We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
A great tent solves the backpacker's ultimate dilemma: how to stay comfortable, especially in bad weather, without carrying more weight than necessary.
Since 2012, we've purchased over 100 tents and logged thousands of nights in the wild. For this review, we pitted the top 20 contenders against each other, testing them in conditions ranging from Maine's soaking rains to Utah's high desert.
Our favorite two-person backpacking tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, which is lightweight and spacious, with large vestibules for stashing gear.
If you need to house three sleepers (or a dog, or heck, if you just want more room to spread out), your best bet is the hefty REI Co-Op Half Dome 3. Our favorite lightweight 3-person model is the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, though it's a tighter fit than the Half Dome 3.
Editor's Note: We updated our backpacking tent review on February 2, 2026, to retest some old favorites and include some new models.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is among the lightest-weight backpacking tents we've yet tested in this category and still delivers comfort and weather protection. At a modest 3 pounds, the UL2 is very easy to carry far from the trailhead, especially if splitting the tent's weight among multiple campers, and still offers two vestibules and two doors. If you're measuring your trip in weeks rather than days, the UL2 might feel a bit snug with two people inside, but for a weekend, our review team was comfy as a pair. “When I needed to keep my pack as light as possible,” our review lead shared, “I left the stuff sack and stakes at home to get the UL2 down to around 2.5 pounds, which was light enough for me to even use as a 1-person shelter.” This is a very expensive tent, and we'd suggest looking at The North Face Stormbreak 2 if price is a top priority.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
3
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
29.00
Packed Size (length x diameter)
19.5 x 4 in
Peak Height
40 in
If the tighter 2-person fit of the Copper Spur UL2 is making you hesitate, consider sizing up to its bigger sibling, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3, which weighs a bit more but offers about 30% more interior space, allowing you to squeeze three campers inside. While we found the UL2 to offer great weather resistance relative to its scale numbers, Big Agnes uses 15-20 denier fabrics, making it less durable than most of the heavier tents we tested. Aside from a few setbacks, this is a very well-made tent for backpackers who need to keep things as light as possible, and it should be strongly considered if it's within your budget.
The North Face Storm Break 2 is an incredibly capable tent that won't strain your wallet. While many backpacking tents on the market today skimp on floor space, the Storm Break 2 easily accommodated two people throughout testing, and some extra room for at least some equipment or extra layers. “I couldn't believe this tent was half the price of the top-shelf competition,” one of our head tent experts shared, “this model kept me dry and comfortable even on windier nights.” While the price tag is hard to beat, the Storm Break 2 is substantially heavier than other models, so it's crucial to split the tent components with your camping partner. If weight is a higher priority than cost, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, which has a much tighter interior for two people but weighs half as much.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
5.88
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
30.56
Packed Size (length x diameter)
20 x 6.5 in
Peak Height
43 in
In addition to being budget-friendly, The North Face Storm Break 2 is a great choice if you're rough on your backpacking tent, with 75-denier polyester taffeta used in the canopy, rainfly, and floor. As one of our testers reported, “I dragged the Storm Break 2 across all sorts of rough ground during field examination, and it didn't even flinch. Its rain fly and canopy also kept up equally well to the rigors of backpacking, with a DWR finish that performed consistently.” If you're wanting a bit more space for two people, or want to be able to squeeze three people into your tent, consider The North Face Storm Break 3, which only costs slightly more than the two person version and offers a bit more space if you need the option to add a third backpacker to your next trip.
If you're looking to backpack as a group of 3 or want extra space as a pair, the REI Half Dome 3 is an exceptional tent that wowed our whole review team. We made a point of examining multiple 3-person options and found the Half Dome 3 to offer the most space, actually allowing three campers to fit inside without having to share sleeping pad space. “Whether I was on the side or in the middle, I was able to sleep comfortably with two other backpackers,” our head tent expert shared, “and I didn't wake up my tent mates when I rolled over.” At a hefty 7.1 pounds, this is definitely a tent you'll need to split up across your group, but if you're willing to sacrifice some interior space, a model like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is over half the weight of the Half Dome 3, though it's much more expensive.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
7.10
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
43.70
Packed Size (length x diameter)
27 x 7.5 in
Peak Height
44 in
Aside from weight, we found the Half Dome 3 to offer better average protection from the elements in heavier rain. In most circumstances, we were able to stay dry, but during the most intense precipitation, water began to seep through the seams in the fly. “If shoppers have more ambitious backpacking goals through more intense weather, I might steer them elsewhere, but for light to medium-sized storms, I was perfectly content with the Half Dome 3,” our tester Zach Lovell shared. If the price point of this tent feels like a stretch, consider looking at something like The North Face Stormbreak 3, which is almost half the price but isn't nearly as spacious for a team of three. Outside of these considerations, the REI Half Dome 3 is an excellent addition to REI's famed Half Dome lineup, and was refreshingly accurate with its labeled capacity as a true 3-person tent.
