Best 2 Person Tent for Backpacking (Small Tent Guide 2024)

If you’re in a rush and just want to know what the best two-person tent is, we recommend the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent  as our #1 pick.

A tent is the most important piece of camping equipment needed in any camping trip, especially when backpacking.

The great part about two-person tents is that they are small, lightweight, and don’t take up a lot of room in your car or if you are heading out on a backpacking trip.

But let’s face it. You’re not looking for a car tent if you’re in the 2-person range. You want a lightweight backpacking tent. 

So without further adieu, here are our picks for the best 2 person tents:

• Best Overall 2-Person Tent: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint
• Best Budget 2-Person Tent: Coleman Sundome Tent
• Best 2-Person Backpacking Tent:  MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent

Best 2 Person Tent: Our Top Picks

Best 2-Person Tents:

• REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint (Best Overall 2-Person Tent for Car Camping and Backpacking)
• MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent (Best Overall Backpacking Tent)
• BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent (Best Budget 2-Person Tent for Backpackers)
• NEMO Dragonfly 2 Tent (Best Ultralight for Backpackers)
• Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent (Best Beginner Tent for Backpackers)
• The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent (Best 2 Person Tent for Windy and Stormy Weather)\
• Coleman Sundome Tent (Best Budget 2 Person Tent)
• REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent with Footprint (Best 2-Person Value Tent)
• Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent (Best 2-Person Premium Winter Tent)
• Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent (Best 2-Person Pop Up Tent)
• Yakima SkyRise HD Tent (Best 2-Person SUV Tent)

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 4 lbs 11.5 oz | Min Trail Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz |  Inside Height: 42 in | Floor: 90 x 54 in (33.75 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

As REI says “Dropping over a pound from its famed predecessor,” the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is the perfect tent for backpacking.

A minimum trail weight of 3 lbs 15oz and a full packaged weight of 4 1bs 11.5oz, you won’t find a higher quality backpacking tent for the money.

At 33.75 square feet, there is enough extra room to comfortably sleep two people, and some gear. Something that not many 2-person tents can realistically accomplish.

Pros:

• Best weight to value ratio – a lightweight, but spacious tent, makes this great for backpackers
• Easy set up and takedown
• Keeps you completely dry even in rainy conditions.
• Comes with a footprint included in the price
• In a two person tent, headroom is hard to spare, but with a peak height of 42” and the dome design, there is plenty!
• Taller campers rejoice, as anyone 6’5” or even over will have plenty of room to unwind.

Cons:

• Missing the mesh pocket at the top of the tent compared to the older model
• No grommets on the footprint, so can’t do a fast fly setup

Best for: people looking for the best overall 2-person tent on the market today.

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MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 2 lb 14 oz | Min Trail Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz | Inside Height: 40 in | Floor: 84 x 50 (29 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

This MSR tent is a great option for those who want to go backpacking in a high-wind area without having to haul a ton of weight.

Its geometric shape and sporty color scheme also bring a nice aesthetic element to the table.

There are quite a few advantages that this tent holds over the others, but it does have its fair share of cons as well. It’s lightweight, compact, well-ventilated, and easy to set up.

It’s also got durable poles, as well as a low peak height and structure that helps keep it stable in windy weather.

On the downside, the stakes that come with this tent could be better. They are extremely small and lightweight and the guylines can sometimes come loose.

Staking your tent down well is important when the wind is strong, so I’d strongly recommend spending a few extra bucks on a good quality set of stakes.

You can check out our video review of the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 here (also check out our written review of it):

Pros:

• The tent is very lightweight at 2lbs 14 oz trail weight, making it easy to carry for miles without breaking a sweat
• It’s very compact and even comes with a compression bag for easy transport
• Good ventilation takes care of condensation, keeping you dry no matter what
• Spacious for two people, and plenty of headroom at 84 inches!
• Easy and intuitive setup with Durable poles

Cons:

• Not enough stakes for the money – consider upgrading to MSR’s Groundhog stakes which are perfect for high-wind camping

Best for: tall backpackers who want awesome wind protection, or couples who like to cuddle.

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NEMO Dragonfly 2 Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz | Min Trail Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz | Inside Height: 40 in | Floor: 80 x 50 in (29 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

This is hands down the best backpacking tent that we have looked at.

