10 Best Backpacking Tents Under $200

Hikers eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature after a long day of trekking know the value of a reliable backpacking tent. It ensures restful sleep and protects both you and your gear from unpredictable weather. Without the right tent, comfort and quality sleep can quickly become a thing of the past, leaving you unprepared and fatigued for the next day’s adventures.

To help you find the best backpacking tent under $200, we invested countless hours in research and testing to create a list of the top 10 options. These tents are fully self-contained, designed to perform well on almost any terrain or surface, and don’t require stakes for setup.

Best Backpacking Tents Under $200

Let’s see the top 10 best backpacking tents under $200 at a glance…

• 1. GEERTOP 4 Season Army Green – Best Overall
• 2. Kelty Late Start 40820719 – Best Backpacking Tent for 2 People
• 3. MARMOT Crane Creek – Lightweight Backpacking Tent
• 4. KAZOO Ultralight Tent – Best Hiking Tent for 4 People
• 5. Outbound Dome Tent – Large Backpacking Tent
• 6. Pacific Pass Navy/Gray – Best Hiking Tent for 6 People
• 7. NTK INDY FBA_152500SBS GT – Best Backpacking Dome Tent
• 8. Teton Sports 2007GY – Best 3-Person Backpacking Tent
• 9. KAZOO Instant Family Tent – Spacious Room
• 10. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx – Freestanding Hiking Tent

1. GEERTOP 4 Season Backpacking Tent

The top pick for the best backpacking tent under $200 comes from GEERTOP. Established in 2012, GEERTOP has built a strong reputation in the outdoor equipment industry for producing high-quality gear. This ultralight tent, tested by numerous hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, features a double-layer design that makes it ideal for different adventures. With a self-supporting system, this tent provides convenience and reliability, ensuring they won’t hinder your journeys.

GEERTOP 4-season tent provides enough living space for up to four people, thanks to its optimized symmetrical geometry and dome shape. This thoughtful construction ensures you can set up your tent quickly and efficiently. You won’t have to worry about spending hours on setup.

It features adjustable buckles for inserting the poles, ensuring even faster assembly. The brand has implemented color-coded poles for quick and easy setup. This convenience is further reinforced by a unified system of centrally interlocking poles. Offering a lightweight, robust, protective, and versatile design, the GEERTOP can be the best choice within your budget.

The adaptable flysheet and two large zipper doors on the sides allow you to roll it up and secure it with buckles, making it easier to evacuate moisture and keep the tent dry in adverse weather conditions. Although the loops for holding the doors and windows open are a bit short, they are still functional and not particularly troublesome to use.

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2. Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent

This is a Late Start 2P tent, designed by the Kelty brand. This model is also available as a 1-person and 4-person tent, making it a versatile choice. Whether serving as a reliable shelter for your mountain bivouacs or housing a lone hiker with its excellent ventilation, the Kelty 40820719 proves to be a dependable and adaptable tent.

The minimalist structure provides undeniable lightness while maintaining a spacious interior for exceptional comfort and a restful night’s sleep. Its color-coded waterproof rainfly attachment makes setup even easier and ensures a secure fit. The rainfly also adds extra space, providing additional room for storing gear. This will keep your essentials protected from the harsh weather.

The Kelty 2P tent is stable, wind-resistant, and ultra-light, making it a great option for those who enjoy adventures in dry and hot terrain. Its waterproofing is effective, with a roof and groundsheet rated at 1,800 mm, offering solid protection against light rain during the night.

The two aluminum poles are pre-bent, so you can create extra room inside the tent. Each corner has extra pockets to keep other gear safe. It is simple to set up; you can be done even in the dark, taking about 20 seconds. However, the vestibule is a bit awkward to open and close and provides just enough room for shoes and boots but not much for any other gear.

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3. MARMOT Crane Creek Ultralight Tent

We recently bought a MARMOT Crane Creek 2P hiking tent for our family camping, and my wife had no complaints about that. It is one of the best lightweight couple backpacking tents under $200. It has 32 square feet of floor space, which is enough for a couple of climbers, campers, and hikers who want comfort and performance while minimizing pack weight.

