Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking
Planning a camping or backpacking trip for you and a buddy? Well, you’re in for a treat! There’s nothing quite like sharing the great outdoors with a close friend or loved one, but to make the most of your adventure, you’ll need a trusty two-person tent to keep you cozy and sheltered.
Choosing the perfect tent can feel like navigating a maze with so many options out there, but fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process and help you find the best 2-person tent for your needs.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about two-person tents, from key features to consider to our top picks on the market. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to learn all about the best tents for your next camping or backpacking adventure.
Best 2-Person Tents for 2024 – At a Glance
This ranking is drawn based on durability, weight, ease of setup, weather resistance, and overall comfort.
- 1. GEERTOP Ultralight – Best Overall
- 2. Bessport Easy Setup – Best for Hiking & Camping
- 3. MARMOT Crane Creek – Best 4-Season Tent
- 4. Coleman Darwin – Best Dome Tent for 2 People
- 5. Hewolf Double Layer – Best Backpacking Tent
- 6. VAUDE Uni Taurus UL – One Size Tent
- 7. Terra Hiker 2P – Easy to Setup
- 8. Forceatt Dark green – Great for Hiking
- 9. V VONTOX Camping Tent – Extra Large Space
- 10. Zenph Automatic Tent – Editor’s Choice
1. GEERTOP A-TENT010 Ultralight Tent
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 82 x 102 x 45 in.
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Free Standing
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
The Geertop ultra-light tent is perfect for both camping and hiking adventures. It’s an exceptional backpacking tent priced under $100, designed to accommodate two people and pets comfortably. With its lightweight construction, it’s ideal for multi-day treks without adding too much weight to your pack. The Geertop tent is also windproof and offers excellent rain-repellent properties.
The outer tent is constructed from 20D 360T PU8000mm nylon, with seams further compressed for added durability and waterproofing. The inner tent is made from 20D 360T nylon and features B3 breathable nylon mesh for enhanced ventilation. The same 20D 360T PU8000mm nylon material is utilized for the floor, ensuring comprehensive protection from the weather.
With two side doors and a deep-bottomed floor, the inside of the tent is very comfortable. In addition, a double zipper is used here so that it can be opened and closed from the inside and outside. Inside the tent, the hooks and pockets provide enough storage space, which is very practical for storing additional accessories.
Setting up this tent is not difficult here either. It can be set up and taken down in just a few steps. The package comes with a lightweight storage duffle bag for ease of storage. It’s also compact enough to be easily carried in your backpack, weighing less than 7 pounds.
Pros
- Robust and solid construction
- Double layer and lightweight
- Convenient and breathable
- Easy to use and carry
- Water column rating is 8000 mm
Cons
- Only two color variations are available
2. Bessport Easy Setup Hiking Tent
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 52.8 x 88 x 45 in.
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Free Standing
- Weight: 5.6 pounds
The Bessport two-person tent is built with vibrant color, which combined with its appealing and practical shape, makes it a visually pleasing piece of equipment. It is lightweight, weighing only 5.6 pounds, making it convenient to take along on your trips and tours. Furthermore, with a pack size of only 42 x 15 cm, it is compact and easy to transport.
The stable frame is made of aluminum alloy and the fabric is 68D polyester which is very cozy. The welded floor prevents water from penetrating from below. It is also quick and easy to set up. In less than 2 minutes, you can assemble it. However, the dismantling takes 5 minutes for the first-time user.
The Bessport tent provides ample space for 2 adults and 2 kids comfortably. Its affordable price makes it a practical option for budget-conscious campers. The practical awning offers additional storage space, while the waterproof design ensures you can find shelter from the rain when needed.
It guarantees PU1000mm water resistance. It will stay completely dry under the light to medium rain. The package includes pegs and tension lines. This tent also has a reflective property, which gives excellent views, even in poor or dark light conditions. Its mesh window design is breathable when you are inside the tent.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Easy to set up and freestanding
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Dual doors and Open-Air design
- Cheap price
Cons
- A bit large for medium-sized people
3. MARMOT Crane Creek Evergreen
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 86 x 50 x 43 in.
