Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Your backpacking tent will be one of the most important gear purchases you make. Finding one that offers the best balance of interior comfort, weight, durability, and weather protection will make it much easier to stay happy and have a good time on the trail.

Our team of gear experts has spent over a decade testing more than 75 backpacking tents from brands like Big Agnes, Zpacks, NEMO, MSR, REI, and more. We’ve hiked upward of 100,000 miles on trails all over the world, including treks through the alpine peaks of Patagonia, summer monsoons in the Rockies, and sweltering days in the desert, with more than 5000 nights in the wilderness.

If price is your top factor, we’ve also tested and reviewed our favorite budget backpacking tents.

And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Backpacking Tents

Check out this quick list of the best backpacking tents, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

Best Backpacking Tent Overall: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 ($550)

Best Lightweight & Sturdy Tent for Harsh Conditions: SlingFin Portal ($560)

Best Crossover Tent for Backpacking & Car Camping: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 ($500)

Best Semi-Freestanding Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 ($480)

Great Option for UL Hikers Wanting More Space: NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 ($550)

Great Balance of Weather Protection & Weight: MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 ($550)

Best Budget Tent for Backpacking & Car Camping: REI Half Dome 2 Plus ($359)

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Zpacks Duplex Classic ($669)

Most Affordable Backpacking & Car Camping Tent: REI Trailmade 2 ($199)

Spacious Tent with Innovative Features: Sea to Summit Telos TR2 ($449)

Best Affordable Ultralight Backpacking Tent for One Person: Durston X-Mid 2 ($280)

Affordable & Spacious Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo ($395)

Good Balance of Weight & Livability for Solo Hikers: MSR FreeLite 2 ($465)

How We Test & Methodology

We assessed each backpacking tent based on five criteria: comfort, weight and packability, weather resistance, ease of setup, and durability. We have spent a minimum of 20 nights (but in some cases, over 100) in each of these models in a range of hiking conditions, from the hot, dry deserts of the southwest to the coldest, wettest reaches of northern New England.

COMFORT

Comfort spans a wide range of characteristics. We pay careful attention to things like floor dimensions, including maximum dimensions and any head-to-foot taper; peak height (as well as interior volume and shoulder space); number and style of doors; zipper pulls and door tie-backs; number, size, and placement of storage pockets; and any special features that make the experience of living in the tent more enjoyable. We get an extremely good sense of these characteristics by sleeping, eating, and living side-by-side with our hiking partners.

WEIGHT & PACKED SIZE

Manufacturers often list multiple weights, which include different combinations of tent components. We measure the packaged weight (tent body, fly, poles, and included stakes) and the packed size of each model. We assess how easy it is to stuff each one into a pack and around other gear, noting any exceptionally streamlined or chunky hardware that takes up space.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

We look at weather resistance inside and out. Our assessment includes the rain, hail, and snow resistance of the fly, including both water penetration/dripping through the fly, splashback from underneath the fly, and any sagging from saturation. 

In addition to precipitation, we monitor wind resistance, which entails assessing the quality and stability of stakes, the number and location of guy points, and vestibule geometry. Lastly, we analyze interior condensation, paying attention to the number, size, and location of the vents. Finally, we note the amount of moisture on the underside of the fly when we wake up each morning.

EASE OF SETUP

Most of these tents are fairly easy to set up, but some go a little faster than others. Here, we measure how long it takes on average to set up each model. 

The differences come down to whether or not the tent is symmetrical (thus providing two correct orientations for a tent and fly instead of just one); the pole-to-tent connection system; the fly-to-tent connection system; the quality and bite of the included stakes, as well as whether or not there are enough of them; and any tensioning systems that make it easier to get a good taut pitch.

DURABILITY

Durability includes both on-trail wear and tear and longevity season after season. We set up each model on a variety of surfaces, from soft soil to sandy, gravely clearings. Pinholes in the floor, micro-fissures at the ends of poles, and zipper snags are all top-of-mind. 

In addition, our experience has taught us that certain materials and waterproof coatings are more resilient than others, so we note fabric type, thickness, and chemical treatments, also noting if a model provides a repair kit (e.g. pole sleeve or adhesive patches) for fixes in the field.

We often refer back to previous models we’ve relied on for thru-hikes and past backpacking trips. However, we know that manufacturing standards and material access are ever-changing in the global supply chain, so sometimes tent quality varies from year to year. For that reason, we do our best to test the latest models with a proper CleverHiker beatdown.

Why Trust CleverHiker

We’ve hiked upward of 100,000 miles on trails all over the world, including treks through the alpine peaks of Patagonia, summer monsoons in the Rockies, and sweltering days in the desert, with more than 5000 nights in the wilderness. Gear Analyst Brett Kretzer pitched and slept in these shelters along his many thru-hikes of the Long Trail, Colorado Trail, GR11, Wonderland Trail, and more.

