Regardless of where you’re setting up camp, whether it be out in the backcountry or at a well-serviced campground, the quality, build, and weight of your tent can make a huge difference to your experience. Particularly when you have to carry all your belongings to your destination. If you’re camping with your friend or partner, which tent should you pick to ensure you both get the most out of your trip?
To help you make the fundamental choice of which tent suits you best, we’ll look at the weight, the space provided, the materials used, any extra features, and the price. Although some campers recommend that you purchase a tent made for an extra person (i.e., a 3-person tent for 2 people), here, we’ll look at the best 2-person tents on the market.
Check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur for a top-of-the-range 2-person tent with plenty of added features. Alternatively, consider the Wakeman Outdoors 2-Person Tent for a well-made budget option.
Best 2-Person Backpacking Tent
- Big Agnes Copper 2-Person Tent (Top Pick)
- GEERTOP 2-Person Tent
- MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Tent
- BISINNA 2-Person Lightweight Tent
- REI Quarter Dome SL 2-Person Tent
- The North Face Stormbreak 2-Person Tent
- Naturehike Cloud-Up 2-Person Tent
- Wakeman Outdoors 2-Person Tent (Budget Buy)
Comparison Of Top 2 Person Backpacking Tents
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Big Agnes Copper | 86 |  Premium quality all-weather tent | Check Out On Amazon |
 GEERTOP Ultralight | 80 | Affordable 4 season option | Check Out On Amazon |
 MSR Hubba Hubba NX | 80 | High-spec tent with extra-vestibule space and features for stargazing | Check Out On Amazon |
 BISINNA Lightweight | 80 | Excellently priced tent with good space | Check Out On Amazon |
 REI Quarter Dome SL2 | 80 | A lightweight option from a reputable brand | Check Out On REI |
 The North Face Stormbreak | 78 | Classic easy-pitch tent from the North Face brand | Check Out On Amazon |
 Naturehike Cloud-Up | 72 | Easy to pitch and with a lifetime warranty | Check Out On Amazon |
 Wakeman Outdoors | 64 |  Ultra-cheap barebones tent on the small side | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of The Best 2 Person Backpacking Tents
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- All-weather tent
- Excellent quality
Disadvantages
- If pitching in bad weather, you may need more stakes than included
- Expensive
Material
This premium all-weather tent is constructed with ultra-light nylon designed to be extra durable against any rips and tears as it’s made of double rip-stop nylon.
With a breathable mesh tent body and a waterproof coated fly, you’ll enjoy a ventilated living space that can withstand 1200 mm of water in wet-weather or snowy conditions, making it perfect for those who like to camp in the elements.
With lightweight aluminum poles, the focus is on ultra-light camping, meaning this high-end tent is ideal for backpackers who need to trek to their destination.
Weight
This is an expensive tent, but for your money, you get a strong and ultra-lightweight kit that can withstand the elements.
At only 2.7 lbs, this is the lightest tent on our list, making it ideal for backpackers who need to minimize their weight.
Space
Although it packs down to a minimal 19.69 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches, the Big Agnes Copper delivers usable space with a 29-square-foot area.
Vestibules use an awning to create a bigger covered space outside the tent, while an overhead organization pocket within the living room maximizes the use of space inside.
Features
Excellently designed to be easy to pitch with color-coded poles and straps.
The tent also uses a TipLok Tent Buckle system to make it simple to combine securing your poles while attaching your rainfly and stake loops at the correct tension.
Another simple addition is the double zippers at the entrance, making it easier to exit or enter your living space without allowing any wet weather.
Campers should note that although this is an all-weather tent, you may need more stakes than included to secure it against strong winds.
Price
At around $550, this is a high-end, high-spec tent. Although you may make a considerable initial outlay, it delivers in terms of design and quality.
2. GEERTOP 2-Person Tent for Camping 4 Season Waterproof Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Affordable 4-season tent
- Good space
Disadvantages
- Heaviest tent option
Material
Waterproof and wind resistant, this double-layered 4-season tent has been tested successfully in snowy weather, while the mesh lining of the inner tent gives great air circulation in hot weather.
Weight
Although marketed as ultra-light, at a little less than 7 pounds, it’s the heaviest tent on our list and should only be considered if you’re happy to shoulder a few extra pounds for a 4-season tent.
Space
Although it may weigh a large amount, the space you get is more welcome news.
