The price of a top-of-the-line tent might make you want to stop thinking about camping or overnight hiking altogether. But you don’t have to make a huge investment to ensure you bought a great tent for your travels.
If you are just getting into hiking, you’re probably looking for something lightweight and reliable. If you’ve been backpacking for a while you’ve got your own list of specifics. Whether you want waterproof, spacious, or multi-person; this list is the best backpacking tent for the best price.
Quick Referrence Guide:
Best Overall Budget Tent – ALPs Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
Best Spacious Budget Tent – OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop Up Tent
Best Budget Tent for Headroom – Moon Lence Camping Tent
Best Lightweight Budget Tent – Desert & Fox Backpacking Camping Tent
Best 2-4 Person Backpacking Tent – Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent
Best Waterproof Budget Tent – Bessport 2-3 Person Tent
Best Budget Tent Overall - ALPs Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
Base Size: 5′ x 7’6, Center Height: 46″, Total Weight: 5 lbs. 12 oz.
The ALPs Mountaineering tent takes the spot for the best overall backpacking tent. A two-pole design makes it easy to put this tent together, and at less than six pounds you can carry it anywhere.
Inside there is a gear loft and additional storage pockets. If you want to make your load even lighter you can split the poles and tent into their separate bags and distribute them between hikers.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Lots of storage options
- Well ventilated
Cons:
- Bottom is thin
Shop this item here: ALPS Mountaineering Tent
Best Spacious Budget Tent - OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop up Tent
Base Size: 9.5’ x 7’, Center Height: 50″
This spacious tent is perfect for people that are hiking with a group. Four people can fit easily into this huge tent or one inflatable queen bed with all your gear.
Heavy rain or wind won’t affect this tent, it has been tested in up to 35mph wind. The best part is the amazing ventilation. Not only are there two windows but top air vents that can be kept open even in the rain.
Pros:
- Amazing ventilation
- Space for four people
- Easy window closure from inside the tent
Cons:
- Difficult to carry on long hiking trips
Check out current pricing here: OT QOMOTOP 4 Person Pop Up Tent
Best Budget Tent for Headroom - MOON LENCE Camping Tent
Base Size: 7′ x 5′, Center Height: 48″, Total Weight: 5.95lbs
The Moon Lence is a budget tent that can’t be beaten. It’s a roomy two-person tent that is double layered to prevent any damage from harsh weather. With some extra inches of head height, you can be sure that anyone will fit comfortably inside.
Moon Lence comes with a carry bag that is just over a foot long and is light enough to go on any backpacking trip. New hikers love this tent.
Pros:
- Detailed design for storage and comfort
- Durable
- Best price
Cons:
- Some customer found leaks
For current pricing, click here: Moon Lence Camping Tent
Best Lightweight Budget tent - DESERT & FOX Backpacking Camping Tent
Base Size: 7’3” x 3’3″, Center Height: 39″, Total Weight: 4.6lbs
Unique about this tent is that it comes in three different sizes. Desert & Fox offers tents for one to three people. All of their designs are lightweight and made for backpacking.
A bonus feature is a space between the inner tent and the flysheet, which is perfect for shoes and gear you don’t want to bring inside.
Pros:
- Easy set up for a single hiker
- Covered outdoor space for gear
- 3 season tent
Cons:
- Thinner material
Shop this tent here: Desert & Fox Backpacking Tent
Best 2 - 4 Person Backpacking Tent - Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent
Base Size: 9” x 7″, Center Height: 59″, Total Weight: 9.8lbs
Coleman is a well-known brand for outdoor gear. This tent is backed by many years of backpacking experience. Their WeatherTec system is guaranteed to keep the tent dry regardless of the weather.
One of the most spacious tents you can find, it also comes at a higher weight. While not great for long hikes, it’s excellent for camping adventures in larger groups.
Pros:
- Incredibly spacious
- Weatherproof
- Best value
Cons:
- Lacks in ventilation
Check out prices here: Coleman Sundome 4 Person Tent
Best Waterproof Budget Tent - Bessport 2-3 Person Tent for Camping
Base Size: 7” x 4′, Center Height: 43.5″, Total Weight: 5.2lbs
A welded floor design keeps the bottom away from any moisture on the ground so there is no need for a footprint or extra tarp. This budget tent is meant for three to four-season use, so you can be sure it will stand up to the weather.
Bessport is so confident in their equipment that they will send you a replacement or refund if you find anything wrong with your tent.
Pros:
- Best waterproofing
- Quick setup
- Fantastic customer service
Cons:
- Common zipper issues
Shop this tent here: Bessport 2-3 Person Hiking/Camping Tent
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to sacrifice a great tent because you’re on a budget. All of these options are low-cost with the durability you’re looking for during your next backpacking trip. We hope you enjoy your next outdoor adventure!!
