11 Best Backpacking Tents 2023 [Budget, Ultralight & More]

Last Updated on January 5, 2023

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2023: One through Six-Person Shelters for All Hikers

Picking out one of 2023’s best backpacking tents for your gear list is no small task. Because, in the wild and unforgiving backcountry, your shelter is the only thing protecting you from the wind, rain, and critters that await outside.

That’s why we’ve carefully chosen the 11 best backpacking tents on the market and given you a detailed rundown of each. From budget to high-end, one-person to six-person, minimalist to full-featured, freestanding to trekking pole — our recommendations run the gamut to suit every type of backpacker.

And, because we’re gear nerds, we’ve analyzed each product for seven essential factors: weight, floor dimensions, capacity, primary material, style, weather resistance, and price.

We’ve also recommended four top-notch sets of stakes and put together a list of helpful add-on accessories that can maximize your tent’s potential. Much like the shelters on this list, we’ve got you covered.

So, whether you’re a thru-hiker looking for a one-man ultralight shelter or a family of five searching for their next backcountry home, we hope you find exactly what you’re after.

Ready to dive into the best backpacking tents of 2023?

Let’s do it.

BEST BACKPACKING TENTS:
TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Best Overall: Zpacks Duplex
• Best Freestanding: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
• Best Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2
• Sub-$100 Buy: River Country Products Trekker 2.2
• Sub-$200 Buy: REI Passage 2
• Best Four-Season Option: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV 3
• Ultralight One-Person Shelter: Zpacks Altaplex
• Popular for Two People: Nemo Dragonfly 2
• Lightweight Three-Person Tent: MSR Mutha Hubba NX 3
• Sturdy Four-Person Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4
• Spacious Haven for Families: MSR Habitude 6
• Best Ultralight Tarp: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp
• Stakes We Recommend
• Other Useful Accessories
• Parameters We Use to Rate Tents
• Dial in the Rest of Your Kit
• Final Thoughts: Best Backpacking Tents of 2023
• More Hiking & Backpacking Resources

MSRP: $649
Weight: 1 lb 3 oz | 539 grams
Floor Dimensions: 90″ x 45″
Capacity: 2-person
Main Material: DCF
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? No, but can be with Flex Kit
The Good: Extremely lightweight, reliable, fantastic weather resistance, doesn’t stretch or wet out
The Not-So-Good: Pricey, difficult setup

If you’ve backpacked regularly, you’ve likely seen a Zpacks Duplex or two dotting the landscape. Why? Because this cutting-edge backpacking tent is the best option on the market, and it’s not a secret anymore.

I’ve learned from experience that it doesn’t get much lighter, more compact, and weather-resistant than this. I’ve hunkered down in my Duplex during torrential downpours, 100-mph wind gusts, dust storms, and more – all the while staying dry and comfortable each time. Thanks to its DCF material, the Duplex is 100% waterproof and won’t ever sag or stretch out, even in the worst weather. It’s spacious for one person, pretty snug for two, and would work perfectly for a single hiker and their dog.

So, why am I recommending a trekking pole backpacking tent as the best option overall? Because it can transform into a freestanding tent with the optional 10.2-oz Flex Kit add-on. This clever upgrade gives backpackers the versatility to add poles to their setup when they expect tough conditions to stake down, fear volatile weather, or just want a little extra room to stretch out inside.

The Duplex is a high-performance option that rings in at $649, and the Flex Kit is $125. These prices are a bit spendy, but for those ready to slash their base weight and step up their backpacking game, the splurge could be well worth the investment. If you want a quality two-person freestanding tent at a more approachable price, check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or the Nemo Dragonfly 2.

Other Versions: Hexamid, Altaplex, Triplex

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MSRP: $450
Weight: 3 lb 2 oz | 1.42 kg
Floor Dimensions: 88″ x 52″/42″
Capacity: 2-person
Main Material: Silnylon
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Vestibules double as awnings, spacious internal storage, lightweight, great weather resistance
The Not-So-Good: Could be cramped for two people

If trekking pole tents like the Duplex aren’t quite your style, the freestanding Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 will make you a very happy camper. It’s one of the most lightweight, comfortable, and well-designed tents available today.

