Have you dreamed of doing some backpacking? I have. There is nothing like the feeling of being in nature and camping with no worries or obligations—just you and nature. But you must know some vital tips on what to look for in a backpacking tent.
Backpacking is a great way to test your skills as an outdoorsman, learn how to be self-sufficient, and develop your skill set. I’ll admit, though: it’s hard to choose between packing everything you need into a small backpack or renting some gear at the nearest campground.
Great tents are hard to come by, especially when you are looking for a good one that’s also light and small. Whether you’re an avid backpacker or someone who’s always wanted to try backpacking but hasn’t yet, there is no need to miss out on all the excitement.
I know that backpacking tents are often considered an essential piece of your backpacking gear, but they can be a bit overwhelming when you look into them and have no idea what to look for.
So I’ve put together these 10 essential tips to help you make sure that you’re getting an awesome tent.
What To Look for in a Backpacking Tent (Pros and Cons)
Tents are a big part of our backpacking experience. They keep us safe and secure from wildlife and provide shelter from the weather. Choosing the right tent can greatly impact your overall enjoyment of the outdoors.
Backpacking tents are a great choice for any outdoor adventurer. They’re lightweight, easy to set up and offer plenty of room for two people. Here are some tips on the pros and cons.
Pros:
1. Easy Setup
Ease of setup is one of many things I look for in a backpacking tent. The last thing I want is to spend an extra hour or two putting something together when we could be trekking already.
Ease of setup is an important consideration when you are backpacking. It’s uncomfortable to set up and take down an uncooperative tent in the dark, rain, wind, or when it is snowing.
2. Takes Little Space in Your Backpack
If you’re planning on hitting the trail, then you’ll want to look for a tent that takes little space in your pack. The best backpacking tents will also come with features like floor space, ventilation, mesh walls and doors, and even waterproof floors.
Cons:
3. Not Very Durable
Backpacking tents are lightweight, compact, and portable. They are also not very durable. If you plan on backpacking with your tent, it is important to make sure that it can withstand the rigors of being outdoors for a few days.
But you should plan to get something durable, you want something that will last you for years to come because you understand the value of investing in quality gear that can withstand the elements.
4. Minimal Space Inside
The best backpacking tents will have minimal space inside (as in no more than three feet), as this is where you’ll be spending most of your time sleeping.
Unless you brought a friend, you should be pretty snug in your backpacking tent. Don’t expect to have tons of space if you decide to buy one, because it isn’t the case.
What is a Good Weight for Backpacking Tent?
Picking out a tent is frustrating. There are so many, and they have different weights just like they have different shapes, designs, and colors. They all claim to be the best on the market but it’s so hard to figure out which one is right for you.
Backpacking tents are the most basic form of camping gear. They’re lightweight and compact, which means you can take them anywhere and set them up quickly. But for you to know what is a good weight for a backpacking tent, you need these tips:
5. Ideal Weight
The ideal weight for a backpacking tent is between 2 and 3 pounds. This range will allow you to sleep comfortably in a tent that doesn’t feel like it’s going to break apart under you while you’re in the middle of the night.
6. Carrying Your Tent
If you are carrying your tent on your back, then you should consider going with something that weighs around 2 pounds so that it won’t weigh down too much and slow you down when walking through the woods or along trails.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Tent?
When you’re planning on buying a tent, there are many different things to look for. Many tents have features that other tents do not come with and those features can help you make a better decision.
There are a lot of different tents on the market, so it can be difficult to know what’s best for you.
Here are some tips you would need if you’re asking the question “what should I look for when buying a tent?” that will keep you and your family comfortable in any weather.
7. Choose Materials Wisely
When buying a tent you should look at what the tent is made of. Most tents are made from canvas or nylon. Both materials have several advantages and disadvantages.
Good materials make all the difference when it comes to comfort and durability. Look for tents that are made with high-quality materials like tear-resistant nylon or polyester fabrics instead of cheaper options like canvas or PVC (vinyl).
