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Best Backpacking Tents for Lightweight Hiking in 2024

Backpacking tent in mountains

Most of the best backpacking tents are designed with the three-season trekker in mind. They provide enough ventilation and airflow for the summer months, without compromising on their ability to stand up to the spring rain or windy fall. There are, of course, a huge selection of tents that cater for the accommodation needs of the wilderness wanderer, all with varying degrees of quality, weight, liveability and cost.

To find a backpacking tent that is perfect for you takes some consideration. It is your home away from home whilst you are in the wild, and it will be up there with the most expensive bits of outdoor gear you will invest in. You want to make sure you get a good tent that is light enough to carry in your pack without compromising on durability, protection and stability.

Summary of the best backpacking tents in 2024

This summary of the best backpacking tents is based on the best selection of two person three-season tents under 2.5kg that are available in 2024.

Disclaimer: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

ProductFeaturesWeightCost
Vaude Hogan UL 2PEco-friendly1.8kg$$$
MSR Hubba Hubba NXLight and liveable1.72kg$$$$
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 PlusHighly liveable, doubles as group shelter1.7kg$$$$
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2Spacious, light and strong1.39kg$$$$
Nemo Equipment Dragonfly 2 Bikepack TentBikepack compatible1.6kg$$$$
Robens Boulder 2Great value, very liveable2.4kg$
REI Half Dome 2 PlusTop choice2.5kg$$
Terra Nova Zephyros 2Great value1.7kg$
Vaude Terratrio 2PGood in bad weather2.45kg$$$
Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2Good value2.15kg$
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2Light and good in bad weather1.49kg$$$$
Robens StarLite 2Good in wet weather2.4kg$$
Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2Super lightweight1.13kg$$$$
Hilleberg Anjan 2Good all rounder1.6kg$$$$$$
Tarptent Double RainbowSuper light and easy1.2kg$$$

Get the best backpacking tent for you…

To help understand what your own personal requirements are in a backpacking tent, you’ll need to think about what type of backpacker you are. The best backpacking tents that we have summarised here suit those wanting to minimise weight in their packs and maximise their enjoyment of time in the wilderness, like the below types of backpackers.

Which type of backpacker are you?

If you’re more of a ‘drive to the middle of nowhere and camp for a week’ type camper, then you might be better off looking at some bigger tents like these family car camping tents.

  • Camper badge - weekend wanderer
    Weekend wanderer – you love a last minute Friday night getaway to your local wilderness, and to make the most of limited time on the trail, comfort and liveability can be sacrificed for a lightweight and easy tent to keep you on the move.
  • Camper badge - lone wolf
    Lone wolf – you prefer enjoying it all to yourself and love those long distance thru-hikes. Odds are, that you’ve already over-packed, so the lighter your tent is, the better.
  • Camper badge - mountain goat
    Mountain goat – you’re a sucker for true adventures in the wilderness – the higher, windier and colder, the better! Lightweight is important, but most essential is the ability for your tent to hold up in storms and sideways rain.

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Things to consider when choosing the best backpacking tent

Before you delve into details and specs of what lies beneath the ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coated fly sheet of a backpacking tent, take a read of all the other things that you need to consider when making the investment on your new mobile home.

Weight

One of the most important considerations for backpackers, is the weight of their pack. Hours on the trail with excess weight can soon turn trekking into a boot camp style endurance test that takes much of the inherent enjoyment out of the experience. So, each gram saved by choosing the lightweight option for each bit of camping gear soon adds up and really does make a difference. Opting for a shelter that doesn’t weigh a ton is no different. So long as the key requirements of your tent aren’t compromised, the lighter you go, the better.

Cost

As with most outdoor gear, paying a little more for a good quality backpacking tent will be well worth the investment if your wilderness wanderings are more than just a temporary fad. That said, there’s also no need to get a second mortgage out on your tented home, as there are plenty of good quality backpacking tents out there that will tick most of your boxes and not cost the earth. You may also want to consider buying a used tent; better for the environment as well as your pocket.

