If you’re on a budget but you want to travel, this guide to the best backpacking tents under $100 should be useful.
Backpacking can be expensive. From water bottles to backpacks to clothing, there is a lot you need to invest in, but the tent itself doesn’t have to be pricey. For around or just under $100, you can get a good, easy-to-assemble, weatherproof, and lightweight tent.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for Best Backpacking Tents Under $100
- Coleman Sundome Tent – Best All-Rounder
- ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent – Great for Solo Travelers
- Coleman Hooligan – Best for Two People
In this article, we will be looking at 6 of the best tents for backpackers, including:
- An overview of the best tents
- What key features to look for in a backpacking tent
- A more detailed look at each model, including their specifications and pros and cons
- Frequently asked questions
- Which tent we think is the best of the bunch
First, let’s compare the key features of the tents we’ll be looking at today.
Best Backpacking Tents Under $100 – an Overview
What to Look for When Choosing a Backpacking Tent
There are some great tent options available on a tight budget for travelling, but you have to be willing to prioritize the features that matter the most for your situation. Here are a few key things to look out for.
Capacity
This is an obvious one, but it’s worth a mention. Many campers feel that tent capacity ratings don’t give the full picture of the true size of a tent, and that backpacking tents in particular can be a bit of a tight squeeze once you take gear and sleeping pads into consideration.
Tents that sleep one person will fit one person comfortably if there is an overhead storage loft to store gear. If you want to sleep with your backpack next to you, you’re better off going for a two-person tent.
You can get some three-person tents that fold up very small, but if you want to go larger, bear in mind it will be heavier to carry and will take up more room when packed.
Seasons
You can find backpacking tents that are suitable for different seasons:
- 1 Season Tents – these are basic tents, intended for summer use only. They won’t withstand bad weather, but they are very lightweight.
- 2 Season Tents – suitable for spring and summer, these can withstand some rain and wind, but they won’t hold up against storms or very windy conditions.
- 3 Season Tents – the most versatile, these tents are suitable for all types of weather. They’re designed to be well-ventilated and breathable for warm conditions, but they’re also weather-proofed (more on that shortly) for windy and rainy conditions.
- 4 Season Tents – these are actually designed for cold weather only. They’re made of heavyweight, double-layered fabric, keeping you warm even on the coldest days. They tend to be very heavy.
- 5 Season Tents – you’re unlikely to come across these, but in case you do, these tents are designed for exploration in extremely harsh conditions and are aimed at professional campers only.
For travelling, you’re probably going to be looking at getting a three-season tent. This will protect you in most weather conditions. Some travellers prefer to have a selection of tents depending on where they’re going, but if you’re on a budget, a three-season tent is going to give you the most versatility for your money.
Weatherproofing
If you’re travelling in a location with unpredictable weather conditions, you’re going to need a tent that can withstand the elements. There are a few things to look out for here.
You may come across the term ‘hydrostatic head measurement’. This measures how water resistant your tent is, by measuring the amount of water that pools onto the top of the tent before it begins to seep through. This is measured in millimetres. 4000mm/157.4in can hold a pool of water up to that depth, before it starts to leak.
If you’re travelling somewhere that experiences very heavy rain, you’ll want to look for a tent with a high hydrostatic head measurement. At least 2000mm/78.4in is a good number to aim for. You may not be able to find the hydrostatic head measurement on every tent you look at – not all manufacturers choose to advertise it.
To keep out rain, your tent may have heat-sealed seams and wick-resistant thread to protect you from leaks and wear-and-tear.
Most tents come with a rain fly – this is a weather-resistant outer layer to protect you from the elements. These can either fully or partially cover the tent, depending on how the tent is designed. You can also purchase a tent footprint – a heavy material that you can lay on the ground underneath your tent, giving you an extra waterproof barrier.
Materials
You can also consider the materials used. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Cotton – hard to find, these tents are very lightweight and must be ‘weathered’ before you can use them (this basically involves leaving them out in the rain a few times, allowing the fibres to swell and draw closer together, thus preventing leaks).
- PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) – these are made from cotton, then coated with PVC. It’s not the most breathable material, so condensation can be a problem.
- Nylon – these are lightweight and cheap, and can be coated in acrylic, PU (polyurethane) or silicone. Acrylic wears out quickly but is cheap, whereas silicone lasts for a long time but costs a lot more.
- Polyester – these are coated in the same materials as nylon tents. They last longer than nylon tents, as polyester is more durable.
- Polycotton Canvas – these are made from a cotton/polyester mixture, and are usually coated to give extra protection.
The tent poles (or rods) give the tent structure. They’re normally made from aluminum (lightweight but prone to corrosion) or fiberglass (heavier, but stronger, and they don’t conduct electricity). You may find that fiberglass tent poles bump up the weight too much if you’re travelling.
