10 Best Backpacking Tents Under $100 in 2024

Heading out for a hike can be significantly enhanced with a quality backpacking tent. Without one, comfort and a good night’s sleep may be compromised. Therefore, selecting the right backpacking tent is crucial. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to find a high-quality backpacking tent. There are affordable options available that offer durability and reliability for extended use.

However, most ultralight hiking tents tend to be more expensive. Therefore, choosing the best backpacking tent under $100 can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ve carefully curated a selection of tents from the market that provide excellent value for money without sacrificing performance. We’ve considered capacity, weight, materials, waterproofing, and seasonality to ensure that each recommendation meets the needs of backpackers.

Best Backpacking Tents Under $100 in 2024

Take a close look at the comparison table of the top 10 best backpacking tents of 2024:

1. KAZOO Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The KAZOO backpacking tent is compact, functional, and designed for three seasons, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers or couples. With a total weight of only 3.3 pounds, its remarkable lightness and exceptional robustness make it suitable for adventures worldwide.

The liner is made from B3 mesh and 190T breathable, cozy polyester, while the full-coverage rainfly is constructed from 210T Ripstop recycled fabrics. This design ensures the tent is perfectly resistant to heavy rains and strong winds. Its freestanding design allows for quick and easy setup.

This backpacking tent offers versatile installation options. It can be set up with or without its flysheet, or in tarp mode for even lighter travel. This makes it the ideal choice for long hikers seeking a minimalist yet practical tent for their next adventure, all at an affordable price under $100.

In its classic form, the KAZOO backpacking tent features multiple storage pockets and a large entrance for optimizing all your bivouac needs. It pairs seamlessly with its footprint to ensure perfect ground impermeability.  This model is also very easy to tilt and move.

2. Clostnature ZP-001 Large Hiking Tent

The ZP-001 tent from Clostnature is a novelty that emphasizes respect for nature and the environment. It is an eco-designed tent par excellence. It is made from recycled plastic materials and this modular and pair-able model offers a wide range of uses: tent, awning, tarp, shelter, hammock, or hammock and tarp.

Clostnature ZP-001 backpacking tent is completely waterproof and self-supported which, allows ease of movement, and makes it ideal for adapting to weather conditions. It will be perfect to accompany you on all your outdoor outings by bike, on foot, or trekking.

The total weight is 5 pounds with hammock attachments. This is suitable for backpacking trips covering over 20 miles. This leaves you the possibility of lightening your package and modulating your sleeping arrangements according to your convenience. The internal dimensions are 87 x 32 x 36 inches.

The zippers all perform well with no frustration. It also has two side doors that promote air circulation and two apses to store other hiking gear. Overall, this backpacking tent offers a lot of possibilities for all hikers who like to travel light.

3. MOON LENCE Double Layer Camp Tent

While I’ve only had the opportunity to take it on a couple of casual camping trips, my initial impression is overwhelmingly positive. It strikes me as a well-made, easy-to-use, and versatile backpacking tent. The MOON LENCE is a new design double-layer tent at this price range. It is super light, weighing 5.2 pounds.

MOON LENCE backpacking tent features 2 D-shaped doors with dual zippers, which provide much better ventilation. It offers extra comfort and good sleeping space for two people. With compactness, it perfectly limits condensation and protects you from the vagaries of the weather. It features fully waterproof polyurethane tape-covered seams and flap zippers to give you a deep and restful sleep.

For a minimalist tent, it is spacious with a beautiful apse for your belongings and has three pockets to accommodate your belongings. It can be easily stored in a carry bag.

This model is designed for frequent use on long trips. The rainfly clips into the body of the tent, a feature found in top-of-the-line brands. There are multiple guy ropes on the rain fly, allowing you to secure the tent to the ground in windy conditions. However, this is a 3-season tent and doesn’t come with a footprint.

4. Fltom 2P Ultralight Camping Tent

This is the benchmark tent under $100 from the Fltom. It is spacious for two people and a real favorite for many hiking enthusiasts looking for a featherlight hiking tent. It is understandable when you take the time to dwell on the multiple characteristics of this competition tent.