The SlingFin Portal 2 includes a whopping 12 attachment points for external guylines to hold the poles steady in stiff winds. Internal guylines at the foot provide extra support, and outrigger attachments use hiking poles to help support the weight of an unexpected snowstorm. The tent includes detachable struts to prop the rainfly zippers open for extra ventilation, reducing condensation in a storm. The Portal doesn't have the largest square footage, at 27.7 square feet, but it does offer a decent amount of headroom, “I was able to sit upright without my head touching the ceiling in nearly half of the tent,” our tester said. Seven pockets, ranging from bedside phone sleeves to a ceiling-mounted hammock, help you keep every stray hat, map, and sock organized. The tent is sturdy, too, with backup zipper pulls built into each of its mesh doors.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
3.34
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
27.74
Packed Size (length x diameter)
14.5 x 6 in
Peak Height
44 in
While there's a lot to love about the Portal 2, its interior dimensions are on the shorter side. Taller campers can still fit, but the head or foot area of their sleeping bag is more likely to push against the tent's walls. Additionally, the Portal is very hard on the wallet: “A premium tent like this just simply comes at a premium price, but I fortunately feel like it still offers great value,” one of our head testers shared. If you want a bit more room and want to still keep your tent light, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, which has slightly more square footage and weighs about a third of a pound less than the Portal 2.
If you need a more spacious tent for two to three people but are shopping on a skinnier wallet, look no further than The North Face Stormbreak 3. This budget tent is substantially less expensive than the top 3-person models, such as the REI Half Dome 3, though it has smaller interior dimensions. “Make no mistake, it's certainly possible to fit three people inside,” longtime Mountain Guide Zach Lovell shared, “But it's a much tighter fit than I'd like for more than a night or two.” We were able to comfortably sleep three people in models like the Half Dome 3 during field testing with a variety of backpacker sizes, but smaller hikers were more comfortable in the Stormbreak 3 on longer trips.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
6.70
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
39.72
Packed Size (length x diameter)
22 x 8 in
Peak Height
46 in
As with other 3-person tents, the Stormbreak 3 is quite heavy. If your shopping has revealed that weight is a bigger consideration than price, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is a fraction of the weight and is only a slightly tighter fit for a crew of three, just be prepared to shell out a bunch more coin. Outside of these considerations, our head backpacking tent reviewer summarized it well: “When considering it costs less than many two-person tents, the Stormbreak 3 is an extremely great value, and might be all you need for weekend trips.”
You can use the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2 in three ways: as a traditional double-wall tent, as a single-wall tarp shelter, or as a sun shade, with the help of trekking poles and a guyline. In short, it's the most versatile backcountry tent we've tested. A distinctive, arched crossbar creates a generous amount of headroom where you want it most, and it offers clever features like stuff sacks that double as storage pockets and a pole bag that snaps into the ceiling to serve as an overhead light. This tent is a compelling option for hikers with a range of shelter needs throughout the year.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
3.67
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
28.00
Packed Size (length x diameter)
18.9 x 5.1 in
Peak Height
43.5 in
The drawback is that the Telos TR2 doesn't offer as much headroom or floor space per pound as the top-ranked models. The overall weight is also slightly higher. Fast-packers seeking the protection of a double-wall tent might not find this the most appealing option. For those who prefer a double-wall construction and a lighter weight, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is a great choice. The Telos TR2 is also pricey, but then again, it is three shelters in one. If you find that kind of versatility attractive, this tent is second to none.
