Top Lightweight Backpacking Tents

Lightweight backpacking tents are very popular these days, judging by the number of models available. There are so many to choose from, it can make your head spin!

It's no surprise, really. Every backpacker wants to carry less weight in their backpack without giving up too much comfort and protection.

Lightweight backpacking tents offer a good combination of strength, durability, comfort, and low weight.

A good backpacking tent is one of the most important pieces of outdoor equipment for hiking and camping. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

I've narrowed the field down to 3 top tents, each of which will give you many happy bag nights for years to come. So, without further ado, here they are...

Best Use Of Space: Marmot Aura

The Marmot Aura 2P's bent corner poles and offset pole configuration create an amazing amount of livable space for the weight.

No wonder it earned an Editor's Choice award from Backpacker Magazine for 2008.

Good-sized vestibules, easy set-up and excellent ventilation make this one a winner.

Best Weather Protection: MSR Hubba Hubba HP

The original Hubba Hubba was a groundbreaker: the first sub-4 pound double-wall tent with 2 doors and 2 vestibules.

The Hubba Hubba HP has less mesh than the original, giving you better protection from wind and blowing sand or snow. It also has a thicker, more waterproof floor.

Despite these improvements, it still comes in well under 4 pounds!

The hubbed pole system is easy to set up, and the brow pole creates steeper sidewalls, as well as keeping rain from entering the tent during entry/exit.

Best Value: REI Quarter Dome T2

The new, improved Quarter Dome T2 uses a unique pole configuration to reduce weight and create more livable space. The pole design also makes for dry entry and exit.

It is very light, yet still has a reasonable amount of floor space. Dual doors and vestibules are nice, although the vestibules are somewhat small. Lots of mesh makes it extremely breathable.