After clocking several hours backpacking in the backcountry of the Colorado Rockies, I can attest that finding the right tent can make or break your backpacking trip. Whether you’re chasing ultralight gear for thru-hikes, a durable backpacking tent for stormy weather, or just a solid budget-friendly shelter, the market in 2025 has incredible options. I’ve rounded up the five best backpacking tents based on weight, durability, price, and livability — so you can hit the trail with confidence.
| Backpacking Tent | Trail Weight | Price (USD) | Standout For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Trail Lite 2 | ~4 lb 6.9 oz | $300–$325 (Amazon, REI, Backcountry.com) | Best Overall Tent – midweight, balanced backpacking tent with good storage |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 | ~2 lb 3 oz | $500 (Amazon, REI, Backcountry.com) | Best Ultralight Tent (for the price) – provides comfort with dual doors/vestibules |
| The North Face Stormbreak 2 | ~5–6 lb | ~$200 (Amazon, REI) | Best budget-friendly tent – dependable dome for casual outings |
| Marmot Crane Creek 2P | ~4 lb 13 oz | $215 (Amazon, Backcountry.com) | Best multi-purpose tent – Spacious, feature-rich value for trail & car camping |
| Mountain Hardwear AC 2 | ~3 lb 7 oz | $750 (REI) | Best Alpine Tent – Ultralight 4-season toughness for alpine excursions |
I may be a little biased as this is the tent I own and have used backpacking all summer long, including for Camp Muir on Mount Rainier in Washington, but I feel it’s the best bang for it’s buck when it comes to wanting it all without having to sacrifice too much. While being a little on the heavier end for backpacking tents, it still offers a great balance between lightweight and space. It also comes with double-wall construction, generous mesh, and thoughtful gear storage. Certainly worth considering if you’re looking to build out or upgrade your backpacking gear.
Trail Weight: ~4 lb 6.9 oz
Vestibule Area: ~29.75 ft²
Freestanding, double-door design with great ventilation
Pros:
Light enough for multi-night trips yet roomy
Dual doors and large vestibules for gear storage
Solid weather protection with thoughtful internal layout
Cons:
Heavier than ultralight shelters—subs for weight-conscious hikers
Not as compact as featherweight tents
One of the lightest double-wall two-person backpacking tents out there—packing minimal weight but not skimping on comfort. Trail weight just 2 lb 3 oz, with dual vestibules and easy setup. It’s difficult to find another option at this weight, price along with as consistent great reviews as the Tiger Wall UL2. If trimming weight is your priority, then this backpacking tent will certainly help lighten the load as you gain altitude.
Pros:
Ultra-light for two-person shelter, ideal for weight-savvy backpackers
Dual doors and vestibules boost accessibility and gear space
Fast fly-only setup option keeps things simple
Cons:
Fabric is delicate—needs protection from abrasive ground or rough use
Not built for fully exposed or extreme weather situations
Front-and-center as a value favorite, this backpacking tent offers freestanding, roomy performance without pushing your budget. Perfect for casual trips and beginners. Truly a great alternative to The North Face Trail Lite 2 if you’re looking to trim down the price tag a bit.
Pros:
Wallet-friendly pricing with solid two-person features
Easy, freestanding setup makes it beginner-friendly
Durable build with two doors and vestibules for gear
Cons:
Heavier (around 5–6 lb) and bulkier than ultralight competitors
Not ideal for long-distance hikes where weight is king
Tailored for comfort on the trail, this backpacking tent delivers a freestanding, durable design with thoughtful extras—two doors, two vestibules, and interior pockets make organization easy. Trail weight around 4 lb 13 oz, floor area ~32 sq ft, providing plenty of extra space for gear and stretching out.
Pros:
Generous space and smart storage for extended trips
Easy, fast setup with color-coded components
Budget-friendly styling with good build durability
Cons:
Heavier than some—less ideal for ultralight backpacking purists
Slightly bulkier than other freestanding options
This backpacking tent might be a little more on the “intense” side for most, but if you are heading to higher alpine and what a home you can trust if you get caught in extreme conditions, then I would greatly suggest considering this the AC 2. It’s an ultralight, rugged 4-season mountaineering tent built with a sleek Evolution Tension Arch™ design and DAC Featherlight NSL poles—clocking in at just 3 lb 7 oz trail weight. Ideal for high-altitude backpacking enthusiasts with a little more budget to spare.
Pros:
Featherlight yet storm-ready for alpine environments
Rapid sleeve-pole setup in windy, harsh conditions
Compact footprint fits into tight, rocky campsites
Cons:
Only one door—cozy for two, better for solo missions
Slight ventilation limitations in cold, high-altitude settings
Higher price tag reflects mountaineering-grade design
Want ultralight with mountaineering chops? Go with the Mountain Hardwear AC 2.
On a budget and need reliability? The Stormbreak 2 hits the sweet spot.
Looking for a balanced shelter with storage and weight? The Trail Lite 2 is a solid all-rounder.
Weight is everything—yet you want comfort? The Tiger Wall UL2 shines.
Want more space, features, and value? Check out the Marmot Crane Creek 2P.
No matter which one you choose, each of these tents is a trail-tested shelter that can make your next backpacking trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
When it comes to wildlife photography, the camera body often gets most of the attention. Autofocus systems, burst speeds, and megapixels all matter — especially when you’re tracking fast-moving animals or birds in flight. But after spending years photographing wildlife and landscapes, I’ve found that the lenses you choose usually matters even more than the camera body.
There are several Nikon bodies to select from that can get the job done, but today I’ll focus on the three I’ve had the priviledge of using myself as I will be able to speak more closely to them. The Nikon Z9, Z6 II, and Z5. This will allow you to see a wide range of the Z-series that Nikon has to offer.
This is a list of four of the best trail cameras for wildlife observation right now. These are cameras that I have used personally, as well as ones that are used by wildlife monitoring professionals and conservationists.
If you’re going hiking, hunting, or deliberately looking for snakes in areas with potentially dangerous or deadly species, especially if you are going to be moving through dense brush and won’t always be able to see what’s in front of you (or if you’re going out at night), a pair of snake guards is peace of mind.
A lot of new photographers are under the impression that in order to take award-winning shots, you need to drop thousands on a camera. I certainly felt this way when I was first starting out. But some of my favorite images over the years were shot on cameras and setups under $1000.
I love to camp, and while good sleeping pads do wonders, I’ve found that nothing makes a camping experience more comfortable than a good tent cot.
If you are thinking about making the switch to this style of camping then here are five of the best tent cots on the market. I’ve curated this list based on the best tent for specific purposes and camping trips.
