7 Best Backpacking Tents Under $100
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Whether you are new to backpacking or are looking to re-invest in new equipment, finding a high-quality backpacking tent is non-negotiable. But, with so many options out there, is it worth spending exorbitant amounts, or can you find a high-end product for less than $100?
The best backpacking tents will meet the dimensions (packed and opened), weight, waterproofing (PU3000 and 190T and up), and weatherproofing that you will need. There are many styles for singles or multiples. Also pay attention to the setup, material, type of ventilation, and style of window(s).
Of course, you want to make sure that your tent can hold up, be packed and unpacked multiple times, and is compact and lightweight in your backpack. We picked these 7 best backpacking tents under $100 that met our standards for high-quality materials, lightweight, and strong weatherproofing.
1. Clostnature Lightweight 3 Season 1 Person Tent
The Clostnature Lightweight 3-season 1 Person Tent was highly impressive both for its high-quality materials and its setup. Costing slightly above average for tents on our list, this product ranges between $85-109 depending on if you opt for the 1, 2, 3, 4 (or even 1.5) person options. Obviously, the more people it fits, the more expensive it becomes.
This product is highly waterproof and has an easy setup. For specifications, it is made with 75D P210 polyester and the poles are made of sturdy aluminum. Fortunately, this is an incredibly lightweight option that will not cost you too much room in your backpack.
Specifically, the Clostnature Lightweight Tent weighs only 3.7lbs. Folded (packed), it measures only 15”x5”x5”, yet when it is opened, it provides an impressive 7’3”x2’8”x3’ dimension- a truly spacious feel.
Along with that, it has a mesh top and its rainfly (that comes with the purchase) has a P5000 coating for weather as well as a tight, double ventilation system. Additionally, it has 2 zipper doors (one D-shaped, one centered for taking in the views on your backpacking trip.
This 3-season (summer, spring, and fall) backpacking tent comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Truly, you cannot go wrong with this affordable backpacking tent.
2. BISINNA 2 Person Lightweight Tent
The BISINNA 2 Person Lightweight Tent is another impressive option. Considering it only costs a mere $60, you will be truly impressed with the high-quality product that you can find at such a low price.
This 3-season (summer, fall, and spring) tent is wide enough for 2 backpackers and has two color choices. Regarding its specifications, you will be impressed again. It weighs only 4.72lbs yet can handle stronger winds and heavy rain.
Its poles are made of aluminum, and the tent is made with 190T polyester taffeta with B3 mesh. Along with that, the rainfly included is made with 190T polyester taffeta, and you will find PU2000mm water resistance for this high-quality backpacking tent.
Not only that, but this tent offers a pretty good size for how small it packs up. Specifically, its packed size is 16.9”x5.9”x5.9”, yet its unfolded size offers a spacious 55”x82.7”x47.2” (with additional wings allowing for 23.6” tapering on either side of the livable tent area.
Additionally, this tent has a velcro ventilation system with one plastic buckle to attach the rainfly- one that we found to be more sturdy than we initially thought at first sight. It also has 2 D-shaped doors. Plus, this tent has a 10-minute easy installation that ran true to the test for us.
The 30-day money back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty also ensure you of the company’s strong belief in its high-quality backpacking tent.
3. Camppal 1 Person Backpacking Tent
The Camppal 1 Person Backpacking Tent hits on a little bit of the higher range for our list, yet it is still incredibly affordable ranging from $90-130 depending on if you opt for the 1, 3, or 4 person tent.
It is a 4-season tent and can last you through the cold of winter. It has fabric that has been treated with UV protection and anti-freezing and cold proofing- something that is certainly not standard on all backpacking tents.
Along with that, its specifications are something that most backpackers will be pleased with. It offers a great length for taller sleepers, although it is not quite tall enough to sit up straight. Still, the inner tent is 8.2ftx2.95ftx2.95ft and the outer tent has additional 1.31 tapers. The weight is minimal, too, weighing only 3.4lbs without the skirt and 3.7lbs with the snow skirt.
Also, it has an easy 3-minute setup that we found to be pretty accurate (more like 5-minutes for a few of us). Plus, its 190T polyester 2500mm water resistance held up for us in even a pretty substantial storm. The aluminum poles worked well even though the tent was so lightweight.
