Best Backpacking TentMore than any other gear selection, choosing the best backpacking tent is likely the most subjective and individual choice you will make. There are many categories to choose from, such as full coverage, hammock, tarp, bivy, 3-season, expedition, etc. Inside each of these categories much diversity exists. Narrowing the Field of Choices Because of the wide assortment of choice available, I will make some suppositions here that may or may not fit your particular circumstance. Feel free to explore other options on my backpacking tent page. Most New Hikers Opt for Full Coverage Tents
Based on the above, my choice for Best Backpacking Tent for the new hiker is...
3 Season Tent
The REI Half Dome 2 tent fits the criteria identified above. It is a full-coverage, 3-season, 2-person tent weighing in at 5 lbs, 1 oz (for the tent, poles and rainfly) coming to just over 2.5 pounds per occupant. It is reasonably priced well below $200 making it an affordable option in the newbie hiker’s budget. It has a nice D-shaped door on each side allowing the occupants to enter/exit without crawling over each other. It even provides a modest vestibule on each side to shelter gear. Set-up is quick and easy minimizing frustration in camp. While the Half Dome is certainly not the lightest alternative available, it does an excellent job at supplying a reliable, good quality, durable shelter at a very reasonable price. Many of the original 2002 tents are still in the field and continue to perform well. This tent should last you for years. Want Versatility?
For these reasons, I recommend the REI Half Dome 2 for your consideration as Best Backpacking Tent. Agree? Disagree? Been using one for years? Love it? Hate it? Chime in and share your thoughts. Do you have your own nomination?Which shelter would you proclaim Best Backpacking Tent? Share it! What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page... Expand your horizons Bug protection would be nice I suggest you look at Henry Shires Tarp Tents and Six Moons Design. Staying with main stream is one thing but if you really ... Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 3 Bigger, taller (89" long, 54" back, 74" front) and MSRP only $20 more. You can routinely find it in the $120-$130 range less than $100 if you are willing ... Return to Best Hiking Gear |
My purpose here is to help you decide on your first backpacking tent. I am going to assume the following:
So, a few years down the hiking trail, you find that you are ready to experiment with a more minimalist shelter? What now? The Half Dome can be set up using the rainfly, footprint (sold separately) and poles only making a nice minimalist tarp-style shelter.