The Best Hiking Tents – 2022 Review

From trailblazing the ridges and ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night – overnight or extended hiking trips require a suitable hiking tent.

Don’t just take our word for it. A high-performing tent will often receive good reviews. The more favourable the reviews, the more people are inclined to purchase and subsequently review it themselves – thus continuing the cycle.

Basically, our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word!

No, this isn’t a ranking of the ten most ‘technical’ tents. There are no hidden agendas or incentives, nor any imitations on price or brand. No strings – sorry, guy ropes – attached.

Instead, we’ve given bias the boot and determined the ten most popular tents by the number of sales, both online and instore at Snowys, over the past 12 months.

Each tent falls within the boundaries of standard hiking tent criteria, including weight and dimensions – and while this year’s top contenders almost mirror the last, some have shuffled in the rank. So, let’s get kicking to the pinnacle!

10. MSR Elixer 2 Hiking Tent

Last seen as a finalist in 2018, the Elixir 2 Hiking Tent by MSR offers both easy access and a roomy interior for two people.

Still boasting 35% more space in the vestibules than the original model, the colour-coded frame set-up and included footprint mean set-up is easy – both with or without a fly.

The inner is comprised of 40-Denier Ripstop nylon, while a 20-Denier nylon micromesh offers superior ventilation and a million-star view of the sky at the removal of the fly.

The Elixir 2 Hiking Tent by MSR offers both easy access and a roomy interior for two people. Credit: MSR

9. BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 Hiking Tent

A blissful sanctuary for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes – the Mantis UL 1 from BlackWolf is both low-profile and ergonomic, designed for hiking and backpacking amid weather conditions ranging from mild to wild.

Its lightweight and pack-friendly design has you hot on the heels and ready for adventure, while its low-profile structure bodes well for steadiness in adverse conditions. A waterhead rating of 2000 millimetres with taped seams battles the brutality of heavy rain. Meanwhile, the vestibule provides the means for additional storage, and the No-See-Um mesh vents double as insect protection and a means of airflow.

For the hikers fresh to the tracks, or the mountaineers savvy with money – the BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 Hiking Tent is recommended as a compact, lightweight, and roomy choice.

The Mantis UL 1 from BlackWolf boasts a lightweight, pack-friendly for hiking and backpacking. Credit: BlackWolf

8. OZtrail Hiker 2P and 3P Dome Tents

Reappearing for the third year in a row, the budget-friendly OZtrail Hiker Dome tents is available as a 2-person and 3-person design, both featuring an old school A-frame fibreglass pole design.

For protection from sun-degradation, the fly is constructed from a UVTex fabric, while heat-taped seams help prevent leaks in the wetter weather. The polyester and No-See-Um mesh inner also allows for adequate ventilation.

For the first-timers or entry-level climbers, the OZtrail Hiker Domes are the ideal beginner’s tents.

The OZtrail Hiker Domes are the ideal beginner’s tents. Image: OZtrail

7. Outdoor Connection Howqua 2P and 3P Hiking Tents

From tearing up the tracks to hitting the sack, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents by Outdoor Connection are the most ideal lightweight tent for the kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers.

The two-pole design allows more space within the tent, with an inner of polyester and No-See-Um mesh for breathability. Be it pitter-pattering, or pelting – stay protected from rain with a 3000 millimetre waterhead rating, heat-taped seams, and a 75-Denier 210 polyester fly. With space for boots and bags in the the vestibules, enter and exit your personal hikers’ hub from either of the dual doorways.

With a minimalist set-up and a price to match, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents are a tourer’s most trusted travel companion.

The Outdoor Connection Howqua tents are the most ideal lightweight tent for kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers. Credit: Outdoor Connection

6. Zempire Mono and Atom 1P Single Pole Hiking Tents

For unparalleled simplicity blended with robust performance, the single-pole design of the Zempire Mono ensures a minimum weight while maintaining strength and performance in the field. Coupled with a convenient pack size, the Mono is perfect for solo adventures – providing enough sleeping space for one, plus a single vestibule for your gear, gadgets, and boots. With a full mesh inner, high-end alloy poles, and unbendable Tri-pegs – it also boasts an an impressive waterhead rating.

Rubbing shoulders with the Mono is Zempire’s Atom, a similar tent with similar sales numbers. Both feature the same materials and packed size, with the exception of the Atom’s brow pole allowing for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions.

The Zempire Mono and Atom are superior mid-range tents for lightweight adventurers. 