For warm weather, you want to consider ventilation. Some tents come with two doors that can be fully unzipped, which is great for allowing air to flow through.
Weight and Size
That brings us to a crucial point for backpackers – weight and size.
For obvious reasons, you want a lightweight tent – if you’re travelling for long distances, the last thing you want is to be carrying a heavy tent as well as the rest of your gear. Tents aimed at backpackers are designed to be as lightweight as possible. There is a balance to be had here – the most ultra-light tents tend to be less durable – but generally speaking, you want to aim at carrying around 2.5lbs (1.1kg) of tent per person (if you’re travelling with others, you can split the tent between you, with each of you carrying different parts).
Size is also important. Backpacking tents are designed to fold up very small. The tents we’re looking at today include a ‘size packed’ measurement, so you can check if it will fit into your backpack before you buy.
Ease of Setup
This is another important thing to consider for backpackers. If you’ve been hiking all day, the last thing you’ll want to do is set up a complex tent. This is where looking at reviews can help, as you can see how users got on with setting up the tent in a variety of situations.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best backpacking tents under $100!
Coleman Sundome – Best All-Rounder
Key Features
- Sleeps: 2
- Size: 84 x 60 x 48 (in)/213 x 153 x 122 (cm)
- Size packed: 24 x 6 (in)/61 x 15 (cm)
- Weight: 8.8lbs/3.99kg
- Materials: Coated double-thick nylon
- Seasons: 3
- WeatherTec system's welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes. Good for backpacking
- Weathertec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 7 x 5 feet with 4-foot center height
The Coleman Sundome 2-Person Camping Tent is a simple, dome-shaped tent. It has storage pockets sewn into the walls, so you can easily store your smaller accessories. It has an e-port, allowing you to feed through an extension cord – so if you arrive at a campsite with an electricity hook-up point, it’s easy to get electricity into your tent. It’s a tight squeeze for two people, though – you’re better off using it as a comfortable one-person tent.
It also has large windows and ground vents – this pushes warm air up and out, allowing you to be comfortable in warm weather. All Coleman tents are treated with their WeatherTec system – the double-thick nylon is coated, and the seams are fully sealed to keep out leaks. It also has a rainfly included.
It’s pretty easy to set up, too. Users report that it is not only easy to assemble, but also very easy to fold up again.
Pros
- Very easy to set up and pack down
- Good for rainy and windy conditions
- Includes storage pockets and an e-port
Cons
- Would be a tight squeeze for two – better suited as a comfortable tent for one
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent – Best for Solo Backpackers
Key Features
- Sleeps: 1
- Size: 91.2 x 33.6 x 36 (in)/232 x 85 x 92 (cm)
- Size packed: 17.5 x 6 (in)/45 x 15 (cm)
- Weight: 4.1lbs/1.85kg
- Materials
– Fly: Polyester
– Floor: Poly taffeta - Seasons: 3
- Free standing, two pole design w/7000 Series aluminum poles; Easy assembly with pole clips; 75D 185T polyester fly resists UV damage and stays taut
- Factory sealed fly and floor seams for best weather protection; 75D 185T Poly taffeta floor w/2000mm coating; Extra-large #8 zippers
- Vestibule for gear storage and extra weather protection; Weatherproof fly buckles on for maximum adjustability and protection
- Half mesh walls increase ventilation; Mesh Storage Pockets, Gear Loft, 7075 Aluminum Stakes and Guy Ropes included
- Base Size: 7'6" x 2'8"; Center Height: 3'; Tent Area: 20 square feet; Total Weight: 3 pounds 15 ounces; Packed Size: 6" x 17.5"
The ALPS Mountaineering 5024617 Lynx 1-Person Tent, Clay/Rust is great for solo backpackers. While it is a tight fit, it has a vestibule for your gear, so you won’t have to worry about squeezing your stuff in next to you. It has storage pockets and an overhead gear locker, too – so plenty of storage space.
It has one doorway which unzips fully for ventilation. The rain fly and flooring are coated for extra water resistance, plus it has factory-sealed seams and extra durable zippers on the door and vestibule.
Set up is really simple – the free-standing poles are held in place by clips, and users say they had no problems with setting it up quickly, even in the dark, as it’s so intuitive to put together. Plus, it folds up very small and is incredibly lightweight – it’s the perfect tent for backpackers.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Folds up very small
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- The sleeping area is a bit of a tight squeeze
Coleman Hooligan – Best for Two People
Key Features
- Sleeps: 2
- Size: 96 x 72 x 57 (in)/244 x 183 x 144 (cm)
- Size packed: 30 x 6 (in)/76 x 15 (cm)
- Weight: 8.8lbs/3.99kg
- Materials: Coated double-thick nylon
- Seasons: 3
- Lightweight, one-pole design tent for two campers
- Features a full-length rain fly with a large vestibule
- Coleman's Weather Tec System will keep you dry in wet conditions
- A mesh inner tent offers maximum ventilation
- Easy to set up
The Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent, 2/3/4 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent, Includes Full Rainfly, Storage Pocket, Carry Bag and 10 Minute Setup is a pretty roomy tent for two people. It has a fully covered vestibule for your gear, and it has storage pockets on the tent walls.
