10 Highest Rated Backpacking Tents

Going backpacking is extremely healthy for you and it’s also good for the soul since you can enjoy nature and maybe even witness some breathtaking views while you’re at it, so we thought you might also be interested in finding some of the 10 highest rated backpacking tents.

There are many things to take into consideration when you’re looking for a new tent that’s perfect for your backpacking trip. On the one hand, you have to make sure it doesn’t cost you a fortune and that it can fit more than two people. If you’re on your own you can look for smaller models, but in general, the more, the merrier when it comes to going camping out in the wild. It’s also safer, as a side note.

Then, you should look for a light tent because the heavier it is, the more you’re going to feel it as you lug it around everywhere. A few ounces may not feel like a lot, but it will after you’ve hiked up a mountain trail.

If you are a sports person then you probably know how much the quality of equipment is important, which is why we have also prepared a list of 11 Most Popular Brands of Sports Shoes for you as well.

When looking for a tent you also have to make sure it can protect you from the weather elements and that it has enough interior space, so you don’t feel cramped, especially if it’s a multi-person tent. Furthermore, you’ll need to make sure it’s easy to set up because it’s absolutely no fun spending hours just to get a shelter over your head and then having to tear it all apart the next morning just to get going.

For our list of highest rated backpacking tents we checked several sites specialized in outdoors activities, such as Clever Hiker, Outside Online and more and confronted some of their lists regarding the best tents out there. Then, we went to Amazon with the ones that cross-checked and checked out their current price, ratings and the number of people that reviewed. Then, we added things up and came up with the final scores.

So, without further ado, here are the 10 highest rated backpacking tents.

10. The North Face Summit Series VE 25 Summit Gold

Score – 13

Well, this is one of the most expensive tents on our list of highest rated backpacking tents, which obviously knocked it down a peg or nine on our list. That shouldn’t make you avoid this one, however, even If its current retail price on Amazon is of $599. This is a tent that was created to keep you warm even in the hardest conditions, being tested to -60°F. It’s pretty much ready to deal with any kind of weather, since it features a polyester ripstop fly with 1500mm PU coating and a water-resistant finish, a nylon ripstop canopy, water resistant coverage, durable nylon taffeta floor with 10,000 mm PU coating. It’s plenty spacious, coming with a 3 person capacity.

The fact that this type of tent is used on K2 expeditions should be just an added bonus to push you towards shelling out the necessary cash to get this beauty for yourself. In total, it weights 11lbs 12 oz.

9. Marmot Limestone 6 Tent

Score – 15

This tent is very big, perhaps even too big for some, but then again, it depends on what you’re looking for. It has the perfect size for a few adults, some hyperactive kids and maybe even your trusty dog, since it’s created for six people.

The company says it can survive the strongest storms, going as far as to call it “bombproof”. It’s pretty safe to say that if you’re unlucky enough to pick a period of time when the weather isn’t exactly your best friend, this tent will be on your side. The tent comes with gear lofts so you can store small items inside, as well as other accessories such as a doormat to wipe your feet on. The Marmot Limestone 6 Tent is also extremely light, weighing 15lbs 5oz, complete with poles, body and fly. The price of this tent is $620 on Amazon if you’re interested in getting one.

8. Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8

Score – 24

This is a four season tent, so you can use it all year-round without any issues whatsoever. It’s big enough to fit eight people. It has a dome shape which is particularly useful against the wind, while the rain fly and the vestibule will keep you dry when it’s raining cats and dogs.

This is a rather large tent, covering 112 square feet when set up. It is also a bit more heavy than the other ones we presented so far, weighing in at about 19lb 14oz. This tent sells for $699 on Amazon if you’re interested, and it’s one of the more expensive ones on our list.

7. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2

Score – 24

Selling for $429.95 on Amazon, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is a two-person tent, so definitely a lot smaller than what we’ve seen so far. It is perfect for three seasons, and it’s extremely easy to set up thanks to the DAC Featherlite NFL pole system that has press fit connectors and lightweight hubs. The fly is made out of ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with 1200mm waterproof coating.