With a full packaged weight of only 3 lbs 1 oz, you cannot get any better than this.

Stripped down, the minimum trail weight is 2 lbs 9 oz. The Nemo Dragonfly is an ultralight, freestanding tent, with two trapezoidal vestibules that allows enough room for two backpackers and their gear.

Even for taller campers, the NEGO Dragonfly has enough room to go around.

Pros:

• The perfect tent for backpackers, with a 3 1bs and 1 oz packaged weight!
• Great backcountry tent that will withstand even the worst rain and wind that you can throw at it
• Easy Setup – with only one pole, setup is quick and easy
• Heavy on features between Gear Pockets for person items and a special Divvy Sack that allows you to split the load with a backpacking partner
• Black mesh sidewalls help improve airflow for condensation and a bonus for stargazing at night

Cons:

• The Dragonfly 2 footprint is sold separately
• On the pricier side – not a low budget option for backpackers

Best for: backpackers, solo campers, and backcountry expeditions

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Coleman Sundome Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 7 lbs 12 oz | Min Trail Weight: n/a | Inside Height: 48 in | Floor: 80 x 60 in (33.33 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

This is one of the most popular two-person tents on the market, and when you consider its price tag it’s no surprise why.

This is a sturdy and solid basic dome tent for car campers, solo travelers, and beginners alike.

Thanks to Coleman’s patented Weathertec technology, it has features such as:

1. protected seams,
2. a wind-strong frame,
3. a waterproof tent floor.

That means you’ll be safe and warm even during the worst showers.

All in all, this Coleman tent is probably the best cheap 2 person tent available today.

You can read our full review of the Coleman Sundome here.

Pros:

• Affordable – best value for money
• Can be set up in as little as 10 minutes
• Waterproof – you’ll stay dry even in heavy rain
• Large windows and a ground vent make it very breathable
• Weighs less than 10 pounds making it great for backpackers

Cons:

• The tent doesn’t come with a footprint
• Not suitable for colder weather

Best for: campers on a budget who still want a great small 2 person tent.

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The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz | Min Trail Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz | Inside Height: 43 in | Floor: 87 x 50 in (30.6 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

With a minimum trail weight of 5 lbs and 5oz, this tent is lightweight, but packs a full weather-proof punch.

It has 2 large doors on either side, offering easy access and great views from within the tent.

This tent is extremely weatherproof, providing stability in windy conditions and keeping you dry in heavy rain.

The North Face Stormbreak is built to withstand mother nature’s finest – a stormbreaker indeed!

Perfect for 2 people, this tent is small and lightweight, exactly what you are looking for.

Pros:

• A good ratio of size and weight makes it great for backpacking
• High quality materials means strong performance in bad weather
• Easy setup – goes up in a couple of minutes
• Small and lightweight at 5 lbs 5oz
• 30.6 square feet of space, giving you enough room for 2 people and a dog
• Great for taller people – at 87 inches long this tent is long enough for taller people (6’ to 6’ 8”)
• High-low ventilation allows efficient airflow
• Two doors means getting in and out is easy

Cons:

• The footprint is sold separately
• Pricey – this is not a low-budget backpacking tent

Best for: people looking for a durable and small weather-proof 2 person tent

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REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent with Footprint

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 5 lbs 10 oz | Min Trail Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz | Inside Height: 40 in | Floor: 88 x 52 in (31 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

Coming in at 31 square feet and weighing only 4 lbs and 2 oz, the REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent is a great 2 person tent.

The X-pole configuration makes it easy to set up and teardown, while adjustable ceiling vents help to reduce condensation and provide solid ventilation.

This tent features plenty of interior space along with two well-sized vestibules for gear storage, and additional space. It also comes with a footprint, unlike some other tents.

Pros:

• Easy setup and teardown
• Good ventilation, and includes two vestibules for added space
• Small and lightweight at 4 lbs and 2 oz
• Long enough at 88” to accommodate taller campers (6’ and above)
• Footprint included – thank you REI
• Two doors means getting in and out is easy

Cons:

• There aren’t too many pockets in the tent
• Needs extra stakes in strong winds

Best for: backpacking trips and campers looking for a solid and sturdy 2 person tent.

