Mar 1, 2024 1:00 PM

The Best Tents for Campers, Backpackers, and Families

The right shelter can make a big difference in how comfortable you are outdoors. Here are the ones we’ve tested and love.

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Featured in this article

Snow Peak Land Nest Medium Tent and Tarp Set

4 / 15

Camping is intense! No, really. If you're going camping, you will probably be in a tent. Hammock lovers might disagree—and we love sleeping under the stars when weather permits—but most of the time, finding and preparing adequate shelter for yourself, your family, or your pets is a nonnegotiable step toward being comfy in the great outdoors. There are as many kinds of tents as there are ways to go camping, and they range widely in price and features. To help you figure out the best tent for your next adventure, we've pooled our favorites from years of testing—whether you're getting away for the weekend with the family or soloing Denali.

Be sure to check out our other buying guides, including the Best Rain Jackets, Best Hiking Gear, Best Camping Gear, and Best Barefoot Shoes.

Updated March 2024: We've added Nemo Equipment's new Mayfly Osmo Tent, along with a new section on tents to avoid, some more tent buying advice, and updated prices and links throughout.

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Photograph: Coleman
Best for Car Camping
Coleman Dome with Screen Room (6-Person)
Stroll through any campground in America and you'll see plenty of these no-frills Coleman tents. For good reason—they're some of the best budget car camping tents around. They're reasonably cheap, available just about anywhere, and get the job done. They're all you need, especially if you're only camping for a week or two a year.
This budget tent is our top pick for newcomers and the experienced alike. It's easy to set up, provides good rain protection and three-season comfort, and the price doesn't break the bank. If you're not backpacking there's no reason to pay a premium for low trail weight or a tent that packs down impossibly small (the packed size on this one isn't bad, crammed down into the included stuff sack it’s about the size of your average collapsible camp chair).
If you forgo the extra vestibule with the bug screen, the Coleman Sundome Tent is even cheaper. But living in the southern United States, I really appreciate the bug barrier (and the extra room to stash stuff).
~~$230~~ $118 at Amazon
$153 at Target (8 Person)
$175 at Walmart
Photograph: REI
Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent
REI Half Dome SL 2+ (2-Person)
REI's Half Dome tent series has been a popular choice with backpackers for many years. It's still one of the best backpacking tents you can buy and we’ve toted it on many a backpacking trip. It's rugged, simple to set up, and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh (both fabrics are bluesign approved). It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes it easy to setup and take down.
The mesh design, when coupled with the rainfly and good staking, will stand up to storms and not roast you when camping in the midsummer heat. The dual doors with dual vestibules ensure you aren't climbing over your partner in the middle of the night. That said, the vestibules are on the small side—big enough for boots and an empty pack, but not much else.
The Half Dome isn't the lightest tent on this list (see the Copper Spur below), but with a packed weight just under 4 pounds, it's not too heavy when split between two people. I also like that the rainfly is symmetrical—there's no "front" and "back," and the vestibules are identical—which makes setup easier.
$329 at REI

