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We purchased and tested 13 of the best backpacking tents from brands like Big Agnes, REI, Nemo, and SlingFin to help you find the perfect one for your next trip
Side-by-side testing of the best backpacking tents from REI, Big Agnes, SlingFin, and The North Face.
Credit: Arthur McMahon
By Arthur McMahon ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 23, 2026
A great tent solves the backpacker's ultimate dilemma: how to stay comfortable, especially in bad weather, without carrying more weight than necessary.
For new backpackers, we recommend the REI Co-op Half Dome 2. This popular tent is tried and true because it has everything you want in a backpacking tent—setup is simple, there's plenty of space for two people and their gear, it's relatively lightweight, and it holds up well against the elements.
The North Face Stormbreak 3 is the best bang for your buck. As a 3-person tent, you'll get a bit more space, and even though it's slightly heavier than the Half Dome 2, it packs down to about the same size. It's also more affordable, which makes it another great choice for beginners.
For anyone looking to upgrade, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is the best of the best. It's a 3-person tent that weighs less and packs smaller than many of the 2-person tents we tested, so there's no reason you shouldn't splurge on the extra space.
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested over 100 tents, logging thousands of nights sleeping under the stars. For this review, we tested 13 of the best backpacking tents side by side, taking them on trips from the temperate forests of Maine to the high desert of Utah, the alpine of California's Sierra Nevada, and Oregon's volcanic Cascades. We then rated and ranked them to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our backpacking tent review on October 23, 2026. We've added new tents from REI, SlingFin, NEMO, MSR, and Kelty, and updated our awards after retesting the top-scoring options.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Backpacking Tent recommendations.
Very spacious for one person and gear;
Fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
4.83 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
Yes
The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 is the ideal tent for first-time backpackers, and it makes plenty of sense for seasoned trekkers, too. It's spacious enough for two adults and their gear, and you can easily fit two wide (25-inch) sleeping pads side by side. For a solo backpacker, it's practically palace-like. Unlike many other 2-person tents, the walls are essentially vertical, providing plenty of height to sit, kneel, and move around inside. The large doors make access easy, the sizeable vestibules provide plenty of space for muddy gear, and the six interior pockets help keep essentials like headlamps off the floor. “I've spent many windy and rainy nights in Half Dome tents over the years,” explains our lead tester, “and they've always held up well.” Unlike many other tents, it even comes with a waterproof footprint for extra protection.
But there are always trade-offs – of course, no tent is perfect. The Half Dome 2 has a durable rainfly, robust pole structure, and plenty of great features. But each of those things adds to the tent's weight and packed size. The Half Dome 2 isn't ridiculously heavy or huge, but it's significantly bigger than many other 2-person tents we tested – the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, for instance, weighs about 1.5 pounds less and packs down to one-quarter the size of the Half Dome 2. Even if you decide to upgrade to a tent like the Copper Spur UL2 in the future – or the slightly bigger Copper Spur UL3 – the Half Dome 2 is still a reliable backpacking tent, and it's the perfect place to start.
Very spacious for two people and gear;
Fits three people with a small amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
3.28 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
No
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 on a 3-person tent for 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 Copper Spur UL3's most distinctive features is its 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 perfectly tailored for backpacking trips of any length, but that performance comes at a premium. Experienced backpackers – whether going solo or as a pair – heading out for week-long trips may want to consider the lighter, more packable Copper Spur UL2. But casual backpackers, and even those 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.
Fits two people very comfortably with gear;
Very tight for three people with very little gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
6.20 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
No
The North Face Stormbreak 3 is an excellent value for a sturdy backpacking tent. It fits two people and a dog, and the heavy-duty floor 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. Although the Stormbreak 3 competes directly with premium tents in 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 other 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
Very spacious for two people and gear;
Fits three people comfortably with a moderate amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
5.11 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
Yes
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, giving two people plenty of room to stretch out. Thanks to the durable tent floor, we're never afraid to bring our big dog along, either. Ample vestibule space on either side lets you store wet and muddy gear, and if you're stuck inside during an extended rainstorm, the heavy-duty rainfly keeps 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 and a bit more packable, but the tradeoff is 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, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 is another option worth considering. Anyone planning week-long backpacking trips should consider upgrading to an even lighter tent, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. However, since we can easily divvy up the components to distribute the weight and bulk among two or three friends, the extra space the Half Dome 3 offers makes it the most reasonable choice for most backpackers.
Comfortable for one person and gear;
Fits two people with a small amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
2.56 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
No
As our adventures stretch into 3-, 5-, and maybe even 14-day trips, a tent's weight and packed size matter more because we need to carry more food. A heavier, bulkier tent works fine for a long weekend, but for 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 about the size of 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 being lightweight 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 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.
