From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night – overnight or extended hiking trips require a suitable hiking tent.
Our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word! Credit: ‘Things Amy Does’
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!
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 or 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!
From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night. Credit: MSR
10. BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight 2P and 3P Hiking Tents
Ranking 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 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
9. Zempire Mono Hiking Tent
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.
The Zempire Mono is a superior mid-range tent for lightweight adventurers.
The Zempire Mono represents unparalleled simplicity blended with robust performance. Credit: Zempire
8. BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents
Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes – the Mantis UL 1 and UL 2 from BlackWolf are ergonomically designed for hiking and backpacking amid weather ranging from mild, to wild!
Both the UL 1 and UL 2 are lightweight models with compact, pack-friendly designs. Their low-profile structures are made for the more rugged outdoor missions, boding well for steadiness in adverse conditions. A waterhead rating of 2000mm on the fly and 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.
The BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents are the compact yet roomy choice for the hikers fresh to the tracks and the mountaineers savvy with their money!
Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes. Credit: BlackWolf
7. Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent
Classically lightweight with space for two, the Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent offers both an entrance and vestibule for each adventurer.
A twin hub pole structure creates near vertical sides and ample internal space as well as a stable free-standing frame. With a full mesh inner, draft panels, highly waterproof floor and rip-stop fly – this tent is built for roughing at the summit with its tough, durable design.
One of the most functional in the Zempire tent range, the Zeus takes every hiker, backpacker, and track lover from mountain crest to much-needed rest!
The Zeus is one of the most functional in the Zempire tent range. Credit: Zempire
6. Zempire Atom Hiking Tent
Zempire’s Atom rubs shoulders with the Mono; a similar tent that came relatively close in sales numbers this year too.
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 Atom’s brow pole allows for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions. Credit: Zempire
5. Outdoor Connection Howqua Hiking Tents 2 and 3
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
4. Roman Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents
If you like it, hike it – with the Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents by Roman, new to the best-sellers list!
A lightweight and compact construction boasts alloy poles with ‘v’ stakes, for security in outdoor serenity! A quick setup design features internal hanging room and colour-coded poles – so you can match, attach, and tip that frothy down the hatch in no time. With ventilation throughout and at the rear, and a generous front vestibule, you’re equipped for lazy lounge-about afternoons post hike. Plus, owing to to compression straps on the carry bag, you can roll over, roll up, and roll on out of camp with tightly bundled hiking clobber!
Keep it kicking on the hike track with the Roman Cradle Hiking Tents, offering a cozy, cot-like nap beating the need for nightcaps!
The Roman Cradle hiking tents offer a cosy, off-track cranny. Image: Roman
3. MSR Hubba Hubba 1, 2, and 3 Hiking Tents
Compatible camping companions, the Hubba Hubba 1, 2, and 3 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 guarantees a speedy setup, it also bodes well for sturdiness amid the gusts and gales. In the Hubba Hubba 3, three ain’t a crowd thanks to its symmetrical design and non-tapered floor guaranteeing room to groove for the whole gang and their gear.
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 1, 2, and 3 hiking tents offer the perfect pitch for three musketeer-mountaineers, a pair of trailblazers, or a solitary swashbuckler.
A true companion, the Hubba Hubba 2 hiking tent challenges any co-campers in your set-up at the summit! Credit: MSR
2. Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent
Crowned number 1 in 2022, the Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent has remained at number 2 fpr two years running it yet another alarming 2024 rank review!
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
1. Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 and 3 Hiking Tents
The EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability – bringing them to number 1!
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
We’ve got to mention these guys…
Sea to Summit Alto and Telos Ultralight Tents
They’re the gear guru’s choice for gold on those off-grid getaways – and given they’re only a recently introduced model, they just missed out on the top ten best-sellers list for the past 12 months!
A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too. Credit: Sea to Summit
Despite their weightless designs, the Alto and Telos series tents by Sea to Summit boast longevity. Standing up to the rough and tumble of outdoor adventuring, their superior performing materials include DAC poles, robust YKK zippers, and 7-series aluminium hardware.
The seam-taped, PU-coated rainfly can be assembled before the tent itself to ensure a dry setup and pack-down – and for the Telos, ‘hangout mode’ incorporates pair of separately available trekking poles to convert the rainfly into a half-open shelter. A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too, with the option to secure the tent pole storage pouch to the apex for a softer light. Plus, enjoy three gear storage pockets for the valuables that transform into three stuff sacks through Sea to Summit’s FairShare, split-load storage system.
A tension ridge creates more head-and-shoulder space, greater vestibule area, and higher doorways for easy entry and exit, while colour-coded poles and pole feet bring home that quick-clicking and a butt-kicking blend of lightweight and durable. Plus, Ground Control Light tent pegs, guy lines, and custom attachment toggles ensure a steadfast setup.
