Backpacking tents are a particularly complex gear category to test – it takes many nights under the stars to understand the design nuances that separate one from the next. Fortunately, our team of guides, outdoor educators, thru-hikers, and alpine climbers is made up of lifelong backpackers who love sleeping in tents.
Livability
This is one of the most widely examined metrics in tent testing, since these shelters serve as one's temporary home while sleeping outdoors. We start by measuring the interior dimensions of each tent, including floor space, peak height, and vestibule size, and then realistically measure a tent's true sleeping capacity.
We consider how easy it is to get in and out of the tent, how functional the zippers are, and note the usefulness of the pockets. We assess condensation and ventilation in both wet and dry weather, and we time setup and breakdown, and note any recurring frustrations. While in the field, our team takes careful notes on how these factors interact to create a livable tent.
Weather Resistance
We first performed controlled tests by spraying each tent with a hose to determine how quickly water could penetrate the rainfly under sustained heavy precipitation. Then we kept our eyes on the forecast, intentionally seeking out rainy weather to test their weather resistance in the wild. We often deliberately set up camp on exposed ridges to assess stability in high winds.
Weight
We weighed the “package weight” of each tent, including everything that comes in the stuff sack when you pull it off the shelf. Then we broke down and weighed the individual components to determine the “minimum trail weight,” which only includes the tent body, rainfly, and poles. Since every tent we tested includes these three main components, but not necessarily the same accessories, the minimum trail weight is the best way to directly compare them.
Packed Size
To confirm the manufacturer's claims, we measured the packed size of each tent right out of the box, in the included stuff sack.
Durability
We start by examining the core components of each tent, including the fabric, poles, and stakes. We pay close attention to common failure points like seams, joints, zippers, and mesh panels, noting any visible signs of stress or degradation. From there, we put every tent through repeated real-world use, deliberately seeking out rougher conditions to see how well they'll hold up. After extended field testing, we conducted a final, detailed inspection to note the degree of wear and tear.