Fltom backpacking tent is equipped with the Fast & Light system. For a weight of 3.48 pounds, it will be perfect for carrying long-distance hiking. In addition, it has an interior space, as maximized as possible, which includes two large apses with an entry on the side to store all your equipment.

It is made of 210D 100% PU-coated polyester, and the poles are made of 7001 aluminum, to support most heavy wind, rain and snow. It is very small and perfect for limited space.

This backpacking tent is distinguished by its two large StayDry doors with integrated gutter and its adaptable flysheet for perfect ventilation. Thanks to a unified central interlocking pole system, you have the perfect tent for all of your wilderness getaways.

5. Night Cat Single Layer Backpacking Tent

The Night Cat is a standing four-season backpacking tent with a capacity of two people. It is resilient to wind and rain and could be your ideal partner for all your treks. Users who have purchased and used this tent indicated that they were overall satisfied.

This single-layer tent has been designed with two entrances and two apses of 60 cm each to facilitate cohabitation under the canvas. Therefore, the Night Cat offers a resistance of 3000 mm for the flysheet as well as its ground. It also has guy wires which improve the anchoring of this tent to withstand strong winds.

This tent includes a large interior space with a height of 86.6 inches, which allows you to sit easily while taking advantage of all the available space. With its pleasant interior, it demonstrates many qualities that make it a must-have tent for hiking.

The light design makes it very handy and compact. The packaging dimensions are only 16.5 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches. Its weight of 4.4 pounds, so you can easily put it in your hiking bag. Thanks to the foldable fiberglass poles, it could be an ideal dome tent for camping, backpacking, hiking, camping on the beach, and more.

6. BISINNA Waterproof Backpacking Tent

BISINNA 2-Person Backpacking Tent is a must-have for all your winter and summer activities. It is a lightweight and durable two-person tent, which is perfect for camping in the snow or for snowshoeing enthusiasts.

The package size is only 17.8 x 6.4 x 5.8 inches, so you can easily carry it in your backpack without any difficulty. It was designed to be used in all weather. Therefore, this is a free-standing tent with two Aluminum poles, so you can set up with double flysheets in less than 10 minutes.

BISINNA backpacking tent made with high quality 190T Polyester Taffeta + B3 No-see-um Mesh, which guarantees PU2000mm water-resistant. The tent poles are made with lightweight and durable 7001 space aluminum, that can support most heavy wind rain.

It features a large section of mesh and 2 D-shaped doors with dual zippers, which provide much better ventilation. It is also very robust and will accompany you throughout the year. BISINNA tent was designed with an inner canvas with reduced mesh panels to help keep warmth in cold.

7. MC Free-Standing Backpacking Tent

The MC stands out from other models you’ve observed due to its large and high apse of 88.6 inches, making it ideal for storing your gear and relaxing. This hiking tent is constructed with a double-layer mosquito-proof fabric with a mesh inner net, which helps to keep you warm in cold weather and provides shade in hot weather.

It is very well accessorized and lightweight. It features two large mesh pockets in the large apse, a mesh pocket to store the apse door when it is open, four mesh pockets inside the chamber, and two locations on the ceiling to store a headlamp, optimizing lighting.

There are two windows in the back for ventilation and to prevent water vapor condensation, so you can enjoy nature more comfortably sitting inside the tent. It is compact which makes it very convenient to move the tent. All this comfort and space would almost make us think of a small family tent.

This model is designed for two people, making it ideal for camping on lake or beach. It is easily transportable, thanks to its weight of 4.96 pounds, and includes a carrying bag. MC ultra-light backpacking only takes a few simple steps to set up. Even if you are a novice hiker, you can assemble it in about 10 to 15 minutes.

8. Ayamaya Double Wall Backpacking Tent

This Ayamaya tent is another top choice under $100. Sturdy, light, and compact, it’s perfect for solo hiking. With a spacious interior, it can comfortably accommodate two large 63.5 cm wide mattresses, ensuring a restful night before tackling steep trails the next day.

