Most of the backpacking tents above are of the two-person variety, with floor plans that can accommodate two 20-inch sleeping pads side-by-side. With the rainfly on, things get a little trickier. and Hubba Hubba (3 lbs. And although its more expensive at $329, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ weighs over 6 ounces less than the Tungsten yet offers considerably more floor area and vestibule space. As is the case with most outdoor gear, shaving weight from a tent design will result in some tradeoff, often in the form of compromised durability, interior space, weather protection, or ventilation (not to mention a higher price tag). We almost always recommend a full-coverage rainfly, although some tents like the Nemo Hornet have impressive weather resistance even with some sections only protected by the tent body. If youre in the market for a backpacking tent, youll probably notice that designs are categorized as freestanding or non-freestanding. But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for you? Many of todays most premium designs feature pre-bent poles and a ridge pole, both of which help to stretch the walls outward and make them near-vertical. Priced at just $319, its no wonder that the Double Rainbow is one of the most popular cottage designs among ultralighters and thru-hikers this year. camping pop tent easy tents ventilated backpacking shelter dome picnic setup mesh waterproof instant privacy window door person walmart

Its also worth mentioning that some tents taper at the foot end, which helps shave weight but also has a negative impact on livability (making it hard to sleep head-to-toe). A backpacking tent is one of the heaviest and bulkiest items youll pack for an overnight trip, but the good news is that modern designs are lighter than ever.

All things considered, we like the Marmot Tungsten and it makes a nice hybrid backpacking and car camping option. For minimalists who still want a freestanding, bug-proof shelter, we highly recommend the Nemo Hornet. Tents that are lightweight yet fairly uncompromised will be some of the most expensive (consider the $500 Big Agnes Copper Spur), while semi-freestanding designs with smaller footprints will come in a bit less (the $370 Big Agnes Fly Creek, for example). outsunny That said, they do add an additional cost (a $40 footprint would increase the price of a $200 tent by a whopping 20 percent) and 5 to 10 ounces to your pack. Without it, your options are bringing the wet and grimy gear inside the tent or letting it soak outside. But if youve ever been tent-bound in a storm before, you know: The walls can start closing in quickly. tent ozark dome trail person rainfly coverage tents These designs are by far the most convenient if you consistently camp with a partner: Each person has their own door for getting in and out, including vestibule storage space. Most of the time, you can get a whole lot of comfort and convenience (not to mention, a longer lifespan) by bumping up to a tent thats just one pound heavier (at just over 3 lbs., the Big Agnes Copper Spur is fairly uncompromised). Needless to say, we put a priority on some sort of outside gear storage. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 is one of our favorite three-person tents thanks to its incredibly low weightfor under 3 pounds, its a very roomy shelter for two, with space still left over for a child, a canine, or gear. Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 3 lbs. As a result, most mainstream tents on the market are freestanding. A number of leading ultralight tents are built with Dyneemathe high-tech fabric commonly used in boat sails and praised for its strength-to-weight ratioand the Zpacks Duplex is best in class. longer and wider than the Big Agnes) make it a very roomy tent for two. in. To understand this, just picture the difference between a pyramid-shaped tent (a tall peak height at the apex with sharply sloped walls) and a box-shaped tent, which features the same peak height throughout (headroom is the same at the sides as in the middle). Category: UltralightPackaged weight: 2 lbs. We really like the MSR Groundhogs: they are light, tough and easy to put in the ground. You also get sturdier pole structures, which adds a bit of weight but is worth it when the weather turns. For hitting the backcountry in winter or even treks in inhospitable places like Nepal or Peru, youll most likely want a step up in toughness and warmth from the 3-season tents that dominate this list. or Carbon ($1,300, 2 lb. A standard rainfly has a waterproof coating to help protect the interior from getting wet, which also means the rainfly doesnt ventilate very well, and moisture from your breath is trapped inside, creating a dewy interior. The two-person tent is the most popular capacity, but many backpacking models also come in one, three, and four-person designs. The former includes everything that comes with the purchase of the tent, including the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines, stuff sacks, and footprint (when its included with the tentas is the case with REIs Half Dome SLand Passage).

In terms of poles, nearly every quality backpacking tent uses aluminum poles (exceptions to the rule are the Zpacks Duplex Flex, MSR Carbon Reflex, and Big Agnes Fly Creek Carbon, which use carbon-fiber poles). ), and two doors and vestibules. Your first line of defense in bad weather is the rainfly. Does Your Backpacking Tent Need a Footprint?

And third, setting up the tent is more complicated than with a freestanding model, so we recommend practicing before heading out to make sure you know how to get a taut, even pitch. meramac alps mountaineering lightest hikings ozark trail tent backpacking walmart camping outdoorsy tents dad person And like the MSR, the floor of the Dagger OSMO is symmetrical as opposed to tapered toward the feet, making it possible for two people to sleep in opposite directions (head to toe) for more shoulder room. And with considerably more durable fabrics, they can withstand much more use and abuse, which is good news for those who dont want to spend too much time taking care of their gear. Youll find simple pole layouts in budget tentsfor example, the criss-crossing structure of the REI Co-op Passage 2while more premium tents tack on a ridge pole at the apex for stability and headroom. By creating good airflow out the top of the tent, along with good spacing between the rainfly and tent body at the bottom, problems with moisture collecting on the interior of the tent can be greatly reduced. For a deeper dive on this topic, see our article: Backpacking Tents: How Light is Too Light?