The Copper Spur is chock full of incredible features that can’t be measured in ounces or inches. For example, it has two built-in awnings that can be held up by trekking poles to expand your living space and create shelter from the sun and rain. Its mesh above-head-and-foot storage is massive and will keep your toiletries, stinky clothes, and other backpacking essentials suspended off the ground. It packs small, holds up well in strong wind, and ventilates well. Like the Duplex, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is roomy for one person and cozy for two. It’s a hell of a shelter.

It’s tough to find any nitpicks with the Copper Spur HV UL2, as everyone I’ve come across who owns this tent, absolutely loves it. Some reviewers say it makes them feel a little cramped, so if its dimensions are a concern, look into the HV UL3, which offers an extra foot-and-a-half of floor width.

Though I’m quite smitten with my Duplex, if I ever were to switch to a freestanding tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 would undoubtedly be the one. It’ll work perfectly for backpackers who want to keep their base weight down but who also want to enjoy a few small luxuries along the way.

Other Versions: HV UL1, HV UL3, HV UL4

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MSRP: $735
Weight: 1 lb 3 oz | 531 g
Weight w/ Netting & Floor: 2 lb 9 oz | 1.16 kg
Floor Dimensions: 107″ x 83″
Capacity: 2-person
Main Material: DCF
Weather Resistance: 4-season
Freestanding? No
The Good: Extremely spacious, excellent weather resistance, very lightweight and packable
The Not-So-Good: Expensive, doesn’t come with bug netting or floor, must lash trekking poles together to pitch

Perhaps you’re intrigued by the incredibly lightweight Zpacks Duplex from earlier, but you’re a tad wary of its tight dimensions for two people. Well, as luck would have it, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 exists for backpackers who share your concerns.

Made entirely of stretch-proof and waterproof DCF, the UltaMid 2 is crazy packable and boasts double the floor area than the Duplex. You’ll have much more headroom, too, so long as you’re not trying to hang out near the edges of the tent. Its aerodynamic pyramid design drastically reduces wind drag and easily sheds rain and snow, offering dependable weather resistance in all four seasons. Because the UltaMid 2 is so roomy, sleeping two people inside won’t be an issue whatsoever. Hell, throw a dog in the mix too. Why not?

So, why didn’t we recommend the UltaMid 2 above all others? For starters, it doesn’t come standard with bug netting or a floor, which cost a whopping $405 to add on and double the tent’s weight. You’ll need to lash two trekking poles together to reach the proper height to set this bad boy up, so keep that in mind, as well. Other than that, it’s hard not to get excited over this absolute beauty of an ultralight shelter.

The UltaMid 2 is a high-end piece of gear that’ll thrive for serious backpackers and thru-hikers who crave a lightweight, packable, and roomy four-season refuge. If you can afford it, this tent will be your loyal companion from day one, especially if you don’t require bug netting or a floor.

Other Versions: UltaMid 4

SEE PRICE ON HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR

MSRP: $57
Weight: 3 lb | 1.36 kg
Floor Dimensions: 84″ x 60″
Capacity: 2-person
Main Material: PU Coated Polyester
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? No
The Good: Very affordable, pretty lightweight for its living area, good ventilation, seam-sealed
The Not-So-Good: Only one door, material will absorb some water after heavy rain

I know, I know. The first three products I recommended aren’t exactly cheap value buys. That’s why I slipped in the Trekker 2.2 as the best budget option on this list. I wanted to show you that not all backpacking gear has to break the bank.

At 5′ x 7′ of interior space, this a-frame trekking pole tent can work as a roomy solo shelter or a cozy refuge for two. Its thoughtful large mesh sidewalls will keep bugs out, provide great ventilation, and also catch any condensation that might drip down from the tent’s main polyester shell. Its seams are factory-sealed, and it comes with a set of eight ultralight stakes, which is pretty great for a shelter this affordable.

