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Hit the trails without weighing down your pack with these backpacking tents.

a person setting up the REI Co-op Half Dome Tent

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Weve put dozens of backpacking tents to the test on real-world treks and outdoor adventures.

While some tents stood out for specific features, others struck a balance for more versatile use and performance.

It didnt come with a tent footprint included.

REI Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Credit: REI

We had no issue setting up the tent solo, making this a viable two- or one-person backpacking shelter.

The tents ripstop nylon material felt strong while stretching and clipping it to the poles.

We found the tent to be very breathable and effective at keeping out moisture.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent after assembly

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Ben Anderson

Otherwise, keeping the tent doors and vestibules in place can safeguard campers and gear from the elements.

We recommend packing a tent footprint if camping on tougher terrain.

The hubbed poles are color-coded and attach to the corresponding tent corner.

The stakes and cord for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Once assembled, we were impressed with the spacious interior, as there was plenty of room beside us.

At just over three pounds, the tent hardly weighed down our packs.

We wish it came with a built-in floor liner.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent with the cover on

Ensuring youll be safe and comfortable if the weather turns is a top priority for backpacking tents.

We love how the built-in fly sped up the tent assembly, too.

Tightening the guy lines to anchor the tent was also a breeze.

The stakes for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

We were impressed with the ventilation and warmth afforded by the double-wall tent design.

Were also big fans of the pre-attached vestibules, which provide additional storage on both sides of the tent.

The protected vestibules meant the interior could be reserved for sleeping space, exclusively.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent inside its original packaging

Maximizing the tents functionality requires some accessories that are sold separately.

The tent canopy is entirely mesh, providing excellent ventilation with and without the rainfly attached.

We took advantage of the adjustable vents to manage air flow, too.

The inside of the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

We found the tent to be incredibly straightforward to set up and disassemble.

The quality construction comes at a higher price.

Having reliable shelter adds peace of mind when camping farther afield on a backpacking trip.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent during assembly

The Nemo Dagger Osmo had us feeling safe and cozy, even amid a huge rain and wind storm.

The mesh canopy allowed airflow without any rain coming in, helping us sleep peacefully throughout the inclement weather.

The tent floor is made with ripstop nylon that effectively trapped out moisture.

A person lays inside the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The tent also includes protected vestibules, handy interior pockets, and color-coded poles for easier assembly.

After an arduousday of hiking, we appreciate a tent that requires minimal steps and brain power to assemble.

We found the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent to be really quick and easy to set up.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent after assembly

The hubbed pole system keeps all the poles together.

We found the poles to be lightweight and flexible for hassle-free assembly.

Though intuitive, we appreciate that REI included a diagram with step-by-step instructions on the tent bag.

The stakes and cord for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Its not the most lightweight option for a two-person backpacking tent.

In terms of construction, the tent is high-quality on durability and design.

It has taped seams, a rainfly, and a tent footprint included.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent with the cover on

The tent also boasts a range of features that are more common with high-end tents.

We love that the tent has dual doors to avoid crawling over our fellow campers.

On that note, the tents overall weight of five pounds is among the highest on this list.

The stakes for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The reduced weight comes at the cost of a more spacious floor area.

The featherweight MSR Freelite 2-person Ultralight Backpacking Tent helps save valuable pack space for provisions and essentials.

The trail weight is just two pounds making it a great choice for longer backpacking trips.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent inside its original packaging

We stayed completely dry amid aggressive rain and wind that flooded a fellow campers tent at the same site.

We were impressed with how sturdy it felt against the wind, too.

Tents typically come with season ratings, with most backpacking models categorized as either a three-season or four-season tent.

The inside of the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Typical features include mesh canopies, lighter fabrics, and upright walls to enhance ventilation and minimize weight.

Four-season tents are meant to withstand harsh winter weather.

They typically have more heavy-duty materials and dome designs that can shed snow and handle powerful winds.

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent during assembly

Prioritize packability

Choosing a more packable tent can save space and weight in your backpack.

On that note, selecting a tent capacity that aligns with your needs can help prioritize packability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimizing packed weight is top of mind for many backpackers.

A person lays inside the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Many backpacking tent designs allow the components to be carried separately, helping divide and distribute the weight.

Backpacking tents also incorporate mesh to improve ventilation and air flow.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kevin Brouillardis a writer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL - UltralightBackpacking Tent

Credit: Amazon

Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

Credit: Kuiu

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent after assembly

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with cover on grass

A dog sits inside the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent under a handing light

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The pieces of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with directions

A person sleeps in a sleeping bag inside the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The inside of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent after assembly

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with cover on grass

A dog sits inside the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent under a handing light

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The pieces of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with directions

A person sleeps in a sleeping bag inside the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The inside of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

REI Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent

Credit: REI

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent in sand

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Henry Wortock

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent with cover

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent before setup

The base of the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent during assembly

A person attaches the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent to the base

A person holds up the ties on the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent

A person zips the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent closed

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent inside a storage case

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent in sand

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent with cover

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent before setup

The base of the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent during assembly

A person attaches the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent to the base

A person holds up the ties on the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent

A person zips the Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent closed

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent inside a storage case

Nemo Dagger Osmo 3 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

Credit: REI

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent in a clearing

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent on the ground

The inside of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

The ceiling of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent in a clearing

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent on the ground

The inside of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

The ceiling of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Credit: REI

People set up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Person setting up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Close-up of a person’s hands assembling a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Person setting up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

People set up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Person setting up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Close-up of a person’s hands assembling a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Person setting up a REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

Credit: Marmot

A person assembling the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger

The inside of the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint unassembled on grass

A person assembling the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

A close-up of the zippers on the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

A person laying in the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

An opened Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint parts on grass

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint and parts in bags on grass

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint assembled on grass

A person assembling the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

The inside of the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint unassembled on grass

A person assembling the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

A close-up of the zippers on the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

A person laying in the Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

An opened Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint parts on grass

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint and parts in bags on grass

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent with Footprint assembled on grass

MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Credit: MSR

A person stands outside a MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Morgan Noll

A fully-assembled MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A person sits inside a MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A person stands outside a MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A fully-assembled MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A person sits inside a MSR FreeLite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Sea to Summit Ikos TR3 Three Person Tent set up outside

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