10 Best Backpacking Tents

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent is positioned as an ultralight, five-person tent designed for backpacking and camping. Weighing approximately 3.32 kilograms, it offers a reasonable weight for carrying, especially considering its capacity and features, making it suitable for group adventures where one can share the load. The tent's capacity is ample, accommodating up to five people, and its elongated dimensions provide extra length and height, offering more comfort and space. As a three-season tent, it's designed to withstand a range of weather conditions, though it may not be ideal for extreme winter scenarios.

One of its standout features is the easy setup, thanks to the unique TipLok Tent Buckle system, which simplifies assembly by combining multiple functions like pole-tip capture and rainfly attachment. Additionally, the tent boasts a generous assortment of storage options, including 3-D bin pockets and media pockets, enhancing convenience for users who carry multiple gadgets and gear.

Durability is addressed through the use of ultralight, high-strength fabric that offers tear resistance. The tent's construction includes DAC poles with a high-volume hub design, and all seams are taped with a waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape, ensuring good water resistance, though the 1200 mm water-resistance rating suggests it can handle moderate rain but might struggle in torrential downpours. However, while the tent is spacious, its relatively large packed size of 22 x 6 inches requires some consideration in terms of packing space, especially on longer trips where space is at a premium. The tent's price point might be higher than some alternatives, reflecting its premium materials and design features. It may best suit adventurers seeking a balance of portability, space, and ease of use, without venturing into the harshest environments.

The MSR Freelite 2-Person Tent is designed with backpackers in mind who want to keep weight down without losing space or useful features. Weighing just over 1kg, it’s very light, which makes it a great choice if you plan to carry your tent over long distances. Despite its ultralight weight, the tent offers a comfortable rectangular floorplan with enough headroom for sitting up inside. It fits two people and includes two side-entry vestibules, giving you handy extra space to store gear safely outside the sleeping area.

This tent is meant for 3-season use, making it suitable for spring, summer, and fall but not ideal for harsh winter conditions. Its rainfly and floor are waterproof with taped seams, so it keeps you dry in wet weather, and it’s made from durable materials including strong aluminum poles that resist bending or breaking. You’ll find reinforced stitching and sturdy attachments that add to its durability without adding much weight.

Setup is straightforward thanks to the unified pole system and symmetrical design, so you can pitch or pack it away quickly, even if you’re not experienced. There are also practical interior features like pockets with cable ports to keep your devices charged and organised. The tent is semi-freestanding, meaning it needs some stakes or guy lines for full stability, which is common in lightweight models but might require a bit more attention during setup. While roomy for two, taller or larger users might find the space a bit tight for long stays. The MSR Freelite effectively balances ultralight weight with good space, durable construction, and ease of setup, making it a solid option for backpackers seeking reliable shelter in mild to moderate weather conditions.

The MSR Elixir 3-Person Tent is designed with backpackers in mind who want a reliable shelter for three-season trips. Weighing about 7 pounds (3.2 kg), it's reasonably lightweight for a tent that comfortably fits three people, although ultralight campers might find it a bit heavy. Its rectangular shape and smart pole design maximize interior space with a generous 41-inch headroom, making it more comfortable to move around inside compared to many tents in this class. It offers good ventilation through a mix of mesh and solid panels, which helps balance airflow to reduce condensation while maintaining privacy.

Setting up the tent is straightforward thanks to color-coded poles and clips, plus it can be pitched quickly using just the rainfly and footprint for a lighter setup option. This freestanding system also adds convenience when camping on different surfaces. The tent is rated for three-season use, so it performs well in spring, summer, and fall conditions but is not meant for harsh winter weather or heavy snow. Its materials include waterproof fabrics and a durable floor, helping keep you dry in rain and resisting wear on rough ground.

Additional features like large vestibules provide covered space for gear, and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls make night-time access easier. While the packed size is compact enough for backpacking, some may prefer lighter or smaller tents for minimalist trips. The tent’s solid build and thoughtful design make it a dependable choice for small groups or families wanting a balance of comfort, protection, and ease of use during mild to moderate weather conditions.