Best Backpacking Tents of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Features a high volume hub to maximize strength and increase living space
• Multi-functional tent perfect for hikers, backpackers and camp enthusiasts
• Offers solid weather protection
• Very lightweight but still durable

Reasons to Avoid

• Price is on the higher end compared to some other options on the market
• Zippers have been reported to snag occasionally

The Important Specs

• Doors: 2
• Poles: Aluminium alloy
• Material: Ripstop nylon and polyester mesh
• Tent Area: 29 square feet
• Peak Height: 40 inches
• Size (Lx Wx H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 inches
• Vestibule Area: 18 square feet

Review Roundup

You've heard about the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, and you're probably wondering if it's as good as the fanfare suggests. TL;DR? It really is. This tent is a keeper for those who value comfort, lightness, and durability in one neat package.

The Copper Spur is perfect for footloose adventurers who need a tent that won't bog them down. It strikes a killer balance between weight and space, coming in at a meager three pounds but offering plenty of room for two adults. Bonus: it even has space for gear storage. It's a standout pack-and-go solution for backpackers with places to be and peaks to conquer.

Navigate even the most demanding trails with its ultralight materials. But don't let the weight fool you: the HV UL2 is robust. The tent rocks a rip-stop nylon body- so, trek through brambles and under branches since this baby's prepared to take a beating. Users particularly liked how it held up well even after multiple backpacking trips.

Next, let's talk about the set-up. A huge complement across the board from reviewers was the tent's simplicity and speed when it comes to pitching. The color-coded poles make it breezy for solo assembly. Beat the downpour or catch the last bit of sunset, whatever your rush is, this toy is game.

Spaciousness and comfort are two things you don't usually get from backpacking tents, but the Copper Spur HV UL2 takes the cake here. Its steep walls and high-volume pole structure provide ample headroom. Multiple users loved the two-door design, praising the ease of getting in and out, not disturbing their tent buddy.

Now, not all is sunshine and roses with the HV UL2. Some users noted that its ultralight materials, while great for portability, feel somewhat thin and delicate. It would be best to use a groundsheet to safeguard the tent's floor. In addition, the zippers have been called out as a bit finicky. The trick? Handle them with care and patience.

On the whole, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a gem of a backpacking tent. With the max of features packed into an ultralight, packable tent, it's no wonder customers and their camping buddies are smitten.

Reasons to Buy

• Comfortably spacious for two campers
• Weather resistant design
• Easy to set up

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be slightly over budget
• Could be too lightweight for extreme weather conditions

The Important Specs

• Doors: 2
• Seasons: 3
• Material: 20D ripstop nylon and DWR
• Peak Height: 39 inches
• Floor Dimensions: 84 x 50 inches

Review Roundup

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 is a true heavyweight in the lightweight world of backpacking tents. It's designed with practicality in mind, packing down into an impressively compact size that can easily fit into a backpack. Despite this, it comfortably holds two people and their gear.

One standout feature of the MSR Hubba Hubba is its easy setup. From our research, many users said they had the tent up on the first try in under five minutes. Its colour-coded clips and poles make sure you're not fumbling around at the end of a long day on the trails.

Durability is another area where this tent gets top marks from users. Many mentioned that it has withstood everything from high winds to heavy downpours. This is not surprising considering that it's made from 30D ripstop nylon rainfly and 20D ripstop nylon canopy. These materials are not only durable but also lighter than regular nylon - a plus point for backpacking purposes.

However, no product is perfect and we found some minor complaints too. A few users noted that the tent isn't fully freestanding. While it can technically be setup without stakes, you'll need them to achieve the optimal shape and maximum interior space. So, it's something to be aware of if you usually camp in areas where staking can be problematic.

Another minor issue raised by few users was about the tent's zippers. A handful of people reported that the zippers could be a bit finicky even though they never fully broke. The good news is that MSR does offer a three-year limited warranty, so if you do encounter issues within this timespan, they should be able to help.

