhere you don't have to worry about bugs), tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 can be pitched “fly weight” – you can set up this tent with just the rainfly and a groundsheet, offering minimal protection from the elements but maximizing space.
While the Half Dome 2 has a full-mesh top (left), the polyester cap on The North Face Stormbreak 2 (right) will prevent stargazing, at least from inside your tent.
So far, we've only compared 2-person tents. Although there are plenty on the market, in our experience, 1-person tents are often too cramped for your typical backpacker to enjoy themselves. 2-person tents, on the other hand, are ideal for solo hikers because you can comfortably sleep next to your pack (or your dog). 2-person tents are also great for couples who are more comfortable sleeping close to one another.
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 is more than comfortable enough for one person. But ask yourself: Would you want to share this 2-person tent? Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
But if we're going backpacking with a friend, we'll opt to carry and share a 3-person tent for almost every trip. We can easily split the tent components between two packs to divvy up the weight, and the extra space is well worth it, especially if we're stuck inside during a storm. Remember, the “listed capacity” of a tent does not always accurately reflect its true capacity. Choosing between a 3-person and 2-person tent comes down to priorities: Do you want to maximize space and comfort, or would you rather save on weight and packed size?
Listed Capacity vs. True Capacity
Floor Area
Vestibule Area
Listed Size
True Capacity
Capacity Rating
REI Co-op Half Dome 3
43.7 sq ft
9.4 sq ft on each side
3 person
Very spacious for two people and gear; fits three people comfortably with a moderate amount of gear
1
2
3
4
5
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3
41.0 sq ft
9.0 sq ft on each side
3 person
Very spacious for two people and gear; fits three people with a small amount of gear
1
2
3
4
5
The North Face Stormbreak 3
39.7 sq ft
10.8 sq ft on each side
3 person
Fits two people very comfortably with gear; very tight for three people with very little gear
1
2
3
4
5
REI Co-op Half Dome 2
31.8 sq ft
9.2 sq ft on each side
2 person
Very spacious for one person and gear; fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear
1
2
3
4
5
If you choose to sleep two people in The North Face Stormbreak 2, you'll be sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder. The same is true for three people in the Stormbreak 3. But if you're only sharing a 3-person tent with one other person, you have that much more space to move around or store gear.
If we can agree that it's almost always better to carry a 3-person tent, even if you're only sharing it with two people, then let's look at the overall livability scores for the tents we tested.
The REI Half Dome 3 and The North Face Stormbreak 3 top the charts for Livability, but vary in meaningful ways. Both tents have a fairly similar dome shape, but the Half Dome 3 offers a bit more floor area, while the Stormbreak 3 features a bit more vestibule space. While the Half Dome still comfortably fits three people with a moderate amount of gear, it's a tight fit for three people in the Stormbreak, even with very little gear. Both tents fit two people very comfortably, even with gear inside.
For folks who want to backpack with their dogs, opting for a larger 3-person tent is a must. The REI Half Dome 3 offers plenty of room for two people and a dog (even a big one!). Credit: Zach Lovell
It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the smallest 2-person tents we tested scored the lowest for Livability. The “UL” part of the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 means “ultralight,” and this small tent is really only comfortable for one person carrying a small amount of gear. The similarly sized MSR Freelite 2 is only slightly better because it quadruples the vestibule space – even if it's a tight fit inside, at least you have plenty of space to stash your gear outside.
There's not much space left inside the MSR Freelite 2 after setting up during a solo backpacking trip. If you want to sleep two inside this petite 2-person tent, it's going to be tight. Credit: Clark Tate
Weather Resistance
If you can imagine being stuck in a tent for more than a few hours, you already understand why livability is of the utmost importance. However, that space only remains cozy and comfortable as long as it stays dry. We first test the water resistance of these tents by soaking them with a hose, and then we put them to the real test by intentionally going camping when rain is in the forecast.
A three-day rainstorm is a great way to test the weather resistance of any tent. That's exactly what we experienced while backpacking with the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 in Colorado. Credit: Katie Brown
While rain is top of mind when it comes to weather resistance, you can't discount the power of the wind, either. Unlike a consistent drizzle that will easily run off the rainfly of most tents, a driving, pounding rain pushed by strong wind will try to force its way through the fabric of the rainfly – that's why spraying these with a hose is such a good test of water resistance. Even without the rain, a strong wind will easily flatten a tent if it doesn't have a sturdy pole structure.
