Discover the Best Backpacking Tents for Your Outdoor Adventures
From fishnet dresses to boyfriend blush, the top summer trends are reviving our wardrobes and vanities this season. So why would we neglect our gear for the great outdoors? Like the standout runway fashion that is now touching down on the trails, the 2024 backpacking tent trends will imbue your camping gear with a fresh reset.
From the Rockies to the Appalachians, tents have played a key role in themes of countless recent collections. Case in point: In February in Denver, Kelty’s Grand Mesa tent was a “nod to the concept of making the everyday sublime—even a trip to the backcountry,” the show notes said. The momentum of innovative tent designs remained strong through the Outdoor Retailer Show. With their Fall/Winter 2024 collections, both young outdoor brands such as Big Agnes and heritage houses like MSR gave us archetypes of adventurers who embraced their gear with abandon, asking: Why not? Why not pitch a semi-freestanding tent on the rugged cliffs of Yosemite, à la Big Agnes? Or set up a lightweight shelter on the windy plains of Patagonia, as displayed by MSR?
The teeming supply of tents, from ultralight models to spacious family shelters, has magnified the transformative power of good gear in an outdoor adventure and made the case for enjoying it every day. From compact, easy-to-carry designs primed for solo hikers to durable, weather-resistant options that embrace a spirit of exploration, here are the top backpacking tent trends to enjoy this season.
1. Lightweight Marvels
For those who prioritize weight savings without compromising on durability, the Kelty Grand Mesa is a standout choice. This tent features a durable 68d polyester fabric and a lightweight design that makes it perfect for backpackers. The easy setup with Kelty quick corners and fully taped seams ensures that you can pitch your tent quickly and efficiently, even after a long day on the trail. Compact folding aluminum poles add to its portability, making it an ideal companion for three-season use.
Pros:
- Durable 68d polyester fabric
- Lightweight design
- Easy setup with Kelty quick corners and fully taped seams
- Compact folding aluminum poles
Cons:
- May not be suitable for extreme weather conditions
- Limited space for more than two people
Who It's For: Ideal for backpackers seeking a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-set-up tent for three-season use.
Why You Should Buy: The Kelty Grand Mesa is a reliable backpacking tent designed for outdoor adventures, offering durability and ease of setup with upgraded features.
Summary: The Kelty Grand Mesa is a dependable three-season backpacking tent with durable materials, lightweight design, and easy setup, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
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2. Ultralight Wonders
For those who want to cut down on every possible ounce, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 is a dream come true. This semi-freestanding tent offers a balance of structure and weight, making it a convenient choice for solo backpackers or pairs. The wider ridge pole provides more headspace, and the large mezzanine pocket offers extra storage for your gear. While it may feel snug for two people, its lightweight design and durability make it a top pick for ultralight hiking and backpacking.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Durable and reliable
- Wider ridge pole for more headspace
- Large mezzanine pocket for extra storage
Cons:
- May feel snug for two people
- Limited interior space
Who It's For: Ideal for solo backpackers or pairs looking for a lightweight, durable, and spacious tent for ultralight hiking and backpacking.
Why You Should Buy: The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 is a semi-freestanding tent offering a balance of structure and weight, making it a convenient choice for solo backpackers or pairs.
Summary: The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 is a lightweight and durable tent with ample headspace and storage, making it a great choice for solo backpackers or pairs seeking efficiency and comfort.
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3. Weather-Resistant Shelters
When it comes to braving the elements, the MSR Freelight 2 stands out with its effective rainfly design and good weather protection. This lightweight tent features two large doors and vestibules, providing ample space for gear storage and easy access. While the interior space may feel cramped for two people, its lightweight design and weather-resistant features make it a standout option for solo hikers or pairs who prioritize weight savings and weather protection.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Two large doors and vestibules
- Effective rainfly design
- Good weather protection
Cons:
- Limited headroom
- Cramped interior space for two people
Who It's For: Suitable for solo hikers or pairs who prioritize weight savings and weather protection over ample interior space.
Why You Should Buy: The MSR Freelight 2 is a lightweight tent that doesn't compromise on convenience, offering a clever rainfly design and spacious shelter for solo hikers or pairs.
Summary: The MSR Freelight 2 is a lightweight and weather-protected tent with convenient features, making it a standout option for solo hikers or pairs willing to sacrifice interior space for weight savings.
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4. Spacious Comfort
For those who crave a bit more space without sacrificing weight, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a versatile and spacious tent that offers plenty of room for comfort. With its lightweight design and ample storage options, including eight internal pockets and a gear hammock, this tent is perfect for backpackers seeking comfort and convenience on the trail. The waterproof fly and secure guidelines ensure that you stay dry and protected, even in adverse weather conditions.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Spacious with ample headroom
- 18 sq ft of vestibule space
- Eight internal pockets and gear hammock
- Waterproof fly and secure guidelines
Cons:
- Fabric and poles may not be as sturdy as other options
- Small repairs may be needed
Who It's For: Ideal for backpackers looking for a spacious and versatile tent that is lightweight and easy to set up.
Why You Should Buy: The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a lightweight tent offering plenty of space and versatility, with features like a gear hammock and waterproof fly.
Summary: The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a versatile and spacious tent with a lightweight design and ample storage, making it a fantastic choice for backpackers seeking comfort and convenience on the trail.
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5. Budget-Friendly Options
For those on a budget, the Coleman SunDome Camping Tent offers a reliable and easy-to-set-up option that doesn't break the bank. This tent features large windows and a ground vent for excellent ventilation, along with the WeatherTech system with welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry. The sturdy frame can withstand winds of over 35 mph, making it a durable choice for various weather conditions. While it may not be suitable for very cold weather, its affordability and ease of use make it a great option for warm-weather camping.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- Large windows and ground vent for ventilation
- WeatherTech system with welded floors and inverted seams
- Sturdy frame withstands 35+ mph winds
- Durable polyguard fabric for reliable use
- Lightweight (11.8 lbs)
- Compact and easy to carry
- Good weather protection with full rainfly
- Mesh interior for air circulation
- Quick setup (10 minutes)
- Affordable price at $159
- Fully freestanding design
- Quick setup
- Two doors and two vestibules
- Durable materials (20 denier ripstop nylon outer fly, 40 denier nylon floor)
- Included footprint
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- May not be suitable for very cold weather
- Limited space (fits one queen size air mattress)
- Limited space (fits three camp pads)
- May not be suitable for larger groups
- Heavier than some other one-person tents (just over 4 lbs)
- Peak height of 36 inches, which is lower than some other models
- Vestibules are not the most spacious
Who It's For: Perfect for campers who prioritize ease of setup and comfort in warm weather conditions.
Why You Should Buy: Designed for quick and easy setups, ideal for camping in warm weather with features to keep you comfortable and dry.
Summary: The Coleman SunDome Camping Tent is a reliable and easy-to-set-up tent, perfect for warm weather camping with excellent ventilation and weather protection features.
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Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a weekend warrior, the right tent can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures. From lightweight marvels to spacious comfort, these top backpacking tent trends offer something for every type of adventurer. So why not elevate your camping experience with a tent that suits your needs and style? Happy trails!