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Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent

Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 9 lbs 10.2 oz | Min Trail Weight: 8 lbs 9.7 oz | Inside Height: 38 in | Floor: 92 x 64 in (40 sq ft) | Setup Time: 15 mins)

If you are looking for a premium, high quality, yet expensive 4-season mountaineering tent, look no further.

If you are looking for a budget 4-person tent, look elsewhere.

At 8 lbs, 9.7oz this is one of the heavier tents we reviewed, but that makes sense as the materials need to be premium and able to withstand the elements.

Canopy fabric is 40-denier ripstop nylon, while the floor and rainfly are made with 70-denier nylon taffeta, rated 10,000mm waterproof, so even if you get caught in a thunderstorm, you’ll barely feel it.

For a two-person tent, it is actually quite a bit larger at 40 square ft. You’ll have plenty of room to keep your gear warm and dry.

Setup and takedown is more complicated than a standard 3-season tent, but that is to be expected given that it is both heavier and bulkier than the other tents that we’ve looked at.

Pros:

• 4-season tent you can use even in freezing temperatures
• Extremely durable tent – rated 10,000 mm waterproof
• Withstands the elements, including high winds, rain, and snow
• Perfect for high-altitude camping
• More square footage at 40 square feet, than other 2 person tents

Cons:

• Difficult setup – not the easiest to setup and teardown
• Heavy for backpacking at 8 lbs, 9.7 oz
• Extremely pricey – the most expensive tent on this list by far

Best for: campers willing to pay a premium price for a quality 4-season tent.

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BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz | Min Trail Weight: | Inside Height: 47.2 in | Floor: 55 x 82.7 in (31.6 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

This is the best budget two-person camping and backpacking tent under $100 on the market today.

The click-on rainfly makes this one of the easier setup and takedowns for tents that we have reviewed.

The price-to-quality ratio is high. With over 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon, it is clear that this is a top budget backpacking and 2-person camping tent.

Pros:

• Easy setup and takedown – the tent assembles in minutes and the rainfly simply clicks on
• Waterproof – you’ll stay dry even in heavy rain
• Budget friendly – will not cost you an arm and a leg
• Weighing only 4.5 lbs, this is a solid backpacking tent
• Features a large vestibule

Cons:

• The footprint sold separately
• Probably not the best long-term durability

Best for: campers on a budget who want a great two person tent for backpacking and camping

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Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz | Min Trail Weight: 4 lbs 1 oz | Inside Height: 43 in | Floor: 85 x 57 in (30 sq ft) | Setup Time: 3 mins

Having a respectable size (30 sq ft) and lighter weight (under 5 pounds), this Kelty tent is a great introductory tent purchase for first-time tent buyers.

It also has great ventilation, easy setup and a durable construction.

All that combined means it’s a good choice if you want a good beginner tent that could last you for years.

Its freestanding tent design allows you to set up camp wherever you want, and its color-coded clip construction means you’ll be up and running in no time.

Pros:

• Easy setup – can be done in 3 minutes
• It’s 4 lbs. 12 oz. weight makes it perfect for backpacking
• Can handle winds up to 45 mph
• Durable – made with quality materials so it will last you for years
• A large vestibule provides a lot of space for your gear

Cons:

• Some customers found the tent poles to be of a lesser quality
• More expensive than some of the other tents on this list

Best for: camping beginners who want a quality four person tent that will last them for years.

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Yakima SkyRise HD Tent

Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 101 lbs | Inside Height: 42 in | Floor: 84 x 48 in (28 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

If you are looking for a great 4-season SUV tent, look no further than the SkyRise.

The Yakima SkyRise HD Tent (full SkyRise review here) comes in two different sizes small (2-person) and medium (3-person), depending on your personal needs, and compared to some other high-end rooftop tents, the Yakima tents are priced right.

The rainfly in the HD models is coated with a polyurethane coating so that it’s completely waterproof. They have a 3000 mm waterproof rating, which indicates the pressure at which water is able to press through the material. In this case, the tent can sustain 3,000 mm of water on top of the fabric before it leaks.

As for the height, the S model is 42″ while the M models are 48 inches tall. That’s roughly the standard height, so we can say that SkyRise tents are average in terms of headroom. What’s more, even the rainfly has a clear window. This means that you’ll have a view of the night sky even when it’s raining.

