Tents
The Best Budget Backpacking Tents
Pack space and weight are critical factors to consider when traveling into the backcountry. For most hikers it’s their tent setup that takes up most valuable backpack real estate.
Tents come in different shapes and sizes depending on their intended purpose. For those venturing into the backcountry, tent on their back, it is important to find a tent (and gear) that is space-saving, weight-saving, and functional.
In this article, we’ll take look at different budget backpacking tent options, what to look for when purchasing one, and the advantages and disadvantages of different offerings.
The Quick Takes:
• Cheap as chips: Yodo Lightweight Tent
• To weather the storms: Flytop 4 Seasons Tent
• Fitting the family: FE Active 3-4 Person Tent
• For the serious solo hiker: NightCat Trekking Pole Tent
• A bit of everything: Bisinna Backpacking Tent
Scroll down for a deeper dive into the details!
What is a Backpacking Tent?
My definition of a tent is “a portable shelter made of cloth, supported by one or more poles and stretched tight by cords or loops attached to pegs driven into the ground”, and backpacking is “to travel or hike carrying one’s belongings in a rucksack”.
The combination of these two things create a very specific product need, in order to effectively, efficiently and safely hike into the backcountry.
Backpacking Tent vs Regular Tent
Regular tent structures used for front-country or casual camping can come in a variety of sizes, shapes and weights, due to the fact that camp sites are usually accessible via vehicle. There’s also usually greater space and infrastructure for tent setup.
In the backcountry you may have a small allocated pad site, or have to “make do” with the best unmaintained, unmarked, level and clear (enough) space to set up your tent. Having a simple and small tent footprint is good for this.
Additionally, it is beneficial to have a tent that is easy to set up, as time and opportunity becomes more limited whilst on multi-day hiking adventures, due to fatigue, fading daylight, unkind weather conditions, and the potential to be setting up, packing up and changing locations day-in-day-out.
Freestanding Tent vs Trekking Pole Tent
Freestanding tents are the most common tent style, which generally means that the total tent package, when assembled, will stand under its own power without requiring any additional gear or tethering.
Trekking pole tents, sometimes known as non-freestanding tents, are different in the way that they retain form. Rather than relying tent-specific poles to create the structure, a person’s hiking poles can be multi-purposed to create the tent frame.
The hiking poles give the height and basic structure for the tent, whilst pegs and guy-lines are usually required to create tension to the walls of the tent, making it secure.
Most trekking poles models will perform the job, such as these:
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
What About Tarp Tents?
For hikers travelling long distances with minimum gear, tarp tents can be a terrific, easy, light shelter solution.
While this minimalist approach may be appropriate for hiking, it falls short on the aspects of security and safety. As they are not fully enclosed they are susceptible to issues of wind, pests and other animals.
While tarps are made of waterproof material, they do not always come with a base, thus there is the risk of streaming water during heavy rains. Therefore tarp tents are best suited to warm, dry weather conditions and for campers who aren’t afraid to “rough it.”
Pros and Cons of Different Tent Types
Backpacking Tent
Pros: Stands up independently, quite resilient and versatile for varying terrains/conditions.
Cons: More expensive due to structural poles and weight-saving technologies.
Trekking Pole Tent
Pros: Smaller packed size, lighter overall weight due to using hiking poles for structure.
Cons: Less structurally sound, longer setup due to tensioning, must have hiking poles.
Regular/Front-Country Tent
Pros: Large variety of options, sizes and configurations. Higher comparable durability.
Cons: Usually heavier and are larger when packed. Inconvenient for hiking.
Tarp Tents
Pros: Extremely lightweight, ability to set up in variety of areas.
Cons: Not freestanding, more exposed to bad weather, less protective overall.
Things to Consider
There are several factors to consider while selecting the best backpacking tent for your needs. We’ll go through a few classifications, their definitions, and what to look for.
Weight
On most occasions when hiking into the backcountry, all of your gear; from food, to bedding, to clothes and personal items, are transported on your back. Since your tent is one of the most significant contributors to the weight and size of your pack, it is important to make an educated decision about which tent option to commit to.