8. Consider Features Like Pockets and Storage Space
If you’re camping with more than one person, these features will come in handy for storing things like food, bug spray, and first aid supplies — especially since many tents have limited storage space inside them anyway!
Do You Need a Special Tent for Backpacking?
You are going to need a good tent if you are a backpacker. Certain things make one tent better than the other, and some of these features do not even cost you more money.
Backpacking is all about the freedom of the open road. Backpacking tents are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to set up.
If you’re asking the question “do you need a special tent for backpacking?”, then these tips are for you.
The short answer is no. You don’t need a special backpacking tent. Most tents only differ in terms of what they’re made out of and how light they are.
Though backpacking is a great way to travel, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience or don’t mind the extra weight of a fully-featured tent, then backpacking is probably not for you.
9. Consider the Distance
Hiking and backpacking can be rewarding and invigorating experiences. However, packing your gear and supplies in a backpack is also a daunting prospect. That’s because every pound you carry with you takes effort to move, which can add up after hours of walking and climbing.
A backpacking tent is a critical piece of gear you need to enjoy your backcountry adventures. It serves as your shelter against the elements, your living space, and your home away from home.
10. Consider an Ultralight Backpacking Tent
This will typically weigh between 1 and 2 pounds if you’re asking “what is the lightest tent for backpacking?” Lightweight backpacking tents weigh between 3 and 4 pounds.
A standard backpacking tent will weigh between 5 and 7 pounds. That’s a good general guide when searching for the right backpacking tent for you.
FAQ
What essential checklist items do you need when hiking?
The following items should be in your pack when hiking:
1. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen)
2. First aid kit and personal medications.
3. Waterproof matches or lighter in case of an emergency.
4. Map or guidebook; compass.
5. A good pair of hiking boots.
What shoes should I wear to hike?
When you’re hiking, your shoes are your feet’s only contact with the ground. That makes them an important part of the experience. They should be comfortable and supportive, but also lightweight and breathable, so you don’t get blisters or sweaty feet.
Why is backpacking expensive?
The reality is that backpacking can be expensive. A good tent will cost you upwards of $300, and the more features it has, the more expensive it’ll be.
If you’re just starting, or if you’ve never gone backpacking before, then it’s important to remember that all the fancy features don’t matter if you don’t have the right gear for your environment.
How much should a 2-person backpack tent weigh?
The first thing to look at when shopping for a backpacking tent is how much it weighs. If you’re going to be carrying it on your back all day, every day, then weight matters.
The average weight for a 2-person backpacking tent is about 3 pounds. Some tents weigh less than this, and some tents weigh more. It’s important to keep in mind that weight does not always equal quality.
You can find an ultralight tent with great features for a good price if you look hard enough. The best backpacking tents will weigh less than 6 pounds and have an average packed size of around 7 x 18 inches.
Final Thought
If you are beginning a search for a backpacking tent, you have many options. Always make sure that your tent is lightweight. This means it should be around 3 pounds or less. It also needs to pack down compactly and be easy to carry on long hikes.
Backpacking tents are smaller than normal tents, so the ability to disassemble them quickly and easily is important. Since you won’t be able to wash it while camping, always make sure yours has some kind of water-resistant technology built in.
Ultimately, you will have to decide what is important to you. Consider the type of backpacking that you wish to engage in and weigh that against the price and the weight that you prefer.
Choosing a tent with extra headroom will eliminate snagging your head on the material provided that is not important to you.
If you are car camping, then there are many ways for the tent to be set up and some can be quite elaborate (and expensive).
If you want a dependable tent with a reasonable price, durability, weight, and packed dimensions, then you should consider one of these ten tents as they all meet these criteria.
When you are finally preparing for your journey, campers need to pay attention to many factors before deciding on the best tent for them.
You should think of the terrain, size, and number of people who will be using the tent and make sure they fit your needs. At times, these factors can help you further in your decision-making.
