Camping is an outdoor activity that is best enjoyed with multiple people. Sing-alongs, relaxing with a cold drink, and marshmallow roasting are made all the more fun when you have someone else to share those experiences with. However, it’s not always ideal or appropriate to sleep together in the same tent. As social as camping is, we need our quiet along time when it’s time for bed and a 2 person tents can provide you with an easy pitch shelter that is 100% waterproof and perfect for backpacking or the campsite.
Table could not be displayed.
But why use a 2 person model when you can get a beastly 6 person model with all the bells and whistles?
It’s like filling up your plate at the all you can eat buffet, you never finish it and your eyes are bigger than your belly. The same principle, why have a larger footprint than necessary and carry a heavier pack.
A lot is to be said for having your own personal space, whether it’s on the trail alone or camping with a group, your very own camping tent is your home away from home.
When shopping for a 2 person tent, a lot has to be taken into account, and specifications like tent weight, weather-resistance, as well as its physical dimensions are just a few of those considerations. In this article, we will breakdown everything you need to know when looking for the best 2 person tent for camping.
Page Contents:
10 Best 2 Person Tents Reviewed
1. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
Check Out Our Best Prices Here
Lightweight at just under 3.5 lbs., yet rugged enough to withstand 3 different seasons, the Hubba Hubba NX holds up to 2 people and is available with or without their Xtreme Shield waterproof coating for extended life. A great option for backpackers, the bathtub-inspired tent design minimizes moisture and wind from infiltrating the tent while providing excellent ventilation, and there’s plenty of room for two at 29 square feet.
Standing at 1 meter high with good rain fly separation, the tent has dual vestibules for storing your boots and packs, and it compacts down to an impressive 18 x 6 inches using the supplied compression bag.
In addition to being sturdy and lightweight, the unified pole system is connected with elastic shock cord, and the fly is color-coded so that even the least bright outdoorsman can pitch it easily. MSR provides you everything needed to have your tent up in a matter of minutes, and the Hubba Hubba provides long-life and high quality for the money you spend on it.
Key Features:
- Excellent Value for Money
- Comfortably Fits 1-2 People + Packs
- Wind and Water-resistant
2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent
Available in grey/orange or olive/green, this tent from Big Agnes is available in multiple sizes, ranging from single to 4 person tents. Versatile and strong for the toughest of weather conditions, it features two large doors for easy entrance and exit, with 29 square feet of living space providing a comfortable amount of space for two people.
40 inches of head-height with an extra 18 square feet of vestibule space gives you enough room to move around fluidly, and at slightly over 3 lbs, this is one ultralight backpacking tent. Constructed out of rip-stop pattern nylon, it is 25% stronger than previous models and the high-volume hub gives it an excellent, sturdy support frame.
A minimalist shelter can be setup using only the fly, poles, and stakes (with a separately purchased footprint), or you can set up the entire tent for full weather protection as all seams are covered in water-resistant, solvent-free, polyurethane tape. Inside the tent, you will find a range of pockets, shelves, and cord-routing portals to help organize wires and store your devices while you enjoy the night sky.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Materials
- Weatherproofed Seams
- 25% Stronger than Previous Models
3. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent
This lightweight 2 man tent from Kelty is roomy at 30.5 square feet, and an excellent option for campers or backpackers. An oversized D-door with full-seam taped construction makes getting in and out a breeze, and the 360 degree mesh design allows for excellent ventilation, as well as hours of stargazing in a bug-free environment.
It retains a good amount of warmth for most seasons, and reduces the amount of morning moisture tents are prone to, but you wouldn’t want to bring this out during the winter months. 68D polyester materials line the tent walls for privacy, and an extra 10 square feet of space lends itself well to gear storage.
Setting it up with hug clips is easy on the two-pole system, usually only taking a few minutes. After breaking it down this 3 lb tent rolls up neatly for storage in the provided carrying bag. A fully waterproof rainfly comes with the tent so you can feel confident that you will be well protected in even the heaviest of downpours. The Salida is a great option that rivals some models that are twice the price.
