Have you ever spent the night in a leaky tent? I speak from experience when I say it’s no fun! Finding the right backpacking tent is important. After a long day of hiking, you want to know you’ll be able to comfortably sleep the whole night through. In addition, it has to be lightweight enough to carry around all day and sturdy enough to handle the wilderness elements. Does trying to find the best compact tent for backpacking sound like a challenge? Don’t worry! Here’s the best three-season backpacking tents for 2022!
The types of backpacking tents
Before we dig into the top tents, it’s important to understand what kind of tents there are: freestanding, tension, hammocks, bivy sacks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll also talk about cowboy camping. There’s also a difference between the compact tents (often referred to as ultralight tents) used for backpacking and the large, clumsy tents used for car camping.
Freestanding tent
This is the tent that most people think of when talking about tents. It has poles that hold it up, a rainfly that attaches to said poles, and you don’t have to stake it to the ground unless it’s going to be windy. This set up can be purchased at any backpacking store, Dick’s, Walmart, or other store, and is synonymous with car camping tents.
While some might have memories of clunky, oversized tents that were confusing to put up, ultralight freestanding tents will seem entirely different. Usually found as a one- to three-person tent, they’re built from lightweight, durable fabric and can easily stay below three pounds. Built to withstand mountain elements and long trips in the backcountry, it’s hard to go wrong with a freestanding tent.
Pros: Can set up on almost any type of terrain without need for trees, tension, or other outside sources.
Cons: Heaviest type of tent to carry due to poles, etc.
Tension tent
Rather than relying solely on poles to hold it in place, this is a tent that puts tension and poles together to hold itself in place. Usually, it has one to two strategic poles that hold the fabric up, while the tension keeps the fabric tights and the poles from falling. Additionally, these poles don’t have to actual tent poles. Many tension tents use one or two of your hiking sticks as poles, lowering the weight you have to carry even more.
Tension tents come in two major categories: the typical tent and the tarp tent. A typical tension tent looks a lot like the freestanding tents, complete with bug screen, zippers, doors, and whatnot. A tarp tent takes it to the next level. Often using just your hiking poles and a tarp, it cuts the weight dramatically–but also cuts the features.
Tension tents are great tents to have, and they can be very easy to put up. Without needing the same poles that a freestanding tent does, it cuts the weight you have to carry! However, they do require ground that it can be staked into. If you’re going to be setting up on rocky ground, it’s going to be rough to keep the fabric off your face.
Pros: Lightweight but without sacrificing headroom and space, often uses gear you already have to prevent carrying excess weight.
Cons: Doesn’t work well on ground where you can’t pound stakes, can blow over easily if not set up right.
Hammock
While many people think of hammocks as sunny weather relaxers, hammocks are also a great option for backpacking! They can be used for anything: to relax while you eat lunch at a gorgeous overlook, a warm and dry place to spend the night, and if it gets to hot for you, you can always use it as shade.
If you’ve never slept in a hammock before, it’s a good idea to try it out for a night before you actually go camping. It can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to toss and turn throughout the night. Another thing to beware of is your need for trees. If you’re hiking somewhere without many trees or where it’s not guaranteed that they’d be able to hold up a hammock with you in it, it might not be the best option for that trip.
Pros: Lightweight and very relaxing.
Cons: Reliant on trees to hang your hammock from, may be hard to get used to.
Bivy
This is not so much a tent as it is a water- and weatherproof cover for your sleeping bag. Extremely lightweight, perfect for tight spaces, and excelling at a minimalistic experience, the bivy is great for people who want to sleep under the stars but still have some cover from the elements.
Pros: Extremely lightweight. Only need a space of land large enough for you to lay flat on.
Cons: Not much room for moving around, can’t go completely inside of without condensation building inside the bivy sack.
Cowboy camping
Why take a tent at all? Throw your sleeping bag and mat down on the ground and enjoy the stars shining above. Take a notebook and write your reflections about the past day as the moon lights up your paper. Experience the full surrounds of the area you’re hiking in. This type of camping is perfect for warm, starry nights and a clear weather forecast.