Photograph: Snow Peak
Best Outdoor Palace
Snow Peak Land Nest Medium Tent Tarp Set
Snow Peak makes achingly stylish outdoor gear. It’s an exclusive club with a hefty buy-in, but there’s no denying the quality. The tent-tarp set consists of two pieces, the Land Nest Dome Medium ($540) and a matching tarp. The tent is a compact, self-supporting dome, with light but strong steel poles that took minutes to pitch, with barely a glance at the instructions. It weighs in at 19 pounds (9 kilograms), and it has two entrances, a removable bedroom pod (ideal for two adults and two small kids), and impressive ventilation for warmer months. There’s no communal area ground sheet, but Snow Peak sells a footprint if needed.
The generously sized Tarp ($390) sits neatly over the porch of the tent to extend the living space. It puts other vestibules to shame with a massive amount of extra living space, but it does add 16 pounds (7 kilograms) to the total. In fair weather, the tarp setup is open, comfortable and envy-inducing. First time pitching it, however, we experienced seven hours of torrential rain and 47-mph gusts. Thanks to the heavy-duty pegs, the tarp performed admirably in the high winds. We did take it down at night, but only to avoid noise from flapping, rather than out of concern for structural integrity. Despite the howling gale, the tent itself was utterly dependable and durable. I highly recommend it. —Chris Haslam
$929 at Snow Peak
Photograph: Big Agnes
Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur (2-Person)
The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents. I've used both the two-person and four-person models over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that I have nothing left to complain about. This is a high quality, well-designed tent. We recently tried the updated one-person Copper Spur (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and loved it. If you can afford it, this is one of the best tents on the market. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The Copper Spur is also very livable, with steep sidewalls to maximize interior space. Mesh pockets help with gear storage and give you a place to stick your headlamp for dispersed light. The ingenious “awning” design makes getting in and out a snap. All seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. They're also durable despite their lightweight fabrics, standing up to years of abuse on the trail.
My only criticism is that it can be a tight squeeze. For a long trip where your partner isn't your significant other, you might want to go with the next size up. The three-person could be a spacious, comfortable living space for two people with all their gear, and will still be lighter than most two-person tents. WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer owns this tent and has broken sections of the aluminum poles twice now. Make sure you bring a repair kit (after the fact, Big Agnes will replace your pole section for $5).
~~$530~~ $394 at Amazon
$550 at REI

Photograph: Big Agnes
Best Bikepacking Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepacking Tent
Bikepacking (that’s backpacking on a bike, for the uninitiated) means adventurous types can explore further without having to carry mountains of gear on their back, and brands like Big Agnes are now designing tents that have shorter pole lengths, enabling them to fit between drop handlebars, or in panniers.
My pick of the bunch is the superlight, super premium Copper Spur HV UL3. It weights just 3 lb, 11 oz ( 1.6 kilos), and it has enough space for two (a squeeze for three). It’s also available in lighter, smaller, one- and two-person options, all with twin vestibules and doors, hidden helmet storage, and external webbing for hanging out wet clothes. The superb DAC Featherlite NSL poles fold short and fit between drop handlebars, secured in place with heavy-duty clips, while the eco-sensitive process dyed ripstop nylon is strong and exceptionally light. Oddly for a bike-specific tent, you’ll need to carry hiking poles if you want to create two awnings, but in truth, this tent is equally good if you are adventuring on foot.
There’s a whole range of Big Agnes bike-specific tents, but I want to give a special mention to the hammock-style Gear Lofts ($20), which create a huge stash space without cluttering up the tent floor.
For more tips, check out our full guide to the best bikepacking gear.
$650 at Big Agnes
$600 at REI (2-Person)
$610 at Big Agnes
Photograph: MSR
Best Family Tent
MSR Habitude (6-Person)
If you're camping with a family, let me make an argument for backcountry camping. Paddling out to a distant shore might be preferable to figuring out how to keep a rambunctious dog or toddler from annoying everyone around them in a campground. If you're headed away from the car, you want a sturdy, more reliable tent like this MSR.
The Habitude is strong and light. It fits easily on a canoe or paddleboard and is easy to set up—the design is simple and the poles are color-coded. There's plenty of floor space for sleeping pads and sleeping bags to keep two adults, two toddlers, and a large-ish dog warm at night. It also has storage pockets, places to hang lights, and a vestibule. The only major downside is that it doesn't get quite as much airflow as our other picks. But otherwise, this is a good option if your family is ready to move past car camping but not quite prepared to snap the handles off everyone's toothbrushes and go full-on ultralight.—Adrienne So
$700 at REI
$700 at Campmor
$700 at MSR