Pre-installed internal guy lines for added stability
Spacious interior for three
Lightweight and packs small
CONS
Sky-high price tag
Seams need to be sealed
SPECIFICATIONS
Listed Size
3 person
True Capacity
Very spacious for two people and gear;
Fits three people with a moderate amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight
3.72 lbs
Number of Doors
2
Footprint Included?
No
The SlingFin Portal 3 stands toe-to-toe with the best 3-person tents on the market. It's a compact, lightweight, 3-person tent, but it's undeniably superior to the Copper Spur UL3 when the weather turns gnarly. “When fully staked out and lashed down, the Portal 3 feels like a full-on fort,” our lead tester said. The internal guy lines stiffen the tent walls until they feel like bricks, and external attachment points let you use trekking poles as buttresses. You may not need all this wind-and-rain protection on every backpacking trip, and it's still a comfortable tent, even when the sun is shining. But the amazing thing is, there's really no compromise on weight or packed size – despite all these extra foul-weather features, it's still nearly as lightweight as the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3.
Though there's little physical compromise, the price is another matter entirely. This is the most expensive backpacking tent we tested – it even costs significantly more than the smaller version, the SlingFin Portal 2. While the rainfly is decently waterproof, SlingFin suggests sealing those seams if you'll experience consistent heavy rain. You can pay more to have them do it for you, or do it yourself – we wish the rainfly just came sealed, given the price point. And if you want a footprint, you'll have to buy that separately, too. Even though the Portal 3 is practically an expedition tent disguised as a backpacking tent, it may be overkill for most trips unless you regularly camp in the alpine. The equally premium Copper Spur UL3 costs less and will easily handle a strong thunderstorm. Or if you're willing to carry a couple more pounds and split the load with your companions, the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 will hold up well, too, at an even lower price.
The SlingFin Portal 3 is well-equipped to handle harsh weather when needed and perfectly comfortable when not. Credit: Arthur McMahon
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.
We tested a variety of backpacking tents from many of the top brands to identify what makes each unique and which ones are the best. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Our in-depth testing breaks down into five key rating metrics:
Taking every tent on multiple backpacking trips over many months lets us experience and highlight the small details that can make all the difference in 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 experts have camped in every climate, from the damp northeastern US to the arid desert Southwest to the untamed wilderness of Alaska.
Arthur McMahon leads the team with thousands of backpacking miles under his feet. Based in Oregon, he's trekked across the Pacific Northwest and thru-hiked major trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail. He's also an ultramarathon runner and spends as much time in the mountains as he can.
Zach Lovell 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.
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 focus on weight savings, many of us want to know which tent is most comfortable and weather-resistant. Below, we summarize our test results and highlight the tents that excel in each metric.
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 plans 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. Huge doors and vestibules, like those on the SlingFin Portal 3, make getting in and out a breeze.
'Livability' is how enjoyable it is to use your tent. Things like the size of the doors, interior height, and pocket placement all add up to make your tent more comfortable. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Additionally, a tent's listed capacity often isn't its true capacity because usable space depends more on the tent's shape than on its 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. Viewed from the end, the peaks make it look almost rectangular, which gives it 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.
A livable space matters 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 matter 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. In our experience, a 2-person tent often fits one person better, and two people are often 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 two- and 3-person tents. We believe the tradeoff of extra weight for more space is usually 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 mosquitoes bothering you. Kicking back to read a book or take a nap while a gentle breeze blows through your tent is just as delightful.
Ventilation is key. Does the tent have dedicated vents? Are they easy to access? How well do they help prevent condensation inside? Credit: Arthur McMahon
Many tents, like the REI Half Dome 2, have full-mesh tops to maximize ventilation – and, as a bonus, it makes it easier to stargaze while cuddled up in your sleeping bag. 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. Tents like the single-door Kelty Grand Mesa 2, on the other hand, don't ventilate all that well, never mind being a tight squeeze for two people.
Having only one door limits ventilation and makes it harder for two people to get in and out of the tent. Credit: Arthur McMahon
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 “flyweight” – 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.
Although plenty are on the market, in our experience, 1-person tents are often too cramped for the typical backpacker. 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 together.
Some 3-person tents, like the MSR Elixir 3, offer loads of space for three people. But many don't, so we list the “True Capacity” based on our experience. Credit: Arthur McMahon
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.
Based on our experience after testing these tents side by side, we describe the 'True Capacity' under Specifications in our Product Comparison Table.
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.
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? Considering the trade-offs, let's look at the overall livability scores for the tents we tested.