With 32 square feet of floor space, you’ll have plenty of room for you and your friend or partner to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.
Features
This affordable tent has two doors for great access, both with mesh and double zippers for easy control of air circulation.
As a thoughtful touch, the guy lines are reflective, making them easily visible in the dark.
Price
At $150 or $120 on sale, this is great value for a spacious 4-season tent that can withstand cold conditions.
3. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Extra vestibule space
- Easy to stargaze at camp
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Material
Made of 20D rip-stop nylon with a protective coating, this is a durable 3-season, high-performance tent with mesh inserts for added ventilation that comes highly recommended by the camping community.
This well-designed option is aimed at serious campers.
It is available in two configurations to suit your needs: with DuraShield Coating and extremely light poles or with an Xtreme Shield Waterproof, long-lasting coating and Easton Syclone Poles (designed to withstand heavy winds).
Weight
With a total weight of 3.9 lbs, the MSR Hubba Hubba isn’t the absolute lightest tent you can find. However, it is still very transportable for backpackers carrying all their gear.
If you want to cut down on the weight you’re carrying, you can sleep under a simple shelter using the rain fly, leaving the body of the tent behind.
Space
The MSR Hubba Hubba packs down to a compact 18 x 6 inches but will give you 29 square feet of floor area plus a further 17.5 square feet of covered vestibule space at both doors, which is perfect for storing your packs and gear, leaving more room in the living space.
Features
The two-door access makes an ideal tent setup for two people with no clambering required to get out.
At the same time, color-coded clips and joined poles and hubs make for an uncomplicated pitching experience, although you will need to purchase the footprint separately.
When you’re at camp, you’ll also be able to roll up the vestibule to experience the wonders of stargazing in the backcountry at night.
A 3-year limited warranty may not be as ideal as a lifetime guarantee, but it’s reassuring that your initial trips will be covered.
Price
At over $530, the MSR Hubba Hubba ranks up there with the most expensive 2-person tents and is more suited for serious campers than casual trippers.
4. BISINNA 2-Person Camping Tent Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Excellent price
- Good amount of space
Disadvantages
- Heavier than other options
Material
Like the North Face Stormbreak, which we’ll look at later, the Bisanna is a polyester taffeta-made tent, which may affect its resistance to rips and increase its weight, but it is great for the wallet.
Lightweight aluminum tent poles help offset any additional weight from the polyester, while the double layers aid waterproofing and ventilation.
Although the materials guarantee a good level of water resistance, this is a 3 season, free-standing tent that shouldn’t be considered for more extreme trips (i.e., in cold winter conditions).
Weight
At 4.72 pounds, the Bisanna won’t win awards for being the lightest tent, but it’s perfectly manageable and is a reasonable trade-off for the good price.
Size
You make up for what you lose in terms of weight in space with the Bisanna.
With 31.65 square feet of room, there’s a good amount of space for 2 people to sleep cozily at night with some room for gear.
There’s a pocket inside for some simple organization, although nothing too elaborate.
Features
Big mesh sections and velcro vents are incorporated into the design for good ventilation, while pegs and wind ropes give good resistance to windy conditions.
Many users rave about the easy setup, although using mesh inserts instead of hooks for pole insertion can be tricky, and you’ll need to purchase the footprint separately.
A limited lifetime warranty also gives you some reassurance that you’re not taking many risks with this purchase.
Price
At only $80, the Bisanna is an excellent value if you’re looking for a 3-season, 2-person tent without too many extra features.
5. REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Lightweight
- 2 vestibules
Disadvantages
- Not a lot of space for 2 people
- Semi-free standing
Material
Using rip-stop nylon and aluminum poles to construct their affordable staple 2-person tent, REI Quarter Dome is a durable and compact solution to your camping needs.
As it is a 3-season tent, it won’t be suitable for more extreme trips.
Weight
With a total packed weight of just 2 lbs 14 oz, the REI Quarter Dome is among the lightest of the tents we’re considering and is right for those looking for an ultra-light solution without the price tag that normally accompanies them.
As with other options, you can reduce your weight by leaving the tent body at home and sleeping under the fly, using the separately sold footprint.
Space
At 28.7 square feet, the Quarter Dome has a little less liveable space than some of the other 2-person tents. You may find it a little cramped, particularly if you intend to use blow-up mattresses.
2 vestibules add much-needed extra space for your gear while the 2-door design gives hassle-free entry and exit options.
