10 BEST Budget Backpacking Tents (2024 Guide)

Looking for the best budget backpacking tents in 2023?!

As a budget-conscious backpacker, finding an affordable tent that meets your expectations is a challenge.

With so many different tents available today, you don’t always get the best value for your money without compromising on something.

To help you make an informed decision about selecting a tent suitable for backpacking trips, I have selected 10 picks for budget-friendly backpacking tents available this year.

I have assessed each option based on their specifications like weight and size, as well as features like weatherproofing capabilities, so you can get the biggest bang for your buck!

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST BUDGET BACKPACKING TENTS

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read this full guide, these are the 3 best budget backpacking tents to consider for your next adventure.

10 TOP BUDGET BACKPACKING TENTS

If you’re in the market for a quality tent this year but don’t want to break the bank, I’ve got you covered.

Forget those expensive luxury models – with these tried and tested budget options, you know that you get quality and reliability to see you through your trips.

MOUNTAIN SUMMIT GEAR NORTHWOOD SERIES II

Let’s start this list with the Mountain Summit Gear Tent, which is the perfect choice for any backpacking adventure – at least when traveling solo.

This tent sets up quickly and easily, it’s water-resistant, and packs down nicely for easy transport.

Plus, it’s super lightweight, only 3.3 lbs, or 1.5kg, which definitely helps when backpacking around the globe.

Despite the affordable price tag, this backpacking tent is made from durable materials that are designed to resist the harshest weather conditions, making it a great choice for camping in any environment.

Everything about the Northwood Series II screams convenience, comfort, and value – make sure this budget backpacking tent is part of your next outdoor escapade!

Did I mention that it’s one of the best backpacking tents under $200 you can get?

THE NORTH FACE STORMBREAK 3

On the lookout for the most reliable tents on the market?

The North Face Stormbreak 3 is what you want, and it looks so cool too. It’s arguably the best two-person backpacking tent money can buy.

It has large doors for easy access, has plenty of headroom, and above all, it’s easy to set up.

On top of that, it’s equipped with indoor pockets on all 4 corners, which is an amazing feature – don’t underestimate it, as not all tents have it!

Lastly, it’s made for a maximum of 3 people, which is great when traveling with friends or with your partner.

It’s a spacious budget tent with durable construction and an ideal choice for your next outdoor adventure.

MOUNTAINSMITH MORRISON 2 TENT

For those ready to ease into the backpacking lifestyle, minus the fuss, the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 is a great place to start.

Not only does it offer a fast and intuitive setup process, but its 35 square feet of interior space makes for plenty of room for two people or for those with larger body shapes.

Plus, the tent’s fire-retardant coating and water-resistant fabric provide optimal weather protection, ensuring you stay cozy even when temperatures drop or rain comes in.

On top of that, taking it around is hardly an issue, as the best budget ultralight tent you can get.

Make your hikes more enjoyable – grab yourself this budget backpacking tent – perfect for pretty much anyone!

KELTY GRAND MESA BACKPACKING TENT

For the budget backpacking beginner or experienced trailblazer, the Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent is a sweet companion on any trip.

With the Kelty Quick Corners for a quick setup, this solid backpacking tent has you ready in minimal time. And its carry bag makes carrying your tent a breeze.

Not enough? The Kelty tent keeps you dry and warm no matter the weather, from blazing heat to thunderstorms.

And for even more convenience with friends, you can get the 4-person version.

Weighing only 4.1 lbs, you won’t even notice it in your pack on those long trips.

ALPS MOUNTAINEERING CHAOS 3 TENT

Looking to up your camping or backpacking game? Let me introduce you to the ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 Tent and why it’s worth checking out.

First of all, its one-pole framing means it’s simple to set up even in low light, and the fly provides full coverage for protection.

Secondly, with 41 square feet of floor area, two vestibules for gear storage, and two doors for easy entry – you’ll have plenty of room to make yourself at home.

Thirdly, it’s super resistant against strong winds, which I think is practical in certain situations and in the wintertime.

Despite being a great tent, it’s worth noting that it’s heavier than other tents, at 6.9 lbs (3.1kg).

For this reason, if you plan to go on long hiking trails in Peru or other parts of the world, you should probably consider another model.

THE NORTH FACE STORMBREAK 2

Venturing out on a summer night? Trying to find shelter in a mountain storm?

