The Ultimate Backpacking Lightweight Tent Guide

Oh, let me tell you my tale of the time I backpacked across the scenic trails of Europe. It was a journey of self-discovery, endurance, and above all, a test of my adaptability. My trusted companion? A backpacking lightweight tent. This wasn’t just a piece of equipment, but my home away from home. Its featherlike weight never bogged me down even on the steepest climbs, yet its durable fabric and sturdy structure sheltered me in the wildest weather.

On that trip I learned that the less you carry on your back, the more you can carry in your heart – more memories, more adventures, more life! Trust me, the right lightweight tent can make you feel invincible.

The Ultimate Backpacking Lightweight Tent List

Here is a list of the best backpacking lightweight tents. We personally tested all the models you can find on this list.

KAZOO Venus Ultralight Tent

The particular attention to detail and meticulous design put this tent into my heart forever. I sometimes buy tents to review for the site and then sell them second hand. However I will definitely keep this model for my backpacking fishing trips. You can read my first hand review of the tent here. With superior waterproofing, double stitched seams and great ventilation this tent will be a dry shelter for two people maximum and provide you with an excellent night’s sleep.

Lightweight Backpacking Tents Under $200

REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent

This affordable and durable 2-person tent is highly rated by backpackers on a budget. Weighing in at 4 lbs. 13 oz., it provides a comfortable shelter with two vestibules for gear storage. Its taffeta rainfly and ground sheet are treated with a waterproof coating, offering strong resistance against rain and dew. 

Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent

The Kelty Salida is a lightweight tent option that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Weighing just 4 lbs. 9 oz. for the 2-person model, it features a single-door design and a vestibule for gear storage. It offers excellent waterproofing with its rainfly and floor both boasting a 1800mm rating. This tent consistently receives high reviews for its impressive features at a budget-friendly price.

Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Lightweight Tent

The Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person tent is a fantastic budget-friendly option for backpackers. This lightweight tent weighs only 3.8 lbs. and features a silicon-coated nylon fabric that offers excellent waterproofing. The tent consistently receives great reviews for its affordability, lightness, and easy setup.

Anatomy of a Lightweight Backpacking Tent

What is usually included in a lightweight backpacking tent? Let’s take a look at exactly how manufacturers balance the fine line between lightweight design and still providing a solid, dry shelter.

Rainfly

First off, the key to a lightweight backpacking tent lies in the materials used. Manufacturers often opt for high-strength, lightweight materials like ripstop nylon or polyester for the tent body.

How can lightweight tent walls still be so tear resistant? Due to a special waving patters. This involves integrating a crosshatch pattern of reinforcing threads at regular intervals into the fabric. This unique structure gives the material its “tear-resistant” quality. If a tear does occur, this grid of threads stops it from spreading across the fabric. Kind of essential when it comes to enduring the rough and tumble of backpacking and outdoor activity.

A great trick some manufacturers employ is to have the inner wall of the tent completely made from mesh. Then the outside can be just from waterproof, treated ripstop nylon. I suspect there are two reasons for this design choice. For one, it shaves off a little from the overall weight. Second, it helps with the breathability of the tent.

Poles

The tent poles are another crucial factor. Aluminum, known for its light weight and excellent durability, is the go-to choice for many manufacturers. Some luxury tent models employ carbon fiber poles, which are even lighter, but come with a heftier price tag.

Four season tents typically come with aluminium poles, for its sturdiness. They are robust enough to stand up to harsh winds and weather conditions. Carbon fiber poles are used in almost every three season lightweight backpacking tent. Due to their lightness and still relative durability.

Where do tent poles have the biggest effect in my opinion? They affect the assembly time of your tent. As you push through the tent pole in the small holes on the tent fly, the small parts of the pole must stay together. Nothing adds to the assembly time of a tent more than tent poles coming apart. For this reason some poles have magnetic parts at the ends, so they stay together.

Ground Tarp

Ultralight backpacking tents often come with an optional component known as a ground tarp or footprint. Typically made from water-resistant materials, provide an additional layer between the tent floor and the ground. 

On the positive side they prevent small rocks or wood piercing through the floor. In my experience they are crucial in preventing water seeping through in really heavy rain. How exactly? In case the water would pool up on the ground, it never comes into contact with the seams, thereby there is absolutely no chance the water starts seeping into your tent.

The downside of bringing a ground tarp? You guessed it – additional weight. Though typically lightweight, every ounce counts when you’re striving for an ultralight load. Moreover, if your tarp is larger than your tent, it can collect rainwater and funnel it under your tent, defeating the purpose of water resistance. So, before you add a tarp to your backpacking gear, weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and the weather conditions you are likely to encounter.

Design

The design of the tent also plays a role. A-frame tents, for instance, are heavier due to the extra material used for the high peak, whereas dome or tunnel tents are more streamlined and therefore lighter. 

