High-quality two-person backpacking tents usually cost between $349 and $530.1 Whether you're camping by the car or in the wild, a good tent is a must. It should be roomy, reliable in all weather, and tough enough for adventures. The best tent companies, like REI Co-op and Big Agnes, provide options for everyone, from the budget-conscious to serious hikers. This piece will examine each brand, outlining their history, favorite products, and what makes them stand out.
Key Takeaways
- Tent brands focus on using top-notch materials to build durable, weatherproof shelters.
- Leading brands ensure their tents are light, spacious, and great at keeping you dry.
- A good two-person tent can cost anywhere from $349 to $530-splurge for ultralight ones.
- REI Co-op and others provide affordable tent options that don't skimp on quality.
- Nemo Equipment is known for smart, creative designs for various outdoor activities.
Big Agnes: Ultralight Backpacking Pioneers
Big Agnes is based in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. They are known for their amazing lightweight backpacking designs. The Copper Spur series has won the hearts of campers and hikers for more than ten years. Our favorite, the HV UL2, is a top choice for backpacking tents. It weighs just 3 lbs. 2 oz., but offers a roomy 29 sq. ft. floor and a tall 40-in. height.2
Impressive Weight-to-Space Ratio
The Tiger Wall and Fly Creek collections from Big Agnes are also great options. They are light yet sturdy in three-season settings. If you love the outdoors but also want comfort, Big Agnes is a fantastic choice.2
High-End Models Can Be Pricey
Big Agnes' high-quality tents come with a higher price tag. For example, the Copper Spur costs $530 for a two-person setup. The Tiger Wall and Fly Creek are also on the expensive side at $450 and $400 respectively. Moreover, their top-of-the-line Platinum and Carbon models can reach up to $2,000.3
MSR: Durable and Weather-Worthy Tents
Mountain Safety Research, or MSR, began in 1969 as a newsletter for climbers and mountaineers. They mainly stand out for their tough designs against rough weathers.1 MSR's Access and Remote models shine in mountaineering. For backpacking, their Hubba series stands strong with its pole structure and rainfly.
Robust Fabrics and Sturdy Constructions
In camping, MSR is fairly new and offers the Habiscape and Habitude as their main models. We hope to see more from them soon. Cascade Designs, the parent company, is home to winners like Therm-a-Rest and Platypus.
Impressive Range of Backpacking and Mountaineering Tents
Looking for strong tents? MSR fits the bill, especially for camping and hiking fans. Their products promise comfort and easy use for families and adventurers.
REI Co-op: Value-Oriented Tents with High Performance
REI Co-op is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for good reason. It offers value-oriented tents that beat many competitors' prices. Yet, they don't skimp on quality or performance. Take the Half Dome SL, for example. The 2+ model costs $349. It comes with a durable aluminum pole structure, steep walls for more headroom, and a big 33.8 square feet of floor space.1
Generous Interior Space at Affordable Prices
What's more, this tent includes two large vestibules and internal pockets. It also has loops for hanging lights and storing gear. REI's great warranty and membership add even more value. For $30, you're a lifetime co-op member. This gets you yearly dividends and extra coupons.
Reliable Warranty and Co-op Membership Benefits
The REI Co-op Half Dome SL ticks a lot of boxes for outdoor lovers. It's priced well, has plenty of room, and is built to last. This makes it a stand-out choice for those who want quality without a big price tag.
Nemo Equipment: Innovative and Thoughtful Designs
Cam Brensinger started Nemo Equipment in 2002 after a tough night on Mount Washington.4 Since then, Nemo has made lots of smart and unique tents. They have light ones, ones for bikes, all-year tents, and standard camping ones.4
Wide Range of Tent Categories
Nemo pays a lot of attention to detail when making their tents. The Dagger Osmo is great because it's not heavy but has a lot of room and is strong.1
It weighs 4 lb. 2 oz. for two people. It's easy to set up and tough. It's also very spacious and has lots of features.1
Attention to Detail and Balanced Features
In spring/summer 2019, Nemo is updating its sleeping pads and adding new things to tents and sleeping bags.5 The Rocket 2P™ tent is super light at only 1 lb., 6 oz.5 It's very comfortable and roomy for being so light.5
Nemo's new sleeping pads have a special valve for better comfort.5 They also have a new kind of insulation called FeatherCore™. It's as light and small as down but keeps you warm like synthetic does.5
Since 2002, Nemo has won more than 60 big awards for their designs. People love their gear because it's smart, eco-friendly, and fun.5
Marmot: Reliable and Spacious Camping Tents
In the early 1970s, two U.C. Santa Cruz students met on an Alaskan glacier. This encounter led to the creation of Marmot. Since then,1, Marmot has become well-known for its high-quality, roomy, and affordable tents. Certianly, the Limelight and Tungsten models stand out for car camping and backpacking.
