Backpacking tents have different requirements from your common tents. You’ll want your tent to be as light as possible and easy to carry around. But you’ll still need it to handle storms and last long enough to enjoy it for many trips.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a high-tech, ultralight shelter or buy your first tent for a hiking adventure, we’ve found something for everybody. So welcome to our roundup of the best 2 person backpacking tents on the market!
Our top picks combine the best qualities of a backpacking tent. From the lightweight and room it takes up in your backpack to its durability, we cover it.
So stick around as we go through what exactly makes these tents the cream of the crop!
If you’re in a rush, the best 2 person backpacking tents are:
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Person Tent – Best Overall
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 Tent – Best small pack size
- Nemo Dagger UL 2-Person Tent – Easiest to carry
- Marmot Limelight 2P Tent– Most versatile
- Naturehike 2 Person Cloud-Up Tent – Best for beginners
- ALPS Mountaineering 2 Person Lynx Tent – Best value
- Eureka! Timberline 2 Person Tent – Best A-frame tent
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Best Overall  | Best Small Pack Size  | Easiest to Carry  | Most Versatile  | Best for Beginners  | Best Value  | Best A-Frame Tent  | |
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th |
| Rating /5 | |||||||
| Review | This tent is the easiest to carry, thanks to its small packing size and ultralight weight. It also comes with two vestibules, so it’s spacious to live in. | This 2-person tent is of great quality and packs down to only 18” x 6”, so it’s easy to slip inside any backpack. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 is also an ultralight tent that won’t weigh you down, but it’s a pricey tent. | A good all-round, ultralight 2-person tent with quality nylon fabric. It’s designed to allow campers to split it between backpacks. This 2-person tent is small, so it’s best shared with someone you know well. | This tent comes in an igloo design with vertical walls that makes this a versatile option. It’s light enough for backpacking and large enough to be comfortable for car camping between two. | A great budget-friendly backpacking tent for beginners and durable for use in poor weather. This tent only comes with one vestibule and is quite tight, so it’s most comfortable for one backpacker. | This low-cost two-person tent is lightweight enough to take camping and easy to figure out even for a camping newbie. Despite the low price, ALPS Mountaineering tents are made with quality materials and offer great value overall. | For campers who want something different, this modern interpretation of the traditional A-frame tent is an interesting option. It resists bad weather well and has a large awning, but it’s heavier to carry than the ultralight 2-person tent models on our list. |
What Backpacking Tent Do We Recommend?
The Big Agnes Copper Spur is our recommendation for the best 2-person tent because of its overall quality and lightweight design.
It’s a fantastic single-wall shelter that comes with significant weatherproofing to keep you safe and dry on your trip, even in heavy rain and extreme winds. The peak height of the Big Agnes might only be 3′ 4″ but this lightweight backpacking tent comes with 29 feet of floor space in total, giving you plenty of space in the durable tent.
What about campers on a Tight budget?
If you’re trying to keep costs down then we would recommend going for either the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx or the NatureHike Cloud-Up Tent. Whilst they might not be the same level of quality and reliability as the more expensive tents on this list, they are still excellent value for money.
Both are available at a reasonable price and whilst the ALPS is a more reliable brand, the NatureHike offers more versatility in its use. The Lynx is the heaviest tent we reviewed, which can make it more of a challenge for backpacking.
Reviews of the Best backpacking Tents for Two People
Here are our top picks, from best to worst. Even though some of them are budget models, all of them are solid tents for a backpacking trip.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Person Tent
Pros
- Steep walls give you more livable space.
- Two awning-type vestibules.
- Ultra-lightweight for backpacking.
- Media pockets and ports included.
- Great weather resistance.
Cons
- High price.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the lightest and smallest backpacking tents you can find on the market. Despite its tiny packed size, it still has plenty of room for hanging out. The steep walls make it more comfortable to live in than many other dome-type 2-person tents.
What campers love about this tent is that it has double doors and the rain fly converts into two big vestibules. You can use this extra space for relaxing outside the tent in poor weather or blazing sunshine. It’s also handy for cooking in the rain. And when you head to sleep, the double layer of fabric protects you well from the elements.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 also has some smart features that can make your life easier. For example, it has small pouches on the inside for your electronics, with a cable port.
The awning door can also be supported using trekking poles, reducing the overall packed weight of your backpack. Having the awning up is great for getting even more space out of the tent body.
Overall, it offers fantastic value for money. It’s tough to find something bad to say about this tent, but the high price tag is probably the worst part. If you can afford it, we recommend you check this tent out.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
Pros
- Packs into a small size.
- Two doors with plenty of vestibule space.
- Spacious interiors.