And let’s not forget about the footprint. Usually made from ultra thin, water resistant materials. Think ultra-thin polyurethane coatings or silicone-treated fabrics. Manufacturers strive to strike a balance between keeping the tent lightweight and ensuring it can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Minimalism

Finally, less is often more when it comes to achieving a lightweight design. Many backpacking tents are minimalist, forgoing extra features like multiple doors or large vestibules to shave off precious ounces.

I have also seen extremely lightweight backpacking tents with double vestibules.

Waterproof Rating of a Backpacking Lightweight Tent

What is the right waterproof rating of a backpacking lightweight tent? One thing is for certain, a higher number means more protection. As a general rule I would not trust anything to be 100% waterproof under 2000 mm HH.

You see tents advertised as waterproof from anywhere around 1500 mm HH. Even though this rating is enough to withstand most summer drizzles but in my experience not even close when it comes to standing up against heavy all night downfalls.

What is the difference between a 1500 mm and a 3000 mm tent in the field? The ability to stand up to water pressure. A 1500 mm rating means your backpacking tent can stand up to a 1,5 meter water column before water starts seeping through. You will never have that much water standing on your tent at one time. However hours and hours of heavy downfall can have the same effect. This is why a higher waterproof rated tent will keep you safe for longer.

Of course you have to take into consideration in which area are you going to go camping? For example in rainy Northern Europe or the Rocky Mountains I would not go backpacking with anything less than 3000 mm HH. On the other hand in the mediterranean, Italy or Spain you can easily feel secure with a 1500 mm HH tent.

You can read more about waterproof ratings in this guide.

FAQ about Backpacking Lightweight Tents

Is 5kg heavy for a tent?

Yes, 5kg could be considered heavy for a backpacking lightweight tent. It’s all about balancing comfort with weight. A good range is typically between 1-3kg.

Is 4kg heavy for a tent?

4kg might be suitable for car camping or short hikes, but for long distance or high-altitude treks, you might want to aim for something lighter.

Is 3.5 kg heavy for a tent?

3.5 kg is a moderate weight for a tent. It won’t be the lightest on the market, but it could offer more durability and features.

Is a 4 pound tent too heavy for backpacking?

It really depends on the individual and the length of the trek. For weekend backpacking trips, a 4 pound tent could be just fine.

What is the best tent for backpacking in the UK?

The best tent for backpacking in the UK depends on your needs, but a popular choice is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX due to its combination of lightweight and weather resistance.

Is a 3 person tent too big for one person?

A 3 person tent may provide more room and comfort, but it’s also likely to be heavier. If you’re solo backpacking and weight is a high priority, a 1-person tent might be a better fit.

How much should a tent weigh for thru hiking?

Thru-hikers often aim for a tent that weighs around 2-3 pounds to balance comfort and weight.

Is 2 kg too heavy for a tent?

2 kg is a reasonable weight for a backpacking tent, offering a good balance between comfort and portability.

Is 25 lbs a good backpacking weight?

While the ideal backpack weight depends on the individual’s size and strength, a general rule of thumb is to aim for a pack that weighs no more than 20% of your body weight.

Do you need a tent footprint when backpacking?

A tent footprint can add extra weight, but it also provides an additional layer of protection against sharp objects and wet ground. It can be a worthwhile addition for rough terrain or rainy conditions.

What is too heavy for backpacking?

A good rule of thumb for backpack weight is not to exceed 20% of your body weight. However, ‘too heavy’ ultimately depends on your strength, endurance, and the length of your trip.

How much does a 2 person backpacking tent weight?

A 2-person lightweight backpacking tent typically weighs between 2-4 pounds.

What is the difference between ultralight and lightweight backpacking?

Ultralight backpacking typically refers to a base pack weight (everything in your pack excluding food, water, and fuel) of under 10 pounds, while lightweight backpacking might sit between 10-20 pounds.

Are ultralight tents worth it?

Absolutely! If you’re hiking long distances, the weight savings of an ultralight tent can make a huge difference in your energy levels and overall enjoyment of the hike.

Should a backpacking tent be on top or bottom?

Usually, it’s best to pack your tent last so it’s on top, especially if you plan to make camp before you’ve finished hiking for the day.

Do you need a tarp under your tent backpacking?

Using a tarp under your tent can help protect it from sharp objects and extend its lifespan. However, it will add extra weight.

What can you use instead of a tent for ultralight backpacking?

Many ultralight backpackers opt for minimalistic shelters like bivy sacks, hammocks, or tarps instead of traditional tents.

How do backpackers carry tents?

Backpackers typically store their tents in their backpacks, often in a dedicated compartment or strapped to the outside of the pack.

Are ultralight tents waterproof?

Many ultralight tents are waterproof, but it’s important to check the tent’s specifications to be sure.

What is the easiest ultralight tent to set up?

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is known for its simple and quick set-up.

What is the best material for ultralight tents?

Silnylon and Dyneema are popular materials for ultralight tents due to their strength, lightweight, and waterproof properties.

In conclusion there are several backpacking lightweight tent models you can choose from. However you need to know what are the most essential features you can’t live without to choose wisely. This is why at TentBroker we do rigorous reviews of every possible waterproof tent!