Key Features:
- Well Priced
- Full Seam Taped Water-Resistance
- Spacious Design
4. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
This free-standing option from Mountainsmith is a 2-person, 2-pole, 2-vestibule design that can handle anything 3 of the 4 seasons can throw at it. With a ton of light and ventilation on account of the mesh-panels, this top-selling tent accommodates you with 35 square feet of sleeping space, with an additional 14 square feet of vestibule space, and 43 inches of height.
In mere minutes you can have your tent up, as the poles and grommets are all color-coded so there is no confusion as to what goes where. The tent clips onto the pole with a J-hook providing stability at the top, and the bathtub floor design keeps wind and rain splatter from ruining your night.
For heavy downpours, the rainfly cover attaches with corresponding reflective buckles, and tension-lock guy lines keep it taught, providing excellent protection from outdoor weather. In addition, the rain fly has built-in adjustable vents on each side, ensuring continual air circulation.
Constructed out of high-quality, breathable material, and weighing a mere 5.5 lbs, the Morrison 2 Person tent is a popular option that cannot be overlooked.
Key Features:
- Top Seller
- High-Quality Materials
- Excellent Free-Standing Design
5. ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2-Person Tent
For a product named Chaos, this 2-person tent from Alps Mountaineering sure does strive to make things as smooth as possible for campers and backpackers. Designed with a striking clay/rust color combination, two-thirds of this tent is comprised of mesh walls, providing unobstructed views and constant air circulation while keeping out the nasties.
With 33 square feet of tent space, plus 17 square feet of vestibule, the Chaos provides a bit more space than most other tents at this price range, and the floor has been sextuple-coated for waterproofing with fully sealed seams for extra protection.
Included with this tent is the rain fly with guy lines, aluminum stakes, and an aluminum support frame making it ideal for lightweight backpacking. Weighing in at just under 6 lbs, the flat, pull clip design is breakage-resistant, while at the same time allowing for quick assembly of the tent.
They’ve also included large double doors which is a nice feature that eliminates climbing over the other person when you have to get up in the middle of the night.
Key Features:
- Sturdy Design
- Spacious With Excellent Circulation
- Easy Setup
6. Hyke & Byke Zion Backpacking Tent
Hyke & Byke created this budget line of 1-2 person tents with backpackers in mind. Available in a variety of colors and weighing 5.5 lbs., the 2 person tent has 42 inches of height with 33 square feet of room for two person bunking. An 8-inch bathtub floor with taped seams works to keep you dry while keeping moisture out, and assembly is simple with the single pole design.
Rolled up and stored at 18 x 6 inches, it easily attaches to backpacks for effortless transport, and the Zion even saves you money by supplying its own footprint. Durably-built using rip-stop nylon to resist tears and abrasions, double doors make for easy access, and the inside is outfitted with corner and overhead pockets for gear and device storage. Ultralight aluminum alloy stakes come with a proprietary press to safely secure the tent, and the reflective guy lines will keep the rain fly from blowing away in windy and treacherous conditions.
The Zion minimizes weight while maximizing durability and just might be the best budget backpacking tent on the market today.
Key Features:
- Budget-Friendly Price
- Comes with Footprint
- Lifetime Warranty for Manufacturing Defects
7. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent
Check Our Affordable Prices Here
With a trail weight of just over 4.5lbs. this copper/rust model from Zephyr may not be the lightest tent in the world, but what you get is a solid, functional choice that will serve you well in your outdoor adventures. The full mesh design allows for excellent 360 ventilation to reduce condensation build-up, and setup can be done in minutes using the two-pole clip system.
