Comparison: Best The Lightest Backpacking Tent (Updated | Oct 27th)
When venturing into the backcountry, a lightweight backpacking tent can significantly enhance your comfort and mobility. This comparison explores top options designed for minimal weight without compromising durability or protection. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a weekend camper, understanding key features like packability, weather resistance, and ease of setup is essential. Here, we evaluate leading models to help you find the ideal balance of portability and performance for your outdoor adventures.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for best overall:
Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent for One Man -
Best for best budget:
Night Cat Backpacking Tent for One 1 to 2 Persons Lightweight Waterproof Camping Hiking Tent for Adults Kids Scouts Easy Setup Single Layer 2.2×1.2m -
Best for budget pick:
BISINNA 2/4 Person Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent Waterproof Windproof Two Doors Easy Setup Double Layer Outdoor Tents for Family Camping Hunting Hiking Mountaineering Travel -
Best for extended length:
camppal 1 Person Tent for Camping Hiking Mountain Hunting Backpacking Tents 4 Season Resistance to Windproof Rainproof and Waterproof -
Best for lightweight design:
Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent -
Best for premium build:
OneTigris Stella 4 Season Camping Tent Backpacking 2 Person Waterproof Lightweight Easy Setup Instant 3000mm Waterproof Rating Outdoor Hiking Tent -
Best for quick clip:
Night Cat Upgraded Backpacking Tents 1 2 Persons Easy Clip Setup Camping Tent Adults Scouts Heavy Rainproof Compact Lightweight -
Best for easy setup:
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent – 3 Season 2 Man Camping Thru Hiking Shelter -
Best for wind resistant:
OneTigris COSMITTO 2 Person Backpacking Tent Shelter- Free Standing Lightweight Waterproof 3 Season Camping Tent for Outdoor Hiking Mountaineering -
Best for 4-season ready:
1-Person Backpacking Tent for 4-Season – Winter Waterproof Tent for One Person
Product Comparison: Best The Lightest Backpacking Tent
Best overall
Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent for One Man, Waterproof Ultralight Single Person Tents, Double Layer One Person Tent for Camping Hiking Backpacking
Naturehike
- 【ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT ONE PERSON TENT】: Made of lightweight 20D nylon material, this ultralight single person tent only weighs 3.3lbs. The tent packs up fairly small:16” x 5.1”x 5.1”, fits your backpack with plenty of room for other camping gears.
- 【EASY SETUP & PACK DOWN】: With one set of aluminum alloy tent poles, the tent is super easy to assemble, it takes less than two minutes for anyone with no experience. It is the easiest tent you have ever put up. Perfect solo tent for Backpacking, cycling, Hiking, Bikepacking, Mountaineering, Fishing or Car Camping.
- 【WATERPROOF& WINDPROOF】:The Cloud up 1 person tent made of PU4000mm waterproof 20D nylon with silicone coating, and all corners and seams are taped, keeps you dry , with no leaks or drops of water inside. The 7001 aluminum alloy is tough and durable, hold up firmly in heavy wind and rainstorm. Enjoy a good night’s sleep regardless of the weather, go through hail and tons of rain and wind with the tent.
- 【SPACIOUS 1 PERSON TENT WITH VESTIBULE】: Tent size: 82.7"L x 43.3"W x 39.7"H, It is perfect suitable for one person camping, could also fit two slim persons as well. There is plenty interior room for a single man to have a good sleep and enough headroom to sit up comfortably. The front door and vestibule design is perfect to keep stuff or cook without getting out of your tent in bad weathers.
- 【DOUBLE LAYER TENT】: This tent is designed with two layers, which helps to create as much space and airflow between the fly and the inner tent. High desity B3 mesh inner tent provides good ventilation and much air flow inside the tent. The rainfly can be used separatly as a sun shelter.
