Best backpacking tents 2024: lightweight shelters for adventurous explorers

Looking for the best backpacking tent? Welcome to the ultimate guide where we pitch the top contenders against each other – metaphorically speaking, of course. Because let's be honest, no one wants to carry extra weight in their pack unless it's a bag of marshmallows for those campfire s'mores.

When it comes to backpacking, every gram counts. That's why our selection focuses on lightweight yet sturdy tents that won't have you questioning your life choices halfway up a mountain. From single-wall wonders to spacious shelters for two (or even three if you're cosy), we've got your back – literally.

So, grab your lightweight sleeping bag and camping mat, lace up those hiking boots, and get ready to hit the trails with confidence. Prefer car camping? Check out our favourite large shelters in T3's best tent roundup.

Our current favourite backpacking shelter is TNF's Trail Lite 2-Person Tent. It's wonderfully spacious and offers a ton of useful features for backpackers, from extra headroom to clever pockets. The Sea to Summit Alto TR2 is not far behind in terms of comfort and convenience and is also an excellent choice for duo travellers. Finally, Sierra Designs' Meteor Lite 2 is probably the fastest-pitching tent we've tried on this list.

Best backpacking tents to buy right now

Best overall

Part of The North Face's Technical Collection, the Trail Lite 2-Person Tent is currently the best backpacking tent. While lighter options exist, none match its combination of spaciousness, portability, and waterproofness.

Equipped with premium features, it's a valuable investment for serious backpackers. Constructed with a 20D nylon Ripstop fly and a 75D polyester floor, it offers durability and protection. Oversized doors and vestibules provide ample ventilation and storage.

During testing, it proved resilient against rain and wind, boasting easy assembly and stability. Despite its lightweight, it offers generous space and comfortable height. The DWR-treated bottom layer ensures dryness even on wet ground, while large openings allow for excellent airflow.

Versatile and reliable, The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent is ideal for backpackers seeking quality and performance. While cheaper alternatives exist, this tent is a worthwhile investment for those prioritising durability and comfort on their outdoor adventures.

Read our full The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent review.

Best 2-people

The Sea to Summit Alto TR2 tent is a brilliant backpacking tent. At just 1.3kg, it's almost, but not quite, ultralight, and it comes in three separate stuff sacks, which makes it easy to pack or split between two people.

It can be pitched in under 10 minutes and is versatile enough to be set up in a few configurations, such as having the inner tent on its own for warm, dry nights or leaving the fly half-off so you can see the stars. It's also brilliantly designed and really well made. Bear in mind it's a little snug for two full-grown adults (although if there's just one of you, it's awesome). 

Read our full Sea to Summit Alto TR2 tent review.

Also consider: The Sea To Summit Telos TR2 boasts several innovative new features, incredible amounts of headroom, and perhaps the best ventilation in its class. Multiple modes allow you to set up the tent to fit both your needs and the conditions outside.

Best fast-pitch

We tested out the 2-man version of this tent, but there are also different versions for one and three people available. It's very lightweight when packed (the brand has even shaved off a few grams compared to the previous iteration of this tent) but surprisingly spacious when pitched – it'll fit two people side by side, with room at your feet for two backpacks, and there are also two generous porches which provide extra space for storage.

The design is split into two parts: an inner mesh tent and an outer waterproof 'fly'. That means when the weather's warm and dry, you can roll back the outer layer and engage in a spot of stargazing. It's also quick and easy to pitch and pack away and stands up very well to high winds and rain. Well worth investing in for years of lightweight adventuring.

Read our full Sierra Designs Meteor Lite review.

Best solo

The Vango F10 Project Hydrogen deserves inclusion here for two key reasons: technical innovation and ludicrous lightness. That last metric is pretty essential when carrying tents on your back, and Project Hydrogen's 680-gram trail weight is as light as they come – there are plenty of heavier sleeping mats. Although it's not a large tent, there's still a good amount of living space for one person, with a porch for storage and enough room to sit up inside. 

This innovative design uses air poles to lower the weight, and they're surprisingly sturdy, even in bad weather. Inflating it using the included bike pump is speedy and simple. Vango hasn't skimped on the details here, serving up a twin-skin build (important to fend off condensation), as well as a Yunan carbon fibre singular pole which sits at the foot-end of the tent. A cotton thread that expands to seal gaps when wet means there's no seam tape here, shaving a few more grams, while a 7D nylon with a double silicone flysheet should keep the wet stuff outside in all but the worst weather.

Read our full Vango F10 Project Hydrogen review.

Also consider: The Vango F10 Neon UL1 surprises with its ultralight design yet robust performance. Suitable for thru-hiking, wild camping, and bikepacking, it offers ample space for one person and gear. Waterproof and warm for three seasons, its spike-style pegs may lack effectiveness in windy conditions, suggesting a need for sturdier alternatives.

Best 3-season

The Alpkit Soloist, a 1-person, 3-season backpacking tent, boasts a semi-geodesic shape that ensures remarkable stability even in harsh wet and windy conditions. Setting up and taking down the Soloist is a breeze, thanks to its simple and quick assembly, and it packs away neatly and compactly for easy trail transport.