If weight's a priority and you want a three-person tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is one of our favorites. This design feat from Big Agnes offers a three-person capacity and remains one of the lightest models in the entire review, weighing 3.13 pounds. “While this isn't the most spacious tent in the lineup, I could hardly complain given that it weighs less than most two-person tents,” our lead tent reviewer shared. If you are hunting for a model that offers more space for your backpacking crew, consider the larger REI Half Dome 3, which is also substantially less expensive. Just keep in mind the Half Dome 3 is over twice the weight of the Copper Spur UL3.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
3.81
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
41.00
Packed Size (length x diameter)
21 x 5 in
Peak Height
43 in
Even when we crammed three backpackers into the Copper Spur UL3, its heavy mesh use in the tent body provided excellent ventilation in warmer seasons. The lightweight fly didn't get too wet from breathable condensation, and it kept us dry in light to moderate rain. While the minimal weight of the Copper Spur is one of its standout attributes, it wasn't quite as durable as some, with a lighter duty body fabric requiring us to be more cautious, as one of our reviewers commented, “The Copper Spur UL3 is more delicate, but I found this to be the case with all of the lightest tents I tested.” If you want a tougher tent that can be used year-round, the previously mentioned REI Half Dome 3 is more durable. If a three-person capacity is less crucial, we would also suggest the robust Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT, which can handle more extreme weather. Besides these considerations, the Copper Spur UL3 is worth adding to your shopping cart if you need to keep your tent light and want more space for two campers, or if you don't mind squeezing three people inside.
If you're needing more capacity than your average two-person tent, the Copper Spur UL3 is a phenomenal choice if weight is a priority. Credit: Zach Lovell
When harsh weather is in the forecast, the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is the tent we reach for. It scored a perfect 10 in our weather-resistance test, taking the lead over the SlingFin Portal 2. It performs at its best in the shoulder seasons - the early thaw of spring and the year's first snowstorm. It has a massive vestibule to keep gear protected from the elements, and its thoughtful design improves its performance in tough weather. The floor is also super durable and waterproof. "This is the three-season tent I kept reaching for, even when
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
One door tunnel construction
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
4.75
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
30.10
Packed Size (length x diameter)
19 x 6 in
Peak Height
39 in
The Anjan is expensive. If you don't require top-tier weather resistance, the Nemo Aurora 2 offers plenty without paying top dollar. Our tests revealed that the Anjan also takes significantly longer to pitch than a traditional 3-season tent. Due to its weight, it's best for biking trips or backpacking adventures where weight isn't the main consideration. Despite the very high price, the durable construction makes this tent a terrific long-term value, especially if you use it regularly.
The Nemo Aurora 2 has a measured peak height of 44 inches, over 30 square feet of floor space, and enough headroom to sit up in all but five of those square feet. It's sturdy and is backed by Nemo's lifetime warranty. The tent comes with a footprint to reduce wear and tear, and you can order an additional Pawprint protector that snaps into the corners if you often travel with dogs. Our mom tester said, “My kids had a campout with our two dogs in the backyard, and the tent held up shockingly well.” Two vents at either end of the tent open wide, with struts that shed heat and humid air, and the tent's two massive doors can fully open for an epic cross breeze. You can also pitch the fly and the footprint alone as a sunshade. Four pockets give you space to organize your stuff, and there is plenty of room for the rest inside the tent or in the 18.4-square-foot vestibules.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Two door freestanding
Measured Total Packaged Weight (lbs)
5.51
Measured Floor Area (sq ft)
32.40
Packed Size (length x diameter)
20 x (8 x 8) in
Peak Height
44 in
Despite holding its own during our three-day rain test, the Aurora had some water creep in and bead up on the floor by the head of the tent. We should note the fly features loops to attach guylines to stake it out at the tent's head and foot, but the lines don't come attached. Once we added them, the tent stayed dry. At 5.5 pounds, this tent is heavy and bulky to pack. Two people can certainly split the weight and haul it into the backcountry, but they might not want to. Still, it serves as a sturdy base camp if you aren't venturing too far and could be a great crossover tent for car campers who occasionally hit the trail. The North Face Stormbreak 2 is a similarly roomy, well-priced, and weather-resistant tent that weighs 5.8 pounds, and its poles held up better than the Aurora 2's.