- 【FOOTPRINT INCLUDED】:This backpacking tent comes with the footprint for the tent， you don’t need to purchase separately. And you will also get Pegs x 12, guy lines x 3, 7001 Aluminum alloy poles x 1 set, rain fly x 1, inner tent x 1, strapping tape x 1, carry bag x 1
Best budget
Night Cat Backpacking Tent for One 1 to 2 Persons Lightweight Waterproof Camping Hiking Tent for Adults Kids Scouts Easy Setup Single Layer 2.2×1.2m
Night Cat
- 【Protect Your Hands】 Night Cat backpacking tent (ZP-10) uses the upgraded fiberglass pole that is fully covered with PROTECTION CASE. Comparing the traditional fiberglass pole under single layer only, the double layer design can protect your hands when assembling to avoid the tiny scrap inserting your hands
- 【Fits One Person Nicely】Inner size: 7.0*3.8*3.6ft. The camping tent fits for 1 person perfectly with enough storage space for accessories like backpack, clothing, footwear, etc. Or 1 adult and 1 child are still capable to sleeping together
- 【Lightweight & Compact】 Weight: 2kg (4.4lb), package size is quite compact, 42*12*12cm(16.5*4.7*4.7in) thanks to the foldable poles. Ideal dome tent for camping,backpacking, motorcycling, biking, hiking. Nice gift idea for boy scouts tent, teens, kids playing at home or backyard
- 【Heavy Rainproof & Great Ventilation】The rainproof polyester fabric PU 3000mm, every inseam and stitching must seal with enhanced waterproof tape, ensures this 1 person tent is heavy rainproof even in the storm. Big opening mesh door and mesh window on roof can lead fresh air flow smoothly while keeping the fly bugs out
- 【Easy Setup & Take Down 】Two fiberglass tent poles are inserted into the diagonal sleeves manually will take 1 to 2 minutes to finish the whole setup. To take down and storage the single person tent is also simple and fast
Budget pick
BISINNA 2/4 Person Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent Waterproof Windproof Two Doors Easy Setup Double Layer Outdoor Tents for Family Camping Hunting Hiking Mountaineering Travel
BISINNA
- 【Durable and High-Quality Material】: BISINNA Camping tent are made with high quality Material. The INNER TENT made with 190T Polyester Taffeta+B3 No-see-um Mesh; RAINFLY made by 190T Polyester Taffeta and guarantees PU2000mm water-resistant; TENT POLES made with lightweight and durable 7001 space aluminum, can supports most heavily wind rain.
- 【Roomy 2-person Tent for 3 Seasons】: With the unfolding size of (23.6+55+23.6) x 82.7 x 47.2 (H) inches / (60+140+60) x 210 x 110 H cm.BISINNA backpacking tent is spacious enough to accommodate up to two people, perfect for couples .The tent also has double layers that is suitable for 3 Seasons and preferred use for Hiking, Expeditions, Fishing, Kayaking, Car Camping, Backpacking, or Bikepacking.
- 【Breathable & Stable】: Large section of mesh and 2 D-shaped doors with dual zippers provide much better ventilation. Equipped with 10 lightweight Alloy Pegs and 2 Wind ropes, the tent has a high resistance of wind.
- 【Easy Set up &Compact】: A camping tent should be very easy to erect and takedown. Free-standing and two Aluminum poles design for lightweight hiking tent’s fast pitching. One person first using this tent is able to set up the tent with double flysheets in less than 10 minutes.Even a child can do it easily.Packed Size: 16.9''x5.9''x5.9'', easy to put in one’s backpack.
- 【WHAT YOU GET】: 1 x carry bag,1 x inner tent,1 x flysheet,2 x Aluminum poles,2 x ropes,10 x Aluminum stakes. If you are not completely satisfied with this tent for any reason, simply contact us, we will try our best to help you solve your problem.
Extended length
camppal 1 Person Tent for Camping Hiking Mountain Hunting Backpacking Tents 4 Season Resistance to Windproof Rainproof and Waterproof
camppal
- [Professional 1 Person Tent]: Size: Inner tent(L8.2ft x W2.95ft x H2.95ft), Outer tent: L8.2ft x W(2.95ft +1.31ft) x H3.11ft, 3500~4000mm Water Resistance. Fire Retardant Standard/CPAI-84. This 1 person camping tent is very light, just 3.75lb, easy to carry on when you camp outside, besides, it's also very easy to set up with only one single ridge pole.
