Backpacking tents

Hiking tents are lightweight enough to be carried using muscle power and pack down to a small size. Our sturdiest tent models have been used on both polar ice caps of the world, while more affordable models are a great choice for relaxed summer camping. When choosing a tent, consider whether you prioritize camp comfort or weight savings. For example, do you view large vestibules as an essential comfort feature or unnecessary extra weight?

It’s common to hear beginner hikers wonder how easy or difficult a tent is to set up. Fortunately, hiking tents are much simpler to pitch than large camp tents. Pitch your new tent at least once before your first actual trip! Especially when traveling to windy conditions, it’s worth practicing the setup several times.

Tents for Different Purposes

Tents are designed for various uses: a storm-resistant mountain tent is sturdier but also heavier than a camping tent designed for more sheltered terrain. Buyers of ultralight tents enjoy minimal weight and compact packing size but need to be mindful of material and structural limitations.

Tunnel or Dome?

Tunnel tents offer excellent interior space relative to their weight and withstand wind well in the longitudinal direction. The downside is that they always require good staking, as a tunnel tent cannot stand without stakes. A dome tent holds its shape as soon as the poles are threaded through the sleeves, with only the vestibule typically requiring stakes. Dome and hybrid tents are less sensitive to wind direction and are often equally stable from all angles.

Three-Season or Four-Season Tent?

A three-season tent is slightly more ventilated than winter tents, often featuring large insect mesh panels in the inner tent, and the outer tent’s skirt may not always reach the ground. Four-season tents or winter tents allow all insect mesh to be covered with fabric panels, preventing fine snow from entering. Winter tents are also designed to withstand snow loads, and extreme-condition tents may allow for double poles.

Our favorite brands

Hilleberg tent designers spend a lot of time hiking with tent prototypes and other new products – not just anything makes it into production. Hilleberg tents are purpose-built for the Nordic fells!
Fjällräven tents are also a familiar sight in the Nordic mountains.
Helsport manufactures traditional tunnel tents from high-quality materials.
Exped offers lightweight yet weather-resistant backpacking tents.
Jack Wolfskin is particularly well known for its excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Wild Country tents are a reliable choice for those looking for a tent on a slightly smaller budget.
Robens is a newer acquaintance. This brand, which is quickly gaining satisfied users, publishes wind test results for all of its tents!