This tent will not be as lightweight, packable, or as meticulously engineered as many other products on this list, but you probably knew that already. It only has a door at one end, which isn’t a huge deal but could make camping partners feel a little claustrophobic. Its polyester material will absorb some water and might sag during heavy periods of rain, which is to be expected.

The goal with a budget recommendation is to put you in a tent that’ll keep you dry and comfortable in the backcountry for under $100, and the Trekker 2.2 will do just that.

Other Versions: Trekker 1, Trekker 1A, Trekker 3

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MSRP: $159
Weight: 5 lb 4 oz | 2.37 kg
Floor Dimensions: 88″ x 52″
Capacity: 2-Person
Main Material: Polyester
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Affordable, Easy set up, durable, reliable
The Not-So-Good: Heavy, bulky

To be honest, I recommended most of the tents on this list with intermediate to advanced backpackers in mind. Don’t worry, though, newbies. I haven’t forgotten about you. Here’s a budget two-person beginner option I think might be right up your alley: the REI Passage 2.

When I first started backpacking, I sported the strikingly similar REI Camp Dome 2. It was effortless to set up, very comfortable, and stood up to a wide variety of bad weather. I trusted this tent endlessly throughout my college years and used it for countless nights of car camping and backpacking. It was the exact shelter I needed to fall in love with backpacking and start my never-ending journey into the world of ultralight gear.

Sure, it weighs a couple more pounds than the other two-person shelters on this list and won’t pack down quite as small, but it’s durable, very easy to set up, and the price is right. It’s not super groundbreaking, and it definitely won’t turn any heads on the trail, but who cares?

If you’re ready to dabble in the world of backpacking, the sub-$200 REI Passage 2 is a great value buy and will be all you need to get hooked. And once you are hooked, you just might allow yourself to bite the bullet and spring for one of the more luxurious tents on this list.

Other Versions: Passage 1, Passage 3, Half Dome 4

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MSRP: $550
Weight: 6 lb 3 oz | 2.80 kg
Floor Dimensions: 90″ x 70″/62″
Capacity: 3-person
Main Material: Silpoly
Weather Resistance: 4-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Built for all four seasons, lots of pockets inside, large vestibules
The Not-So-Good: Breathability could be an issue if not properly pitched

Sometimes the weather can get so gnarly that a three-season tent simply isn’t going to get the job done. If you suspect that’s the case for your upcoming trip, give the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV 3 Expedition a nice long look.

Big Agnes wasn’t lying when they described this as “a beefed-up, burly addition to the award-winning Copper Spur HV series.” While it shares many of the features that make the aforementioned HV UL2 outstanding, it also utilizes burlier poles built to handle high winds, nonstop rain, and heavy snowfall. Further, it comes equipped with highly weather-resistant Dominico polyester ripstop, which will shed downpours and stifle polar gusts with ease. The interior boasts spacious dual doors, ten different pockets to stash gear, and guy loops for increased stability on those extra windy days. This tent is an absolute beast.

With such impenetrable fabric, breathability won’t be excellent, but proper venting techniques should fix any condensation issues that arise. Unlike the HV UL series, the HV Expedition doesn’t have the option to convert its large vestibules into awnings and expand its living area. That’s no big deal, though, as this shelter is meant for ‘awning weather’ to begin with.

If you plan on visiting a more touch-and-go backpacking destination weather-wise — think: Alaska, Iceland, Patagonia, New Zealand — you need a rock-solid four-season tent that leaves nothing to chance. If that’s the case, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV 3 Expedition was built specifically for your style of adventure and should keep you protected no matter how bad the forecast is.

Other Versions: HV 2 Expedition

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MSRP: $625
Weight: 15.4 oz | 437 g
Floor Dimensions: 90″ x 36″
Capacity: 1-person
Main Material: DCF
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? No
The Good: Incredibly lightweight and packable, great weather resistance, built for tall hikers
The Not-So-Good: Expensive, pretty snug

If you’re passing up a roomier two-person shelter for a one-person model, you might just be trying to shed a few ounces and keep your base weight as low as possible. That’s why I’ve included a solo ultralight trekking pole tent to the mix with the Zpacks Altaplex.

