10 Best Backpacking Tents Under $200 in 2024

Hikers, eager to embrace the experience of sleeping in the heart of nature after a fulfilling day of trekking, understand the importance of a backpacking tent for a restful sleep and safeguarding valuables from unpredictable weather conditions. Without the best backpacking tent, bidding farewell to comfort and a good night’s sleep becomes inevitable, compromising your well-being for the following day’s adventures.

To help you find the best model in your budget, we conducted extensive research and testing over numerous hours to compile a list of the top 10 best backpacking tents under 200 dollars. These tents are entirely self-contained and can be utilized on almost any type of terrain or surface without the need for stakes.

Best Backpacking Tents Under $200 in 2024

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. As an established brand in the outdoor equipment industry since 2012, GEERTOP is known for producing high-quality gear. Their ultralight tents, tested by numerous hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offer a Double Layer design suitable for various adventures. The self-supporting system ensures it won’t hinder your journeys, whether you’re heading out for camping or hiking.

GEERTOP 4-season backpacking tent offers 4 people living space, thanks to its optimized symmetrical geometry, as well as its dome shape on the ground. No longer worry about spending hours setting up your tent, and devoting the little energy you have left at the end of your day to it.

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 the two large zipper doors on the sides allow you to roll it up and secure it with buckles, facilitating moisture evacuation and keeping the tent dry in adverse weather conditions. However, the loops for holding doors and windows open are a little short but not annoying 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 it’s serving as a reliable shelter for your mountain bivouacs or accommodating a lone hiker with its excellent ventilation, the Kelty 40820719 proves to be a dependable and adaptable tent.

The minimalist structure allows you to gain, indisputably lightness while offering a spacious interior for exceptional comfort and quality night sleep. It has an additional Color-coded waterproof rain fly attachment. The rainfly gives you a little extra room for storing other gear.

This tent is stable, wind-resistant, and ultra-light which is worth the detour if you like adventures on dry and hot terrain! The waterproofness of the Kelty 2P on the roof (1,800 mm) and ground (1,800 mm) is effective if light rain is invited during the night.

The two aluminum poles are pre-bent so that users 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.

It comes with 6 high-quality stakes. With durable HD velocity 7000 series aluminum poles, this backpacking tent weighs only around 4 pounds. It also 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 KAZOO. 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 guarantees a large living space. The overall dimensions are 98 inch×98 inch×61 inches. On the ventilation side, you will be delighted to be able to open the different ventilations of the tent, even in the event of rain or snow.

Thanks to its two windows and doors, which significantly enhance comfort, you will appreciate the KAZOO tent. It also features multiple interior pockets as well as a top pocket, providing ample space to store all your personal belongings without sacrificing vital space.

This concentration of technology is ideal for an expedition to the mountain, but also for a long trek or a bike trip, and throughout the year. It is the most stable freestanding tent, ideal for family camping or mountaineering. You will also get two years warranty.

KAZOO hiking tent is equipped with five 11mm aluminum poles, 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 to layout your body completely.

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5. Outbound Dome Tent with Rainfly

The fifth model on our list is the Outbound 8P. Ideal for family camping in Spring, Summer, and Fall, it features Poly Taffeta 185T 68D with a 600mm Water-Resistant Coating to provide waterproofing for the flysheet at a level of 600 mm. Outbound 8-person tent is built in strong and durable fiberglass frame that allows you to set up quickly. It guarantees you excellent protection against bad weather.

All are associated with exceptional lightness. 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.

It is spacious featuring a D-Shaped door with two windows for excellent ventilation. Although it is an 8-person tent, the total weight is only 17 lbs. It comes with a zippered duffle bag for easy carrying and storing. The zippers are tight felt sturdy and stayed intact.

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, king-size air mattress, table, 2 chairs, dog bed, and more.

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6. Pacific Pass Backpacking Family Tent

Pacific Pass offers you here a new version of the 6P backpacking tent that just costs around 120 dollars. It is a three-season tent, designed to provide maximum comfort during your hikes and camps. With a carrying bag, the total weight is only 16.5 lbs.