Photograph: Nemo
Best Super-Sturdy Backcountry Tent
Nemo Equipment Osmo Dagger 3P
Nemo's new Osmo fabric is the star of the show in the Dagger Osmo 3P (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The new fabric resists sagging in wet weather, which means even when the rain is coming down, the fly is not. It's also nice that the Osmo nylon-polyester blend is made with 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns, with no flame-retardant chemicals or fluorinated water repellents (PFC and PFAS). Nemo is using this new fabric on all its backpacking tents.
While the new fabric does a great job, what I really love is how low to the ground (the peak height is 42 inches) and sturdy it is—it holds up really well in even in high winds (45 mph when I was testing). Pair the sturdiness with large, spacious vestibules and a roomy interior with excellent stargazing potential thanks to the mesh roof, and you have a great backcountry tent. There's plenty of room for three sleeping pads, and mesh pockets help keep little items from getting lost. The color-coded poles make setup a snap. The only real downside is the weight. I find 4 pounds fine when split between two people, but the ultralight-obsessed will likely prefer Nemo’s Hornet or Dragonfly tents.
$600 at REI
$600 at Nemo
Photograph: Mountain Hardware
Best for Lots of Gear
Mountain Hardwear Bridger 6 Tent
Do you go all-out when you go out? No one at our group campsite could believe the size of our Bridger 6, especially since it packs down to around the same size as our 4-person MSR Habitude. Even though the assembly is pretty simple and fast, I am just a little too short at 5'2" to be able to manage it alone and needed to rope in my 5'10" husband. If you set up the multiple vestibules, the footprint also becomes a bafflingly big 18 feet deep. We did fit it on a backcountry site between some trees, but it took some trial and error.
Once it’s set up, though, it’s worth it. The tent floor area is a whopping 90 square feet, big enough to fit two air mattresses if Dad is tired of always being forced to sleep on the floor. The enormous vestibule is another 90 square feet, which is big enough to fit multiple mountain bikes. There’s all the interior storage you could possibly want, including guy lines to hang your wet clothes for when you’re swimming in the lake and forgot to bring your clothesline, as I always do. The full-coverage fly kept us pretty warm while camping with 40-degree nights, but there are also two saloon doors. On lazy days, there’s plenty of room to roll up the doors, admire the lake in front of you, and take a nap. It would also make a good base camp center if you have a bunch of kids that want to hang out in the heat of the day. —Adrienne So
$950 at Backcountry
$950 at Mountain Hardware

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Best Budget Ultralight Tent
Nemo Equipment Mayfly 2-Person Tent
Nemo Equipment’s new Mayfly Osmo two- and three-person tents are everything you’d expect from Nemo—solidly built, cleverly designed, with weather resistance and durability in mind. I tested the Mayfly two-person, which has a trail weight of 3 pounds, 8 ounces. A little heavier than the Copper Spur above, but still pretty light when split between two people.
To save on weight, the Mayfly uses a semi-freestanding design, which means there are fewer poles, but you have to stake out or otherwise secure the foot-end of the tent. Two sewn-in ridged stays help ensure there’s plenty of room by your feet, but the Mayfly is on the tight side. Two sleeping pads fit and hikers under 6'4" will be fine, but if you’re not close with your hiking partner, the three-person model will be a better option.
The Mayfly has many internal pockets and storage options, as well as roomy vestibules with enough room for your pack. Like the Dagger, the dark mesh ceiling makes for good stargazing on clear, warm nights. The rainfly also uses the same Osmo fabric as the Dagger, giving you great weather protection without known toxic chemicals. If you’re looking for a great ultralight backpacking tent on a budget, the Mayfly Osmo delivers.
$400 at REI
$400 at Nemo
Photograph: MSR
Best Lightweight Family Tent
MSR Elixir 4 Tent
The MSR Elixir 4 tent isn't quite as pricey as the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but it's not much heavier (just under 8 lbs versus just under 6 lbs for the Copper Spur 4-person). I’ve used this with my three kids on several backpacking trips, and there was plenty of interior space for all of us. That said, three adults will be more comfortable than four.
The Elixer is a solidly built tent, made of quality materials—the 70D taffeta nylon floor has proved durable in my testing. There are three color-coded aluminum poles with corresponding color-coded clips, making it easy to set up. The side walls are steep thanks to the crossover pole, making the interior roomy, though the storage pockets up top are on the small side. The mesh at the top provides great ventilation on warm summer nights (and leaving off the rainfly gave my kids and me a great view of the stars at night).
There’s double vestibules with enough room to keep boots and other gear out of the weather, though cooking under the vestibule is cramped and tricky. On the whole though, this is one of the better hybrid front/backcountry tents available. I should note that a number of people on the MSR site has reported the fly delaminating or tearing. I have not had that issue, but it’s something to be aware of.
~~$490~~ $300 at Amazon
$490 at MSR

