Tents
Bugout lets you congregate for blissfully insect-free meals and card games.
Few four-person tents best this blend of livability, low weight, and reasonable cost.
If low weight is your prime tent priority, put this shelter at the top of your shopping list.
A sturdy shelter that's under five pounds.
A tent that is ideal for regions that see plenty of rain and wintry weather year-round.
It's not often that the lightest shelter in our test is also the cheapest and biggest.
A long drip line and spacious headroom let's you enjoy the inside, and the outside, no matter the elements.
A low-weight, low-cost two-person, freestanding tent
An affordable two-person tent that can handle real weather.
A 96-inch-long, two-person tents suits every height.
Lightweight, but sturdy tents for the solo camper.
Deluxe features and headroom for a relatively low weight.
A lightweight tent that doesn't skimp on weather protection.
A freestanding tent that tarp lovers will love.
Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
Whether you seek maximum storm protection, minimum weight, or highest value, we've found your perfect shelter.
Check out these four two-person tents, all under $300 and 5 pounds.
68-denier ripstop polyester on the canopy and fly make this tent a burly one.
The First Ascent Stargazer is a highly livable shelter for backpackers who spend tons of time in wet weather.
A stable, light, livable, four-season tent.
A lightweight shelter for any storm.
This lightweight shelter served as a basecamper, a day shelter for a climbing party, and a winter mess tent.
A tough, spacious two-person tent for under $400.
This tent is so small and light, you'll barely notice it in your pack–until you need it.
Carbon poles with monofilament connectors make this tent light and cold-weather friendly
A go-anywhere solo tent that's spacious for one.
On day two of the Summer 2012 Outdoor Retailer show, our reader test team tackled ultralight, three-season hiking, and breathability.
Ultra Luxe
Load the trunk this Labor Day with weight-is-no-object comfort gear.
A car camping tent that's spacious, but easy to set up and carry.
An alpine tent that's light, compact, and brawny enough for storms.
Skip the new wrench sets and the flowery ties. Give the man on your list something that he’ll really be stoked about. We’ve got a slew of great dad-tested gift ideas starting at $20
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
These four-person tents offer outstanding space-to-weight ratios and high performances in foul-weather.
Don't go shopping until you've read these comprehensive guides to buying and fitting the right pack, boots, bag, and tent.
From a smart-and-light pack to a groundbreaking backcountry communicator, here are the 12 products that passed the ultimate gear challenge.
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
These four-person tents offer outstanding space-to-weight ratios and high performances in foul-weather.
Stability and comfortability are staples for these three-person tents.
Lightweight, durable, and spacious, these two-person tents offer comfortability while taking on the most foul-weather.
These solo tents offer easy setup, ample space, and durability in weather's toughest conditions.
This four-person tent is great for families, offering generous space for an affordable cost.
Stronger and lighter fabrics make this tent great for any adventure and can handle any weather condition.
This three-person tent handles challenging weather well and the freestanding dome is lightweight and easy to setup.
This ultralight and stable three-person tent offers space and a quick setup.
Ample cooking and storage space along with a durable construction make this tent a champ in handling foul-weather.
Take on challenging weather and withstand strong winds with this freestanding tent.
This three-season, ultralight tent offers durability in some of the most foul-weather.
Stay comfortable in both summer and winter conditions with this tent's floor-to-ceiling doors and fly vents.
Mesh walls create outstanding ventilation in this four-season tent for two.
Comfortable and highly ventilated, this tent offers lots of space with a double-wall dome that's great for short overnight hikes.
This tent for two is designed to increase ventilation, durability and interior elbow room.
This spacious, two-person tent uses durable fabrics to provide sturdy weather protection in a lightweight package.
With best-in-class ventilation, this tent provides generous dimensions and a breathable single-wall for a comfortable and roomy experience.
This spacious tent provides stability and protection while weighing less than three pounds.
Stable and light, this three-season minimalist tent offers minimal flapping and a quick setup.
All the best gear our reader reporter team saw at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
All the great gear specs you're used to seeing in the Gear Guide - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
A freestanding, double-wall solo tent that's light and packable
BRR Nick, who is also a physical therapist, found lots of back- and budget-friendly gear on Day 3.
Camp comfortably this winter with a shelter built for foul, windy weather.
From solo tents to big basecamp, eight bomber tents for cold-weather camping.
Light and large: That's what you get with these five shelters, which deliver comfort on trail and in camp for families and groups.
A bomber tent with lots of legroom
A super light double-wall tent
A lightweight, easy-pitching, two-pole tent.
No other double-wall tent we tested offers so much protection for so little money and bulk.
A tent that can handle it all - temperature swings, ripping wind, humidity, and rocky campsites.
