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The best tents for sleeping outside, from backpacking models to family-friendly shelters.

The REI Co-Op Trail Hut 2 Person Tent on a plot of dirt in front of a river

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Over the past two years, weve put 24 tents to the test.

This includes everything from affordable, heaviercar campingoptions to high-end, ultralight models favored byserious backpackers.

The sleeved pole design is trickier to set up than clips.

Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

Credit: Kuiu

It has a 41-inch peak height and nearly 30 feet of interior space, all in a 3.5-pound package.

Split between two people, thats not bad.

The only thing wed change is the sleeved pole design.

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent after assembly

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

Only one door makes entry and exit a little crowded.

The steeply sloped sidewalls reduce shoulder room.

Its now made with the updated Osmo fabric, which has increased durability and recycled components.

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

It has a narrower footprint that fits into small campsites, plus the convenience of a small packed size.

We didnt feel cramped during our tests, but for longer outings, you might want more space.

The 40-inch peak height might feel short to taller campers.

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

But it does make a good frontcountry tent or option when you arent hiking too far.

Though durable, its still not the absolute lightest two-person tent on the market.

The fly extends out from the entry for added protection for yourself and your gear.

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with cover on grass

We found the tent poles to be sturdy, but flexible enough to position easily into the hubs.

An eight-person tent takes up a lot of room at a campsite.

Looking for a summer home that travels with you?

The inside of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

Look no further than this immense, 108-square-foot tent with more than six feet of head room.

The ventilation was outstanding, and we never felt stifled or too stuffy during the day or overnights.

A 24-pound, four-person tent is overkill for a lot of people.

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

This is an investment piece built to last, but best for frequent campers.

Nemos popular Dagger line is like a more spacious, wider version of their streamlined Hornet.

This tent collects more condensation than similar models.

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

The poles are pre-bent to help with a fast setup, and they clip into place easily and securely.

Did the tent keep out inclement weather?

Was the ventilation adequate to reduce condensation buildup?

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

Even better if the tent floor has a higher material weight.

For longer trips, we actually recommend bumping up in capacity.

Look for good shoulder room, reliable weatherproofing, and two doors for two-person models.

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent after assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

A PU-coated nylon or polyester will be the most affordable material for reliable waterproofing.

No matter what you choose, confirm the tent is seam sealed and DWR treated.

Many backpackers and campers will choose to put a tarp or footprint under their tent.

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

This can help increase the lifespan of your tent and prevent abrasion and tears in the floor material.

A person assembles the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

The Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent with cover on grass

The inside of the Kuiu Mountain Star 2 Person Tent

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

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

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

Coleman Sundome Tent

Credit: Amazon

Coleman Sundome Tent set up outside

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager

Coleman Sundome Tent about to be set up

person standing in doorway of a Coleman Sundome Tent

the POV of someone laying down inside a set up Coleman Sundome Tent

Close up of opening of a Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman Sundome Tent set up outside

Someone stands inside of a set up Coleman Sundome Tent

A fully set up Coleman Sundome Tent

The instructions for setting up the Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman Sundome Tent set up outside

Coleman Sundome Tent about to be set up

person standing in doorway of a Coleman Sundome Tent

the POV of someone laying down inside a set up Coleman Sundome Tent

Close up of opening of a Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman Sundome Tent set up outside

Someone stands inside of a set up Coleman Sundome Tent

A fully set up Coleman Sundome Tent

The instructions for setting up the Coleman Sundome Tent

REI Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Credit: REI

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent after assembly

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent during assembly

The inside of the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A person lays inside the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

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

The stakes for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent after assembly

The Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent during assembly

The inside of the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

A person lays inside the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

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

The stakes for the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

Credit: REI

A person lays inside the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Sarah Barber

A person assembles the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person sets up the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person assembles the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person pulls on the zipper on the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A sleeping bag and pillow inside the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint with the door open

The parts of the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint and storage bag

A person lays inside the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person assembles the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person sets up the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person assembles the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A person pulls on the zipper on the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

A sleeping bag and pillow inside the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint with the door open

The parts of the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint and storage bag

REI Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent

Credit: REI

The Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent with cover

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Henry Wortock

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 in sand

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

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 in sand

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

Coleman Skydome XL 10-Person Camping Tent

Credit: Amazon

The Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent after setup

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Esmee Williams

A side view of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

The mesh pockets on the inside of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

A dog sits inside the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

The Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent pieces before assembly

The front of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent with an open door

The Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent after setup

A side view of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

The mesh pockets on the inside of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

A dog sits inside the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent

The Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent pieces before assembly

The front of the Coleman Skydome XL 8-Person Camping Tent with an open door

Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent

Credit: REI

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent after assembly

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Eric Stegeman

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent pieces on grass before assembly

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent during assembly

A side view of the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent with the front door open

The stakes and rope for the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent after assembly

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent pieces on grass before assembly

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent during assembly

A side view of the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent

The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent with the front door open

The stakes and rope for the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent

Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent

Credit: Amazon

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent in a clearing

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

The ceiling of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent on the ground

The inside of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent in a clearing

The ceiling of a NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent

A NEMO Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent on the ground

The inside 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

the POV of someone laying down inside a set up Coleman Sundome Tent

Travel + Leisure

A person pulls on the zipper on the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint

Travel + Leisure

The front of the Coleman Skydome XL 10-Person Camping Tent with an open door

Travel + Leisure

The inside of the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Travel + Leisure