- [Waterproof and Stable]: Outer tent with the water proofing value of 3500mm, seam taping on the zipper, velcro wrap with PVC & seam taping, 4 bottom corner with seam taping, which are high and good enough to prevent the water from entering even under the big heavy rain; Strong aluminium pole construction and the anti tearing rip-stop fabric which greatly help to prevent the hitting and tearing on fabric from the strong wind under the bad weather with big storm.
- [Extended Length – 8.2ft]: This single person tent is long enough to enable the taller person to sleep in the tent comfortably; The longer tent also provides with extra space for the personal belongings like luggage, backpack, clothes, shoes, etc.
- [3 Minute Quick Setup]: Super easy to set it up! It takes only just 3 minutes to pitch tent even for a beginner, and we have specially made the longer and bigger carry bag for the end customer even to pack up the tent loosely and still could put it back into the carry bag easily and conveniently.
- [No-Risk Purchase]: Camppal offer unconditional 30-day money back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty to make it an absolutely risk-free purchase. If you have any question about the tent, Pls just email us, 24/7 customer service will be offered and a satisfied solution will be provided less than 12 hrs.
Lightweight design
Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent, Lightweight Backpacking Tents for One Man, Waterproof Ultralight One Person Tent for Camping Hiking Backpacking
Naturehike
- Enhanced Ventilation and Spacious Design: The upgraded Cloud Up Pro backpacking tent features a ventilation window above the front door, minimizing condensation for a dry and airy interior. Its spacious layout with a large, high front door offers ample room for camping gear and comfortable entry and exit.
- Compact and Lightweight Backpacking Tent: At only 3.66 lbs, this 1-person tent is made from durable 210T polyester, packing down to just 15.3” x 5.1” x 5.1”—ideal for fitting into your backpack alongside other essentials, making it perfect for solo backpacking, cycling, and hiking.
- Waterproof and Windproof Durability: Constructed with a 210T polyester waterproof coating (PU3000mm+) and reinforced with 7075 aluminum alloy poles, this tent withstands harsh weather conditions, keeping you dry and comfortable in heavy rain, wind, or hail.
- Versatile Double-Layer Design for All Weather: The tent’s double-layer build provides added protection and airflow, with a high-density B3 mesh inner tent for ventilation and a rain fly that doubles as a standalone sun shelter.
- Complete with Footprint and Accessories: This one person tent includes a footprint, carry bag, tent poles, wind ropes, and stakes, so you’re fully prepared for your outdoor adventure without needing additional purchases.
Premium build
OneTigris Stella 4 Season Camping Tent Backpacking 2 Person Waterproof Lightweight Easy Setup Instant 3000mm Waterproof Rating Outdoor Hiking Tent, Black
ONETIGRIS
- Lightweight and Durable: The OneTigris STELLA Camping Tent features a lightweight and durable 20D Nylon outer fabric with a single-layer silicone coating, making it both sturdy and easy to carry at only 4.4lb/2kg. Suitable for backpackers, bushcrafters, everyday campers, and families Waterproof: With a 3000mm waterproof rating, the STELLA camping tent is perfect for use in all weather conditions. The removable blackout outer tent allows for greater flexibility in use.
- Waterproof: With a 3000mm waterproof rating, the STELLA camping tent is perfect for use in all weather conditions. The removable blackout outer tent allows for greater flexibility in use.
- 4-Season Design : The STELLA camping tent has a quality mesh inner tent for good airflow, 20D nylon body and 40D Nylon Tent bottom. This ensures you stay dry and comfortable even in humid conditions.
- Easy Setup: The STELLA camping tent is designed with the most straightforward setup method, using flexible poles that cross at the top of the dome and are securely anchored to the floor on all 4 corners.
- Dimension: Package size-19.7”*5.9”/50cm*15cm, Setup size-6.9ft*4.1ft*3.7ft/2.1m*1.25m*1.15m; Weight: 4.4lb/2kg; Comes with a setup kit of tent poles, stake*10, 8.2ft/2.5m guy-line*4, and a storage bag.
