Backpack Tents Guide

A-Frame Tents: Not highly recommended for backpack tents! These are shaped like an A at the front and back with a pole across the top. Disadvantages would be weight and quality. Many are cheap which may seem an advantage. However, for the backpacker an investment in other designs would be more suitable.

Tarp Tents/ Tarp Shelter: Tarp shelters are a good option for the minimalists and for those unable to afford some of the outstanding back packing tents available today. A tarp is just a flat sheet of waterproof material with grommets in the edges to allow you to make it secure with rope or cord. If you also have time, you can learn how to knock one up in no time. They like to provide bugs an overnight stay which some people do not like to try an overcome. Tarp tents are made with many designs. They are single skinned and cost a similar amount of money as other backpacking tents. Ultralight backpackers often use a tarp tent because most are very light weight.

Bivy Sack/Bivouac Sack: Is a basic shelter for the ultralight guys. Simply its a waterproof bag for sleeping inside or a vary low rise tent that fits you and nothing else inside. A problem with a bivvy will be condensation.However, they are a good lightweight option that packs well. These do not need poles that also saves weight.

Hammocks: Suspended shelters are very lightweight. Will require an eye for finding a good tree to suspend the hammock from. An option for summer camping but for me personally, I dont fancy weathering the storms trying to find a place to pitch.

Dome Tents/Geodesic Tents: These are by far the most popular for the room available inside, including head room, and a strong design that protects well against all weather conditions. Tent manufacturers have worked on making these lighter for backpacking trips. The free-standing styles are easy to set up. These backpack tents may not be the best option for the minimalist; Although, those wanting comfort and room, rather than shaving off every ounce possible, this could be the option. They will provide a vestibule for keeping the hiking boots and gear. Due to extra poles and tent weight this may prove to be too much weight for back packing tents.

Backpack Tents and the Seasons

Three Season or Four Season Tents: You will only need a four season if winter camping in snow conditions. However, most people use a three season because they are designed with mesh allowing much better ventilation for summer camping. The 4 season should only be needed outside of spring, summer and fall.

In many cases, a four season tent can lack enough ventilation and can be too heavy to make a good camping option in summer months. Many serious outdoor enthusiasts will own more than one tent to suit weight and various weather conditions. Not everyone has the money to spend on every tent they would like and have to compromise.

Two season tents: Designed primarily for summer camping, with the emphasis on lightweight and very good ventilation. Most two season tents will have an inner that is mainly or entirely mesh material. Many are also single skinned tents (no fly).

Convertible's: The other option when considering the season's is camping tents that convert from 3 season to a 4 season. This is usually done by adding or taking away tent poles, and opening or closing the vented walls provided. These are not designed for the harshest weather conditions but more for cold weather camping.

If you only backpack in warm areas where you will rarely experience temperatures beneath 50-degrees at night, you will want backpack tents that have more mesh thereby allowing better air circulation, or maybe just a shelter.

Backpack Tents Features/ Tent Accessories

Tent features and design can reduce or increase weight alongside increasing or decreasing comfort. It will be your call, for what's most important to you.

Poles: More poles per tent means more stability for your tent. With more poles we also gain more weight and unwanted weight for some minimalists. Tents will use aluminium pole sets that are joined together by elasticised chord (shock-cord), which provides easy assembly. Some minimalist's will use a trekking pole to save weight.

The grades of aluminium vary greatly; the more expensive tents prefer to use the super light and strong types. Fibreglass materials are also used for poles. Fiberglass is not as strong as aluminium, so thicker and heavier poles are required to achieve the same strength. A lot of the cheap tents use fibreglass poles. They break easier by snapping and can damage the camping tents material via splinters. Basically, good quality lightweight aluminium poles are best suited for backpacking or carbon fibre.

Groundsheet/Footprint: You may or may not want a groundsheet. Although, they will add a little more pack weight, they do a great job of protecting the tent floor.

Single Walls/ Double Walls: The single skin tent is lighter weight compared to a tent that has doubled walls ( Fly sheet). The benefit of a flysheet is the inner tent has much better air circulation. Single skins are now made with Goretex and similar materials allowing better breathable qualities.

Tent Floor: We all know a tent comes with a floor, but not all do. Some single skinned tents used by lightweight hikers will have no floor to lose weight and the versatility of erecting the tent with many variations. The disadvantage is it is dirtier and will not protect against the bugs very well.

What is the Best Backpacking Tents then?

If weight is of major importance, then the best options are the bivy, hammock, tarp shelter, tarp tent or a quality single skinned tent.

This is our choice of the Best backpacking tents.

• Four Season Tents


• Backpacking Camping Gear


• One Man Tents


• Ultralight Backpacking Gear


• Sierra Design Tents


• Ultralight Sleeping Bags


• Ultralight Backpacks


• MSR Camp Stoves