2023 BACKPACKING TENT AWARDS

[@JustinOutdoors]

What tent do you use? 👇 TENTS FROM THE VIDEO 👇 REI Trailmade 2: geni.us/Trailmade2 Naturehike Mongar 2: geni.us/Mongar2P SMD Lunar Solo: geni.us/LunarSolo MEC Spark 2.0 1P: geni.us/Spark1P Marmot Tungsten UL 1P: geni.us/TungstenUL1P Sea to Summit Telos 3P: geni.us/Telos-3P Durston X-Mid 2P: geni.us/X-Mid2 Lanshan 1 Pro: geni.us/Lanshan1Pro Lanshan 2 Pro: geni.us/Lanshan2Pro REI Half Dome SL 3+: geni.us/HalfDomeSL3 Zpacks Plex Solo: geni.us/PlexSolo Durston X-Mid 2 Pro: geni.us/XmidPro2

[@_68niou1]

Justin, have you ever looked into the LightHeart Gear tents?

[@sway_onthetrail]

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is the tent I've used for 2 years and it is incredible. These is genuinely not one thing I would change about it. The solo is big enough for me and my 10 year old soon too, it's kind of crazy how spacious it is for a solo tent.

[@Oldsparkey]

I've had a good selection of tents in my life. My problems started when I was a teenager out camping with friends. About 67 years ago I was in a tent and a buddy was in a WW2 Jungle Hammock. Neither of us could get comfortable so we switched shelters and from that day on it's been a hammock for me. I still have tents and do use them but if I can , it's a good jungle hammock for me on any trip.

[@benjaminhymes1219]

Thanks Justin I will always be in your debt for introducing me to the landshan tents a couple of years ago it literally saved my back. Keep showing us good budget gear that keeps people safe.

[@Non-Serviam300]

How did it save your back? Thanks! 😊

[@benjaminhymes1219]

It was much lighter than my 8 lb tent I was using ​@@Non-Serviam300

[@camperlists7090]

Glad to have 3FULGear and Naturehike on the list.

[@mgodek]

Great video! I recently bought the Lanshan 2 Pro (3 season version) and unfortunately unsuspectedly woke up to a couple inches of snow ontop of my tent. It surprisingly held up nicely and would highly recommend for those looking for a budget ultralight option

[@backpackingcapebreton]

Stargazer kit for the X-Mid 2P allows you to pitch just the inner tent without the fly. So fun on nice clear nights.

[@TlMESPENT]

Valid

[@pierrelepropre8813]

You also have alternative pitch which does the same effect without the stargazer kit while allowing you to close down the fly very quickly in case of rain. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/npOtZ5eLebCkpqM

[@backpackingcapebreton]

@@pierrelepropre8813 very cool! Thanks for that, I didn’t know about this pitch.

[@TlMESPENT]

I absolutely love your camp gear reviews! I've seen 100s of gear review videos over the years and I truly think Justin Outdoors puts out some of the best out there. The effort that must go into showing off a dozen tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, or even camp pillows all in one setting while still managing to give unbias, accurate, and detailed information on each item. You're just as much an artist as you're an experienced adventurer.

[@kaya-sem]

I can vouch for the mongar. Have it in purple and it's very room and easy to set up. Enough room to sleep with a friend, and when split the weight is good

[@andywilson1380]

As a new backpacker, I started with a hammock set up, it really is the cheapest and lightest way to start out. However, I realized pretty quickly that tents have their place especially in areas where trees aren't as abundant. As I normally go solo, I didnt need anything too big, so I opted for a bivy tent, specifically the Eureka Solitaire AL. It's right around $110 and weighs in at 2 lbs 10 oz. I found it very easy to set up, just stake it, slide in the poles, and you're done, less than 5 minutes every time. The only downside is the headroom, because you really can't sit up in it, but that isn't a big concern for me, just something to keep in mind because thats a deal breaker for some. Overall, it's been an amazing first tent, and great value for how light and durable it is. I also want to note that I don't bring trekking poles when I go out, I may switch to a different tent if/when i use those more often. Great video, always love the content!

