Looking for the best two-person backpacking tents out there? If you need extra space or want to share a tent with a partner or friend, a two-person backpacking tent is the best way to go. Not only will you have more room to spread out and relax, but you’ll also be able to save weight by splitting one tent between two people.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best two-person tents for backpacking? Camping is a great way to spend time together with a partner or friend, but it can be hard to find the right tent that will suit both of your needs.

There are so many different types of tents on the market and they all have their own pros and cons. It’s difficult to know which one is best for you without doing hours of research or spending a lot of money testing them out. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

We’ve researched all of the best two-person tents for backpacking on the market and we’re excited to share our top picks with you. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight two-person tent or something more spacious, we have your needs covered!

Quick Recommendations

Are you planning a backpacking trip and looking for the best two-person tents to make your adventure amazing? Look no further!

There are many types of two-person tents, but some models might not be right for your needs. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best two-person backpacking tents to choose from.

If you don’t have time to read through all of these top two-person backpacking tent reviews, here are our top recommendations. Or, read on for more suggestions and our reviews!

• Best Overall Lightweight Two-Person Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person
• Best Overall Spacious Two-Person Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
• Best Budget-Friendly 2-Person Tent: MSR Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent
• Most Lightweight: Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Two-Person Tent
• Most Spacious: ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent

Best Two-Person Tents for Backpacking

Image	Product	Floor Area	Trail Weight	Packed Weight	Footprint Included?	Price
	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent	29 sq ft	1.22 kg	1.42 kg	No	Check Price!
	MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent	29 sq ft	1.30 kg	1.47 kg	No	Check Price!
	MSR Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent	29 sq ft	2.24 kg	2.77 kg	Yes	Check Price!
	Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Two-Person Tent	29 sq ft	1.2 kg	1.41 kg	No	Check Price!
	ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent	37 sq ft	2.30 kg	2.61 kg	No	Check Price!
	Nemo Aurora Backpacking Tent	31.8 sq ft	2.07 kg	2.47 kg	Yes	Check Price!
	Marmot Limelight 2P/3P Tent	33 sq ft	2.33 kg	2.55 kg	Yes	Check Price!
	Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Camping Tent	30.6 sq ft	2.18 kg	2.38 kg	Yes	Check Price!
	Marmot Crane Creek 2P Backpacking Tent	32 sq ft	2.18 kg	2.41 kg	No	Check Price!
	ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent	31 sq ft	2.21 kg	2.58 kg	No	Check Price!
	Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Person Backpacking Tent	33 sq ft	2.04 kg	2.24 kg	No	Check Price!
	Klymit Maxfield 2 Person Backpacking Tent	29.3 sq ft	1.70 kg	1.90 kg	No	Check Price!
	The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent	30.56 sq ft	2.41 kg	2.67 kg	No	Check Price!
	Featherstone UL 2P Backpacking Tent	29.8 sq ft	1.81 kg	2.10 kg	Yes	Check Price!

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person

Looking for a lightweight tent that won’t sacrifice durability? Look no further than the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent. Packed with awesome features, this is our top pick for the best two-person backpacking tents out there. We think this incredible tent is very high quality and should meet all of your needs. We use this tent on almost all of our backcountry trips and highly recommend it!

Weighing in at only 2lb 11oz, this tent is one of the lightest tents in its class. It’s easy to carry on backpacking trips, especially if you split the tent pieces between two backpacks. Even though it’s lightweight, this Big Agnes tent is still durable and offers plenty of room for two people with 19 ft² of floor space.

The Copper Spur HV UL 2 features two doors so both you and your partner can enter and exit at any time without disturbing each other. Plus, you’ll have plenty of space to store your gear under the two vestibules. If you want extra weather protection on a rainy day, you can use the fly and hiking poles to create an awning over each vestibule area. The ceiling pockets also provide a convenient place to store your gear while you’re not using it.

Also, thanks to the TipLok tent buckles, the Copper Spur HV UL2 is extremely easy to set up. If you have the Big Agnes footprint, you can even set up the rainfly first, so your tent’s interior doesn’t get wet in the rain!

