If you’ve made resolutions to delve into overnight or extended hiking trips in 2019, you’ll need to purchase a hiking tent.
Whilst you’re on this journey, keep in mind that if any tent performs well it receives good reviews, the more good reviews there are the more people are inclined to buy it. These people then review the tent and the cycle starts again.
What I’m trying to say is that it is our customers who have done the talking here, not us.
So, this isn’t a list of the most technical tents, there’s no bias or incentives involved, no limitations on price or brand and they all weigh and measure up within the limits of what could be considered a tent for hiking… it is purely based on sales volumes both online and instore at Snowys.
So, without further ado let’s have a look at our best-selling hiking tents.
10. Zempire Zeus 2 Person Hiking Tent
Despite having slipped down the ranks a little, the Zempire Zeus has maintained a position in the top 10 yet again this year. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend the earth in order to get a well spec’d hiking tent.
It features a roomy interior and loads of headroom thanks to near vertical side walls. The inner is full mesh for ventilation and access is through two large entrances with vestibules. The fabrics are durable and the poles and pegs are all alloy.
The Zempire Zeus is a mid-priced tent boasting high-end features.
The Zeus has maintained a position in the top 10 this year. Image: Zempire
9. Black Wolf Grasshopper 2 & 3 Person Ultralight Tents
Available in two and three-person variants, the Grasshopper UL tents have been part of the Black Wolf range for many years but made the delve into lightweight fabrics a little over a year ago.
They feature a unique pole structure that forms a dome shape with upright side walls for increased internal space and two teardrop-shaped doors with vestibules. The inner is full mesh and colour coded poles make set-up a breeze.
The Grasshopper tents from Black Wolf are a mid-range lightweight option for warm to cool climates.
The Grasshopper offers great headroom and stability. Image: Black Wolf
8. Oztrail Vertex 2 & 3 Person Hiking Dome Tents
I must admit that I was sceptical when these tents came onto the market as OZtrail specialises in general camping tents. I’m happy to be proven wrong though – which the OZtrail Vertex 2 and 3 tents have done.
These guys have shown themselves to perform in the field. They’re a little heavier and don’t provide the same space as many tents in this list but they are affordable and include some bells and whistles including a compression sack, alloy poles and ripstop fabrics.
The OZtrail Vertex tents are just the shelter for budget conscious or first-time hikers.
The Vertex comes out on top in terms of affordability. Image: OZtrail
7. Zempire Mono 1 Person Single Pole Tent
The single pole design of the Zempire Mono is about as simple as a hiking tent gets. This design keeps weight to a minimum whilst maintaining strength and performance in the field.
Its minimal weight and pack size make the Mono perfect for solo adventures with sleeping space for one and a single vestibule for your gear. It has a full mesh inner, high-end features including alloy poles and pegs and an impressive waterhead rating.
The Zempire Mono is the perfect mid-range tent for lightweight adventurers.
For simplicity in the field, the Mono is a lightweight choice. Image: Zempire
6. Coleman Ridgeline 2 & 3 Person Tunnel Tents
This is another surprise entry in our top 10 list as the Ridgeline tents are from Coleman who also specialises in larger family style tents. The Ridgeline tents are super affordable and offer features and a build quality that defies the price tag.
Available in 2P and 3P sizes, the Coleman Ridgeline tents have a 2-pole tunnel design tent that will perform well in the wind. A full mesh inner, alloy poles, V-stakes and a single entrance with vestibule all come together to create an impressively lightweight tent for this price range.
The Coleman Ridgeline tents offer affordability combined with performance above its class.
The Ridgeline is perfect for beginners or hikers on a budget. Image: Coleman Australia
5. MSR Hubba Series High-Performance Tents
There’s a whole family of Hubba’s – from the single person Hubba through to the family sized Papa Hubba. The 2 person MSR Hubba Hubba is the most popular and has likely featured in just about every best hiking tent list in the world.
The MSR Hubba Tent range has been continually refined over the years to become lighter more compact shelters. They offer all the bells and whistles combined with the highest quality fabrics and materials to create a tent that, if your dollar stretches far enough, will not let you down on any adventure. Last year’s version isn’t available anymore, but you can check out the 2019 version instead here.
The MSR Hubba tents are the go-to choice for avid adventurers who want the best.
Pictured is the latest version of the Hubba tent. Image: MSR
4. Oztrail Nomad 1 & 2 Person Hike Tents
These guys come in at under a hundred bucks, which is likely why they sell so well. I suspect they may not last as long as the higher end tents but hey, you get what you pay for, and they get a good rap when it comes to performance.
The OZtrail Nomad tents feature a mesh inner and basic fibreglass poles. The Nomad 1 is a single pole tent whilst the Nomad 2 is a 2 pole tunnel style tent with two entrances and vestibules. They are also particularly long hiking tents making them suitable for taller users.
The OZtrail Nomad tents are a budget hiker’s dream.
If you’re a taller hiker looking for an affordable tent, the Nomad is ideal. Image: OZtrail
3. Black Wolf Mantis 1 & 2 Person Low Profile Hike Tents
Another staple player in our best hiking tents is the Black Wolf Mantis. Available in 1 and 2 person sizes, the Mantis is now made with lighter weight fabrics and features a low profile tunnel design that performs well in the wind.
A combination mesh and polyester inner makes it an ideal 3 season tent. A single door and vestibule features in the Mantis 1 whilst the Mantis 2 has an entrance on each side. Vents at the foot and head ends ensure adequate ventilation and the ultralight fabrics keep the weight down.
The Black Wolf Mantis Tents are excellent low profile shelters that perform well in high winds.
The Mantis is small and light with a great design for windy conditions. Image: Black Wolf
2. Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 & 3 Person Dome Tents
The EPE Spartan 2 and 3 tents are not the lightest hiking tent on this list but they would have to be the best value, they are the perfect example of quality at an affordable price.
Durable fabrics and alloy poles come together to create a roomy and functional shelter with impressive weatherproof properties. The inner is solid and has mesh doors making these a true 3 season tent and they even come with internal storage pockets, lantern hanging points and a compression storage sack.
The EPE Spartan Hiking tents are ideal for any hiking adventure.
The Spartan looks and feels more expensive than it’s dollar value. Image: Explore Planet Earth
1. Companion Pro Hiker 1, 2 & 3 Person Hiking Tents
The Companion Pro Hiker tents are available in 1, 2 and 3 person sizes. However, the 2 person version of this hiking tent is a stand out with a near perfect 5-star review rating. The Pro Hiker 1 is a tunnel style tent whilst the Pro Hiker 2 and 3 are traditional dome style tents with dual doors and vestibules.
The Pro Hiker tents are not the lightest by any means and offer less internal space than some of their competitors, but they are a reliable and affordable performer.
It’s no surprise that the classic Pro Hiker has taken out the top position again. Image: Companion
They feature a tough floor, 3-season mesh/polyester inner, alloy poles and are finished with roof vents, organizer pockets and a gear loft for storage.
The Companion Pro Hiker Tents provide a perfect balance of lightweight functionality with durability and weather protection at a very affordable price.
What’s the most reliable hiking tent you’ve ever owned?
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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.
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No other hiking tents than Hilleberg for me. Quality, best weight to space ratio and last decades.
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Critical to me are weight, packing size and price. I would like to see a summary table of these items.
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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!
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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
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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!
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What parts of the spartan 3 are mesh, and are any of them closable?
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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.
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It seems the MSR isn’t available on the site! Will you be getting anymore in?
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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