[@michaelcrawford9425]

I love the X-Mid Pro 2! Used it during a recent hike on The Foothills Trail and it was amazing.

[@hoser7706]

Great breakdown! I just saw Xmid Pros on a trail in Arkansas. And we used a BA Salt Creek 3 for this trip in case of car camping and for some comfort. At 4lbs it was still a light carry and I love the third front door porch. The views were incredible.

[@dewdrop6400]

Nice to see the love for the Marmot Tungsten UL 1P. To be honest I bought this last summer because the Durston X-Mid 1P wasn't available at the time but I do like the tent.

[@VapourTrailz]

Durston xmid 2p, you most definitely can split the weight as the inner can be easily removed for striking camp on those wet days and I would go ahead and say the xmid 1 as probably the most popular tent of late should have made the 1p category too!

[@H4K4LA]

This is an amazing resource! Really appreciate you putting in the time and research for this video. I would love to see the pop-ups proofed a little closer - I think I saw grams, kg, pounds and oz in there 😅 You're my favorite outdoor KZbinr and I'd love to trust the weights on the video. Keep up the good work!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great idea for a video! (And props for the time it must have taken to shoot!). Currently my go to is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HVUL2 Bikepack. I have Durston Xmid Pro 2 for trekking pole tenting.

[@roselee_explores]

I've got the XMid Pro 2 and the Tarptent DR LI ... between the two I prefer the DR because of the extra space both in width and height. Plus, I rarely use trekking poles so I only bring the XMid when I know I'll be needing the trekking poles to hike with. Plus, I prefer the dcf floor on the DR vs the non-dcf floor of the XMid (even though ... I like the side benefit of it packing smaller). But anytime I have the freedom to choose between the two - I always pick the DR. And that's only when I can't take my hammock setup! 😀

[@nate-beard]

Thanks for sharing. I've been leaning towards the DR Li since it came out. And I'm 6'6'' so the extra length and room is appealing. Glad to hear this comparison as I was considering the xmid, but I just think I'll be happier in the DR Li. Cheers!

[@dpear3]

When I was in Boy Scouts our troop tents were the REI Half Dome 2s & 3s. If they can survive years of abuse from teenage boys they can survive just about anything. Now I own my own Durston Xmid because it does pretty much everything and for the same or better price of almost any respectable tent.

[@johnhelmuth9718]

Nice video covering many options for various situations. Years ago, I bought that lanshan 2 thru Ali Express to try out a trekking pole style tent w/o breaking the bank. Performed well in the High Sierra when anchored down w/ rocks (heavy rain, hail, and major wind gusts). This summer, I'm looking forward to trying out the hyperlite outbound 2, a lighter single wall dynemma fabric upgrade to my lanshan. More condensation may be the only negative. Oh, I picked up the REI Half Dome SL 2 plus a year ago...great for shorter in/out backpacking/glamping trips with my young son. For a lighter free standing option, im considering the NEMO Dragonfly. I still use the 3 pound big agnes jack rabbit sl 1. LOL

[@stefank4959]

I LOVE my Telos! I find the 2p totally fine for two, saying this as a 6.5ft person.

[@KR11111]

I'd recommend Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 for a 1 person tent. So easy to set up, not too pricey and light

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'll have to take a look! Sierra Designs tents have been hard to come by in recent years

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Talk about a perfect video. Just exactly what I was looking for.

[@IPv6Freely]

I think the Duplex now having optional zippers on the doors and magnetic fly closures it's going to stick around at the top that much longer. That said, I'll throw out that I think the best tent for two people is the zpacks triplex. We've been using it since the first year we started backpacking and to this day the size to weight ratio is still one of the best out there. It also now has optional zippers and magnetic fly closures as well.

[@TlMESPENT]

Even after watching this video im still glad I purchased the DupleXL.