Photograph: REI
For Going Solo
Sea to Summit Alto TR1
Sea to Summit's ultralight Alto (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is designed to keep weight down on your solo adventures. WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer recently took one to Hawaii, where he notes that despite the mere 33-ounce weight, it held up on the abrasive volcanic rock and high winds of the north shore on the Big Island and Kauai. The top's zippered vent should probably have mesh to keep the bugs from flying in between the tent’s inner and outer walls, but let's be honest—bugs will probably get in there anyway. You can use a tiny zipper to open and close the vent without leaving the tent. This tent and the Telos ($599) are Sea to Summit’s first tents, but the company nailed it. There's also a two-person TR2 model ($549) if you like the design but need more room.
$499 at REI
$499 at Sea to Summit
Photograph: Decathalon
Best Pop-Up Tent
Decathlon Quechua (2-Person)
We're not saying Decathlon is lying, but if you can get this tent up in two seconds, you're doing better than we are. That said, it sets up plenty fast, far faster than anything else in this guide. It's freestanding, although for maximum ventilation you'll want to use the side guy ropes, which help open up some space for air to flow.
Aside from the quick and easy setup, what makes the Quechua special is the black fabric, which gets you pretty close to darkness even in broad daylight. That makes it a good choice for festivals or a day at the beach, or anywhere you want to take a nap or just get out of the sun for a while.
$229 at Decathlon