Large double D doors are a nice touch for easy access on either side with 31 square feet of spaciousness, and an extra 17 square feet of vestibule area for packs and boots. Standing tall at 38 inches, it provides plenty of head room on the inside while standing up well to wind and rain with its low center of gravity, and the 75D/185T polyester fly continues the ALPS trend of quality stitching and well-taped seams to eliminate leakage.
Strong, lightweight aluminum alloy poles keep the tent firmly in place, the fly buckle-clips to the main tent, and interior pockets and gear lofts give you a lot of storage space while you are enjoying the outdoors.
Key Features:
- Excellent Quality from Reputable Brand
- Enhanced Ventilation Design
- Lifetime Warranty on Materials and Workmanship
8. Rakaia Designs 2 Person Camping Tent
Check Our Affordable Price Here
Lightweight with room for two, this quality tent from Rakaia is extremely affordable and a great camping or trekking tent. The interlocking pole system unfolds from a compact, single fist-sized bundle of aluminum to provide good frame support to the 5000mm waterproofed 210T polyester tent.
A bonus inclusion pole splint ensures you aren’t stranded without shelter if you experience a hardware failure. Unpacked from its 16.5 x 6.5 dimensions, it is spacious at 31 square feet, lightweight at 4.5 lbs., and outfitted with a good amount of mesh for ventilation and viewing your surroundings.
The rain fly uses 3000mm waterproofed 210T polyester to provide additional waterproofing support to the bathtub designed tent, and also includes an adjustable ventilation window on the rear. The front vestibule area has enough room for gear storage, and pockets inside the tent help keep important things close by. A clip also allows for a lantern to be hung inside the tent to keep you illuminated and warm at night.
Key Features:
- Extremely Affordable
- Waterproof and Breathable
- 3000mm Water Rating
9. MSR Elixir 2-Person Lightweight Tent
The Elixir from MSR might just be the best on the market. Although it has a considerable price increase over a lot of competitors, the price is warranted as this tent is built solid as a rock from high quality materials. With an upgrade of 35% more space than previous models, the tent is a combination of canopy fabric and mesh, providing an excellent balance of airflow, warmth, views and privacy.
With enough space for two people, the interior has 40 inches of height, large double doors with glow-in-the-dark zippers, multiple gear lofts to keep your essentials close by, and attachment of the rain fly adds an additional 17.5 square feet of space from the dual-vestibules.
A provided footprint reduces wear and tear on the tent, and setup is hassle-free with color-coordinated poles, clips and grommets, as well as having instructional etching on each pole so you always know where they need to go. Similarly, the rainfly is color-coded to line up with the doors and includes adjustable vents while maintaining a vault-like approach to keeping moisture out.
Key Features:
- High Quality Materials
- Great For All Types of Weather
- For Avid Outdoor Enthusiasts
10. Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
The Grand Mesa from Kelty is a lightweight tent that is ideal for backpacking or camping trips. Hovering around the 5 lb. mark, it can accommodate up to 2 people with a 33 square foot living space and 43” height. A good mixture of mesh and fabric outfit the tent, with a large double door on the front for easy in and out, and functional storage pockets on the interior.
One, 6 square foot vestibule is supplied by using the rainfly and it is just enough space to stack your packs away from wet weather. The tent is easy to pitch, attaching to the dual aluminum poles via color-coded clips to take away any guess work. The rainfly snaps in place with tension-lock buckles, and included guy-lines will help keep it taut in rainy and windy conditions.
An adjustable back vent on the rainfly eliminates any stuffiness in the tent by providing ample circulation around the clock. Stakes are included and it compacts into its stuff sack for easy transport, making this a very attractive well-rounded tent.
Key Features:
- Good Quality for Price
- Spacious Design
- Excellent All-Round Option
How to Choose a 2 Person Tent?
With many brands, sizes, and specifications available, tent shopping can be daunting. Here is a list of things you should think about when looking for the best 2 person tents for camping.
