Are you on the hunt for a great backpacking tent? If you love to camp and backpack, you know just how critically important it is to have a reliable tent. It must be durable, comfortable, and efficient at providing shelter in different environments. It needs to set up quickly and easily and be just as simple to take down. Plus, your tent must be lightweight and compact. After all, it has to fit inside your backpack with the rest of all your gear, and you’ll be carrying it everywhere you go. When it comes to backpacking, the smaller and lighter your tent, the better!
Backpacking Tent Types
There are many different backpacking tents to choose from these days. The past few years have brought terrific improvements throughout the camping industry that focus on the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment of the backpacker. You’ll still find classic pole tents, but they are now made with better materials that keep you cleaner, warmer, and drier than ever before.
You’ll also see advances in set-up mechanics. We’ve found some that will blow your socks off, including a few that set up instantly all by themselves! There are also unique designs and multifunctional tents that are beyond impressive, such as tents that are also hammocks. No matter which style appeals to you most, you are bound to discover one here that you’ll absolutely love.
The Time is Right
Haven’t purchased a tent yet, there is no better time than right now to explore your options, also, if you are new to backpacking – check out our tips on what is backpacking?. Or, if you’ve got an older tent that has experienced wear-and-tear, please don’t wait until it fails on the trail. There is nothing worse than being caught out in the wild without shelter!
Or perhaps you want to upgrade to something new and modern that will make your backpacking experiences even better. That’s smart—and a smart camper is a happy camper! But no matter your situation, your timing is perfect. We’ve done all the research to help you make a great choice. You’ll find some exciting, inspiring offerings below, the very best of the best for 2022. Are you ready to be wowed? Read on.
Best 1-Person Tent: The Camppal 1-Person Backpack Tent
We begin with the perfect 4-season, 1-person tent every solo backpacker needs. The Camppal is a reliable performer at any time of year and in the most rugged conditions. It’s strong, super-lightweight at just 3.75 lbs., sets up in mere minutes, and uses just one ridge pole. It has a waterproof rainfly that includes a flap that opens up to create a porch overhang, a feature we really love!
The rainfly also detaches to give you great ventilation and an unparalleled view of your surroundings. Plus, it’s spacious and long enough to accommodate you even if you’re a big or tall person. Best of all, this isn’t just one of the best backpacking tents for 2022. It is also the best backpacking tent under $100 on Amazon!
Best Summer Tent for 2 People – The Plainwolf Instant A Frame Tent
The Plainwolf is the perfect summer tent for two people. This piece is budget-friendly, features a stunning, panoramic-view A-frame design, and sets up in an instant. With 4 mesh side windows and 2 doors, it’s the best tent on the list for stargazers or backpackers who want to see and feel the environment around them while still enjoying the shelter it provides. It comes with a waterproof rainfly to keep you dry, and best of all, it weighs just 7.4 lbs.
Best Waterproof 2-Person Tent – The Clostnature 4-Season Ultralight Waterproof 2-Person Backpack Tent
Hey, we know that couples just don’t camp in the summer. Here’s a fantastic 2-person tent that is great for all your cold-weather adventures, too. The Clostnature makes a great winter backpacking tent. Plus, it’s roomy, sets up quickly and easily, and only weighs 6.4 lbs. The rainfly on this also has a fold-up porch flap similar to the Camppal, and it has snow flaps that seal out drifts, too!
Best Family Backpacking Tent – Ayamaya Pop Up 6-Person Family Backpacking Tent
Backpacking is often a family affair. Here’s an excellent, all-weather tent that is spacious enough to comfortably fit 6 people. The Ayamaya weighs only about 14 lbs. and features a double-layer design that prevents condensation and provides superior protection against the elements. And perhaps best of all, it’s an instant pop-up. This tent stands up for you in seconds with just a shake of the wrist! We adore this brand. This just might be the best backpacking tent under $200 on Amazon.
We also love that you can purchase this tent in combination with one of the best backpacking hammocks, too! Hammocks are just another must-have item—once you’ve got one, you won’t want to go camping again without it. Click here for a family-pleasing offer and a great deal you cannot pass up.
Best Hammock Tent – The Night Cat Camping Hammock Tent
Speaking of hammocks, did you know that they make hammock tents, too? Getting off the ground can be a wonderful thing. Not only is it warmer than being on the ground, but many hammock enthusiasts also swear that there is simply no more comfortable way to sleep, even at home! This nice quality offering, the Night Cat, is the perfect choice for one or two people and it only weighs 4 lbs.
Best Hot Tent – OneTigris Northgaze Canvas Hot Tent with Stove Jack
When you are camping in the extreme cold, nothing but a backpacking hot tent will do. Here’s a wonderful one from OneTigris that accommodates 4. This has snow flaps as well as a top opening for your stove. This might not be the lightest equipment on our list, but it will certainly be the most appreciated when the temperature drops below freezing!
Best budget backpacking tent – The MOON LENCE Camping 2-Person Tent
If you are looking for a solid, durable, 3-season tent that is also the best budget backpacking tent, look no further than this thoughtfully designed piece by MOON LENCE. It’s one of the best hiking tents you’ll find that won’t put a dent in your wallet. They also make a 4-person version and wonderful, ultra light camping chairs, too. MOON LENCE proves that you sometimes get more than you pay for!
Time to Decamp
It’s time to pack up and decamp. (It’s the worst part of a backpacking trip, we know!) But it doesn’t have to be when you’ve got an awesome tent that’s just as easy to take down as it is to put up. All of these options will give you that convenience and so much more. They’re the best of 2022—comfortable, rugged, and loaded with exceptional features. So, don’t wait. Make your next trip your best with one of these terrific backpacking tents!