He weathered nights through high-alpine storms in frigid temperatures on trail and nerded out on all of their specs at basecamp. His extensive experience as a gear tester and adviser gives him a unique, data-driven insight into the features and functionality that backpackers, including himself, are most often looking for.

Analysis & Results

We rank tents based on five metrics: comfort, weight and packed size, weather resistance, ease of setup, and durability. Our comparative results below outline the top performers in each metric.

VALUE

Good, lightweight backpacking tents are expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great budget buys out there. When we do our testing, we are careful to note products that outperform their cost. This could mean both low-priced items that get the job done just as well, if not better than the more expensive competition, and pricier tents that just smash it out of the park.

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus and REI Trailmade 2 are two of the highest-value backpacking tents around. The Half Dome Plus’ spacious floor dimensions and headroom make it one of the more comfortable options. It also logs reliable weather resistance and sports thick, durable fabrics. It is definitely on the heavy side, though. The REI Trailmade 2 features a simpler design, but the price is right, and it’s super easy to set up. Some of our CleverHiker staff have been rocking their Half Dome for 10 years. It’s pretty good value, eh?

Of the more high-end top performers, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 and the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 deliver the most bang for the buck with balanced weight, comfort, and durability. The Dagger features exceptional durability and weather resistance although a little on the heavier side. The Tiger Wall is fantastic and lightweight but is a little snug for two people. 

If you’re willing to invest a little bit more, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is our favorite backpacking tent overall. It’s easy to set up, has a spacious interior, and has unique features like a giant gear loft and a vestibule awning.

More expensive options like the Zpacks Duplex might have astronomical price tags, but they are designed with cutting-edge materials to achieve specific goals, such as maximizing weight savings and durability.

COMFORT

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus’ comfort features make it a great option for two people who want to spread out on a long weekend adventure. Its generous 56-inch width means you don’t have to worry about rubbing shoulders with your hiking partner, driving each other crazy while waiting out long rain storms. The impressive peak height and large double doors also add to the livability of this model. 

Not far behind, the NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 is another excellent option for the space-needy backpacker. Though it tapers from head to foot, it is wide enough for two people to have plenty of space. Its white mesh is also a nice feature that adds a little bit of privacy at camp, even if the fly is off or tied back, and the large storage pocket at the head means that you can store larger items off the floor while keeping them close at hand.

Just behind, the MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2, NEMO Dagger OSMO 2, Sea to Summit Telos TR2, Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, and Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo all stand out with unique comfort features. 

Though the Dagger OSMO 2 has two zippers on each door, which makes it a little clunkier to open, the extra length is much appreciated for taller sleepers. The huge vestibules and handy gear tub are nice for wet and muddy days at camp.

The Telos TR2 is a little clunkier to enter and exit, but its unique tension ridge pole across the top creates tons of space at shoulder height for sitting up and playing cards with your hiking partner. 

The Lunar Duo is non-freestanding, which has its downsides, but it has massive interior dimensions relative to its weight.

The Copper Spur features a unique design with two nifty vestibule awnings for kicking back on your “porch” during a light rain. It’s also quite roomy for an ultralight tent.Although the SlingFin Portal 2 is not exceptionally long, it does have an especially high peak height for its weight and size. The two curved side doors are easy to open and close, and there are plenty of storage pockets all around for small items.

WEIGHT & PACKED SIZE

With no stakes or poles, the Zpacks Duplex Classic takes the top spot in this metric. Since it’s non-freestanding, it uses a standard pair of trekking poles you are likely already carrying to create the structure it requires to pitch. Even including the weight of a pair of typical poles, it is still a lighter package than almost all freestanding tents. It also helps that it’s made from incredibly lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric. Just don’t forget your poles, that would be rough.

The two other non-freestanding options—the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo and Durston X-Mid—are both quite a bit heavier (though much less expensive) but still weigh a very comfortable two pounds.

However, there is one semi-freestanding player that beats out the Lunar Duo…and that’s the MSR Freelite 2.

The MSR Freelite 2 is the lightest semi-freestanding tent on our list, thanks to its trimmed-down rainfly and super-light 15-denier fabric.

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 makes this list precisely because it strikes the best balance between the comfort and structure of a double-wall tent while weighing a scant two and a half pounds. For their size, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 are both exceptionally light and well worth the investment for those who want the best of both worlds—durability, comfort, and weight (OK, maybe that’s three worlds…).The rest of the tents on our list are also exceptionally lightweight options except the REI Half Dome Plus 2 and REI Trailmade 2. Both tents are built more with budget shopping and durability in mind, making them better crossover tents for car camping and casual, short backpacking trips.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

The SlingFin Portal 2 is specifically designed for inclement weather. We love that the guylines inside the tent let us tension it properly for added wind resistance. It also comes with ample stakes and additional external guylines. The fly runs low to the ground, and the door kickstand vents are reasonably effective at dispersing condensation.