Two of our award winners, 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 similar dome shape, but the Half Dome 3 offers a bit more floor area, while the Stormbreak 3 has a bit more vestibule space. The Half Dome comfortably fits three people with a moderate amount of gear, while the Stormbreak is a tight fit for three people, even with very little gear. The superlight Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 is similar to the Stormbreak – it will sleep three people, but it's more comfortable if they sleep head-to-toe. All three tents fit two people very comfortably, even with gear inside.
The Half Dome 3 offers plenty of room for two adults and one rather large dog. Credit: Zach Lovell
What sets these three tents apart from the rest is more their pole structure than their floor space. All three tents have a crossbar that spreads the walls apart, creating vertical walls that give you more headroom. Low-scoring tents, like the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 and Kelty Grand Mesa 2, don't have the same feature. These are more classically shaped “dome” tents, and compared to the others, their walls slope steeply inward, making them feel smaller.
Without a crossbar to spread out the walls, classically shaped dome tents, like the REI Trailmade 2, feel smaller than more modern designs. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Weather Resistance
If you can imagine being stuck in a tent for more than a few hours, you already understand why livability matters most. But that space stays cozy and comfortable only as long as it stays dry. We first test the water resistance of these tents by soaking them with a hose, then put them to the real test by intentionally camping when rain is in the forecast.
A three-day rainstorm is a great way to test a tent's weather resistance. Credit: Arthur McMahon
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.
Water will bead up and drip down a good rainfly and be channeled away from the tent body. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Even without the rain, a strong wind will easily flatten a tent if it doesn't have a sturdy pole structure. Most tents also have external guy line points that let you anchor the rainfly to stakes in the ground or tree limbs for added stability. Some specialty tents, like the SlingFin Portal 3, go one step further by incorporating internal guy lines.
The SlingFin Portal 3 features internal adjustable guy lines at the head of the tent to provide extra lateral stability and wind resistance. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Although 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.” Think of it as a mudroom for your tent, where you can keep muddy boots and 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 “three-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 SlingFin Portal 3 and slightly smaller Portal 2 are designed for folks planning to spend more than just a weekend living outdoors. Both tents incorporate special features – like outrigger attachments to use trekking poles to create a balustrade, and the aforementioned internal guy-lines – to make them extra storm-worthy. 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 the Stormbreak tents, we have yet to experience a leak.
Both of the SlingFin tents feel like a veritable fortress from the inside, especially when the wind is blowing hard. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Unlike the specially well-designed SlingFin tents, the rainfly on the Nemo Aurora 2 is sub-par. Compared to the 12 external guy line points on the SlingFin 3, the four points on the Aurora 2 don't offer enough support to withstand sustained strong winds. Similarly, the simple two-pole structure on the REI Trailmade 2 lacks the rigidity to stand up to strong gusts – even in a sustained light wind, we could feel and see how much the tent was pushed around.
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
Weight
Weight matters far more for backpackers than for any other type of camping because, obviously, you have to carry everything you need in the backcountry. 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 food weight adds up, you start to consider 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 matter much more for solo thru-hikers, who travel long 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.
We measure the weight of these tents twice: once as the “packaged weight,” the way they come from the manufacturer, and then again as their “minimal trail weight” to directly compare numbers. Credit: Zach Lovell
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 compare all the tents we test directly.
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.
Many of these tents look alike, but the weight differences often come down to the materials and price. The Copper Spur UL3 (front right) is one of the lightest tents we tested, but it uses much lighter and more expensive materials than the similarly heavy Half Dome 2 (middle) and Half Dome 3 (back left). Credit: Zach Lovell
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is the lightest tent we tested. But it's also directly comparable to both the NEMO Dragonfly Osmo 2 and SlingFin Portal 2 – the differences between the three are a matter of ounces, both in terms of minimum and packaged weights. While the Portal 2 includes some extra features to bolster weather resistance, and the Dragonfly Osmo 2 includes some extra features to improve daily life, the Copper Spur UL2 keeps things simple – so it saves the most weight.
Weight becomes the most obvious when you strip back the rainfly. All three of the lightest tents feature a superlight tent body. From left to right: Copper Spur UL2, Portal 2, and Dragonfly Osmo 2.
While these 2-person tents are superlight, they're also relatively small – the heaviest tents we tested, The North Face Stormbreak 3 and MSR Elixir 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?
While more affordable tents may be heavier than premium options, you can split the components of a bulky tent like the MSR Elixir 3 between friends, making each person's load much more reasonable. Credit: Arthur McMahon
Two tents, specifically, break the generalization that spacious means heavy and small means lightweight. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 and SlingFin Portal 3 are both only about 0.70 lbs heavier than the 2-person versions, yet provide significantly more livable space. While these two tents represent the best of both worlds, you'll have to pay for it – both tents are also the most expensive ones we tested.
