With the advances in modern technology, it is now very possible to get an amazing tent for backpacking under 100 dollars that will do everything you need. It is important to consider the factors of your trip before purchasing a tent, as you can get cool features depending on them.
If you wish to sleep in or the area you are traveling in stays light until late there are amazing tents with darkroom technology to get. Alternatively, you may need a tent that is windproof for windy areas, or with impenetrable flooring when there is flood danger.
Whatever you need, we found the best backpacking tents under 100 dollars.
Best Backpacking Tent Under $100
Night Cat Backpacking Tent for One 1 to 2 Persons
The Night Cat has the coolest name for a tent as well as being one of the best values. Coming in at around 4lbs it is both lightweight and durable as well as being compact when packed away.
The set up is very easy to achieve because of its single-layer design and it takes about 1 minute in total to erect. As well as being waterproof, this design is also windproof and will keep chilly winds out. Although it is designed for one person, this tent is very spacious and you will not feel cramped at all.
Do not worry, for hot weather this tent has a fantastic ventilated design with two mesh windows at the top to allow proper airflow while still keeping the bugs out.
Coleman Tent with Instant Setup
Coleman has knocked it out of the park again with this model. Made from a lightweight, durable and waterproof polyester, this tent has taped seams to stop any water from getting in on those rainy days.
The fabric is particularly thick on this one, helping to keep more extreme weather outside. It will also be the kind of tent that you can use season on season and still get the best performance out of it. The setup time for this tent can be as short as 1 minute, great if you are backpacking on your own.
To top it all off you will get a free 1-year warranty, so any problems, just send it back, no hassle.
Coleman Dome Tent
This model tent utilizes darkroom technology so that it can block out almost all the sunlight. This means that you will be able to sleep in past sunrise when out and about in the wilderness – great for places where sunrise is unimaginably early.
This tent is great also at reducing heat and would be fantastic for hot weather backpacking trips. Again, this model is fully waterproof with welded corners and a strong frame for stormy weather. It is reported to be able to withstand winds up to 35MPH.
Set up time is a modest 10 minutes, neither very good nor very bad. This tent does fold away into a neat little package though so it can be transported with you on treks.
Pacific Pass 2 People Dome Tent
This tent has the advantage of being super lightweight and easy to carry so it makes it a good choice for long backpacking trips. It manages to stay spacious on the inside though with enough room for two people.
It is made from polyester material that is both sturdy and waterproof to keep all your belongings dry when it rains. This model is also very well ventilated so there is a constant airflow through the tent to keep it from getting too stuffy.
It takes only 5 minutes to set up and weighs only 5.7lbs to carry.
TETON Sports Quick Pop-Up Tent with Instant Set-Up
They don’t’ call this tent instant for nothing you know. It can be erected in a mere matter of minutes and taken down just as quickly. All this can be done by only one person so it is a great option for solo backpackers.
The interior is spacious enough for a double blow-up mattress for maximum comfort. Inside the design is a genius with storage pockets to keep your possessions safe, windows with take-off covers, and an electrical cord port to bring in cables and power cords from outside to inside.
This tent is also fully waterproof with PU taping overall joints to keep the rain out.
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
This super-light tent from Featherstone is just perfect for backpacking. It is highly durable and rugged while also being very breathable. The material used here is excellent and is waterproof and tear-resistant.
This tent is big enough for 1 to 2 persons so if you are backpacking in a couple this could be the one for you. The seam is taped and will keep the element out easily. The setup is simple, one of the easiest we have seen actually, and the flooring is impenetrable from groundwater.
A bonus with this tent, you also receive high-quality aluminum stakes, a reflective guideline, and a waterproof footprint for added protection.
Mis Mountain Inn Sports Camping Tent
This model is one of the best backpacking tents under 100 dollars for solo backpacking. It is made from a super lightweight polyester material that is both waterproof and seam taped.