Weighing in at a ridiculous 15.4 ounces, the Altaplex is about as lightweight of a fully-enclosed solo shelter as you can find on the 2023 market. Sure, it’s a pretty niche option that only ultralight backpackers are likely to consider, but I couldn’t resist. Why? Because it’ll lighten your load on the trail significantly while keeping you dry, safe, and comfortable in the process. Its lofty ceiling accommodates hikers up to 6’4″ tall, and its waterproof DCF material won’t ever stretch, sag, or let you down.

Much like other one-person tents, the interior space inside your Altaplex is only big enough to hold your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and a few other essentials. You’ll likely need to stash your backpack and everything else outside of the shelter, underneath its storm door. And, yes, this tent is expensive, just like all the other DCF products on this list. I wonder if that fabric will ever become more affordable?

As I mentioned earlier, the Zpacks Altaplex will only attract the type of backpacker or thru-hiker passionate about counting ounces and scoring some serious weight savings. If that’s you, this may be the perfect one-person tent. For everyone else, the Nemo Dragonfly 1 or the Copper Spur HV UL1 might be more your style.

Other Versions: Hexamid, Duplex, Triplex

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MSRP: $400
Weight: 3 lb 2 oz | 1.41 kg
Floor Dimensions: 88″ x 50″/45″
Capacity: 2-person
Main Material: Silnylon
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Spacious interior, lots of storage under large vestibules, great ventilation
The Not-So-Good: No awnings like the HV UL2

Though I recommended the Copper Spur HV UL2 above all other freestanding tents, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the NEMO Dragonfly 2 from fellow backpackers. It has an impressive set of features and definitely deserves all the praise. Don’t overlook it.

Highlighted by a crossbar and split main pole, the Dragonfly 2’s clever structure creates ample room for two campers to comfortably sit up and share the shelter. Its far-reaching vestibules stake down to make plenty of space outside the tent for larger gear, and its spacious gear loft and side pockets work to stash smaller essentials inside. Those vestibules can also be manipulated easily to create great ventilation, so condensation shouldn’t ever be much of an issue.

But the Dragonfly 2’s vestibules cannot be manipulated into awnings like the HV UL2, which is the main difference between the two. Both options are almost equals in terms of weight, dimensions, and weather resistance, but the HV UL2’s ability to create a cozy lounging area outside of the shelter makes it slightly more appealing than the Dragonfly 2 in my eyes.

Regardless of what I think, the NEMO Dragonfly 2 is undoubtedly one of the very best two-person backpacking tents on the market. It’s a comfortable, spacious, and well-ventilated option that would make an intelligent addition to anyone’s backpacking gear list.

Other Versions: Dragonfly 1, Dragonfly 3

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MSRP: $550
Weight: 4 lb 13 oz
Floor Dimensions: 84″ x 68″
Capacity: 3-person
Main Material: Silnylon
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Lightweight for its size, does great in high winds, pole and hubs are singular
The Not-So-Good: Could be a little tight for three adults

Whether you’re backpacking in a group of three, or you’re a couple who wants to bring their beloved dog along, the MSR Mutha Hubba might be the compact and sturdy tent you’ve been looking for.

I met multiple backpackers while hiking in Patagonia with Hubba NX series, and everyone I spoke to raved about their performance in the region’s high winds. Considering how well it performs in gnarly gusts, this is also very lightweight and packable once its poles, rainfly, and main body are divided amongst three hikers. And, though it may look complex at first, the Mutha Hubba NX’s pole and hub structure is held together as a singular unit, making pitching the tent straightforward. It’s no wonder why Hubba NX series tents are a staple in the lightweight backpacking community.

Depending on your personal space boundaries, this shelter could be a pretty tight squeeze for three full-grown adults, so I’d look towards the Papa Hubba NX if you want an option with a tad more personal space. I did also meet a hiker who told me the rainfly on his Hubba NX let in a little moisture after an extraordinarily heavy night of rain, but he didn’t seem to be too bothered by it at all.

The MSR Mutha Hubba NX would be a sound investment for backpackers who want a lightweight three-person tent with optimal wind resistance. It’s an extremely popular option amongst backpackers worldwide and could thrive for you as well.