[@nathanlockhart3876]

⁠@@TlMESPENTI’m about to buy my first lightweight tent and I’ve been having a hard time choosing between the Zpacks and the durston. I ended up choosing the Durston for the lower stake requirement but I don’t think you could go wrong with either.

[@jakebrown3822]

Another great option, while not a tent, for two to three people is a four person sized 'mid. The MLD Supermid, Liteway PyraOmm Max etc etc and, the one I own, an MSR Front Range (got it at a huge discount) are superb choices. Throw in a bug net if bug pressure is high and you've got SO MUCH SPACE for not a lot of weight.

[@HikeRx]

The Durston X-Mid 1p the best trekking pole tent for the money...IMO

[@bk3610]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@5ervalkat192]

I use a Tarptent Notch Li when backpacking solo; I think it's the lightest and best 1 person, double walled tent out there. Very easy to set up and plenty of room. Love the 2 vestibules and 2 doors. For 2 person trips, I take a Tiger Wall UL2; this is too new to give you an opinion, but it gets good reviews, with some caveats.

[@candacetoms4927]

Really excellent breakdown/comparison. Thank you! I’m looking to get something lighter than my REI Half Dome 2, which I love.

[@thelosttraveller4725]

Nice video. I've been using the Zpacks Plex Solo for over a year now and I can confirm that it's the best tent I've ever had.

[@Merlmabase]

Glad to see your endorsement of the Half Dome. I'm looking for that couples trip tent, backpackable or bikepackable by two people, but still roomy. The REI tent seemed like a sweet spot and it's on sale I asked them for the folded length of the poles, since ideally they would fit in the custom frame pack on my touring bike. If so, I think I'm pulling the trigger

[@evanhammond7305]

These videos are great Justin keep it up

[@nate-beard]

I use the REI flash Air 2 tent. (the first version.) I honestly like it a lot, but at 6'6'' it's just a little too short, but I'll make it work until I save up for something roomier. Nice video!

[@daisiesndirt]

Excellent video, very helpful!

[@cully592]

Great video, Justin. I would like to point out that the telos is 4.25 POUNDS not ounces. Also, I believe that you can split the Xmid between inner and fly; the same way as the telos.

[@laurbereznai9143]

Not even a hot take, I spent a few weeks on the PCT this year and for the first time ever, there were significantly more Durston tents out there than Zpacks. On top of that, from the conversations I've had, most who like me, were using a zpacks tent, had it before their hike while almost everyone who bought a tent for their thru hike and went with one of the two, got some kind of xmid

[@lohyewcheong]

Would you say that the zpacks pitches easier than the Durston on less than perfect terrain (eg rocky ground) found on the PCT?

[@laurbereznai9143]

@@lohyewcheong I'm not sure. My group had two X-Mids but both of them had never used a trekking pole shelter before while I've been using my duplex since 2017. It definitely needs a little more space and if you only stake out the four corners, you really need things to be relatively flat but I don't remember anyone struggling too much with it once they got used to it.

[@_68niou1]

Lunar Solo for a 1P, and the Mountain Hardware Stratus for the 2P. The latter is the lightest semi-freestanding tent I could find two years ago and it's still going strong. It's also the roomiest for the weight of that class. I love that thing. At 6'3+ those tents both fit me very well. If I want a little more room in a solo tent (like for extended wet weather or backcountry hunting) I like the SMD Skyscape Trekker. It beats the Durston tent, IMO.

[@kelseywinter-troutwine1928]

And I just bought a tent…before this lol. Mine isn’t on here but not mad at my choice. On the nature hike brand I heard they’re so similar to MSR tents bc they used to make MSR tents in some capacity. Like something about nature hike uses the old factories some MSR’s were made in. Well I hope my Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 does well!

[@mcsingleton]

Great video. Thank you for the info!

