The Best Tents for Campers, Backpackers, and Families (2024)

There are hundreds of tents out there. If none of our top picks quite works for you, here are a few things to consider while doing your own research.

Know how you plan to use your tent. Are you a car camper? Backpacker? Bike packer? All of the above? If you're primarily headed to established campgrounds, there's no need for an expensive ultralight tent. By the same token, if you're not happy until the trail head is 20 miles behind you, it might be worth sacrificing living space to save weight. The unfortunate truth is that there are very few tents that work well in the backcountry and the campground. It's often worth buying a good backcountry tent and something cheap for campgrounds to spare your expensive tent the added wear and tear.

Keep the weather in mind. “Three-season” or “four-season” usually refers to how much ventilation (that is, mesh) the tent has. A three-season tent will offer better ventilation but will have a harder time retaining heat. For most people, a three-season tent is fine. But if you're planning to snowshoe into the backcountry, or if you live in northern climes and want some protection against the occasional early or late winter squall, then a four-season tent might be appropriate.

What specs are important?

  • Floor space: We look at all the dimensions, rather than the four-person or six-person designations. Those tend to assume that all campers are pint-sized people. Remember that you will probably want to keep spare clothes or a backpack in the tent itself and that you need it to be long enough to stretch out comfortably for your height. Be aware, though, that there are some restrictions on tent size; be sure to check out the regulations at the campground you're planning to visit.
  • Headroom: Can you stand up in the tent? How steep are the walls? The steeper the side walls the better, since that gives you more space to move around.
  • Storage areas: Are there plenty of pockets to stash your smaller items? The more mesh pockets the merrier, especially higher pockets that won't reduce sleeping space. We love corner pockets for stashing headlamps to give the tent a nice even light to read by.
  • Vestibule: Does it have one? Two? Is it big enough to store boots and other gear that you want to stay dry but don't want to have in the tent with you? If you're backpacking, is it big enough to safely cook under?
  • A footprint. What kind of tent, in the year 2024, doesn’t come with a footprint? Quite a few it turns out. We suggest them in most cases, so you'll want to factor in the added cost if the tent you're interested in doesn't have one.
  • Materials: These days, most tents are made from nylon that's coated in polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic to help it shed water. Most, but not all, tents come seam-sealed so water doesn't leak in, but if yours isn't, REI has a great guide to doing it yourself. We also like to look for more eco-friendly, possibly healthier fabrics that have certifications like bluesign.

How Heavy Should a Backpacking Tent Be?

Is a 6-pound tent too heavy for backpacking? How about 5 pounds? Four? The answer is that it depends how much everything else you're carrying weighs, but a good rule of thumb is that your tent should weigh about 2.5 pounds per person on the trip. So for two people, a 5-pound tent would be fine. Split the weight by having one person carry the tent and stakes while the other carries the poles and rain fly. That said, obviously a 4-pound tent is going to be even lighter divided like this. If you can afford it, go with the lighter tent, your back will thank you. It also may well be possible to shave some weight off the rest of your backpacking kit, thus making a 6-pound tent acceptable so long as you split the weight with your partner.

Less weight means more money. This isn't always true, but unfortunately, it usually is. If you want to go ultralight, you're going to have to spend more. But before you fork over the big bucks, ask yourself: Do I really care about saving 6 ounces? Are you going to notice those 6 ounces at the end of a 20-mile day? If the answer is yes, then rejoice. There is an internet subculture of people who obsess over saving ounces. The r/ultralight Reddit is a good place to start your research.

The Best Tents for Campers, Backpackers, and Families (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a camping tent and a backpacking tent? ›

Camping Tent vs Backpacking Tent

Camping tents are designed for larger groups, offering spaciousness and comfort. On the other hand, backpacking tents prioritize portability, durability, and weather resistance, making them ideal for solo or small-group adventures.