Not everyone will need to prioritize a tent with a generous peak height throughout, but its especially worth it for those who anticipate bad weather or spending a lot of time inside. This tent has gone through multiple iterations over the years, and the most recent SL (superlight) is one of the most balanced offerings yet. dstyle For just 2 pounds 10 ounces, you get a 30-denier floor (15D is standard in UL tents), a generous and symmetrical floor plan that easily fits two sleepers (30.6 sq. REIs Half Dome above offers even more room inside while weighing less (if you leave the REIs included footprint behind). also plays a part, as does the attention to detail. Its worth noting that some ultralight tent systems can be more finicky to set up and definitely require some practice. The sub-$200 category is dwindling as inflation causes tent prices to rise, but the Passage continues to hold down the fort with a winning formula that few tents match. Do you like to travel fast and light or prioritize comfort and durability? In general, more expensive tents offer increased weather resistance (some ultralight models are exceptions). And some tents like the Exped Lyra have convertible-like rainfly designs that roll back fairly easily. These tents (like the $699 Zpacks Duplex and $600 Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum) are a good fit only for extremely weight-conscious backpackers and thru-hikers who spend countless nights outside and need the best tool for the job. Weight-conscious thru-hikers have relied on bare-bones shelters for a long time, but only recently has the ultralight craze hit mainstream backpacking. For just $159, you get a reasonable weight of 5 pounds 10 ounces (note: this includes the footprint), a door and vestibule on each side, full-coverage rainfly, and durable materials that dont require nearly as much care as the lighter-weight options on this list. And a final note on floor dimensions: While theyre a good place to start, they certainly dont tell the whole story about a tents interior space. in. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. If youre traveling in inclement weather, with a smaller third companion, or just like the idea of some extra room (without a crazy weight penalty), its as good an option as any. You've already spent a substantial amount on a tent, but should you tack on the extra purchase of a footprint? Ultralight gear certainly requires an extra level of carewe typically recommend using a footprint with lightweight tents and checking your campsite for sharp sticks or rocksbut its a sacrifice many are willing to accept to reduce their packed weight. Australia-based Sea to Summit is a reliable go-to for outdoor gear, but 2021 marked their first foray into backpacking tents. REI has dabbled in ultralight tents in the past with models like the discontinued Dash, but theyve gone all-in with the Flash Air 2. When using shelters like the Zpacks Duplex, we found ourselves fumbling a bit to get everything taut and in place. If youre new to backpacking or only get out a few times a year, its worth taking a look at a budget tent. Cost always is a key consideration and a backpacking tent is a big purchase. Further, its design falls short in a few other ways: The small openings at the doors dont dump condensation as well as the MSRs large vents at each end, and the fly doesnt extend all the way to the ground at the head and foot. For 3 pounds 2 ounces (12 oz. This tent helped define the ultralight category and still is going strong many renditions later. All in all, weve found that Nemo tents consistently are high quality and offer a nice balance of thoughtful features, and the Aurora falls right in line. If this sounds like you, a budget pick like REIs tried-and-true Passage is a great choice.

Cheaper hook-style aluminum stakes come with most tents and can be a pain to use because theyre too thick and round to easily sink into the ground, and have a tendency to bend when being hammered in. What are the downsides of The North Faces Stormbreak 2? To set up most tents, you simply lay out your footprint if you have one, stake out the corners, attach the poles, and clip everything together. Comfort is high, with spacious floor plans that don't compromise for weight-savings, two doors and two vestibules, and lots of storage. A tents peak height refers to its tallest point, and among two-person models varies from 39 inches for a design like the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 up to 48 inches for Zpacks Duplex. In addition, you get standard aluminum rather than DAC poles, which are generally less premium.

All-Around And unlike the 90s-era REI tent that we spent countless nights in as a kid, the Trail Hut here is decidedly modern with a center ridge pole to increase headroom throughout.

We once slept in an older version of the REI Half Dome for six consecutive weeks in Patagonia with only a couple of uncomfortable nights during big storms. The North Face makes a lot of high-performance tents for expedition use, but their casual lineup also has a lot to offer. Second, with a trekking pole design you dont get the steep walls of tents like the Copper Spur above, making the Zpacks a feasible but cramped option for two backpackers. Most of these designs have an MSRP of less than $300 and are defined by their thicker fabrics, simple pole structures, and heavier builds. The higher the denierof the floor, canopy, and rainflythe more durable the tent. Category: BudgetPackaged weight: 5 lbs. With a modern pole structure that pulls the walls out, an adaptable rainfly that can be rolled back in mild conditions, and a ton of mesh for easy stargazing, the Lyra is a roomy and fun 2-person option that is ideal for warm-weather backpacking.

