Many people, especially backpackers, like to try new things and often do so in dangerous situations. A backpacking tent, which is basically a lightweight, collapsible tent with poles, is an important piece of equipment that most backpackers take along on their adventures.
However, a backpacking tent is heavy, bulky, and difficult to carry, and it may not be suitable for use in rugged terrains or in remote areas where there are no nearby facilities. That’s why it is better to use the best lightweight 2 person tents than to use a more expensive or more sophisticated tent that is hard to set up and carry.
Today, we will be reviewing the 5 best lightweight 2 person tents for backpacking which are easy to carry and use and come with great value for the money. I have also written a guide and detailed reviews of each product so that you can buy the one that is best for you. Let’s start our discussion. For people that would like to read the Buying Guide first, you can do so by clicking HERE!
My Suggested 5 Best Lightweight 2 Person Tents for Backpacking:
1) Near Zero 2 Person Ultra Lightweight – Best Lightweight Backpacking Tent for Camping
A versatile, easy to pack, and compact tent that can withstand the elements, the Near-Zero 2-Person Outdoor Mesh Tent is a tent for everyone. While I’ve tested several tent brands over the last few years, this is one of my favorites. It has a spacious interior, and the lightweight and rugged construction mean you can take it along on any adventure. You don’t need to worry about it breaking or getting damaged; it simply keeps you protected from the weather and from the wind and sun.
It features a lightweight aluminum frame that is not only strong but also very easy to assemble, making it super portable and simple to use. The mesh is extremely versatile – it doesn’t sag, which is common for other tents with metal poles, and gives a 360-degree view of the outdoors.
You can open up the windows and turn it into a breezy campsite or just close them for a cooler interior. The mesh material lets in plenty of light, so you can easily see what you’re doing and find the things you need. You can also close off the vestibules to keep the noise down. The mesh panels let the air in but prevent wind from getting in, making it also ideal for the beach.
The tent is extremely easy to set up, which is another reason I like it. It doesn’t need any special tools or experience to erect it – you can even do it in the dark if you want, and no skill is required. The tent also comes with a carry sack for easy portability.
This is a great tent for backpacking or shorter trips since the interior isn’t very big. The 2 person backpacking tent is designed with two separate vestibules (one for each person), plus three pockets for keeping your stuff organized. The mesh also adds breathability, so you won’t feel too hot, especially during warm weather. You can keep your belongings safe and dry from the rain with the included waterproof rain fly. This is a must-have item for protecting your gear.
If you’re looking for an ultralight backpacking tent that is easy to carry and set up, then I recommend the Near Zero 2 Person Ultra Lightweight Tent. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without carrying a lot of gear.
Features:
- Freestanding
- Backpacking Hunting Family Tent
- Easy Setup
- 2 Person and 2 Doors tent
- Ultra-Lightweight
- Waterproof with Silicon Taped Seams
Specifications
- Brand: NEAR ZERO
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Design: Camping Tent
- Material: Nylon
- Seasons: 3 Season
- Color: Red/Black
- Sport Type: Camping & Hiking
- Item Weight: 1.6 Kilograms
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to set up
- Mesh material for excellent ventilation
- Included rain fly for protection from the elements
- Abrasion-resistant floor material
Cons
- Rain Fly a little hard to fit.
2) Eureka Timberline Backpacking Tent – Best Lightweight Backpacking Tent for Hiking
The Eureka Timberline Backpacking Tent is one of the most popular tents on the market, and for a good reason. Whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started, this tent will help you stay comfortable and dry in spring, summer, and fall. With shock-corded eaves to increase stability and absorb wind stress, it’s perfect for camping near the tree line. The hooded front and rear flies and a rear window help maximize airflow and protect you from the elements.
The freestanding 5-pole A-frame sets up in minutes, with shock-corded poles, clips, junction tubes, and ring-and-pin assemblies. Two mesh gear pocket loops for a clothesline flashlight and an optional gear loft make this tent even more user-friendly. “Classic A-frame style tent sleeps two (7′ 2″ by 5′ 3″ floor; 36 square foot area); center peak height of 42 inches; weighs 5 pounds, 13 ounces.” This tent easily fits into a pack size of 6 by 24 inches when packing up. So, whether you’re headed out for a weekend camping trip or a longer expedition, the Eureka Timberline tent has you covered.
Features:
- A-frame style tent
- Sleeps four people
- Center peak height of 58 inches
- Weighs 5 pounds, 13 ounces
- Pack size of 6 by 24 inches
- User-friendly design
- Shock-corded poles for easy setup
- Rear window for ventilation
- Optional gear loft for extra storage space
Specifications
- Brand: Eureka!