- Good ventilation.
Cons
- Waterproofing is not always 100 percent effective.
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 two person tent is among our favorites because it packs down to only 18” x 6”. It’s one of the smallest pack sizes available, and it’s easy to slip the convenient carry bag into your backpack. The 3.5-pound weight is also low enough to keep with you even on a longer hike.
The design includes doors with vestibules on both sides, so you can sleep in this tent comfortably with two people. You can use the vestibules to keep your camping gear, shoes and outdoor clothes safe and dry without taking up floor space inside the tent. The two doors and mesh roof on the interior tent also allow for great ventilation.
In general, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 is a high-quality tent that endures rough weather well. Some customers have had minor issues with leakage, but the bathtub-style floors and durable fabric have kept most campers dry.
Nemo Dagger Ultralight 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Pros
- Easy to divide into two packs to carry.
- Vertical walls that give more headroom.
- Mesh inner tent for good ventilation.
- Two spacious vestibules.
- Plenty of space inside for personal items.
Cons
- Tight width for two campers.
The Nemo Dagger is a good pick for couples or friends looking to share their gear between two backpacks. It comes with the Dual Sack feature, designed to allow you to split the tent for a lighter, easier carry.
This 2-person tent is also overall a quality option that comes with just enough livable space for two people to camp if you know each other well. It has double doors and vestibules, so you can store your outdoor gear there and save some sleeping room. You also won’t have to crawl over the other person to get out in the morning.
Because of the narrow design, though, it’s not ideal for two adults who don’t know each other well. For a solo camper with a pet, a couple or two close friends, it’s a good deal.
If you’re camping in poor weather, the 1200mm waterproof fabric is enough to repel light rain. In dry, warm conditions, the full-mesh inner tent lets you enjoy the stars and keeps the air flowing through the night.
Marmot Limelight Ultralight 2/3 Person Tent w/ Footprint
Pros
- Igloo design with lots of indoor space.
- Comes with a separate footprint.
- Plenty of pockets inside.
- Quick-pitch design.
- Great for 3-season use.
Cons
- High weight for longer hikes.
The Marmot Limelight is a fantastic igloo-type tent that has lots of interior space. It’s not the lightest tent to carry with you, but it’s certainly a good option for those who prioritize space.
Thanks to the vertical walls and tall peak height, this tent even fits a cot to sleep more comfortably when you’re car camping. This protects you from the cold if you like taking your tent on year-round adventures. For those who sleep on the ground, the Marmot Limelight also comes with a separate groundsheet to keep you dry.
Keep in mind that this tent is not the best model for those who hike longer stretches. It’s not an ultra-lightweight tent, and the package is not the smallest, so you’ll probably notice the weight on your back after several hours.
If you don’t want to waste any time setting up your tent, this tent comes with a quick-pitch design. There’s no passing poles through sleeves, just attach the easy clips and tighten the rain fly over the tent and you’re done.
It also has lots of space for your flashlights and other smaller items inside, so you don’t waste time looking for them.
Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent
Pros
- Great value for a low price.
- Tough three-season tent
- Vestibule area to keep your outdoor gear.
Cons
- Small, only room for one.
Among the best two-person backpacking tent models, this one is one of the low-cost tents. It’s great for beginners but more comfortable for one backpacker because of its small size and single door and vestibule.
The tent is narrow and short compared to others, so you won’t have as much livable space or room for your gear inside. It would also work great on car camping trips with your friends when you want the extra privacy of your own tent.
With the small size also comes a surprisingly low weight, considering that this isn’t a high-tech, ultralight backpacking tent. For the price, we think it’s an excellent investment, especially for campers who are just getting into wilderness exploring.
The performance of this tent in wet conditions is also amazing for the low price. The floors are tough and can resist sleeping in a humid environment, and the walls have a 3000mm waterproof coating, which can handle a storm without letting in water.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
Pros
- Good weatherproofing.
- Low price.
- Gear loft and storage space on the inside.
- Durable materials.
- Easy to pitch.
Cons
- Heavy for hiking.
- The zippers are annoying and can get stuck.
The Alps Mountaineering Lynx is another low-cost tent that’s just lightweight enough to take backpacking but won’t break the bank. It’s a good tent for car camping, as well as for campers who aren’t sure if backpacking is for them.
It’s a traditional dome tent model that’s easy to pitch, even if you’re a camping newbie. The mesh interiors include a gear loft on the roof and storage pockets on the sides.
These tents are made with surprisingly high-quality and durable materials for their price. The fabric is good quality; the floors have a 2000mm waterproof rating and the sealed seams prevent water from getting in.