[@wyregrasser7540]

I'm partial to my Big Agnes Copper Spur. There are times that I think I want a trekking pole tent but just never jumped. Here's a tip from and old pushing 60. Turn any good gear into great gear by learning it and using it. The more something feels like it is part of you the more it shines. To know your gear is to enjoy your gear. Great work enjoy ur vids. It's hot in the Deep South y'all. 🥵

[@glitchlife4639]

Hmm, cant beleive the Nemo Dagger did not make this list. Its an amazing backpacking tent, I love it. The Hubba Hubba should also be on this.

[@benm3403]

Bro is going crazy with the uploads 🤯

[@TrekOfficiel]

Tarptent Dipole 2 LI all the way for couple, followed by X-Mid 2 Pro.

[@leelowder8824]

I have a Tarptent DiPole 2Li that I really like. It has plenty of room for 2 people.

[@jayv.8298]

Good overview man 🇨🇦

[@khaosforever5034]

nice hat patch. ill admit, i watched the entire thing purely because youre a canadian and its nice to see canadian opinions on camping gear.

[@gmbtempe]

Great informative video

[@dkeener13]

curious if you've looked at the X-mid 1P models, either regular or pro. They seem like decent options to me on paper, 32" wide to accommodate any sleeping pad, dual vestibules, etc.

[@glenloewen7507]

I’m surprised that some of the popular MSR and/or BA tents didn’t make it into your list. I’m personally a huge fan of both, whether it be for Backpacking, Car Camping, or Cross-Over.

[@user-bf1lp8ou5p]

The Xmid Pro still has a Nylon bathtub floor though, instead of DCF like the z-packs. The nylon floor absorb and hold in water like no ones business. So, if the ground or ground sheet is already wet, so will be the inside of your tent.

[@TheOgieone]

The cross over division tents would be great for canoe camping

[@JustinOutdoors]

Totally!

[@laurabolt5412]

If you can, give some love to Featherstone Outdoor! They have great lightweight tents including trekking pole tents, and for SUCH good prices. I love my producta from them.

[@kaylariggs8865]

The Paria Zion 2 is also a great budget option for a new backpacker.

[@locomotivebreth1910]

Justin have you tried any of the warmlite tents? I am surprised that they are rarely reviewed. I am on my 2nd Warmlite 2X tent. that I purchased around 1995. The first one I purchased in 1976. I will probably need to buy another one in a while. Its a 2 person -- 4 season tent weighing less then 2.4 lbs including poles and stakes. Sleeps 2 and is long enough for tall people. Its a bit expensive however. Full disclosure -- I have not used it in extreme weather. This is the single wall version so there is some condensation.

[@FTW86itall]

That mongar was my first tent.

[@Sam-Icy]

Please review the Paria Outdoors tents and stuff for budget friendly options

[@lv834]

I'd like to suggest the decathlon forcaz tarp tent mt900 for international availability, budget and weight: 150€, 950g for the 1 person, 170€, 1,3kg for the 2 person

[@driewiel]

This is what you want when you get older. Aricxi hex single pole tent with hole for stove (I don't use). It's 165-170cm high. I can sit in the vestibule on a chair. The inner is 270cm long. With alu pole it's under 2 kilo. I'm a biker not hiker so doesn't have to be super light. You can use it with a lighter inner to save couple hundred grams. Had it in serious rain no problem, all taped. Price $150. Also have a Lanshan 1. Like it a lot. But not to hang out in when it rains. Hurts my back. I need a chair.

[@antiricergt]

Have you tried out the Space Acacia Camping Tent? I just got one from Amazon vine. It’s really heavy no way you could carry this thing. It’s made from idk campgrounds and that kinda thing.

[@filmic1]

Wondering why the Sierra Designs High Route 1 never took off? I still don't feel bad keeping my Moss Outland when I see the weight of some of the tents surveyed here.

[@TheWillRogers]

As someone who uses the NatureHike Tagar 2 (a clone of the Tarptent Double Rainbow) I'd recommend the REI tent over the Mongar 2. I love my tent, but know that it'll be easier to resell the REI tent when you either decide you don't like backpacking or want to step up to a lighter, more expensive tent.

