Tents are one of the most critical pieces of gear for backcountry travel. Backpacker’s experts evaluate the best tents on the market every year—whether your style is ultralight, car camping, or mountaineering, these shelters will give you safety from the storm.
There are a lot of great deals for hikers today, but at half-off, Big Agnes's "crazylight" Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon might be the best.
A tent that's not built for the conditions can turn your chill winter camping trip into a disaster. Here's why and how to figure out if your shelter is ready for the challenge.
Our all-time favorite four-season tents can handle anything you throw at em’.
The Kelty Wireless 2 is a reliable tent for new or thrifty campers.
The MSR Access 3 can stand up to winter storms without requiring you to carry the weight of a mountaineering tent.
Our all-time favorite three-season tents can handle anything you throw at ‘em.
Tarps are no longer the go-to shelters of most ultralighters. Should they still have a place in your kit? That depends.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum has all the features of a much heavier backpacking tent tucked into a sub-two-pound package.
The MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 1 is one of the lightest solutions for keeping out bugs, no-see-ums, and water seepage from the ground.
The Kammok Sunda 2.0 can pitch as a 2-person tent or a backpacking hammock, and REI members can grab it now for nearly 60% off.
If you'd rather tote a little extra weight for a more livable sleeping experience, then the Marmot Limelight 3 may be for you.
Our all-time favorite UL tents can handle a border-to-border thru-hike and weigh less than most sleeping bags.
If you're thinking about experimenting with a floorless shelter, the Sierra Designs High Route packs down to the size of a Nalgene but punches above its weight in livability.
The tent that launched a whole new generation of backpackers is now more comfortable, convenient, and protective than ever
The MSR Hubba Hubba is a lightweight 3-season backpacking tent that's suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike—and right now, it's downright cheap.
The MSR Access 2 is a light(ish) weight option for backpackers looking to make miles in full winter weather.
At just over 2 pounds all in, the Moment is a sturdy, feature-rich solo tent that won't break the bank or your back.
The Big Agnes's Copper Spur line's mix of livability and low weight set a high water mark for our tent testers.
Atypical design, material-choice, and geometry make this tent appealing to ultralighters and weekend warriors alike.
The Mountain Hardwear Meridian 2 is the cheapest and most spacious tent in our test this year—and right now, it’s on sale for 30% off.
Freestanding tents are typically considered the gold standard in backpacking shelters. But in some cases, non-freestanding models can be worth the weight savings.
This one-pound Dyneema trekking pole shelter can hack it just about anywhere
Need a new shelter? These four deals make upgrading a little less painful.
The Whisper splits the difference between tarp and tent.
This wood-heated mid could change the game for cold-weather overnights.
Swapping out your tent for a shelter that sets up with trekking poles is a quick way to cut weight. But is it the right choice for you?
The Sierra Designs Crescent 2 is beginner-friendly two-person shelter, and right now it's more than 50% off.
For comfort and storage space, this shelter is hard to beat
A portable three-person tent for deep backcountry adventures
With the right tent you can protect yourself from the weather, spread out in luxury, and settle into a home away from home
The lowdown on four-season shelters that might be your home on future winter trips.
It’s light enough, durable enough, comfortable enough, and more than cheap enough.
A quick, easy setup and generous interior and vestibule space make this a great tent.
The Sierra Designs Alpenglow is made to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Save money, and weight, with this ultralight shelter.
If you’re looking for the most affordable tent that can still perform, the Kelty Wireless 2 is a steal.
The cost of your backpacking tent shouldn’t keep you awake at night. These double-wall, two-person shelters are all $300 or less, and will put your mind—and body—at ease with their dialed combinations of performance and price.
The Roofnest Falcon XL is simple to set up and offers plenty of livable space.
Save money, and weight, with this solo shelter.
Save on an ultralight, spacious shelter.
The best bargain tent of 2021.
The tent with best protection of 2021.
The tent with best features of 2021.
The best value tent of 2021.
The most versatile tent of 2021.
The best space-to-weight tent of 2021.
The best all-around tent of 2021.
The most packable tent of 2021.
The lightest tent of 2021.
This detail-heavy, spacious, and light tent has earned its place as our home on the trail.
It's light and roomy, but is this tent durable enough to survive the Pacific Crest Trail? Let's find out.
Best protection in a winter tent
Best strength-to-weight ratio of winter tents
This weather-beating fortress will keep you dry and safe.
For trips that don’t take you far from the car, these tents will let you rest your head in spacious comfort and style.
Most spacious
Most durable
Best gear storage
Most versatile
Stand up to any storm with this durable, portable shelter.
This single-wall shelter has a ton of storage space.
Get maximum value for minimum cash with these 14 standout products.
Get a bomber winter expedition tent at a great price.
Most eco-friendly tent
Tent with best space-to-weight ratio
Easiest tent to setup
Best all-around tent
Tent with the best features
Best tent for families
Tent with the best protection
Best value for a tent
Lightest tent
Home sweet home
This superlivable tent is great for families.
Best tent for mountaineering
Strongest tent
Palatial Tent
These auto- and boat-friendly luxuries are your ticket to outdoor family fun.