On the doors, you’ve got large zippers to help you get in and out easily. Some customers have had experience with these zippers getting stuck. This can be a problem if you’re trying to get inside in the rain, but it’s not the most common experience.
Eureka! Timberline SQ Backpacking Tent (2/4 Person)
Weight: 6 pounds 1 oz | Height: 3 ft 7″ | Dimensions: 4 ft 11”(W) x 7 ft 3”(L) | Bag Dimensions: 6” x 24” | Doors: 2 | Power Cord Vent: No | Hydrostatic Head Rating: N/A | Price: $$
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Large awning at the door.
- Great 3-season weatherproofing with bathtub-style floors.
- Good ventilation.
Cons
- Heavy to carry.
For campers looking for a different style of tent, Eureka offers this modern interpretation of more traditional A-frame tents. It’s easy to set up once you’ve figured it out and has two large doors and one wide awning at the front to store your outdoor gear.
The tent is just big enough for two people, but it’s also the heaviest in our review. You can divide the poles and fabric into different backpacks, but it can still weigh you down on a longer hike. This tent is also the largest to carry, so it may not fit comfortably inside your backpack.
It holds up well in the weather, making it a great 3-season tent. The bathtub-style floors keep water out, and according to campers, the rainfly is efficient at blocking water. The inner tent has a lot of mesh, which helps ventilation in the summer but will make it too cold for really chilly weather.
What made these models our favorite 2-person tents?
These are some of the features we valued when making our picks of the best two person tent models.
Which tent is best for two campers?
Best tent for two people: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Backpacking Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur backpacking tent is the best option for two campers with its two large vestibules for storing gear. There’s plenty of space inside the backpacking tent for you both to sleep and the vestibules means no one’s gear is getting left out in the cold.
The lightest 2-person tent (by weight and ultralight)
Best light weight tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Backpacking Tent
Weight is probably the biggest factor when choosing a backpacking tent. The Big Agnes Copper Spur tent takes the prize as the best lightweight tent.
Lightweight vs. Ultralight Tents
Ultra-lightweight tents are specifically designed for backpacking. They’re more expensive than common lightweight tents, but they’re made with specific technologies that can cut the weight in half. Many of them also won’t take up much room in your backpack.
If you’re taking a backpacking trip that doesn’t require a lot of hiking, you can go for a lightweight two person backpacking tent, up to around 6 pounds. These are also good options for beginner backpackers. But if you want to keep your backpack as light as possible, opt for the tents around 3 pounds.
Best 2-person tent for packed size and weight
The size is also important for a two person backpacking tent. The poles of a tent are always a little long, but you can find backpacking tents that fit into about 20 inches. And if you’re going backpacking, avoid pop-up and instant 2-person tents, as they usually take up a lot of space, and the shape can be awkward to carry.
| Tent | Weight | Packed Size |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent | 3 lbs 2 oz | 19.5”x6” |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 Tent | 3 lbs 8 oz | 18”x6” |
| Nemo Dagger UL 2-Person Tent | 3 lbs 8 oz | 19.5”x6” |
| Marmot Limelight 2P Tent | 5 lbs 10 oz | 18”x7” |
| Naturehike 2-Person Cloud-Up Tent | 4 lbs 11 oz | 18”x6” |
| ALPS Mountaineering 2-Person Lynx Tent | 5 lbs 12 oz | 20”x6” |
| Eureka! Timberline 2-Person Tent | 6 lbs 1 oz | 24”64” |
If you want to improve the weight savings in your backpack, you can reduce the packed weight of some of these shelters. The Big Agnes Copper Spur Backpacking Tent, for example, comes with a minimum trail weight of 1.22kg or 2lb 11oz with the fast fly setup.
With the minimum weight option, the Big Agnes backpacking tent is almost a pound lighter than the next best option, the MSR Hubba Hubba Tent.
Related: If you’re looking for a small tent that can handle backpacking, consider a bivy tent. They’re not the best in humid climates due to the risk of condensation, but they’re great for acting as a mini tent. Find out more in our reviews of the best bivy sack for backpacking.
Top tent for camping in comfort (Floor area and space)
Best tent for comfortable camping: ALPS Mountaineering 2-Person Lynx Tent
When it comes to backpacking with another person, you’ll need a two person backpacking tent that’s as wide as possible. The best wide tents are the ALPS Mountaineering and the Eureka! Timberline backpacking tents. The ALPS tent and the Nemo Dagger tent are also really long, which gives you more room for your gear.
Remember that two-person backpacking tents are usually tight on interior space. Some two person tents only have enough floor area for one person, while other tents will fit two. They’re still always quite narrow, so make sure you’re with a person you don’t mind sleeping close to!