Overall, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 is one of the best backpacking two-person tents out there for couples, friends, or solo backpackers. You won’t regret this investment!

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Tent is a great choice for people who want a lightweight tent that doesn’t sacrifice space or comfort. This ultralight, waterproof 2-person tent from MSR is perfect for couples on backpacking trips or solo adventurers.

At only 1.3 kg, the MSR Hubba Hubba won’t weigh you down on the trail. Featuring an Easton Syclone pole system made of aerospace composite, this tent is both strong and lightweight. Plus, the tent has a lot of great features, like an integrated rainfly for improved weather protection and large vestibules for storing gear.

With a rectangular floorplan and two big vestibules, the MSR Hubba Hubba provides plenty of space for you and your camping partner. Many other two-person tents narrow at one end, causing sleeping pads to overlap. This MSR backpacking tent’s rectangular shape allows you to lay both sleeping pads side by side.

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent is also very easy to set up, which is a big plus when you’re camping in a hurry. You can set it up in minutes and enjoy the protection from the rainfly, mesh roof, and light-colored walls with privacy panels. It’s got plenty of room for two people to sleep comfortably and the built-in gear loft and pockets keep your gear organized.

If you’re looking for a two-person backpacking tent that will make your camping trip more enjoyable, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX would be a great option for you! It’s worth considering if you’re looking for the best two-person backpacking tents with lots of space.

MSR Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent

Looking for a versatile and affordable two-person backpacking tent? Look no further than the MSR Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent. Budget-friendly and spacious, this 2-person backpacking tent is perfect for your next outdoor excursion!

Weighing in at 2.77 kilograms, this tent is perfect to share with your friend or significant other. It’s on the heavier side due to the lower price, but when split between two backpacks, the weight isn’t too bad. It’s also decently compact, making it easy to transport on your next camping trip.

The freestanding MSR Elixir tent is easy to set up, with color-coded poles, clips, and webbing making assembly a breeze. With a freestanding design, you can set this camping shelter up anywhere. Additionally, the unique pole geometry maximizes interior space, while the gear lofts and glow-in-the-dark zipper provide added convenience.

The tent features an adaptable waterproof rainfly that provides great protection in a variety of weather conditions. As well, the footprint included with the tent does a great job of protecting your tent floor from wear and tear. And thanks to the mesh and solid fabric panels, you get plenty of ventilation and privacy to match your needs.

If you and your partner are looking for a quality budget backpacking tent, the MSR Elixir 2-Person Tent is a great option. It’ll work well for couples, friends, and even single backpackers!

Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Two-Person Tent

The Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Tent is one of the best lightweight two-person backpacking tents out there and is perfect for one or two people. Weighing in with a trail weight of only 1.2 kg, this tent is easy to carry on your next camping trip. Split between two people, you won’t even notice the weight of this tent!

Even though it’s lightweight, the Nemo Dragonfly has plenty of space. With a floor area of 29 square feet, you’ll have lots of room to spread out by yourself or to share with a friend. The trapezoidal vestibules provide lots of gear storage space, and the Featherlite poles arc in a way that gives you lots of sitting space.

With a waterproof rainfly and integrated nylon tub, you’ll be protected from the elements in the Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Two-Person Tent, no matter what the weather brings. You can be sure that you’ll stay dry even in the heaviest of downpours! The Dragonfly also features no-see-um mesh sides and top, which is great for stargazing at night.

Setup is quick and easy thanks to the color-coded poles and webbing. If you purchase the separate footprint, it does a great job of protecting the bottom of your tent from wear and tear. When you’re ready to pack up, the Nemo Dragonfly easily fits into its stuff sack, making it easy to take with you on your next adventure.

ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent

The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent is a great choice for couples and friends who want to go backpacking together. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, and it offers plenty of room for two people. Plus, the price is very reasonable compared to other tents in this category.

The two-pole design and pole clips make setup very easy. Plus, it comes with aluminum stakes and guy ropes to make sure your tent stays in place. Also, the waterproof coating on the polyester tent fly and floor keeps you dry in bad weather.

