Backpacking Tents

When you’re ready to snooze, a backpacking tent is your best friend. Of course, different adventures call for different tent features. Public Lands has options to suit any excursion.

Weight

With backpacking tents — as opposed to traditional camping tents — weight is key. Ultralight tents weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. Most can fit only one person, but some accommodate two.

Lightweight tents can weigh up to 4 pounds, and some fit three campers. Anything that weighs more than 5 pounds is considered a standard backpacking tent.

In general, the lighter the tent, the more it will cost. Lightweight tents require specialized materials and construction.

Capacity

Backpacking tents can fit anywhere from one to four people. A four-person tent might be convenient, but it will also weigh more than smaller styles. It could be easier for each person to carry their own smaller tent.

On the other hand, one-person tents are often just as expensive as larger options. If your group wants to save money, it makes sense to pool resources by sharing a large tent.

Seasons

A four-season tent is ideal for winter. It has a lot of insulation but little ventilation.

Two-season tents are best for mild summer weather. They provide little insulation, and they won’t stand up against severe rain.

For the most versatility, pick a three-season tent. These protect against heavy rain while still providing ventilation.

Types

Backpacking tents come in three main types: cabin, dome, or hoop. Because of their gently sloping shape, dome tents are excellent for deflecting wind and rain.

Cabin tents have vertical walls, creating more interior space. However, vertical walls don’t stand up well to extreme weather. Hoop tents, which only use two poles, are lightweight and easy to put up.