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent has what it takes to keep you cozy and warm in all seasons!

This two-person tent comes with plenty of headroom and large doors for getting in easily.

Just like the Stormbreak 3 from The North Face, this tent is easy to pop up and install. Plus, it’s equipped with high-low ventilation to have optimal airflow.

You’ll also have hardy protection from harsh weather thanks to its seam-taped construction that seals out moisture.

Make your next camping trip memorable with this reliable three-season tent that boasts everything you could need, from roomy vestibules to extra storage.

CLOSTNATURE LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING TENT

Finding the perfect tent for backpacking is hard, however, the Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent may just tick all of your boxes.

Built with waterproof ultralight materials, it’s ready for whatever tricky conditions you encounter on the road.

Setup is simple too, as it’s a freestanding tent and two aluminum poles are included, providing quick and easy pitching that’ll have you up and running in no time.

For solo travelers or larger groups, the 4 available versions have plenty of room to fit everyone comfortably.

With its combination of convenience, lightweight portability, and durability, this backpacking tent is an ideal choice for any outdoor aficionado.

REI CO-OP TRAIL HUT 2

Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with this budget tent from REI with a footprint.

With its dome architecture and nice tent body design, equal-length tent poles, and pole clips, it’s a breeze to put up and take down.

The sturdy pole structure supports the door giving you plenty of living and sitting space, while the included footprint safeguards your tent from roots and objects.

With its 66D floor denier, it’s great for camping trips with friends or family, as it can fit up to four people comfortably.

Take on any trip with confidence, knowing that you have top-quality gear with you!

The REI Co-Op Trail Hut 2 is an essential piece of gear for your next layover in the wild and is definitely one of the best budget backpacking tents you can get.

MOUNTAINSMITH CELESTIAL 4 TENT

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer out for a weekend in nature or a family ready to get outdoors, this budget backpacking tent from Mountainsmith is a safe bet!

Trusted by campers and praised by reviewers, the Mountainsmith Celestial 4 Tent offers an efficient setup, superior resistance to inclement weather, and lots of space.

Simply put, it offers all the special features that make any outdoor experience even better – at an unbeatable price!

With 56 square feet of internal living area accommodating up to four people comfortably and designed with versatility in mind, this 3-season tent will keep you dry no matter what.

Don’t skip on this award-winning backpacking tent – it’s just too good to pass up!

COLEMAN SUNDOME BUDGET BACKPACKING TENT

Last but not least on this list of best budget tents is the Coleman Sundome – another one that has the best value for money.

Whether you’re a car camper, weekend warrior, or going on an extended trip, this budget tent is sure to help you make the most of your getaways.

This dome-shaped tent makes set up simple and hassle-free so you can hit the trails quicker.

Plus, with large windows and, being a double-wall tent, you’ll enjoy generous amounts of ventilation on hot days.

Overall, if you’re preparing for your next backpacking adventure, this is one of the best cheap backpacking tents you should go for.

WHAT TO CONSIDER IN A BUDGET BACKPACKING TENT?

Interior Space

One of your top considerations when selecting a tent is space.

A spacious tent provides maximum headroom, letting you sit up comfortably and allowing you to store camping gear while you sleep.

Pay attention to the peak height of the tent; if your tent isn’t tall enough it won’t be much use when sleeping in wet weather.

Also, take note of other features such as the vestibule space (large vestibules = better trip) for additional interior space, which is key on long journeys.

Durability

When it comes to finding the right budget tent for your backpacking trip, durability is key.

Make sure you select a tent that is made of weather-resistant materials, such as waterproof fabrics or coated nylon.

Also, look for solid construction, including taped seams, waterproof seams, and other features that provide extra protection.

Additionally, double-check the tent poles to ensure they are made from a reliable material that won’t easily break or buckle in high winds.

After all, despite the budget tests, we still want quality.

Weather Protection

Weather protection is one of the most important things to consider, and it’s obvious why.

Make sure to select a model with robust waterproofing and wind resistance.

Whether selecting a single or double-walled structure, look for fabrics crafted from high-grade materials proven to hold up.

With the right strategy in mind, it is possible to find an affordable budget backpacker’s tent that excels in protecting against thunderstorms and more.

I highly recommend The North Face Stormbreak 3, Mountainsmith Morrison 2, and ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 3 for excellent protection.