It is a great combination between functionality, spacey interior and lightness since it weighs a mere 3lb 2oz.

6. Coleman Red Canyon

Score – 31

The Coleman Red Canyon ranks 6th in our list of highest rated backpacking tents. It costs $139.99 is an 8 person tent that measures 17 by 10 feet, with a maximum height of 72 inches. This is a big enough tent that you can create three different rooms with the help of dividers that are included in the kit.

This is pretty much perfect if you plan on bringing a lot of stuff with you on the camping trip. You should feel pretty ok in this tent as it has an adjustable venting system enabling you to adjust the airflow exactly how you need it. The set up is pretty easy thanks to the shock –corded poles and the instructions it comes with, as long as you follow them and don’t pretend to know what you’re doing when you haven’t handled this particular tent before.

5. Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2

Score – 31

This tent ranks 5th in our list of highest rated backpacking tents. It is quite budget friendly as it only costs $160 and it fits two people. It’s a great purchase if you’re only starting to go backpacking and camping, or if you’re going to only go out into the wild every once in a while.

It is an extremely easy tent, weighing in at under 5 pounds, which means it’s very easy to carry around even when you’re hauling around heavy baggage.

The tent is easy to assemble and comes with a standing pole system with aluminum poles and the polyester fly resists UV damage. The fly and floor seams are factory sealed, offering proper weather protection. There are two mesh doors, two vestibules and the weatherproof fly buckles.

4. Kelty TN 2 Tent

Score – 33

Selling for a little over $187 on Amazon, the Kelty TN 2 Person Tent that ranks 4th in our list of highest rated backpacking tents can host two people, as the name suggests. It’s an affordable option that’s also durable and can hold its own in a storm if the weather isn’t on your side. This is an ideal option for occasional backpackers who don’t want to shell out too much on gear, but who also want to stay safe and dry while out in the wild.

What’s cool about this tent is the stargazing fly which allows you to watch the sky on those clear and beautiful nights, without actually going out and playing the role of mosquito-bait.

3. Coleman Instant Tent

Score – 33

If you tremble at just the mere idea of getting tangled up in all the poles necessary to set up a tent, don’t be afraid, the Coleman Instant Tent is here. This is an 8-person tent measuring 14 by 10 feet and it takes about a minute to set up, which is impressive. The poles are pre-attached, so the entire assembly is extremely quick and easy.

There are dividers included, which means you can separate the tent into two rooms, while the ventilation is assured by the seven windows available.

It is also extremely cheap since you only have to shell out $210 for this tent, although it’s on sale right now so you might want to make sure you get it while the price is cut.

2. MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Score – 35

Looking quite futuristic, the MSR Hubba Hubba is a 2-person tent that can be bought for $300, although this tent is also on sale on Amazon at the moment.

The MSR Hubba Hubba can be used almost around the year, so you’re pretty much set for all your camping trips unless you plan to go out into the woods in the dead of winter. It is an extremely light tent, weighing in at just over three pounds, making it extremely easy to carry and leaving more room for all the baggage you want to lug around.

The material is perfectly coated to keep out the water when it rains, and if you want to air it out, there are four vents you can open for that.

And now, let’s see the number one in our list of highest rated backpacking tents.

1. Coleman Sundome Tent

Score – 36

This is by far the cheapest (selling for a mere $44) and also the highest rated backpacking tent on our list. The Coleman Sundome Tent can accommodate 4 people, but it only provides the minimum necessities – keeps you dry in the rain and can withstand the winds. The tent also features a ground vent and two windows to increase air circulation, so you’re cool in the heat.

The entire set up is quite easy and simple thanks to the continuous pole sleeves and it only takes about 10 minutes to put everything up. There’s enough room inside for a queen-sized airbed, so you can all sleep comfortably.