With a massive 96-square-foot (floorless) area and 70-inch peak height, the Circus Tent can fit up to seven.
An ultralight shelter for four.
A tent with all the bells and whistles you'd want--large vestibules, super sturdy, and great ventilation.
This top performer is light, roomy, stable—and affordable.
A three-person tent with 40 square feet of floor space.
What do dads really want? Hint: not more ties or car wash gift certificates. We polled our male staffers to find out what they hope to get (or give) this June 19th.
There's no need to sacrifice sturdiness with the less-pricey REI Passage 2 three-season tent.
A lightweight, freestanding, stable tent with adequate space.
Pile in with these three- and four-person tents.
Stay warmer and drier thanks to efficient pole structures, geometries that enhance space and stormproofing, durable lightweight materials, and wind-tunnel-proven shapes.
Whatever your needs–ultralight, inexpensive, all-season, tough–we found the perfect two-person tent.
If you fly solo, these are the tents for you.
This kit makes zipper repair a DIY project.
From a bargain ultralight tent to perfect-fit boots, here are 14 products that passed the ultimate field test.
This sub-four-pound bargain brings ultralight shelter to the masses.
Where are the smoke and mirrors? This family-size tent weighs the same as some two-person shelters.
A mountaineering tent that costs as much as a mortgage payment, but delivers homelike comforts.
A freestanding, three-person tent that has super ventilation.
A roomy, affordable, and freestanding dome.
This three-star accommodation costs less than $60 per person.
This three-season tent saves weight with new pole technology.
A tent that can handle the rougher edges of spring and fall.
If you count weight savings in grams, not ounces, you won't find a lighter option with this much protection.
True all-season performance–without a weight penalty.
Resurrect any tent pole with this handy how-to guide.
A bargain solo tent.
Your boots will last longer, fit better, and hike farther if you give them a little TLC.
Keep your favorite shelter in tip-top shape with this advice.
Your sleeping bag is critical to backcountry enjoyment - keep it happy.
Proper fit and care will keep your backpack comfortable and functioning.
Read all the full-text reviews of the gear we didn't have room to dish about in the 2011 Gear Guide charts.
Learn how to pitch your tent when the snow falls with this how-to guide.
Gear and skills to keep you and your outdoor-loving honey happy in the backcountry.
A four-season tent that truly can be used year-round.
Think beyond the stake. Use these techniques to pitch a tent anywhere.
Our official test team logged more than 2,337 miles and 263 nights in the backcountry to find the best gear for every type of hiker.
This is your guide to creating convertible guy lines and rigging a tent securely on rocky surfaces.
An ultralight poncho/tent with durable 15-denier, siliconized fabric
An all-mesh canopy and 54 square feet of living space
Fend off heavy precipitation and 30-mph wind in this cozy tent for two
Two person, double-wall shelter with ample room and easy setup
Shopping for a tent is like shopping for a home: there are dozens of styles, designs, sizes, and features to consider. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for any outing.
The Krill Light electronic electroluminescent (EL) light stick is a bright, long-lasting glow stick made for function not fashion.
Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.
Many starry nights–and a handful of miserable ones–revealed the best bags and pads over the years.
A-frames, domes, party tents–we've tested them all.
You can't be a backpacker...without a backpack.
An ultralight, two-person tent that's livable.
Want to fly business class on a coach fare? Gift the Cosmic.
iPad apps, backcountry beer, and the perfect tent.
Want to find the ideal gift for every hiker on your list? No matter what your budget, we've got you covered.
A master designer attempts to build the last mountain shelter you'll ever need.
Got the gear but still can't get any rest? These 10 tips will improve your snooze.
Find refuge in these 8 storm-tested shelters.
A tent built for three-season backpacking in the foulest weather.
Sleeps eight and sits 12, this is the tent for a group expedition.
A lightweight, all-conditions shelter for two.
If you dip your toes in winter camping this tent is for you.
This tent survived the worst of Mt. Washington's epic weather.
255 gear reviews and cold-weather tips!
Backcountry hammocks–the easiest way to bring tropical comfort to your wilderness paradise.
You can fit four people for a game of cards, three people for sleeping, and it still weighs less than many two-person tents.
A sturdy, lightweight tent built for a family.
Don't be fooled by the cozy pubs and low elevations. The birthplace of mountaineering overflows with challenges, from rugged peaks to history-laden coastal treks.
Going it alone? Go with confidence in these solo tents.
Need a tent for you and your favorite camping partner? These two-person tents will do the trick, and then some.
Need a little more room? Check out these three-person tents--the best of the year.
Our picks for the best mountaineering tents will help you battle the elements not matter what your expedition.
