The Best Backpacking Tent of 2024: To keep You Dry Without Breaking Your Back

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL

The Agnes Copper Spur HV UL is a spacious option that is great for moderate weather conditions. It’s the perfect pick for both long and short treks because of its versatility. It offers a livable space and plenty of headroom.

This three-season hiking tent features two huge doors with comfortable vestibule space, perfect if you’re tall. It could also be used as a two-person tent. It has a simple setup system and a sturdier tent that will hold up well against strong winds.

The Big Agnes is quite lightweight and easy to pack. The only downside to this hiking tent is that the fabric is not the most durable, so you would have to consider the terrain you’ll be setting up camp in.

NEMO Dagger 2P

While its doors are not as large as the Big Agnes Copper HV UL, the NEMO Dagger provides much comfort and some other cool features. Both the good-sized vestibules and the inside are big enough for you to sleep comfortably and keep your gear near.

This hiking tent is also quite light, which considering the durability and space it provides, makes it a great choice for backpackers.

NEMO Dagger is a great 2-person backpacking tent choice if you enjoy backcountry adventures. If you like this one, you can also check out the 3P.

MSR Hubba Hubba

If you are an experienced hiker that hits the trails often or is fond of rocky terrain, then this is a great choice. This hiking tent offers you solid protection, relative interior space, and excellent durability. It also offers excellent sun shelter.

However, if you are not used to the setup, this one could get a little tricky. The tent itself has a simple setup design, but the rain fly is a little more complicated.

With its 3.8 lbs, the Hubba Hubba is just a little heavier than the Dagger and the Copper Spur but can still be considered a lightweight shelter.

Kelty Dirt Motel 2

If you are looking for an affordable hiking double-walled tent that still offers you comfort and space, then the Kelty Dirt Motel 2 is the one for you.

The tent has great headroom and big doors in the tent and the fly. On the downside, though, this is not the lightest tent as it weighs 4.8 pounds.

But you can expect great cover and ventilation with this budget option, making it the perfect three-season hiking tent which won’t break the bank.

The North Face Stormbreak

If you are hiking in warmer weather and looking for a tent that offers you good ventilation, look no further than this single-walled tent. The TNF Stormbreak provides great ventilation, good headroom and large doors.

You’ll want to spend a couple of days around the campsite after setting this one up; this is the most livable hiking tent on this list. It’s a good option if you only have a short hike to your campsite.

However, if you are looking for a lightweight or ultralightweight tent, this is definitely not. The total weight of the Stormbreak comes in at 5.9 lbs making it heavy for a backpacking tent.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is not the lightest of the ultralight tents out there, but it is roomy and offers you the comfort and protection that only a good quality 3-season hiking tent would.

This 2.56-pound tent is designed with two nice-sized doors and good headroom. They also sell this fir a three-person tent and the interior is big enough to fit your gear too. 

On the downside, though, the fly is not the most reliable in wet weather like the Agnes Fly Creek. However, it is still a great choice to look for an ultralight tent without sacrificing comfort.

NEMO Hornet

The NEMO Hornet has one of the easiest setups, especially with the easy-to-use poles. It also has two big doors and huge vestibule space, so two people could camp in it quite comfortably.

Although it doesn’t offer much headroom, it is still one of the biggest lightweight tents you can find. But the extra feet of floor space comes with extra weight too.

At 2.34 pounds, this is the second-heaviest hiking tent in this category. One of the best things about this tent is its solid construction and its durability. You are guaranteed years of adventure even if you’re rough on it.

Black Diamond Beta Light

This is one of the most minimalist tents on this list. It doesn’t come with a floor nor poles, but you can buy a Bug Net separately.

This ultralight tent works with trekking poles. It is the perfect way to save extra space and weight while backpacking. It’s 1.35 pounds, making it one of the lightest on this list. This hiking tent has an excellent balance between weight and tent floor space.

Highly ventilated foor airflow and less condensation buildup. A two-person tent with ample space for gear storage and keep your gear dry. With a good sleeping bag, you can even make this tent work during colder winters.

The Beta Light is not for everyone, but if you’re a tough, experienced hiker counting every gram and looking for a tent with plenty of space, is adaptable, and affordable tent, this is a great option.

Six Moons Haven

The Haven is another spacious minimalist lightweight tent designed for fast-paced hikers who like counting every gram. A tarp-style tent/Tarp-StyleA freestanding tent for that minimalist pitch option.

The tent body excels in offering protection and extra space for a very affordable tent price. The set-up is not as easy as the Beta Light since it is not symmetrical, but it compensates with less pack weight and four-sided protection made with thinner materials.

You will still need to carry those trekking poles, though, because this one doesn’t include poles. The Bug Net is optional, so if you choose not to use it, you can use the fly instead. 

This tent is not a great option for cold weather, though, so you want to stick to warmer climates with this hiking tent. You can choose between a 2-person tent and 4P tent.

Black Diamond Distance

Weighing less than 2 pounds, the Black Diamond Distance is a minimalist and ultralight tent. It requires trekking poles for setup.

This ultralight tent walls holds up well in windy and cold conditions, but you may find it a little uncomfortable to use in warmer weather. It doesn’t have much ventilation, which may cause condensation to build up inside.

Space is also limited, so unless you don’t mind squeezing in with your partner, you probably want to use this one just for yourself. It really is a one-person tent but overall, it is a great option, even with its limitations.