- Included components : Pole
Quick clip
Night Cat Upgraded Backpacking Tents 1 2 Persons Easy Clip Setup Camping Tent Adults Scouts Heavy Rainproof Compact Lightweight,Single-Size
Night Cat
- 【Upgraded Backpacking Tent, Eaiser Clip Setup】 Comparaded with tranditional camping tent spreading the poles through sleeves, Night Cat Upgraded Backpack Tent use the tent clips to attach on the poles making it faster assembling with about 1 minute only
- 【Fits One Person Nicely】 Assembled size 7×3.8×3.8ft, spacious tent for 1 adult, could fit 1 more kid if needed. Fits well inside with 1 to 2 Night Cat sleeping pad and sleeping bag individually with roomy space to storage backpack aside with you. The little vestibule can storage your shoes before entering one person tent
- 【Heavy Rainproof & Windproof】 Rainproof 210T Polyester Taffeta PU 3000, 150D oxford bottom fabric PU 3000, waterproof tape on every seam, to ensure the inside solo tent is completely dry under any rain situation even in the storm. Strong fiberglass poles guarantee the stability and long service life of using. Metal stakes, and guy lines make it stable in a windy day
- 【Lightweight & Portable】 The single man tent only weighs 2KG(4.4lbs) and the package size is quite compact, only 42x12x12cm(16.5×4.7×4.7inches) thanks to the foldable fiberglass poles. Ideal dome tent for motorcylce camping,backpacking, hiking, beaching, outdoor
- 【Cool Ventilation】 Big opening mesh door and mesh window on roof can lead fresh air flow smoothly while keeping the fly bugs out.Raifnly is permanently attached into the loop on roof avoilding the incautious lost
Easy setup
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent – 3 Season 2 Man Camping Thru Hiking Shelter, Aluminum Poles, Single Door + Vestibule, 2024 Model (2P)
Kelty
- Fully featured and refreshed for 2020, the reliable backpacking companion Grand Mesa tent is now even grander. Easy, affordable, and awesome… like your favorite freeze-dried meal. Without the heart burn.
- 2020 Updates: Kelty Quick Corners keep poles in place during setup, EZ-Zip vestibule with fully taped seams, Shark Mouth carry bag for easier pack up and storage.
- Dependable Materials: 2 compact folding, DAC pressfit aluminum poles, weather resistant and long lasting 68D polyester tent floor and rainfly fabric, and fully seam taped construction. Color coded clip and fly attachment for simple set up.
- Freestanding, Lightweight Design: Freestanding design allows for the tent to be pitched and then moved around to find the best camp site. Lightweight materials contribute a weight of 4lbs. 1oz (2 person) or 6lbs. 13oz (4 Person).
- The Nitty Gritty: Overall size (in inches) 85×57/44, 30 square feet interior space, packed size 16x7x7in, packed weight 4lbs. 12oz. 1 door, 1 vestibule, rated for 3 season use.
Wind resistant
OneTigris COSMITTO 2 Person Backpacking Tent Shelter- Free Standing Lightweight Waterproof 3 Season Camping Tent for Outdoor Hiking Mountaineering
ONETIGRIS
- Key Features: Waterproof and durable material – Lightweight but sturdy frame pole for sleeping overnight, even on a windy or drizzle day. – Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast that enjoys camping, backpacking, hiking ,etc.
- Waterproof/Durable Material: 20D Plaid Ripstop polyester construction with 75D nylon tent bottom offering rugged durability, with 1500mm waterproof coating. OneTigris Waterproof Backpacking Tent is perfect for overnight sleeping for backpacking, camping, hunting, and other adventuring activities.
- Quick Setup&Packing: The rain fly, tent body, and aluminum alloy frame poles can be easily assembled for a quick and steadily anchored setup. Packs down quickly to a stuff sack that measures 23.6” by 6.3”. -Highly recommended for backpackers and families that need a quick and easy setup for the trip
- Spacious Design: The interior size is 2ft by 4.3ft by 3.6ft, spacious for 2 person and has plenty of room for storing clothes and gear. 2 zippered entrances, 2 large gear organizer pockets, and with protective tent corners design to prevent sideway winds from disturbing campers’ sleep. Hexagon shaped outer tent for solid wind resistance and stability in shelter structure.
