
Double-wall tents, which have a mesh body with a waterproof layer thrown over top, tend to breathe better and work best for backpackers exploring climes with substantial mosquitoes or other bugs. Single-wall tents tend to work best for backpackers in climates with minimal bugs and a tendency for rain-their main advantage is that the interior of your tent will stay dry during setup (they are usually also a bit lighter in weight), but they tend to collect condensation more rapidly on the interior and run hotter at the height of summer. The three-person tent on our list is an example of a classic single-wall design, meaning that the main body of the tent is waterproof, rather than a separate rainproof shell that attaches to the exterior side of the poles. The advantage of non-freestanding tents is that they are typically lighter than their freestanding counterparts (some even do away with separate poles as well by incorporating trekking poles into the design), but they usually take some practice to get used to. Freestanding tents are a great choice for first-time backpackers, as there tends to be less guesswork during the initial set up. The majority of backpacking tents on the market are freestanding, meaning that once you snap poles into their grommets, you’ll have a reasonable approximation of what the final structure will look like. First-time tent buyers should know that four-season tents are generally built to hold heat in, and are not an appropriate choice if the primary season you plan to backpack in is summer. The tents in this selection are primarily three-season tents, although the Nemo Kenai pick is appropriate for mild winter conditions, and we’d stick to the summer months with our budget pick. Things to Consider Before Buying a Backpacking Tent Purposeīackpackers can expect to face a variety of conditions depending on the time of year and the part of the country they are exploring, so knowing the extremes of your climate is essential to choosing a tent. Most Versatile: NEMO Kunai 3–4 Season Backpacking Tent.Best 2-Person: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.Our picks are some of the best backpacking tents on the market today, engineered to protect you from the elements with only a few pounds of nylon and aluminum. From mosquitoes, to downpours, to surprise summer snow and windstorms, finding a tent that you can sleep soundly in is pivotal. Protecting yourself-and your gear-from the elements is core to the backpacking experience, and that starts with choosing the best backpacking tent for your needs. The best tent for backpackers facing uncertain weather.