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: Fall/Holiday
- Installation Type: Easy Setup
- Weight: 5 pounds
With the dimensions of 86 x 50 x 43 inches, the MARMOT Crane Creek two-man tent offers a lot of space to comfortably occupy the interior. The combination of 70D polyester fiber and 210T waterproof coating offers you extremely reliable and high-quality protection against wind and weather. Not only against strong sun rays in summer but also in foul weather.
The integrated 3000 mm water column effectively and reliably keeps water away from the spacious interior. Once you connect the rain fly, it completely covers the top. However, it’s essential to note that this is a three-season tent, so it’s not suitable for use in winter conditions.
There are two D-shaped open doors in the tent and the outer account has two vestibules. The upper part has a large mesh window and two ceiling vents, which keep the air always flowing. You can open the doors on both sides for easy access to the tent and for the best panoramic view.
You can also set up this tent quickly and easily and you will be benefitted from the robust and stable aluminum pole when setting up it. That ensures a firm hold and a long service life.
Pros
- Robust aluminum rod
- Waterproof and windproof
- Convenient design
- Dual overhead vestibules
- Quick to set up and take down
Cons
- Small for two tall adults
- Bright colors
4. Coleman Darwin Dome Tent
Specs:
- Material: Fire retardant
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Dimensions: 126 x 63 x 47.2 in.
- Number of Doors: One
- Season: Evergreen
- Installation Type: Free Standing
- Weight: 4.2 kilograms
Coleman Darwin is a spacious two-person tent for both camping and hiking, weighing just around 9 pounds. The shape of the dome tent is in combination with the appeal. The strong colors look good. And it impresses with its high quality and easy handling.
The small vestibule is large enough to store luggage, equipment, and shoes. The small pack size and low weight make this tent ideal for trekking and day outdoor trips. After you set up, you will find enough space with another person in the cozy and spacious interior on a total area of 3.8 m2.
The sturdy fiberglass poles provide a firm and secure stand, capable of withstanding even strong winds. Furthermore, the integrated UV protection of 50+ ensures a pleasant and safe retreat within the tent and offers protection from strong sunlight.
This is a 4 season tent, which means you can use it in winter. When the model is set up, you can look forward to the welded and waterproof groundsheet, which remarkably keeps moisture away from the interior.
Pros
- Easy to pitch
- Strong fiberglass poles
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Solid construction
- Waterproof
- Practical storage space
Cons
- Ventilation could be better
- A little bit heavy
5. Hewolf Double Layer Backpacking Tent
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 78 x 55 x 43 in.
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Free Standing
- Weight: 5.29 pounds
Are you looking for a fair-weather two-person tent with a high-quality, loyal, and visually appealing companion by your side? Then you can choose the Hewolf Double Layer backpacking tent. It has strong colors and a beautiful shape. The 210D hard-wearing Oxford fabric is a successful combination with the waterproof PU 5000 coating.
It has 5000 mm water column rating, which offers you a thoroughly waterproof interior even in heavy rain. There is also a thick coating on each of the four corners of the floor to keep the tent dry at all times.
Carrying this ultralight tent is relatively easy, weighing only 2.4 kilograms. The pack size is compact, measuring only 36 x 18 cm. However, when set up, the total dimensions of the tent are 200 x 140 x 110 cm, which provides ample space for occupants. It can be assembled quickly, allowing you to set it up within a short time.
Hewolf Double Layer tent uses a double zipper on the two doors to gain access to the tent and enjoy the great breathability. The vents on the fly are great and the body of the tent is full mesh. The two-layer design ensures that the water inside prevents condensation.
Pros
- Double Zipper with net pocket
- Spacious inner spaces
- Easy set up and take down
- Breathable and cozy
- Quick-dry design
- Sturdy and waterproof
Cons
- In the event of a strong thunderstorm, some water can get into the interior
6. VAUDE Uni Taurus UL 2P Tent
Specs:
- Material: Flysheet – 40D 240T Ripstop
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 50 x 16 x 10 inches
- Number of Doors: One
- Season: Spring-Summer
- Installation Type: Easy Setup
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
The Vaude Taurus UL is an excellent and high-quality camping tent for 2 people. This model is currently available only in green color and is well suited for the wilderness and the mountains. It has internal pole ducts and is a wind-stable tent. The floor is laminated and is resistant to formic acid.
Vaude Taurus UL’s two-man tent can be set up relatively quickly and easily. And transport is quite easy with a suitable pack. The total weight of around 4 pounds including everything.