You can transport it easily throughout your adventures with your makeshift companion. The dome tent has a rainfly nylon ripstop 40D, and a floor mat 68D nylon 190T / D to offer an excellent level of impermeability, respectively 2,000 mm and 5,000 mm.

This tent features a D-shaped door for easy entry/exit and provides excellent ventilation. It has an overhead vestibule and small gear pockets for extra storage space. There is also a hook inside to hang a light.

Crane Creek backpacking tent comes with 6 high-quality stakes. With durable HD velocity 7000 series aluminum poles, this tent weighs only around 4 pounds. It has plenty of space between the fly and the tent. It is simple to set up. Also, the instruction papers are included. However, the footprint is not included (You need to purchase it separately).

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4. KAZOO Ultralight Double Layer Tent

We cannot recommend the 10 best backpacking tents under $200 without mentioning the KAZOO brand. This unit is tailored for outdoor sports enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, sturdy, and efficient backpacking tent under $200, capable of withstanding various conditions.

This 3-season tent can accommodate 3 to 4 people and offers a spacious living area with overall dimensions of 98 × 98 × 61 inches. For ventilation, it features multiple openings that can be used even in rainy or snowy conditions.

Thanks to its two windows and doors, which significantly enhance comfort, you will appreciate the KAZOO tent. It also includes several interior pockets and a top pocket, offering plenty of storage space for your personal items without compromising room inside the tent.

This tent is packed with advanced technology, making it perfect for mountain expeditions, long treks, or bike trips, year-round. Its freestanding design ensures maximum stability, making it an excellent choice for family camping or mountaineering. Furthermore, it comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

KAZOO hiking tent is equipped with five 11mm aluminum poles, making it stable in harsh weather. The double-layer and fully covered rainfly make it an excellent waterproof camping tent. However, the waterproof rating is above 3000mm. The multiple hang loops help you organize your gear and essentials. However, this tent isn’t tall enough to stand in but there is sufficient space for your full body.

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5. Outbound Dome Tent with Rainfly

The Outbound 8P is the fifth model on our list, making it a great option for family camping during Spring, Summer, and Fall. It’s crafted from Poly Taffeta 185T 68D fabric with a 600mm water-resistant coating, ensuring solid waterproofing for the flysheet. The robust fiberglass frame allows for quick and easy setup. With its sturdy construction, this tent provides excellent protection against various weather conditions.

It is also designed for exceptional lightness, making it easier to transport. You can store your belongings in the apse safely without ever running out of personal space. This model has 2 interior storage pockets for personal items.

Outbound backpacking tent offers generous space. With a D-shaped door and two windows, it provides excellent ventilation throughout the interior. Despite being an 8-person tent, it remains surprisingly lightweight at just 17 lbs. It comes with a zippered duffle bag for convenient storage. The zippers are sturdy, with a tight feel. This will ensure they stay intact even after multiple uses.

The whole top half of the tent is screen though, so you can take the fly off to get more breeze, or even leave it off overnight to see the sky on a clear night. There are windows only on the door part of the tent. You can easily place 3 full/queen mattresses, a king-size air mattress, a table, 2 chairs, a dog bed, and more.

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6. Pacific Pass Backpacking Family Tent

The Pacific Pass 6P backpacking tent is a budget-friendly option, priced at around $120. It is a three-season tent, designed to provide comfort during hikes and camping trips. Weighing just 16.5 lbs, including the carrying bag, it offers good portability for those who need extra space without sacrificing too much weight.

However, this family tent stands out from the others due to its unique construction. The difference lies in its wall architecture and more vertical doors, which significantly increases the interior space. This design allows for a much roomier feel, making it almost as comfortable as your living room.

The interior is made of nylon and mesh, which guarantees excellent ventilation and significant protection against tough weather. It is spacious, durable, and easy to pitch, making it perfect for all your wilderness expeditions! The assembly process only takes 2 people 5 minutes to complete the setup.

