When it comes to outdoor adventure, a good tent should the most important item on your packing list. After all, it could mean the difference between a night feeling at home under the stars or a night spent wishing upon those stars that you were back home!
Whether you are an avid outdoors person trekking through the High Sierras or a festival goer with limited space and budget, a 2 person backpacking tent is essential to make the most out of your experience.
However, considering all the options out there, it can be daunting figuring out exactly which tent is truly the best suited for your specific adventure. That’s why we have compiled this list of what we believe are the best 2 person backpacking tents to help you find your perfect home on the go.
Top 10 Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents Reviews
1. Coleman Sundome Tent
First up is the Coleman Sundome Tent.
You might be thinking:
“Hey, I’m no backpacker, but I still want a simple and space-saving tent that’s good enough for two people.”
Even if you are just an amateur camper, chances are you have at least one piece of gear from this tried and true brand. It’s simple dome shape with two poles, and four stake points make set up quick and easy. Along with its lower price tag, the Coleman Sundome Tent is great for a first-timer.
With its 7 x 7 foot base, this tent is spacious enough to hold two or three people comfortably with room to spare for your extra gear. Its four-foot height ensures you can stand up and move around comfortably without feeling claustrophobic.
Feel the breeze…
With two screen windows on each side, ceiling screen, and a unique ground vent, this tent is ideal for moving that summer breeze through and keeping bugs out on those warmer camping excursions. While the WeatherTec system, with it’s welded floors and inverted seams along with an easily attachable rain fly helps to protect against the harsher elements.
Pros
- Easy to set-up and take down.
- Well ventilated.
- Spacious.
- Two inside pouches for smaller items.
- Ceiling hook that can be used to attach a lantern.
- Unique, zippable cord access panel.
Cons
- Footprint not included.
- Thin metal stakes may bend easily.
- Excessive ventilation points not suitable for cold environments.
- Larger size and heavier weight not ideal for longer backpacking trips.
2. Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
Next up on our list is the simple yet elegant Kelty Grand Mesa Tent. This value tent offers an easy to pitch freestanding design. The shock corded 7000 series aluminum poles clip on so you don’t have to waste your limited outdoor time threading them through sleeves.
A full upper body mesh allows for a serene combination of fresh air and sky views while at the same time keeping those pesky bugs on the outside looking in.
Heading into questionable weather?
Has a quick-moving storm caught you by surprise? This tent has you covered. The full cover fly goes on quick by attaching the color coded points to the tent body using side release buckles for simple and secure protection.
The fly also provides a single six square foot vestibule in front of the door, so your shoes and gear can stay dry outside while giving you the space you need inside.
Hitting the trail bright and early?
Take some extra time to sleep, knowing that everything packs away quickly into a stuff sack. No more wasting time doing geometry trying to find that original shape every time you pack up.
Pros
- Great value.
- Strong aluminum poles.
- Full cover fly.
- 360-degree upper body mesh.
- Easy to pack stuff sack.
Cons
- Single door.
- Single vestibule.
- Skimpy interior storage space
3. ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent
Next in our review of the best 2 person camping tents is the ALPS Mountaineering Mermac tent.
This tent’s freestanding design and dual poles ensure a quick and easy set up time. Simply attach the shock corded fiberglass poles to the clips, stake it into the ground, and you’re done.
Plenty of headspace…
When it comes to quick and easy tents, you usually have to sacrifice comfort for convenience, but not when it comes to this ALPS tent. The 7 x 5 foot base means you won’t have to contort your body to try to get a good night’s sleep, but it can be a bit snug for two people. Its four-foot center height means you will have enough headspace when moving around.
No more climbing over your adventure buddy when nature calls in the middle of the night. This tent’s dual doors allow you to have your own separate entrance and avoid and awkward maneuvering. A true 2 person tent!
Come rain, come shine…
While the dual doors and side screens offer ample ventilation, don’t be fooled into thinking you’re vulnerable to the elements. The easily attachable polyester rain fly coupled with the polyester taffeta floor both offer a 1500 mm waterproof coating that will protect you from those unexpected downpours.
Pros
- Dual doors.
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Weather-resistant fiberglass poles.
- Polyester fly resistant to rain and UV damage.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Seven pounds when packed, not ideal for long trips.
- Flimsy ground stakes.
- Not a spacious fit for two adults.