Weighing in at just under 4lbs, this tent is spacious and protective. It has some nice design features that we really loved such as a top gear loft, lantern hook and many different size pockets to store things.
This model also has a footprint that can be used as a picnic blanket, a sunshade shelter, and underneath to protect the bottom of your tent. This makes this tent ideal for not only backpacking but also beaches and festivals.
To top it all off, this model is also packaged with a repair kit that can pole clips, guide ropes, and any fabric tears that you may suffer.
Winterial Single Person Personal Tent
Everything about this tent is easy easy easy. It is super fast to assemble with only two hoops to deal with when constructing it. This makes it great for a solo backpacker to do.
It is very compact and lightweight, sleeping one person maximum. It is capable of withstanding three of the four-season comfortably. When it is packed, it weighs a tiny 3 pounds.
The material used here is very durable and fully waterproof so not to worry there. The zips and access ports are particularly well designed and are very large for simple entry-exit.
Coleman Montana Tent
If you are a backpacker that likes space and comfort, then this is the tent for you. It has plenty of room for a full blowup mattress while still being light enough to roll up and slip into the carry bag provided for easy transportation.
This fantastic tent can be fully set up in 15 minutes and utilizes the WeatherTec system with patented corner yields and inverted seams that keep all water out at all times.
The tent itself is made from high-quality polyester material right here in the USA so you know that it will be quality guaranteed.
Buyers Guide for the Best Backpacking Tent under $100
If you are a little unsure as to the most important factors to keep an eye on when buying a new backpacking tent, take a look at our guide below.
Season
The season and the weather type that you are going to use the tent in most should be the most important factor in choosing it. If you are going to be backpacking in hot humid weather you should look at the test with good ventilation and lightweight airy material.
On the other hand, if you are looking at cold wet weather backpacking, then a tent with excellent waterproof features and a material that keeps the wind out and the heat in is betting.
Portability
Portability is affected by the weight of the tent and the carry system used to transport it around. This is a trade-off between using lightweight materials for the tent and making sure it still protects you from the elements. Decide what is of more importance for you.
Obviously, a tent that is both lightweight and has an easy carry solution would be best.
Size
Every tent comes in different sizes and will, therefore, be able to fit a different number of people. The bigger the tent will also affect its portability because it gets heavier, remember this.
If you are backpacking alone then a tent for one or two persons will be sufficient. If you are with a family, then you need to go bigger.
Shape
The shape of the tent can also vary and there are three main types. Firstly, you will find the dome tents, they are free-standing and you get a fair balance between floor space and headroom.
They also give good stability in poor weather. Secondly, you will find the classic type of A-frame tents that are the triangle shapes. These are classic designs that are getting rare. They tend to be more stormproof though so still important to keep them in your considerations.
Materials
What materials a tent is made from affects everything from its breathability and ventilation to its weatherproofing and sun-blocking capabilities. Make sure to pay close attention to the materials used and what advantages it brings to that specific tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good weight for a tent for backpacking?
We suggest that you try to keep the weight of your tent when backpacking to around 3 pounds per person. If you are backpacking solo, this will mean buying a tent that is for 1 or 2 people to keep the weight down.
If you are backpacking as a family of the group, you can always get a bigger tent and spread the weight between you, keeping it portable.
Can two people fit in a two-person tent?
As a general rule, it is always advantageous to buy a tent size for an extra person so that you always have enough room. If there are two of you, it is a bit of a squeeze in a two-person tent for two 25in sleeping mats.
A three-person tent would give you more room to maneuver without making the tent that much heavier to carry.
How do I know if my backpack is too heavy?
There are a few ways to tell if your backpack is too heavy actually. First, check whether it is difficult to actually get on and take off your back.
Secondly, if it causes you pain, then it might be overweight. Thirdly, if it causes a tingling then it could be cutting off circulation, the same if it is giving you strap marks.
Lastly, if it causes you to walk with a bent posture then it is probably too heavy also.
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