Like the Sundome, the Hooligan benefits from the Weathertec system that Coleman has created – this includes protected seams, a zipper cuff made from weather-resistant fabric, and a waterproof floor. The only issue that some users had is that the zippers aren’t great – they got stuck occasionally, which is obviously a problem, especially in bad weather. It also doesn’t have the best airflow compared to other tents.
Setup is pretty simple, with most people able to set it up very quickly with practice. Given that it’s such a roomy tent, it folds up very small.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Folds up very small
- Roomy for two people
Cons
- Zippers aren’t of a high quality
- Could do with more ventilation
TETON Sports Quick Tent – Best for Ultra-Fast Setup
Key Features
- Sleeps: 1
- Size: 80 x 37 x 34 (in)/203 x 94 x 86 (cm)
- Size packed: 27 x 7 (in)/67 x 18 (cm)
- Weight: 4.6lbs/2kg
- Materials
Inner Tent – Micro Mesh/Taffeta
Rain Fly – Taffeta 1200mm PU - Seasons: 3
- QUICK CAMPING TENT WITH AN INSTANT SETUP: Camping made easy; Buying the tent will take longer than setting it up; Roll it out, lock your poles, pull the drawstring and you’re done
- ONE PERSON SLEEP SYSTEM: Pop up dome tent with a quick and easy setup; For camping on the ground or the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot for some serious glamping
- STAY DRY: Sturdy micro mesh tent includes a standard waterproof rainfly; Look for the Elite Rainfly that fully extends to the ground if you’re using the cots — sold separately
- ROOM WITH A VIEW: Get away from the city lights and enjoy a full view of the Milky Way; Full mesh top allows for a perfect stargazing experience; Enjoy a camping experience that is out of this world
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS with TETON Sports
For one person, the
- QUICK CAMPING TENT WITH AN INSTANT SETUP: Camping made easy; Buying the tent will take longer than setting it up; Roll it out, lock your poles, pull the drawstring and you’re done
- ONE PERSON SLEEP SYSTEM: Pop up dome tent with a quick and easy setup; For camping on the ground or the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot for some serious glamping
- STAY DRY: Sturdy micro mesh tent includes a standard waterproof rainfly; Look for the Elite Rainfly that fully extends to the ground if you’re using the cots — sold separately
- ROOM WITH A VIEW: Get away from the city lights and enjoy a full view of the Milky Way; Full mesh top allows for a perfect stargazing experience; Enjoy a camping experience that is out of this world
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS with TETON Sports
It has good weatherproofing too. Comes with a standard rainfly with 1200mm PU – not great for continual downpours, but pretty good for the odd bout of bad weather. If you want, you can purchase an elite rainfly which extends all the way down to the ground for extra protection.
The main selling point of this tent is the super-quick assembly time. It’s a pop-up tent, and it works exactly the way it should – some users report it takes as little as six minutes to set up. Some users felt that the instructions weren’t clear enough, so it may take a few practice runs before you set off to get used to how it works.
Pros
- Quick to set up
- Mesh top for stargazing
- Decent weatherproofing
Cons
- Instructions are a bit unclear
Eureka! Solitaire One-Person Tent – Best for All Weather
Key Features
- Sleeps: 1
- Size: 96 x 33.6 x 28.8 (in)/244 x 85 x 73 (cm)
- Size packed: 17.5 x 4 (in)/44.45 x 10 (cm)
- Weight: 2.10lbs/0.95kg
- Materials
Floor – 1500mm coated polyester taffeta
Rain Fly – 1500mm coated polyester taffeta - Seasons: 3
- Travel light with the Eureka! Solitaire AL three-season solo tent, the perfect choice for weight-conscious backpackers.
- The tent's simple two-pole tunnel design sets up in seconds after a long day of hiking or climbing.
- Outlast any storm with the rugged, durable 7000 Series aluminum frame.
- An integrated full-coverage fly can be rolled back for stargazing in clear weather.
- The fly and floor are made of 68D 185T polyester taffeta with a 1, 500-millimeter coating for weatherproof protection.
The Eureka! Solitaire AL 1 Person, 3 Season, Camping and Backpacking Tent is pretty roomy for one, with a front vestibule and two storage pockets for gear. Users report it can be a little awkward to get in and out thanks to the positioning of the zippers, but once you get in, the storage is great. Like the previous tent on this list, you can stargaze – this time by rolling up a section of the rainfly to see outside.