The tent will also go up in just a few minutes.

Pros:

• A waterproof and windproof tent with 210D Ripstop Polyester, 3000 mm PU waterproof coating that can stand up to the toughest elements
• Leightweight compared to other rooftop tents, coming in at only 101 lbs
• Easy setup that will take only a few minutes
• Users love these, rating them the highest out of any other rooftop tent

Cons:

• These tents don’t pack small. You’ll need to find a proper moisture-free space for storing it when not in use.
• Pricey compared to some of the other Rooftop tents on this list

Best for: rooftop campers who want to camp in winter weather and have the most durable tent available.

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Napier Outdoors Sportz Cove SUV Tailgate Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 7 lbs | Inside Height: n/a | Floor: 2 feet awning (n/a) | Setup Time: 5 mins

Easily convert the hatch of your SUV into a tent with the Napier Outdoors Sportz Cove SUV Tailgate Tent.

This SUV tent is a simple sleeve that fits over your hatch and attaches with a few bungee cords.

This tent is great for anyone going car camping who doesn’t want to feel claustrophobic by closing the hatch to avoid bugs, weather, and more. It is also very quick and easy to set up.

Pros:

• If you need to leave the campsite, you simply close the hatch and lock up – everything else will stay in place so all you have to do is open the hatch when you return
• Set up does not take long and is super easy for one person to do alone
• The Cove Tailgate Tent allows you to sleep in your car without having to close the hatch or be swarmed by bugs
• This tent is lightweight, comes with minimal components, and easily folds back up into the provided bag

Cons:

• Fits most SUVs… but not a perfect fit for all SUVs – double-check the size and make sure it works with your vehicle
• It does not give you a lot of extra room, since you are confined to your car

Best for: solo campers who want a simple, affordable tent that slaps right on the hatch

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Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent

Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 6.4 lbs | Inside Height: 35 in | Floor: 7.5 x 4.4 ft (33 sq ft) | Setup Time: 2 min

Typically, sizing can be snug, and two campers should opt for a bigger tent for comfort.

However, the Coleman 2-person Pop Up Tent offers ample room for two or a solo camper with a lot of gear.

While it’s not the most rain-friendly tent on the market, this tent remains stable even in strong winds, thanks to sturdy poles and well-designed guy-out triangles.

In a departure from most pop-up models, this tent features a mesh roof and a removable rain fly. This flexibility allows you to partially or fully open the tent’s top to let in air and allow for stargazing on those perfectly clear nights. 

The main selling point though is that it sets up lightning quick and is also extremely budget-friendly. We like the Sundome more, but this is a much, much faster setup. 

You can read our full review of the Coleman Pop Up Tent here. 

Pros:

• Redesigned poles and guy-out triangles that help keep the tent in place
• With only 6.4 pounds of weight, this tent is a featherweight
• A zipper cuff and inverted seams prevent the rain from leaking in
• There are two storage pockets to help you organize your gear
• A removable rain fly helps provide better ventilation

Cons:

• The material is a bit thin

Best for: anyone looking for a fast pitch, no hassle, no frills tent.

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Key Considerations When Purchasing a Two-Person Tent

As with everything in making purchases for camping, purchasing a 2-person tent is no different. For example, smaller 2-person tents tend to:

• Be cheaper, due to less materials needed, overall
• Have less room for extra gear storage inside of your tent
• Weigh less, and take up less room in your car than larger 4-person or 6-person tents
• Are harder to stand up fully in, as average height tend to be in the 30-50” range.
• Best for backpacking or solo travelers who don’t need a lot of room

While a 2-person tent can be considered for a romantic getaway, not all tent sizes are created equal, so make sure that there will be enough room for you, your significant other, and your gear!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Two-Person Tent

If you are buying a 2-person tent for the first time, you will want to make sure that you have the basic features covered:

• Size
• Weight
• Weather Resistance
• Additional Features
• Setup Time
• Price vs Value

How big is a two-person Tent?

Two-person tents are ideal for one-person and gear, one-person and a dog, or for backpacking trips where being packed in side by side is expected for the added benefit of hauling a less heavy tent to the campsite.

When a manufacturer says that a tent will fit two people, it typically means that it will fit two people side-by-side with no other room. 