Big Agnes Copper Spur

This lightweight backpacking tent is the lightest on this list at a minimum trail weight of 1.1 pounds. It is also easy to pack. A popular backpacking tent in warmer months.

This hiking tent won’t withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy rains. Although made of waterproof material, it will only withstand light rain. Too much water will cause the tent to collapse.

The setup is easy, and you can use your trekking poles instead of lugging around extra tent poles.

This is the perfect hiking tent for the avid adventurer, whether you love long treks or trail running. It’s light enough to take almost anywhere.

MSR Elixir 3 V2 Tent

This excellent design from MSR excels in versatility and moisture management while succeeding in staying relatively lightweight. This four-season hiking tent made with a mesh canopy is great for most outdoor adventures and holds up well in most weather conditions.

This may not be an ultralight tent, but it is easy to pack and is reliable even under the worst elements. The setup is a little tricky for the beginner, but it shouldn’t be a problem if you are a seasoned hiker.

Black Diamond El Dorado

The Black Diamond El Dorado is specifically designed for tackling rugged alpine terrain under harsh weather conditions.

This traditional tent is designed for those who want to pack for mountaineering expeditions. If you enjoy shorter backpacking adventures, then this is a great buy. But don’t expect too much comfort for long stays.

Although not ultralight, this tent offers you the ultimate weather protection in wet conditions and dry conditions. This hiking tent doesn’t come with rainfly zippers though, so you won’t have roomy vestibules.

But, if the camping livable space is limited as it usually is in alpine environments, its reduced feet of floor space is definitely an asset. This is also a great option for backpacking missions.

Nemo Tenshi

With the Nemo Tenshi, you will have both the Black Diamond El Dorado’s easy set-up and added extra space. A 4-season backpacking tent is good for up to 6 people.  with an awning-style vestibule.

This hiking tent is not the most comfortable for long-term stays, but this model offers you excellent ventilation, and it is incredibly versatile. On the downside, though, it is an expensive tent and heavier than most of the other options in this category.

MSR Advance Pro

Lightweight mountaineers and fast-paced hikers will fall in love with this single-wall tent. The setup couldn’t be easier and can be done in any weather conditions, no matter how extreme.

It is small and easy to pack, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have enough room inside for a comfortable stay.

When it comes to weather, this is a hiking tent built for colder temperatures. Because of its lack of ventilation, warmer weather is not ideal for this tent.

Mountain Hardwear Outpost

If you enjoy winter backpacking but don’t usually visit places with extreme weather, then this winter tent is perfect for you.

This tent has great livability so you can enjoy longer stays and you will be warm and comfortable. You can enjoy a large vestibule with two doors. This hiking tent also offers you great ventilation, so no pesky condensation.

On the downside, this double-wall tent is not exactly light, so be prepared for the extra weight. But it is great in warmer months too and is big enough for two people.

Marmot Limestone

The Limestone looks very similar to your regular 3-season tent, but it’s much more spacious and taller. Despite not being as roomy as other tents in this category, this one is straightforward to set up and offers you great resistance to intense weather.

The Limestone weighs around 11.3 pounds, so you wouldn’t be able to carry it on a backpacking trip. But it works great for camping trips. With its reliable and sturdy built, you’ll be protected from the elements and comfortable.

Eureka Copper Canyon

This tent was made for dry climates. While it won’t protect against bad weather, its space and ventilation more than make up for that. Especially since the lack of ventilation can cause so many problems when outdoors in harsh conditions.

This single-wall shelter offers a small affordable cabin with huge doors, perfect for a country trip with your friends or family. The small rainfly gutter can stand a certain amount of rain, but not in harsh weather.

However, the poles are very sturdy and solid, which makes the tent capable of withstanding strong winds.

Coleman Cabin

The Coleman Cabin is a firm favorite in this category, especially because of its fast and easy setup. A non-freestanding tent that provides you with comfort and affordability.

If you are a tall person, this won’t be the most comfortable option for you as it does not offer the best ceiling height. It also hasn’t been designed for harsh weather.

But if you are looking for comfort, simplicity, and a great tent for your summer hiking trips, this is a great investment.

Alps Mountaineering Camp Creek

If you plan a trip to your favorite campsite, this is a great option for space and comfort. Although not the cheapest option on the list, it does offer you great value at a reasonable price if you are an avid camper that loves long trips.

It even stands up well in most weather conditions. The tent weighs about 20 pounds and can fit up to four people quite comfortably. However, it does not have a separate vestibule for your gear so you can add-on vestibule if you’d like.

The livable space in this tent is great, but it isn’t easy to set up, so it isn’t perfect for short stays where you will be setting up and breaking it down daily. Technically you could use this as a hiking tent, but it is always better to use a tent such as this if you are hiking from a base camp.

Coleman Red Canyon

The Coleman Red Canyon is a great tent. It is easy to set up, is really spacious, and can even be divided into three different rooms for extra privacy. This tent can fit up to eight people, making it great for family trips. Measures 16 x 7 square feet with 6-foot 2-inch center height.

It offers you ample headroom and is big enough to fit a few camping cots in as well. Although not a tent you can backpack with, it is great to plan a trip to your favorite national park to explore the hiking trails.

The fly creek will do well enough in rainy weather but won’t be enough to withstand a storm. I wouldn’t consider this tent the best quality, but you get what you pay for, and for the seasonal camping trip, this is a great choice for an entry-level tent.