Stability

Never satisfied with a simple sell, the battle of weight versus quality has shown its complex head again. There really is no point investing in a super lightweight tent if even the idea of bad weather makes your tent quiver and crumble. Thankfully, most of the best lightweight backpacking tents are designed with windy weather in mind, and there are some super lightweight options on the market that stand up to the elements with unbelievable defiance.

winter tents gear guide

Size

Your tent needs to be able to pack down pretty small to fit into your backpack, and even better, can be split into two to share the weight with your buddy. But it’s not just the pack down size that you need to consider, how much space it provides once erected is also key. If you and your camping companion are both on the tall or wide side, then there are some tents that won’t suit you at all. Be sure to take a look at the dimensions before you commit to the lightest technical tent on the market.

Pitch time

This is a pretty important factor to consider, especially in challenging weather conditions. The last thing you want to do at the end of long day on the trail is spend ages putting up your shelter. Add in some sideways rain and freezing winds, and you’ll most certainly wish you’d chosen differently. Ideally you need something that you can set up on your own in under 5 minutes, without the use of the instruction manual. It’s also a bonus if the outer wall can be pitched first, or simultaneously with the inner wall, so as to avoid the inner wall getting saturated if it’s pouring down.

Head space

Sometimes even the best laid plans go out the window, so even if you don’t envisage doing much more than sleeping in your tent, if the weather turns on you, hanging out in your tented home might be all you can do. Choosing a tent that is comfortable to sit in is worth thinking about. Something with steep sided walls will provide more headroom – perfect for whiling the hours away over a game of cards whilst you ride out the storm.

Vestibules and entrances

If it’s likely that you’ll be backpacking in rainy conditions then a tent with a porch / vestibule can make a big difference to your comfort levels. It provides a place where you can dump your wet stuff and leave your boots, as well as providing shelter whilst you take off your wet weather gear. And if you’re sharing your tented home with someone, then two entrances will provide a much higher level of ease and comfort when clambering in and out.

Tent design

There are loads of little extras in the design of your backpacking tent to consider. Most of them will come down to personal preference and although they may seem like trivial ‘extras’, they can really effect the livability of your tent. Some things to look for are:

  • Internal storage pockets
  • Internal storage hooks
  • Ventilation panels
  • Easy clip inner tent to pole attachments
  • Easy to use door zippers
  • Doors that tie back easily and are out of the way
  • Colour-coded pole set up
  • Easy to adjust stake outs

You also need to consider whether the tent is freestanding or not. This is probably one of the most important things to consider, depending on the type of terrain you envisage yourself camping on.

A freestanding tent offers greater versatility when it comes to choosing your ground, and is the preferred option over a non-freestanding tent at times when the ground is too hard for stakes, or when the only surface to camp on is rock.

Non-freestanding tents rely on being secured with stakes and guy lines, which can provide greater stability in stormy conditions.


The best backpacking tents in 2024

Now that know what to look for in a lightweight tent, and which features are important to you, take a look at the best backpacking tents that you can get your hands on and get cosy inside!

Vaude Hogan UL 2P

Best suited to:camping badge - lone wolf
vaude hogan ul 2p
Eco-conscious: Part of Vaude’s eco-friendly Green Shape range and manufactured in accordance to Bluesign Standards. Processes included Green Anodizing, PVC free fabrics, and PFC free water repellent treatment.

If you want a tent that’s compact, lightweight, and eco-friendly then we recommend the Vaude Hogan UL 2P. Designed for backpacking and mountaineering, the Hogan UL 2P features a spacious front dome structure that weighs a competitive 1.8kg. The tent offers one generously sized entrance with four-way zippers.

Although not as robust as the Terratrio 2P, the Hogan UL is still a hardy 3 season tent that performs very well under strong winds. For greater durability, the fly fabric is also siliconized on both sides. This provides better waterproofing, UV protection, and tear resistance. We also like that the Hogan UL is easy to pitch, thanks to its elasticated pole set. Plus, it’s inner first construction means that the inner section can stand independently. Often tents with a single central pole sag at the corners when pitched without a flysheet, but this inner has its own tension straps on the back corners. This allows you to leave the flysheet at home when camping in warm weather or when you want to save weight.

Find the latest price at:
Vaude | Amazon


MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer
MSR Hubba Hubba NX lightweight tent
MSR have created an all round great little tent that has an unparalleled blend of strength, low weight and durability. The single pole hub design makes for a quick and easy freestanding setup that provides its inhabitants with a good level of headspace for sitting around. TheHubba Hubba also features two entrances with sizeable vestibules for it’s weight, making it a comfortable and practical option to snugly fit in two backpackers and their gear. There is a good level of ventilation through the mesh panelled inner to keep condensation levels down. The structure of this design will stand up well to high winds, but the tent floor is a little on the fragile side, so you may want to consider using a footprint for more rugged sites.