Physical Dimensions
You’re going to want some room to move around, so a tent that has a decent amount of living space is essential. Most 2 person tents have between 29 and 34 square feet to accommodate a range of body types. Unless you don’t mind bumping your head into the ceiling, make sure there is enough height in the tent as well.
Anywhere between 40 and 43 inches is what you will find, providing enough head space for sitting up and changing. Additional vestibule space can be added to tents when you attach the rainfly. You will usually get 2 vestibules that add an extra 17 square feet of space designed to store your packs and boots away from the elements.
Weight / Portability
Most 2 person tents are lightweight at only 4-5 lbs., but if you are backpacking it is something you need to account for as every ounce you carry adds more weight on your back. Modern tents are designed to be lightweight and compacted down to a stuff sack that can be slipped into or attached to a backpack for easy portability.
Material / Weatherproof
The last thing you want when you are out in the wilderness is to experience some kind of equipment failure, so investing in a durable tent that can withstand the elements is a must. The best materials you will find include YKK zippers, aluminum alloy stakes, reflective guy lines, and rip-stop nylon fabric and mesh.
Weatherproofing tents is also important. Tents that have a bathtub-designed bottom with fully taped seams are excellent at keeping out water, and the provided rainfly should be waterproof so it can keep you dry in the wettest conditions.
Ease of Use
No one wants to fight with their tent. Thankfully, a lot of them are virtually idiot-proof so you should have no problems setting them up. Poles will provide frame support while the tent itself just clips onto it, and the rain fly snaps onto that.
A large door is provided for getting in and out easily and high-quality zippers eliminate them from jamming at the clip points. Some models will have 2 large doors on either side of the tent which is ideal, as you won’t have to climb over the other person when coming and going.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a 2 Person Tent?
A 2 person tent is a portable outdoor shelter that consists of fabric attached to a frame that is anchored to the ground with stakes. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used in most types of weather.
How to Set Up a 2 Person Tent?
Setting up is exceedingly simple. Most will use a series of collapsible aluminum rods that unfold to create the frame. The tent then clips onto the rods, and in a lot of cases, color coding is used so you know what clips go where. The feet of the frame attaches to the base of the tent with grommets, and the entire piece is then anchored in place with stakes.
They will also come with a rainfly, which is essentially a tarp that is draped over the tent during wet weather. The fly will attach to the base of the tent using tension-lock buckles, and guy lines are staked into the ground at a 45 degree angle to provide extra structural support and airflow.
For those that want a no muss, no fuss option, pop-up tents are perfect. They are basically a tent that automatically unfolds and takes shapes once you release it from its carrying case, with ground anchoring being the most labor-intensive portion of the set up.
Are They Waterproof?
Quality models are definitely waterproof. A single coating of 500mm is considered waterproof, with top-notch tents having between 3000 and 5000mm of waterproof coating.
Additionally, bathtub tent floor designs are very popular, providing you a few inches of wall against wind and moisture, and the floor itself will have fully taped seams to eliminate any water seeping in. Unfortunately, not all tents tape their seams, but you can pick up some tape or sealer for a quick do-it-yourself project.
How Much Is a 2 Person Tent?
The price depends on two things: the quality of the tent and what you will be using the tent for. A general price range of $50 to $500 covers starter and intermediate models for family camping, to higher-end, lightweight models for backpacking trips in the mountains. However, if you are looking to climb Everest, be prepared to pay north of $500.
Can It Fit a Queen Air Mattress?
While 2 person tents do accommodate for 2 people so you may think they should fit one as standard. However, they all have different floor sizes and height constraints. It is best to check the dimensions of both your mattress and potential tent before making your purchase. Some can and some can’t, to put it simply.
Conclusion
Whether you are camping a few times a year, or going on a long-term backpacking trek, the best 2 person tents will provide you with an excellent balance of form, function, and comfort. Knowing what manufacturers offer will help you decide what options you can live with, and live without when you are spending your nights in nature.
Resources and Sources