4. Slumberjack Trail Tent
Next up is the Slumberjack Trail Tent. This value tent offers a multitude of essential features without breaking the bank. This features an almost all-around mesh design providing you with generous ventilation with the potential for some great views.
If you’re worried that mesh might be too excessive for cold and harsh weather, fret not. The SlumberJack comes equipped with a full cover rain fly that helps to keep the elements out while keeping body heat in.
Don’t get blown away…
It’s buckle clips offer a simple and secure connection to the tent. While this might blow you away, you won’t have to worry about it happening to your fly.
While this tent is similar in base size to others on our list, the Slumberjack’s near vertical walls and crossbow roof attachment create a more vaulted feel. That’s not all, though. The full cover fly creates a vestibule area that can be used to store shoes and gear, which maximizes the overall spaciousness of the tent.
Pros
- Well ventilated.
- Roof crossbow widens ceiling space.
- Full cover fly.
- External vestibule.
- Relatively Inexpensive.
Cons
- All around mesh limits privacy.
- Heavier model.
5. Kelty TN 2 Person Tent
Outdoor enthusiasts will be well familiar with the next tent brand on our list. The award-winning Kelty TN boasts the 2014 Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice and 2016 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year awards.
Weighing in at 4 pounds 9 ounces, The Kelty TN is an ideal tent to strap on to your backpack without weighing you down out on the trail. All this while still sitting a spacious 7 x 5 foot base.
But how do they manage that?
The two aluminum poles are lighter than the more common fiberglass poles but are much stronger and more ductile. Giving your tent a structure that can withstand gusty winds and will last a lot longer.
This tent offers a complete 360-degree mesh that gives the potential for a cinematic viewing of the night sky while keeping you cool during those summer months.
Just look at the stars…
The full cover rain fly is described perfectly by Kelty as the “star gazing fly.” A feature that allows you to roll and pin the fly halfway over the tent so you can admire the view while being able to roll it right back down in case of a surprise rainstorms. All without ever leaving your tent!
Pros
- Lightweight.
- 360 mesh offers great ventilation and even better views.
- Durable aluminum poles.
- Color coordinated clips.
- 3000 mm waterproof nylon material.
- Dual doors.
- Dual vestibules.
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side.
- Footprint not included.
6. ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2-Person Tent
Are you a no-nonsense outdoors person that needs a tent to match your lifestyle? If so, the next of our best 2 person backpacking tents might be the one for you.
True to its name, the ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2 Person Tent is made to withstand even the most chaotic conditions. With its unique three jointed aluminum poles and top crossbow, the Chaos creates a resilient structure while maximizing space and comfort.
Raindrops keep falling on my head…
Featuring upper body mesh, the Chaos promises not to make you suffocate on those hotter excursions. But the full cover fly ensures that when you push yourself in the elements, your tent will have you covered. The fly even features a small vent pocket so you can maintain ventilation while still keeping the bad weather out.
Let’s look inside at some smaller details…
Just enter from either of the dual doors by gliding open the extra-large #8 zippers. There you will find very generous sized mesh pockets on either side. If that isn’t enough, look up. This tent comes with a unique gear loft that can be used to store a lantern, or any other additional gear or devices.
We all know how frustrating it can be when it’s time to pack up the tent. Fortunately, taking it down is simple, and it easily fits back into the bag. It even comes with an additional bag so you and your trekking partner can split up the 5 pound 7 ounce total into ultra-lightweight parts.
Pros
- Aluminum pole system.
- Long lasting #8 zippers.
- Upper body mesh.
- Rain fly vent.
- Relatively lightweight.
- Dual doors and vestibules.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Generic tent stakes.
- Footprint not included.
7. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
It may not be as well-known as other brands on our list, but our next tent still stands with the best.
The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season has that familiar dome design complete with color coated clips and poles. The instructions come written right on the bag as well, which makes this tent virtually foolproof.
Are you taller than most?
Or do you just value some space to really stretch out after a long day on the trail? With a 7 foot 8 inch base length, the MountainSmith Morrison has enough space to make Bigfoot jealous.
The bathtub style flooring keeps the seams away from the ground giving you peace of mind that you are fully protected from the elements, and that your tent is built to last.
Weather turning bad…
The full cover rain fly creates the perfect defense against any inclement weather. It’s also color-coordinated to match the poles and clips so you can throw it on and lock it in quickly whenever that surprise storm rolls in.