With all pieces, the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent weighs 5 lbs 8 oz. This isn’t too bad if you’re splitting the weight. However, this tent is quite affordable and it’s got a good amount of floor space (31 sq ft), so the extra weight might be worth it.

With a spacious design, you won’t feel cramped at all inside this tent. The two vestibules provide plenty of gear storage space, and the mesh doors and walls keep you cool and allow for great airflow. The mesh storage pockets keep your gear organized, and the gear loft provides even more storage space.

All in all, the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent is a good quality, affordable freestanding tent that is perfect for backpacking in three seasons. While not as lightweight as some of the other models on this list, there are plenty of reasons why this budget-friendly two-person backpacking tent is one of the best options out there!

Nemo Aurora Backpacking Tent

The Nemo Aurora 2 Person Backpacking Tent is an excellent two-person tent designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need extra space. This tent is made from high-quality materials and features a unique design pole design that makes it both sturdy and lightweight. Best of all, you can buy it for a reasonable price!

With lots of interior space, you’ll be quite comfortable using this tent with your partner, friend, or dog. The side walls are quite vertical so you can sit up and move around without feeling cramped. Plus, there are two doors and vestibules, so it’s easy for both of you to access the tent and store your gear.

Weighing only 4 lbs 9 oz, the Nemo Aurora tent is perfect for weekend adventures or longer backpacking trips. The tent’s weight can be split between the two of you, but it’s also manageable for solo trips. It packs up small and fits in most camping backpacks. Plus, the tent can be set up in minutes!

The Nemo Aurora Two-Person Tent also has a lot of great features, such as overhead light pockets, gear pockets, a breathable canopy, and a rain fly that can be easily removed. The strutted vents are great for ventilation and reducing condensation in the tent. It also comes with a tent footprint. Or, you can add the separate NEMO Pawprint to protect the tent floor if you’re camping with your dog.

Marmot Limelight 2P/3P Tent

If you’re looking for one of the best two-person backpacking tents for couples or friends, the Marmot Limelight 2P/3P Ultralight Tent is a great option. It’s lightweight and compact, yet still offers plenty of space and ventilation. Plus, it’s easy to set up with easy pitch clips, so you’ll be ready to go in no time!

The inside of this tent is spacious for two people, with vertical walls that make it feel roomier with extra headroom. It has two doors for easy entry and exit, as well as two vestibules to store your gear. Both entrances have no-see-um mesh to keep out small biting bugs. The tent also has a ton of ventilation, which is perfect for those hot summer days and preventing condensation on cooler nights.

The Marmot Limelight features a durable, waterproof polyester fly that’ll keep you dry when it’s raining. The floor will also keep water out, even on a slope. They’ve also included a footprint for extra protection. All of these features are packed into this incredible backpacking tent!

Overall, the Marmot Limelight 2P/3P Tent is the perfect tent for most backpackers. The tent is on the heavier side at 2.99 kg, but it makes up for the extra weight by being quite spacious and comfortable.

Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Camping Tent

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Camping Tent is a high-quality, two-person freestanding tent that is perfect for backcountry camping trips. With a mid-range weight of 2.18 kg, the Tungsten will work for both individual hikers and groups of two.

With a seam-taped waterproof fly and an included footprint, you’ll have everything you need for a backcountry getaway. The tent is made with a waterproof catenary-cut floor and breathable mesh fabric sides for ventilation. The Marmot Tungsten also includes a vestibule for gear storage and comes with stakes, guy lines, and a carrying bag for easy transport.

With strategically shaped alloy steel poles, this tent gives you plenty of space to sit up and move around the tent. There are two D-shaped doors, each with a vestibule for gear storage. You can also store smaller items in the interior pockets. At night, you can also use the headlamp pocket to help illuminate the tent.

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Camping Tent also features an easy-to-assemble design that makes setup a breeze. They’ve color-coded the clips, poles, and fly so it’s quite straightforward to put this tent together. As well, the tent uses easy pitch clips that are easy to use and work well.