Tent weights can vary drastically; not only based on whether it is a front-country, backcountry, hiking pole or tarp tent type, but also within their own categories, due to selection of materials used in the construction of the tent.
Weatherproofing
The value you put on your tents ability to withstand varying weather conditions will be dependant on the climate and conditions of the locations in which you’ll be camping. Although most tents are waterproof to some extent, some are better than others. This is especially important if you live in a region that gets a lot of rain, snow, wind, or cold temperatures.
When the ground is damp, snowy, or water is flowing in and around the campground, not only does waterproofing on the outer layer (commonly known as the “rain fly”) matter, but a decent level of water resistance on the base layer is also beneficial. It does not make for a pleasant camping trip if you or your gear gets wet.
Capacity / Size
The capacity of a tent is one of the more obvious aspects in determining its overall size and weight. The capacity of a tent refers to the maximum number of people it can accommodate while maintaining a fair level of comfort.
The larger the tent space, the more material is required. When it comes to deciding what size tent you need, keep in mind the amount of people who will be using it at any given moment in order to avoid adding needless weight.
One key thing to be aware of is that the person capacity ratings for tents tend to be a little more on the snug side.
With a two person tent you will be unlikely to comfortably sleep two adults, along with their backpacks. If you intend on putting your gear inside the tent, you may want to consider bumping up the tent size. In general most hikers sit their packs in the vestibule of the tent, to allow for more comfortable sleeping space.
Comfort and Usability
When looking at aspects of comfort and usability, beyond just the internal space of the tent, we are referring to additional features beyond just the basic shelter construction.
This may include a design which allows for greater vertical head space, allowing users to comfortably sit upright within the tent, which is helpful especially during long stints in the tent during wet or wild weather.
Additional aspects include the ability erect the outer shell and inner tent independently. The shell of many of these trekking pole tents can be set up as a tarp tent or a simple shelter.
Other factors may include:, the size of the door, the number of entry points, vestibule or awning space, internal tent storage pockets and so forth.
Tent Setup
The majority of tents have an specific tent pole setup system. The configuration in which the tent is constructed will change the difficulty of setting up the tent, and therefore also the time required to erect the tent.
Larger tents may be more difficult to build if you are on your own, whereas most single person tents are designed in a different manner to make it more approachable.
Trekking pole tents have a different construction and are generally not as complex when it comes to the method of tent setup, however the adjustment and tension of guy-lines may take a little extra time and effort.
It is worthwhile getting familiar with your tent and how to set it up prior to heading into the backcountry.
Cost / Value
Finally, there’s the cost. This means not only about the outright dollar value of the tent, but value for money.
When deciding between several tent alternatives, you’ll need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, how much you’ll use it and how it fits into your budget. Getting the best goods for the best price is usually the goal.
When it comes to using your tent in the backcountry, it is best to get a tent that will adequately fulfill your basic needs. You do not want to find yourself deep in the wilderness wishing you’d spent those few extra dollars.
Flytop 4 Season Tent
$79.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 2 Person
Weight: 5.9 lbs
Material: 210D polyester
Weather: Waterproof (3500-4000mm)
Extra Features: UV protection, double-entry, fire-retardant, awning door, two colors.
Thoughts:
This Flytop four seasons tent has a dome-shaped construction to provide greater durability in windy and snow-loaded conditions. Skirting flaps around the base help to reduce cross-drafts, and entry of snow and water.
In a Nutshell: Versatile tent capable of handling snow and stormy conditions.
Mier Lanshan Trekking Pole Tent
$169.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 2 Persons
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Material: 15D/20D silicon-coated nylon
Weather: Waterproof (6000mm)
Extra Features: Teepee style, can be used as tarp tent, two-sided entry.
Thoughts:
An extremely light, teepee-shaped tent which offers ample headroom for longer stints in the tent. The use of trekking poles in the construction makes this tent easy to set up. The Mier Lanshan also has a very impressive waterproof rating, making for a very functional choice.
