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10 Best Light Backpacking Tents 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#3

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO Backpacking Tent, 3 Person

Rating
9.9
Weight
Capacity
Season Rating

Most important from
268 reviews

Weight
Perfect for solo backpacking. The tent is extremely lightweight and compacts easily in a backpack.
Capacity
The tent is remarkably spacious, comfortably fitting two adults, two teens, and two 60lb dogs.
Season Rating
Despite high winds and severe weather, the tent held up nicely and kept all drafts out.
Setup
Setup is wonderfully simple and intuitive, even in challenging conditions like desert backpacking.
Durability
Durability is impressive; it withstood 60mph winds, heavy rains, snow, and hail without any damage.
Packed Size
Packed size is perfect for the side pocket of a GG Mariposa, making it highly convenient for backpacking.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL mtnGLO Backpacking Tent is a feature-rich option for light backpacking, designed to accommodate up to three people. Weighing just 1.62 kilograms, it’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry on long hikes. The tent is rated for all four seasons, providing versatility for various weather conditions. Setup is simplified with the unique TipLok Tent Buckle, which combines pole-tip capture, rainfly attachment, and stake-out loop, enhancing its stability and ease of assembly, even for beginners.

Durability is a strong point thanks to the ultralight nylon double rip-stop fabric, which offers excellent tear strength and puncture resistance without adding extra weight. Ventilation is enhanced by the awning-style vestibules and multiple access options, helping to reduce condensation inside the tent. The tent also features the mtnGLO Tent Light Technology, which illuminates the interior with durable LED lights, a nice touch for nighttime visibility. Packed down, it measures 20.87 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches, making it compact and easy to fit in a backpack.

However, some users might find the price point higher compared to other tents in the same category. Additionally, the need for three AAA batteries for the mtnGLO lights might be seen as a minor inconvenience for some. The tent offers ample storage options with its 3-D bin ‘mezzanine’ and oversized ceiling pocket, which are great for organizing gear. This tent is well-suited for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-set-up tent with extra features for comfort and convenience during light backpacking trips.

Rating
9.9
Weight
Capacity
Season Rating

Most important from
268 reviews

Weight
Perfect for solo backpacking. The tent is extremely lightweight and compacts easily in a backpack.
Capacity
The tent is remarkably spacious, comfortably fitting two adults, two teens, and two 60lb dogs.
Season Rating
Despite high winds and severe weather, the tent held up nicely and kept all drafts out.
Setup
Setup is wonderfully simple and intuitive, even in challenging conditions like desert backpacking.
Durability
Durability is impressive; it withstood 60mph winds, heavy rains, snow, and hail without any damage.
Packed Size
Packed size is perfect for the side pocket of a GG Mariposa, making it highly convenient for backpacking.

Buying Guide for the Best Light Backpacking Tents

Choosing the right light backpacking tent is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. A good tent will protect you from the elements, provide a cozy place to sleep, and be easy to carry. When selecting a light backpacking tent, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
WeightWeight is one of the most important factors in a backpacking tent because you will be carrying it on your back for long distances. Lighter tents are easier to carry but may sacrifice some durability or space. Tents can be divided into ultralight (under 2 pounds), lightweight (2-4 pounds), and standard (4-6 pounds). If you prioritize ease of carrying and have other lightweight gear, go for an ultralight tent. If you need a balance between weight and comfort, a lightweight tent is a good choice. Standard weight tents are more durable and spacious but heavier.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of people the tent can accommodate. This is important because it affects both the weight and the space inside the tent. Tents are typically categorized as 1-person, 2-person, 3-person, etc. If you are backpacking alone, a 1-person tent will be the lightest option. For two people, a 2-person tent provides a good balance of weight and space. If you need extra room for gear or prefer more space, consider a tent with a higher capacity.
Season RatingSeason rating indicates the tent's suitability for different weather conditions. This is important for ensuring you stay comfortable and safe in various environments. Tents are usually rated as 3-season or 4-season. A 3-season tent is designed for spring, summer, and fall, providing good ventilation and protection from rain. A 4-season tent is built to withstand harsher conditions, including snow and strong winds, making it suitable for winter camping. Choose a 3-season tent for most backpacking trips, and a 4-season tent if you plan to camp in extreme weather.
SetupSetup refers to how easy and quick it is to pitch the tent. This is important because a complicated setup can be frustrating, especially in bad weather or after a long day of hiking. Tents can have freestanding designs, which are easier to move and set up, or non-freestanding designs, which may require stakes and guy lines. If you value convenience and speed, look for a tent with a simple, freestanding design. If you are experienced and don't mind a bit more effort, a non-freestanding tent can be lighter and more compact.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the tent materials can withstand wear and tear. This is important for ensuring your tent lasts through multiple trips. Tent durability is often indicated by the denier (D) rating of the fabric, with higher numbers being more durable. Lightweight tents may use lower denier fabrics to save weight, while more durable tents use higher denier fabrics. If you plan to use the tent frequently or in rough conditions, choose a tent with higher durability. For occasional use in mild conditions, a lighter, less durable tent may be sufficient.
VentilationVentilation refers to how well the tent allows air to flow through, reducing condensation and keeping the interior comfortable. This is important for preventing moisture buildup inside the tent. Tents with good ventilation have mesh panels, vents, and breathable fabrics. If you are camping in warm or humid conditions, prioritize a tent with excellent ventilation. In cooler conditions, you may not need as much ventilation, but some airflow is still important to prevent condensation.
Packed SizePacked size refers to how compact the tent is when it is packed away. This is important for fitting the tent into your backpack and making it easier to carry. Smaller packed sizes are more convenient for backpacking. If you have limited space in your backpack or prefer a minimalist setup, look for a tent with a small packed size. If you have more room or don't mind a slightly larger pack, you can consider tents with larger packed sizes.

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