Marmot Crane Creek 2P Backpacking Tent

The Marmot Crane Creek 2P Backpacking Tent is a budget-friendly tent that offers ample room for backcountry explorers traveling with a friend or significant other. You won’t find many backpacking tents with this many features at this price point!

This affordable, three-season tent features 7000 series aluminum poles that are sturdy and create a spacious interior. The 32 square foot living space inside the tent gives you and your partner space to settle down comfortably. Even so, the Marmot Crane Creek 2P tent only weighs about 5 lbs 5 oz. While this is a higher weight than other tents on our list, we think it’s pretty reasonable given its size and price point.

With a seam taped, weatherproof rain fly and floor, you’ll stay dry in all kinds of weather in this tent. The two vestibules do a good job of keeping your gear dry, and the doors pull back for more ventilation on sunny days.

Overall, the Marmot Crane Creek 2P Backpacking Tent is a pretty good budget backpacking tent for two people. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pick up the Marmot Crane Creek Footprint separately for extra floor protection.

Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Person Backpacking Tent

The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Person Tent is a great choice for couples and friends who enjoy being in the backcountry together. Weighing only 4 lb 15 oz, this backpacking two-person tent is one of the best mid-range choices out there for sharing with a buddy.

The spacious design and large vestibules offer plenty of room for all your gear. They’ve also included enough interior pockets to store your small things, like a phone. If you need even more space, you can also add on the Blacktail Hotel for extra storage and shelter.

The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Person Tent has a spacious interior, with 33 ft². The tent comes with two doors so that both people can enter or exit without disturbing the other person. Additionally, the pre-bent aluminum poles ensure that you have plenty of sitting room and head space within the tent.

With a waterproofed polyester fly and floor with PU coating, the Big Agnes Blacktail tent will allow you to stay dry even with wet ground. However, the footprint isn’t included and you’ll have to buy it separately. Even so, with a mid-range price, this is a pretty good tent!

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent is one of the best two-person backpacking tents on the market for under $200 – perfect for individuals or couples adventuring on a budget. With 37 square feet of interior space, this tent is the most spacious two-person model on this list of tents, making it the best choice for anyone looking for an abundance of interior space.

With its sturdy all-aluminum two-pole frame and easy-to-use clips, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent sets up quite quickly. The polyester rainfly keeps moisture out and resists damage from UV rays. The half mesh walls provide great ventilation, making it perfect for three seasons of camping. The tent also comes with aluminum tent stakes and guy ropes for securing it down in bad weather. However, you’ll have to buy the Lynx footprint separately.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx also has a ton of storage, with two vestibules, an overhead gear loft, and plenty of pockets inside. At just over five pounds, it’s not the lightest tent on the market, but it’s well worth the extra weight for all the features you get. If you’re looking for a spacious backpacking tent, this is an excellent option!

Klymit Maxfield 2 Person Backpacking Tent

The Klymit Maxfield 2 Person Backpacking Tent is perfect if you want lots of space when backpacking. With 29.3 sq ft of floor space, you might even be able to fit two people and a child or dog into it!

This tent is lightweight, durable, and spacious. With a massive indoor space, you won’t feel cramped at all in this awesome two-person tent. The Klymit Maxfield weighs about 5.6 lbs but the extra pounds are worth it for all of the additional space and features.

Made of breathable Sil-nylon fabric and a no-see-um mesh top, you’ll get lots of fresh air and ventilation without the bugs. Combined with a waterproof rainfly and floor, you can stay nice and dry in the Klymit Maxfield 2 Person Backpacking Tent even in heavy downpours. The tent also features a roll-up stuff sack so you can keep your tent gear clean when setting up or taking down camp.

Unlike the other tents on this list, the Klymit Maxfield only has one door. The front door is positioned so you won’t have to crawl over each other to get out, however. As well, it only has one main vestibule but it’s quite large. There is a small vestibule in the back that you can access from inside the tent, but it can’t store much gear.

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Camping Tent is a great choice for couples and friends looking for one of the best budget-friendly, two-person backpacking tents on the market. Not too expensive, this backpacker’s tent will let you access the outdoors without spending a fortune.