The reflective guy lines on either side include a tension lock that allows you to adjust the fly to get that professional pitch.
Still not convinced?
Mountainsmith offers a lifetime warranty on all its products. So if you are looking for a worry free purchase, look no further than the Moutainsmith Morrison 2 person 3 season tent.
Pros
- Intuitive design makes set up easy.
- Color-coordinated poles and clips.
- Bathtub flooring.
- Long base length.
- Adjustable guylines.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Dual doors and ventilation pockets on fly.
Cons
- Vestibule area smaller than most.
- 3 season tent is not suitable for frigid conditions.
- Re-packing is slightly difficult.
8. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Backpacking Tent
Are you ready to go the distance?
With the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Backpacking Tent, you can. Clocking in at a 2 pound 3 ounce trail weight, this technical tent is equipped to take you deep into the backcountry.
The DAC aluminum single pole system creates a minimalist structure that is light yet spacious. While the foot end corners are structured in such a way that allows for more space between your feet and the tent wall.
Time for a stretch…
The space creating crossbow pole up top creates vertical sidewalls and uniform headspace that allows two people to sit up comfortably. This is something you won’t have in your typical dome shaped tent.
The dual entry door design along with Velcro storm flaps on the vestibule zippers ensure your tent stays dry as you go in and out. The double zipper feature on the rain fly allows airflow from the top or the bottom. The pre-cut tensioners and guy lines allow for an easy, speedy set up and a perfect pitch.
The ultimate…
Even though it’s simple and sleek, you won’t have to compromise storage space on the inside. Mesh side compartments, coupled with an oversized ceiling pocket mean you can keep all the small and valuable gear inside instead of in your pack under the vestibule.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is the ultimate technical backpacking tent.
Pros
- Ultralightweight.
- Aluminum single-pole technology.
- Dual slider rain fly.
- Structured corners.
- Dual entry.
- Dual vestibules.
- Vertical sidewalls.
Cons
- Much more expensive than other models.
- Lightweight material susceptible to wear and tear.
- Not ideal for rough or rocky campsites
9. Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Backpacking Tent w/Footprint
Let’s say you’re already a veteran camper, but you’re ready to take that next step into the world of backpacking while keeping costs low. Then this next tent might be the one you are looking for.
The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Backpacking tent sports that intuitive dome shape with symmetrical poles that keep set-up simple, so you can spend more time on the trail.
Hang out in style…
With Marmot’s patented Zone Pre-Bend pole construction, you get nearly vertical walls on all four sides. This gives you and a friend a spacious place to hang out during the day and a non-claustrophobic feel while you sleep.
While not a “true” backpacking tent at 4 pounds 13 ounces, the Marmot Tungsten is light enough to carry on your back and even more so if you can split the duties with your trail partner.
Built for the trails…
What it lacks in lightweight quality, it makes up for in long-lasting durability. The 68 denier polyester taffeta fabric that makes up the walls, floor, and rainfly is built to withstand the most grueling weather conditions.
Marmot also includes the footprint at no additional cost, ensuring you will have this mobile cabin in the woods for years to come.
Pros
- Zone Pre-Bend aluminum poles.
- Relatively lightweight.
- Dual doors.
- Rain fly with generous vestibule space.
- Light diffusing interior pockets.
- Footprint included.
Cons
- Thick mesh isn’t as breathable as others.
- Not ideal for long backcountry trips.
10. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Ultralight Backpacking Tent
The only way you can go lighter than our last tent is if you had no tent at all! With a feather-like, 1 pound 15 pound trail weight, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL Ultralight Backpacking tent is one of the lightest tents money can buy.
But how do they do it?
With award-winning design, of course. This tent utilizes a single Y-shaped aluminum pole with a unique DAC angle SF hub that connects at only three points on the ground. This tent maximizes inside space without weighing you down.
With an 86 inch length, this tent will accommodate even the tallest backpacker. It’s tapered off width design gives 52 inches of space at the head and 42 inches at the feet. Keep in mind that while this tent will provide ample interior space for one person and their gear, it will be a bit cozy for two people.
Whatever the weather…
A full cover nylon ripstop rain fly offers a complete waterproof performance while providing eight square feet of vestibule area for all your extra gear. Reflective guy lines all the way around the fly gives a taut and secure pitch when you need to really hunker down.
