How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

With so many choices available on the market, it can seem overwhelming when faced with the task of choosing a backpacking tent. In this guide, we’ll illustrate a few of the options available and the key features to look for.

But first, it’s important to identify the style of backpacking you prefer. Are you a minimalist, carrying only the bare essentials, and concerned with reducing weight in every way possible, or are you interested in providing the most comfort, and will carry the extra weight to get it? Or maybe somewhere in between? There are backpacking tents available for all these styles, so it’s a matter of determining what you like, and then focusing on that style tent.

Most people fall somewhere in the middle, so for this article we’ll focus on lightweight and ultralight tents. If you are into the most cutting-edge technology for gear, you’ll find that most developments and improvements are in the ultralight category.

There are quite a few different styles of tents to choose from, but it all comes down to how you use your tent.

Three-season tents are the most popular choice, as they are versatile and can be used for spring, summer, and fall camping. They usually have two parts—the tent, and a rainfly. Often the tent will be designed with lots of mesh screen material for windows and doors. This is great for hot summer months when rain is not a problem, as the mesh provides plenty of ventilation. Three-season tents are often very light, due to the thinner fabric choices. However, they are not well suited for winter camping.

Four-season tents are ideal for mountaineering and winter camping. They are weatherproof, and can withstand high winds and lots of snow. However, they are heavier, and can get very humid in a warm climate as ventilation is an issue.

Single-wall tents break down into two categories: lightweight tents for climbers to seal up to protect from the elements and force condensation out, and three-season tents for the minimalist backpacker (usually a combination of mesh and ultralight breathable fabric).

Bivy sacks are great for those who are hiking alone, or do not want to share a tent with their hiking partner. Small and compact, these tents offer just enough room for your sleeping bag. While they save space and weight, they can be confining.

After you have determined the style of tent you are looking for, it’s important to find the correct size. There are solo, two-person, three-person, and even some four-person backpacking tents on the market. Generally, a two-person tent allows only enough room for two adult sleeping bags side-by-side. Often, this is where seeing a tent in person is very helpful, as you can sit inside and really get a feel for how large the space is. If you are a restless sleeper, or are hauling a lot of gear (or have a dog with you), it is usually helpful to go up a size. The extra room will be well worth the weight added.

Another area to note is if you are tall—most backpacking tents aren’t designed for people over 6’0” tall, so take a look at the dimensions of the tent. Having a tent that’s too small to stretch out in won’t be very comfortable after a long day of hiking.

While every company offers a different set of features, some of them have their advantages. Mesh paneling can greatly improve ventilation in a tent, especially for warm or humid climates. Multiple points of entry can be useful on a larger tent, where more people will be sharing the space. Vented rainflys protect you from the elements but also allow for condensation to escape. Vestibules can be useful for storing muddy boots or a wet backpack. Interior storage pockets are great for keeping small items organized and within easy reach.

Tent weight is usually the most important feature for backpackers when purchasing a tent. When you compare models, a few terms will be useful. Minimum weight is the total weight of the tent body, rainfly, and poles only. You will be carrying more gear than this, such as stakes and a footprint, but use this specification when comparing models. Packaged weight is the total weight of all parts: tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, footprint, stuff sack, and any other pieces provided by the manufacturer.

If you have found a few specific models you want to compare, it’s always best to look for reviews, and research the materials that they are constructed with. Keep durability in mind when choosing your tent—spending a little more now for a tent that will last many seasons can really pay off in the end.

And one final bit of advice—after you have spent the time to research and find the perfect backpacking tent, take the time to set it up at home, whether it be in your backyard, or your living room. You will thank yourself later for that half-hour spent figuring out how all the pieces go together after a long day on the trail.