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Design: Camping Tent
- Material: Polyester
- Seasons: 3 Season
- Color: Green
- Sport Type: Camping & Hiking
- Item Weight: 6.6 Pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Good ventilation with rear window
- Plenty of storage space with gear loft
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The tent’s material is not the most durable.
3) MARMOT Crane Creek 2-Person Backpacking – Best Lightweight Tent for Backpacking
I tested and loved the Marmot Crane Creek for an active outdoor lifestyle. I wanted a smaller version of their 4-person Tundra tents, but the Marmot Crane Creek performed better than I expected in regard to its weight, size, and durability.
The Marmot Crane Creek 2-person tent is one of the best backpacking tents I’ve tested. It packs very small and is lighter than its competitors at about 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and you could easily fit in this tent without it feeling the weight on your backpack.
The tent is easy to set up and take down too. A d-shaped opening makes it easy to get inside and out of the tent. There are two vestibules on the front to keep all of your stuff and food and cooking gear off the main sleeping surface. Both of these areas can be zipped off.
While the tent is made of lightweight aluminium, it is seam taped for maximum weatherproofing, which I found to be especially nice when testing it in torrential downpours. It has rainfly windows for additional protection from the elements, but if you’re not planning on staying in the tent for too long, it doesn’t need it.
It has enough space to accommodate two full-sized adults comfortably. This is good if you’re looking for a small backpacking tent to share with friends. You can store all of your stuff on the sides and above, while the tent floor area provides plenty of sleeping space.
I like that there are two vestibules on the front, but I noticed some gaps where it meets the rest of the tent. This makes it hard to keep things out of the way. But it is a small tent, so you still have enough storage space.
Moreover, I also liked how comfortable this best 2 person backpacking tent is to sleep in. The mesh on the ceiling and walls gives us a bit of privacy, and the side pockets keep our clothes in place. But you can still hear what’s going on outside.
Because of the low profile, you’ll find yourself walking funny for a while if you set this tent up on the grass or anywhere on soft surfaces, but after a day or so, you won’t be bothered anymore. You can even use the rainfly without the poles if you want to save some weight.
I highly recommend the Marmot Crane Creek 2-person backpacking tent for anyone looking for a great lightweight option that’s easy to set up and take down.
Features
- Waterproof and lightweight
- Comes with rainfly
- Easy to set up
- Two person capacity
- Reasonably priced
- Only 4 pounds 13 ounces
- D-shaped opening
- Two vestibules
- Seam taped
- Made from premium quality polyester material
Specifications
- Brand: MARMOT
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Design: Camping Tent
- Material: Aluminum
- Seasons: 3
- Color: Macaw Green/Crocodile
- Sport Type: Backpacking, Camping & Hiking
- Item Weight: 2400 Grams
Pros
- Very waterproof
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to set up
- Comfortable for two people
Cons
- Quality could be improved a bit.
4) Eureka Mountain Pass Backpacking Tent – Best Lightweight Backpacking Tent For a Couple!
It’s hard to find a good backpacking tent that’s both durable and lightweight qualities, but the Eureka! Mountain Pass tent meets both goals.
It’s built with top-notch materials, including aluminum, nylon, and ripstop polyester. The fabric on the rainfly is water-resistant and tear-resistant, and the inner mesh sides can block wind and keep things from leaking into the tent. The tent uses a unique ventilation system, which helps to ensure that moisture stays inside the tent rather than outside. This makes it easier to dry clothes in the morning and prevents mildew and mold growth.
The Mountain Pass tent is compatible with almost all sleeping bags on the market, meaning you can sleep comfortably on your back or side in a variety of camping situations. It’s easy to set up, too, and the aluminum poles and tent body make it very light. You can pack it down into a small bag, which takes up less space, making it a good choice for ultralight travelers.
A bonus feature is that the side panels are removable, so you can easily pack and unpack them for different weather conditions. You can also remove the panels if you want to store your stuff in a vestibule or to give the tent a more open feel in the summer.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line backpacking tent that won’t weigh you down, the Eureka! Mountain Pass is a great choice.
Features
- Made from lightweight materials
- 32 square foot interior
- Highly breathable and lightweight
- Removable side panels
- Waterproof rain fly
- Five pockets for storing essentials
- Comes with tent bag, pole bag, stake bag
Specifications
- Brand: Eureka!
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Design: Camping Tent
- Material: Polyester
- Seasons: 4 Season
- Color: Orange
- Sport Type: Camping & Hiking
- Item Weight: 6.5 Pounds
Pros
- Perfect for heavy weather and high altitudes
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Affordable
- Breathable and comfortable
Cons
- Not Found ( yes, really.!)
5) ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Tent – Best Budget Lightweight Backpacking Tent!