- What You Get: 1-year limited warranty for quality-related issues. Comes with backpacking tent *1, pole *3, 9.8ft/3m guy-line with adjusters*4, tent peg *10, stuff sack *1. Enjoy your life with OneTigris COSMITTO Backpacking Tent!
4-season ready
1-Person Backpacking Tent for 4-Season – Winter Waterproof Tent for One Person, Lightweight Camping Gear for Backpacking, Easy Set Up Cold Weather Essentials by Underwood Aggregator
Underwood Aggregator
- FOUR SEASON TENT: While other 3 season tents are only available for spring, summer, and fall, this extreme weather tent is suitable for all seasons of the year. In winter, the snow skirt of this 1 person backpacking tent makes sure that it can keep snow away. The rollable design makes it convenient when there is no snow around. In other seasons, the mesh design of the 4 season backpacking tent keeps bugs away while the double-layer door ensures ventilation
- SMART DESIGN: Two-way zipper is a little trick for using the ultralight backpacking tent at ease. The interior of the hiking tent has a camping light hook to hang a lantern and a mesh pocket to store your camping accessories or cell phone. Double-layered corners can withstand high winds and powerful storms. That makes it a heavy duty tent. This single person tent is a good choice for outdoor activities. Moreover, this winter camping tent pairs well with the camping mattress in the store
- SINGLE PERSON TENT: This lightweight backpacking tent is designed for a single person, a good choice when you want to have some private space. With a center height of 35.8’’ and a floor size of 31.8’’ X 86.6’’, its packed size is 5.1’’ X 15’’, weighing just 4.4 pounds. This outdoor camping tent is super compact, lightweight, and easy to store. The freestanding structure can keep this small camping tent together with aluminium poles and the duraflex fasteners connect the tent and the rain fly
- UPGRADED MATERIALS: The backpack tent is designed with premium materials to be used in all weathers of the year. Includes sturdy aircraft grade aluminum poles and full cover rain fly for winter temperatures. The aluminum poles of the waterproof tent are light and tough. The rain fly design and PU5000mm coating of the cold weather tent make sure the interior is dry and clean. All these make the small camping tent windproof and waterproof
- BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE: The Underwood Aggregator winter tent undergoes rigid inspection before its departure from the factory. Should you have any problems with the 1 man tent, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team. We are ready to help and happy to hear from you. Your satisfaction, our responsibility
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What makes a backpacking tent 'lightweight'?
A lightweight backpacking tent typically weighs under 3 pounds (1.36 kg) and uses ultralight materials like silicone-coated nylon or Dyneema. It prioritizes minimal weight without sacrificing essential durability or weather resistance for long-distance hiking.
How do I balance weight and durability in a tent?
Look for high-denier fabrics and reinforced seams for durability, paired with compact poles like aluminum alloys. Brands often use innovative designs—such as single-wall or non-freestanding structures—to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
What weather conditions can lightweight tents handle?
Most lightweight tents handle mild to moderate weather. For heavy rain or wind, choose models with higher hydrostatic head ratings (2000mm+), guy-out points, and sturdy pole systems. Ultralight tents may struggle in extreme conditions.
Are solo or multi-person tents better for lightweight backpacking?
Solo tents (1-2 person) are lighter and easier to set up, ideal for thru-hiking. Multi-person tents (3+ person) add weight per user but offer shared space. Choose based on group size and prioritizing weight savings versus comfort.
What features should I avoid to keep weight low?
Skip non-essential extras like built-in footprints, multiple vestibules, or heavy zippers. Simpler designs with fewer poles, a minimal rainfly, and compact stuff sacks help reduce overall weight.
How do I ensure a lightweight tent packs efficiently?
Check the packed size (ideally under 15×9 inches) and compression capabilities. Look for tents with stuff sacks or compression straps. Ultralight models often fold into handheld sizes for easy backpack integration.