After 15-hour trail days with 50 pound packs on 100-miles of Switzerland's Via Alpina, we're proud to present the best gear of the year.
These tents offer more headroom, lighter weights, and lots of strength and durability.
Fix a zipper on the fly with this repair kit.
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
In high camps, the Sierra Designs Tiros is often the last tent standing.
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
An entire line of packs and bags goes eco-friendly.
Eight years later, this REI tent is still the best deal out there.
Attention, ultralighters who want a legit two-person tent: This is it.
If you use trekking poles, you should use this tent.
Purchase a tent that fits and make it last forever with these key tips.
A weather worthy two-person tent
A roomy, lightweight tent that can handle big weather
A strong, superlight two-person tent with lavish space
A palatial three-person tent with two giant vestibules
Weather-worthy three-person tents don't come any lighter than this one.
A bargain three-person tent
This three-person tent can be pitched in a variety of ways, depending on your trip.
If you want a dependable three-season shelter that can handle light winter conditions, this is it.
Choose this tent for its awesome space-to-weight ratio, and use it in moderate three-season conditions.
This roomy tent weighs less than four pounds yet offers 56 square feet of space.
The Morpho is like three tents in one.
This durable tent wins "Best All Around" for the one-person category.
Goodbye bivy sack, hello headroom.
With moderate weight and ample interior space for two, this freestanding double-wall hits a value sweet spot.
Every week we go into our gear closet and pull out a sweet prize.
These sacks are warm like the Grand Canyon is big: You gotta experience it to understand it.
The lightest, roomiest tent we tested this year. Enough said.
Don't let frigid temps keep you inside. Here are five tips for deluxe winter camping.
Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us–so we subjected four to a powerful series of tests.
We took durability testing to the extremes, so you would know which gear lasts–and why.
Find a tent to fit your needs–basecamp, solo, bargain, ultralight, etc.–with these seven options.
Your complete guide to choosing, fitting, and using essential winter gear.
This two-person, single-wall REI tent is tough, versatile, and $300.
This two-person NEMO tent is versatile and comes with a Condensation Curtain.
This solo Mountain Hardwear tent is great when the temperature dips.
This three-person, all-season L.L.Bean tent costs less than $350.
This 2 lbs. 5 oz. update to Black Diamond's Megamid promises to be a new classic.
This four-season tent palace isn't just spacious inside, it has a 26-foot vestibule.
From ultralight solo shelters to all-conditions mountain tents, here are 10 models that will survive the worst weather so you can enjoy the best night out.
This tent stands up to rough conditions, assembles in minutes, and has room for the whole family.
True to product description, this tent gives you more for the money.
Spacious for two, the "bow frame" geometry of this tent stands up to the toughest conditions.
weighing in at 2 lbs. 6 oz, this ultralight tent fits two with room to spare.
Unmatched in weather-worthiness, this solo tent earned top honors among testers.
Looking to cut shelter weight in half this summer? A featherweight tent is just
the ticket.
How many miles, and how heavy a pack, can your kid handle? Plus, big tents, first aid, and newbie adults.
87 tips for making your next family trip easy, fun, and comfortable
A realistic, hassle-free handbook for taking kids outdoors
This two-person palace isn't ultralight, but it is ultracomfortable.
Our restless guinea pig snooze-tested the latest science and gear to bring you a simple plan that's guaranteed to improve your backcountry ZZZ's.
thanks to a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon ground layer and more, this balanced bivy has all the right elements.
We want your stories! Your photos! Your best trips and tips and all-time favorite gear! For this special edition of our Readers' Choice Awards, we're using your best stuff to create our January 2010 issue.
Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.
The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.
Mend a broken pole, fix leaky seams, and get rid of that musty smell.
Our top ultralight tarp ensures versatility with no weight.
This tarp offers the fastest setup, with tons of cooking room.
This tarp is best for groups of campers.
Big and versatile, the gigantic Kaitum is in a class all by itself.
Our best all-around 3-person tent combines the best of space, weight, and weatherproofing.
This top ultralight stood up to fierce winds in Alaska, and is a snap to set up.
This light, large, and affordable tent will appeal to almost any three-season camper.
Roomy, rugged, and light-as-a-feather--that's why the Fly Creek is this year's pick for best all-around solo tent.
This is one of the lightest, toughest four-season tent on the market.
Want to get a winter tent without breaking the bank? The Cirque is the tent for you.
This winter tent is long, lean, and livable.
Black Diamond's Stormtrack will keep even giants warm in the mountains.
Adequate space, bomber construction, and light weight make the String Ridge our pick for this year's best mountaineering tent.
The Minibus is just like its namesake: Roomy, big, and heavy.
Space and price align in the Zeta 3.