Pros: The most lightweight camping system that exists.
Cons: Better hope it doesn’t rain.
The top backpacking tents for 2022
This article focuses on freestanding, semi-freestanding, and tension tents. So, without further ado, here are the top backpacking tents for 2022.
Looking for the best sleeping bags to pair with your tent? Discover the 10 best sleeping bags!
Duplex by Zpacks
The Duplex tent by Zpacks is an absolute favorite of long-distance and ultralight hikers everywhere, even being voted the most popular ultralight tent by Appalachian Trail thru-hikers for two years in a row. Its design helps it feel roomy, while the tent itself can fold down to a very portable 6” by 12” sack. By relying on hiking poles, the Duplex designers eliminated the weight and need for tent poles.
The Duplex gives you the ability to create the carrying and camping experience you want. It doesn’t come with stakes, instead allowing you to choose what style of stake you want. While some may find this helpful in creating exactly the tent they want, I find it annoying. Tracking down eight stakes for an already-expensive tent seems frustrating.
If you love the lightweight and roomy size of the Duplex, but want the freedom that a freestanding tent brings, you can purchase the Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit (which adds an extra 10.2 oz / 290 g).
Weight: 1lb 3oz / 539g
Capacity: 2-person
Type: Tension tent (using hiking poles) but can be turned into a freestanding tent with the purchase of the Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit (an extra 10.2 oz / 290 g)
Price: Expensive
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Voted the most popular ultralight tent by Appalachian Trail thru-hikers two years in a row
- Reportedly does not need a ground tarp
- Has kits to adjust the tent to what you need
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come with the necessary eight tent stakes
Tiger Wall UL Solution Dye by Big Agnes
(See our full testing and review of the Tiger Wall UL here.)
Lightweight, easy to setup and breakdown, and good for the environment, the Tiger Wall is my go-to tent for backpacking. As a semi-freestanding tent, it uses only one pole to hold the tent in-place, and then uses stakes and tension to keep the rain fly and vestibule tight. Its roomy interior keeps it from feeling cramped, and the two-person tent gives plenty of room for me and my fellow hiker to sprawl out. The Tiger Wall is a three-season tent; however, I’ve camped through an unexpected snow in it without issue.
If all the above wasn’t exciting enough, Big Agnes’ “solution dye fabrics” requires, according to them, 50% less water, 80% less energy and 80% fewer chemicals. All of this adds up to an environmentally friendly tent with high UV resistance.
Weight (1-person): 1lb 14oz / 1050g
Capacity: Options for 1-person, 2-person, or 3-person
Type: Semi-freestanding
Price: Midrange to expensive
Pros:
- Massive storage pockets built into the tent
- Solution Dye fabrics are better for the environment
- Lightweight and easy to set up or tear down
- Large headroom for an ultralight tent; feels spacious
Cons:
- Doors are put in somewhat awkwardly
- One-pole setup doesn’t take broadsided gusts of wind the best
Copper Spur HV UL by Big Agnes
The Copper Spur is easily a favorite for anyone looking for a lightweight, durable tent. Its withstood the test of time and can be found highly recommended by anyone who’s used it. Big Agnes continues its tradition of creating compact tents that feel spacious, and the Copper Spur is no different.
In addition to being lightweight, the Copper Spur’s fly can extend out into an awning to rest under for those early morning breakfasts or just to sit under after a long day of hiking. Hiking with more than just yourself? No worries! The Copper Spur has options up to five people. No matter what size tent you get, you know the Copper Spur will last you and be lightweight enough to take wherever you go. Additional features includes large pockets and perfectly-positioned zippers.