The Aurora's H-shaped mainframe and long cross-pole create tons of headroom. Credit: Clark Tate
Product Comparison Table
How We Tested
Since we started testing backpacking tents back in 2011, we've researched several hundred models and tested over a hundred in real-world scenarios. We've put them through inclement weather, carried them in our packs, set them up and tore them down, weighed each one, and closely examined every seam, zipper, guyline, tent, pole, and stake. We take note of various factors that impact the user experience, including comfort, ease of use, and construction quality. From livability to weight to weather readiness, we've put each tent through a fierce gauntlet of tests across the following five key rating metrics:
From hands-on field testing in real storms to more lab-style examination, we look at each tent's performance in every metric in multiple ways. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Why Trust GearLab
Our review panel is made up of a highly experienced team who have all logged a substantial portion of their lives in tents. From professional climbers to mountain guides to backpacking guides, we're a community of tent-obsessed recreationalists with an unwavering eye for detail. This panel of tent experts lives and camps in a variety of climates, from the damp cold of the northeastern US to the untamed Alaskan wilderness, making this review as comprehensive as possible.
Our team of experts are lifelong backpackers, climbers, and camping-obsessed adventurers.
At the helm of our backpacking tent review team is IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell. For over 15 years, Zach has been “professionally camping” across several continents and many mountain ranges, and estimates that his days in a tent are approaching four figures. He enjoys using tents of all shapes and sizes for a variety of missions, from casual car camping on fishing trips to extremely remote alpine climbing in the far reaches of the Himalayas.
Our testers have spent hundreds of nights under the stars in backcountry shelters of all sorts. Ben Applebaum-Bauch got his start in the outdoor industry maintaining gear for guided trips, including plenty of backpacking tents. A couple of years later, he became a guide himself, leading multiday and multi-week backpacking, cycling, and paddling adventures through Nova Scotia, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. With a decade of professional experience in the outdoor industry and several thru-hikes of some of America's great trails under his hip belt, he brings extensive knowledge to this review.
Ben is joined by Clark Tate, another guide who spent summers living in a tent while raft guiding in Colorado and West Virginia. She's backpacked in the High Sierra, throughout the Rockies, and along sections of the Appalachian Trail, and spends a lot of time balancing the burden of weight with the restfulness of comfort.
Rounding out the team is Katie Brown. Katie lives in the mountains outside Salida, Colorado. She became a professional rock climber at 14, and likes to joke that she literally grew up under a rock. She has camped in every scenario imaginable, from the Bugaboos to under a rock in Yosemite. These days, she sneaks away whenever possible for a quick adventure in the wilderness.
Our testers took these tents into various terrain and weather conditions to find their best uses.
Analysis and Test Results
We research the top options on the market before buying and testing the best in the field. Our findings are summarized below, highlighting models that excel in each metric to help you find the right one.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We don't factor price into a product's performance score, but we recognize that it's at the heart of many purchasing decisions. To assess a product's value, we essentially ask, “How many performance points do you get per dollar spent?” The North Face Stormbreak 2 offers incredible value, with a very accessible price point and excellent interior square footage. It boasts great durability for a budget model and includes generously sized vestibules. Other options like the Nemo Aurora 2 cost more than the Stormbreak 2 but are noticeably lighter.
The REI Trail Hut 2's simple design and sturdier, heavy fabric keep costs down. Credit: Katie Brown
When it comes to space, it's hard to beat the The North Face Stormbreak 3, which offers exceptional value and is spacious enough for 2, with room to squeeze a third in. It is much less expensive than most of the other 3-person tents we've put through the wringer here at Gear Lab,
While not the biggest 3-person tent we tested, it's very affordable per square foot. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you need something light, it'll cost you a pretty penny. Fortunately, we still find that models like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 are worth the high price tags for adventurers who need to keep their bags smaller.
Whle models like the Copper Spur UL3 are extremely hard on the wallet, they're worth every cent if you're needing to keep your bag as light as possible. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, dimensions and storage options are key. Is there enough space to get a good night's sleep, or do you wind up pressed against a wet wall? Can you sit up enough to change easily, play cards, or spread out and read a book? Are there enough pockets to store your things, or are you sleeping in a pile of stuff? These are all considerations when testing the comfort level of each backpacking tent.