What type of tent is mostly used by mountaineers and backpackers? ›

Single-wall tents

A single-wall tent is exactly what its name implies: A tent constructed of a single wall of fabric. Traditionally, single-walled tents used some sort of robust waterproof, breathable fabric and were almost exclusively used as mountaineering tents.

What is the disadvantage of backpacking tent? ›

Single-wall tents suffer in terms of breathability, meaning that condensation is likely to collect on the inside. Further, although taped seams, waterproof materials, and DWR-coated nylon will keep most rain at bay, there's less material between you and the elements, and the tent walls will feel damp when wet.

What are the 4 main types of tents? ›

However, almost all tents can be grouped into 1 of 4 categories based on their shape. Here are the 4 different types of tents: A-Frame tents, Pyramid tents, Hoop tents, and Dome tents.

What is the best material for backpacking tent? ›

When it comes to ultralight backpacking gear, the importance of silnylon can't be overstated. The simple fabric construction—lightweight ripstop nylon impregnated with a waterproof silicone coating—has existed at a sweet spot between performance and price for decades.

What is the strongest tent in the world? ›

TOUGHEST MYLAR EMERGENCY TENT ON EARTH – Designed for hiking and outdoor adventures, the DDITW Survival Tent packs away ultralight & compact and sets up quick with room for two adults. NASA-designed mylar is waterproof and reflects up to 90% of body heat for year-round protection for cold, wet, or hot weather survival.

What kind of tent do you need for backpacking? ›

Your main choice is between a 3-season and a 4-season tent. The vast majority of hikers, especially newcomers to the backcountry, will choose a three-season tent.

Is Oztrail or Coleman better? ›

Coleman has better warranty and weighs 2kg more, which may indicate better quality. Oztrail has finer mesh to keep out midges. Open to recommendations for alternatives that aren't priced a lot higher.

What to look out for when buying a tent? ›

Things to look for when buying a tent
  1. Size. A four-man tent won't comfortably fit four men. ...
  2. Weight. ...
  3. Waterproofing. ...
  4. Seasonality. ...
  5. Tent poles. ...
  6. Flysheet. ...
  7. Vestibules. ...
  8. Ventilation.
Oct 26, 2021

What is the most popular type of tent? ›

The dome tent is the most common type of tent. It is easily distinguishable by its design. It comes with two poles, crisscrossed at a point forming two semi-circles running across the tent body. This is what gives the tent its dome shape.

Should you put a tarp over your tent? ›

Tarps are exceptionally waterproof and can, therefore, help keep your gear, clothes, and shelter dry. They are also lightweight, making them easy to carry over long distances during tarp camping trips. Backcountry backpacking enthusiasts, car campers, or traditional campers should pack a tarp.

What tent is best for heavy rain? ›

Dome tents are the best shape for rainy conditions because the rain can easily roll off the curved roof of the tent.

Do all tents leak in heavy rain? ›

If you have bought a cheap tent, you expect some leaking in heavy rainfall. But when you've bought a high-quality tent and spent good money on it, you're not going to be happy. Bellisima tents are made to the highest specifications. The material used to make the tent is tough and waterproof.

Can you use a backpacking tent for camping? ›

Differences between backpacking and camping

You use a sleep outdoors, use a sleeping bag, etc. There are a few key differences between the two activities, though, and tent selection is one of those differences. You could easily camp with a backpacking tent, but backpacking with a camping tent would not be so enjoyable.

What is the difference between backpacking and camping? ›

Backpacking: Emphasizes a faster pace and a more dynamic, nomadic lifestyle. Backpackers are always on the move, exploring new territories and adapting to the challenges of the trail. Camping: Offers a slower pace and a more relaxed environment.

What is the meaning of backpacking tent? ›

noun. a tent that can be carried in a backpack. synonyms: pack tent. type of: collapsible shelter, tent. a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

Does backpacking imply camping? ›

Today, the word "backpacking" is commonly used to refer to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, in which the participants carry all of their equipment and supplies in a backpack.

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