The middle height reaches 68.9 inches and it includes a 120 x 47.2-inch screen room for added storage or relaxation space. Inside, you’ll find two mesh storage bags and a net bag to keep the tent organized. The compact design allows easy storage in your car, taking up minimal space.

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7. NTK INDY FBA_152500SBS GT Dome Tent

Designed by the NTK brand, the INDY FBA_152500SBS GT is another weatherproof 4P backpacking tent under $200. With a structure that mounts using extra-thick Nano-flex fiberglass poles, it is the latest backpacking tent, that can be set up in the blink of an eye.

The spacious European design weighs 14.73 lbs. The comfortable floor size is 12.8ft x 8ft and the sleeping area is 8ft x 7ft. The 4.7ft center height offers maximum comfort. The flooring has a unique bathtub-style construction element barrier, so you won’t wake up in a puddle.

This tent is designed to accompany you on extended treks, offering both comfort and durability. The door features a solid section and a mesh section, each of which can be rolled back and secured separately. It also boasts an efficient ventilation system at the head and feet. With a huge space, it comfortably fits four people, even those of larger stature.

It is made of 100% waterproof 190T polyester laminated with polyurethane. The 2500mm water column rainfly provides full coverage on a rainy day. With a freestanding design, it is easy to take down. This model also has a separate patio area from the actual tent.

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8. Teton Sports 2007GY Backpacking Tent

Teton Sports 2007GY backpacking tent is made for a duo of adventurers, eager for nature and the great outdoors. This model offers 3 real places with an apse on each side. It allows you to store your hiking boots or backpack, and protect them from humidity.

The Teton Sports dome tent upgrades the classic design with lighter, more durable materials for a better outdoor experience. It offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, though the footprint is sold separately, allowing you to customize your setup for extra protection.

Nevertheless, we appreciate the side pockets that aid in organizing your smart gadgets. Additionally, the gear loft is excellent for both gear and light storage. It stands out as a comfortable backpacking tent at an affordable price. This series is also available for 4 people.

Whether you have decided to go under the pleasant spring air, in the summer heat, or during the autumn period, the Teton Sports tent is ideal for your excursions. Although this model is designed as a 3-season tent, it does well in winds up to 50 or 60 mph when the guy lines are used properly.

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9. KAZOO Instant Family Camping Tent

Are you planning a family camping trip in environments with uncertain changing weather? No longer fear either rain or humidity with the KAZOO Blue 3P tent. It is safe and reliable and offers good waterproofing to the roof up to 3,000 mm.

KAZOO instant hiking tent will hold up perfectly as your adventures go on for years to come. It is made from materials that are highly resistant to snags and weather conditions, even though it almost stands up to 55+ mph winds. If a thunderstorm breaks out in the middle of the night, you will stay dry inside your tent.

Featuring double layers, the liner is constructed with no-see-um netting B3 mesh and 190T breathable Polyester. The tent is designed to house 3 adults. Being a pop-up tent, the setup is fast and easy, allowing you to put it up within 30 seconds, akin to opening an umbrella.

This backpacking tent is constructed with a combination of aluminum and fiberglass poles, making it strong yet light. It features 2 large dual-zipper doors with seams, which allow easy entry and smooth closure. Also, the zipped door can be supported to create a sunshade.

This instant tent is equipped with an entrance and an apse, so you can easily store your backpack, trekking poles, or shoes. It is ideal for intensive use and faithfully accompanies you on all roads. To ensure quality, KAZOO offers a 2-year warranty.

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10. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2P

Alps Mountaineering, an incorporated brand producing high-quality gear since 1993, presents this model as one of the bestsellers in our selection of the best backpacking tents under $200. The Lynx is a 2-person and 3-season tent with excellent fly impermeability (3000 mm), which offers effective protection in harsh weather conditions.

It is equipped with a Mesh Storage Pocket, which stores your belongings securely. Featuring two doors and two vestibules, it ensures good ventilation through its mesh fabric and vents on the flysheet.