Some of the most comfy two-person models include the REI Co-Op Half Dome 2, The North Face Stormbreak 2, and the Nemo Aurora 2. All of these offer more space than the competition that tries to go as light as possible, and we were able to fit two of us inside comfortably. It is very important to keep in mind the length of any trip, and we suggest considering increasing capacity by at least one person more than you need if your adventure is longer than a week. The Copper Spur UL3 will keep you more organized than the rest, with several pockets and the option to purchase a ceiling-hanging hammock. The North Face Stormbreak 2 is another tall and roomy option with plenty of headroom.
The Nemo Aurora 2 is a good example of a tent that's just big enough to accommodate two people comfortably unless on an extended adventure. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
If you're in need of a three-person model, the REI Half Dome 3 is an incredible choice, offering exceptional performance, particularly in floor space. We were able to fit three tent testers comfortably inside this tent and found it the only option that was truly comfortable for a group of three for longer than a couple of nights.
The REI Half Dome 3 is a great tent if interior square footage is a priority. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, SlingFin Portal 2, Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2, and Nemo Dagger Osmo do a nice job of balancing comfort and weight. The Dragonfly offers a pre-bent pole structure that maximizes interior volume, and the Portal boasts a tall peak height. The Dagger comes with a unique Landing Zone - a triangular basket of ripstop nylon that hooks onto the vestibule floor. It's a great place to keep items you want outside the tent but not on the ground. All of these options offer plenty of storage space, with myriad pockets and roomy vestibules.
The Copper Spur UL2 is reasonably comfortable and lightweight. Credit: Katie Brown
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 has generous lateral space, making it easy for two people to sit upright at the same time without bumping shoulders. It is highly adaptable and can be used as a double-wall tent, a single-wall tarp, or an open-air shade cover, enhancing your comfort in a range of conditions.
Large side doors on the Telos TR2 open up wide for easy entry and exit. They also tie back if it's not too buggy. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Weather Resistance
The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT takes first place for weather resistance, thanks to its reinforced vestibule zippers, bathtub floor that protects against seepage from soggy soil, and a massive vestibule that allows you to organize and protect gear without storing it inside. It also sheds condensation that drips from the roof, giving it an advantage over tents with mesh walls. While it isn't technically a 4-season tent, we were able to use it outside the summer season as long as the weather was mild and we properly tensioned the tent and its guylines.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and UL3 also score well in this metric, offering above-average protection and an adaptable fly setup that can double as an awning over either door when propped up with a couple of trekking poles. Though their material is incredibly thin, both tents repelled water, even when pitched on wet grass. The fly material does stretch over time, and when wet, it is so long that it can be a challenge to keep tight. When it does loosen, pools of water can form on top of these tents. When we adjusted the poles and guylines regularly, it wasn't an issue, so keep this in mind.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur tents shed water well and kept the tents dry during a three-day rain storm, but they do tend to stretch and sag. Credit: Clark Tate
Other notable performers here are the Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 and Nemo Dagger Osmo 2, thanks to their trapezoidal fly geometry and easy tensioning. These tents not only shed water admirably, but the shape and stability of the vestibules keep the fabric comparatively quiet even in a stiff wind. These Osmo tents also sag noticeably less than other ripstop nylon models, representing a valuable step forward in material technology. The Dragonfly features a cutaway in the rainfly to save weight. We noticed moisture in that corner during testing, which affected the score.
Watching how water runs off of the trapezoidal fly of the Dragonfly Osmo 2. This is a great tent. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
While neither of these took home a first-place ribbon in this metric, the budget-conscious Stormbreak 2 and Stormbreak 3 from The North Face also performed quite well, handling storms on the more moderate side. While many other tents use an entirely mesh upper for the body, this option uses a polyester taffeta canopy for the top offering at least slightly improved water resistance if any fly leaking occurs.
The canopy of both the Stormbreak 2 and 3 was a somewhat unique addition that helped offer some backup water resistance if the fly (not pictured) leaks. Credit: Zach Lovell
Space to Weight Ratio
When carrying your shelter on your back, you must balance its spaciousness and comfort against its weight. We divided each tent's floor space by its weight to calculate its space-to-weight ratio. For the backpacking tents we tested most recently, we also measured the floor space available for sitting up. Fast and light or long-distance hikers may want to place greater emphasis on weight alone, trading less internal space for easier days on the trail. More casual backpackers, or those who will have a friend or two to help carry their shelter, can afford to trade a few extra ounces to maximize space. Our space-to-weight ratio scoring is charted below.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 comes out ahead in the space-to-weight category. It weighs 3.81 pounds and gives you 41 square feet of space. That translates to a whopping 10.76 square feet per pound of floor space. The Copper Spur UL2 is almost as impressive, with 9.67 square feet of space per pound, and is among the lightest models in the lineup, weighing 3 pounds.