The main draw of this model is the weatherproofing – it has fiberglass poles for extra strength, a high-quality coated polyester rainfly, and sealed zippers. It also has great ventilation, so it will keep you cool in hot weather too.
In terms of putting it up and packing it away again, it’s easy enough to set up, but takes a little longer than some of the others on this list. It’s also incredibly lightweight, which is ideal for backpackers.
Pros
- Roll-down section in rainfly for stargazing
- Water and wind-proof
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Takes a little longer to set up than some others on this list
- Can be awkward to get in and out
Clostnature Lightweight 3-Person Backpacking Tent – Best Backpacking Tent for Three
Key Features
- Sleeps: 3
- Size: 87.6 x 75.6 x 37 (in)/223 x 192 x 94 (cm)
- Size packed: 16.5 x 6.3 (in)/42 x 16 (cm)
- Weight: 6lbs/2.72kg
- Materials: Polyester with PU coating
- Seasons: 3
- WATERPROOF & LONG-LASTING: Polyester rain fly & groundsheet&bathtub with PU 5000 coating is firmer than you expected. Weatherproof material with factory-sealed seams keeps you dry and comfortable in all season&all weather condition! Better material but more affordable! You really need an appropriate lightweight 2 person tent for backpacking!
- LARGE SIZE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Ultralight 2 person tent! Tent's size 7'3''x 4'11''x 3'10''. Weight: 5.7lbs. Packed Size: 16.5''x5.9''x5.9'', easy to put in one's backpack. It is larger and could even fit a little dog. Great for kids or children as a boy scout tent
- QUICK SETUP & COMPACT: Freestanding and two Aluminum poles designed for lightweight hiking tent's fast pitching. Easily set up by one person with no experience. This ultralight backpacking tent is compact and portable, and also great for Hiking, Bikepacking, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Fishing, or Car Camping
- EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN: The interior entire mesh walls are designed to offer great ventilation, this ultralight hiking tent has 2 D-shaped doors and 2 vestibules on the side design provide convenient enter&out and extra storage for your backpack or shoes
- WHAT YOU GET: 1 x carry bag,1 x inner tent,1 x flysheet,2 x Aluminum poles,4 x ropes,14 x Aluminum stakes,1 x pole emergency repair kit(can be used for damaged tent poles). Every product you purchase has one-year guarantee for material and workmanship defects. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team
The Clostnature Lightweight 3-Person Backpacking Tent is perfect for small families – users recommend it for 2 adults and one child (or two adults and two dogs!). There are two vestibules on the side to store gear and pockets on the inner sides.
The rainfly and groundsheet are PU coated, with factory-sealed seams, so it’s good for rainy conditions – plus, the entire inner walls are mesh, allowing for great ventilation. The only downside is that users report that the poles are prone to rusting, which means you may need to replace them at some point.
In terms of setup, it’s pretty simple, especially with two people. The poles snap together easily, and it’s fairly simple to fold it back up again. As a three-person tent, it’s obviously going to be heavier than some of the others on this list, but you can always divide the tent and poles between you to make things easier.
Pros
- Good price for a three-person tent
- Easy to put together
- Good weatherproofing
Cons
- Poles are prone to rusting
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I carry my tent while backpacking?
Every tent is different, but the key is to roll it as tightly as possible. If you want to split the poles and the tent, you can pack them horizontally at the top or bottom of the pack. You can also roll your sleeping pad up with your tent to save space.
Can you put a tent in a compression pack to save room?
You can, but it’s not really recommended. It makes the tent tight, like a brick, which means you won’t be able to squash other items around it. Plus, you’ll need to unpack and recompress it afterwards, which takes more time.
Can I put my tent away wet?
Sometimes there’s no choice – if you need to pack up your tent in a downpour, it’s going to stay wet. It won’t do much harm to pack it away wet for a short time, but if you arrive home for a while, it’s best to air it out completely before packing it away for longer periods of time.
How long should a tent last?
There are lots of factors here – like the materials used, the type of tent it is, and how often you use it. Typically, you can expect a tent to last a good couple of years (and a few trips) before you need to replace it. A sturdier tent can last for longer, especially if you’re willing to replace and repair parts as and when needed.
Conclusion – Which Tent is the Best?
There are two tents on this list that we particularly like. The Clostnature Lightweight 3-Person Backpacking Tent is great for small families or couples who want a bit more room. Considering the size, it’s a lightweight tent that is easy to assemble and pack away again, and the weatherproofing is good – it’s a solid choice all round.
However, if you’re a solo backpacker, we’d recommend the TETON Sports Quick Tent. With super-easy assembly, good weatherproofing, and the ability to gaze out at the stars at night, there’s a lot to love about this tent.
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