This is one of the best lightweight backpacking tents in this price bracket that provides the space and quality offered by the Hubba Hubba, with only the Big Agnes presenting a little extra space and less weight, but at a slightly higher cost.

For more information read our full review of the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Backpacking Tent.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry


Best suited to:Camper badge - mountain goatcamping badge - weekend wanderer

sea-to-summit-telos-tr2-plus

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Plus

After three years of careful designing and rigorous testing, spring 2021 sees the launch of Sea to Summit’s first technical tents for backpacking. One of the two new releases is the innovative and versatile Telos TR2 Plus which has redefined what a backpacking tent should be. On the face of it, the design looks pretty similar to the Hubba Hubba, Copper Spur and Half Dome Tents. However, somehow the Telos takes these already excellent tent designs and offers even more space and liveability, better ventilation and a ton more versatility.

First up, the upswept wing of the Tension Ridge DAC pole is a game-changer in terms of useable space. It increases head and shoulder room, creates vertical walls and more space for bigger doors, and enables better airflow through zippable vents at the highest point on the rainfly.

Secondly – and a mega win from a versatility standpoint – the fly of the Telos can be converted into a group shelter (with the help of two trekking poles). This ‘Hangout Mode’ is big enough to fit 4 lightweight chairs and a table under. Yep! You read that right. Luxury backcountry camping just became a thing, people.

Finally, the TR2 Plus is classed as a 3+ season tent, thanks to the fabric inner which replaces the mesh inner of the even more lightweight TR2.

This new backpacking tent to the market competes very fiercely with the already established big names in the game. And we think it’s really going places.

Find the latest price at:
Sea to Summit USA | Sea to Summit UK


Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Best suited to:camping badge - lone wolfcamping badge - weekend wanderer
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV SL2 backpacking tent

Brand new in 2017, Big Agnes have taken all that is brilliant in the Copper Spur SL and made it even better. At just under 1.4kg it is incredibly a fraction lighter that the SL and yet more spacious inside, making the Copper Spur HV much more liveable for two people. Most notably, there is significantly more headspace at the foot of the tent and a little more at the head, enabling two people to sit up easily at the same time. This is mainly due to the simplified pole configuration that now relies on a single hub with one small cross pole. The result is a 25% increase in strength and walls that are much more vertical.

Big Agnes have also improved the floor of the HV, tightening it up for a more streamlined finish. Less significantly, the original D-shaped doors have been replaced with a dual zipper design. This hinges at the side rather than the bottom, making it store much more conveniently when open and tied back.

Together with the improved pole strength of the HV, Big Agnes have also made changes to the double ripstop pattern nylon. It is now 20% stronger! This really is a durable, well designed and super lightweight backpacking tent that is well worth the extra cost to gain the benefits of is reinvention.

For more details read our full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

Find the latest price on:
REI | | Backcountry


Nemo Equipment Dragonfly 2 Bikepack Tent

Best suited to:camping badge - lone wolf
nemo-dragonfly

Though not designed specifically with hikers in mind, the Nemo Equipment Dragonfly 2 Bikepack Tent is a superb option if you’re a multi-acativity type of adventurer. It’s new to the lightweight camping market in 2021 and has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a backpacking tent, plus a few fancy yet thoughtful extras for bikepackers.

Firstly, the 2 person tent weighs only 1.6kg making it a very easy carry on foot, and veritably featherweight on bike. It also packs down into a case whose straps fit the tent very neatly onto your bike handlebars without having to pack it into a separate handlebar bag. A time and money saver right there! To make this possible, Nemo have cleverly made the pole lengths shorter.

Secondly, one of the two vestibules feature a removable “Landing Zone” storage tub. This is ideal for storing shoes, helmets and other biking gear that really could do with staying dew and moisture-free overnight. There are also very useful daisy chain webbing gear loops on the outside of the inner tent for keeping damp gear off the ground but out of the sleeping area.

From a liveability and useability point of view, the Dragonfly compares closely to the Hubba Hubba and Copper Spur tents, only with much better door tie-backs! The outer fly provides less coverage making it less suited to camping in sideways rain. However, the inner tent panels just about have this covered.