Ventilation

Another essential consideration in a budget tent is ventilation.

Poor ventilation can lead to discomfort and condensation inside the tent, making for a stuffy sleeping environment.

Look for ultralight tents that offer good ventilation, such as zippered mesh windows on all sides.

Also, consider how easy it is to open and close these vents; you may find that a switch-back zipper is more user-friendly than Velcro.

Set Up and Take Down

Whether you’re a first-timer or used a camping tent before, look at the materials and quality of construction to see if it’s easy to set up.

Let’s face it, when it pours down, the last thing you want is to spend 30 minutes setting up your tent.

All the budget tents I’ve listed in this guide are pretty easy to set up, even for beginners, so consider getting one of them.

Naturally, after purchasing your budget backpacking tent, make sure you practice setting it up at home before you take it out into the wilderness.

Tent Stakes

As for tent stakes, there is usually a trade-off between cost and strength in budget tents.

Cheaper plastic and aluminum stakes are lighter than the heavier steel options but will be more fragile and prone to bending or breaking on rocky ground.

Higher-end options feature stake designs with larger heads that catch on the ground more securely to secure the fabric when sleeping.

You can see the material used for the stakes in each budget tent’s specs.

BEST BUDGET BACKPACKING TENTS – FAQS

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about budget backpacking tents.

WHAT TO CHECK WHEN BUYING A BACKPACKING TENT?

Despite having been through the favorite budget backpacking tents in this guide, when purchasing one, you want to make sure you’re getting the right one for you.

First and foremost, think about your camping needs…

What kind of terrain will the tent be used on? How many people will it need to sleep? Are spikeless stakes, waterproofing, and a rainfly all things that are important to you?

Don’t forget to check details like proper ventilation and zipper quality.

Apart from that, I particularly like it when the tent body has internal pockets, it keeps things so much more organized.

Lastly, remember that some tents need trekking poles for the setup, so make sure to always check the specs when purchasing.

SHOULD YOU GET A 1-PERSON OR 2-PERSON TENT?

Whether you’re camping solo, deciding between a 1-person or 2-person tent can be tricky.

A 1-person tent is great for easy setup and portability if you aren’t bringing a lot of gear with you, but it may feel cramped if you need to fit your gear inside as well.

2-person models are spacey and allow you to spread out your belongings, however, they also require more time to set up and are generally heavier.

In addition, for larger body shapes, they’ll be more comfortable in a 2-person tent as they’ll have more space inside for extra gear, which is practical.

WHY ARE BACKPACKING TENTS EXPENSIVE?

Backpacking tents often come with a high price tag, and it’s no surprise when you consider the technical combination of materials.

Producing a waterproof, breathable, and lightweight material that’s also sturdy enough to withstand tough terrains isn’t easy, and cheap fabric and materials won’t be enough.

So any improvements in these areas come at an increased cost.

It might be expensive, but the result speaks for itself – a reliable and weatherproof tent you can take on any adventure.

WHAT IS A REASONABLE WEIGHT FOR A BUDGET BACKPACKING TENT?

When it comes to backpacking, a reasonable weight for a tent falls somewhere between 3 and 4 pounds or 1.4 kg – 2 kg.

Of course, larger tents can weigh more, but when packing light you’ll want to ensure that your tent doesn’t exceed this weight range.

If you’re traveling with multiple people it’s easy to share the load by splitting gear like the tent, rain fly, and tent poles among everyone.

WHAT IS A REASONABLE PRICE FOR A BUDGET BACKPACKING TENT?

Finding a quality backpacking tent doesn’t have to break the bank. Granted, you can easily find tents ranging from the hundreds to thousands of dollars range.

But, for a reasonable price of around $200, you can still get an excellent tent that is both durable and reliable, for instance, the Stormbreak 2 and 3 from The North Face.

WHAT TYPE OF TENT IS BETTER FOR BACKPACKING?

For serious backpackers (or those leaving for long trips) the best type of tent is one that’s lightweight and easy to use.

Freestanding tents are usually more convenient than others in places where you need more tent stakes.

CONCLUSION

These were all the best budget backpacking tents that I would consider for day trips or long journeys.

From the stunning North Face budget tents to the REI Co-Op durable ones, these have everything you could need on a backpacking or hiking trip.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you have any questions about lightweight tents and backpacking ones, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

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