It offers enough space for two people. Two pins in the foot area provide additional comfort. An apse is also available and offers some space in which one or the other can be stowed. The air circulation inside the tent can be regulated with the help of an adjustable ventilation opening.
In this camping tent, a focus was placed on UV reflection. The material is triple-coated on both sides and is particularly tear resistant. As part of the Fair Wear Foundation, good working conditions and fair wages have been ensured in the manufacture of this tent (Manufacturing by Vaude). Vaude also has the highest status of FWF (Fair Wear Foundation) members.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Made of high-quality materials
- Two extra pins integrated into the foot area
- Compact and big enough for two
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Quite difficult to assemble especially in bad weather
7. Terra Hiker 4-Season Tent
Specs:
- Material: Flysheet – Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 80.73 x 51.87 x 42.9 inches
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Free Standing
- Weight: 5.51 pounds
Terra Hiker is a dome tent that is convincing thoroughly. This is a 4-season tent, suitable for 2 people and pets. It consists of an inner and outer tent. A nylon net is used for the inner tent, which allows air to circulate and protects against flies and mosquitoes.
You can simply use the inner tent without the outer tent and sleep in the open air. The rain cover and the floor material are made of 20D nylon fabric. This material is coated on one side with silicone oil (PU4000). In this way, the Terra Hiker tent is even more waterproof with a water column of 4000 mm.
Another practical feature is that it has two entrances and a mesh window, which provides excellent ventilation. The seams were taped so that the moisture wouldn’t get into the tent. We also like the equipment in the inner tent. Hooks and pockets allow items to be stowed away.
Terra Hiker’s 2-person tent is very easy to set up. It only takes a few minutes. Overall, it is very spacious and comfortable for the price. And if you’re a newbie to camping, you will be very pleased with its performance.
Pros
- Water column 4000 mm
- Compact
- Easy to set up
- Large space
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Versatile use
Cons
- Rain cover isn’t breathable enough in hot weather
8. Forceatt Budget Hiking Tent
Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 88.6 x 53.1 x 43.3 inches
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Quick Setup
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
Here is another 2-person camping tent from Forceatt. The tent material used consists of high-quality 68D polyester fiber with a 190T coating so the tent is waterproof on rainy days. I recently used this tent, and it held up remarkably well during a very strong thunderstorm that lasted for an hour, with intense heavy downpour.
Forceatt 2-person camping tent has two D-shaped entrances. There is also a large mesh window and two ceiling openings. Air circulation is always given and the micro-mesh material prevents mosquitoes or flies from entering. This unit is available in gray-orange, gray-wine-red and orange-gray.
The floor is welded and lifts the floor a little, therefore protecting against wet floors. If you want to use this tent in very strong winds, you can secure it with four wind ropes.
Forceatt 2-person tent also offers enough space so that two adults can have their sleeping place here. You can place two universal sleeping mats here and sleep on them. The weight is just over 5 pounds. Like most of the tents on our list, the assembly and disassembly process is very easy.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof rainfly
- Smooth and sturdy
- Ventilation and lightweight
- Unique design
Cons
- Floor isn’t much thicker than the rainfly
9. V VONTOX Extra Large Camping Tent
Specs:
- Material: 201T Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 86.6 x 48.4 x 43.5 inches
- Number of Doors: Two
- Season: 4 Season
- Installation Type: Self Adhesive
- Weight: 5.15 pounds
The V Vontox is the next-generation camping tent designed for couples, but it can even accommodate up to three slim adults comfortably. With its versatile design, it can be well-ventilated during warm nights or closed down for colder evenings. It also offers reliable waterproofing to keep you dry even during heavy downpours.
The top of the tent is made of a micro-grid design. This means that fresh air can get into the tent, but no insects. The fully seam-taped construction and rainfly protect the tent to keep the weather outside. When it rains, you should of course pull the rain cover over it. The overall alignment of the tent is very meticulous.
The floor is made of 150D Oxford fabric to protect this tent against soil moisture. 210T polyester with a polyurethane hydrostatic coating was processed here. With a water column rating of 3000 mm, this tent offers complete protection against water infiltration.