If you’re sharing your two person backpacking tent with another camper, it might be worth upgrading to a three-person tent model to give you a larger floor space.
If you want room for two people with large backpacks, we recommend going for one of the tents that has two doors with vestibules. You can both keep your boots, backpacks and cooking gear in the awning, and the doors will give you freedom of movement.
| Tent | Floor area (W x L x H) |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent | 4’4” x 7’4” x 3’4” |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 Tent | 4’2” x 7’ x 3’3” |
| Nemo Dagger UL 2-Person Tent | 4’2” x 7’6” x 3’ |
| Marmot Limelight 2P Tent | 4’5” x 7’2” x 3‘6” |
| Naturehike 2-Person Cloud-Up Tent | 4’1” x 6’10” x 3‘3” |
| ALPS Mountaineering 2-Person Lynx Tent | 5’ x 7’6” x 3’10” |
| Eureka! Timberline 2-Person Tent | 4’11” x 7’3” x 3’7” |
If you’re planning a long trip, like a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, we’d advise against taking the Lynx. After a few days, the tent will be too heavy and the positives of your comfortable shelter will be outweighed by the downsides of a heavy tent weighing you down.
Even if you aren’t planning a long trek like the Appalachian Trail, but a trip that involves more than one day of hiking, we would recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur two person tent for the combination of comfortable space and weight savings.
Best 2-person backpacking Tents for Tall People
Best tent for tall people: ALPS Mountaineering 2-Person Lynx
For tall people, the ALPS Mountaineering 2-Person Lynx is the best pick. It’s well over 7 feet long and has plenty of headroom. The peak height of the tent body is 3 foot 10 inches, the tallest of any two person backpacking tents we reviewed. The square footage of the floor area is 37 square feet and the vestibule area is 20 square feet.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Marmot Limelight has a spacious igloo design that even fits a cot inside. The peak height of the Marmot is 3 foot 6 inches.
The shortest two person tent that we reviewed as part of this list was the Nemo Dagger which has a peak height of only 3 foot. Taller campers might find it uncomfortable spending time inside the tent.
Which tent offers the best gear storage options
Best tent for gear storage options: Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent
What makes these top two person backpacking tents special is that they include storage pockets for gear sewn onto the inner tent material. These help you keep your small personal items, such as camera gear and flashlights, next to you without losing them.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent is the best two person tent here because of its handy gear pockets and e-port.
If you’re going to need somewhere to store wet gear or dirty equipment, maybe consider something other than the Eureka! Timberline, ALPS Mountaineering Lynx or NatureHike Cloud-Up backpacking tents because they all come with one smaller vestibule.
The advantage of using a vestibule area for wet gear is that there isn’t a floor material to clean afterwards, keeping your tent durable and clean.
Easiest 2-person Tent To Set up
Which tent is the quickest to pitch when backpacking?
Winner: Marmot Limelight
All of these top two person tents can be set up by one person, but some are easier than others to assemble. A wilderness pro will have no problem with any of these tent models, but beginners may need to practice at home before heading out.
If you know you’re going to be in a hurry to put up camp, the Marmot Limelight tent is the best option for a fast set up. The quick pitch system is easy to use when the night is falling, or it’s raining. Also, you won’t have to pass the poles through sleeves, which can be a pain in the darkness.
Best backpacking tent in bad weather
Will these top backpacking tents offer enough weather protection to keep you sheltered even during stormy weather? Should any of these two-person tents be saved for weekend camping trips in warm weather?
Best 2-person Backpacking tent in the rain
Top two person waterproof tent: Marmot Limelight 2P
If you want to stay dry even during heavy rain, you’ll need a top backpacking tent to handle storms and prevent condensation. Many tent manufacturers include a hydrostatic rating on their tent fabrics, so you’ll know how much water they can take. But there’s more to weatherproofing than just the rating.
The best backpacking shelters come with a separate fly for good waterproofing. They usually also have bathtub-style floors, a groundsheet, and tapered or welded seams. And whichever backpacking tent you pick, it’s always a good idea to add some sealant to the seams if you’re heading out into rough weather.
Even if it’s not raining, a top double-walled backpacking tent with a tent fly will keep you protected from condensation in the tent walls. You’ll likely see some humidity inside your tent in cold weather and from dew in the mornings. Look for vents and windows to promote good airflow and allow moist air to escape the tent.
The Marmot Limelight also comes with a separate groundsheet to keep the tent floor extra protected from the rain.
Best 2-person tent in the wind
Winner: Big Agnes Copper Spur
Another possible weather issue with your backpacking tent is windy conditions. It can bend or break poor-quality poles, and it can loosen the rain fly, making it less protective. This is where reflective guy lines are important, as they keep the fly taut.
