Deciding which tent to buy is likely one of the most important decisions you’ll make when outfitting yourself for backpacking. A good backpacking tent increases comfort & safety and can quickly become one of your most trusted friends on the trail. However, when it comes to backpacking tents, there are TONS of options.
We hope this article helps you narrow down your tent choices, but if you need more information, this article might also help: Top Considerations When Buying a Backpacking Tent
We wanted to put together a list of the best tents we’ve used so far this year in the field. In this post, we’ll share the technical specs, strengths, weaknesses, and features of multiple backpacking tents. We’ll even make our expert recommendations based on our decades of experience in the backcountry. The following list is in no particular order and is intended to fit a lot of different needs.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at five of our favorite backpacking tents so far in 2018.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX has been one of the most time-tested and innovative backpacking tents for decades. Its signature pole design creates near-vertical side walls, making it seem roomier than other tents in the same category. This pole design is also stable and can easily stand up to the worst wind and weather. While the Hubba Hubba is heavier than a lot of other tents in the same category, it makes up for it with livability: 2 doors, 2 vestibules, and plenty of height to sit up comfortably inside. All these features and innovations, as well as the time-trusted MSR name, make the Hubba Hubba one of the most dependable backpacking tents available.
- TRAIL WEIGHT: 3lb 7oz
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 84 x 50 x 39in
- FEATURES: 2 Person, 3 Season, Double-Wall, 2 Doors/Vestibules, Freestanding
- BEST USE: Livability, Durability & Protection
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Nemo Dagger 2P
The NEMO Dagger 2P has a reputation for being livable without a ton of weight. Much like the MSR Hubba Hubba, the Nemo Dagger has a rectangular floor with a ceiling that’s symmetrical, making it a roomy choice. The configuration og the end poles goes up higher on the Dagger, also making the end walls feel tall. The vestibules are bigger on the Dagger than the Hubba Hubba, which is nice for gear storage. Our only issue with the dagger is the higher nylon on the sides makes it less breathable and more prone to condensation than other options. Still, that challenge isn’t big enough for us to keep this lightweight, livable tent off our list!
- MIN TRAIL WEIGHT: 3lb 5oz
- DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 90 x 50 x 42in
- FEATURES: 2 Person, 3 Season, Double-Wall, 2 Doors/Vestibules, Freestanding
- SIZES: 2P & 3P
- BEST USE: Comfort & Convenience
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Marmot Tungsten 2P UL
- MIN TRAIL WEIGHT: 3lb 4oz
- DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 54/46 x 42in (wider at head, narrower at foot)
- FEATURES: 2 Person, 3 Season, Double-Wall, 2 Doors/Vestibules, Freestanding
- SIZES: 2P & 3P
- BEST USE: Lightweight, Budget-friendly, & Good Space
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
- MIN TRAIL WEIGHT: 2lb 12oz
- DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40in (wider at head, narrower at foot)
- FEATURES: 2 Person, 3 Season, Double-Wall, 2 Doors/Vestibules, Freestanding
- SIZES: 1P, 2P, 3P & 4P
- BEST FOR: Ultralight Quality, Features & Interior Space
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Nemo Hornet Elite 2p
We love the NEMO Hornet 2P. It’s by far one of the best options we’ve tested in a while for an ultralight setup while still having bug netting and a floor. If you don’t mind sacrificing some interior space for the weight, the Hornet performs, period. Be warned, however, that the Hornet 2P is a bit of a misnomer; think 1P+ on this one as it will be a bit of a squeeze for two. Still, with two doors and two vestibules: if you’re going to squeeze – this would be the tent to do it in. The only other small drawback is that it is SEMI free standing and needs two stakes to provide a complete setup. We actually tested this for the first time in Moab, Utah, and the rocky, desert terrain made this a small inconvenience. But if you’re a solo, ultralight backpacker, the Hornet 2P is luxurious.
- TRAIL WEIGHT: 2lb
- DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 85 x 51/43 x 40in (wider at head, narrower at foot)
- FEATURES: 1-2 Person, 3 Season, Double-Wall, 2 Doors/Vestibules, Semi-Freestanding
- SIZES: 1P, 2P, Elite 1P, and Elite 2P
- BEST USE: Ultralight Comfort while Solo
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BONUS TENT: Hilleberg Anjan 2P
Alright, so I’m not so vain as to think I have critics, but if I did, they’d probably be all over this one. The Hilleberg is a beast, but by god, it’s a beautiful beast. At a beefy 4 lbs 10 oz, the Hilleberg is the tent you want and need when you’re expecting the nastiest mother nature has to offer. Once you experience this tent you’ll actually be surprised it’s as LIGHT as it is. The strength, durability, and luxurious space of the Anjan will leave you rewarded when you need it. I’ve been all over the world from Arcadia National Park to Rainier, the Yucatan to India with my Hilleberg and I can tell you -despite its higher weight and price than any on this list – it’s the tent I would want with me at the end-of-days. With your Hilleberg, you’ll feel impervious.
- TRAIL WEIGHT: 4lb 10 oz
- DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 85 x 51/43 x 40in (wider at head, narrower at foot)
- FEATURES: Durable, Spacious, Handles Extreme Weather
- SIZES: 2P and 3P
- BEST USE: Extreme Weather, Enhanced Durability Needs