But you do get two doors and two vestibules, and a large ridge pole across the center offers a great boost in headroom. But for solo travelers or those who dont mind cozying up, the Hornet is nevertheless a solid ultralight tent and has proven to be surprisingly durable despite its thin construction.See the Nemo Hornet 2P. The poles and pole systems on budget tents are likely to bow during strong winds, while high-end tents like those from MSR and Big Agnes have stronger poles and tons of exterior ties to anchor yourself down during a storm. The 2-person tents on our list range from 1 pound 3.4 ounces for the non-freestanding Zpacks Duplex to 5 pounds 14.2 ounces for the budget The North Face Stormbreak 2, with popular models like the MSR Hubba Hubbaand Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 settling somewhere in the 3-pound range. 4 oz.Floor dimensions: 86 x 52/42 in.Capacities: 1P, 2PWhat we like: Ridiculously lightweight for a semi-freestanding tent.What we dont: Just one door and vestibule and terrible in high winds. 7 oz.Floor dimensions: 88 x 52 in.Capacities: 2P, 3PWhat we like: Eye-catching design and steep walls at a good price.What we dont: Not as roomy or lightweight as the REI Half Dome SL above. ft.).

6 oz.) On the other hand, if you're interested in cutting even more weight, Big Agnes offers the wild Fly Creek Carbon, which features ultra-thin Dyneema and a carbon-fiber hubbed system and checks in at just 1 pound 7 ouncesRead in-depth reviewSee the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye. 2 oz.Floor dimensions: 90 x 50 in.Capacities: 2P, 3PWhat we like: Roomier than most 2-person backpacking tents and easy to set up.What we dont: Relatively heavy; ventilation and weather protection could be a little better. camping tent single outdoor backpacking Category: UltralightPackaged weight: 1 lb. Last but not least, $699 is a big investment for a small tent, but for the right person the weight-savings are well worth it Read in-depth reviewSee the Zpacks Duplex. One of the easiest ways to think about tent durability is to consider the thickness of the fabric, which is measured in terms of denier (technically speaking, the weight of the yarn). The benefit of a freestanding tent is a simple setup that is far easier to move from one area of your campsite to another (or to use on a rocky surface). Yes, you can save with the cheaper REI Passage below, but there are real tradeoffs in terms of interior space, weight, and packed size. We also like the mix of solid nylon and mesh on the tent body, which provides both good ventilation alongside privacy and weather protection.

Its great news in terms of weather protection and sustainability, but with a 4-ounce weight increase, the Dagger OSMO is now considerably heavier than tents like the Copper Spur (3 lbs. tent person stansport x10 deluxe shelter survival cpr savers sleeping supplies On the other hand, opting for two two-person tents will give you more room overall (including vestibule space) and can result in a better nights sleep for everyone, albeit with increases in both weight and cost. The Telos TR2 takes direct aim at the Copper Spur HV UL2 above: both are freestanding tents that feature thin fabrics, tapered footprints, and two doors and vestibules. 10 oz.Floor dimensions: 88 x 52 in.Capacities: 1P, 2PWhat we like: Inexpensive, tough, and easy to set up.What we dont: Not as modern-feeling or spacious as the Half Dome above. Revamped for 2022, the newest version shaves a considerable amount of weight (10 oz.) And if weight isn't your top priority, you can always bump up to a 3-person version for more space. Category: UltralightPackaged weight: 2 lbs. off of the outgoing model with the use of thinner materials, but the overall design remains the same. In the end, no ultralight tent is perfect, but the Duplex is a high-quality option that has been relied upon by serious thru-hikers for years. This is particularly nice in wet conditions, as theres no moment during the setup process when the inside of the tent is exposed to rain. Category: All-seasonPackaged weight: 5 lbs. How does the Hubba Hubba measure up to our top-ranked Copper Spur? Floor Dimensions Solo travelers can save some weight by opting for a one-person option, while families or couples traveling with a dog can bump up to a three- or four-person model. But we should note that the Sea to Summit has a flaw in wet weather: During our testing, rain pooled in the concavities of the fly and dripped into the tent through the vent opening. And because Hilleberg tents are designed so uniquely, it can take a few tries to get setup speed where you want it to be. All told, we think the Half Dome is a great value for what you get and should keep many backpackers happyits the tent we recommend most to family and friends. Its a good rule of thumb to take the tents peak height and shape into consideration as well, and in particular the slope of the walls (more on this below). And given the low cost, the fabrics and poles feel cheaper than mid-range and premium models. Category: All-aroundPackaged weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz.) In the end, the Copper Spur maintains the top spot due to its unparalleled ventilation and livability, but for $20 less, the Hubba Hubba is hot on its heelsRead in-depth reviewSee the MSR Hubba Hubba 2P. Packaged Weight vs. Not only will this help guarantee that you know what youre doing in the backcountry when the conditions may be more challenging, but it also ensures that you have all of the necessary components.

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