Lastly, many reviews praised the MSR Hubba Hubba's ventilation. Thanks to the tent's two large StayDry doors and built-in rain gutters, condensation is not a major issue. Plus, the mesh canopy offers good breathability and a view of the stars on clear nights. In sum, this is a tent that has been loved by the backpacking community for all the right reasons.

Reasons to Buy

• Spacious for a two-person tent
• Good weather resistance
• Easy assembly
• Superb ventilation
• Value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Not suitable for extreme weather conditions
• Material may deteriorate with prolonged use

The Important Specs

• Doors: 2
• Poles: 1 hubbed pole and 1 ridge pole
• Dimensions: 90 x 50 x 41 inches
• Floor Area: 29 square feet
• Peak Height: 41 inches
• Vestibule Area: 20 square feet

Review Roundup

The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P delivers a fantastic blend of minimal weight, livable space, and robustness. If you're looking for a tent that combines the best of both backpacking and camping, this can be a real steal.

The tent's overall weight doesn't hamper its capacity, it's a 2-person tent with a surprising amount of space inside. This advantage can be a game-changer for backpackers who don't fancy giving up comfort for less load.

Customers often note its remarkable space-to-weight-ratio as one of its key features. Nemo Dragonfly also features a unique 'divvy sack', a split stuff sack that lets you split the load with your hiking buddy, making it even more backpacker-friendly.

People rave about the dual vestibules that provide ample room for gear storage and the two doors for easy access. A user commented on how these features have made their backpacking trip hassle-free.

When it comes to its durability, the Nemo Dragonfly doesn't disappoint. Users have praised its sturdy and premium feel despite the lightweight structure. Its material uses a silicone water repellent that increases the fabric's strength and improves its resistance to UV rays and weather.

It's not all roses, though. A few drawbacks that were pointed out by the customers include the footprint not being included and the price being on the higher end. Some also found the set up slightly complicated compared to other tents they've used.

Reasons to Buy

• Roomy interior for two people
• Reliable weather protection at an affordable price
• Durable materials
• Easy setup and pack down

Reasons to Avoid

• Slightly bulkier compared to ultralight models
• Not suitable for harsh winter conditions

The Important Specs

• Doors: 2
• Footprint: Not included
• Floor Area: 35.8 square feet
• Packed Size: 7 x 21 inches
• Peak Height: 42 inches

Review Roundup

The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is a real bang for your buck. This backpacking tent manages to balance solid build quality, spaciousness, and affordability like a pro, making it a great choice for budget-conscious outdoorsy folks.

Let's talk about space first. This tent offers quite a roomy interior thanks to its unique pole structure, giving its inhabitants plenty of elbow room - a luxury when you're out in the wild. Its plus edition provides extra length and width, a feature particularly loved by taller hikers or those who love a little extra room to stretch.

One remarkable feature that users rave about is the tent’s two large doors, which make getting in and out a breeze - no more stumbling over your tent mate. Each door also has a vestibule which provides added storage space, perfect for stowing away your gear safely overnight.

Durability and stability are crucial when it comes to choosing a backpacking tent, and the Half Dome SL 2+ shines here too. Users noted that the tent held up well, even in inclement weather, thanks to its sturdy aluminum poles and hardwearing rainfly. It provides reliable shelter from rain, wind and even light snow. Users noted that the venting options help reduce condensation build-up inside the tent too.

Another highlight is the ease of setup. This tent’s color-coded poles and clear instructions are simple enough that even beginners found it easy to pitch, which is always a plus when you arrive at your camping spot worn-out after a long day of hiking.

A few critiques also need to be noted. Some users commented that the tent is a bit on the heavier side for long treks. It weighs in at just over 5 pounds, which might be felt on longer trails. Another point brought up was regarding the zippers, as some found them a bit sticky and prone to catching fabric.

Summing up, the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ offers a lot of value for a backpacking tent in the budget range. Its combo of roominess, durability, and user-friendly setup makes it a consistent crowd-pleaser among backpackers, especially those looking to avoid breaking the bank. Sure, it might not be the absolute lightest pick out there, but its positives strongly carve out its place in the budget camping gear scene.

