Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents

Seriously driven duos need reliable 2-person backpacking tents for serious terrain.  Active Junky put 2015’s backpacking tents through the ringer, pitching camp with recent innovations from trusted brands. These are 4 of the best 2-person tents you can hit the trail with this year.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2: Idiot-proof ingenuity

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Starting at: $382.00

Whip out the single-hub poleset and the Hubba Hubba NX’s symmetrical frame practically snaps itself together. This longtime favorite’s latest model rethinks vestibules by adding rain-diverting gutters above entrance zippers.  Our testers trust MSR’s attention to detail enough to push this 3-season tent’s ultra light 3 lbs. 7 oz. into mild winter conditions.  Call it a 3.5-season tent.

Key Attribute:  Convenience

Best For: backpacking, hiking, pedaling and paddling

Black Diamond First Light: Comfortable climbs await

Black Diamond First Light $351.46 - $355.16

Bivvys can be suffocating. Two walls, too heavy. At 3.5 pounds, the Firstlight is a lightweight, option for high-alpine ascents (though not the most spacious on the list, you can purchase an attachable vestibule). The single wall design trades ventilation for keeping the inside dry during setup in wet conditions.

Key Attribute:  Protection

Best For: Hard-core pursuits when dicey weather is anticipated

Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 FL:  Flip your expectations

Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 FL Starting at: $297.96

Our taller testers loved Tensegrity 2’s extra headroom, and they were surprised at bonus features provided by this oddly shaped design. The “gear closet” vestibule kept side entrances unobstructed and offered an ideal wet-weather kitchen to easily cook from inside.  Take a look at Sierra Designs’ wind tests here to camp with confidence.

Key Attribute: Comfort

Best For: Aspiring and experienced backcountry travelers with cooperative peers

MSR Flylight: Lighter than air.

MSR Flylite 2 $328.96 - $334.21

Usually, one wall spells condensation problems, even in light rain.  Flylight’s awning and side wings solve that problem, allowing vents to remain deployed in everything but sideways rain.  Trekking poles prop and tension the vertical headwall for spacious headroom and minimal contact between you and your tent.

Key Attribute:  Value

Best For: Experienced hikers aiming for miles or lots of vertical 

If you're still browsing, take a gander at Active Junky's Tent Buyer's Guide for more backpacking and basecamp tent reviews.