The Copper Spur UL2 only weighs 3 pounds, but it's just slightly behind its bigger brother, the UL3, in the space to weight ratio. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 offers 12.3 square feet per pound, and the MSR Freelite 2 offers 12. But since they weigh only 2.3 and 2.4 pounds, respectively, that translates to just 28.1 and 28.2 square feet of living space. The Freelite does not provide as much headroom as our favorite options, though - just 8.7 square feet or 3.7 square feet per pound.
The light MSR Freelite 2 gives you a lot of floor space per pound. Credit: Clark Tate
The Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo and Tarptent Double Rainbow DW also score well, thanks to their lightweight construction. Tents like the SlingFin Portal 2 and the Copper Spur UL2 offer more horizontal and vertical space but also weigh more.
The Double Rainbow has a respectable space to weight ratio. Credit: Clark Tate
Weight
We also factor absolute weight into our recommendations. A handful of backpacking tents we tested weigh 2 pounds or less, including the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo and Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2. One person could easily carry either of these on a solo adventure or split them between two hikers. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 comes in second, adding more weight for a little more interior space.
Backpacking Weight Tent Terms Packed weight includes poles, tent body, fly, stakes, and guylines - basically, everything that comes with a tent when you pull it off the shelf. Trail weight refers to the weight of the minimum pieces required for setup - usually just the tent, fly, and poles. Fastpitch weight just the footprint (usually sold separately), the fly, and the poles. Not available for every tent.
In general, lightweight models go all-in on reducing weight, usually at the expense of comfort and, to an extent, durability. For a bit more comfort and a longer-lasting tent, we're usually happy to split a three to four-pound tent with our hiking buddy for overnight adventures and limited backpacking trips. Ultralight tents usually earn their stripes on long-distance adventures.
One of our favorites for light weight, the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo is just over two pounds. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
On the other end of the spectrum, the REI Co-Op Half Dome 2, The North Face Stormbreak 2, and the Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT are some of the heaviest tents we tested. The first two are excellent options for car camping or short overnights. The latter is a specialty, harsh-weather backpacking tent.
Heavier tents like The North Face Stormbreaker 2 often have thicker fabric, which you might appreciate in a prolonged storm. Credit: Clark Tate
If you want to maximize space and reduce weight, we strongly recommend a three-person version of a lightweight model. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is under four pounds and offers tons of space for two people and just enough room for three.
Ease of Use
This metric measures how intuitive it is to pitch each tent, take it down, and use it day-to-day. In this review, we include two types of shelters- free-standing and semi-freestanding tents. The first is more familiar: it uses poles that tuck into each corner to provide a skeleton that the tent clips into, with the rainfly draped over. The second set of tents is semi-freestanding. They also use poles for structure, but they require stakes to maximize volume. Both types are relatively simple to set up on soft ground.
Many models we tested - like the REI Co-Op Half Dome 2, Nemo Aurora 2, and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and UL3 - are variations on this basic structure. But sometimes, two poles are fused into one using central hubs, and a cross pole is always added to widen the ceiling, increasing interior volume, headroom, and structural rigidity. The SlingFin Portal 2 uses two separate X-poles and a wide cross pole, relying on a generous supply of guylines to add support. The North Face Stormbreak 2 includes a second cross pole to create a wonderfully high, square ceiling. These modified X-pole structures are all relatively easy to set up.
Of them, the two Big Agnes Copper Spur tents are among the more effortless to use day-to-day. Attachment points are color-coded to smooth the setup process, you can open the tarp and tent doors with one hand, and there are multiple ways to open either of two doors. We also appreciate that the added features are intuitive or labeled, such as the loop of fabric you can stuff the mesh doors into. The REI Trail Hut, Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2, Sea to Summit Telos TR2, and SlingFin Portal 2 are all similarly seamless to use.
