Top 5 Best Backpacking Tents 2025

Light to carry. Keeps out the rain. Feels comfy. Quick to set up.

Finding the right backpacking tent takes a bit of digging, but when it comes down to it, those four things matter most. There’s nothing worse than getting to camp after a long hike, only to wrestle with a tricky tent while it’s pouring, barely fitting your sleeping gear inside and waking up in a puddle in the middle of the night (yep, still raining and the wind hasn’t let up either).

We’ve put together our top backpacking tent picks, all tested on the trail by beginners and seasoned hikers alike and all tough enough to handle the worst weather.

Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:

#1: MSR Access 2

#2: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

#3: MSR Elixir 2

#4: Marmot Tungsten

#5: Kelty Wireless 2

Looking for a complete set of backpacking gear? Here's our list of the Best Sleeping Bags of 2025.

Backpacking Tents Comparison

Compare the specs or jump straight down to the backpacking tent reviews.


Score

8.8

Open Size

84x50in

Weight

4lbs 1oz

Price

$$$


Score

7.6

Open Size

88x52x42in

Weight

3lbs

Price

$$


Score

7.4

Open Size

84x52in

Weight

6lbs 3oz

Price

$


Score

7.2

Open Size

88x54x46in

Weight

5lbs 14.2oz

Price

$


Score

6.6

Open Size

86x50x43in

Weight

7lb 5oz

Price

$


Hiking Tent Reviews

#5: Kelty Wireless 2 Tent

The Kelty Wireless 2 is a spacious two-person tent that delivers comfort and great features for its price point. While it’s not suitable for serious backpacking due to its higher weight, it holds up well in varying weather and provides a warm, secure shelter. Its affordability makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious campers.

Summary

Open Size: 86x50x43in

Packed Size: 22x6x7in

Weight: 7lb 5oz

Approx Price: $129.95

Where to get it:

Kelty

Backcountry

Walmart

Amazon

Pros: Feels roomy inside, comfortable layout, and built with tough, long-lasting materials.

Cons: Heavier than backpacking models and prone to condensation build-up under the rainfly.

Verdict: A reliable and budget-friendly choice for two-person trips, offering solid comfort over multi-day getaways, as long as you don’t need to carry it too far.

#4: Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent

The Marmot Tungsten stands out on our list for its dependable build, roomy interior and wallet-friendly price. It delivers great livability with ample floor space and generous head clearance, making it a comfortable choice for camping. Features like dual vestibules, gear storage pockets and high-walled privacy panels make it functional and user-friendly. While it doesn’t compete with ultralight tents on weight, its tough materials and sturdy aluminum frame provide solid durability and protection from the elements. Great for campers who want space and reliability without overspending, the Tungsten is a strong value pick.

Summary

Open Size: 88x54x46in

Packed Size: 24x6in

Weight: 5lbs 14.2oz

Approx Price: $249.00

Where to get it:

Marmot
REI
Backcountry

Pros: Spacious interior and excellent comfort.

Cons: Heavier than other backpacking tents, and a little bulky when packed.

Verdict: Best suited for short backpacking trips and car camping, not long treks.

#3: MSR Elixir 2

That’s right, two MSR tents made our list. The Elixir 2 delivers ample livable space and includes those signature MSR features we appreciate, such as large vestibules, internal storage pockets, and durable glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls. While it’s better suited for warmer weather, it can handle heavy rain and offers impressive wind resistance. It’s noticeably heavier than many others here but comes at a more affordable price point and, thanks to its robust, high-quality build, it represents excellent value.

Summary

Open Size: 84x52in

Packed Size: 6.5x20in

Weight: 6lbs 3oz

Approx Price: $319.95

Pros: Spacious interior, packs down compactly, great value given the quality.

Cons: Significantly heavier than typical backpacking tents but it’s included because of its durability.

Verdict: A reliable and well-priced tent that performs well in most US conditions.

