How to Buy a Tent for Backpacking

As with any item you take backpacking, your tent choice will make a difference in your comfort when it comes to using the item and hauling it through the backcountry. Your tent, as your shelter, should be dependable but also light, as it’s one of the largest items you’ll carry. Choosing the wrong one will add bulk and potentially contribute to discomfort.

Consider the capacity of your tent. Are you traveling solo or with a buddy? Buying a two-person tent and distributing its parts between two people can help cut down on the weight each of you carry.

Also consider the season you’re traveling in. Most tents are three-season tents that work well from spring through fall but aren’t equipped to deal with winter conditions. If you’re simply backpacking in summer, you don’t need a four-season mountaineering tent. You might also opt for a minimalist shelter if you’re really hoping to cut down on weight.

In general, the more you pay, the better the tent — and the lighter it tends to be. Livability is another important factor. Compare different tents’ floor space and headroom to find the best middle ground factoring in price, weight and space.