Other Versions: Hubba NX 1, Hubba Hubba NX 2, Papa Hubba NX 4

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MSRP: $366
Weight: 8 lb 7 oz | 3.83 kg
Floor Dimensions: 93″ x 82″
Capacity: 4-person
Main Material: Polyester taffeta
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Simple to set up, large doors, excellent weather resistance
The Not-So-Good: A little heavy, could be a bit tight for four people

The Marmot Tungsten 4 is one of the top-rated four-person backpacking tents on the 2023 market and will safely shelter you and your crew at a great value.

The Tungsten 4 is extremely simple to set up for starters, and dividing up its weight to carry among four hikers should be a breeze. Thanks to its two large doors on either side, getting in and out without disturbing your buddies shouldn’t be an issue, either. Users rave about its top-notch weather resistance and say it stands strong in the face of heavy winds and rain. Marmot has a reputation for engineering outstanding products, and I have no reason to believe this shelter is any different.

It’s hard to find any big nitpicks with the Tungsten 4; it’s a really solid shelter. Sure, its interior will be a bit snug for four adults, but space shouldn’t be an issue if your gear is stashed properly under its large vestibules. One reviewer did complain that he found the vestibule fabric to be a bit loose and added that using the zipper with one hand was difficult. Petty gripes aside, this solid piece of gear checks all the boxes.

I believe Marmot Tungsten 4 would work perfectly for small groups or families looking for a dependable four-person tent that can stand up to bad weather. It’s a top-rated option in the backpacking industry and is a tremendous value buy. What else could you ask for?

Other Versions: Tungsten 1P, Tungsten 2P, Tungsten 3P

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MSRP: $600
Weight: 13 lb 6 oz | 6.01 kg
Floor Dimensions: 120″ x 100″
Capacity: 6-person
Main Material: Polyester taffeta
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? Yes
The Good: Comes with a porch light, standing-height inside, good weather resistance
The Not-So-Good: Heavy, proper ventilation is tough to achieve when fully packed

We’ve now arrived at the most family-friendly shelter of the bunch, the MSR Habitude 6. Boasting generous floor space and an integrated porch light, this behemoth would work perfectly for a family of backpackers or small groups who want to share the same living area.

Dubbed a “standing-height haven” by MSR, the Habitude’s ceiling is lofty and can accommodate guests up to six feet tall. The floor space of this tent is spacious enough to hold up to six sleeping pads and some stray gear. Can it house six adults? That’ll be a tight squeeze. But two adults and four children? Bring it on. Wind and rain should never be much of an issue, as the weather resistance on this tent is top-notch.

At over 13 pounds, some might view the Habitude 6 as more of a car camping tent than a backpacking tent. But if its weight is distributed amongst the group — one adult carrying the rainfly, one carrying the body, and three children carrying a set of poles each — weight shouldn’t be an issue. Packed full of people with the rainfly on, the interior could get a little clammy, so keep that in mind.

If you’re a family with multiple young children, the MSR Habitude 6 could be the optimal shelter to introduce the little ones to the wonderful world of backpacking. It’s spacious, comfortable, and could act as the perfect shelter for you and yours to get to know the great outdoors together.

Other Versions: Habitude 4

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Now that I’ve recommended a handful of top-notch backpacking tents, I wanted to throw in one ultralight tarp as a bonus. This tarp weighs less than anything else on this list, is functional enough for several scenarios, and offers backpackers a more purist approach to conquering trails.

Maybe you’re not ready for a tarp today, and that’s just fine. I just wanted to plant the idea in your head now to help ease along your transition into a gram-counting ultralight backpacking freak.

MSRP: $365
Weight: 8.9 oz | 251 g
Tarp Dimensions: 102″ x 102″
Capacity: 1-person
Main Material: DCF
Weather Resistance: 3-season
Freestanding? No
The Good: Super lightweight, very durable DCF, very adaptable
The Not-So-Good: Expensive, more exposure than tents, takes a bit of a learning curve

Let’s jump back to Hyperlite Mountain Gear, one of the most trusted brands in the ultralight industry. Their 8.9 oz DCF Flat Tarp is a shining example of how less is more in the world of lightweight backpacking.

