The 8 Best Backpacking Tents of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Camp Buyer | May 10, 2023
Backpacking is one of those pastimes everyone has at least had a brush with. Maybe it was a formative trip as a child, perhaps it’s just something you’ve always aspired to do, or maybe you had an awful time once and are looking for redemption. Regardless, there’s something special about carrying everything you need to survive into the woods and setting up camp. But even on a backpacking trip, a sense of home is still important, and that’s where your backpacking tent comes in. It’s more than just a place to lay your head at night; it’s your home base, your only protection from the elements, and your one constant through campsite after campsite. So it’s worth investing in a good one.
New This Year:
Every one of the best backpacking tents on this list is a “good one.” But each earns that distinction for a different reason. That’s important since all of us experience backpacking differently. Some folks are looking for maximum size and comfort and don’t mind carrying a little extra weight. Others are trying to move as fast and light as possible. And still, others are bringing all their gear on a bike, changing their backpacking to bikepacking. Regardless of your objectives, there’s a tent for you to choose from on this list. So read on and prepare to spend the night in the woods.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
This longtime staple ultralight tent just got a facelift with a rad new redesign. Or maybe a wing lift? All sizes of the Copper Spur now come with sweet customization vestibule awnings. The dual door awnings on the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent make it look like a ladybug taking flight when both awnings are up (we like to think of this as the fun in the sun mode). But it still features the good old fashion single stake vestibule setup (batten down the hatches mode) or the mesh top exposed (starry night mode). Besides the new front porch options and a nifty new corner buckle system for a more straightforward setup, the Copper Spur is the same gem of ultralight toughness it's always been.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 2 or 3 person | 2.68 or 3.5 | $549.95 - $599.95 |
Nemo Dragonfly 3P
The Nemo Dragonfly 3-Person Tent is a great backpacking tent for adventurous buddies. The lightweight build makes it easy to carry, yet it's spacious enough for a comfortable living space once you reach camp. Plus, the Divvy sack makes it easy to split the load on the way up.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 3 person | 3.5 | $529.95 |
The North Face Stormbreak
Missing that one friend who’s always down for a spontaneous adventure, no questions asked? Well, here’s the tent version you can always rely on. With abundant headroom, multi-configuration vestibules, and optimal airflow that prioritizes comfort, you can curl up after that evening campfire jam sesh and clock in a great night’s sleep. With an easy-pitch design, The North Face Stormbreak Tent is the backbone of outdoor explorations for years to come. No need to stress about unexpected weather or rough terrain with the fully taped canopy and floor seams, you’ll be comfy and cozy in any climate. So toss ‘er in the trunk and hit the road!
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 2 or 3 person | 5.875 or 6.375 | $184.95 - $219.95 |
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Bikepack
With a weight and feature set that would make a long-distance through-hiker smile, plus a Shortstik Pole set that folds down small enough to fit onto your handlebars, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Bikepack Tent is everything you could ask for in a bikepacking tent. The two-person size is a perfect compromise that gives you a roomy solo palace without much extra weight or a comfortable space to share with a partner. It sets up easily, has a unique and versatile vestibule system, and comes with tons of loops and pockets to stash your gear. So saddle up and head for the hills.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 2 person | 3.5 | $599.95 |
Mountain Hardwear Aspect
Better plan your next backpacking mission because the Mountain Hardwear Aspect™ 3-Person Tent is itching to take you there. Offering robust 3-season protection in a lightweight package with plenty of space for your best buds and your gear, the Aspect™ 3 is ready to travel fast and light to whatever far-flung destinations you have in mind. Get some!
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 3 person | 3.67 | $579.99 |
Nemo Aurora
The Nemo Aurora 2-Person Tent & Footprint is a sturdy and lightweight tent ideally suited for quick setup camping trips and spontaneous weekend adventures. It's made of durable high-denier polyester with an included footprint and high arching design that emphasizes longevity and interior space. At only four and a half pounds, however, it's still light enough to load into your backpack or panniers for use as an on-the-go shelter.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 2 person | 4.58 | $299.95 |
MSR Elixir 3-Person
The MSR Elixir 3-Person Tent is sized for that most perfect of outdoor crews: just the two of you and the dog. Made for long weekends and mellower backpacking trips, it's got everything you need to keep your trio comfortable in camp. It compacts small enough to pack reasonably and is straightforward to set up. Two spacious vestibules and a couple of large doors make it feel even bigger than it is, and it's constructed to survive a monsoon. As a group hike fortress or a larger car camping HQ, the Elixir 3 is hard to beat.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 3 person | 7.06 | $379.95 |
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 - Solution Dye
Help the environment with your extra cool and durable Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1-Person Solution Dye Tent. Designed for people looking for an ultralight shelter, this tent is made with solution-dyed nylon ripstop that uses 80% fewer chemicals than other dyes. Coming in at just over 2 pounds, this techy tent still features plenty of internal storage, including cord routing for your fave devices. And Ultra light poles make the decision to bring your rain fly a no brano-brainer in the desert.
| Capacity | Weight (lbs.) | Original Price |
| 1 person | 2 | $399.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Camping Guides:
- Camping - What to Bring Camping & Checklist
- Sleeping Bags - How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bags - How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
- Tents - How to Choose a Tent for Camping
- Stoves - How to Choose a Camping Stove
- Sleeping Pads - How to Choose a Sleeping Pad
- What to Pack for a Day Hike
Learn About Some of Our Favorite Gear:
- The Best Sleeping Bags
- The Best Sleeping Pads
- The Best Camping Tents
- The Best Backpacking Tents
- The Best Camping Stoves
- The Best Camping Hammocks
- The Best Camping Coffee Makers
- The Best Camping Chairs
- The Best Camping Water Filters & Water Purifiers
- The Best Camping Coolers
- The Best Camping Accessories
- The Best Camping Cookware
- The Best Headlamps & Camping Lights
- The Best Headlamps Camping Blankets
- The Best Daypacks
- The Best Duffel Bags
The Selection Process:
Our camp buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things camping stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the trail and hanging at the campsite. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
Hey there! My name is Jack Mace, and I am the camp buyer for evo. I grew up in Washington and spent most of my childhood summers on the water or in the mountains, which drove my passion for fun activities such as camping. I attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, which provides plenty of excellent camping locations, such as Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake. Then, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for several years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012. At evo, I started on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team, which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the outdoors into a career as the Camp Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife, Katie, and two sons, Wes and Carter.