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