Are you ready for your next adventure with your trusty backpacking buddy? Well, one thing you shouldn't overlook is finding the right tent. After all, it will be your safe haven during your backpacking journey, whether it's a short weekend getaway or a long hike. In this guide, we will walk you through the best 2-person backpacking tents of 2024, so you can make an informed decision. Let's dive in!
The Best 2 Person Tents for Backpacking in 2024
Before we dive into the specifics of each tent, let's take a look at our top picks for the best 2-person backpacking tents in 2024:
- Best Overall 2-Person Backpacking Tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
- Best Three-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent - REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
- Best Spacious 2-Person Tent - REI Half Dome SL 2+
- Best Waterproof 2-Person Tent - REI Co-op Trailmade 2
- Best Sustainable 2-Person Tent - Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
- Best Four-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent - The North Face Mountain 25
- Best Durable 2-Person Backpacking Tent - NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
- Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for 2 people - MSR FreeLite 2
- Best Comfortable 2-Person Tent - Marmot Crane Creek 2P
- Best Budget 2-Person Tent - Kelty Late Start 2P
Now, let's explore these tents in more detail.
Best Overall 2-Person Backpacking Tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Image by Big Agnes
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 3lbs 2oz
- Packed Size: 6 x 19.5 inches
- Floor Area: 29 square feet
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 takes the crown as the best overall 2-person backpacking tent. Designed with expertise, this ultralight tent offers a range of useful features. It boasts two awning-style vestibules on each side, providing storage space or protection from the sun and drizzle. The tent's lightweight double ripstop nylon construction ensures extra tear strength. Inside, you'll find various pockets, including an oversized media pocket with a headphone slot. The Copper Spur has received rave reviews from customers, praising its durability in extreme weather and diverse terrains.
Best Three-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent - REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
Image by REI
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz.
- Packed Size: 8 x 18 inches
- Floor Area: 31.7 square feet
For three-season backpacking, we recommend the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2. This tent offers excellent value for money and a great price-to-performance ratio. With its easy setup and spacious living area, it's perfect for two backpackers. The freestanding dome architecture and ridge pole provide increased space inside. The yellow shade ensures easy visibility. Made from durable polyester, the tent can withstand wet and windy weather. It comes with a rainfly, a footprint, and easily packs away in a stuff sack.
Best Spacious 2-Person Camping Tent - REI Half Dome SL 2+
Image by REI
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 4lbs 11.5oz
- Packed Size: 7 x 20.5 inches
- Floor Area: 33.75 square feet
If you value spaciousness in a tent, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is the perfect choice. It's a versatile, affordable, and lightweight option. The tent features color-coded poles and easy-to-follow instructions for quick assembly. The rectangular floor plan and vertical walls provide ample room for two people and gear. It has two vestibules, an overhead pocket, and large vents with mesh panels for breathability and condensation prevention. While made from 40-denier ripstop nylon and 20-denier nylon mesh, it's important to note that it's not designed for extreme weather camping.
Best Waterproof 2-Person Tent for Wet Weather - REI Co-op Trailmade 2
Image by REI
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz
- Packed Size: 8.5 x 22 inches
- Floor Area: 31.7 square feet
Our third pick from REI, the Trailmade 2, is a comfortable and great value option for backpackers. It's easy to set up and break down with its x-pole configuration. The tent comes in an attractive three-tone color, making it easy to spot. With a rectangular floor plan, it feels roomy and spacious for two campers. There's ample space for all your gear, and it comes with a rainfly made from coated polyester for inclement weather protection.
Best Sustainable 2-Person Tent - Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
Image by Big Agnes
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 2 lbs 8oz
- Packed Size: 5.5 x 18 inches
- Floor Area: 28 square feet
For environmentally-conscious backpackers, we recommend the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye. Not only is it a technical backcountry tent, but it's also designed with sustainability in mind. The tent features a single-pole system for easy setup and two doors with vestibules. It even has LED lights integrated into the tent seams, eliminating the need for bulky camping lamps. The fabric is solution-dyed, reducing energy consumption by 80% and water use by 50% during the manufacturing process.
Best Four-Season 2-Person Backpacking Tent - The North Face Mountain 25
Image by The North Face
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 4lbs 1oz
- Packed Size: 6 x 18 inches
- Floor Area: 29 square feet
For those venturing into extreme weather conditions, The North Face Mountain 25 is your best option. This versatile freestanding tent is designed for mountaineering and provides extra warmth compared to most backpacking tents. Its central support frame and polyurethane waterproof coating on the rainfly and floor offer excellent protection from rain and snow. The tent provides ample room and a generous peak height of 42 inches for added comfort.