[@jayinla228]

What's there not to like about a 3 pound 2p tent? Please let us know why you felt you had to upgrade and the negatives the the tagar 2.

[@TheWillRogers]

@@jayinla228 I haven't upgraded from my Tagar 2 yet, when i do it will be because this tent has breathability issues, it's a hot box in the summer and a green house in the spring. But all in it is very light when you don't include the ground sheet.

[@jayinla228]

@@TheWillRogers thanks

[@fadzly_b]

Can u made few suggestions for wet damp rainforest tent

[@cameron7889]

Love your choices. Have you used a tarptent yet? I highly recommend them. The double rainbow Li and the Aeon Li

[@JustinOutdoors]

No Tarptent yets. Send Henry an email. haha

[@cameron7889]

@@JustinOutdoors @tarptent I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they get in touch with you.

[@jjlansing11]

Ah! Do you have any suggestions for 4 person backpacking tents. When the kids were young we got a Marmot Halo 6 for car camping. We love it, but it weighs 19 lbs! Now I want to do some backpacking with my wife and two kids, and I've decided I want a 4 person tent in the 5 to 7 lb range. The Big Agnes Copper Spur 4UL is obviously the dream tent but its so pricey. Others that seem impressive looking at the numbers include the Kelty Late Start 4, Mountainsmith Morrisson EVO 4, Big Agnes Blacktail 4 or the MEC Volt 4. Do you have any thoughts or experience with those?

[@markram4444]

Hey Justin! What are those red pants you're wearing? I kinda want a pair of those

[@macs2015]

Wow I’m very surprised that not a single tent from Nemo made it to this list 🧐

[@TJ_Bosolo]

Thanks, these some great looking options! For Europeans the vango blade pro200 is a nice and more vudget couples option. We have been using it for some time now! It can get a little warm though haha

[@bigchief4044]

Slingfin Portal series!

[@user-ur1mr7yx6d]

Wondering what is the best tent with a dog? 2p tents are often too spacious (and therefore unnecessarily heavy) and many 1P tents are too small for the dog to fit in with the human.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Lunar solo

[@ChrisHufnagel_Polymath]

2:38 .. 4.25 oz on the telos 3p. Very light! 😂😂😂

[@thebadhombre9917]

Just get the x mid. Saved yourself the headache

[@clairemargaretcooper5230]

Can the Zpack and Durston withstand strong winds?

[@lukehumphrey7517]

How would something like the Paria Arches 2p compare to the Mongar and the Lanshan?

[@Mikehastohike]

X Mid 1

[@playnationtoday]

Purple pants

[@niftyfiftyphoto]

Why doesn't anyone talk about the SMD Skyscrape trekker?! I am 6'3" and love it

[@DDF1408]

Spark 2.0 is 3.9 lbs not 2.9. I own one, its pretty bomber but the vestibule is tiny. Replaced it with an xmid2p, shed weight, way more interior space and 2 huge vestibules

[@JustinOutdoors]

I am referencing the 1p version (tent for solo use)

[@DDF1408]

@@JustinOutdoors Got it, thanks. Id still take the Xmid :). The 2 person spark also narrows a lot one side, the 1p must feel tight

[@nidgegannon]

Great vid. Can you fit two 25" sleeping pads in the Lanshan 2 Pro?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Unfortunately no, it's too tight

[@jessewigent9776]

2:45 weight in oz. is incorrect. 3:55 X-mid 2 IS modular and can be pitched fly first. Dan even shows this in his pitching instructions video(s)

[@JustinOutdoors]

I talked about being able to pitch the X-Mid as an all-in-one as a benefit. Sure, you can pitch it fly first, but not a ton of situations where that is needed due to the awesome all-in-one pitch.

[@joker2100]

Do you think the REI HD SL 2+ would be wide enough for two 25" wide pads? Its width is 54". I have the Nemo Dagger OSMO 2p and it's a bit snug at 50". Thinking of returning it.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Totally. It's a very wide tent.

