The 5 Best Backpacking Tents of 2024

If you’re planning to go camping in the wild or trying to save money, we’ve found the best backpacking tents for your adventures in 2024.

When choosing a backpacking tent, you have many options. Some are very light and simple, while others are cheaper but bulkier, especially if you’re new to camping.

Everyone has different needs and budgets. A beginner’s ideal tent is different from what an experienced long-distance hiker would want, as they carefully consider every item they carry.

After carefully testing and spending many nights under the stars, we’ve picked the top backpacking tents for 2024. We mainly focused on two-person tents, but we’ll also provide details about other sizes in the specifications for easy comparisons.

So, let’s dive into the best backpacking tents for 2024 to make sure you have a great camping experience!

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent

The Big Agnes Copper Spur is a good choice for backpackers who want a lightweight tent that’s still high quality.

This tent keeps you dry because the bottom and the rain cover overlap nicely. There’s also mesh near the floor to help with airflow and reduce moisture inside.

Even though it’s light, this tent is comfortable. It has two doors, two small porches, a 29-square-foot floor, and 18 square feet of porch space. You can turn these porches into little awnings for cooking or getting some fresh air.

It’s easy to set up with simple buckles, and there are lots of pockets for your stuff, including a special one for gadgets and snacks.

The tent is made of delicate materials to keep it light, like a ripstop floor and fly with a thin coating. The poles are the lightest from DAC and have a unique hub for quick setup. But be careful with the poles because they can break easily.

This tent is perfect for lightweight backpacking, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time inside or use electronics. But keep in mind, it’s not the absolute lightest, and it might not do well in really strong winds.

If you’re interested in learning more about packing tents efficiently in your backpack for such trips, don’t forget to check out our guide on the topic.

Pros:

•  Surprisingly roomy inside
•  Great storage and porch setup

Cons:

•  It’s a bit expensive

 

Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent

The Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent is one of the best backpacking tents you can find. It’s lightweight and tough, perfect for your outdoor adventures.

This tent is designed for three people and has a roomy 41.5 square feet of space inside. It’s comfy and easy to move around in when you’re out in nature.

What makes this tent stand out is that it’s completely waterproof. The floor is sealed tight to keep you dry even in wet conditions. The top cover is also sealed and lets air in to keep you comfortable no matter the weather.

The tent is built to be strong and reliable with aluminum poles that are tough but not too heavy. This means you can carry it easily and trust it to hold up on the trail.

The Marmot Crane Creek is also designed with accessibility and storage in mind. It has two big doors that are easy to get in and out of. Plus, it has two overhead pockets to keep your stuff organized and tidy inside.

Pros:

•  Lightweight and easy to pack
•  Completely waterproof

Cons:

•  Not the best for ventilation
•  You need to be careful to avoid damage

 

Naturehike Cloud Backpacking Tent

The Naturehike Cloud Backpacking Tent stands out as one of the best backpacking tents, offering a lightweight and spacious 3-season shelter for two people, perfectly suited for backpacking adventures.

Weighing in at just 3.97 lbs, it strikes the ideal balance between roominess and portability. This is particularly appealing to adventurers who prefer simplicity and ease of carrying.

Constructed from robust 20D Nylon with an impressive 4000mm waterproof rating, this tent is built to withstand a range of weather conditions. Supported by sturdy 7001 aluminum poles, it guarantees reliability during your outdoor escapades.

Despite its generous size when set up (210×125 cm), the Naturehike Cloud packs down into a remarkably compact form (40xφ13 cm), making it a convenient companion for backpacking, cycling, or trekking adventures.

This tent features a two-layer design and stands on its own, thanks to two Y-shaped poles that enhance stability and ventilation. Setting it up is a breeze and takes approximately 5 minutes, catering to backpackers of all experience levels.

Pros:

•  Great waterproofing with a 4000mm rating
•  Packs small but spacious when set up
•  Quick and easy to set up

Cons:

•  Not the best for really cold weather
•  Be careful with it because it’s so light
•  You might need extra stakes in windy conditions

 

MSR Elixir 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

 

The MSR Elixir 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is among the best backpacking tents, perfect for backpackers who prioritize space and convenience.

It features a unique pole design that maximizes interior space, providing ample room for comfort. With a combination of mesh and solid panels, this tent ensures proper ventilation, warmth, and privacy.

For those seeking a lightweight option, you can set up the tent with just the rain cover and footprint, making it an excellent choice for weight-conscious backpackers.

Setting it up is a breeze, thanks to its freestanding design and color-coded poles and clips. You’ll also appreciate the spacious vestibules for storing your gear, and the added convenience of glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.

With dimensions of 84 x 68 inches on the floor, the tent offers plenty of room while still packing down to a manageable 20 x 8 inches and weighing just 7 lbs. It strikes a perfect balance between space and portability, making it one of the best backpacking tents for your outdoor adventures.

Pros:

•  Lots of space and headroom
•  Good mix of ventilation and warmth

Cons:

•  It’s a bit heavier at 7 lbs
•  The packed size might be a bit big for some
•  It’s not super warm in really cold places

 

GEERTOP Ultralight Bivy Backpacking Tent

 

The Geertop 1 Person Tent is an exceptional choice for solo backpackers and deserves recognition among the best backpacking tents. It’s impressively lightweight at just 4 lbs, and its dimensions of 84 inches in length, 39 inches in width, and 36 inches in height offer ample space.

When packed up, it transforms into a compact bundle measuring a mere 17 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches, making it a perfect companion for hiking, camping, and fishing adventures.

This tent boasts a two-layer design with a PU 2500mm flysheet and sealed seams, ensuring it’s fully waterproof. Its thoughtful design includes two windows and doors for optimal ventilation, along with extra vestibules to stow your gear.

Setting up the Geertop tent is a breeze, taking less than ten minutes, thanks to its efficient two-pole frame. Even if you’re not an experienced camper, you’ll find it easy to assemble. When it’s time to move on, it conveniently rolls up into a spacious carrying bag for effortless transport.

Pros:

•  Very lightweight and compact
•  Completely waterproof
•  Good ventilation

Cons:

•  It’s small, only for one person
•  You might need extra stakes in windy conditions

Conclusion

In the world of backpacking, choosing the right tent is crucial for a comfortable outdoor experience. Best backpacking tents come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique features to meet various needs.

From super light single-person tents like the Geertop 1 Person Tent for minimalists to more spacious options like the MSR Elixir 3-Person Tent, which provides ample space, there’s a tent for every type of backpacker.

The key is to strike the right balance between weight, durability, weather resistance, and ease of setup when selecting the best backpacking tents.

Lightweight tents are essential for long treks where every ounce matters, but they should not compromise on sturdiness and weather protection.

Factors like good ventilation, waterproof materials, and quick setup are also crucial for convenience and comfort in the outdoors.

Ultimately, the choice depends on what you need most – whether it’s space, weight, or weather resistance. Best backpacking tents cater to a variety of preferences.

But if you’re looking for an all-around great tent that excels in most aspects, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL tent is a standout choice among the best backpacking tents.

It seamlessly combines lightweight design with durability, generous space, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent pick for a wide range of backpacking adventures.

This tent slightly outperforms its competition, offering an exceptional balance that will satisfy most backpackers looking for quality and versatility in their outdoor gear.