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 has ball and socket connectors at the corners for an easy and secure setup. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Mountain Hardwear Nimbus, MSR Freelite 2, Nemo Hornet Elite, and Dragonfly Osmo are semi-freestanding and can be a bit trickier, mostly if you're in an environment where stakes are hard to use. These tents often have a single pole that arches to the center of the tent's foot. You then stake out either side. If you're camping on rocky soil, you'll need to find another way to anchor the corners.
Two metal taps attach the tent and footprint to the poles. The footprint is a bit oversized, making it hard to keep it in place. Credit: Katie Brown
A distinct structural subcategory is the tunnel tent. This style uses semi-circle poles, resulting in a tent that looks like a caterpillar. These are more difficult to pitch because they rely on tension from guylines to hold their form. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT is an example of this tent style, and we ultimately loved it, but it has a slightly steeper learning curve.
Construction Quality
Our testing process puts each backpacking tent through demanding real-world conditions, but our aim isn't to destroy them. Still, gear can fail—poles can snap, rainflies can tear, and materials can wear down over time. We document every issue, inspecting seams, zippers, and fabrics for weak spots like fraying or scratches. We also evaluate the strength of poles, stakes, and guylines to see which components hold up best and which could use improvement.
The models that earned the highest scores demonstrated both impressively innovative features and robust construction. The Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT shares many features with four-season tents, and we found it highly durable. It includes sturdy zippers, tensioners with hefty webbing, and thick floor fabric.
We are also impressed with the SlingFin Portal 2, which comes with a second set of zipper pulls on each door in case the main ones break. You can also purchase thicker, tougher poles separately if you know you'll need the added stability. It's not a bad idea.
Pole Splints
Most tent models we tested come with a hollow metal splint that bridges a broken pole and keeps your tent in working order until you get back to the trailhead. But when we broke two sets of DAC Featherlight NFL poles during our tests, the splint did not work as intended. In both cases, the poles folded as they broke, making them too wide for the splint to slide over the break. The edges were also very sharp, and the cord underneath was damaged in both cases. You can either trim the corners with a multitool if you have one, or attach the split externally with tape or rubber bands. The splints can help, but they aren't a magic bullet to solve the problem of lightweight but less durable poles.
The SlingFin Portal comes standard with 8.7mm DAC Featherlite NFL poles. So do both Big Agnes Copper Spur models, the Dragonfly, Hornet Elite, Dagger Osmo, Half Dome SL 2+, MSR Freelite, and the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus. Two sets of these poles broke during a single month of testing. One was because a dog ran into it, and one was because the wind tossed the tent into our tester. Then, the broken pole ripped through the fly.
The Copper Spur UL tents are lightweight, but this also means a sacrifice in durability. Credit: Katie Brown
We appreciate that these poles are light, but it would be nice to repair them less often. While the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and UL3 are smartly constructed, their materials are very thin and light. The company recommends buying a separate footprint to help them last longer, and we'd agree- though for the ultralight missions, a footprint might be harder to justify. We also like the Nemo Dagger Osmo and Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2. The Osmo tents are a good compromise between strength and weight. The Nemo Aurora 2, utilizes a heavier weight construction somewhat similar to the Stormbreak models, but we found the poles to be a bit more delicate.
While the fabric of the Aurora 2 is great, the poles were a bit less durable. Credit: Zach Lovell
Many of the lighter tents tested here are not designed to endure much abuse. The Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo and Big Agnes Copper Spur tents are made of thin materials and should be handled with care. To increase durability, make sure you store your tent properly by cleaning and drying it thoroughly before packing it away in the off-season.
Semi-freestanding tents like the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo reduce packed size by reducing the number of pole segments and replacing them with stakes to provide structure to the tent. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Tent For You
There are few gear categories as vast and as complicated as backpacking tents. Manufacturers have done an excellent job offering an ever-widening array of models, but it can make shopping an arduous journey. Here are some key considerations to help you make the right decision for your first or next backpacking tent.
There are a few key considerations to make when shopping for your next backpacking tent, as there are a variety of weights and building materials. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight Considerations
There are few aspects of buying a backpacking tent as crucial as weight. In a perfect world, a lightweight tent would be inexpensive, durable, and spacious, but it's hard to find a lightweight tent that's all of these things. If you're planning to go long distances and/or truly need to keep your backpack as light as possible, going light might be worth the price. Alternatively, a cost-effective, long-lasting tent that weighs slightly more might be the right fit.