Ben and Lauren discuss the range with Ross Smith from Sea to Summit on the Snowys Camping Show:
Both the Alto and the Telos tents are compatible with separately available accessories such as footprints and gear lofts, and also available in a bikepacking design for those two-wheeled adventures. Below, our very own Ben takes us through the features of Sea to Summit’s Alto Ultralight Tent and the Telos TR Ultralight Tent:
Were you surprised at this year’s top 10? Let us know in the comments!
When it comes to camping, hiking, travel and adventure – the Snowys team have all the expert advice, guides, and tips on everything outdoors.
No mention of either the
mont Moondance 1p,2p or ex (3p) or the or the Moondance fn (full nylon)
Or
Mont dragonfly
I would have thought this Aussie brand would have made it on the list
Mont tents are awesome, no arguments from me there, they just aren’t products we sell.
Hi Guys, We purchased a Spartan 2 a couple of years back and it’s been great! We’ve done a few multi day hikes and it has stood up to heavy downpours, overall no problems with it. It is on the heavier side being over 2kg, but it’s sturdy and you don’t need the added weight of a footprint. In warmer weather you can ditch the fly and use a lighter tarp overhead or go without. This tent is free-standing too, which makes it very versatile. Now that we know that hiking is our thing, would look at something in the ultralight dept to drop some weight in the packs, but it does seem like a substantial price jump to get anything durable in the ultralight. The Spartans are a great introduction tent for hiking, or a minimal fuss – throw in the car for a weekend overnighter somewhere.
Weight is a critical factor in determining what is is a good or bad hiking tent, but there’s no mention of this in the reviews.
Hi David, thanks for your message – and great point. These blogs tend to highlight the main features of each product (e.g. lightweight design, sturdy frame, etc.), then link to their respective product pages where the more detailed specs are displayed (like weight etc.).
I’m surprised Mont didn’t make it to the most popular….
Hi Leonie, thanks for your insight! These ‘Best’ blogs only reference the brands that we sell at Snowys. Mont aren’t a brand we stock
Soooo this article titled “the best hiking tents – 2022 review” is not really an article about the “BEST” hiking tents is it? It’s more along the lines of an article displaying your sales figures. And yes I did read the intro and I am aware you guys mentioned this. Don’t get me wrong I understand why it’s good to post this information but maybe something like “consumers choice – most popular hiking tents” etc would be a more relevant title for THIS article. Anyway that’s just my personal opinion…
Hey Mike, thanks so much for your message. This is a great point, and we have certainly considered other titles for this reason. We truly value our reader’s experience, so will take it on board
Ironically their number 1 tent is also their cheapest $99? So I would likely say that rather than upsell the better msr ECT, a seasoned hiker would already know that they have a passion for the trail. It’s not for everyone,. If you understood the words. Eg, the article is not a hikers blog, but clearly states what it is. I myself find your depth of perception lacking and as a personally as a retired hiker ((blown ligament RKn) car based 4wd hiking tent now)) wonder why you are so obviously so personally offended by a company’s blog on how they rate the number 10 tents. COFFEE? And you like what brand of coffee? White, back or sweet??? Your own personal style of hiking is one you will understand, WHEN you get off the keyboard and give it a go. Me, I am a romantic hiker who will hike in somewhere breathtakingly visually and audio incredible. Then using a day pack hike back out to get more food and water supplies and return to my hiking spot. Some are trailblazers and want to complete the course in a time specific zone. Adrenaline rush and endorphins plus. Do you actually hike ? If not he author has stated he sells no 1 the $100 hiking tent and you can decide if you like hiking. Any experienced hiker not being a trailblazer will all want number 10. If you love hiking you will come back and continue to upgrade your equipment and I kid you not, a top quality hiking tent usually sells for $600 -$1200. Most of us stick to the $350-$450 mark. Spoiling ourselves as we will continue hiking and breaking out our kit just to clean and maintain. So any hikers blog is also like their personal choice of coffee or tea and whether white, black or sweet ECT. Happy hiking. Mike in Australia
Hi. Can you recommend a tent that would be good for newbie bikepackers? The tent would have to fit 2 adults plus gear most of the time but would also occasionally be used for one person plus gear. Thanks
G’day Carol, sorry for such a delayed reply! There are lots of factors that will influence your decision – budget and frequency of use being the biggest ones. The Snowys crew are usually in favour of ‘buying once. buying right’ but since you’re a bikepacking newbie, I’d suggest balancing your purchase with your enthusiasm. I.e. not outlaying a huge amount of cash straight up just in case you discover after a couple of trips, that it’s not really your thing.
