The 7 Best Backpacking Tents Under $200

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If you want to increase comfort, safety, and enjoyment on a backcountry trip, then you might think of packing your tent. When you’re shopping for a new tent, you will suddenly realize that there are several options to choose from.

There are exceptionally light tents for every type of backpacker. You will have to look carefully to choose a tent that suits you and at the right price too! This is why we have designed this guide to help you make the best decision while getting great value for your money.

NameFeatures
TETON Sports Mountain Ultra TentEasy SetupPRICING
12 Survivors Shire TentTwo Vestibules for Weather ProtectionPRICING
Kelty Salida Camping TentEasy SetupPRICING
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4Isolated Rain Fly PRICING
ALPS Mountaineering MystiqueTwo DoorsPRICING
ALPS Mountaineering AriesMesh WallPRICING
ALPS Mountaineering ZephyrUV ProtectionPRICING

Weight

Among the first thing to watch out for is weight. You will consider the fact that you’ll be carrying this item around, in your hand or your pack, so lightweight tents will be ideal. The very good ones usually weigh 7-10 Lbs. or more. With that taking care of, you will save yourself a lot of stress from the start.

Size

The feature to consider is the size. Good backpacking tent must be compact. For example, 15 inches long and 7 inches that opens to 7 ft long and 4 ft 6 in wide may be perfect for your adventure.

Tent Cover

Having a tent with a covering might do you a lot of good when it rains, or when the temperature is extremely hot. You’ll surely be happy for that extra fabric you have between the scorching sunshine or wetting rain and your tent.

1. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent; 1-4 Person Backpacking Dome Tent

The Teton Mountain Ultra micro-mesh tent is what you need for perfect ventilation; it will help reduce to a great extent, the condensation buildup. It features extra-high waterproof bathtub floor, and it is easy to set up. Another feature that you’ll love is the reinforced, heat taped seams–even the anchor points are not to be left out.  One interesting thing about the clip-on rainfly for weather protection is pass-through ventilation technology; it also takes away condensation.

The rainfly vestibule helps to prevent water from entering the sleeping area at entry. The Mountain Ultra 1-4 Tent is water resistant, well-built and is protected with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Campers can have a feel of its uniqueness right from the start and exit the tent through the door on both sides. It comes as being attractive because there’s no need to go over the next person.

Campers are having a great time with this tent as regards convenience.  It is a simple tent yet durable and last for a long time. There’s no compromise on simplicity and durability. It many great features are embraced by so many people and it has become campers delight.

 Pros

  • Easy setup and take down because of the simple design
  • Occupants are protected from the elements when use in shoulder-season
  •  Combing a footprint, full coverage rain fly and bathtub style bottom to protect you from the element
  •  It is affordable even as a versatile tent
  •  It provide a comfortable night with the ample space
  • Rain fly vents is not adjusted—they snap, allowing vestibules more ventilation

Cons

  • Footprint cannot connect to the tent, meaning it can slip out during setup
  •  It is not the most lightweight tent out there

2. 12 Survivors Shire Tent

This tent features different vestibule areas which are outside of the tent. You will get extra storage space needed for your gear, and you can keep it out of the weather with another item present. What you must know is that it will not keep the item safe from the rain; the item will only be kept out of the wind.

For the rainfly, the tent is extended over the vestibule area. As it extends down over the area, it offers protection to rain and wind to keep you dry when you get out during the rains.

This tent comes with a nylon carrying bag. The essence of the bag is for you to carry the tent around anywhere you go. It also makes it easier to store the tent when it is not in use for camping.

The tent is a free-standing type and it is highly reliable and made from polyester which allows for durability. Insert the aluminum pole ends corner grommet, have the clips snapped onto the pole and erect it by attaching the toggle. The tent comes with plenty of perks.

 Pros

  • Two vestibules for weather protection and gear storage
  • The rainfly extending over the doors provides cover/gear space
  • Nylon carry bag for storing and carrying the tent
  • It is perfectly sized for four people

Cons

  • Item can break
  • The design is not practical
  • The bottom of the tent is not waterproof

3. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent

For an easy-to-set-up shelter and lightweight, shop for Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent. If you’re a budget adventurer, you’ll love this tent.

The Kelty Salida 2 makes a backpacking trip interesting. It has sturdy components and great design, and that makes setting up the tent very easy. The room interior allows for another companion.

This two-person tent offers great value and at a great price too. Setting it up is an easy task with standard features, for example, gear loft.  It is an ideal choice when it comes to backpacking trips and car camping, if it is possible to split the weight between two individuals.

It comes with two collapsible aluminum tent poles which can be connected with the help of shock cord. You can expand and connect it in a cross-wise manner for hooking on the inner tent body. With that done, drape the shaped rain fly over the inner tent, have it connected to the corner clips, and that’s it! You can stake out the vestibule.