However, this family tent is different from the previous ones because of its particular construction. Therefore, the difference lies in its wall architecture and its more vertical door which significantly increases the living area of the tent. You can almost feel as comfortable as in your living room thanks to its enormous interior space.

The interior is made of nylon and mesh to guarantee excellent ventilation and significant protection against the elements. It is a spacious, durable, and easy-to-pitch tent that will be perfect for all your wilderness expeditions! The assembly process only takes 2 people 5 minutes to complete the setup.

The center height of the tent is 68.9 inches with a 120 x 47.2 inches screen room. There are two mesh storage bags and a net bag in this easy-up tent, to keep the dome tent organized. It can be stored in the car without taking up much space. Pacific Pass backpacking tent is prepared for any eventuality because it will protect well against the wind and harsh climatic conditions.

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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 best 4-person backpacking tent under $200. With a structure that mounts using extra-thick Nano-flex fiberglass poles, it is the latest generation backpacking tent, that can be set up in the blink of an eye.

The spacious European design tent weighs 14.73 lbs. The comfortable floor size is 12.8ft x 8ft where 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 will follow you on your treks for several days with comfort and robustness. The door has a solid part and a mesh part. Each can be rolled back and secured individually. This tent was built with a very efficient ventilation system at the head and feet. It has more than enough room for 4 people, not tiny people.

It is made of 100% waterproof 190T polyester laminated with polyurethane. The 2500mm water column rainfly provides full coverage on a rainy day. It is easy to take down because it has a freestanding design. 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 your hiking backpack, and protect them from humidity or to cook sheltered from the elements.

The Teton Sports dome tent represents an enhancement of the classic model, with lighter and improved materials for an even better outdoor experience. This newly designed tent comes with everything you need, except the footprint, which you can purchase separately.

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 very 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 in environments with changing weather uncertainly? No longer fear either rain or humidity with the KAZOO Blue 3P tent. It is safe and reliable value and offers very good waterproofing to the roof (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 comfortably accommodate 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 for 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 your 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 to securely store your belongings. 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 that of a dome tent. However, less high than other tents, the ALPS Lynx has less influence in the wind. This is a significant advantage when planning mountain bivouacs in the heart of nature.

This model is also well-accessorized and robust. You can use it during your adventures; from spring to autumn. We also like that the clear plastic window on the rainfly lets you peep out before you step out and greet the world but you still have privacy if you need it at a crowded campground.

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 determine the model that best suits your needs, you should consider various characteristics such as capacity, weight, material, waterproofing, and even the type of seasonality.

Let’s see all the features mentioned above in detail…

Weight of your backpacking tent

When looking for an ultralight backpacking tent, there is no doubt that weight is the first criterion you should consider. How much are we ready to wear? Sincerely, we advise you not to exceed the bar of 1.5 kg per head. And, for your information, the lightest tent in this ranking weighs just 1.08 kg!

Evaluate the waterproofness level

If the sound of the rain on the canvas provides a form of tranquility, a leak rather produces the opposite effect. Nothing could be worse than being woken up by your cold, wet sleeping bag… In reality, there are several degrees of waterproofing that you have to learn to read.

Manufacturers measure it by placing a column of water on the fabric. The water depth (in mm) from which the first drops of water pass through the fabric determines the impermeability.

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

Basically, the larger the mm figure, the more resistant your backpacking tent will be in the rain. We advise you not to go below 2000 mm for your outer fabric. As for the groundsheet, bet between 3000 and 5000 mm: the pressure of your body on it forces it to be more waterproof.

The shape of your backpacking tent

Two forms dominate ultralight backpacking tents: tunnels and domes.

Dome tents have the incomparable advantage of being generally self-supporting. That is to say, they stand upright without sardines, and of having a flysheet separate from the room. So that in summer you can leave the bedroom at home, to gain a few more precious grams.

Tunnel tents on the other hand often have the inner wall and the waterproof canvas attached to each other. They are convenient for mounting in difficult conditions such as rain. If this shape hardly allows comfort with reduced heights, it nevertheless favors wind resistance, low storage volume, and increased lightness.

