Looking for the best backpacking tents on the market? From ultralight to budget-friendly, here’s a quick guide to how to chose the best backpacking tent for you, from someone who’s field tested these tents!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy, and I’ve been working as an outdoor guide, women’s trip leader and outdoor-focused writer since 2018. Between backpacking adventures in the desert, 70+ day sea kayaking trips, and guiding throughout the US I’ve had a chance to personally test a lot of the best outdoor gear out there in a variety of conditions. In addition, as a guide I’ve had a lot of time helping people find the right gear for their needs in person, and now I’m happy to do that online as well!

Oh hey there! This blog uses affiliate links. That means if you choose to make a purchase, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Best Backpacking Tents: from budget-friendly to ultralight

Choosing the right shelter for backpacking can feel intense! And I won’t lie, it is an important decision. It can be expensive, it’s important that it keeps you dry and safe on trail, and you’re going to be carrying it on your back. Here are the main factors I’ll break down to help you pick the best tent for you: weight, cost, livable space, weather-proofing, longevity, and ease of setup.

Here’s a quick list of the best backpack tents on the market; read on for a detailed breakdown.

• Big Agnes Copperspur UL2: Best Freestanding Backpacking Tent (~ $600 USD)
• Durston X-Mid Pro 1: Best Trekking Pole Tent (~$550+ USD)
• REI Half Dome 2: Best Basic Backpacking Tent (~ $330 USD)
• Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent: Best Semi-free standing ultralight tent (~ $450 USD)
• Kelty Late State 1: Best Budget Backpacking Tent (~ $150 USD)

1) Big Agnes Copperspur UL2: Best Freestanding Backpacking Tent

If you plan on camping on sand or hard rocks, you’re probably going to need a freestanding tent, or a tent that doesn’t need to be staked into the ground. If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line free standing tent for backpacking, cycling, kayaking camping and more, you really can’t go wrong with the Big Agnes Copperspur.

I’ve had this tent for about two years now and have nothing but good things to say. The two person is 2 pounds, 10 oz which is I would say mid-range in weight but makes up for this in comfort and versatility. Typically as a rule, a two person tent really only fits one person comfortably and while I would generally say that’s true of the Copperspur, you can totally fit two people in a pinch.

My Copperspur’s claim to fame is that it survived my worst ever backcountry storm (and I work as a guide so I’m out a lot). The tent wasn’t staked in at all, just tossed up, and poles bent nearly sideways in wind gusts before just recovering right back into place. It was raining sideways, we were all in lightning position, I didn’t even use a footprint and this tent was bone dry when the storm passed my friends. 10/10 performance.

I would say the only con of the Copperspur is it’s a little slow to set up compared to some of the other more simple tents on the market.

READ: Best Sleeping Pads

2) Durston X-Mid Pro 1: Best Trekking Pole Tent

For the backpacker looking for weight savings without sacrificing comfort or sturdiness, the Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is an impressive workhorse of a tent. The X-mid is set up with trekking poles in lieu of tent poles (big weight saving to begin with), and is a single-wall tent that pitches fairly easily and optimal tension can be attained with just four tent stakes (though I typically use 8).

The X-Mid is made of extra light and extra tough dyneema (which someone on one of my trips commented makes the tent look like it’s made out of fairy wings lol), and held up well in a backcountry storm on my La Cloche Silhouette thru-hike.

I had sort of expected to only want to use this tent when weight savings were important, namely, on longer backpacking trips, because I expected the livable space and comfort to be less. That has not been the case at all, and I think as long as you can get the tent stakes into the ground this is an awesome tent for just about any adventure. It’s comfortable, lightweight and durable, and a steal compared to other dyneema tents.

READ: Best Sleeping Bags

3) REI Half Dome 2: Best Basic Backpacking Tent

The REI Half Dome 2 is the classic first tent and for good reason. The tent is a beefy nearly 6-pounds, making it easily the heaviest tent on this list, but the Half Dome has a lot of the same benefits in livable space and versatility as the Copperspur (admittedly with fewer bells and whistles) as a free standing tent and comes in at about $200 cheaper.

(That said, Big Agnes and ergo the Copperspur have a great warranty policy which is also worth keeping in mind).

The REI Half Dome gets tweaked and improved every year but my first camping trips were out of a 10+ year old Half Dome and it served it’s purpose well. Overall, the Half Dome is a super livable (but heavy) tent that makes for a great trusty first backpacking tent.

READ: Best Headlamps for Camping

4) Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent: Best Semi-free standing ultralight tent

If you’re looking for a comfortable, not-quite freestanding, tent under two pounds with livable space that will last years, check out the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent. This was my only tent for my first seven years of guiding. It’s been throughout the San Juan Islands, to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, across Catalina Island and seen around 130+ trail nights.

One thing about guiding is it is hard on your gear. I’m thrilled to report that it’s just now, ten years after I purchased the tent, that it’s showing some wear and tear (bug net tear, tent pole fracture, both quick repairs and she’s still trucking).

This tent is cozy for one and possible for two, very intuitive to set up and workable with two tent stakes or alternately, two rocks to help stake out in a pinch. One of my favorite things about this tent is when paired with the footprint, you can actually set up the rainfly first without the tent interior, letting you stash all your gear and set up the rest within a totally dry space. Easily my favorite feature and absolutely priceless when pitching camp in a downpour.

READ: Best Sports Bras for Hiking

5) Kelty Late Start 1: Best Budget Backpacking Tent

If you’re looking for THE best budget backpacking tent on the market, check out the Kelty Late Start 1. This is small with no bells and whistles, and the Kelty Late Start is just over 3 pounds, making it a decent weight. The Late Start line is what we use for participants on a lot of my guided trips, and this is because these tents are super easy to set up correctly, free standing, and can take a beating. Big fan. Actually considering getting one for myself as I’m writing this. Just a super solid tent.

Basically, if you are still deciding wether or not backpacking is for you or on a budget, this is probably the tent for you.

Share Best Backpacking Tents on social media or save for later!