With that in mind, you could go an entry-level hiking tent like Coleman’s Ridgeline which is one of our top-sellers and a pretty great tent for its price. We’ve received positive feedback from our customers too but I’d recommend the 3P over the 2P as the vestibule area isn’t huge and you may need the extra space for storage, especially when travelling with 2.
https://www.snowys.com.au/ridgeline-3p-hiking-tent
If you’re super keen on doing regular trips and you’ve got the budget, a mid-range hiking tent will present better value in the long run without you handing over a huge amount of cash for a top-dollar tent.
If going mid-range, I reckon it’s a toss-up between 3 and some of our Snowys crew are using these themselves…
Marmot Tungsten 2P – great vestibule room for your gear and dual entry.
https://www.snowys.com.au/tungsten-2p-hiking-tent
Black Wolf Grasshopper 2P or 3P – depending on how much gear you want to keep sheltered and how the regularity of solo trips vs 2 of you.
https://www.snowys.com.au/grasshopper-ul2-hiking-tent
https://www.snowys.com.au/grasshopper-ul3-hiking-tent
and
Zempire Zeus – quality materials plus a good amount of space for 2 of you plus gear.
https://www.snowys.com.au/zeus-hiking-tent
You might find it useful to read our customer reviews on each of those product pages as nothing beats gaining insight from people’s personal experiences. Plus, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Customer Support team – they’re awesome and always happy to help out. Cheers mate
service@snowys.com.au
1300 914 007
I would like to comment on the Marmot tent mentioned above. My brother and I both bought this tent and have used them a number of times on our semi regular sea kayaking expeditions. I like the design and the quality of the fabrik very much and have found it a very good ten sandy (with sand pegs) and poor camping environments which are common when sea kayaking. The poles are not of the same high quality, I have split the join in the spar that keeps the fly off the tent body, when I repaired the split it then split further down the spar on the next expedition. My brother has had the mainframe split at the join in a few places. When I reported this to the outlet they said that they had not had any complaints about this model and suggested I might be lying. My brother found a website where purchasers of this tent shared advice on how best to repair the frame joins that are prone to splitting, so much for this being a rare issue. He also posted on the Marmot site saying how much he liked the design of the tent but the frame joint weakness was an issue and his comment was deleted, no wonder you don’t hear about these issues. Would still like the tent if I could get a reliable (non-split joins) frame but am less impressed with the outlet and the company.
It sounds like your Tungsten tent hasn’t performed up to standard and that you haven’t been able to get a good response from the brand, so I’m sorry to hear about that Geoff.
As far as I can find, we haven’t had any other uses report the same issue with splitting, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t happen, it’s just something we weren’t aware of until now.
If you do have a problem with a tent you buy from us in future – just touch base with our customer support team and they will get it sorted on your behalf. Thanks for your two cents, Geoff! Cheers.
My Macpac Eclipse has been a gem, and more recently the Mannagum Howqua 2 has proved to be ideal for my motorcycle and kayak excursions …
I bought a tent a couple of years back that seems to have gone under the Radar. The Mannagum Delatite 1 is a little beauty. You can still pick them up but they seem to be rare. Around AU $150 – 200. I don’t know if you can get a footprint for them but if you could it would be fantastic. Light and easy to put up it is my favorite hiking tent.
Thanks Snowys. I’ve been trying to decide between a few of these tents for a while now. It’s nice to see them all in one place.
Thanks Snowys. I’ve been trying to decide between a few of these tents for a while now. It’s nice to see them all in one place.
I’ve got the atom and love it. I’d like something similar but freestanding for a cycling tour. Anything you’d recommend?
We’ve got a few options for you that are 1P freestanding tents depending on how much you want to spend starting with the Marmot Tungsten 1P tent which also comes in an ultralight, the Freelite 1 and the Hubba NX – I hope that gives you a few models to start your research Brad!
Vango 2 person tent… bought from the UK as I thought a 3 season UK tent would be equivalent to a 4 season in in Australia. Only issue is is def not lightweight. But stands up to the harsh conditions.
Absolutely Peter, our purchasing team brought the Vango tents into our range for that very reason! They’re ideal for winter use in Australia, but aren’t the lightest tents by any means.
Great ideas…what would you recommend in term 4p hiking tents…trying to keep as light as possible as carrying gear for x2 kids
We don’t have any 4P hiking tents in our range at the moment as they’re not a big seller for us, unfortunately. In the past, we have had the Papa Hubba from MSR which is a high quality 4P lightweight tent – so that might be a starting point for you Josie.
Even though I’m not in the market, I am a gear junkie so this tickled my interest, not showing weight though is a big miss for me.
If your milti-day/week hiking, weight is an important consideration.
My 1st 1P tent was 1.7kg (heavy). My latest a Big Agnes 2P (needs trekking poles) is 880g, this is still heavy for me and is used only when ground camping is a must.