Both can fit two people and are very reasonably priced. The Limelight is just under six pounds and costs $299 for the 2-person version. The Tungsten is slightly lighter and cheaper, at 2 ounces under five pounds and $249 for the 2-person setup.1
Excellent Crossover Camping/Backpacking Options
The Marmot Limelight and Tungsten models excel in quality and space for the price.1 Although Marmot faces tough competition from lighter brands like Big Agnes, Nemo, and REI, they stand out for their use of premium materials and spacious design.
Recently, Marmot started using eco-friendly dyeing processes and waterproofing, too. This makes their tents stand out for those who care about the environment.
Budget-Friendly and Durable Constructions
Marmot focuses on making tents that are both long-lasting and affordable. This strategy makes their products very appealing. For instance, their Tungsten Ultralight is priced at $379. For this cost, campers get a lightweight tent with plenty of room for two, plus two doors and vestibules.
Zpacks: Ultralight Specialist for Thru-Hikers
Joe Valesko started Zpacks in 2005. He did this after finishing the Appalachian Trail. He couldn't find gear that was both light and strong for his journey.6 Now, just under 20 years later, Zpacks has become a top name in ultralight equipment. They focus on tents and shelters for those trekking long distances or choosing to pack light. For instance, the Zpacks Duplex weighs only 1 lb., 3.4 oz. It has a spacious floor area of 28.1 sq. ft. and a high peak of 48 inches. This model costs $699.6Zpacks is also known for other models like the Plex Solo, a lightweight tent at just 13.9 oz. Their Hexamid Pocket Tarp With Doors uses a special 0.55 oz/sq. yd. Standard Dyneema Composite Fabric.6
The North Face: Versatile Tents for All Adventures
The North Face offers a wide range of tents. There are small, budget-friendly ones for simple trips and large ones for major expeditions.7 Their tents stand out due to their high-quality construction and smart designs. This reputation has kept them leading the way in the outdoor market.
Affordable Entry-Level Options
Yes, The North Face tents can be a bit heavier than some. However, they make up for it with their lower prices.7 You'll find their tents dependable and well made. They're built to handle many outdoor adventures.
Reliable and Well-Designed Tents
North Face tents come with top-notch features. These include guylines that reflect light, aiding in windy conditions, and spots to hang your stuff. The Wawona series is especially notable. They are part of larger camping systems, which have everything you need for a night under the stars.
The brand also offers tents suited for different seasons. So, you can stay comfy no matter the weather. And don't forget the cozy sleeping bags, pads, and air mattresses. They help make your outdoor time more relaxing.
Looking for a basic tent or something more robust? The North Face has many choices. Click here to see their variety.
Best Tent Brands for Durability and Performance
On our list, the best tent brands focus on using quality materials and strong builds. They create tents that last, endure various weather, and are perfect for many outdoor activities. From light backpacking models to large family tents, their designs shine with creativity and performance.1
Prioritizing Quality Materials and Constructions
We sought tent brands that offer a perfect mix of light weight, roominess, and weather toughness. Our top choices bring comfort, function, and trusty shelter that are easy to carry. Plus, they make sure you stay safe from the elements.8
Balancing Weight, Livability, and Weather Protection
Brands like Big Agnes, Nemo, Marmot, and Zpacks stand out for their high-quality tents. They're great for backpacking or camping. No matter if it's a long hike or a camping weekend, these brands provide innovative and reliable tent choices.8
FAQ
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a quality tent?
What makes Big Agnes a top brand for ultralight backpacking tents?
How do MSR tents differ from other backpacking brands?
What are the advantages of choosing an REI Co-op tent?
What makes Nemo Equipment's tent designs stand out?
How do Marmot's tents compare to other camping/backpacking brands?
What sets Zpacks apart as an ultralight gear brand?
What are the strengths of The North Face's tent offerings?
What are the key factors that make a tent brand stand out for durability and performance?
Source Links
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-tent-brands
- https://bearfoottheory.com/best-tents-for-backpacking/
- https://www.thewildestroad.com/blog/best-tent-brands
- https://www.nemoequipment.com/pages/about-us
- https://www.nemoequipment.com/blogs/journal/nemo-launches-2019-collection
- https://gearjunkie.com/outdoor/backpacking/best-ultralight-tent
- https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/tents-c211750
- https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/best-tent-brands/