Slumberjack Nightfall 2

Main Story: The Best Budget Two-Person Tents

Livability

3.8/5: The 31-square-foot Nightfall is roomier than its dimensions suggest. “The near-vertical walls made me feel like the 40-inch peak height is undersold,” said one Colorado tester after three nights in Mayflower Gulch. Like the Big Agnes, the single door is at the head, and a 9-square-foot vestibule fits two packs. Caveat: It’s heavy for a single-door tent. However, the vestibule door converts to an awning when staked out with trekking poles or sticks.

Weatherproofing

3.1/5: We didn’t face major weather with the Nightfall, but the three-pole design, four guyout points, and tension ribbon underneath the door look like they’ll hold fast in strong wind. Ding: Zero external vents mean notable condensation.

Features

4.2/5: The highlight of this tent is the external pitch, which means the poles are on the outside of the fly: “The inside stayed dry even when I set it up during a downpour in the Gore Range,” reports our Colorado tester. Bonus: The tent body easily disconnects for a fly-only pitch.

Durability

3.0/5: The 68-denier polyester floor and fly performed fine, but we had problems with the off-brand aluminum poles. After 19 outings, they were bent (cause unknown), but still functional.