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus also has effective fly vents. It earns its stripes in this metric for its high bathtub floor, which limits splashback in heavy rain, and its 40D fly and large vestibules, which keep gear protected. Though its more basic pole structure makes it slightly less stable than the Half Dome, the REI Trailmade 2 otherwise benefits from the same features.

The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 has a unique trapezoidal vestibule geometry that significantly limits how much it can flap in the wind and increases usable storage space. Though the cut at the ends of the fly leaves the main tent body exposed a little more than other models, NEMO has improved it over past versions. The proprietary OSMO fabric also sags less than its other nylon counterparts, which is a huge upgrade.

The MSR Hubba Hubba LT also holds up well in a storm thanks to its ten extra guylines that can be staked out with its durable Mini Groundhog stakes (one of our favorite tent stakes). The rainfly offers excellent 360-degree coverage with two large vents to manage condensation.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, while not the most bombproof due to its ultralight construction, does offer some unique all-weather features. The dual zippered doors open to form vestibule awnings so you don’t have to stay cooped up inside your tent to get shelter from a light rain.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is the most weatherproof of the truly ultralight options with fully taped seams and 1500mm DWR coating throughout.

EASE OF SETUP

Most freestanding tents are pretty straightforward to pitch, with stakes being non-crucial. This is especially true for the REI Trailmade 2. It has a very basic X-pole design, with two long poles that cross at the apex and secure easily into grommets at the corners. The fly attaches with buckles at the corners, and because it’s symmetrical, it doesn’t require any color coding – it goes on correctly multiple ways as long as you have the doors lined up. 

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus is similar – the primary difference is that it has a long brow pole and is slightly larger so it takes just a fraction longer to set up.

The hubbed pole designs of the Slingfin Portal 2, NEMO Dagger OSMO 2, MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2, Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and Sea to Summit Telos TR2 make it a breeze to shake the pole segments into place in a matter of seconds. We also appreciate the color-coded poles and segments of the Dagger OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, which make it easy to orient everything correctly. MSR and NEMO implemented clipless attachment points that are more durable and faster to employ than traditional clips.

The next easiest style to set up is the semi-freestanding design of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, NEMO Hornet OSMO 3, and MSR Freelite 2. Each of these is similar – eliminating one pole leg to save weight, but you have to stake out two corners of the tent to get a full pitch.

Finally, the non-freestanding designs of the Durston X-Mid 2, Zpacks Duplex, and Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo are the trickiest to set up. They utilize trekking poles instead of tent poles for their structure, which must be staked out on all four corners. While they do take a bit of a learning curve to get the hang of, there are benefits to a non-freestanding setup. Of these, the Duplex is the most straightforward.

DURABILITY

The REI Trailmade and REI Half Dome 2 Plus both stand out from their competitors in terms of durability, thanks to the incredibly thick 75-denier polyester used for the floor and the fly. The 40-denier mesh is also durable, cutting down on potential tears in this notoriously fragile area.  

The Slingfin Portal 2 has a thinner 20D ripstop nylon floor fabric, but one longevity feature we love is the pre-installed backup zippers on the tent door. This common failure point often renders an otherwise good tent much less practical, but the extra set of pulls provides peace of mind.

The proprietary OSMO fabric used on the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 gives it a huge advantage as a naturally stronger and more waterproof material than other alternatives. The pre-bent tent poles also help to avoid rips from unwanted stress points on the rainfly.The main reason the Zpacks Duplex is so expensive is its Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. DCF costs a pretty penny (for good reason). It has stronger tensile strength than steel by weight and is incredibly abrasion-resistant. On top of that, it’s 100% waterproof and unbelievably lightweight. It’s hard to beat this space-age material. The non-freestanding design of the Duplex also eliminates the need for tent poles, which are known to break from time to time.

The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2, Sea to Summit Telos TR2, and Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo all offer decent durability in a more lightweight option. They’re all made of at least 20-denier fabric, which is a touch heavier than their 10-denier or 15-denier counterparts. The Lunar Duo also benefits from the same non-freestanding design as the Zpacks Duplex, so you don’t have to worry about breaking tent poles. It does have two ridge poles that could potentially break, but they aren’t crucial to the tent’s structure.

Conclusion

There are a lot of big and small differences between backpacking tents but investing There’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect shelter for your backcountry adventures – single or double wall, freestanding or non-freestanding, size, and price. We’ve tried out as many options as possible to help minimize the stress of figuring out which is the best for you. Whether you are counting – and minimizing – ounces, or don’t mind the extra weight if it means you get to spread out at the end of a long day, we hope our guide has you pitching your perfect tent this backpacking season. 

Happy trails!