Pros

  • The inner tent allows a lot of mesh ventilation
  • The collapsible aluminum tent poles allow you to pitch it quickly—even the clip system helps too
  • It comes with a gear loft and a lot of loops and pocket ideal for storage
  • Plenty of vestibule space for gear storage outside of the tent; it also offers protection against precipitation
  • It goes for a lower price when compared with others of the same weight

Cons

  • The ventilation is terrible with the inclusion of the attached rain fly and closed against the bad weather

4. Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4

The Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4 is a two doors tent, and the style is that of a dome. It comes with complete vestibules and lots of space. It doubles the weight of a backpacking tent, making it difficult to carry around.

The Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4 Person Tent brings you coziness and convenient shelter that is perfect for you and three friends. This backpacking tent features sealed flies and also floor seams which will offer great protection from the weather to keep you dry when an unexpected rain comes.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent is breathable because it is outfitted using half mesh walls which enhance ventilation. Assembling this tent comes so easy with pole clips which will snap over the tent poles. That will help you set up this tent in a quick time, and you’ll have to yourself more time to enjoy the wild. Give your camping experience an interesting feel with the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4P Backpacking Tent.

Pros

  • With a just 8 lbs 10 oz weight, it is ideal for car-camping as it packs small
  • Isolated rain fly and tent body makes possible a double-walled tent and great airflow
  • The poles can hold up against breakage as they are made of 700 series aluminum.
  • No extra protection is needed because of the solid floor construction
  • In case it stops working, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • It may not be ideal for four adults
  • It cannot be placed upside down

5. ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 2.0 Tent

The Mystique is a two pole tent and non-freestanding for that matter. It is lightweight and with great features too. It is equipped with factory sealed fly, eight zipper and floor seams, including two mesh doors for great ventilation and ease of entry and exit. You’ll get a vestibule over each door courtesy of the waterproof fly; it has a vent that you can keep open or closed. So if you have a problem with weight and need quality, then look no further than the Mystique.

The floor is 3000 mm, and the rating of the fly is 150 mm. What this means is that the fly and floor are capable of withstanding the number of millimeters water column for over a minute before the drop penetrates the fabric.

The floor has the same strength and thickness as the fly, and to extend its life, use it with a footprint—that can be ordered separately. For the poles, they’re aluminum; 9 mm & 8.5 mm for the bottom and front poles respectively.

Pros

  • It comes with two doors
  • It has two vestibules
  • It has plenty of space.
  • Made from durable materials
  • Relatively affordable

Cons

  • It is a non-freestanding tent
  • It is a bit low and heavy

6. ALPS Mountaineering Aries 3-Person Tent

Thinking of a lightweight tent? Think Aries! It is such a reliable backpacking tent and can hold its own against the elements. It has a pole that is unique and allows plenty of interior room with straight walks available on each side.

The spreader bar above the doors allows for enough headroom. Regardless whether it is 2-person design or a 3 –person, they both have two doors which make it easy to get out without crawling over anybody. The mesh walls will make it easy for air to flow in and out when the fly is not needed. You’ll be protected and dry when conditions are unfavorable, thanks to the two vestibules and full coverage fly.

Enjoy indoor comfort with the ALPS Mountaineering Aries 3 Person Tent. The pole clips allow for easily assembling when it comes to ALPS Mountaineering; the pole clips snap almost immediately over the tent poles—it helps to save ample time when setting up. It is breathable with the ALPS Mountaineering Aries 3P Backpacking as its construction is with mesh walls that are perfect for ventilation. It has extra eight zippers on the vestibules and door. The complete coverage fly provides full protection. The extra guy-outs on the fly help to stabilize the tent when the weather is not favorable. It also comes with a pole system of the 700 series—it is free-standing.

Pros

  • More headroom due to the Top cross pole
  • Mesh wall for great ventilation
  • It is a lovely tent and feels bigger in comparison to others

Cons

  • Leakage at the point cross-pole attaches to the rain fly
  • Specification not the same as the actual tent- the tent is smaller

7. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3-Person Tent

For those hot, muggy night, the Zephyr 3 person model would be a perfect fit for feeling the breeze in your tent. The walls are made of mesh that allows for ventilation and natural air. You get more headroom with the help of the unique two-pole design, and you’ll feel cramped in any way.

The Zephyr has aircraft alloy aluminum poles, which makes it strong and also lightweight. The two doors make it easy for you to get inside and outside. The vestibule that is over the door makes for good storage space for your extra gear. A secure attachment is provided as the fly buckles to the tent when you compare to an elastic cord.  It is a high-quality tent—with great headroom, lightweight and so on.

Pros

  • 1500mm Coated Fly and 3000mm coated floor suffices which allows for great water and UV protection
  • It is an ideal space for two people or more
  • The two vestibules allow for gear storage

Cons

  • Not comfortably designed for three people
  • With rainfly, ventilation is not so good
  • There may not be opening from the inside

Conclusion

It’s great having a backpacking tent that suits your needs. Your adventure will be more exciting, and you’ll worry less about setting it up especially if it takes less time and it’s lightweight. The important thing is that these tents have been designed with different features which make them better suited for different categories of needs. If it comes down to choosing the best, we are will go for the The Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Tent which is mainly because of its versatility and the added features it comes with.

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