Choosing the right backpacking tent can be overwhelming, especially on a budget. This comprehensive review analyzes eight popular budget backpacking tents, meticulously comparing key features to help you make an informed decision. We delve deep into factors crucial for a comfortable and reliable backpacking experience, going beyond simple specifications. This isn't just a list; it's a detailed assessment of each tent's strengths and weaknesses, considering spaciousness, ease of setup, weather resistance, ventilation, and overall quality.Our rigorous testing involved evaluating each tent's performance in various conditions, including heavy rain and overnight use. We've considered everything from the size and design of the doors to the durability of the materials and the efficiency of ventilation. This review aims to equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect budget-friendly backpacking tent, ensuring your next adventure is both comfortable and memorable, without breaking the bank.
Pros And Cons
- Super spacious due to four-pole structure
- One of the best doors
- Most pockets of all tents reviewed
- Fantastic in rain (survived 24 hours of heavy rain without leaks)
- Great quality, including DAC aluminum poles that withstand strong winds
- Vestibule zippers are not one-handed
- Super thick materials (double the thickness of other tents)
- Ripstop rainfly (more tear-resistant)
- 80% mesh (excellent ventilation)
- Performed well in rain (survived 1 hour heavy rain and 12 hours light to moderate rain without leaks)
- Very spacious (even bigger than North Face)
- Large doors (easy entry/exit and cross-ventilation)
- Unique pole structure creating nearly vertical walls
- Steep price ($300 MSRP)
- Highest peak height
- No vertical walls, felt less spacious
- Tub floor not high enough to keep water out in heavy rain, leading to leaks
Read more: Top 5 Square Camping Tables for Your Next Adventure
Spaciousness: Interior and Vestibule Area
The most important factor for a backpacking tent is spaciousness. This encompasses both the inner tent's livable space and the additional storage provided by the vestibule. A larger base area, combining both inner and vestibule space, allows for greater comfort and gear storage.
I measured the length and width of each tent to calculate the base area, presenting the results from largest to smallest. Note that some tents had one vestibule, while others had two, significantly impacting the overall space. Finally, I also considered the peak height and presence of vertical walls which contribute significantly to the overall feeling of spaciousness.
Setup and Pack-Away Time
Ease of setup and pack-away is crucial for backpacking. A quick setup means you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors. Generally, tents with more features take longer to set up, but the differences in this test were minimal.
The simplest tent, with only two poles and one vestibule, had the fastest setup time. Conversely, the tent with four poles and two vestibules took a bit longer. The pack-away times followed a similar trend. The time difference between the fastest and slowest was only a couple of minutes, so this factor might not be a major consideration for everyone.
Features: Doors, Pockets, and Other Amenities
While backpacking tents prioritize functionality and weight, some features enhance usability. Door size and design are especially important, affecting both entry/exit ease and ventilation. Pockets and loops offer convenient storage for small items.
The Nemo Aurora 2 stood out with exceptionally large doors, significantly improving entry/exit and cross-ventilation. Pockets for door storage were preferred over toggles, enhancing convenience. Two-door tents are recommended for ease of access for multiple users.
Rain Protection: Heavy Rain Test Results
A tent's ability to withstand heavy rain is paramount. All tents underwent a one-hour heavy rain test; almost all performed well without additional waterproofing. Further testing of North Face and REI tents extended to 24 hours, revealing slight leaks after this time.
The Teton Mountain Ultra performed exceptionally well, lasting over 12 hours in light to moderate rain without leaks. The Kelty Late Start showed dampness after two hours but remained leak-free. The Elk Mountaineering Links had a tub floor that was insufficient in heavy rain, causing water to leak through seams.
Ventilation: Mesh, Vents, and Condensation
Effective ventilation prevents condensation and ensures comfort. Mesh coverage, rainfly vents, and the ability to guy out the rainfly all impact ventilation. The tents with the most mesh (Teton and Kelty, at 80%) were best suited for summer conditions, while those with less mesh were better for the off-season.
Rainfly vents, although some leaked in heavy rain, still enhanced airflow. The possibility of guying out the rainfly at the width also improved ventilation. None of the tents tested showed any condensation issues during overnight use, but that was using only one person, so results may vary.
Quality: Materials, Poles, Zippers, and Warranty
Tent quality hinges on material durability and construction. The Teton Mountain Ultra used exceptionally thick (150D) fabric and ripstop rainfly material. Polyester taffeta was another high-quality material. Aluminum poles, although not all 7000 series, were common.
Only North Face used DAC poles, while zippers were mostly unbranded except for SBS on North Face. Warranty lengths varied, but REI's was the shortest. The high-quality materials used in several models indicated good overall quality for budget tents.
Portability: Weight and Pack Size
Portability is crucial for backpacking. Weight, both packaged and trail weight (excluding carry bag, stakes, etc.), was considered. Weight per person was typically 2–3 lbs. Pack size is also considered but is less objective since carry bags vary.
Some tents offered footprints, adding weight but providing extra versatility. The REI Trail Hut, despite a free footprint, lacks grommets for footprint-only setup. Overall portability scores were determined primarily by tent weight.
Overall Results and Recommendations
The North Face Stormbreak 2 was the overall favorite due to its high scores in various tests, including spaciousness, features, rain protection, and quality. Its four-pole structure and well-designed features contributed to its top performance. The Teton Mountain Ultra also performed excellently and provided exceptional value for money.
For a budget under $100, the Teton Mountain Ultra stood out as the best choice. While the Nemo Aurora 2 provided impressive spaciousness, its higher price point removed it from budget considerations. The REI Trail Hut 2, with frequent discounts, offered great value in the $100 price range. The remaining tents, while functional, were outperformed by better options in the same price range.