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian is one of the best budget-friendly backpacking tents on the market. It’s made from high-quality materials, including aluminum poles and a water-resistant canopy. The tent body is made from breathable polyester, which helps to keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
I really liked that there were two vestibules, one on either side of the tent, and they’re both large enough for me to store my clothing, camping supplies, and other items. There’s also a space for a chair to sit inside, which makes it easy to relax when you’re tired after a day of trekking.
The tent is also very spacious, which is great for two people and their luggage. If you’re planning on hiking with friends or family, you could fit four people easily.
The tent has excellent ventilation, which is helpful when it gets humid or rainy, so you don’t sweat inside it. With the tent, you get an aluminum pole system, and they’re sturdy and strong. The tent is easy to set up and take down, but it takes some effort to get it completely packed away.
Overall, I really like the ALPS Tasmanian Tent series. I’ll definitely purchase another best 2 person lightweight backpacking tent if I ever need to bug out or take a solo camping trip.
Features
- Two large vestibules
- Spacious interior
- Water-resistant canopy
- Breathable polyester body
- Excellent ventilation
- Sturdy aluminum poles
- Easy to set up and take down
- Available in three colors, blue, green, and copper
Specifications
- Brand: ALPS Mountaineering
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Material: Polyester, Aluminum
- Recommended Uses For Product: Mountaineering
- Seasons: 4 Season
- Color: Green/Blue
- Sport Type: Mountaineering
- Item Weight: 7.6 Pounds
- Shape: Round
- Installation Type: Freestanding
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy and durable
- Spacious interior
- Water-resistant canopy
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Takes some effort to pack away
How To Choose the Best 2 Person Backpacking Tent?
When you’re looking for the best 2 person backpacking tent, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
1) Weight
When it comes to backpacking, weight is always a key consideration. After all, you want to be able to move easily and not feel encumbered by your gear. When choosing a tent, consider the weight of the tent itself, as well as the weight of the poles and other materials. In general, lighter tents will be more expensive, but they’ll also be easier to carry on your back. However, it’s important to find a balance between weight and price- you don’t want to end up with a tent that’s too flimsy or too expensive.
2) Size
Another important consideration when choosing a backpacking tent is size. You’ll need to decide how much space you need in order to be comfortable. If you’re planning on staying in one spot for an extended period, you might want a larger tent to have more room to move around. However, a smaller model will suffice if you’re only using the tent for sleeping. Be sure to take into account the size of your sleeping bag as well- you don’t want a tent that’s too small or too big.
3) Seasonality
When choosing a backpacking tent, it’s important to consider what season you’ll be using it in. If you’re planning on camping in the winter, you’ll need a four-season tent that’s designed for colder weather. Similarly, if you’re expecting rain during your trip, be sure to choose a tent with good waterproofing. On the other hand, if you’re only going to be using the tent in the summer months, you can get away with a cheaper three-season model.
4) Setup time
Another factor to consider when choosing a backpacking tent is setup time. Some tents can be set up in just minutes, while others require more time and effort. If you’re planning on pitching your tent in different spots each night, look for an easy and quick model to set up. However, if you’re only going to use the tent in one spot for an extended period of time, setup time isn’t as much of a concern. Whichever way you go, make sure that you choose a quality backpacking tent that meets all of your needs.
5) Capacity
Every person has different sleeping habits, so it’s important to choose a tent with the right capacity for you. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want a smaller two-person tent, so you don’t have to worry about being disturbed by your partner’s movements. However, if you plan to go camping with a group of friends, you’ll need a larger tent, so everyone has enough space. Be sure to take into account the capacity of your sleeping bags as well- you don’t want a tent that’s too small.
6) Price
Of course, price is always a consideration when choosing any gear. In general, you get what you pay for backpacking tents- the more expensive models will be lighter, more durable, and easier to set up. However, it’s important to find a balance between price and weight- you don’t want to end up with a tent that’s too flimsy or too expensive.
5 Tips to Keep Mold Off Your Tent:
- Dry the tent thoroughly before storing to prevent moisture.
- Clean and remove stains regularly to prevent mold buildup.
- Consider using a mold-resistant treatment on the canvas fabric.
- Store the tent in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Inspect for mold regularly and address any issues promptly.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to keeping mold off your canvas tent. By following these tips and maintaining proper care and storage practices, you can enjoy your tent without worrying about mold growth.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for a great backpacking tent to take with you on your next outdoor adventure, be sure to check out one of the 5 best 2 person lightweight backpacking tents that I have featured above. And remember, when it comes to picking the perfect camping gear, always go for quality over quantity.
With these top-rated tents by your side, you’re guaranteed a safe and enjoyable outdoor trip! Ready to buy one of these amazing tents now? You can click on the links above to learn more about each product! I hope you enjoyed this article and if you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to do it by leaving your comment below. But for now… Be Safe and Have Fun.!