Backpacking Tents

How to choose your backpacking tent

Choosing a trekking tent means weighing up weight, liveable space and weather resistance. The main criteria are the number of people, packed weight, wind stability and waterproofing. A family camping tent and an ultralight backpacking tent don't answer the same needs: the first prioritises volume, the second prioritises lightness for the trail. Start by defining your actual use - number of nights, season, terrain - then compare models against these same criteria.

How many people, depending on your trip

The number of berths determines weight and bulk. Solo, a 1-person backpacking tent stays the most compact; for two, a 2-person backpacking tent offers the best balance of lightness and comfort. For families or groups of friends, look towards a 3-person backpacking tent or a 4-person backpacking tent. Count one extra space beyond the actual number of sleepers so you can store your rucksacks under cover.

Weight: going ultralight without sacrificing comfort

On the trail, every gram counts. An ultralight tent lightens your rucksack without giving up durability, as long as you choose the right poles and fabric. Our lightest models can be found in the compact ultralight backpacking tent range, and weight-weenies will want an ultralight tent under 1kg. Don't forget how you carry it either: a good trekking rucksack spreads the load evenly over long stretches. Expert benchmarks like MSR are often the reference point for weight-to-durability ratio.

Seasons, waterproofing and pitching

The season dictates the structure. A 3-season tent is enough from spring through to autumn; for snow and strong winds at altitude, a 4-season winter expedition tent is essential, with its reinforced fabric and low-hanging flysheet. Check the hydrostatic head rating of both the groundsheet and the flysheet, as well as the taped seams. Pitching matters just as much: a tent that goes up quickly, even in the rain, proves its worth. For a change of scene among the trees, also explore the hammock tent or an ultralight backpacking tarp, both more minimalist options.

Freestanding or not: freedom of pitching

Finally, a freestanding structure makes all the difference on tricky terrain. A freestanding tent stands on its own without pegs, which makes pitching on rock, sand or a wooden platform much simpler, and lets you move it as one piece. On soft ground, add a few pegs to tension the flysheet and cope with the wind. Complete your shelter with the right backpacking tent accessories - pegs, guy lines, groundsheets - for a comfortable camp in any season.