Backpacking Tents

A lightweight backpacking tent, seen here is the Tadpole from The North Face

If you plan on heading into the backcountry and spending the night, a backpacking tent is darn right mandatory. Believe me when I say that the last thing you want to carry on your back is a 10 pound tent, especially if your travels take you up big, long hills.

In essence, a backpacking tent is a lightweight tent designed to be BOTH portable (packable) and very light. In general terms, a backpacking tent for two people should weigh no more than 6 pounds (and the less the better) and still pack down to a size smaller than 10x20 inches (which allows it to fit nicely on or even inside a backpack).

Featured Backpacking Tent

The North Face Him 35 Tent 3-Person 4-Season $558.95 The North Face Him 35 3-Person Tent utilizes a lift technology with upper level vents, so when high altitude winds ravage the mountain, this expedition tent stands its ground as everyone elses tent is blown sideways.

More Backpacking Tents at Backcountry.Com

For three season use, when choosing a backpacking tent, try to get one with LOTS of mesh. The mesh allows for superb air circulation - something needed in these small tents. And secondly, the more mesh a tent has, the lighter it will be. Also be sure that the rainfly has a nice vestibule on it - one that is at least 5 square feet (the vestibule is where you store your gear or cook when it is raining).

Additionally, I highly recommend getting a backpacking tent that is free standing. Most are, but a few still aren't. By getting a free standing tent, you'll have far greater flexibility in where to set up the tent as well as an easier time of setting it up to begin with.

You may also wish to read the article How to Select a Backpacking Tent for some shopping advice too.

Good Backpacking Tents

Shown below are some quality backpacking tents. If in doubt about what to get, go with a tent from The North Face. I have a North Face Tadpole and it is the perfect backpacking tent. All these tents are available through Backcountry.Com.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Ultra Light Tent: 2-Person 3-Season $399.95	Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL3 Super Light Tent: 3-Person 3-Season $399.95	NEMO Equipment Inc. Losi 3P Tent 3-Person 3-Season $384.95
MSR Hubba HP Tent 1-Person 3-Season $349.95	Black Diamond HiLight 2-Person 3-Season Tent $349.95	Sierra Designs Velox 3 Ultralight Tent 3-Person 3-Season $348.95
The North Face Vario 33 Tent 3-Person 3-Season $338.95	Marmot Aeolos Tent 2-Person 3-Season $334.95	Sierra Designs ASP 2 2-Person 3-Season Tent $328.95
Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2.1 Tent 2-Person 3-Season $324.95	NEMO Equipment Inc. Losi 2P Tent 2-Person 3-Season $324.95	Kelty Ridge 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season $319.95
Sierra Designs Antares 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season $318.95	Black Diamond Oneshot 1-Person 3-Season Tent $299.95	Kelty Pagosa 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season $299.95

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