Find the latest price at:
REI | Nemo Equipment


Robens Boulder 2

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer
robens boulder 2

Though it may be one of the heaviest backpacking tents on our list, at 2.4kg it’s still just about light enough for short trips or single overnighters. Share it between two people, and it’s certainly a very manageable weight.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind the extra weight then the Robens Boulder 2 is one of the best options on our list. With two entrances, both with very good sized vestibules, the Boulder 2 offers the liveability and useability of higher tents such as the Hubba Hubba and Copper Spur, but without the hefty price tags. Additionally, though the fabric is much heavier, it is more adept at dealing with storms and heavy rain.

There are some thoughtful features which I like, such as the internal doors which open all the way round to make the vestibules feel part of the inner tent. The door tie-backs also function well and the zippers feel strong and robust.

Yes, it doesn’t compete when it comes to packability, top quality and low weight. But for occasional hikers or those just starting out and wanting to save some pennies, the Boulder 2 is a really good option worth considering.

For more information read our full review of the Robens Boulder 2.

Find the latest price at:
Alpine Trek | Robens


REI Half Dome 2 Plus

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer
REI Half Dome 2 Plus backpackers tent
Although this is around 1kg heavier than the lightest tents in this review, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus gets our Top Choice for it’s spacious and stable design with a very reasonable price tag. The 3 pole design includes an eyebrow pole that extends the headroom and makes the walls more vertical. But don’t let that put you off – it is super simple to put up and creates a really roomy area for two people to comfortably live in on longer trips. The double entrances provide really spacious vestibules for all your kit or a canine camping companion, and the mesh canopy pockets add even more storage space. It is a freestanding tent designed to pitch the inner first, which is the main downside.

REI have also got the ventilation balance spot on, with mesh panels that create enough airflow for the warmer months, but no too much so as to put you off getting out early or late in the year. For a more lightweight version of this tent, take a look at the REI Quarter Dome 2.

Find the latest price on:
REI


Terra Nova Zephyros 2

Best suited to:camping badge - lone wolf

Terra Nova Equipment Zephyros 2 backpacking tent
If it’s a lightweight, no fuss, good value tent you are after, then the Terra Nova Zephyros 2will fit your requirements nicely. If however you are on the tall side and plan on sharing your already limited personal space with someone else, then you might want to consider the Zephyros 2XL for a bit extra headspace and length.

The Zephyros 2 is a non-freestanding tent with a single pole structure. It is easy to put up with the benefit of both the inner and outer sheets going up together. But at only 92cm high and 230cm long (external measurements) this great value tent is better suited to the solo backpacker or bikepacker. Those that need nothing more than on the go convenience and shelter.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


Vaude Terratrio 2P

Best suited to:camping badge - mountain goat

Vaude Terratrio 2P backpacking tent
At 2.45kg, the robust and stable design of the Vaude Terratrio 2P more than makes up for it’s shortcomings in the weight department. The inner and outer can be put up simultaneously making it a really straightforward and quick set up – ideal for getting shelter fast in bad weather. Although there is only one entrance and vestibule, it provides plenty of space for the gear of two people, and the built in poles at the tent foot improve storage space, as well as enhancing the stability of the tent. There is adequate room to sit up at one end and the length is just good enough for two tall trekkers to snuggle into.

With fewer ventilation panels than other tents, and it’s ability to hold up well in very blustery condition, this 3 season tent is more suited to colder times of the year and could definitely deal with some light snow.

Find the latest price on:
Vaude


Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer

Alps Zephyyr 2 hiking tent
The Zephyr 2is an straightforward freestanding tent that is very well suited to summer backpacking. The inner quickly and easily clips in first to the 3 pole frame, and is made entirely of mesh providing excellent ventilation and airflow.

On the diddy side to comfortably fit two tall adults, you may be better off adding a few hundred grams extra to your pack for the extra space offered by the Zephyr 3. That said, there is just enough space in the two vestibules for boots and bags. There’s roof pockets for the little extras, and the clever placement of the eyebrow pole creates adequate headroom for sitting comfortably.