With a standard interior length of two meters, most users will find ample space to lie down comfortably, while taller backpackers can opt for the extra-large version. While the tent's design features a reasonably spacious porch area, it may not be large enough for cooking during heavy rain. However, it provides sufficient room for food preparation and storage of wet gear.

Though lacking interior storage pockets for better organization, the Soloist performs admirably in heavy weather conditions, as demonstrated in Scotland. Additionally, in warmer months, the tent can be used without a flysheet, while its kelp-coloured exterior offers discreet camping opportunities for wild campers.

Read our full Alpkit Soloist review.

Best ultralight

Need an ultra-lightweight tent for hiking adventures? The Sierra Designs High Route 1 3000 1P tent is made for just that scenario. In fact, thanks to a smart design twist that we're amazed nobody's thought of before, it's only suitable for hikers. To keep it light and packable, this tent doesn't come with poles; instead, you pitch it using your own trekking poles for support.

That's a brilliant idea, frankly, but we should warn you that you'll need decent poles; we tried it with cheap and flimsy ones, and it wouldn't stand up properly, but got much better results with higher-quality poles. Sierra Designs insists that pitching is simple and intuitive, but we'd caution that it takes a bit of practice to get right. Breaking camp is quick and easy, though, and in between, you'll enjoy a roomy and well-specced tent that's versatile in its pitching options.

Read our full Sierra Designs High Route 1 3000 1P review.

Best budget

The Alpkit Ordos 2 is a superb lightweight backpacking tent, thanks to its combination of ease of pitching and affordability.

While it's designed for two people, it's particularly well-suited for solo adventurers. It offers reliable weatherproofing and comes in a compact, lightweight package, making it ideal for backpacking trips where space and weight are critical considerations.

Despite its small size, it provides enough room for two campers and their gear, though the porch area is somewhat cramped. One minor downside is the lack of multiple doors, which can make entry and exit slightly less convenient, especially for two occupants.

However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the tent's overall performance and value for money. The optional footprint accessory enhances waterproofing and protects the tent floor, making it a worthwhile investment for those venturing into wet or rocky terrain.

The Alpkit Ordos 2 strikes a balance between functionality, affordability, and portability, making it a practical choice for backpackers and wild campers seeking a reliable shelter for their outdoor adventures.

Read our full Alpkit Ordos 2 tent review.

Best for summer

Despite the cheeky name, this award-winning MSR backpacking tent is all business. The hub pole design cleverly maximises the usable space inside the tent, including the head and elbow room, while ensuring it stays stable. There’s also a breathable mesh canopy offering up unrestricted views of the scenery surrounding you. That, combined with a cross-ventilating flysheet, works to a) keep condensation at bay and b) boost airflow. That’s ideal for taking the edge off hot, sticky nights during summer backpacking trips. Built-in rain gutters are a godsend during wet weather trips, though in general, we’d recommend the Hubba Hubba for warm weather trips.

How to choose the best backpacking tent for you

Choosing the perfect backpacking tent is like finding the ultimate adventure sidekick – it needs to be reliable, lightweight, and always up for the journey.

Pack size plays a starring role in this backpacking saga. You want a tent that plays nice with your backpack, not one that feels like an unwanted guest taking up precious space. Bonus points if it squeezes into your pack like a pro, but fear not if it ends up hitching a ride on the outside – it's all part of the adventure, right?

When Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum, your tent should be your trusty shield against her wrath. Waterproof and sturdy enough to withstand gusty winds? Check. Easy to pitch and pack up in a flash? Double-check.

Comfort is key, my friend. A little extra space can go a long way when you're spending nights under the stars. Mesh windows for stargazing, pockets for tidying up your tent floor, and a cozy porch for rainy-day gear storage – these are the little luxuries that turn a good tent into a great one.

And let's not forget the golden rule of backpacking: a good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold. After a day of conquering trails, you deserve to rest and recharge in comfort. So, when you're on the hunt for the perfect tent, remember to strike a balance between weight, durability, and comfort. Your back, and your dreams of epic adventures, will thank you for it.

How we test the best backpacking tents

To test backpacking tents, we take them on backpaking trips, as many as possible, to see how they fare in real-world conditions.

We pay close attention to how the tent handles these conditions – are the seams watertight? Does the rainfly effectively repel moisture?

Ease of setup is another crucial factor to consider. A backpacking tent should be intuitive to pitch, even for beginners. We often time ourselves as we assemble lightweight tents.

We look for features like colour-coded poles and simple clip systems that make setup a breeze, even in low light or inclement weather.

Then, we climb inside and take stock of the space – is there enough room for you and your gear? Can you sit up comfortably without feeling cramped? We look for features that enhance comfort, such as interior pockets for storage, mesh panels for ventilation, and vestibules for storing muddy boots or wet gear.

Finally, we pack ithe tent away. A backpacking tent should be compact and lightweight, fitting seamlessly into your pack without adding unnecessary bulk. We practice rolling (or folding) the tent and stowing it in its stuff sack.

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