Thoughtfully designed tents, like the Copper Spur UL3, make it quick and easy to put on the rainfly before a storm sets in. Credit: Clark Tate
Even though the main purpose of the rainfly is to act as a waterproof layer for the main tent body, it also serves a secondary function by extending beyond the body to create a “vestibule”. You can think of this as a mudroom for your tent, where you can keep your muddy boots and any other wet or dirty gear you'd rather not have inside next to your sleeping bag. Every tent we tested includes a vestibule – tents with two doors have one on each side, while tents with only one door have one at the front.
Even though it doesn't pull as close to the ground as the rainfly on other models, the trapezoidal fly of the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 extends far from the tent body, creating a vestibule that does a great job of keeping your gear dry. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Even though we note how warm a tent will keep you on a cold night, it's important to point out that all the tents we tested are considered “3-season tents.” While some may be warmer than others, none of them are designed for winter camping. Given our focus on rain and wind protection, let's look at our overall weather-resistance scores.
The top-scoring Copper Spur UL2 and Copper Spur UL3 are designed for folks planning to spend more than just a weekend living outdoors. Both tents are storm-worthy, and if they do get soaked through, their lightweight material dries quickly in the sun. However, most of us don't need to pay for a top-tier tent to get ample weather protection. The more affordable Stormbreak 3 and Stormbreak 2 feature a polyester canopy that provides some backup protection if the rainfly leaks – though in all our years of testing this tent, we have yet to experience a leak.
Removing the rainfly from The North Face Stormbreak tents reveals the polyester canopy. Although we've never experienced a leak, this simple feature provides additional peace of mind that you won't wake up in the middle of the night with water dripping on your head. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Kelty Late Start 2 is at the other end of the spectrum in terms of both price and weather protection. The rainfly is simply too small – it doesn't fully cover the tent's ends, and the single vestibule is noticeably smaller than those of every other tent we tested (aside from the minimalist Nimbus UL 2). By the end of a rainy 3-day trip, the head and foot of the tent were damp, and the inside felt clammy. After setting it up on a patch of wet grass the second night of our trip, we woke up to a wet spot in the middle of the floor.
At first glance, it may look like the other tents in our review, but a closer look at the design and our experience shows that the rainfly on the Kelty Late Start 2 is just too small to keep you dry effectively. Credit: Clark Tate
Weight
Weight matters so much more for backpackers than any other type of camping because, perhaps obviously, you have to carry everything you need to thrive in the wild. As the distance from the car or the days you want to spend outside increases, weight matters more. We all have a limit to what we can comfortably carry, and as the weight of food adds up, you start to consider the weight of each piece of gear.
Divvying up group gear, like a tent, not only makes things more equitable but also ensures that you can actually carry everything you and your group need for a successful trip. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Of course, these weight considerations mean much more for solo thru-hikers, who are traveling great distances by themselves. For your typical weekend backpacking trip, you can reasonably divide the components – and thus the weight – of a tent or two among the group, making the overall load that much more manageable.
While some of us may aspire to be ultralight backpackers who travel lightly across weirdish, wild space, most of us are willing to carry a few extra pounds to improve our relative comfort. Credit: Sam Schild
While not all tents include the same accessories, they all include the tent body, fly, and poles. We measure those components to verify manufacturers' claims and use the minimum trail weight to directly compare all the tents we test.
Even though the minimum trail weight gives us a directly comparable number, the packaged weight is more realistic because it includes things like stakes. (For the most part, the difference between the two is only about 0.5 pounds.) We listed the packaged weight of each tent we tested under Specifications in our Comparison Table.
Even though you can shave pounds by choosing a tent like the MSR Freelite 2, we wouldn't recommend it for anyone camping in a rainy climate. Credit: Clark Tate
The ultralight Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 is the lightest tent we tested. The only tent that comes close to the Nimbus UL 2 is the MSR Freelite 2, but it's only directly comparable if you strip it back to its minimum trail weight. Although it's more spacious than the Nimbus, it sheds weight by cutting out quite a bit of the rainfly.
Our experience as solo travelers is that 1-person tents are often overly cramped – we almost always opt to carry a 2-person tent. Groups of two can easily divide the weight of a 3-person tent, which makes it the obvious choice.
The heaviest tents we tested, the REI Half Dome 3 and The North Face Stormbreak 3, are also the most spacious. Weight is obviously where the difference between a 2-person and a 3-person tent really comes into play: Do you want to save weight, or be more comfortable?
