The Best Budget Backpacking Tents
1. Night Cat 1 or 2 Person Backpacking Tent - Editor's Pick
Great blend of features and budget-minded cost
The Night Cat is a single layer backpacking tent that is suitable for one or two people. Having just under 30 square feet of sleeping space, the Night cat is very compact. Even when folded down into its carrying case, the Night cat only takes up a small amount of space and can be carried either in a bag internally or externally using the carry strap.
The Night cat weighs just 4.4lbs making it one of the heavier ones on this list but you do have to take into account just how inexpensive it is when compared to some of the more premium options on the list. The Night Cat is both waterproof and rainproof and only takes about a minute to assemble with one person so it works great as an ad-hoc abode. The Night Cat is available for just $49.99.
2. Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Hiker/Biker 1-Person Backpacking Tent - Budget Pick
Outshining the Night cat by just a tad bit, the very affordable Eclipse backpacking tent from Bass Pro Shops is as budget minded as it gets. Using a basic A-Frame design the Tent is incredibly easy to set up even by novice backpackers and the kit includes everything a backpacker needs to make a comfortable and dry place to sleep.
The tent walls, rainfly and floor are all made of lightweight 190% polyester taffeta with a 1,200 mm PU coating which not only light but protects from the elements effectively. The tent uses lightweight shock-corded fiberglass poles much like a traditional tent and the tent packs down into a lightweight carry back with a drawstring closer method. The Bass Pro Shops Eclipse is sold for $29.99.
3. Clostnature 1-Person Backpacking Tent
This tent takes on a more traditional design with crossing aluminum tent poles and a single tent door. Although this tent appears to be light on features, the rainfly also includes a small vestibule area for your boots/backpack so it doesn’t take up any space in your sleeping area. This could be a pro or a con depending on what the weather is like but the option is there if you want it.
As opposed to the above tent, the Clostnature is made from 210T Polyester with a PU 5000 coating and this means that its far more waterproof and firm than the lighter coating and material – this thing is durable and will probably last a lifetime. The Clostnature 1-Person tent is just $81.99 and weighs just 3.7lbs.
4. Eureka Solitaire AL Tent
Just because something is a budget item doesn’t mean it needs to be cheap. The Eureka Solitaire AL Tent is probably my favorite budget backpacking tent on this list and it’s got tons of small features and design implementations that make it great. Starting off with its weight at just 2 pounds and 10 ounces making it one of the lightest backpacking tents on this list. Second, as opposed to a traditional design, the Solitaire makes use of a two pole tunnel design that not only sets up quickly but is also incredibly durable.
The frame itself is made from 7000 series aluminum making it tough and waterproof and the canopy can be rolled back to provide a view of the stars on a clear night or zipped closed to shut out that morning light if you planned on sleeping in. The Eureka Solitaire AL tent is available for $109.95.
5. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 Tent
As we come to the end of this list, we come to the most expensive of the bunch (but still budget friendly!) The Lynx comes from ALPS mountaineering which is an extremely reputable company when it comes to hiking, camping and backpacking gear. The tent features large #8 size sippers for easy in and out access and uses a free standing two pole cross beam design for simple setup. The included weather fly acts as both a rain guard and vestibule for stowage of boots and other backpacking gear that doesn’t need to go inside the tent with you.
The Lynx 1 comes with everything you’ll need to set the tent up and has a total floor area of 20 square feet – perfect for just one person. The vestibule has an additional 10 square feet outside the walls of the tent for your gear. Internal pockets built into the wall of the Lynx 1 provide extra storage for your phone, gloves, or flashlight for those middle of the night bathroom breaks. The Lynx 1 is available for 119.95 but is currently on sale right now for just much less!
Ideal weight
Backpacking tents should ideally be around 2.5 lbs. in weight. They should also be compact as well so they can be found inside your backpack or strapped to the outside of your gear without taking up a bunch of extra space. However, since we are talking about budget minded options for backpacking tents I think up to 4lbs is acceptable, but it will cut into your other gear options and you’ll have to make up that weight by perhaps foregoing some other conveniences until you can cut the additional 2 pounds off the tent.
The reasons here are mostly centered around materials. These small tents are compact, and the more expensive tents use higher-cost, higher tech materials to cut weight while retaining the strength and durability needed for serious backpacking.
Looking at backpacking tent space
Most of these tents are 1-2 people in size. Which one would be ideal? This is going to largely depend on how you and your group want to distribute your backpacking gear. If you and your traveling companion don’t mind sleeping together underneath the same tent you could get a decent amount of efficiency out of having just one person carry the tent and the other person carrying more supplies or other gear. When camping with a girlfriend, or wife, I much prefer a lightweight two-person tent for the extra space with minimal weight gain.
Solo backpackers can cut weight with a single-person tent, but that also cuts down on available space should weather turn or you just want a little more elbow room. Take a hard look at your needs before you buy a tent, especially when you’re being budget conscience. There’s no point buying a tent for say $100, and finding it doesn’t fit your needs.
A matter of weight
Lightweight tents are all not created equal. Generally the lightest tents will fall into the “Ultralight” category and will weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. Next we have the standard “Lightweight” category which puts your backpack between 3 and 4 pounds. A standard backpacking tent will weigh between 5 and 7 pounds and generally take up a bit more space than a compact one in a lightweight category.
Here’s where the budget aspect comes into play in a big way. Lighter – especially in the outdoor space – often means more expensive due the the costs of materials. You can get into ultralight backpacking tents that will run hundreds of dollars.
What do I look for in a backpacking tent?
After you set your budget look for:
- Space
- Mesh panels to keep bugs out
- Weight
- packable size
Make sure you get the features you need, regardless of the costs. Even a budget tent should have what you need if you plan to buy it.
What should I not bring backpacking?
Since weight and space are an issue, look for a tent that fits your needs. Then make sure you don’t have too big a pack, pack more cloths than you need, and never bring anything you can’t afford to lose. Stuff happens when you’re backpacking, so irreplaceable stuff probably isn’t a great idea. Also, make sure you can fit everything comfortably into your tent.
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