This rugged, durable, and lightweight tent has everything that’s needed to provide comfortable shelter in any weather condition. The waterproof rainfly includes vents that help control airflow and condensation so it stays dry inside when it rains. It also has a well-waterproofed floor to protect the bottom. You’ll need to buy the footprint separately.

Two large doors and vestibules make it easy to access the North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent and store your gear. The doors roll up if you want to hang out in your tent and enjoy nature.

With four aluminum poles, The North Face Stormbreak 2 Two-Person Tent is on the heavier side. This camping tent weighs about 5 lbs 14 oz. Split between two people, this weight is quite manageable. However, it’s on the heavy side if you want to head out on a solo trip.

Featherstone UL 2P Backpacking Tent

The Featherstone UL 2P Backpacking Tent is a budget-friendly backcountry two-person tent shelter that weighs in at just over five pounds. This affordable backpacking tent can sleep two people simultaneously with ample floor space and headroom. You can get it in two styles: granite (orange) or peridot (green).

As a three-season tent, the Featherstone UL Two-Person Backpacking Tent is suitable for summer, spring, and fall conditions. The rainfly and bathtub floor material is waterproof, making it great for wet climates or rainy days. It comes with a polyurethane-coated footprint, guylines, stakes, and a 20 denier Ripstop Sil-Nylon waterproof rainfly. Also, the noseeum mesh is great for ventilation and keeps out any biting insects!

With great value for the price, the Featherstone UL Backpacking Tent is an excellent choice for couples looking for a backpacking tent. While on the heavier side, it’s also still a good option for solo backpackers who want extra space and protection from the elements. Lastly, it has a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty in case of problems, meaning you can buy without worry.

Top Picks for Two-Person Backpacking Tents

When looking for the best two-person backpacking tents, it’s important to find one that is durable, lightweight, and spacious for two people. All of the tents on this list fit those criteria, but the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person and MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent are especially great choices for two-person tents. Or, for a more affordable option, try the MSR Elixir 2-Person Tent, which balances affordability, weight, and size.

With large doors and vestibules, plenty of ventilation, and ample space, all of these tents are perfect for a camping trip with your friend or partner. These tents also come with warranties in case of any problems, so you can be confident in your purchase. No matter which tent you choose, you’re sure to have the best time camping in one of these two-person backpacking tents!

FAQ about Two-Person Backpacking Tents

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about two-person backpacking tents. We also provide a buying guide for backpacking tents to help you make a decision and pick the best two-person tent!

What Is the Difference Between a Backpacking Tent and a Car Camping Tent?

A backpacking tent is typically lighter and smaller than a regular car camping tent. This is because backpacking tents are designed to be carried on your back for long distances. Car camping tents only have to be carried from the car to your campsite, not far at all!

Backpacking tents are also usually more expensive than regular car camping tents. Made out of fewer and lighter materials, you would expect backpacking tents to be less expensive. However, most backpacking tents cost at least $100-$200+ more than backpacking tents.

Additionally, backpacking tents often don’t have as many features, such as multiple rooms or porches. They have fewer features to keep down the weight compared to car camping tents. Even so, backpacking tents do a great job at providing shelter from the weather and a place to sleep.

If you are looking for a tent to take on your next backpacking trip, be sure to choose a model that is specifically designed for backpacking.

What Is the Difference Between a 2-Person and 3-Person Backpacking Tent?

A 2-person backpacking tent is just that – it fits two people comfortably. However, it might be a bit snug for three people. Some two-person tents might be spacious enough to fit your kid or dog, so long as you don’t mind getting cozy.

However, if you are looking for a tent to fit three people comfortably, you might want to choose a 3-person backpacking tent. Just be aware that it might still be a tight fit for three people and all of their gear.

Three-person tents aren’t that much bigger than two-person tents. Some backpackers even prefer using 3-person tents for two people, because two-person tents don’t fit wide sleeping pads well. Keep in mind that with the extra size, you’ll have more weight to carry.

How to Choose the Best Two-Person Tents for Backpacking?