If you're willing to spend the money, you can get the best of both worlds: a spacious tent that's lightweight and packable, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 (left). But for your average backpacker, splitting up the parts of the more affordable REI Half Dome 3 (right) makes much more sense.
Packed Size
Some may argue that packed size matters more than weight, and this is true for solo backpackers – if you don't have any partners to divvy up the gear, the space inside your backpack comes at a premium. If you're traveling in a group where you can equitably distribute tent components, then weight and packed size are less of an issue. We measured the optimal packed size of each tent – the way the manufacturer packed it, right out of the box – and compared those numbers directly.
The ultralight Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 packs down incredibly small – while the tent poles are longer than the packed tent, the fly and tent body are not much larger than a 1-liter Nalgene bottle. The thin material is also quite malleable, making it easy to stuff it basically anywhere in your pack.
There isn't much to the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2, and it's pretty remarkable that the tent body and fly are so compressible as to fit in that tiny stuff sack (bottom left). Credit: Justin Simoni
While one could reasonably assume that lightweight tents are also more packable, that's not always the case. Notably, the packed size of the comparably lightweight MSR Freelite 2 is nearly 40% larger than that of the Nimbus UL 2. Of course, 3-person tents won't pack down nearly as small as 2-person tents.
Backpacking tents come in all shapes and sizes, and while many 2-person and 3-person tents are similar, some stand out for their packability. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Comparing similar 3-person tents, the identically weighted REI Half Dome 3 is almost 20% larger than The North Face Stormbreak 3. Even though it's a bit longer and skinnier, the Half Dome 3's 19-liter packed volume is comparable to that of a 5-gallon water cooler jug (although it's obviously much lighter!).
Even though it makes up for it in so many ways, there's no getting around the fact that the REI Half Dome 3 is much heavier and bulkier than many of the backpacking tents we tested. Credit: Zach Lovell
Durability
Backpacking tents lead a rough life. You might set them up on surfaces ranging from sharp granite slabs to forest floors, where sharp sticks may lurk just beneath the pine needles. On top of that, we get in and out of these tents hundreds, if not thousands, of times over a tent's typical lifetime. While it may not be your first consideration, you likely want to buy a backpacking tent that will last. Three main considerations lie at the heart of durability.
Sometimes, the most beautiful campsites have some of the roughest surfaces. Testing the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 in the High Sierra of California. Credit: Zach Lovell
Firstly, the abrasion and puncture resistance of the fabric of the tent body, fly, and floor is important because if any of these are compromised, your tent is less weatherproof. We also examine the seam stitching and assess zipper quality through repeated use. Secondly, the sturdiness of the poles, including the joints where they connect, the ends (that tend to splinter first), and the quality of the shock cord that pulls them together. Finally, while it's a nice bonus to have a tent come with stiff stakes that won't bend, all stakes eventually bend (especially if you step on them) – these are easily replaceable.
You can enhance the floor's durability with a footprint (also called a groundsheet or ground cloth). These are extra-tough, waterproof fabric layers designed to be placed directly under your tent to enhance durability. While some brands include custom-fitted footprints, not all do – make sure to check our Specifications chart, directly under the Comparison Table, to see whether the tent you're interested in includes one.
The Stormbreak 3 and its smaller sibling, the Stormbreak 2, score the highest for their durability. Both tents feature a more abrasion-resistant material in the fly, canopy, and floor. Although the trade-off is additional weight, this extra-durable fabric makes both tents far less susceptible to damage from sharp rocks, gravel, or sticks.
From a thicker rain-fly material to a nylon canopy, the Stormbreak is built for longevity.
The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 is the flip side of The North Face Stormbreak tents – it sacrifices durability for an ultralight design that packs super small. We had to choose our campsites carefully while testing the Nimbus UL 2 and took extra care during setup and teardown to avoid damaging its mesh top or thin bottom. While it may stand the test of time with proper maintenance, the Nimbus is certainly a specialty tent that requires considerable care.
Rather than the more durable metal connection points on many other tents we tested, the ones on the Nemo Aurora 2 are plastic. Additionally, the shock cord for the poles started to fray quickly during our testing. Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Tent For You
Backpacking tents span a wide range of styles and prices, which can make your search feel daunting. Fortunately, a few core considerations matter more than others – you can use these key questions to help guide your purchase decisions:
Brands list how many people can fit inside a tent, but this number isn't necessarily how many people can comfortably fit inside that tent. A 2-person tent will likely be comfortable for a couple who are used to sleeping in close quarters, but two friends may find it too cramped.