Weight (1-person): 2lb 2oz / 964g
Capacity: Options for 1-person, 2-person, 4-person, and 5-person
Type: Freestanding
Price: Midrange to expensive
Pros:
- Massive storage pockets built into the tent
- Lightweight and easy to set up or tear down
- Large headroom for an ultralight tent; feels spacious
Cons:
- Lightweight material can be fragile
Hornet by NEMO
The Hornet is an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight, sturdy backpacking tent without spending an excessive amount. It has a single-pole setup that makes it easy at camp and large vestibules that keep all your gear secure. Additionally, it comes with “no-see-um mesh” along the sides of the tent for additional privacy–good for those busy weekend campsites. If you know the Hornet is the tent you want, be sure to snap it up when you can because this tent sells out fast.
With the Hornet, saving weight also means cutting space. However, if you don’t plan on spending much time in your tent besides sleeping, it doesn’t make a big difference.
Weight (1-person): 2lbs / 905g
Capacity: Options for 1-person and 2-person
Type: Semi-freestanding
Price: Midrange
Pros:
- Two-person tent comes with a “divvy bag” that allows you to easily split the weight among backpackers
- Large doors for each sleeper
- Large vestibules giving plenty of protection for your gear
- Lifetime NEMO warrenty
Cons:
- Cramped headspace
Aurora 2P by NEMO
Perfect for car camping but still light enough to be a backpacking tent, the Aurora is up for whatever you throw at it. It’s heavier than the typical ultralight backpacking tent but is simultaneously cheaper than the Duplex or Big Agnes tents. It’s durability makes a great option for those looking for a tent that they can do anything in, especially if they alternate between different types of camping.
The Aurora has the quality name of NEMO and the beauty of NEMO’s lifetime warranty; however, Featherstone’s UL Granite 2P (reviewed below) is equal in weight and quality, but at a much more affordable price. This tent is great for someone who wants a brand-name tent and warranty without the excessive prices of an ultralight tent, but if you’re looking for something that’s quality and budget-friendly, keep moving.
Weight: 4lbs 9oz / 2070g
Capacity: 2-person
Type: Freestanding
Price: Budget-friendly
Pros:
- Can easily be split between two backpackers for a manageable weight
- Spacious and roomy
- Footprint is included
- Lifetime warranty through NEMO
Cons:
- Expensive for its weight
UL Granite 2P by Featherstone Outdoor Products
(See our full testing and review of the UL Granite here.)
Featherstone’s mission is to make the outdoors accessible to all, and the UL Granite is the perfect example of how they’re doing that. Complete with an easy setup and roomy interior, the Granite is perfect for new and old backpackers looking to save money and enjoy the outdoors. With a two-pole setup, its sturdy for whatever elements may come and keeps your head space protected from sagging.
The low cost comes with more weight than ultralight tents. However, the tent parts can be split to share the weight across both hiking partners.
Weight: 4lbs / 1814g
Capacity: 2-person (or 1-person)
Type: Freestanding
Price: Budget-friendly
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy two-pole set up
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than some other tents
- Can be bulky to carry
Suma 2 by Eureka
Best for a new backpacker who wants to dip their toes in backpacking without a hefty price tag, the Suma 2 is lightweight and cost-effective. Plus, it’s slightly roomier than traditional ultralight tents, giving you the ability to slowly adjust to sleeping in small spaces before making the final plunge. This tent is great for weekend or overnight hikes, but probably not the best choice for multi-week or thru-hiking.
At 3 lbs 13 oz, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its price range but those weight cuts come at a cost. The biggest downfall of the Suma 2 is that it only has one door, even though it’s a two-person tent. This helps it cut down on the weight, but makes it tricky if one person needs to get out of the tent in the middle of the night and has to clamber over the other person without waking them up. In that regards, it might be better for someone traveling with their pet than two human backpackers.
Weight: 3lb 13oz / 1729g
Capacity: 2-person
Type: Freestanding
Price: Budget-friendly
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight for its price range
- Roomier than traditional ultralight tents
- Great for new backpackers testing out overnight or weekend hikes
Cons:
- Only has one door for a two-person tent making it tricky if one needs to get out of the tent in the middle of the night but not the other