#2: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

An update to the Copper Spur HV UL series, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 uses lighter but tough materials like double rip-stop nylon and breathable polyester mesh, plus easy-to-use setup parts. It offers plenty of space with its expandable awning-style vestibules. True to its name, Big Agnes gives you enough room to stand, sleep and keep your gear organized.

Summary

Open Size: 88x52x42in

Packed Size: 19.5x4in

Weight: 3lbs

Approx Price: $549.95

Pros: Two doors and two vestibules for easy entry and storage, big pockets, quick to set up and pack away.

Cons: The tent gets quite narrow near the feet, and the poles for the awnings aren’t included.

Verdict: A well-made tent for the price, featuring smart awnings and easy-to-access vestibules.

#1: MSR Access 2

Hiking Tents

The MSR Access 2 is a standout 4-season tent offering 29 square feet of interior room and generous vestibules for gear storage. It’s built to handle cold weather with ease, but unlike many other winter-ready options, it offers enough ventilation to work well in all but the hottest conditions. Its lightweight materials and dual-wall setup manage condensation effectively, making it our top pick for multi-day hikes.

Summary

Open Size: 84x50in

Packed Size: 6x18in

Weight: 4lbs 1oz

Approx Price: $799.95

Pros: Spacious vestibules, excellent waterproofing, impressive weight for a 4-season tent.

Cons: Not the most compact when packed.

Verdict: A flexible and dependable shelter for 3- to 4-season adventures.


Backpacking Tent FAQs

When is the best time to buy a tent?

The best time to grab a tent is usually during the quieter months, like late autumn or early winter. You can also keep an eye out just before the camping season kicks off, as stores might drop prices to move stock. Looking for a good deal on a quality backpacking tent? Check out our thoughts on the MSR Elixir 2.

What’s the difference between a camping tent and a trekking tent?

Camping tents are usually bigger and heavier, made for car trips where you don’t need to worry about carrying them too far. Trekking tents, also called hiking or backpacking tents, are built to be light and compact, perfect for carrying on long walks or hikes.

What’s the best two-person tent for windy weather?

Tents that handle strong winds well usually have a low shape, tough fabric and a smart pole setup. From our top picks, the MSR Access 2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 are both great options when you know the wind might pick up.

Do you need to waterproof a tent every year?

It’s a good idea to check your tent’s waterproofing regularly, especially before a new camping season. How often you need to recoat it depends on how often you use the tent, how you store it, and how good the original waterproofing was. The tent’s brand should have advice on how often to treat it.

How can you tell if a tent is good quality?

A good-quality tent usually has tough materials, strong stitching, smooth zippers, waterproof fabric and reliable poles. You can also check what others have said about it in reviews, especially if it's from a trusted outdoor brand. These are all good signs you're looking at a tent that will last.

What should you look for when buying a tent for hiking?

Think about weight, how small it packs down, how easy it is to set up, how well it handles wind and rain and whether it gives you enough airflow. If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking tent 2 person, go for one that won’t weigh you down but still stands up to rough weather. For example, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the best hiking tent choices out there for comfort, weight and features.

How do you sleep in a tent when it’s windy?

Try to set up your tent in a spot that’s protected from the wind, like behind some bushes or rocks. Make sure you use strong tent pegs and guy lines to keep everything tight and secure. Also, turn the narrow end of the tent into the wind so it doesn’t get hit broadside and shake around too much at night.

What tent works best in heavy rain?

Look for a tent that has waterproof fabric, taped or sealed seams and a floor that curves up at the edges to keep water out. The MSR Access 2 is a great all-rounder that holds up really well in wet weather. The Marmot Tungsten is another one to consider. It’s a bit heavier, but does a great job of keeping the rain out.


Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.

Em Forster

Em Forster is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Water and Outdoors. She is a certified Divemaster, has hiked on five continents and has been waterskiing since her feet would fit into skis.

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