Before You Buy a Backpacking Tent, Hear This
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A tent is the biggest single decision in your pack, and the right one depends on where you camp. Some campsites on the trails we cover sit on slopes, and some overnight spots are shelters, not tent sites, so it’s worth knowing what you’re carrying and why.
We picked these five by comparing hands-on tests and roundups from several independent reviewers. All are two-person, three-season tents. We left out prices because they change constantly, so check the current price before you buy. Everything below comes from independent reviewers, named throughout. We haven’t used or quoted Amazon customer reviews.
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
What reviewers like: It’s the tent reviewers most often call the benchmark. Switchback Travel names it best overall, and another tester says it gives you more room and separate entries for both people than most freestanding rivals at its weight.
The catch: It isn’t the lightest. It’s heavier than several rivals, and two wide 25-by-78-inch pads won’t fit in the standard size because the foot end tapers. The XL version fits them.
Best for: Two people sharing a carry who want space to sit up.
2. NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
What reviewers like: It’s the weight-saver. Switchback Travel picks it as its best overall ultralight tent, and one review puts the savings at roughly 24 ounces compared with the Copper Spur.
The catch: You give up interior room and some of the flexibility of a fully freestanding pitch.
Best for: Hikers who count every ounce.
Find the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
3. MSR Hubba Hubba NX
What reviewers like: It’s the lower-cost alternative to the Copper Spur. One review says it runs roughly $200 to $250 cheaper, and its heavier fabric adds floor durability.
The catch: It weighs about 8 ounces more than the Copper Spur, per the same review.
Best for: Campers on rough or rooty sites who want durability and a lower price.
4. MSR FreeLite 2
What reviewers like: CleverHiker likes that it’s lighter than many similar double-wall tents without losing their convenience. It has two large doors and vestibules, and the rainfly is designed so the entry doesn’t drip on you.
The catch: Headroom can feel cramped over long stretches, so testers see it as more comfortable for solo hikers.
Best for: Weight-conscious backpackers who still want a double-wall tent.
5. Kelty Salida 2
What reviewers like: It’s an entry-level freestanding tent that reviewers say gives you a lot for the money.
The catch: It’s the heaviest of the tents in one head-to-head test, at 3 pounds 14 ounces.
Best for: First-time backpackers and short trips on a budget.
Before you buy
- Check your pad size. A narrow tent floor can rule out wide pads.
- Match the tent to your trip. A tent that’s perfect for two people sharing weight may be too much for a solo trip.
- Read current listings. Weights and features change between model years.