The Atom’s brow pole allows for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions. Credit: Zempire

The Zempire Mono represents unparalleled simplicity blended with robust performance. Credit: Zempire

5. BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight 2P and 3P Hiking Tents

Climbing the ranks since 2020, the BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight tent is Available in two and three-person variants. While these models have been featured in the BlackWolf range for many years, the brand has only decided to incorporate the use of lighter-weight fabrics within recent years.

The unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. With two teardrop-shaped doors and vestibules, the Grasshopper’s inner is constructed entirely from mesh for superior ventilation. Thanks to the colour-coded poles, you can be set up by sundown and packed down by daybreak. 

The Grasshopper Ultralight tents by Black Wolf are a lightweight, mid-range option, ideal for use in the warmer and shoulder seasons.

The tent’s unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. Credit: BlackWolf

4. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2P and Solo Hiking Tents

Compatible camping companions, the Hubba Hubba NX 2P and Solo hiking tents challenge any co-campers in your set-up at the summit. 

With an inner of high-tenacity nylon fabrics, the fly boasts an Xtreme Shield™ Waterproofing Coating that both resists fabric gumminess and lasts up to three times longer than standard coatings. Their all-in-one hub and pole system not only expands the interior space for maximum head and elbow room, but bodes well for sturdiness amid the gusts and gales. 

Trumping the streetlights of big city backstreets, achieve that million-star view from the mountaintops with the option to completely roll back the fly on clear nights. Equipped with reflective guy ropes, MSR Needle stakes, and adjustable stake-out loops – the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2P and Solo hiking tents offer the perfect pitch for a pair of trailblazers or a solitary swashbuckler.  

A true companion, the Hubba Hubba NX 2P hiking tent challenges any co-campers in your set-up at the summit! Credit: MSR

3. Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2P and 3P Hiking Tents

They may not be the lightest hiking tents on the list – but the EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability. 

Together, durable fabrics and alloy poles create a roomy and functional shelter, also featuring superior weatherproof properties. With a solid inner and mesh doors, the Spartan 2P and 3P tents reflect a true three-season tent, embellished with internal storage pockets, lantern hanging points, and a compression storage sack.

The EPE Spartan hiking tents take the eager adventurers from the metropolitan maze to the trails primed to blaze!

The EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability. Credit: Explore Planet Earth

2. OZtrail Nomad 1P and 2P Hiking Tent

Coming in at under a hundred bucks, it’s no wonder why these sell so well! This may suggest that they don’t boast the same user life as the higher end tents – but you get what you pay for, and these tents receive great feedback on their performance.

The OZtrail Nomad tents feature a mesh inner with basic fibreglass poles. While the Nomad 1 is a single-pole tent, the Nomad 2 is a 2-pole tunnel style design with two entrances and vestibules. Shaped longer than standard hiking tents, the Nomads are well-suited to the taller users who enjoy stretching out in their outback hangout. 

For the budget hikers who like spending more time than money – the OZtrail Nomad tents are the better bedtime choice.

Shaped longer than standard hiking tents, the Nomads are well-suited to the taller users. Image: OZtrail

1. Companion Pro Hiker 2P Tent

After tapping the Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent down to second place last year – we’re delighted to see it has now reclaimed its position as Number One! Despite discontinuing the one- and three-person models, Companion has maintained this two-person design – along with its near-perfect 5-star ratings. 

A traditional dome style tent, the Pro Hiker 2 features dual doors and vestibules. By no means is it the lightest tent, nor does it offer as much internal space as some of its corrivals – but it remains both a reliable and affordable performer. With a robust floor, an inner constructed of three-season mesh and polyester, and alloy poles – the Pro Hiker 2 is conveniently furnished with roof vents, organiser pockets, and a gear loft for storage.

The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price. 

The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price. Credit: Companion

Vaude Campo Compact 1-, 2- and 3-Person Tents

Designed in Germany, Vaude creates gear in The Spirit of Mountain Sports. With timeless design in mind, they develop innovative products using repairable, robust materials. Vaude have forged an award-winning position through their commitment to sustainability, based on their values which are “gentle on the planet, fair for the people of the world, and functional for you. That’s what outdoor gear and apparel is all about.”

Offering an uncomplicated design, wind stability, and quick pitching – these lightweight tents are manufactured using premium materials. From hiking, trekking, and backpacking, to mountaineering, switchback-ing, and bike-packing – Vaude offer the tents for when lightweight, minimalist packing is the top priority.

We can’t wait to see if they make our list of best-sellers next year!

Offering an uncomplicated design, wind stability, and quick pitching – these lightweight tents are manufactured using premium materials. Credit: Vaude

 

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