The rectangular shape allows you to gain space and lightness, although the interior is less spacious than a dome tent. However, less high than other tents, the ALPS Lynx has less influence on the wind. This is a significant advantage when planning mountain bivouacs in the heart of nature.

This model is well-equipped and durable, making it suitable for adventures from spring through autumn. One of its notable features is the clear plastic window on the rainfly, which allows you to peek outside before venturing out, all while maintaining privacy—ideal for busy campgrounds where you may want to avoid prying eyes.

You can change clothes easily. However, the bottom of the door is 5-6 inches off the ground, and negotiating the vestibule flaps makes for not exactly graceful entries and exits. Overall, the Lynx compact tent could be an ideal choice if you want to lighten up your already-packed trekking backpack.

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Best Backpacking Tents Under 200 – Buyer’s Guide

To find the perfect backpacking tent under $200 that meets your needs, it’s important to evaluate key features such as capacity, weight, materials, waterproofing, and seasonality. Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects in detail.

Weight of Your Backpacking Tent

When searching for an ultralight backpacking tent, weight is undoubtedly the most important factor to consider. How much are you willing to carry? Ideally, we recommend keeping the weight below 1.5 kg per person. For reference, the lightest tent in this list weighs an impressive 1.08 kg!

Evaluate the Waterproofness Level

While the sound of rain on a tent can be soothing, a leak can quickly ruin the experience. Few things are worse than waking up in a cold, wet sleeping bag. To avoid this, it’s essential to understand waterproofing levels. Manufacturers measure this by placing a column of water on the fabric and noting the depth (in millimeters) at which water begins to penetrate. This measurement, known as the hydrostatic head, determines the fabric’s impermeability.

• You can learn more about the water column at the tent and what rating is good from here.

In general, the higher the mm rating, the better your backpacking tent will resist rain. For the outer fabric, we recommend choosing a tent with a waterproof rating of at least 2,000 mm. For the groundsheet, aim for a rating between 3,000 and 5,000 mm, as the pressure from your body increases the need for superior waterproofing.

The Shape of Your Backpacking Tent

Ultralight backpacking tents generally come in two main shapes: domes and tunnels. Dome tents have the distinct advantage of being self-supporting, meaning they can stand upright without stakes. They also feature a separate flysheet and inner room, allowing you to leave the inner room behind in summer to save a few precious grams.

Tunnel tents, on the other hand, have the inner wall and outer waterproof layer attached, making them more convenient to set up in challenging conditions like rain. Although tunnel tents offer less comfort due to their lower height, they have excellent wind resistance, compact storage, and overall lighter weight.

Size of the Tent When Folded

When folded, how much space will your ultralight backpacking tent take up in your hiking backpack? This is a crucial question for any hiker or camper, as maximizing storage and carefully balancing weight distribution are key to avoiding discomfort. After all, a compact backpacking tent can make all the difference in maintaining comfort and efficiency on the trail.

Pay Attention to the Price

Although you can find top-quality tents for around $500, if your budget is closer to $200, you’re not willing to spend that much. Fortunately, several brands offer ultralight tents with excellent quality for a fraction of the price. Our selection, therefore, takes your budget into account without compromising on performance.

Ease of Setting Up and Taking Down

With assistance, we can often overcome challenges. However, some ultra-touring tents can be tricky to pack in their bags, while others verge on being a feat to assemble, especially when visibility is zero or the wind picks up. If this is a secondary consideration for you, we recommend practicing in your garden before setting out. Although it isn’t the primary criterion, it should not be completely ignored either.

Evaluate the Interior Space

In some ultralight backpacking tents, you can quickly feel cramped and struggle to install two inflatable mattresses side by side or even a double camping cot. However, the weight reduction comes at the expense of floor space and overall height. This is an important consideration for individuals with larger frames or taller statures, as they need more space for comfort.

Adaptability to Climatic Hazards

The weather conditions of the region where you’ll be camping should influence your choice of tent. For summer camping or in hot climates, you might opt for a tent with a light, treated cotton canvas. In contrast, for mountain camping or colder environments, a tent with a durable, waterproof polyester canvas would be more suitable to handle the harsh conditions.

