If you’re getting ready for outdoor adventures and want to save money, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2024 for you.
When you’re picking a backpacking tent, you have lots of choices. Some are super lightweight and basic, while others are more affordable but a bit bigger, especially if you’re new to backpacking.
Different people have different needs and budgets. What works for beginners or short trips might not be the same as what long-distance hikers need. They really think about every item they carry.
After looking at a bunch of tents and spending many nights outside, we’ve picked the best backpacking tents for 2024.
We mostly focused on two-person tents to make it easy to compare, but we also have info about other sizes in the details.
So, if you’re planning a backpacking adventure in 2024, make sure to check out our list of the best backpacking tents to find the perfect one for your needs.
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…
 | Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent | ||
 | Marmot Crane Creek Tent | ||
 | Naturehike Cloud Tent | ||
 | MSR Elixir 3-Person Tent | ||
 | GEERTOP Ultralight Tent |
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
The Big Agnes Copper Spur is a good choice for backpackers who want a lightweight but quality tent.
This tent makes sure you stay dry with a smart design that connects the floor and rainfly really well. It also has mesh above the floor to let air in and prevent moisture.
Even though it’s light, this tent is comfortable. It has two doors, two small rooms outside the main one, and enough space for two people to sleep. These outside rooms can also be turned into shades for cooking or letting in more air.
Setting up the tent is easy because it has buckles that click together quickly. It even has lots of pockets to keep your stuff organized and a pocket on the ceiling for things like phones or headphones.
The tent is made with delicate but lightweight materials and has a strong floor. The poles are really light too, but you need to be careful with them.
This tent is best for people who want to carry less weight when they’re backpacking, and it’s great if you use electronics or plan to spend time in the tent. However, it’s not the lightest option, and it’s not the best for very windy places.
Pros:
- Surprisingly roomy inside
- Lots of storage space and a good layout for the outside rooms
Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive
Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent
The Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent is one of the top choices for the best backpacking tents. It’s light and strong for your outdoor trips.
This tent is made for three people and gives you lots of room, about 41.5 square feet. It’s comfy and easy to move around in for people who love the outdoors.
The tent is really good because it’s completely waterproof. The floor is sealed up tight, so water can’t get in, and the top cover is also sealed and lets air in, which is important for different weather.
The tent is strong and reliable, thanks to the tough aluminum poles it uses. They make the tent sturdy but still easy to carry.
The design of the Marmot Crane Creek is all about making it easy to use and store things. It has two big doors to get in and out, and two areas above the doors where you can put your stuff to keep it organized and not messy.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Totally waterproof
Cons:
- Not many options for letting air in
- You have to be careful to keep it from getting worn out
Naturehike Cloud Backpacking Tent
The Naturehike Cloud Backpacking Tent is a super light tent for two people, perfect for backpackers.
It only weighs 3.97 pounds and gives you a lot of space to be comfy, but it’s still small and easy to carry, great for people who like to keep things simple.
This tent is made from strong material that doesn’t let water in, and it has sturdy aluminum poles to make it last in different weather.
Even though it’s big inside (about 7 feet long and 4 feet wide), you can make it small when you pack it (about 16 inches long and 5 inches wide), so it’s easy to take with you on your backpacking, cycling, or trekking trips.
The tent has two layers and stands up on its own, with extra support for stability and good airflow to keep you cool. Setting it up is quick and easy, usually taking about 5 minutes, so it’s good for all kinds of backpackers.
Pros:
- Strong against water with a 4000mm rating
- Small when you pack it, but big when you use it
- Quick and easy to set up
Cons:
- Not the best for very cold weather
- You have to be careful because it’s made with lightweight materials
- You might need extra stakes if it’s really windy.
MSR Elixir 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
The MSR Elixir 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is great for backpackers who want lots of space and an easy setup.
It has a special design for the poles that gives you plenty of room to stand up and move inside.
The tent has a mix of mesh and solid fabric, so it lets air in but also keeps you warm and gives you privacy.
If you want to travel light, you can set up the tent with just the rain cover and footprint, which is the ground cover.
Setting up the tent is simple because it’s freestanding, and the poles and clips are color-coded to make it easy to match them up. It also has big spaces outside to store your gear and zippers that glow in the dark.
The tent is pretty big inside, with a floor that’s about 7 feet by 5.5 feet. When you pack it up, it’s about 20 inches by 8 inches and weighs 7 pounds, which is a good balance between space and portability.
Pros:
- Lots of space with room to stand up
- Good airflow and warmth
Cons:
- A bit heavier at 7 pounds
- The packed size might be too big for some
- It’s not super warm in very cold places.
GEERTOP Ultralight Bivy Tent
The Geertop 1 Person Tent is a super light and small choice for people who go backpacking alone. It only weighs 4 pounds and is about 7 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall.
When you pack it up, it’s really small, just 17 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches, which is perfect for hiking, camping, or fishing trips.
This tent is great because it’s made with two layers to keep you dry, even in the rain. It has windows and doors to let air in and comes with extra spaces outside to put your gear.
Setting up the tent is easy and quick, in less than ten minutes, because it only has two poles. It’s so simple that even if you’re not used to camping, you can do it. When you’re done, you can put it in a big bag to carry around.
Pros:
- Very light and small
- Keeps you dry in the rain
- Good airflow inside
Cons:
- It’s only big enough for one person
- You might need extra stakes to keep it from moving in the wind
Conclusion
When it comes to backpacking, picking the right tent is super important for a comfy and fun outdoor trip.
There are all kinds of backpacking tents, each with their own special features for different needs.
You can go for a super light one-person tent like the Geertop 1 Person Tent if you like to keep things simple. Or if you want more space, there are bigger options like the MSR Elixir 3-Person Tent, which gives you lots of room and lets you stand up inside.
The key is to find a tent that’s not too heavy, but still strong and can handle bad weather. You also want one that’s easy to set up and has good ventilation so you don’t get stuffy inside.
The right choice depends on what you need most, whether it’s space, a light load, or being ready for any weather.
But if you want a tent that’s great in most situations, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL tent is one of the best backpacking tents. It’s light, strong, roomy, and easy to use, which makes it perfect for lots of different backpacking trips.
This tent is a little better than the others because it gets the balance just right, and it’s a smart choice for most backpackers who want quality and versatility in their outdoor gear.
