The 9 Best Tents for Camping and Backpacking
Don Melanson
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There’s nothing like a home away from home, and a great tent is a key part of a successful campout or bikepacking trip into the backcountry. We’ve gathered a range of our favorite tents, from small and lightweight ones that are easy to carry while to larger shelters to throw in the back of the car before you head to the campground.
Kelty Grand Mesa Tent – 2 to 4 Person Camping and Backpacking Tents, Green
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Kelty
$97.96
The Grand Mesa 4 provides the same great value as the Grand Mesa 2 just larger and perfect for the family backpacking trip. Over 50 square feet of floor space and with a single vestibule for gear storage,this tentis ideal for the family who demands quality at a great value.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Backpacking Tent
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MSR
$399.95
MSR's award winning Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Backpacking Tent arrives in 2014 a 9 ounces lighter- an impressive feat for a sub 4 pound tent. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent uses premium fabric and performance design is ready for everything from bike touring to thru-hikes through rain, snow and bugs.
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Dome Tent
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Coleman
$65.86
The Coleman Sundome 4, 9'x7', dome tent is part of the classic Sundome series of tents from Coleman. The Sundome 4 sleeps 4 happy campers and includes a large door for easy entry/exit with a hooded fly to provide ventilation even in rain. A large rear hooded window also provides airflow for cross ventilation. Mesh vents on the roof provide additional ventilation and the rugged 1000D polyethylene floor is a bathtub style (wraps up the sides) for extreme weather protection and has welded seams, even in the corners, to guard against a leaky floor. The coated polyester fabrics on the fly and walls are rugged and durable. Like all Coleman Sundome tents it is easy to set up or take down and features an Electrical Access Port, a ground vent and an interior mesh storage pocket.Freestanding design is easy to set up and take down.2 windows and roof vents for maximum ventilation and comfort.Mesh roof aids in ventilation and reduces condensation.Shockcorded fiberglass frame for easy set up.Polyester fly is tough and durable and won't stretch when wet.1 zippered Electrical Access Port to run AC power into the tent.1 vented Cool Air Port for increased ventilation and comfort.1 interior storage pocket.Easy convenient clip and continuous pole sleeve construction.Pin and ring pole to body connection is fast and simple.External guy points to keep the tent stable in storms and high winds.Instructions sewn to carry bag so they are easy to find and hard to lose.All carry sacks and stakes included.Includes convenient flashlight loop on the ceiling.Fire retardant.Import..
Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Tent w/ Footprint
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4.6
$239.95
The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Tent w/ Footprint is a two door tent for two peeps looking to get into backpacking. Enough mesh for air flow while a bathtub floor and and extra polyester at the lower half protects against rainy nights and adds a bit of privacy. The dual doors allow each hiker to come and go as they please, without climbing over each other, plus when the fly is on, the dual vestibules shield gear without having to cram it all in on one side. The included footprint helps increase the life of the tent, while also allowing you to pitch in "fast fly" mode, with just the footprint, poles and fly. Some trips are just better when you go lighter.
Big Agnes Copper Hotel UL Ultralight Backpacking Tent
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Big Agnes
$649.95
Nylon . 6" high . 8" wide . STRONG AND DURABLE: Proprietary double rip-stop pattern nylon is 20% stronger providing maximum durability. Fly and floor feature a unique proprietary random rip-stop pattern nylon which increases fabric tear strength by 25%. EXTRA STORAGE: Featuring four interior mesh pockets and eight superlight aluminum J stakes Gear loft loops. Media pockets located above the sleeping area enable clean earbud cord routing from phones or other devices. EASY TO USE AND ENJOY: Ultralight plastic clips attach tent body to pole frame for a quick and intuitive set up. WATERPROOF FEATURES: All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. THE MOTHER OF COMFORT: The outdoors aren’t just where we get away, it's where our stories are made. Based in the Colorado Rockies, Big Agnes creates innovative solutions that help you get outside, go further into the backcountry, all while being fun and comfortable.
Kingdom 6 Tent
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REI Co-op
$439.00
Enjoy wide-open spaces inside your tent too. The airy REI Kingdom 6 tent offers 3-season protection for you and your family, and divides to create 2 private rooms with space for all your gear. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Mountainsmith Vasquez Peak 3 with FP Tent
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Mountainsmith
$299.94
Just over 5-pounds on the trail, this roomy, 3 person tent offers an excellent balance of size, weight and stability.? Utilize the included footprint for a fast fly set up or extra protection from the elements.
Marmot Halo 6P - 6 Person Tent
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Marmot
$528.65
DECENT FEATURES of the Marmot Halo 6P - 6 Person Tent DAC DA17 Poles Zip Open / Close Canopy Panels Full Coverage Fly Two Doors / Two Vestibules Fully Seam Taped Fly Fly Vent for Moisture Dissipation Ground-level Side Vents Inside Pockets Optional Footprint The SPECS Capacity: 6 Person Floor Area: 100 square feet / 9.3 square meter Minimum Weight: 18 lbs 15 oz / 8590 g Pack Weight: 19 lbs 7 oz / 8820 g Dimension: 81 x 120 x 120" / 206 x 305 x 305 cm Vestibules: 2 Vestibule Area: 32 square feet / 3.0 square meter, 32 square feet / 3.0 square meter Doors: 2 Pole Type: 4 / DAC DA17 12mm Stuff Sack Size: 25 x 14" / 64 x 36 cm Fly Fabric: 68d 100% Polyester Ripstop 1800mm, W/R, F/R Canopy Fabric: 68d 100% Polyester Ripstop, F/R Floor Fabric: 70d 100% Nylon PU 3000mm W/R, F/R
Eureka Copper Canyon 6 Tent - 6 Person
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Eureka!
$259.95
The Eureka Copper Canyon 6 is a roomy 6 person tent. This cabin style, straight walled family tent will easily sleep a family of 6. One large 'D' Style door simplifies exit or entry. 4 large windows and a generous roof vent allow for excellent ventilation. The hybrid steel/fiberglass frame is sturdy and reliable. Factory sealed floor and fly seams mean you will stay dry and comfortable in summer storms. The coated polyester fabrics are durable and long lasting. Set up is a breeze with shockcorded poles that attach with a combination of clips and sleeves and that makes set up faster and easier.Poles attach to tent body via pin and ring for fast and easy set up.Combination of clips and sleeves make set up fast and easy.2 mesh gear pockets for internal storage, clothes line loops and flashlight loop.Poles are sturdy chain corded Powder Coated steel and shockcorded fiberglass.4 Windows feature 'Quick Stash' feature - stows window flap easily without loops or toggles.4 windows - 1 on each side and roof vent maximize ventilation.Cabin style straight walls maximize interior living space.Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door.External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds.Guy Out Pockets store and secure guy lines when not in use.E! Power Port - zippered flap allows for an extension cord to be run into the tent.Gear loft included.All carry bags and stakes included.Fire retardant.Import.Going on a bikepacking trip? Consider these options