This tent is the ideal compromise between the comfort it provides and its weight of 5.7 pounds. With an ultra-breathable design, it is perfect for hikers who want to sleep in excellent conditions.

It is made of high-quality polyester fiber and windproof and windproof aluminum rods. At the same time, the welded floor design enhances the bottom of the backpack. Thanks to Ayamaya’s Xtreme Shield technology, this tent is three times longer resistant to mold and UV rays which gradually degrade the coatings of your shelter.

It’s a versatile tent and built with a quick and easy set-up design, that’s just as useful when camping as it is on the sides of an isolated mountain. It could be an ideal choice for beginners who want to maintain their sleeping comfort over a long camping trip. This model also comes with a beautiful carrying bag.

9. KAZOO VENUS 2P Ultralight Tent

Choosing between the KAZOO VENUS 2P in green and the VENUS 2P in yellow can be a tough decision. Both tents from the KAZOO brand are top performers in their category. Designed for two people, they offer reliability and comfort for your outdoor adventures.

The KAZOO tent combines strength, comfort, robustness, and lightness, making it an excellent choice for hiking. Setting it up is quick, taking just 3 minutes. With its new rainfly designed for camping, you can stay dry in wet conditions. Weighing only 5.29 pounds, it’s easy to carry on your outdoor adventures.

The tent features two entrances with zippers for easy access and two large vestibules on each side to store and protect your hiking equipment. The liner is made of B3 mesh and 190T breathable Polyester, and the Rainfly is made of 210T Ripstop Polyester, which offers you high performance. Therefore, wind and rain will no longer be an excuse not to venture beyond your garden.

This model consists of 2 functional layers. It was designed to give maximum comfort and functionality. However, the VENUS 2P model has a significant plus thanks to its self-supporting structure with a durable frame, which guarantees compactness, robustness, and excellent ventilation.

10. Clostnature ZP-001 1-Man Hiking Tent

Finally, this is an ergonomic and robust 1 person backpacking tent from Clostnature. It is very light, making it perfect for lovers of minimalists who like to face difficult climatic conditions.

This 3.7-pound hiking tent is easily transportable because it comes with a nice carrying bag. You can perfectly optimize for your needs, thanks to its large side apse and multiple storage pockets. The ground-tarped vestibule is a decent size, providing enough space to keep shoes, jackets, helmets, and panniers dry on one half while leaving room to exit and stand up comfortably.

The weatherproof material with factory-sealed seams keeps you dry and comfortable in all seasons. Interior entire mesh walls are designed to offer great ventilation. The D-shaped door and large vestibule also provide convenient entry & out.

The Clostnature ZP-001 has a free-standing design with two Aluminum poles to ensure fast pitching. You can easily set up this tent even if you have no previous experience. To ensure quality, Clostnature also offers a lifetime warranty.

Which criteria are important when buying backpacking tents under $100?

Let’s explain how to choose the best backpacking tent under $100:

Weight

If you are looking for a good backpacking tent that you carry on your back in a backpack, then the weight is a very important factor you should consider. Even a few grams here and there can add up, affecting your overall comfort and endurance on the trail.

Ultralight tents are more fun when hiking, and that’s what it’s all about. Light backpacking tents should weigh less than 5 pounds. If you are ready to have a little more weight for more comfort and convenience, you are better off with a normal Lightweight Tent.

Protection

A backpacker tent that does not protect against wind and weather is practically worthless, even dangerous. So it is always good to spend a few bucks more and you’ll have many years of fun and, above all, quality. You should also pay attention to properties such as UV resistance.

Capacity

• 1-Person Tents: Ideal for dedicated solo adventurers who prioritize speed and ease of hiking. These tents are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for solo trips where agility is key.
• 2-Person Tents: The most popular option, striking a balance between weight and interior space. While they may not offer spacious interiors, they provide enough room for two people to sleep comfortably and store essential gear. They’re versatile enough for solo hikers who want extra space or for couples embarking on outdoor adventures together.
• 3 & 4-Person Tents: These tents are larger and offer more interior space, but they can become crowded and impractical for larger groups. They are suitable for two or three hikers who require extra room for gear storage or for longer trips where comfort and space are essential.