4. KAZOO Eco-Friendly Ultralight 1 Person Tent
The KAZOO Eco-Friendly Ultralight 1 Person Tent is the ideal tent for someone who loves the great outdoors as much as he or she loves to protect nature itself. With environmentally friendly materials (the tent is made with recycled fabrics as well as just one integrated aluminum pole), you can help to protect the planet that you so love to explore.
Plus, this option comes in a 1, 2, or 4 person tent option ranging (accordingly) in price from $89.90-$206. The eco-friendly tent comes in at an incredibly lightweight at 3.3lbs, yet it is durable with B3 Mesh, 210T Ripstop polyester, 3000mm water resistance, and a floor that offers 150D Oxford material/protection. This tent certainly held up in the weather considering how lightweight it is.
This backpacking tent offers a single (large) door as well as a double vent for increased ventilation. Along with that, this tent does not take up too much room in your backpack as its packed size is 20”x6”x6” (although its floor dimensions are pretty spacious with an 83”x36” rectangle and a peak height of 40”.
5. Night Cat 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent
The Night Cat 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent is at the lower end of our price range, and this $59 backpacking tent will not only save you in space and weight, but it can save you with minimal up-front expenditures as well.
In terms of how much space it takes up when packed, we are looking at 16.5”x4.7”x4.7”. However, you will appreciate that when this tent is opened, it expands to 7.2ftx4ftx4ft allowing for plenty of room for one person and a more snug fit for 2 people. Plus, with it having a bit of room at the end (by your feet), you have space to bring in your camping equipment that you want to avoid getting wet should it rain (or be dewey in the morning- a common concern).
Plus, since the waterproofing inside the tent is impeccable, this option is realistic. After all, this product sports 210D waterproof PED fabric, PU 3000, and an Oxford bottom fabric with PU3000. So, you can rest assured that water that is supposed to stay out of this tent certainly will.
Along with that, this sturdy tent comes with fiberglass poles (not as common for tents under $100). It also has a rainfly and carrying tote with strap (also found on other tents on this list), and its ventilation coming from 2 mesh windows was reported to be adequate for 1 or 2 people. This is a great backpacking tent for someone on a budget.
6. Coleman 2+ Person Tent Sundome
The Coleman 2+ Person Tent Sundome is unique from many of the other options on this list considering that it was a bit harder to find the product dimensions (as they are spelled out by many other companies). Yet, consistent use taught us that the more vague descriptions of waterproofing still proved true considering how much water we were exposed to and how little water our tent let in. So, if you are looking for a tent that will keep you dry, this is a great choice.
Along with that, it only costs $63.99 which is highly impressive for the value you will receive. It is slightly heavier than a few other choices on this list, but it still only weighs 7.3lbs, so it is considered to be a lightweight backpacking tent.
This round tent comes made with polyester taffeta and a 75 denier flysheet. Additionally, this 3-season (summer, spring, and fall) tent has fiberglass poles for structural stability. Plus, it has a Polyguard with two times double-thick fabric and sports WeatherTec- a patented welded flooring system to keep you and your belongings dry.
The ventilation on this backpacking tent was unique in that it had ground vents and large mesh windows, but this seemed to work for us. Plus, since it offers 7ftx5ftx4ft (center height) dimensions, it had plenty of room for making the most of our backpacking nights.
While we are not prone to bringing electricity with us (and would prefer to use solar-powered panels to charge our devices), the tent does offer an e-port to bring electricity inside a bit more easily if you were to desire this.
With a 10-minute setup, enough room for a queen-sized mattress on the base of the 2+ person tent, and options for 2, 3, 4, or 6 people on other tents by the same company, we were impressed by this choice and think you would be, too.
7. FLYTOP Double Layer 1 Person Tent
The FLYTOP Double Layer 1 Person Tent was another highly impressive option coming in at only $58-80. This dome tent can be used in the summer or spring and is made from a polyester/nylon combination along with aluminum poles.
In terms of being water and weatherproof, this tent offers B3 breathable mesh, 210T polyester cloth, and PU4000mm waterproof coating. Its base cloth is a 210D Oxford cloth with a PU4000 waterproof coating, so you can rest assured that the morning dew will not seep into your tent.
Further, this option is 59”x82.6”x45.3” (packed it is only 18.5”x5.5”x5.5”), so there is plenty of room for one person- especially with the large single door that allows for a more open feel. Plus, with 13 windproof fasteners and a weight of 5.73lbs, you can rest easy knowing that this tent is not going to budge. With a protective rainfly and a secure system, the FLYTOP double layer tent is highly competitive among even more expensive options.
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