10 Best Cheap Lightweight Backpacking Tent 2025 in the United States

The NEMO Equipment Dagger OSMO Lightweight Backpacking Tent is well-suited for those seeking a lightweight and eco-friendly option for two-person camping and hiking trips. Weighing just 1.43 kilograms, it's easy to carry on long treks. The tent is designed for three-season use, making it a versatile choice for most camping conditions. One of its standout features is the OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric, which offers excellent water repellency and minimal stretch when wet, enhancing its durability and performance in damp conditions.

Additionally, the fabric is made from 100% recycled yarns and is PFAS-free, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The tent setup is user-friendly, thanks to its color-coded, hubbed pole set and intuitive design. It includes pre-bent anodized aluminum DAC Featherlite NSL poles and high-quality stakes, further simplifying the process. With two large doors and spacious trapezoidal vestibules, the tent provides ample room and easy access.

While the tent is highly water-resistant with a 400 mm rating, it may not withstand heavy, prolonged rainstorms. The packed size is compact, measuring 23.62 x 7.87 x 7.87 inches, making it convenient to stow in a backpack. Ventilation is decent but could be improved in hotter climates. With a floor area of 2.9 square meters and a maximum height of 98 centimeters, it offers a comfortable space for two occupants. The tent also comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, adding peace of mind for buyers. However, given its premium features and materials, it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum compared to other budget options in the market.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Person Backpacking Tent is a great option for solo adventurers looking for a lightweight and feature-rich shelter. At just 120 grams, it is incredibly light, making it easy to carry on long treks. The tent is designed for one person and offers a comfortable living space with a floor area of 20 square feet and a maximum height of 42 inches. This makes it suitable for most seasonal conditions, although it might not be the best choice for extreme winter conditions due to its ultralight materials and 1200 mm water resistance rating.

The setup is user-friendly, thanks to the new TipLok Tent Buckle that simplifies pole attachment and provides added stability. Durability is enhanced by the proprietary nylon double rip-stop fabric, which offers good tear strength and puncture resistance without adding weight. Ventilation is adequate, with a well-designed rainfly and double zippers that allow for multiple access options. The packed size is compact, with dimensions of 18” x 5.75” x 5”, making it easy to stow in your backpack.

However, the tent does come at a higher price point, which may not align with the 'cheap' category but offers excellent value for its features and build quality. This tent is ideal for serious backpackers who prioritize weight, ease of setup, and durability.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO is a lightweight and well-designed 2-person backpacking tent that suits campers looking for comfort and convenience without sacrificing portability. Weighing just about 1.28 kilograms (around 2.8 pounds), it’s easy to carry on long hikes. Its compact packed size means it won’t take up much space in your backpack, making it a solid choice for lightweight backpacking trips. The tent is built for 4-season use, which means it can handle different weather conditions, including rain, wind, and some snow, thanks to its waterproof nylon fabric and sturdy aluminum poles. This makes it a reliable shelter if you enjoy camping in varied climates.

Setup is fairly simple thanks to the innovative TipLok buckles and clip system, which keep the poles and rainfly secure and stable, though it might still take about 15 minutes if you're new to it. The tent has two doors and vestibules, giving you extra covered space for gear and easier access, which is a nice comfort feature usually found in more expensive tents. Ventilation is well thought out with multiple mesh panels to reduce condensation inside. However, the waterproof rating (1200 mm) is on the lower side compared to some heavier-duty tents, so in very heavy rain, you might want to be cautious. Durability is good for its weight class thanks to the double rip-stop nylon fabric, but ultralight tents typically require more careful handling.

The built-in LED lighting system (mtnGLO) is unique and helpful, adding convenience when you’re inside the tent at night without needing a headlamp. Although the tent isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it provides excellent value for those prioritizing a lightweight, easy-to-carry, and comfortable shelter for serious backpacking adventures, especially in moderate weather conditions.