Best Backpacking Tents

Backpacking tents are designed to be ultralight, easy to set up, and are generally no larger than 2 person tents.

All the top outdoor equipment brands, from REI, to MSR, to GoLite, to Mountain Hardwear design ultralight tents, but nowhere can you find a comprehensive list of tent reviews and ratings besides this site.

If you want to become an ultralight backpacker and need a lightweight backpacking tent, start here.

To begin with, what constitutes an ultralight camping tent?

In my opinion, the backpacking tent must meet three requirements:

Camping in Yellowstone's Backcountry

1. Ultralight - This means an average packed weight of 3.5 pounds or less
   
   
2. 3 Season - Pointless to drop 300 dollars on a summer-only camping tent
   
   
3. Pole Material - You want carbon fiber tent poles, aluminum tent poles, or for true minamalists, even using your own trekking poles as a pole material

Backpacking Tent Reviews & Ratings

So long as your tent meets those qualifications, you are investing in a quality, lightweight tent. And of course, all the below tent reviews, except the REI Dome, adhere to the above, ultralight tent rating checklist.

Mountain Hardwear Tents - Reviews & Ratings

The Mountain Hardwear Helion 2 Tent is Mountain Hardwear's version of an ultralight, backpacking tent. This 2 person tent utilizes ultralight fabric and poles, along with intelligent design, to create a tent that protects from the elements while cutting back on weight.

Like all Mountain Hardwear products, this tent is expensive... but is it worth the price tag?

Benefits Include:

• 3.5 pounds
  
  
• Freestanding tent, so you are guaranteed to stay dry in the event of a thunderstorm
  
  
• Aluminum tent poles that are shorter in length, allowing for quick and easy storage
  
  
• Fantastic ventilation due to a mesh canopy

Unfortunately, the drawback to the Mountain Hardwear Helion 2 Tent is the pricetag. At a whopping $425, this is a serious investment. Is it worth it? I don't believe so. 3.5 pounds is light, but not ultralight. Keep reading and you will find tent reviews of lighter tents that cost less.

Learn more about the Mountain Hardwear Helion 2 Tent

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent
vs Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Tent

Big Agnes tents are fantastic. In my opinion, Big Agnes makes two of the best backpacking tents on the market. Even better, you have a choice between an ultralight tent, the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent, and a lightweight tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Tent.

Upon closer inspection though, it's clear that the Seedhouse is supreme. The Big Agnes Seedhouse is lighter, costs less, and only a few inches smaller than the Copper Spur 2.

Let's compare them side by side:

• Weight - Seedhouse 2 = 3 lbs, 6 oz. vs Copper Spur 2 = 3 lbs, 13 oz
  
  
• Floor Area - Seedhouse 2 = 28 square feet vs Copper Spur 2 = 29 square feet
  
  
• Packed Size - Seedhouse 2 = 6.5 x 16 inches vs Copper Spur 2 = 7.5 x 10 inches
  
  
• Cost - Seedhouse 2 = $320 vs Copper Spur 2 = $400

Basically, the one advantage of the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 is the extra square foot of space. However, it weighs more, takes up extra room in your backpack, and costs an extra 80 bucks.

Is it worth it? No. The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent is a far superior, ultralight backpacking tent. However, it is cramped. You really need to be comfortable with your backpacking partner, or you may be miserable through the night.

Learn more about the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent or the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 Tent.

GoLite Shangri-La 2 Tent - Rating & Review

Are you a true minimalist? If so, then GoLite has the best, ultralight camping tent for you. Honestly, no backpacking tent is better than the GoLite Shangi-La 2 Tent. Want to see why?

• Weight - 26 ounces. Yes, that's 1.5 pounds.
  
  
• Sleeping/Floor Area - 49 square feet. That's bigger than a studio apartment in NYC
  
  
• Packed Size - 5 x 10 inches.
  
  
• Cost - At $175, GoLite's lightweight camping tent costs a little more than half that of other backpacking tents

However, the GoLite Shangri-La 2 Tent does have some drawbacks. First of all, it does not come with aluminum nor carbon fiber tent poles. Instead, you use trekking poles as tent poles. For backpackers who do not own trekking poles, this requires an extra investment. However, this is why GoLite's ultralight tent is so lightweight.

Next, it's a non-freestanding tent. This means you must have tent stakes in place to secure your tent in. Honestly, I don't think this is a drawback. Glacier National Park Hiking & Backcountry Campgrounds are well-developed. In fact, the majority of American campsites are developed enough that inserting tent stakes is not problematic.

Decades ago, before campgrounds were well-developed, this may have been an issue. But now you can insert tent stakes easily and without worry. So, that drawback isn't really a drawback.

Finally, there are no windows. Ventilation is rough and it can get stuffy in there. Remember though, GoLite's lightweight tent weighs 1.5 pounds. Worthwhile tradeoff? I believe so.

Learn more about the GoLite Shangi-La 2 Tent.

Update - While I still think this is the best page for researching tents for backpacking, my friends over at camping-tent-reviews.com released their own version of the best backpacking tents. I'd recommend checking it out, too, before making a purchase.

REI Camp Dome 2 Person Tent - Rating & Review

The REI Quarter Dome T2 Tent does not meet the ultralight camping tent regulations. In fact, it weighs a whopping 4lbs 2 oz. Still, it costs $270 and has received 4.5 out of 5 stars for 77 customer tent reviews.

While not ultralight, it does provide nearly 30 square feet of space, can be assembled with only 1 pole, and is a relatively cheap backpacking tent.

A lightweight 2 person tent is a long term investment. When purchasing one, the goal is to be comfortable and cut down your pack weight. I believe you are better off purchasing a lighter model, but since it has received rave reviews, it is worth mentioning.

Learn more about the REI Quarter Dome T2 Tent

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More Ultralight Backpacking Gear Information

Ultralight Backpacking Gear - General information on Ultralight Backpacking Gear. Start here if you don't know where to begin.

Ultralight Backpacks - One of the best methods to reduce pack weight is by purchasing ultralight backpacks

Cookware - Titanium cookware is the best material for shaving weight in the camping utensil department.

Solo Tent - If you backpack alone, a lightweight solo tent will reduce your weight drastically.

Alcohol Stoves - Purchasing alcohol stoves instead of an MSR Pocket Rocket significantly cuts down on fuel weight.

Sleeping Bag - Ultralight sleeping bags are expensive, but lightweight sleeping bags will instantly cut down your pack weight.

Ultralight Fishing - Learn about ultralight fishing, including lightweight tackle and fishing rod reviews.

Clothing - Stay safe and pack light with lightweight outdoor clothing.

Lightweight Tripod - Capture those sunrises and sunsets while backpacking with a lightweight tripod.

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Backpacking Tents to Glacier National Park Travel Guide