This minimalist tarp is more adaptable than any of the tents on this list, meaning it can pitch in various ways to suit the weather and environment around it. It weighs half a pound, packs down to the size of a water bottle, and has 16 double-bonded tie-outs, so you know your pitch will always be taut. Backpacking with this tarp is an exercise in simplicity.

But, with that simplicity comes a few sacrifices. For starters, there’s no bug netting included with this tarp. You must wear a head net, add a bug net insert, or bring a bivy along to keep the bugs at bay. This tarp also won’t always offer 100% protection from rain, wind, and snow, but you can get pretty close once you’ve mastered your pitches. The learning curve for setting up tarps is pretty steep, as well, but practice and persistence will get you where you need to be.

I recommend the DCF Flat Tarp to anyone ready to make a bold move save some serious weight. No, tarps aren’t for everyone, but they might work perfectly for those willing to get more intimate with nature and adapt to a more minimalist style of backpacking. Tarp life might not be easy at first, but it could be very rewarding in the end.

Want to know more about backpacking tarps? Check out Greenbelly’s extensive guide for the tips, recommendations, and the ten best tarp configurations.

Other Versions: Flat Tarp 8′ x 10′

SEE PRICE ON HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR

Getting your hands on one of 2023’s best backpacking tents or tarps is a great idea, but if you don’t properly anchor it into the ground with reliable stakes, you’re doing it wrong.

Further, any trekking pole tent or tarp on this list will not stand up without first securing its guylines into the earth with stakes. Freestanding tents will flap around in strong winds and might let in precipitation if they’re not properly staked down either.

Do your shelter justice and anchor it down with a set of stakes that suits your backpacking style and the weather conditions you anticipate on your trip. Here are my top picks:

Aside from stakes, there are several other accessories that can help maximize your tent’s capabilities if appropriately used. Take a look through the following gear and grab what’s missing from your kit so you don’t get left high and dry on your next backpacking trip.

There’s a lot of factors to consider when mulling over your next backpacking tent

I spend far more time than I’d like to admit poring over products before I buy them. Just like you, I want to make sure that my next significant investment in backpacking will be a perfect fit before I make my decision.

Though I haven’t slept in every shelter on this list, I have spent countless hours researching and scrutinizing the products I’ve never used. I’ve also backpacked alongside folks who own many of the products on this list, and I’ve picked their brains about what they love (and don’t love) about their gear.

Experience and opinion aside, I’ve also analyzed each product for the following seven measurable factors: weight, floor dimensions, capacity, primary material, weather resistance, style, and price. Because understanding these vital details will help you visualize a product in ways a photo never could.

Weight

Unless you hire a sherpa to lug your gear around, the weight of your pack matters and should be a significant factor when considering your next shelter. The more your tent weighs, the heavier your pack will be and the slower you’ll move on the trail.

As an ultralight enthusiast, I recommend going with the lightest possible shelter within your price range that’ll keep you dry, comfortable, and secure. I’ve backpacked with unnecessarily heavy gear, and have learned to save weight every chance you get.

Floor Dimensions

Each shelter has its own unique floor dimensions, which will give you an idea of how much interior space to expect when it’s set up. To help visualize a tent’s floor space, measure out its dimensions on your floor, mark them off with tape or string, and lie down within them.

Height is another dimension to consider, especially if you’re on the taller side and often have issues bumping your head on the top of your tent. Measure your height when seated on your sleeping pad and reference it to the tent’s specs to get an idea of how comfortable you’ll be sitting up inside of it.

Capacity

A tent’s floor dimensions directly play a part in how many people can sleep comfortably inside. The manufacturer decides a tent’s capacity, though, so pay more attention to the floor dimensions, as they’ll give you a better idea of exactly how much interior space you and your backpacking partners will have.

Each shelter on this list is rated to sleep between one and six people. I recommend sizing up to a bigger shelter — for example, sleeping two people in a three-person tent — if you or your hiking partners get claustrophobic or like to stretch out while you sleep.

