Here's What People Sacrifice When Buying a Cheap Camping Tent

Finding the perfect backpacking tent requires balancing weight, weather protection, and price. From a reliable budget backpacking tent to top-tier splurges, choosing the right shelter is essential for a safe and comfortable night on the trail.(Photo: Benjamin Tepler)

Along with yourbackpackand sleeping bag, your tent is the next big-ticket item in your backpacking kit. As papery thin as its walls may be, your tent shields you from all kinds of weather—and offers a sense of security from whatever might be lurking in the dark of night (hopefully just a raccoon). Tested by seasoned backpackers, these threebackpacking tentsspan budget, mid-range, and splurge spending tiers, but are all expert- vetted as the best.

Best Backpacking Tents: At a Glance

• Budget:Tarptent Double Rainbow ($284) • Mid-Range:The North Face Trail Lite 2 ($325) • Splurge:Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 ($650)

Best Budget Backpacking Tent: Tarptent Double Rainbow

Weight:2.6 lbs (with aluminum pole)Peak Height:42″Interior Space:30.6 sq ftVestibule Space:16 sq ft

Pros and Cons+ Lightweight+ Affordable+ Many configurations– Condensation

For under $300, the Tarptent Double Rainbow is a solid three-season tent that sleeps two people up to 6 feet 6 inches tall. Structural support comes from a single pole and one strut—choose between aluminum and carbon fiber—which expands the headroom at a peak height of 42 inches for sitting up comfortably. Use your trekking poles to make it freestanding or add support in high wind or under a snow load. “Porch mode” provides a large covered space in front of the doors for cooking or keeping gear out of the rain, and the vestibules roll back completely for uninhibited views from your sleeping bag.

Our only complaint is that it collects more condensation than other tents. But for the sub-$300 price, we can forgive the minor nuisance.

Best Mid-Range Backpacking Tent: The North Face Trail Lite 2

Weight:5.1 lbsPeak Height:41″Interior Space:30 sq ftVestibule Space:16 sq ft

Pros and Cons+ Affordable+ Easy setup+ Solid weather protection– Heavy

Even in 45 mph wind gusts, The North Face Trail Lite 2 stood its ground. In fact, it’s so sturdy in inclement weather that one Maine-based tester said he’d even feel comfortable pitching this double-walled tent in early winter. Strength comes from pre-attached guy lines, 9.5-millimeter aluminum poles, a 20-denier nylon ripstop fly with a 1,200-millimeter water-repellant coating, and a tear-proof 75-denier polyester bathtub floor.

The compromise? At just over 5 pounds, it’s quite heavy for a backpacking tent. But the weather protection is foolproof. Even without a fly vent, the all-mesh body allows for adequate ventilation. No condensation concerns here.

Best Splurge Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3

Weight:3.8 lbsPeak Height:43”Interior Space:41 sq ftVestibule Space:18 sq ft

Pros and Cons+ Great space-to-weight ratio+ Livable+ Versatile– Pricey

Rated as the best backpacking tent overall byBackpacker, this Big Agnes tent is pricey but worth the investment. The 41-square-foot Copper Spur UL3 is roomy enough to fit three people comfortably. The 90-inch length accommodates campers who are taller than six feet, and the 43-inch peak height allows for easy changing. Plus, 18 square feet of vestibule space is plenty of room for three sets of packs and boots. Four storage pockets, including one large overhead, keep the floor uncluttered. As for how it stands up in bad weather, the mix of 15- and 20-denier ripstop nylon with a PFAS-free waterproofing stayed dry even in a downpour.

For the higher price, you get a tent that’s both lightweight (just 3.8 pounds) and remarkably resistant to condensation. This is the best backpacking tent for you if you want gear that checks all the boxes.

Backpacking Tents Comparison Chart