However, 2 person tents do hit a particular sweet spot where you can indeed squeeze two backpackers into a tent and with two vestibules have plenty of storage. 

The difference between packed weight and minimal trail weight.

If you are a backpacker, this is very important. Manufacturers will disclose the difference between the packed weight (the weight of all parts of the tent, including accessories) versus the minimum trail weight (the weight of only the essential components).

Minimum trail weight generally does not include tent stakes, guy lines, and stuff sacks. It will only include the tent body, rainfly and poles. However, keep in mind that you will likely want tent stakes and perhaps other accessories that are not counted in the minimum trail weight.

Packed weight on the other hand will include anything/everything that the tent comes with. So a smart rule of thumb is to count the packed weight for backpacking trips to give yourself a bit of margin for error in your backpacking base weight.

Also Read: How Much Should A Backpacking Tent Weigh?

Weather Resistance

When backpacking or using a tent for 4-season camping, this is where weather resistance really comes into play.

Most of the tents we review are typically 3-season tents, and hold up well against both wind and rain. They are the best waterproof tents that can find for two people.

But we have also hand-picked some 4-season tents which are specifically made with the best waterproofing materials around. If you are looking for a tent with tougher material and thicker insulation, you’ll want a 4-season tent.

Ease of Setup

When you’re out on the trail after a long day backpacking, the last thing you want to do is deal with the hassle of a tent that doesn’t pitch quickly. 

Most 2 person tents are rather easy to use. Less material. Less poles. Less trouble. 

While the Trango 2 proves to be more of an obstacle than some of the other tents, nearly every other tent on our list can be set up in about 5 to 10 minutes.

Price/Value

All tents are not created equally, and not all tents are priced equally either.

As you can see 2 person tents can come in any price. It is all over the map from under $50 to above $500. 

But if you are looking for the best budget picks, it is pretty clear that you are going to get a great deal from the Coleman Sundome Tent, or the BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent.

But, if you are really looking for the best value that money can buy, you should look at the REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent with Footprint.

It is pretty rare that tents come with a footprint included AND at a good price point. The Passage 2 tent does just that!

Additional Features

Lastly, most two-person tents have varying features from an additional door, vestibules, rainfly, dome or other things to consider.

Some tents come with all of the bells and whistles, while others are more basic in their design.

FAQs

What size tent should I get for two people?

If you are backpacking, a three-person tent should be considered for two people.

However, if you are car camping, then you’ll likely want a bigger tent. A 4-person tent or even a 6-person tent may be more what you are looking for, especially if you want room to stand up in your tent, store gear, and have a generally more comfortable experience.

I can tell you from my personal experience, that a two-person tent is just big enough for myself and my gear.

For someone who is going car camping and can afford the extra weight and size of larger tents, I would lean towards a larger tent every time.

Is a 2-person tent big enough for backpacking?

Yes, a 2-person tent is typically more than enough space for backpacking, especially for a single person.

But although a bit tight, a 2-person tent can also work for two backpackers, especially if it has a vestibule that can cover your gear outside.

How much does a good 2-person tent cost?

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a good 2-person tent.

The Coleman Sundome 2-person Tent is less than $50 but is a nice-sized and well-made budget tent.

The best overall value 2-person tent is the REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent that not only comes with a footprint, but aluminum poles, 2 doors, and has a minimum trail weight of 4 lbs 2 oz. It’s a spectacular deal.

Is a 2-person tent big enough for 2 people?

A 2-person tent has enough room inside to place two sleeping bags one next to another.

There’s no additional space for your stuff or moving around. So while two people can fit, it’s definitely not that comfortable for 2 people.

Does a queen mattress fit in a 2-person tent?

Depending on the model, a queen mattress might be able to barely fit inside.

A queen mattress with dimensions of 60×80 inches would be just about the right size for a Coleman Sundome Tent, for instance.

Our Verdict

After a lot of research and careful consideration, we found that the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent is the best 2 person tent on the market today.

Not only is it a usable and lightweight backpacking tent, but it is perfect for solo campers and couples who don’t need a lot of extra space.

Combine the ease of setup with the durability of the materials and you can see why it’s our top pick.

More Small Tents

• Best 1 Person Backpacking Tents
• Best 3 Person Tent for Backpacking
• Best 4 Person Tent for Camping