A super good value and stable backpacking tent that is the perfect choice for short summer trips.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry


Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 lightweight backpacking tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2is a slightly lighter more expensive alternative to the Hubba Hubba. The pole setup is very similar creating steep walls for good headroom and the double entrance and vestibules provide ample storage space. Like the Hubba Hubba, it is freestanding but is a tight squeeze for two, so for a more roomy option, the Copper Spur UL3 is one of best 3 person backpacking tents that might be more suitable.

This tent features some handy internal mesh pockets including a media pocket in the roof, and the inner mesh keeps the air flowing well, even in rainy conditions. An all round high performing tent, but for those on a tighter budget, the REI Half Dome is the next best option.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI


Robens StarLite 2

Best suited to:camping badge - mountain-goat

Robens Starlite 2 backpacking tent
At 90cm high and 215cm long (internal measurements) the Robens Starlite 2, offers a more spacious alternative to the Zephyros 2. Although it is considerably heavier and a little pricier, the Starlite is one of the best backpacking tents for the those anticipating questionable weather conditions. It comes in a roll up dry bag, has an internal washing line to dry out damp gear, reinforced storm proof guy lines, double clip fly to pole hooks, rain proof ventilation flaps both at the peak and foot of the tent, and to top it off – it is designed to be pitched fly first or simultaneously with the inner.

The Starlite 2 is a single pole non-freestanding design, reinforced with built-in end poles. The single door and small vestibule makes it more suited to single campers or a two smaller people.

Find the latest price at:
Camping World


Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer

 Mountain Hardware Supermega UL2 ultralight backpacking tent
As the lightest backpacking tent in this review (closely followed by the Tarptent Double Rainbow), the Mountain Hardwear SuperMega UL2 deserves an honourable mention. It’s ability to perform exceptionally well in bad weather for it’s inconceivably light and delicate design, sets it apart from other tents in this price bracket. So light that you will barely notice it in your backpack, and with the super easy single pole hub set up, it provides an ideal option for short, fast trips for two on tough terrain. The main downside, together with the thin and slightly fragile fly, is it’s lack of space. With only one door and small vestibule, the already limited internal space is reduced even further, making it the one of the best lightweight backpacking tents that is a more comfortable option for the lone wolf.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


Hilleberg Anjan 2

Best suited to:camping badge - weekend wanderer camping badge - mountain-goat

Hilleberg Anjan 2 man backpacking tent
The Hilleburg Anjan 2 is the most expensive backpacking tent in this review, but earns its value as an excellent all rounder choice that is as well suited to car camping as it is to wilderness trekking. The two pole tunnel design creates steep walls to provide decent headroom for two people. Although there is only one door – which can be a pain for space sharing – the vestibule has enough room to stash all your gear.

The inner and outer can be pitched simultaneously. This is a big plus for bad weather, and the structure holds up very well in high winds. For summer conditions, there is good ventilation due to the outer fly not going all the way to the floor, so for colder conditions, the Nallo 2 would be a better choice to keep out the chill.

The Anjan is a three season, durable and spacious tent that will stand the test of time, and although on the pricey side, still deserves the Cool of the Wild All Rounder Award.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


Tarptent Double Rainbow

Best suited to:camping badge - lone wolfcamping badge - weekend wanderer

Tarptent double rainbow backpacking tent
This is the only single walled backpacking tent that we have included in this review. It owes it’s mega low weight to the tarp-like properties of the design – as the name suggests. The Tarptent Double Rainbow not only competes with the Mountain Hardwear in weight, but it also has a more appealing price tag without compromising on its robustness and ability to weather the storm. You will need to purchase a seam sealing kit for optimal waterproofing.

The clever design of the Tarptent Double Rainbow certainly maximises the space. Not only does it feature two entrances on each side, but the vestibules can also be adapted into veranda style porches. Use your trekking poles or guy lines to make this happen. The nature of this half tent, half tarp shelter ensures great ventilation. This is a must for keeping on top of condensation levels, which can be a problem with single walled set ups. Surprisingly spacious for its weight and a really good value option for summer backpackers and bikepackers.

Find the latest price on:
Tarptent


Whether you’re looking for a new tent to add to your quiver of wilderness shelters or are delving into the world of backpacking for the first time, our list of the best backpacking tents should have you covered. Whatever you choose, take the time to consider how, where and when you’ll use it. And if at all possible, borrow or rent a couple of tents before you make the investment in buying your own.

Happy backpacking, happy campers!

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About the author

author-joey

Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and runs Cool of the Wild. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills.

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