Features
A color-coded, corded, pre-hubbed pole system makes for an efficient setup, while plenty of pockets help keep your inside space organized and clutter-free.
The stake loops and guy lines are reflective to help prevent any nocturnal accidents from tripping, and you’ll get a pole-repair tube included with your purchase in case of any damage to your structure.
Although this is a more affordable option, campers should know that the Quarter Dome is only semi-freestanding, so it will need to be staked at all times.
Price
The Quarter Dome will usually set you back around $380.
However, it is possible to find it on sale for less than $270, making it far more affordable than some high-spec options, although still a considerable investment.
6. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Good amount of space
- Easy-pitch design
Disadvantages
- Heavier than other ultra-light tents
Material
Unlike most of the other tents featured on this list, the 3-season Stormbreak 2 tent is made from a combination of polyester and polyester taffeta, which is useful in terms of stability (and price) since it has less stretch than nylon but may not offer the same quality in terms of strength.
Weight
With a packed weight of 5 lbs 5oz, the Stormbreak 2 is one of the heavier tents on our list and will be better suited to those who do not need to trek long distances to camp or those doing multi-day hikes.
Size
With a floor area of 30.56 square feet, the Stormbreak is one of the roomier 2-person tents available and is perfect if you are taller than average or carry plenty of gear.
This tent also gives you a good amount of headroom and vestibules, so you won’t feel cramped if you need to spend time inside.
Features
Good-sized doors make it easy to get into (and out of) this classic North Face tent and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside while relaxing.
There’s also ventilation at both the top and bottom of the tent, increasing the flow of air and reducing the amount of condensation within.
Campers are happy with the easy-pitch design, making this budget-friendly tent easy to assemble so you can enjoy your camp without hassle.
Price
At less than $200, this is a solid, affordable option from a well-loved outdoors brand and perfect if you are not in the market for an ultra-light tent.
7. Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Overall Score: 72
Advantages
- Waterproof
- Limited lifetime warranty
Disadvantages
- Limited space
Material
The rip-stop nylon, in combination with a waterproof coating, weatherproof material, and robustly sealed seams, the Naturehike Cloud promises to help you stay completely dry even in very wet conditions.
However, there is also UV protection for sunny weather.
The double layers also add to the waterproofing and the breathability, aided by a mesh canopy with a window, while the pre-bent poles are durable.
Weight
At 3.97 lbs, the Naturehike isn’t light enough to be considered ultra-light, but it’s still a reasonable enough weight to be considered for a backpacking trip.
Unfortunately, ultra-light equipment often comes with a high price tag, so if you don’t have a huge budget, a tent of this weight group is a very reasonable alternative.
Space
With 28 square feet of space, you won’t get the most room in your living space.
However, interior pockets will help you maximize space use, and it should be large enough for two average-sized adults to sleep snugly.
Features
With a painless setup manual in your tent, the Naturehike should be simple enough to get pitched within 5 minutes.
This is a 3-season tent that is not designed for use in winter, so those looking to camp in cold conditions should look elsewhere.
You will get a lifetime limited warranty, however (for issues related to quality), which offers good reassurance when you make your purchase.
Price
The Naturehike will set you back at only around $170, which is good value for a reasonably lightweight tent that can withstand inclement weather.
8. Wakeman Outdoors 2-Person Camping Tent
Overall Score: 64
Advantages
- Exceptionally affordable
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Very cramped
- Very basic tent with few added features
Material
This basic polyester tent comes with fiberglass poles and a two-layered door that can be partially opened to reveal a mesh screen that helps allow air in and keeps insects out.
Weight
At only 2.75 pounds, you’ll have nothing to complain about in terms of weight. However, you shouldn’t expect anything other than a basic shelter to sleep in.
Space
Although it claims to offer a 30-foot square space, the dome setup somewhat impacts available room, and you’re likely to find it a little tight if you’re taller than average, and you may get very cozy with your tent buddy at night.
Features
This is a budget tent with very few added features, although the door is double-layered so that you can keep insects out and airflow circulating.
Price
At just over $20, you’re unlikely to find anything cheaper on the market, but do bear in mind that you’ll get what you pay for with the Wakeman tent, so this should be considered the best option only for the most budget-minded.
Now that you’re done with the article, do check out my suggestions for the best camping sleeping bags and the best camping sleeping pads to go with your new 2-person tent.