You can get a tent that's spacious and lightweight, like the Copper Spur UL3, but it's a significant investment. Credit: Zach Lovell
Packed Size
Some may argue that packed size matters more than weight, and this is especially 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, weight and packed size matter less. 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 Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is about as close as you can get to ultralight while still being a “freestanding” tent – a tent with a foldable pole structure, rather than relying on trekking poles or guylines to create that structure. The tent poles are a bit longer, but the fly and tent body are not much larger than a 1-liter Nalgene bottle when you pack them up. The thin material is also quite malleable, making it easy to stuff it basically anywhere in your pack.
The Copper Spur UL2 packs into a neat little package, pretty similar to two 1-liter Nalgene bottles stacked end to end. Credit: Zach Lovell
While 2-person tents are generally more packable than 3-person tents, that's not always the case. Notably, the Copper Spur UL3 and SlingFin Portal 3 both pack down smaller than even some of the 2-person tents we tested. But again, you'll have to pay a high price to get the best of the best – tents that are spacious, lightweight, and packable.
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: Arthur McMahon
Comparing similar 3-person tents, the REI Half Dome 3 and The North Face Stormbreak 3 have identical minimum trail weights, yet the Half Dome 3 is almost 20% larger than the Stormbreak 3. The Half Dome 3's 19-liter packed volume is comparable to a 5-gallon water cooler jug – though it's a bit longer and skinnier, and obviously much lighter!
Even though the packaged weight of the Half Dome 3 (left) is actually less than the Stormbreak 3 (right), it's much larger.
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 want a backpacking tent that lasts. Three main considerations lie at the heart of durability.
Sometimes you can find smooth camping surfaces, and sometimes you can't. A stray stick or lava rock could easily puncture some tents, while others with more durable fabrics will hold up better. Credit: Arthur McMahon
First, the abrasion and puncture resistance of the tent body, fly, and floor matters 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. Second, we look at the sturdiness of the poles, including the joints where they connect, the ends (which 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 extra-tough, waterproof fabric layers sit directly under your tent and boost durability. While some brands include custom-fitted footprints, not all do – make sure to check our Specifications chart, directly under the Product Comparison Table, to see whether the tent you're interested in includes one.
The MSR Elixir 3 scores well beyond other tents because it has durable fabrics, thick poles, and a footprint. Although the trade-off is additional weight, the extra-durable fabrics and pole structures make these tents far less susceptible to damage from the elements. You'd think that footprints would be more commonly included with tents. Unfortunately, they're not, so we really appreciate when brands do include them.
The MSR Elixir 3 features a tough polyester rainfly, extra-thick poles, and a footprint, adding another layer of protection. Credit: Arthur McMahon
While it may stand the test of time with proper care, the Nemo Aurora 2 gave us cause for worry. The poles and joints are actually sturdier than they first appear, but the pre-bent poles are overly complicated – it would be a serious bummer if you accidentally bent one of these joints and then couldn't set up your tent. Small components started to show signs of failure during testing. Notably, the shock cord inside the poles started to fray early on, which, again, raises more concern than with other Nemo tents we tested.
Even though the Aurora 2 is a fine backpacking tent, overall, an overly complicated pole structure is more likely to fail than a simple one that isn't pre-bent.
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 that number isn't necessarily how many people can comfortably fit inside. 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, so weight shouldn't be a major factor for most backpackers (unless you're travelling solo).
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 includes a tent body, rainfly, and poles, so to compare tents directly, we look at 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 expensive because of the specialized materials used in its construction.
Backpacking tents are expensive, even the “affordable” models, and we know you want 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:
Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT – The Anjan 2 GT is a legendary three-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.
Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 2 - The Nimbus UL 2 is truly ultralight – we even tested the smaller, 1-person version in our review of the best ultralight tents. While it certainly shaves weight from your pack, the single door and relatively small living space make it a tight squeeze
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.
MSR Freelite 2 - The Freelite 2 is a sturdy, lightweight tent. However, to save weight, designers decided to cut way back on the rainfly – so much so that it exposes more than half of the tent body at the head. If you camp anywhere driving rain is possible, we suggest a tent with a bit more coverage.
Kelty Late Start 2 - We love staying up late in the Late Start 2 – the tent body is almost entirely mesh, which makes it great for stargazing. However, when it started to rain, water pretty quickly seeped through the floor of this budget tent.
We hope your next backpacking tent lets you explore some amazing places! Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
Several types of tents are available on the market today, from “glamping” tents for car camping to ultralight options 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 test and compare these tents side by side to offer targeted advice and help you 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.