If you're taller than tall, the Marmot Crib could be for you.
The Ajanta feels bigger than you'd ever expect, and comes at a sweet price
Not even the strongest winds can faze the roomy Black Diamond Oasis.
Rain making your fly droop? Adjust your tent from the inside with this pricey tent.
This extra-large tent dwarfs all other "big-guy" tents.
Tarptent's innovative tent creates an ultralight solution for big campers.
The Hoodoo isn't exactly ultralight, but it provides plush quarters for a great price.
This eco-friendly single-wall tent doesn't skimp on quality features.
Want double walls but low weight? Try the Carbon Reflex 2.
The Taurine tackles both light-and-fast summer jaunts and heavy winter expeditions.
This all-conditions champ can handle any weather in any season.
This tent matches ultralight values with tough design.
The lightest solo tent tested is also--surprise--the biggest.
The Nemo Gogo works great for tall hikers--provided you don't mind not sitting up.
This huge, livable solo tent is also a killer deal.
Perfect for stargazers, the MontBell Crescent offers 180-degree views of the night sky.
This high-and-wide tent is meant for one, but can fit two, provided they're under six feet tall.
"Habitat for humanity" gets a new meaning with this eco-friendly tent.
Four is not a crowd in this family-size featherweight.
How do manufacturers make your trusty tent poles better for the environment? We discovered the magic formula right here.
Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.
At right around two pounds per person, these three-season, double-occupancy shelters do everything but weigh you down.
I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?
The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.
Got a family to shelter or just want castle-like living space? Go light or go big with these two standouts.
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
These versatile sanctuaries do more than just keep you dry. ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: See our video review of the latest bivys and hammocks.
The green truth behind bamboo, a hyper-efficient cookpot, and a bargain three-person tent.
The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.
We know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year.
The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.
You can test-drive a car, but not a tent. So our crew did the shakedown for you, logging 600-plus nights under stars and storms. Here's what we liked.
From your tent, to your bivy sack, to yourself, learn how to stay dry and comfortable.
There's a bewildering array of tent options available, including hundreds of three-season tents and specialized models built for hot deserts, Arctic summits, and steamy rain forests.
Before shopping for gear it's important to plan a budget, do your research, and prioritize.
Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.
It's important to consider loading, capacity, and pockets when choosing which pack to buy.
Pick the boot that's right for you with this guide.
Learn what you can and can't fix yourself on a sleeping bag.
On your next camping trip, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log
Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling, including storing, washing/drying, and special considertations.
Impress your friends–and understand any salesperson–by learning all sorts of sleeping bag lingo.
Five questions to ask yourself before you buy a sleeping bag
Make sure you don't forget a thing with our comprehensive gear checklists for pretty much any trip occasion. Plus, learn how to pick the perfect piece of gear.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
These lightweight tents can house three campers in comfort or two in splendor.
Salvage a few more years out of your favorite jacket with these zipper fixes.
A NOLS veteran offers tips on balancing comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace principles.
A weather- and bug-proof tent of negligible weight.
An atypical hoop tent that's cleverly spacious.
The lightest freestanding double-wall tent in the universe.
A traditional tent with ample room for one.
A spacious ultralight tent that stays dry.
Keep from tripping over your partner with this tent made for two
Slash weight, not weather protection, with this year's top new ultralight tents.
An affordable two-person tent that holds up in any weather, spring through fall
Three tents that'll save you money, weight, your friendship, and your head
If solitude is your thing, dish out the extra green for this spacious, sturdy solo tent.
This upgrade suits the fastpacker's need for a roomy, bugproof tent during hot and humid nights.
New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.
Meet the new benchmark in lightweight, three-season shelter
Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.
Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space
Give that old tent a new waterproof coating without shelling out big bucks.
We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
Tackle your tent pole problems with this quick tip.
Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.
To stay dry in a downpour, carry the right wet-weather gear and know how to use it.
Quick tips to set your tent with the right rainfly.
How and where you should set up your winter tent for maximum comfort and shelter longevity.
What's the best way to treat bug bites? Don't get bit in the first place.
Protect your tent from rain by building a rain dam.
Hard-won tips for pitching tepee tents on any terrain
Tent pole problems? Here's an easy fix.
Not all shelters are created equal, as anyone with a cheap tent will tell you after a bad storm. Follow these 10 essentials when buying your next tent.
Quick Tip: Preserving tent poles
QuickTip: How to stake tents on hard ground.
Mildew. Torn mesh. Broken zippers and poles. Is it worth fixing your home away from home? Find out for yourself.
Setting up a tarp? Follow these techniques depending on the situation.
What can and can't be fixed on your tent.
Learn how to weatherproof your tent -- before it rains.