The Big Agnes backpacking tent is a top tent in extreme winds thanks to the TipLok Tent Buckle which stabilizes the structure. Users were impressed with how well the tent kept them dry even in strong wind and wet conditions.
Best two person Tent for backpacking in Summer and Winter?
Winner: Nemo Dagger UL 2-Person Tent
When you’re camping in the summer, especially in warmer climates, you’ll probably want to prioritize ventilation. Backpacking tents with bug netting walls allow for better airflow and let you sleep comfortably, but they don’t block the sun. You’ll wake up earlier because of the light, but at least the temperature inside the tent won’t rise too fast.
If you want to keep the tent cool and dark, look for backpacking tents with a dark-room design. These options aren’t as well-ventilated, but they don’t let in sunshine, so you get to sleep longer and cooler.
In the winter, you’ll benefit from thicker tent walls and floors. Mesh interiors aren’t the ideal option if you’re looking for all-season winter comfort, so opt for thicker materials instead. Some car campers also use a cot to stay farther away from the ground and keep warmer inside their tent in winter.
Durability – Top long lasting tent when backpacking
Winner: Naturehike 2-Person Cloud-Up
The durability of your backpacking tent is a major factor, especially if you’re looking for an affordable model. You can’t expect a budget 2 person tent to last as long as a high-tech tent would, but it should still be reasonably good quality. The Naturehike tent is a top example of such a backpacking tent.
Fabric
For backpacking tents, the fabrics are usually polyester or nylon, which are both lightweight. They’re not as tough as canvas tents, but nylon generally holds up better than polyester. Top quality stitching can also make a big difference when you’re picking out a tent.
Tent poles
Poles are another spot that can make or break your backpacking tent investment. The most common lightweight tent options have either aluminum or fiberglass poles, of which aluminum is more durable. Fiberglass isn’t necessarily a bad option, but it needs to be much thicker than aluminum to handle the same weight.
FAQ—What Else Should I Know About Backpacking Tents?
Still have more questions about the best two-person tents for backpacking? Let’s go through some of the most common doubts campers have.
Should You Go for a Freestanding Tent?
Top freestanding two-person backpacking tents are easier to use, especially if you’re camping in the same spot for longer or if you’re new to camping. Freestanding tents don’t have to be attached to the ground whilst non-freestanding tents have to be attached to the ground with tent stakes securing guy ropes or the stakeout loop.
If you don’t like the spot you picked for the backpacking tent, you can move it around easily if it stands on its own.
You’ll save some time with two-person freestanding tents because you won’t have to take the whole thing down each time.
Should You Choose a Single-Wall tent or a Double-Wall Tent for backpacking?
We recommend going for a double-walled backpacking tent unless you’re only camping in a desert in the summer heat. In any other place, you’ll likely get some condensation on the inner walls. Single-walled backpacking tents can also get chillier in the fall and spring.
How To Pack a Tent Into a Backpack full of gear?
You can pack a 2 person tent into a backpack in many different ways depending on the weather conditions and other items you’re carrying.
If you’re expecting poor weather, keeping the backpacking tent close to the top of your backpack can be the best choice. This way, you can get it out and set up your tent faster. If the poles are bulky, you can also strap them on the outside of your backpack to save room.
Otherwise, we recommend packing your tent in the middle part of your backpack to keep the weight off your shoulders. You can also use the tent body or footprint to wrap them around bulky items, like your cooking gear, to prevent them from moving.
How To Set up a Backpacking Tent?
Some features help make two-person backpacking tents easier to setup, like color-coded poles or pre-bent poles.
How to set up your backpacking tent depends on the tent you pick, but here are some general recommendations.
- Find a level surface without rocks or large roots that will trouble your sleep.
- Spread the backpacking tent fabric on the ground.
- Extend the tent poles and attach them to the tent body. This can be either by passing them through sleeves or clipping them on the poles.
- Using the tent stakes, peg down the tent and attach the ends of the poles to it.
- Cover the tent with a rain fly if needed, and use guy lines to stretch it taut.
Best backpacking tents – the verdict
The best two-person backpacking tent, in our opinion, is the Big Agnes Copper Spur. It’s a high-quality tent that’s also high-budget, but definitely worth the investment.
Backpackers love the ultra-low weight of this backpacking tent and the small packing size. It’s hardly noticeable in your backpack but still offers plenty of livable space. The two large vestibules are versatile, and the storage pockets are a smart addition that makes it easier to stay organized.
We recommend you check out this ultralight, top-notch tent or any other 2-men tents we included in this review!