Putting up the tent can be done in a few minutes and is relatively simple. The V VONTOX is a 3-season tent. However, it can be used as a winter camping tent by using sleeping bags.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Extra large space
- Weather resistance
- Great ventilation
- Easy to set up and close
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a tent footprint
10. Zenph Automatic Pou-up Tent
Specs:
- Material: 185T Polyester
- Pole Material: Mixed
- Dimensions: 102 x 62 x 43 inches
- Number of Doors: Double Front Door
- Season: 3 Season
- Installation Type: Instant, Automatic
- Weight: 6.44 pounds
Finally, we present our last pick for the best 2-person tents in 2024: the Zenph Pop-Up tent. This tent is an instant tent, making it an excellent choice for those who find setting up traditional tents challenging. As is typical for pop-up tents, pitching is incredibly easy—you can set up this tent in less than a minute. Simply take it out of the packaging and throw it on the ground, where it will unfold itself automatically.
The outer material is made of 68D 185T polyester. The floor material comprises 150D Oxford material. Ventilation is provided here by a three-dimensional ventilation structure. Zenph Automatic tent can also prevent mosquitoes with two-way lock.
There are two pockets integrated with the inner tent for storing valuables such as cell phones or keys. The high-quality construction ensures better wind stability. However, it is relatively large and flat when folded.
It is 100% waterproof with a water column of 2000 mm, so no water can penetrate. It is also one of the best ultra-light 4-season tents for 2 people. However, this model is not as good as the other tents presented here in terms of available space for additional camping gear.
Pros
- 3 seconds auto-opening
- High-quality fabric and zippers
- Waterproof and Moisture-proof
- Super tent space
- Cheap price
Cons
- Dismantling is a bit of a hassle
- Not warm enough at night
Best Two-Person Tent Buyer’s Guide
Here are the most important features to consider when buying the best 2-person tents for camping, hiking, or backpacking.
Purpose of use
Before buying a 2-person tent, make sure to think about the requirements you have for your tent. These result from the planned area of application. For example, if you want to transport your tent over long distances from time to time, you should look for a light tent that has a suitable pack size. An instant tent is rather impractical because of its large pack size and its construction.
A lightweight tent for 2 people is suitable for light luggage. But if you need a two-man tent that is going to be used in windy areas, you need one that is above all stable. A geodesic tent that can withstand very strong winds when set up correctly or a storm-proof tent will be the best option here.
Pack size
Anyone who wants to buy a 2-person tent will certainly pay attention to the space that the interior of the two-man tent offers. But you should also pay attention to the pack size. Especially on camping trips and hikes, where space is limited. So it is advisable to pay attention to the pack size. If the pack size is important to you, keep your hands off an instant or freestanding tent, for example.
Material
Among other things, the decisive properties of a two-person tent are attributed to the materials used. The material of the inner and outer tent sometimes differs. The floor material is also different from the outer tent. The outer tent is usually made of nylon or polyester.
A two-man tent made of nylon is lighter than one made of polyester. However, polyester stands for better resistance to UV radiation and moisture. The outer tent must have important properties such as waterproofness and tear resistance. A silicone coating, for example, makes the outer tent more tear-proof and more resistant to UV radiation. The material used for the inner tents is usually not coated. Here, breathable materials are used so that the moisture can escape to the outside.
Materials like nylon or polyester are often used for inner tents. The fabric used for the floor is usually coated, as it should be waterproof, tear-resistant, and more durable.
You should also pay attention to the material of the bars. These often make up the majority of the total weight. They should be sturdy, but shouldn’t make transport too difficult. This is why robust materials that are relatively light, such as rods made of carbon, aluminum, or fiberglass are used here.
The price
As with most purchases, price is an important factor in choosing the best two-man tent for camping or backpacking. Whether you want to buy a cheap or a high-quality two-person tent, you should depend primarily on where and how often you want to use your tent. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a tent that you only use at a festival or a one-off excursion, then you can choose a cheap model.
However, when using very cheap camping tents, the weather conditions should not be too demanding. But if you plan to camp more often, buy a rather high-quality model. Higher-priced tents are usually well made with top-grade materials so that users can have lasting fun with their tent.
On average, we recommend you consider between 100 and 400 dollars for a 2-person tent.
Interior
If you are more practical and do not attach great importance to space and comfort, you can use a backpacking tent. However, for some campers, a lot of space, comfort, and freedom are important. If that’s the case with you, don’t get a simple backpacking or dome tent. With a tunnel or geodesic tent, you are better advised here. These types of tents make better use of the interior space.