Photograph: MSR
Tents to Avoid
Tents We Don't Recommend
Not every tent makes the cut, here are a few we suggest you avoid.
MSR Habiscape 4: On paper this is a fine tent. In practice … The stuff sack carrying case is awkward and doesn’t stay closed, since it cinches up with a poor-quality drawstring. The color-coding is difficult to figure out, making setup a bit annoying no matter how many times you do it. The biggest flaw, though, is marketed as a feature: There’s a pass-through pocket near the main door. You can pass items through the wall without wrestling open the door. Sounds good, but the pass-through pocket doesn’t have a zipper or a way to seal it up. MSR says the pocket is bug-proof. It is not. Every single time I’ve camped in this tent, I’ve woken up to bugs in the pocket and in my tent. The tent does have excellent ventilation and nifty ceiling loops for lantern-hanging, and the interior is roomy. It’s just also full of daddy longlegs. Consider yourself warned. —Louryn Strampe
Inflatable Tents: They aren't all bad. In fact there are some upsides—easy to setup, stable in high winds—but they're expensive, heavy, and very bulky, often taking up most of your trunk, which leaves little room for that nice cooler and fancy new camp stove. Still, if you're a dedicated car camper looking for a dead simple tent, it might be worth checking out inflatable options.
Photograph: Getty Images
How to Pick the Perfect Tent
Tent Buying Guide
There are hundreds of tents out there. If none of our top picks quite works for you, here are a few things to consider while doing your own research.
Know how you plan to use your tent. Are you a car camper? Backpacker? Bike packer? All of the above? If you're primarily headed to established campgrounds, there's no need for an expensive ultralight tent. By the same token, if you're not happy until the trail head is 20 miles behind you, it might be worth sacrificing living space to save weight. The unfortunate truth is that there are very few tents that work well in the backcountry and the campground. It's often worth buying a good backcountry tent and something cheap for campgrounds to spare your expensive tent the added wear and tear.
Keep the weather in mind. “Three-season” or “four-season” usually refers to how much ventilation (that is, mesh) the tent has. A three-season tent will offer better ventilation but will have a harder time retaining heat. For most people, a three-season tent is fine. But if you're planning to snowshoe into the backcountry, or if you live in northern climes and want some protection against the occasional early or late winter squall, then a four-season tent might be appropriate.
What specs are important?
Floor space: We look at all the dimensions, rather than the four-person or six-person designations. Those tend to assume that all campers are pint-sized people. Remember that you will probably want to keep spare clothes or a backpack in the tent itself and that you need it to be long enough to stretch out comfortably for your height. Be aware, though, that there are some restrictions on tent size; be sure to check out the regulations at the campground you're planning to visit.
Headroom: Can you stand up in the tent? How steep are the walls? The steeper the side walls the better, since that gives you more space to move around.
Storage areas: Are there plenty of pockets to stash your smaller items? The more mesh pockets the merrier, especially higher pockets that won't reduce sleeping space. We love corner pockets for stashing headlamps to give the tent a nice even light to read by.
Vestibule: Does it have one? Two? Is it big enough to store boots and other gear that you want to stay dry but don't want to have in the tent with you? If you're backpacking, is it big enough to safely cook under?
A footprint. What kind of tent, in the year 2024, doesn’t come with a footprint? Quite a few it turns out. We suggest them in most cases, so you'll want to factor in the added cost if the tent you're interested in doesn't have one.
Materials: These days, most tents are made from nylon that's coated in polyurethane, silicone, or acrylic to help it shed water. Most, but not all, tents come seam-sealed so water doesn't leak in, but if yours isn't, REI has a great guide to doing it yourself. We also like to look for more eco-friendly, possibly healthier fabrics that have certifications like bluesign.
How Heavy Should a Backpacking Tent Be?
Is a 6-pound tent too heavy for backpacking? How about 5 pounds? Four? The answer is that it depends how much everything else you're carrying weighs, but a good rule of thumb is that your tent should weigh about 2.5 pounds per person on the trip. So for two people, a 5-pound tent would be fine. Split the weight by having one person carry the tent and stakes while the other carries the poles and rain fly. That said, obviously a 4-pound tent is going to be even lighter divided like this. If you can afford it, go with the lighter tent, your back will thank you. It also may well be possible to shave some weight off the rest of your backpacking kit, thus making a 6-pound tent acceptable so long as you split the weight with your partner.
Less weight means more money. This isn't always true, but unfortunately, it usually is. If you want to go ultralight, you're going to have to spend more. But before you fork over the big bucks, ask yourself: Do I really care about saving 6 ounces? Are you going to notice those 6 ounces at the end of a 20-mile day? If the answer is yes, then rejoice. There is an internet subculture of people who obsess over saving ounces. The r/ultralight Reddit is a good place to start your research.

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
How We Tested Camping Tents
How We Tested Camping Tents
It was intense! Sorry. But sometimes it really was. We test tents individually in most cases, taking them on real trips into the backcountry in the case of backpacking tents, and to the local campground in the case of camping tents. We try to use them the way you do, in the real world. It really doesn't matter much how a tent performs in a lab, what matters is how it does after a long day hiking as a storm is moving in. That's when a tent's performance, easy of setup, and durability really matter. We try to test each tent for several weeks at time to get a feel for what it's like to live in it day in and day out. We also set them up in our backyards during more extreme weather to see how they perform.

Scott Gilbertson is Operations Manager for the WIRED Reviews Team. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED’s Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. You can reach him at luxagraf.net. ... Read more

Senior Writer and Reviewer

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