On the market, you’ll find three-season tents (ideal for spring, summer, and fall) and four-season tents (designed for all-year-round use). We recommend opting for at least a three-season tent, as it will provide reliable protection against wind and rain, making it a versatile choice for most conditions.

However, consider the waterproof characteristics of the tent. If you’re expecting snow or harsh winter conditions, a four-season tent will be your best choice, as it is designed to handle the weight of snow and extreme weather conditions.

Strength of Materials

Having an ultralight backpacking tent for $50 may sound appealing, but its value diminishes if it only lasts for a single use. Rather than focusing solely on the technical specifications of materials, this criterion is best assessed through user feedback and real-world experiences. Ultimately, there’s no better way to gauge quality than a practical test in the field.

Don’t Neglect a Touch of Comfort

To be blunt, our top 10 list of the best ultralight touring tents under $200 doesn’t include any tents with a stand-up height. If that’s what you’re after, then this list may not be for you. However, comfort is made up of many small details that are easy to overlook but are important to consider. Does the tent have one or two apses for gear storage? What are the interior storage options like? These are just a few of the factors to keep in mind.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What types of backpacking tents are there?

Backpacking tents come in different styles, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. You can find dome tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, and ultralight tents, each offering unique features. Furthermore, these tents vary in size, ranging from compact 1-2 person tents to medium-sized 3-5 person tents, and even larger models that can house 6 or more people.

What weight should not be exceeded for a backpacking tent?

A backpacking tent for two people should ideally weigh no more than 2 kg. Anything heavier can quickly become a burden during a hike, leading you to question whether it might be better to sleep in a shelter instead of carrying a tent. However, if you’re looking for a heavier yet more affordable option, one solution is to share the tent’s components and distribute the weight among the hikers.

How much does a good backpacking tent cost?

Good hiking tents are expensive, especially for those who prioritize high quality and craftsmanship. Investing in a reliable tent is necessary for durability and comfort. Larger tents are more expensive than smaller ones, and tents from well-known brands usually come with a higher price tag. For a 2-person backpacking tent, the average budget is around $200, depending on the size and brand.

Are there any backpacking tents under $200 that are suitable for tall people?

Yes, there are backpacking tents under $200 that can accommodate taller individuals. Look for models with a higher peak height and longer floor length to ensure there’s enough space for your comfort. These features will help prevent feeling cramped inside the tent and provide a better overall camping experience.

Are these backpacking tents suitable for solo camping?

Yes, most backpacking tents designed for two people can also be used for solo camping. In fact, many backpackers prefer two-person tents for solo trips because they offer more space and comfort. You can store your gear inside or use the extra space for extra comfort during your solo adventures. However, if weight is a primary concern, you might want to consider a dedicated solo tent, as these are lighter and more compact, making them a better choice for solo hikers focused on minimizing pack weight.

How can the lifespan of a backpacking tent be increased?

A great tip to extend the life of your tent is to take care of it with the right products. Over time, your tent can lose its waterproofing due to sun exposure. To restore this protective barrier, you can use a tent waterproof spray. It’s also a good opportunity to clean your tent, as it may get dirty depending on the terrain where you’re camping. These waterproofing sprays come in an aqueous solution, and a single application can last several years.

Conclusion

As we said before, whether you go on a trek, climb summits, or just a short hike, having a good backpacking tent is more than necessary. We hope this article helped you find the best backpacking tent under $200 for your evenings and trekking sessions.

We’ll not let you go without giving you a final piece of advice: to camp or hike comfortably, you need an essential accessory to protect the floor of your tent from dirt, abrasive floors, pointed or sharp stones, and moisture: the footprint. With a waterproof coating, this groundsheet is an essential additional reinforcement to increase the life of your tent unless you have a hanging tent.

If you are still not sure which one is perfect for your needs, do not hesitate to visit our best affordable tent reviews and best backpacking tents under $100.

Do you have questions or are looking for another model of the best backpacking tent under $200 that is not shown above? Share your opinion in the comment section below.