The hiking tent category is increasingly crowded and competitive, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries in terms of weight, materials, and features.
On one hand, this is great news for the consumer as the strive for innovation provides us with amazing quality and value.
However, many people face difficulties when trying to navigate through the various pros and cons that each tent has to offer.
Below we review what we consider to be the best hiking tents currently on the market, to provide you with a starting point in your search.
Our top pick: Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent
The Zempire Zeus is an excellent value mid-range hiking tent that is feature-packed and constructed from high-quality lightweight materials.
This tent is designed for ease of use and functionality, with a free-standing single pole design and hub frame. The vestibule extension has colour-coded poles for easy set up.
The heavy-duty poly oxford floor offers protection from moist ground, while the PU tape seam seal keeps you dry even in torrential rain conditions.
The fly on this tent is designed to clip on easily, and it has a velcro attachment system that makes it easy to secure in windy conditions.
The tent also features anchor vents that allow airflow through the lower part of the tent, as well as upper expel vents that allow additional airflow.
The tent has 360° fold-away inner doors, an anti-draft tub floor to keep you warm on cold nights, a rear door for easy entry and exit, and multiple configurations for various situations (like cooking).
A fully enclosed awning means that you’ll have all-weather access to your front door, while elastic pegging loops mean that you can peg out corners securely without worrying about them coming loose during strong winds.
Overall, the Zeus is a great option for people who want to stay comfortable and dry during their hiking trip. It’s lightweight, durable and waterproof, easy to set up and take down, and has ample room inside for 1-2 people.
Best value: Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent
The Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-Person Tent is a great choice for hikers who want a lightweight and affordable tent that will keep them warm and dry on their adventures.
This upgraded model of Naturehike’s popular Cloud-Up series offers improved ventilation, extra guy ropes, and a new double Y-shaped pole design that makes it self-standing without pegs.
This tent is made with waterproof nylon material and has an impressive 4000mm waterproof rating. The poles are made from durable and lightweight aluminium alloy.
The tent features breathable mesh panels to keep you cool on hot nights and weighs only 1.8kg, making it easy to carry in your pack on your next adventure.
While the Cloud-Up Tent is not as spacious as some other 2 person tents, it is ideal for two people who want something lightweight and affordable but still durable enough for years of use.
Also great: Companion Pro Hiker 2 Person Tent
The Companion Pro Hiker is a dome design tent that offers quick setup, dual entry, and vestibules for extra protection and storage.
The heat-taped seams provide better waterproofing, and there are also pre-tied guy rope points and internal gear lofts.
The Companion Pro Hiker is made of high-quality materials and comes at an affordable price point.
It weighs in at 2.7kg, which could be lighter, but is still lighter than the tents we compared it to.
The positive attributes of this tent include its affordability and durability. It has similar internal dimensions to the other 2 person hiking tents we’ve reviewed.
We recommended this tent for 2-3 day hikes, cycle and motorcycle touring.
Read full Companion Pro Hiker Tent Review.
Most spacious: Naturehike Opalus Tent
The Naturehike Opalus tent is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a four-person tent that’s easy to transport, whether on a hiking trip or in a small car.
It features a 40D rip-stop silicone-coated nylon fly with an impressive 4000mm waterproof rating. Its poles are made from lightweight but strong aluminium alloy.
The inner mesh prevents mosquitos from entering the tent while the two doors make it easy to access all areas of the tent, even with a group of four.
The packed weight is 3.9kg and it comes with a 12-month warranty.
Upgrade pick: MSR Elixir 2 Hiking Tent
The Elixir 2 is a premium hiking tent from leading outdoor gear brand MSR.
It has a capacity of 2 people, and it’s easy to assemble. It has two large doors, which makes it easy to get in and out.
The unique pole geometry optimises headroom, so you can sit up comfortably inside the tent. The freestanding system means that you don’t need to stake it down in order for it to stay standing, making assembly easier.
The Elixir 2 features mesh and solid fabric panels, which offer ventilation and warmth—perfect for long hikes through hot or cold weather.
Compared with its predecessor, the Elixir (which is no longer available), the Elixir 2 has an easier setup process and a larger vestibule area that can protect and store gear.
It also has more usable internal space as well as built-in gear lofts for extra storage space.
The new glow-in-the-dark zippers make the tent easy to set up, and the included footprint protects the bottom of the tent on rough terrain.
The Elixir 2 is a great option for those looking for a high-quality lightweight backpacking tent that offers plenty of space and durability.
The main downside is the price tag, with it costing more than twice as much as some other options on our list.
Budget option: Oztrail Nomad 1 Person Hiking Tent
The Oztrail Nomad is a lightweight hiking tent sized to fit one person. It has a minimal design that reduces extra bulk and weight, which means it’s easy to carry and set up.
The tent features airflow vents for enhanced comfort and internal storage pocket for your gear.
At the time of writing, this tent is available for less than $100, making it an affordable option for those looking for a no-frills, lightweight hiking tent.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get some outdoor time without breaking the bank on equipment.
However, it does lack certain features that other models offer, like multiple doors or an included footprint.
FAQ
Unlike a traditional canvas tent, hiking tents are constructed to be as lightweight as possible. They’re made from materials like nylon or other synthetic fabrics, which makes them waterproof and durable. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that meets your needs and preferences.
There’s no set rule about how heavy a tent should be for hiking. However, a heavier tent will make it more difficult for you to carry and set up on your own. For a 2 person tent, you should be able to find a tent under 3kg that won’t break the bank. Premium 2 person hiking tents weigh around 2kg.