The tent you choose for a backpacking trip is one of the most important decisions you can make. That’s because your tent will determine your comfort level, sleeping space, and how much gear you’ll be able to bring along with you.

You don’t want to worry about whether or not everything is going to fit inside your tent, or whether it will rain on your tent and find yourself drenched all night long. So, what should you look for when choosing the best backpacking tent for two people?

Floor Size and Dimensions

The first thing to consider is how much room you need. A two-person backpacking tent doesn’t always mean there’s enough space for two people and all of their gear. If you both have wide sleeping pads, you might even need a three-person backpacking tent.

Choose a tent that has plenty of room to move around even when you are inside. Make sure the tent has enough headroom and floor space. You want to be able to at least sit upright.

As well, be sure to choose one that is at least the length of your body. That way, you’ll have plenty of room to move around and stretch out. If you choose a shorter tent, you’ll likely find yourself cramped and uncomfortable. So, be sure to choose a tent that is long enough for both you and your partner.

The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent is the most spacious two-person backpacking tent on our list. This massive but lightweight tent has 37 square feet of interior room. It’s quite spacious for two people!

Vestibules & Storage Space

Vestibules and gear pockets are a great feature on a backpacking tent because they provide extra storage space. You won’t have a car or building to store your gear in, so it’s important to have storage space to keep your backpack, hiking boots, and other outdoor equipment.

Vestibules are typically located in front of the door of the tent, underneath the extended rainfly. These storage spots can be used to keep gear, shoes, or anything else you might need while you’re camping.

Many tents come with vestibules, but not all of them do. If you are looking for extra storage space, be sure to choose a model that has at least one large vestibule. When backpacking, both people’s camping gear should be able to fit into the vestibule or the tent. For car campers, vestibules are not as important because you can store your gear in your vehicle.

For smaller items, gear pockets are a great feature to have on a backpacking tent. They are typically located on the inside of the tent. They can be used to store gear, phones, or other items. Some tents have lots of pockets, while others don’t. Others also come with gear lofts, hanging loops, and even headlamp pockets.

Number & Position of Doors

When choosing a backpacking tent, be sure to pay attention to the number of doors and where they are located on the tent.

Two-person backpacking tents typically have one or two doors. If you are planning on using the tent for backpacking with your partner, ideally you should choose a model that has two doors. That way, you’ll have easy access to both sides of the tent.

With one door, you might have to crawl over your partner, disturbing them. If the tent is designed with the door at your head, this might not be a problem (e.g. Klymit Maxfield 2 Person Backpacking Tent).

Ventilation

One of the most important features of a backpacking tent is ventilation.

If the tent doesn’t have good ventilation, you’ll end up with one of two problems. In hot weather, you’ll find yourself getting too hot and uncomfortable while you’re sleeping.

In cold or damp weather, you’ll find that tents with poor ventilation collect more condensation. This will lead to you feeling colder and damper when you wake up in the morning or at night.

Clearly, both situations are problematic!

When looking for a backpacking tent, be sure to choose one that has good ventilation. Airflow can be created by windows, mesh sides, or vents. The mesh is usually made out of no-see-um fabric to prevent biting insects from entering. Vents are usually on your tent’s rainfly. Make sure to open these to release humid air, even when it’s raining.

With the right amount of ventilation, you’ll be able to enjoy your time camping, no matter the weather.

Waterproofing

Your tent will be exposed to the elements, so withstanding the rain and wind is important. Good waterproofing on your tent’s rainfly, floor, and footprint is important. You don’t want to wake up to a leaky tent or water soaking through the floor.

Be sure to choose a tent that is made of waterproof materials. The tent should have a waterproof coating on the fabric, such as polyurethane (PU) or silicone. As well, the seams of the tent should be sealed to ensure that they are watertight.

If your tent is losing its waterproofing, you can refresh the waterproofing with a seam sealer, urethane coating, or durable water repellent (DWR). You’ll know that you need to fix the waterproofing if your tent develops a leak, water doesn’t bead on the fabric, or the sealant is peeling.