[@joakimolsson1024]

Uhm. Why can you not share the weight with the xmid? As with most tents the inner is not fixed to the outer, so basically all tents are possible to share weight. Even though it doesn't come with 2 stuff bags.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Justin, wondering if you've considered the tarptent brand?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've looked at their tents, but Tarptent doesn't really want to work with creators and reviewers. That makes it difficult to review their products.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

A lot of tent options out there…

[@leoserradell7755]

No Big agnes in your choices ?

[@vinoto]

I'm surprised that he picked the Telos with it's spotty reviews over the copper spur

[@JustinOutdoors]

Big Agnes just doesn't stand out these days in a lot of categories, especially at their full price. When significantly discounted, they can be an okay option.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Super well made, but not the best choice in any category. I would agree

[@pettjols]

Still, 4 Big Agnes tents on the most common PCT shelters list.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@pettjols But so is the Helium rain jacket... haha

[@surferscollective613]

3 person tent fits 2 sleeping mats.

[@rolltrollroll]

nobody covers tents for families (2 wide pads + 2 normal pads) :/ (please more than REI as they are not available in Europe)

[@TheNoobHiker]

Justin! No love for Nemo?

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Seek Outside, period. I would put them up against anyone except the budget tents. First storm you are in you will rue the day you went budget. Seek Outside is made in the usa.

[@Draovander]

In the Ultralight category why did you compare a 2 person tent (X-Mid Pro 2) with a 1 person tent (ZPacks Plex Solo or Altraplex)? Shouldn't you have used the X-Mid Pro 1 when comparing to those 2 ZPacks tent. As you mentioned the X-Mid Pro 2 competes with the ZPack Duplex not the Plex Solo or Altraplex. In that case the X-Mid Pro 1 is the same or better than the Altraplex (which is closer in room to the X-Mid Pro 1 especially if you take into account the number of stakes it takes to do a Min or Max pitch. Now that the availability of the Durston Gear tents has largely been taken care of I think a more balanced review of the 4 DCF tents is in order.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I don't compare them. I just mention two tents that I like for different circumstances.

[@AbelandVictoria]

The sea to summit is useless. I sold mine would never recommend it. Can’t handle Any wind. The fly attachment clips are the most fiddle annoying things ever. Biggest issue is the rain fly saggy and hits the inner mesh and drips into the tent

[@blueneet84]

This episode has almost more tents in it than any street in San Francisco.

[@andrewhyduke1974]

You missed the Gossamer gear tents! The Two weighs in at 23.5 ounces and is $300 on sale. The One is 17.7 ounces and is on sale now for $209 dollars! Who needs dyneema at more than twice the price? You owe GG and your readers an apology. Rainmaker

[@sebi2395]

This channel suddenly went to a REI undercover channel… more and more REI products pushed over other great options.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Agreed! 16% of the tents talked about in this video were from REI. WAYYY too many. The video is also shilling Durston gear with all the Durston tents talked about. UNCOVER TOMFOOLERY!

[@MCKoolperson9]

One of the nice things about REI products is availability, its very approachable for anyone. And while their products arent usually best in their respective categories, they are always solid and have an unbeatable warranty.

[@starrgrl24]

Personally, I like how he is including REI products. I love supporting small businesses, but it is nice to see reviews on products that are more easily available at REI.

[@foozedude]

@@MCKoolperson9 Not available to Canadians however, and Justin is Canadian after all. Appreciate the shoutout to MEC though, I have the MEC spark 3p and its served me well.

[@MCKoolperson9]

@@foozedude REI delivers to Canada. Not the same level of access but they honor their warranty through mail as well, although you do pay return shipping, usually $6

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Im shocked that tarptent doublerainbow didn’t make it into the list . It’s the best tent I’ve ever owned and fits 2 wide Pads side by side . Super light and very good in strong winds . Don’t understand this