Reasons to Buy

• Super spacious for two people
• Quick and easy to set up even in tough conditions
• Versatile with excellent weather resistance

Reasons to Avoid

• Condensation can build up
• Not as durable as some other options
• Zipper has been reported to snag

The Important Specs

• Materials: 30D Silicon-coated nylon
• Packed Size: 18 x 5 inches
• Season Rating: 3-Season
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 88 x 50 x 40 inches

Review Roundup

The Tarptent Double Rainbow is a thrilling entry into the ultralight tent market. For many campers and backpackers, weight reduction is a prime consideration, and this tent shines on that front. With a trail weight of just 2.5 pounds, it will be a welcome reprieve from some of the heavier alternatives.

Despite its light weight, the tent doesn't hold back on interior space. Designed to accommodate two people, this is no cramped quarters. In fact, it boasts one of the largest interior spaces in its class. So, wave goodbye to those feelings of claustrophobia!

When it comes to pitching, the tent features a free-standing design. However, it's worth noting that fully staking out this tent can become a bit fiddly and takes some getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, setup will be a breeze.

The Double Rainbow stands solid in a range of weather conditions. Its solid rain fly and bathtub-style floor ensure you'll stay dry even in a downpour, while the good ventilation helps prevent condensation. Still, some buyers found that in heavy, continuous rain, minor leaks around the seams aren't unheard of.

Boasting dual entry and exit points, as well as two vestibules, campers won’t be clambering over each other during midnight bathroom journeys! However, a few users commented that the vestibule space is a tad limited considering the overall tent size.

The construction of the tent is greatly praised. Crafted from high-quality materials, this tent stands up to the test of time. Despite such rugged construction, a subtle complaint was about the tent's weak zippers. A little care during use isn’t too much to ask for, right?

Overall, the Tarptent Double Rainbow is perceived as a top contender for anyone embarking on a lightweight adventure. It couples lightness and durability with an impressive interior volume. While it is not without its minor drawbacks, experienced users were quick to vouch for its overall performance.

Reasons to Buy

• Superb weather protection
• Top-notch quality and durability
• Can withstand heavy snow loads
• One of the best two-person tents for winter backpacking

Reasons to Avoid

• Quite expensive
• Not the lightest around
• A bit smaller on the inside compared to other two-person tents

The Important Specs

• Area: 3.2 m²
• Doors: 1
• Poles: 9 mm
• Height: 100 cm
• Material: Kerlon 1200 outer tent fabric, 10 mm poles
• Dimensions: 220 x 130 x 100 cm
• Season Rating: Four-season

Review Roundup

The Hilleberg Jannu 2P is a strong and steady performer showing all the right features expected from a high-quality winter backpacking tent. Customers have praised it for its blend of durability, lightweight design, and easy setup process.

Durability seems to be the first talking point among many reviewers when it comes to the Jannu 2P. Many have found it to be extremely resilient, holding up well against gnarly winter conditions, heavy snowfalls, and strong winds. A handful of reviewers noted that after multiple trips, it's still as good as new, suggesting that this tent's longevity could make it a worthwhile investment.

Indeed, the Hilleberg Jannu 2P is no featherweight, but what it may lose in being ultra-light, it gains in robustness. The weight-conscious backpackers may be slightly turned off, but when bracing for harsh winter conditions, many buyers have expressed that there's reassurance in knowing the Jannu 2P isn’t going to buckle under pressure.

Despite its robust structure, the Jannu 2P offers a surprisingly easy setup experience. Many purchasers highlighted the tent's simplistic setup process as a distinct advantage, especially in inclement weather where rapid setup can be crucial.

While many customers widely praised the Jannu 2P, some had preferences or criticisms. Some wanted more interior space for equipment, noting that two fully kitted out winter backpackers might find it a tight fit. Others found the price point a bit steep for their liking, but agreed that the tent's longevity and robustness make it a sensible long-term purchase.