If you're hoofing your tent far from the car into alpine areas like this, having a lighter tent can make a huge impact in your backpacking experience. Credit: Zach Lovell
Generally speaking, a 2-person, lower-weight tent weighs around 2-3 pounds, with most models averaging 4-6 pounds, including budget models. While there are certainly exceptions, we often see lighter-weight options with less interior space than heavier tents, so consider how long your prospective trips might be. Regardless of the weight of your next tent, we strongly suggest distributing its weight by separating the poles, tent body, and fly and distributing these parts among your backpacking crew.
Durability
Durability is a priority for many campers, and we have often found that heavier tents last longer, with more robust fabrics typically holding up better to abrasive camping surfaces. There are some featherweight options out there that use relatively durable materials such as Dyneema, but we still recommend cleaning up your prospective tent site before throwing a pricey model onto gravel, sharp sticks, or pine cones. Denier is the unit of measure used for fabric/textile thickness, and can be a helpful way to size up a prospective tent and its weight. Generally, we see tougher tents with at least a 60-70 denier tent floor, and many of the burlier rain fly builds use a similar denier, though some well-performing models sometimes have a much lower denier fly since it isn't making nearly as much ground contact as the tent floor.
There is generally a durability trade off for a lighter weight tent, though dyneema models like this offer great abrasion resistance. Credit: Zach Lovell
Interior Space
Depending on the length of your backpacking trip, the interior size of your tent can significantly affect your comfort. For extended backcountry missions, cramming two or three people into a tent night after night can be a real pain, so we suggest prioritizing space when shopping. If you don't mind carrying a little extra weight, putting two people in a labeled three-person tent (or three people in a four-person tent) can greatly improve comfort, especially if you're camping for more than a night or two. It's also important to consider the overall headroom, as some tents are harder to sit up in than others.
Square footage can be a tough thing to size up online, but we've made sure our reviews spell out the actual sleeping capacity of each tent. Credit: Zach Lovell
Do You Always Have to Use the Rain Fly?
Our review team has collectively logged a few thousand nights in a tent, and there are certain times and places where we've loved to enjoy a starry sky without the rain fly, but we always have it ready to deploy if a surprise storm rolls in. If a forecast has no precipitation or wind in the forecast, leaving the fly off can be memorable, but make sure you've got the fly ready to go as needed- when in doubt, put the rain fly on during setup. Our team has mostly camped like this in low-elevation, wind-sheltered locations closer to the car.
In the right time and place, our testers love leaving the fly off to enjoy the night sky. Credit: Zach Lovell
Set Up Considerations
We have often been asked about tent setup during guiding or instruction, and it's certainly a consideration for those shopping for their next tent. In our experience, it's worth placing onlysome importance on a tent's ease of setup, as you'll get very quick at tent construction over time. While some models in the lineup were more intuitive than others, our team was able to quickly set them up once we got to know each one. After a few rounds of camping/putting up your new tent, we suspect you'll be able to get your shelter set up even if a storm comes up en route, regardless of how long it took you to set it up when you first bought it.
While some tents are easier to set up than others, after a few tries, you'll likely be quick with most backpacking tents. Credit: Zach Lovell
Condensation
Condensation in a tent happens when warm, moist air from your breath and body meets the cooler tent walls and turns into water droplets. A more ventilated tent helps reduce this by allowing humid air to escape rather than trapping it against the fabric. With better airflow that brings in drier outside air and flushes out moisture, less water builds up on the inner surfaces, so you see fewer drips and less clammy gear.
Conclusion
There are several categories of tents available on the market today, from "glamping"- sized options ideal for car camping to ultralight models that are great for backpackers counting every gram. In this review, we've covered a wide array of backpacking tents, ranging from budget-friendly options to super-lightweight tents ideal for any trip where you're trying to keep the bag as light as possible. We've also included some models that can handle heavier rain for those of you who aren't fair-weather backpackers. While it can be dizzying to find the right shelter for your outdoor ambitions and budget, we've put in months and years of effort testing and updating the tents in this review to make your decision-making process easier.