Weight
When looking for the best two-person tent for your needs, pay attention to the weight of the tent, especially if you want to or have to wear it over long distances. Most tent manufacturers keep the tents as light as possible. However, the targeted search for a suitable lightweight two-man tent can be an advantage.
Freestanding – yes or no
You should also consider whether the two-person tent is free-standing or not. If there is the option of setting up the tent free-standing, you are not dependent on the surrounding soil.
Dome tents, for example, don’t need pegs and can stand freely. Only the weight inside keeps the tent where it should be. But if you are planning an adventure in more extreme environments with very strong winds, then you shouldn’t use a free-standing tent. In such a case, you can use a secure geodesic tent or look for a stormproof tent.
Season evaluation
Along with the weather protection, you need to evaluate the time of use according to the season. Most backpackers, hikers, or campers choose tents that are suitable for 3 seasons, which means these tents are meant to be used during spring, summer, and fall. The other option you can choose is a 4-season tent, which means it is made for winter use.
All-season tents are built for lower temperatures and colder climates, which makes them heavier and more resistant. Although 4-season tents can be used all year round, it is best to use them, especially in winter. You can rely on a 3 season tent for the rest of the year.
Seams – a potential weak point
What something easily overlooked is the seams. However, since they represent a potential weak point in a two-man tent, we recommend you take a look at them here as well.
A fast or a slow sewing speed can be selected during manufacture. The purpose of fast sewing speed tent design is to increase production speed and therefore expand productivity. However, this creates higher temperatures that can damage the material. Slower sewing speeds are more likely to be used for higher-quality two-man tents.
Seams are usually additionally compressed. A seam tape is often used here. However, seam tape can become loose over time.
- Tips: Get a seam sealer. This is a liquid that you can use to protect the seam. Note that different materials require different seam densities.
FAQs
What does a tent for 2 people cost?
Choosing the best 2-person tent depends on the budget you want to allocate for this purchase. A rough price range, similar to one-man tents, is around 60 – 500 dollars, although there may be cheaper and more expensive models. Note that the price can indicate the quality offered by the two-man tent.
Can a 2-person tent accommodate two people and their gear?
While most 2-person tents are designed to accommodate two people, they often have limited space for additional gear. If you have bulky gear or require extra storage space, consider choosing a tent with a vestibule or gear loft so that you can keep your belongings protected.
Are 2-person tents suitable for tall people?
It depends on the tent’s dimensions and the height of the people. Some 2-person tents offer sufficient headroom for taller people, but it’s always a good idea to check the tent’s peak height and dimensions before making a purchase. If you or your camping partner are particularly tall, consider looking for tents specifically designed for taller people.
Single wall or double wall tents: which one is best?
Single wall tents are lighter and more compact, making them ideal for backpackers looking to minimize weight. They also offer quicker setup. However, they may be less breathable and more prone to condensation buildup. Double wall tents have an inner mesh layer for ventilation and an outer rainfly for protection against the elements. They offer more comfort and versatility but can be heavier and bulkier.
What is a tent pad?
Tents usually have specially selected flooring material. Nevertheless, it can be an advantage to purchase a tent pad on which to set up the tent. A good tent pad reduces condensation on the tent and is therefore well suited for humid areas. It can reduce the emission of heat through the ground.
Water column – what does it mean?
An essential property of tents is the water column level. The water column is used to display the water density. It is given in millimeters and from a value of 1500 millimeters, a tent is considered waterproof. To well prepare for camping or hiking, you should rely on a waterproof tent.
Which manufacturers are good?
This question isn’t that easy to answer, as there are some manufacturers whose tents are good and convincing. However, we do not want this question to be left unanswered and we would like to mention a few good manufacturers, with the idea in mind that other manufacturers also offer quite good tents.
The famous tent manufacturers are:
- Coleman
- GEERTOP
- Hewolf
- Vango
- V VONTOX
Conclusion
A good tent can be a fantastic addition to your next hiking or camping trip. In wrapping up our exploration of the best 2-person tents for camping and backpacking, remember that the perfect tent for you ultimately depends on your unique preferences, needs, and type of adventure.
If you’ve any questions, leave a comment below and we will answer them. Perhaps you are also interested in the best family camping tents. You can find out more about this.