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 fundamental question, as the hiker or camper is used to optimizing the storage of his backpack and distributing the weight with expert precision to avoid ankylosing one shoulder while the other does not seem to flinch.

We might as well say it in a few words: a very compact backpacking tent makes all the difference!

Pay attention to the price

We know that at 500 dollars, there is a way to find a beautiful tent… But, like you budget around 200 dollars, you are not ready to put such a price. Especially since some brands, for four times less, offer ultralight tents with excellent quality. Our selection therefore incorporates the essential factor of the wallet.

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. While it may not be 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 mass gains are made essentially to the detriment of the surface on the ground, of the overall height. This criterion remains essential for people of large sizes or a significant build.

Adaptability to climatic hazards

Moreover, the weather conditions governing the geographic area where you are going to camp will also weigh in the balance. If you are used to camping in summer or in a region with a hot climate, the type of tent will be different (tent with a treated and light cotton canvas for example) from a tent suitable for camping in the mountains (tent with a polyester canvas, waterproof and resistant).

On the market, you can find three-season tents (ideal for spring, summer and fall) or four seasons (for all seasons of the year). We advise you to opt for a three-season tent (spring, summer and autumn) at a minimum. Because it will ensure good protection against wind and rain.

However, taking a look at its waterproof characteristics. Finally, if snow is one of the elements you will have to rub against, four seasons will prevail.

Strength of materials

Having an ultralight backpacking tent for 50 dollars is all well and good. However, if it ends up in the dustbin after a single use, its appeal diminishes. Instead of delving into the technical specifications of the materials used, this criterion relies on user feedback and their field experiences. Essentially, there’s nothing better than a practical test bench to assess quality, isn’t it?

Don’t neglect a touch of comfort

We tell you bluntly, our top 10 of the best ultralight touring tents under $200 do not have any tent to stand on… If that’s what you’re looking for, then go your way. On the other hand, comfort is full of little things that we don’t immediately think of but that is better to keep in mind. Are there one or two apses to store the gear? What are the storage spaces inside? And so on.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What types of backpacking tents are there?

There is a diverse range of backpacking tents, each designed to cater to specific needs and preferences. There are dome tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, and ultralight tents. Furthermore, backpacking tents come in various sizes, including small 1-2 person tents, medium-sized 3-5 person tents, and larger tents that can accommodate more than 6 people.

What weight should not be exceeded for a backpacking tent?

From our point of view, a backpacking tent should not exceed 2 kg for 2 people. Beyond this weight, carrying the tent on a hike can quickly become a burden. You will then ask yourself the question if it is not better to sleep in a refuge rather than carrying your tent. If you still want to go on a heavy but inexpensive tent, then the solution will be to share the elements of the tent, to distribute the weight among the hikers.

How much does a good backpacking tent cost?

Good hiking tents are usually expensive. Anyone who relies on high quality and workmanship should invest money. Of course, larger tents are often more expensive than smaller ones. In addition, tents from well-known brands are more expensive. Depending on the size, the average budget for a 2-person backpacking tent is around 200 dollars.

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 tents with a higher peak height and longer floor length to ensure sufficient space for your height.

Are these backpacking tents suitable for solo camping?

Yes, most backpacking tents designed for two people can be used for solo camping as well. In fact, many backpackers prefer two-person tents for solo trips because they offer more space and comfort. You can store your gear inside the tent or use the extra space for added comfort during your solo adventures. Solo tents are light and compact, so if weight is a primary concern, you might want to consider a dedicated solo tent.

How to increase the lifespan of a backpacking tent?

A tip to increase the life of your equipment is to take care of it with suitable products. You should know that your tent loses its impermeability by dint of being exposed to the sun. To restore this waterproof barrier, you can use tent waterproof spray and take the opportunity to clean your tent, which can get dirty depending on the type of terrain where you are pitching it. These products are in the form of an aqueous solution, you only need one application for 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 your 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 the perfect model 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.