10 Best Backpacking Tents Under $100

Heading out for a hike is much more enjoyable with a quality backpacking tent. Without one, comfort and a good night’s sleep are hard to come by. That’s why choosing the right backpacking tent is so important. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable and durable option. There are affordable choices that deliver both quality and long-lasting performance.

However, most ultralight hiking tents are 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

Take a close look at our comparison table of the top 10 best backpacking tents of 2025:

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 3.3 pounds, its remarkable lightness and exceptional robustness make it suitable for adventures worldwide.

The liner is crafted from B3 mesh and 190T breathable, comfortable polyester, ensuring ventilation and comfort. The full-coverage rainfly is made from durable 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. You can set up it with or without flysheet, or in tarp mode for even lighter travel. This makes it an 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 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. This tent 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, making it ideal for adapting to different weather conditions. It’s the perfect companion for all your outdoor adventures, whether you’re biking, hiking, or trekking.

The total weight is 5 pounds with hammock attachments. This is suitable for covering over 20 feet of space. This allows you to lighten your load and adjust your sleeping setup based on your preferences and needs. 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 ultralight 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 under 100 dollars. 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 a 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. You can store it easily in a carry bag. However, this is a 3-season tent and doesn’t come with a footprint.

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.

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 justifiable 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’s made of 210D 100% PU-coated polyester. The poles are built with 7001 aluminum, to support most heavy wind, rain and snow. It is truly small and perfect for limited space.

This hiking tent is distinguished by its two large StayDry doors with an integrated gutter. Its adaptable flysheet is 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 pointed out that they were overall satisfied.

This single-layer tent is designed with two entrances and two 60 cm apses to enhance comfort and space for cohabitation. This tent features a 3000 mm resistance for both the flysheet and the groundsheet. Also, it includes guy wires that improve anchoring, allowing the tent to withstand strong winds.

Night Cat ultralight tent includes a large interior space with a height of 86.6 inches, which allows you to sit easily while taking advantage of all available space. With pleasant interior, this tent demonstrates many qualities that make it must-have 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 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 lightweight and durable 7001 aluminum poles 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 comes with an inner canvas with reduced mesh panels to help keep warmth in the cold.

7. MC Free-Standing Backpacking Tent

The MC stands out from other models you’ve observed because of its large and high apse of 88.6 inches, making it ideal for storing your gear and relaxing. This hiking tent is formed 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 pretty well accessorized and ultralight. 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 strikes the perfect balance between comfort and weight, tipping the scales at just 5.7 pounds. With its ultra-breathable design, it’s ideal for hikers seeking a restful sleep in excellent conditions.

It is manufactured of high-quality polyester fiber and windproof and windproof aluminum rods. 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 versatile 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, 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, while the rainfly is crafted from 210T Ripstop polyester. With this combination, wind and rain will no longer be excuses for staying close to home.

This model consists of 2 functional layers. It will give maximum comfort and functionality. However, the VENUS 2P 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 vestibule has 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 offer great ventilation. Also, 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

When choosing a backpacking tent to carry on your back, weight is a critical factor to consider. Every gram counts, as even small weight differences can affect your comfort and endurance on the trail. Ultralight tents, weighing less than 5 pounds, are ideal for maximizing enjoyment during hikes. However, if you’re willing to trade a bit of weight for added comfort and convenience, a standard lightweight tent might be a better option for you.

Protection

A backpacking tent that fails to protect against wind and weather is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. Investing a bit more in a quality tent ensures years of reliable use and continued safety. It’s also important to look for features like UV resistance, which enhance durability and protection during your adventures.

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. Although 2P tents don’t 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 a popular choice for hikers because of their ease of use and quick setup. With a fixed pole system, you can pitch them anywhere, including on solid rock. In contrast, non-freestanding tents rely on eyelets, cords, and trekking poles, making them a lighter option since they don’t require dedicated tent poles. However, these models take more time and space to set up and require a bit of practice to use effectively.

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 you don’t have to climb your tent companion and equipment every time you enter or leave.

Durability

The major drawback of ultralight tents is their thinner materials, making them less durable than those used in heavier tents. However, with proper care, ultralight tents can endure thousands of kilometers of use. Since UV radiation can significantly impact a tent’s lifespan, it’s essential to choose a model with good UV resistance for extended outdoor durability.

Comfortable

Don’t underestimate comfort level, particularly during long-distance hikes or extended backpacking trips in remote areas. Having a tent with a comfortable seating height and easy entry can enhance the camping experience. During extended hikes, encountering bad weather or continuous rain is inevitable. Having ample space becomes a blessing during such conditions, allowing for activities like cooking, reading, or simply resting 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 floor for sleeping mats and other essentials.

However, there’s often a trade-off between tent comfort and weight. Larger and taller backpacking tents, because of their longer poles and additional material, weigh more than smaller, 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, reinforce the seams from the inside by hand.

If you want to use your tent even under the most extreme weather, 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.

When choosing a backpacking tent for one or two people, it’s important to select a design with a high floor edge inside the tent. This helps prevent water from seeping in if you move awkwardly, ensuring it doesn’t flow over the edge and into the interior during wet conditions.

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, and the number of occupants when selecting a backpacking tent.

Before concluding, we offer one last 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, don’t hesitate to visit our in-depth reviews of the best backpacking tents under $200.