Main Material

All of the shelters on this list are constructed from one of three types of materials. Here are the basic characteristics you need to know about each:

• Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF): DCF is an extraordinarily lightweight and completely waterproof composite material used for sailing and ultralight backpacking. It doesn’t stretch out or sag over time, but it is delicate and should be treated with care. DCF is the most expensive material on this list.
• Silnylon: Made from nylon ‘impregnated’ with liquid silicone from both sides, silnylon is typically stronger and durable than DCF but not nearly as lightweight. It’ll sag and stretch slightly over time, especially in wet and/or windy conditions. Silnylon is significantly more affordable than DCF.
• Polyester/Silpoly: Polyester and silpoly (polyester + silicone) are typically heavier than silnylon but are also more abrasion-resistant and affordable. Polyester/silpoly absorbs water more than silnylon and DCF, which leads to more sagging and longer dry-out times.

Weather Resistance

Nobody wants wind, rain, snow, sand, sleet, extreme temperatures, or anything else Mother Nature has in store to ruin their backpacking trip. Naturally, your tent’s materials and design will play a huge part in its ability to handle the weather and protect you from the elements.

The shelters on this list are rated with either four-season or three-season weather resistance. Four-season tents are rated to protect you during winter conditions when you can expect significant snow, wind, and low temperatures. Three-season tents are rated to protect you in typical spring, summer, and fall conditions, but not the winter conditions listed above.

Freestanding vs. Trekking Pole

All of the shelters on this last stand up one of two ways:

• Freestanding: Included aluminum poles feed through the fabric of the tent to give it a dome-shaped structure and help it stand upright
• Trekking Pole: One or two trekking poles act as a frame for the tent to help it stand along with tension from the guylines and stakes that anchor them into the ground

Freestanding tents are usually easier to set up than trekking pole tents but usually weigh more and take up more space in your backpack. Trekking pole tents are generally more lightweight and packable than freestanding tents but also tend to produce more condensation and provide less insulation.

Price

For most backpackers, cost comes into play when researching and buying that next shelter. With options on this list running from $50 up to $750, there’s a wide range of ways to spend your hard-earned money.

Shelters made from super lightweight (and pricey) DCF will inevitably cost more than shelters made from nylon, silnylon, polyester, silpoly, and other materials. So, if you want a well-made ultralight tent made of DCF, get ready to shell out at least $650.

Your backpacking gear list goes well beyond your tent

There’s a lot more that goes into backpacking than just your tent, its stakes, and a few helpful accessories. You’ll need to dial in the rest of your kit — your backpack, boots, sleeping pad, down jacket, etc. — if you want to have the best experience possible on the trail.

My quick advice is to keep your gear choices as lightweight, durable, and comfortable as possible. If you’d like to know more about how to do this, check out my 7.8-pound ultralight backpacking gear list. In this post, I review every single product I carry and give helpful advice on putting together a failproof kit of your own.

And if you don’t want to spend a crazy amount of money, head over to the article I wrote about budget backpacking gear. In this post, I piece together an entire backpacking gear list that weighs around 10 pounds and costs only $500. It’s tough to put together a brand-new ultralight kit for cheaper than that.

Which tent do you have your eye on for the 2023 backpacking season?

If you’ve made it this far, I hope that means you’ve found the best backpacking tent possible for your upcoming season. If that’s the case, congratulations. You’ve just set yourself up for success from the moment you set up camp on your next overnighter.

If you didn’t find a shelter you like, that’s okay too. Just remember this:

Fewer things are more important in the world of backpacking than a safe, comfortable, and dependable shelter. Mother Nature doesn’t pull any punches, so you’d better not either. Keep searching until you find a tent or tarp that has your back when you need it most.

Thanks for stopping by to check out the best backpacking tents of 2023. Do you have experience with any of these shelters? Are there any questions I left unanswered? Which product do you have your eye on? Leave a comment, shoot me an email, or find me on the trail if you have any feedback. I’m all ears.

Cheers, and happy backpacking.

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• Budget Backpacking Gear: Affordable 10 lb Ultralight Kit
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