10 Best Cheap Hiking Tent 2025 in the United States

The Wakeman Outdoors 2 Person Camping Tent is a lightweight and budget-friendly option ideal for casual hikers and campers who need a simple shelter for up to three seasons. Weighing just over 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry along on backpacking or beach trips. The tent fits two people comfortably with a dome shape that offers a decent interior space (about 30 square feet) and a max height of around 40 inches, so sitting up inside is possible but headroom is limited. It comes with a rain fly made of 190T polyester, providing basic weather protection with a water resistance rating of 190 mm, which should handle light to moderate rain but may struggle in heavy downpours.

The fiberglass poles are lightweight but not the most robust, so you’ll want to be gentle during setup and take care in windy conditions. Speaking of setup, it’s straightforward and quick thanks to the clip pole attachments and included carrying bag, which adds to convenience for beginners. Ventilation is decent with a mesh door and window, helping with airflow and keeping bugs out. However, there’s only one door and limited interior pockets, so it’s best suited for minimal gear and short trips rather than extended expeditions.

With basic UV protection and water resistance, the tent performs best in mild weather and fair conditions rather than extreme environments. Durability is acceptable for casual use, but heavy or frequent use may wear it down faster than higher-end tents. This tent is a great choice for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use shelter on a tight budget, especially for 3-season conditions and moderate weather during hiking or beach outings.

The Coleman Sundome 2-Person Tent is a budget-friendly option for hikers and campers looking for a reliable shelter. Weighing 6.8 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it suitable for hiking trips where pack weight is a concern. Its capacity comfortably fits two people or a queen-size airbed, though it might be a bit tight for larger individuals or extra gear.

Designed for 3-season use, it offers decent weather resistance with its WeatherTec system that includes welded corners and inverted seams to prevent water ingress. Additionally, the tent’s frame has been tested to withstand winds up to 35 mph, offering peace of mind during stormy conditions. The setup is straightforward, taking around 10 minutes thanks to features like snag-free, continuous pole sleeves.

For ventilation, two windows and a ground vent promote airflow, helping to keep the interior cool and reducing condensation. The tent includes useful storage pockets and an e-port for electrical access, which are handy additions. However, some users might find the tent's height of 4 feet limiting for headroom and mobility inside. While it’s designed to be durable, the use of fiberglass poles may not be as robust as aluminum alternatives found in more expensive models. The 1-year limited warranty provides some assurance of quality. This tent is a solid choice for those new to hiking or camping who need a functional, affordable, and easy-to-set-up shelter.