For this reason, we'll almost always size up:
If we're going solo, we'll pack a 2-person tent
If two of us are sharing a tent, we'll pack a 3-person tent
If we're sharing a tent, we want enough space to move around comfortably, especially if we're stuck inside during an extended storm. Even if a 3-person tent is a bit heavier, we can easily distribute that weight with a partner.
In a perfect world, a tent would be lightweight, spacious, and durable, but it's hard to find one that's all three. Often, lighter-weight tents have less interior space and are less durable than heavier tents – since they're smaller, they're made with less material, and that specialty lightweight fabric is often less durable.
To give you an idea of the general weight ranges:
A lightweight, 2-person tent weighs between 2 and 3 pounds
An average 2-person tent weighs between 4 and 6 pounds
A lightweight 3-person tent weighs between 3 and 4 pounds
An average 3-person tent weighs between 5 and 7 pounds
It's really only a few pounds between the lightest 2-person and the heaviest 3-person tents. And it's easy to distribute weight among your group by separating the poles, tent body, and rainfly, which is why weight shouldn't be a major factor for most backpackers.
There are two main terms that you come across when brands and retailers advertise the weight of backpacking tents:
Minimum Trail Weight refers to the weight of the minimum pieces required for setup – usually just the tent, rainfly, and poles.
Packaged Weight includes poles, tent body, rainfly, stakes, and guylines – basically, everything that comes with a tent when you pull it off the shelf.
Not every tent includes the same components in the packaging. But every tent does include a tent body, rainfly, and poles, so to compare tents directly, we look at the minimum trail weight.
Weight should be a primary consideration if you're planning extended backpacking trips (more than 5 days), where each pound saved is another pound of food you can carry. However, you can expect this lightweight tent to be quite expensive due to the specialized materials used in its construction.
Backpacking tents are expensive, even the “affordable” models, and we recognize that you want to buy a tent that will last for many years. The best thing you can do is take care of your tent – even some lightweight, “less-durable” tents have lasted our testers for 10 years or more with proper care. But accidents happen, and heavier tents made with more robust fabrics are less prone to punctures if you miss that pointy stick buried among the pine needles.
While we test high-end options, too, oftentimes, the “budget” tents, like The North Face Stormbreak 3, are the best option for most backpackers. Credit: Zach Lovell
Other Notable Backpacking Tents We Tested
We've tested tons of tents over the years, and not all of them make the final cut. However, that certainly doesn't mean that they're not worth your consideration – below are other notable tents we tested that aren't in our comparative selection:
SlingFin Portal 2 –The Portal 2 is a tough, weather-resistant tent, with a few thoughtful touches to make it more comfortable in a storm – you can use trekking poles to reinforce the tent, and plentiful pockets keep gear well organized. However, our testers felt like it was a bit too cramped compared to the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. One 6-foot tester noted that he couldn't lie down without bumping his end against the wall.
Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT – The Anjan 2 GT is a legendary 3-season tent. Its unique caterpillar design and robust outer fabric held up better during intense thunderstorms than any other tent we tested. Unfortunately, it's wildly expensive – it costs nearly twice as much as many of the premium tents in our lineup.
Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo – The Hornet Osmo is a semi-freestanding, 2-person ultralight tent that's easy to pitch and roomy for a solo backpacker. Even though it's lightweight, the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 packs down just as small while offering more interior space and vestibule room.
REI Co-op Trailmade 2 – The Trailmade 2 is a budget-friendly tent aimed at first-time backpackers. However, for just a few dollars more, The North Face Stormbreak 2 is more spacious, more weather resistant, and packs down smaller than the Trailmade 2.
The Slingfin Portal 2 is a well-made backpacking tent, but to save weight, it's noticeably smaller than similar tents we tested. Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
There are several categories of tents available on the market today, from “glamping” tents designed for car camping to ultralight models designed for folks thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. We've focused on tents somewhere in the middle – lightweight enough for a backpacking trip, but easy enough to pitch for a casual weekend hanging outdoors with friends. We put in the effort to test and compare these tents to offer you targeted advice and help you easily find the perfect one for your needs and budget.
We've tested a lot of backpacking gear over the years. Whether you're looking for a new sleeping bag and sleeping pad, an upgrade from your old backpack, or a fresh pair of hiking boots, we have in-depth reviews comparing the best gear on the market.