Best Durable 2-Person Backpacking Tent - NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
Image by NEMO
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 3lbs 6oz
- Packed Size: 19.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches
- Floor Area: 31.3 square feet
If durability is your top priority, look no further than the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2. It's designed with a combination of practicality and peak performance in mind. Made from Osmo polyester/nylon ripstop fabric, this tent is extremely durable. It features sturdy poles and stakes, ensuring it stays in place even in extreme weather conditions. The setup is intuitive and color-coded for ease. It also offers plenty of pockets for storage and vestibules for keeping gear dry overnight.
Best Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent - MSR FreeLite 2
Image by MSR
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 2lbs 5oz
- Packed Size: 4.5 x 18 inches
- Floor Area: 29 square feet
For backpackers who prioritize lightweight gear, the MSR FreeLite 2 is the perfect choice. Weighing under two pounds, this ultralight tent is designed for those who don't want to be weighed down. Its semi-free standing design makes it easy to set up, and its rectangular floor plan provides plenty of room for two campers. The tent features pockets and cord slots for all your technological devices. The lightweight aluminum poles, micromesh tent body, and waterproof DuraShield polyurethane rainfly contribute to its durability and ultralight design.
Best Comfortable 2-Person Tent - Marmot Crane Creek 2P
Image by Marmot
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 5lbs
- Packed Size: 22 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
- Floor Area: 32 square feet
If comfort is a top priority for you, the Marmot Crane Creek 2P is an excellent choice. This durable tent offers a cozy and comfortable space for two campers. While it adds a little extra bulk to your backpack, the added space is worth it for some. The tent features a seam-taped floor for leak prevention and sturdy aluminum poles for increased strength. It also boasts two large D-shaped doors, spacious overhead vestibules, and internal pouches for convenient storage.
Best Budget 2-Person Tent - Kelty Late Start 2P
Image by Kelty
Specs:
- Packed Weight: 4lbs 8oz
- Packed Size: 16 x 7 x 7 inches
- Floor Area: 29.5 square feet
For those on a budget, the Kelty Late Start 2P is an excellent choice. Kelty is known for producing good quality camping gear at a reasonable price. This tent is lightweight for its low price and super easy to set up, even for first-timers. It offers excellent waterproof protection with a 68D polyester fabric and a 68 denier rainfly. The tent provides excellent ventilation for hot days and ample interior space with a peak height of 40 inches.
Two-Person Backpacking Tents: A Buyer's Guide
Now that you've seen our top picks, let's delve into some important factors to consider when choosing a 2-person backpacking tent.
The Main Components of a Tent
- Tent Body: The main fabric structure of the tent, providing protection and comfort.
- Tent Poles and Stakes: Provide stability and structural support to the tent.
- Rainfly: An additional waterproof cover that goes over the tent's body.
- Footprint: An additional layer between the tent floor and the ground, offering extra protection.
- Vestibules: Extensions of the rainfly that create additional covered space outside the tent for storing gear.
- Interior Pockets: Additional storage features for organizing your belongings.
Tent Types and Construction
Dome-shaped tents offer good stability, roominess, and extra headroom. Look for ones with rectangular floors and vertical walls for more interior space.
Weather Resistance
- Waterproof Protection: Check the tent's fabric and its waterproof rating. Taped seams and a bathtub floor enhance water protection.
- Ventilation: Look for tents with mesh panels and windows for good airflow and condensation prevention.
- Wind Resistance: Sturdy poles and stakes contribute to a tent's ability to withstand windy conditions.
Packed Weight vs Trail Weight
Consider the weight of the tent when packed and its trail weight (tent, rainfly, and poles). Aim for a lightweight tent between 2 - 6 pounds when packed.
Season Rating
Most tents are either three-season (spring, summer, fall) or four-season (winter and extreme weather) tents.
Freestanding vs Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tents
Freestanding tents stand on their own without stakes, while non-freestanding tents require staking to stay upright.
Ease of Setup
Look for color-coded poles and a simple construction for easy setup.
Interior Space
Check the floor dimensions and peak height to ensure sufficient space for two campers and their gear.
User Reviews and Brand Reputation
Consider user reviews and reputable brands known for producing reliable outdoor gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose The Correct Size of Tent? Consider the floor dimensions and peak height, aiming for a snug yet comfortable fit for two campers.
Does the Tent Come with a Warranty? Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer a warranty. Some brands provide lifetime warranties for added peace of mind.
Can I Use the Tent for Stargazing? If the weather is dry, the rainfly can usually be removed or rolled back for a clear view of the night sky.
How Much Should I Spend on a Tent? Tent prices range from $150 to $700. Consider your budget, intended use, and weather conditions when making your decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect backpacking tent is crucial for a successful and comfortable adventure. With our guide and the top 2-person backpacking tents of 2024, you'll be well-equipped to make the right choice. Remember to consider factors such as weather resistance, weight, and comfort. Happy backpacking!