Construction

Freestanding backpacking tents are generally preferred for hiking because they are easy to use and very quick to set up. They also have a fixed pole system that can be set up almost anywhere, even on solid rock.

On the other hand, non-freestanding models use eyelets, cords, and hiking/trekking poles so that you can set them as easily as possible. They save weight because they don’t need tent poles. However, non-freestanding tents require more time and space to set up and require more practice.

Tent fabrics

Double-walled backpacking tents come with two separate parts for camping – a mesh tent body and a waterproof outer skin. The mesh inner tent acts as a barrier against condensation that forms on the inside of the skin.

Single-walled tents reduce weight by omitting the mesh inner tent, but this also leads to increased condensation inside, especially in wet and cold conditions. That’s why we recommend double-walled tents, unless you primarily hike in dry areas.

Entrances and vestibules

If you plan to sleep two inside the backpacking tent, it is more convenient to have two doors and vestibules. Separate entrances ensure that you don’t have to climb your tent companion and equipment every time you enter or leave.

Durability

The main problem with ultralight tents is they are made from thinner materials, which are less durable than heavier tents in general. However, ultralight tents will last thousands of kilometers if handled with a little care. Of course, UV radiation always plays a role outdoors, so pay attention to UV resistance.

Most tents these days no longer have a groundsheet and many backpackers consider them unnecessary.

Comfortable

The importance of tent comfort should not be underestimated, particularly during long-distance hikes or extended backpacking trips in remote areas. Having a tent with a comfortable seating height and easy entry can greatly enhance the camping experience.

During extended hikes, encountering bad weather or continuous rain is inevitable at times. Having ample space within the tent becomes a blessing during such conditions, allowing for activities like cooking, reading, or simply resting comfortably away from the elements.

Space becomes even more crucial in a 2-person backpacking tent, as cramped quarters can quickly lead to discomfort and difficulty storing gear. Therefore, a 2-person tent should offer sufficient sleeping space and provide additional storage space on the tent floor for sleeping mats and other essentials.

However, there’s often a trade-off between tent comfort and weight. Larger and taller backpacking tents, due to their longer poles and additional material, tend to weigh more than smaller, more compact tents. Nevertheless, advancements in lightweight materials have enabled manufacturers to produce high-quality tents with surprisingly low weights.

Weather resistance

Normally, branded tents offer sufficient weather resistance with a high water column, ensuring they hold up well even in heavy rain. However, it’s always beneficial to waterproof your tent regularly. During extended backpacking trips in inclement weather, it’s a good idea to reinforce the seams from the inside by hand.

If you want to use your tent even under the most extreme weather conditions, such as continuous rain, etc., it is worthwhile to deal extensively with the topic of “water column”. This value determines how much water the material can ultimately withstand before it penetrates into the tent.

For anyone who wants to buy a backpacking tent for 1 person or 2 people for their packing list, it is still important to choose a tent as high as possible on the floor of the inner tent so that the water doesn’t move if the person moves awkwardly and doesn’t run over the edge into the interior.

Conclusion

Whether embarking on a solo adventure or a group camping excursion, the tents featured in this guide cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. It’s crucial to prioritize your specific requirements, anticipated weather conditions, and the number of occupants when selecting a backpacking tent.

Before concluding, we offer one final piece of advice for peaceful camping: Consider investing in a groundsheet to protect the floor of your tent from dirt, abrasive surfaces, sharp objects, and moisture. A groundsheet with a waterproof coating serves as essential reinforcement, extending the lifespan of your tent—unless, of course, you’re using a hammock tent.

If you are still not sure which one is the perfect backpacking tent for your needs, do not hesitate to visit our in-depth reviews of the best backpacking tents under $200.