Otherwise I use a ultra light Hammock/Tarp system.
I’m sure other gear junkies would definitely agree with your position, Matthew. However, we’ve put together this list from our sales data, and I suppose there are just a lot of beginner hikers out there who weren’t ready to splurge on ultralight tents this year!
Yep, totally agree , ultralight article with no weights mentioned at all. Very poor effort. Probably reflecting that none of these tents are ultralight. It’s very hard to find anything decent in Australia. Up your game and start offering some real ultralight tents snowys.
Great to have your input, Kent. As Emily explained in her response to Matthew, we use our sales figures to determine what is in most demand and this collection represents our best sellers from the past 12-months. We do have a new range of German expedition hiking tents coming so perhaps we’ll see those represented in next year’s list. Cheers
Don’t agree with many of these at all.
Some could be hiking tents if you split them up between two people but even then, there are tents that are way lighter (albeit more expensive).
That’s definitely an option Tim, but our top 10 is based on sales volume which probably why all the more affordable (but clearly heavier) models are so high on the list.
the main thing I was looking for in this article was ‘weight’. To be honest, no-one mildy serious about pack hiking would look at a tent over 1.7kg these days. Many wont go over 1.5kg.
Totally agree with Pro Hiker tent being number 1..we have Pro hiker 3 and used for car camping under a tarp ..so roomy inside and plenty of head space plus the extra short pole that keeps the two vestibule fly sheet from sagging.
No other hiking tents than Hilleberg for me. Quality, best weight to space ratio and last decades.
Soulo. That thing is a four season free standing bomb shelter, and worth the weight for cold weather camping or pagoda exploring where actual soil is minimal or non existent.
Critical to me are weight, packing size and price. I would like to see a summary table of these items.
That’s a fantastic idea Melvyn, the only thing is that it’s tricky to keep the info up to date but we will definitely keep this feedback in mind for next year, so watch this space. By the way, you can always just jump on our website and use the compare function in the meantime to see all the specs side by side if that helps – cheers!
Hi there,
Thanks for this post. I’m looking for a 3p hiking tent but it needs to be as light weight as possible, as I’ll be carrying it with other gear for taking kids overnight hiking, and I have knee issues. Can you advise what would be the lightest weight 3p tent you have at a reasonable price for someone who won’t be using it more than a few times a year? Thank you
No worries, we’re glad you liked the post Pden! In terms of our lightest 3P tents that are still high quality with enough interior space for kids, the EPE Spartan 3 is a good choice at 3.3 Kg. If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, then a step up in quality that’s lighter at 2.985 Kg is the Limelight 3P tent from Marmot. I hope that gives you a couple of options to work with, Pden – happy hiking!
What parts of the spartan 3 are mesh, and are any of them closable?
I’ve just double checked this for your with our display model Geoff, and the Spartan 3 tent has a solid inner, with mesh doors that can’t be closed off.
It seems the MSR isn’t available on the site! Will you be getting anymore in?
We have run out of the older model MSR Hubba tent as they’re not making them anymore, but I’ve just double checked this with our purchasing team, and we’re hoping to get the 2019 Hubba tents in mid-march, Christina.
I thought I asked this question previously but cant find a reply.
Why did you rate the Companion Pro Hiker above the EPE Spartan 2?
When I look at the price and the specifications the Spartan 2 seems to have advantages.
Lower in price by $10.00
Better water rating on both floor and fly.
The only advantage I see for the Companion Pro Hiker 2 is it is slightly wider.
I intend doing the Great Ocean Walk 100k after Christmas and need a tent so would appreciate a prompt reply.
Regards
Doug
Hi Doug, these are ordered purely based on sales i.e. we sell more Pro Hiker 2 tents, both of these tents are excellent value for money though. The Spartan 2 is a lesser-known tent which is likely why it has had fewer sales, or possibly because it offers less floor space, but I think that as time goes on we will see the Spartan 2 become a close competitor to the Pro Hiker 2. Personally, I prefer the Spartan 2 as the pole configuration facilitates upright walls and increased internal volume, the vents are also larger for better ventilation and it’s a touch lighter. That’s just my two cents worth though. Enjoy your walk.
How about a review of which tents are actually better? I don’t care that you sell more of a cheap tent because it’s cheap.
Which tents are better is very subjective, Chris. Better for what/who/where and for what price?
We don’t want to be biased towards any particular model and the best feedback we can get on any tent is from those who are using them regularly i.e. our customers. This has meant that some cheap tents have surfaced as particularly reliable and affordable models for their price. Any tent, whether they be cheap or expensive, that become a regular appearance on our warranty shelf quickly disappear from our range.
Give us a call if you’d like some help choosing a tent that is best for you.