In a Nutshell: Superlight, super-waterproof trekking pole tent.
NightCat Ultralight Trekking Pole Tent
$169.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 1 Person
Weight: 2.0 lbs
Material: 15D/20D nylon cloth
Weather: Waterproof (5000mm fly, 8000mm base)
Extra Features: High density mesh inner, packs down to very small size.
Thoughts:
Also in a teepee design, this NightCat trekking pole tent is almost as light as it gets for a full tent setup. It packs down very small, which is handy for the solo traveler does not have others to share out the pack load with. The waterproofing is among the best, making it a great tent for serious adventurers.
In a Nutshell: Insanely lightweight and waterproof trekking pole tent for solo hikers.
Winterial Single Bivvy
$99.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 1 Person
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Material: 190T polyester
Weather: Waterproof (rating not noted)
Extra Features: Two color options, ventilation, summer capable,
Thoughts:
The Winterial single tent is a bivvy-style design, making for an easy setup, and a good space to lay. It is lightweight, low profile and waterproof, with enough space to squeeze some gear inside. The freestanding construction leaves your own hiking poles free and available for day-hiking from camp.
In a Nutshell: Best freestanding solo backpacking tent.
Bisinna Camping Tent
$79.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 2 Person
Weight: 2.7 lbs
Material: 190T polyester taffeta
Weather: Waterproof (2000mm)
Extra Features: Doors on both sides, handles to move tent, ventilation.
Thoughts:
This Bisinna tent is your stock standard, bread and butter, well-rounded, functional two-person tent. The dome design with two entry points, lightweight construction, basic waterproofing and approachable price-point make this a good option for the majority of hikers.
In a Nutshell: The best all-round tent option (considering all factors).
Yodo Lightweight Tent
$29.88
Key Features:
Capacity: 2 Person
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Material: 193 Polyester / Oxford fabric
Weather: Not designed for rainy conditions
Extra Features: Various color options available
Thoughts:
The most affordable and basic tent option on the list, the Yodo lightweight tent is great for hikers not looking to break the bank, or their back. Apart from being designed for fair weather only (inadequate waterproofing) it still has the basics for getting the casual hiker a few nights out in nature.
In a Nutshell: The most affordable and basic tent option – dry weather only.
FE Active Family Tent
$109.99
Key Features:
Capacity: 3-4 Person
Weight: 7.0 lbs
Material: 210T ripstop polyester
Weather: Waterproof (3000mm)
Extra Features: Four season design, large space (94.4” long, 82.6” wide, 51.9” high)
Thoughts:
We don’t always venture into the wilderness in ones and twos; so a larger tent option that will fit the kids makes it onto the list. This is a comfortable, durable, four-season tent to handle a variety of conditions, in a variety of locations, during a variety of pursuits. The increase in tent size also results in an increase in tent weight.
In a Nutshell: A large sized, four season tent to fit the family.
Kalinko Camping Tarp
$35.89
Key Features:
Capacity: N/A
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Material: 210T polyester
Weather: Waterproof (3000mm)
Extra Features: Multiple size options, 19 reinforced tie loops.
Thoughts:
A shelter in its most basic form, the Kalinko camping tarp offers protection from the overhead rain and morning dew. This tarp has a decent waterproof rating, and can be set up in various different configurations and locations. Being a tarp only, it does lack the protection and security of a fully enclosed tent.
In a Nutshell: Most minimalist backcountry shelter option.
Final Thoughts
Tents are one of the most important objects you can bring into the wilderness, so careful consideration should be taken when deciding which one is ideal for you.
There is no hard and fast rule as to which tent option will best suit your needs. It comes down to weighing up the pros and cons of factors such as weight, tent capacity, tent setup style and waterproof ratings.
The choices made when buying your backcountry tent will have an impact on your overall camping and hiking experience; whether it’s the strain on your back, or the quality of your sleep.
Good luck and happy hiking!