As well, if you are planning on camping in areas that are prone to storms, be sure to choose a tent that can handle high winds. Make sure that your tent comes with guy lines and tent pegs.

Weight & Packed Size

Tent weight is another important consideration, especially if you plan on carrying your tent with you on your back for long distances. Heavier tents can be more difficult to carry and are more suited to car camping.

You’ll want to choose a lightweight option that won’t wear you down on long treks. Many two-person backpacking tents weigh up to six pounds, which can add up if you are carrying all of your gear on your back. If you’re just car camping, the weight won’t matter as much.

When sharing a tent, you’ll be able to split the weight between both of you. However, on long treks, even splitting six pounds can be a lot. If you plan on backpacking, aim for as lightweight of a tent as you can afford.

As well, most two-person backpacking tents are able to fold up into a compact size for easy transportation. This is an important feature, especially if you plan on carrying your tent with you on your back. The smaller the tent, the easier it will be to transport.

One of the best lightweight two-person backpacking tents for couples is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent. With a trail weight of only 1.22 kg, you’ll barely notice the weight from this tent, especially if it’s split between two backpacks!

Peak Height

When choosing a backpacking tent, be sure to consider the peak height. This is the height of the tallest point in the tent. You’ll want to make sure there is enough room for you to sit up comfortably.

However, the peak height is only measured at the tallest point, so the entire tent won’t be that height. Keep this in mind when deciding on how large your tent should be.

Ease of Setup

When you’re backpacking, the last thing you want is to spend hours trying to set up your tent. You want a tent that you can set up quickly, with fewer pieces.

Two-person backpacking tents usually come with poles that need to be snapped together and then inserted into the tent fabric or clips. Many backpacking tents are quite straightforward, with only two or three poles. They will often have fabric and clips that are color-coded, as well.

If you are not familiar with setting up a tent, it might be a good idea to choose one that is easy to set up. You don’t want to be messing around with your tent, especially if it’s raining.

Three vs Four Season Tents

Three-season tents are ideal for camping in mild weather conditions. They are made of lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester, which can withstand light rain and wind. The poles and stakes of three-season tents are designed to handle moderate winds and rains.

Four-season tents are designed for extreme weather conditions. Made of heavier-duty materials, they can withstand worse weather and snow. Four-season tents usually are better insulated, staying 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit higher than outside the tent. For this reason, four-season tents can be used at any time of year.

When choosing a backpacking tent, be sure to consider the weather conditions in which you will be using it. If you plan on camping in mild weather conditions, a three-season tent should suffice. However, if you anticipate extreme weather conditions (e.g. winter camping in the snow), a four-season tent would be a better option.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the tent. You don’t want to spend too much money on a tent that you will only use a couple of times a year. However, you also don’t want to choose the cheapest option and end up with a tent that leaks or is otherwise uncomfortable to use.

When it comes to cost, there is a wide range of two-person backpacking tents available. You can find some models for as little as $150, while others can cost more than $500!

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a high-quality backpacking tent though. There are many affordable two-person tent options out there.

If you want an affordable backpacking tent, try the MSR Elixir 2-Person Backpacking Tent. Made by a reliable company, this tent is good quality and budget-friendly, although its on the heavier side.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Tent Footprint?

A tent footprint is a groundsheet that you place under your tent to protect it from abrasion and wear. Footprints can also help keep your tent clean and dry by providing an extra layer between the bottom of your tent and the ground.

Tent footprints are typically made of the same material as your tent, so they are easy to pack and carry with you on your trips. They are lightweight and don’t take up much space in your backpack.

Many backpacking tents come with a footprint as part of the package. If your tent doesn’t come with a footprint, be sure to purchase one separately. Or, if you don’t want to spend much extra, you can make a cheap tent footprint out of window insulation film.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best two-person backpacking tents is a difficult decision because there are so many different options. We recommend Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person or the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent, which are lightweight, spacious, and high-quality.

If you have to choose one, we’d stick with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent. We’ve had this tent for the last couple of years and have taken it on plenty of adventures, including the North Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island. It’s reliable and we are quite satisfied with it!