But that’s not all…
An integrated loop system on either side allows you to clip the fly to the tent body. This gives you even more interior space when you guy out the tent.
Pros
- Ultralightweight.
- Single aluminum pole system.
- DAC angle SF hub for ample interior space.
- Side and ceiling mesh pockets.
Cons
- Slightly snug for two people.
- More expensive than most.
- Single door.
- Single vestibule.
Best 2 Person Backpacking Tents Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’re ready to head out on your next adventure, how do you go about deciding which 2 person backpacking tent is right for you?
There are many factors to consider before hitting the trail. No two outdoor enthusiasts are the same, so different tents will meet different needs. We’ve put together this handy guide with help guide you to make the most informed decision on your purchase.
Simplicity Of Set-up
After a long day in the backcountry, the last thing you want to be doing is fiddling with a stubborn tent with an unclear structure. Tents with a one or two pole design are often considered the easiest to set up.
Beyond that, the way in which the tent connects to the poles is something to consider. Hug and J-clips are much easier and less time-consuming than threading your poles through sleeves.
It may not seem like much, but when you’re out in the wilderness, bad weather can strike in an instant. You’ll be grateful for those extra minutes saved in the set-up of your tent.
Weight
Are you on a multi-day excursion where when you’re not on your back in the tent, the tent is on your back? Or are you simply driving up to your campsite for a weekend trip? If the former, you’re going to want to go as light as possible, especially if you’re on a solo trip.
Four pounds and below is considered ideal when it comes to long backpacking trips. When you’re carrying everything you need to survive on your back, each pound saved is valuable. However, if you have a partner on your adventure, you may consider moving up in weight since you can split the job of carrying the tent.
Space
A good night’s sleep is essential to recharge after a long day on the trail and to hit the ground running the next day.
You’ll want to ensure that the length of the tent will accommodate your height. Also, consider how the walls are constructed. Even though your height may be less than the total length of the tent, if the walls are too angled, you may end up having your head or feet pushed up against the walls.
How comfortable are you with your trail partner? If they are someone you like to cuddle with, then you can go for a more narrow width. But if you’d rather have a bit of room to wiggle around, then consider something wider.
Pole Material And Construction
Poles are going to be the backbone of your tent. Generally, tent poles are made of two different materials: fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum is considered stronger, more ductile, and lighter than fiberglass.
If you’re on a budget and know that the weather at your destination won’t be a problem, then the fiberglass option is a no brainer. But if you’re a serious backpacker who needs a tent structure that is built to withstand wind, rain, and time, then aluminum poles are absolutely the way to go.
Rain Fly
Your tent’s rain fly is going to be the difference between a safe and sound shelter or a swimming pool. Rain flys offer partial or full cover protection from the elements.
If the tent itself is fairly well-covered, then a partial rain fly should suffice. But if your tent sports a well-ventilated mesh or if you’re expecting the unexpected when it comes to weather, then a full cover fly is essential to keep you and your gear dry.
Rain flys that create one or two vestibules are really important to consider when selecting a tent. Vestibules are the areas outside the tent that remains covered by the fly. This is a great place to store gear and shoes, especially when your space inside the tent is limited.
Bits And Pieces
While some things won’t make or break your adventure, they are important when finding a tent that is tailor made to your needs.
Mesh walls are great for summer camping trips and star gazing. They keep the air flowing on warm nights while keeping mosquitoes and other insects from shacking up with you.
Internal storage is essential for the modern backpacker. Side pockets, gear lofts, and lantern hooks are great for storing your devices that you need to keep close and illuminating your tent hands-free.
So, What’s The Best 2 Person Backpacking Tents?
While all the tents on our list offer something unique and valuable for any outdoor enthusiast, we wanted to offer you our top pick for the very best of these best 2 person backpacking tents in case you need a second opinion.
Our recommendation would, therefore, be the…
Kelty TN 2 Person Tent
This combines space, durability, features, and affordability into one incredible tent.
While it may not be the lightest one on the list, 4 pounds 9 ounces is nothing to scoff at. Split that up with a buddy, and you will barely notice it’s there.
Generous interior space, coupled with dual doors and vestibules, guarantees an argument free and relaxing trip.
So what are you waiting for? Time to hit the trail.