Top 11 Best Tent Brands On The Market For Hikers 2021
A proper tent is a near-necessary part of a hiker’s kit for overnight hikes (unless they prefer tarps). Having a quality tent for yourself and/or others can surely enhance the overnight hiking/backpacking experience by providing shelter from weather and pests while also providing additional warmth to your setup.
When it comes to choosing the best tent for your kit, there are plenty of factors to consider: weight, material, design, size, and durability all come to mind. Though the brand name is far from the most important factor, knowing the top tent brands for hiking will surely help you in your search for your first or next tent.
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find precisely what would work best for your needs and wants. In this article, we’ll share our take on the top tent brands to look out for.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, we’ve done our best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Company reputation
- Variety of tents
- Performance of the tents (in all climates)
- Longevity of the tents
- Company must currently be in operation
With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.
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The top 11 best tent shelter brands on the market are:
- Big Agnes
- Mountain Safety Research
- SlingFin
- NEMO Equipment
- Marmot
- Sea To Summit
- Eddie Bauer
- Tarptent
- Hilleberg
- Black Diamond
- ZPacks
Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best tent brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, examples of high-end, popular and/or budget-friendly tent options, and a link to their official website.
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Big Agnes
Steamboat Springs in Colorado is a widely-known spot for hikers and mountaineers in the USA because of its natural beauty. That is exactly where these two lifelong outdoor enthusiasts decided to join forces to create one of the world’s most reliable brands of tents and adventure gear.
Besides this first-hand experience of being in the wild and overcoming the difficulties of unpredictable weather for decades, Bill Gamber added his own experience as a gear-maker with his previous brand, B.A.P.
The result of this collaboration is mountaineer equipment that won’t break the bank but can withstand any weather inclemency, keeping you warm, safe, sound, and dry throughout your adventure. If you want gear you can trust from a brand run by experts, Big Agnes is a great choice.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Scout 2 Platinum
Weighing only one pound and with a capacity for two hikers plus gear, this single-wall tent belongs to the CrazyLight category and honours its name to the last gram.
Most popular tent option: Copper Spur HV UL2
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is a full-featured ultralight backpacking tent that is one of Big Agnes’ best-selling models. It is a 2-person made with proprietary material, making it light, durable and resistant to sun and rain.
Budget-friendly tent option: Sheep Mountain 3
The Sheep Mountain 3 is a durable yet lightweight tent made of Oxford polyester, and its versatile design is complete with two doors and vestibules. It is a relatively affordable tent that fits 2-3 people and is suitable for 3 seasons.
Big Agnes was founded by Bill Gamber and Brad Johnson in 2000. Their current headquarters are in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.
Official website: bigagnes.com
Mountain Safety Research
Larry, MSR’s founder, spent decades exploring the possibilities of life in the wild and gathered valuable information that he then used to create some of the best-thought, most efficient, and performance-oriented gear in the market.
Indeed, every piece of equipment bearing its logo results from an obstacle he found on the road and the best way to overcome it. Thus, what you can expect from a brand like this is outdoor equipment that can withstand the hardships of any weather while staying in place. Furthermore, tents by MSR are famous for keeping adventure-goers safe and dry no matter what happens outside.
Spend a beautiful night under the stars inside a tent by MSR in total worry-free bliss.
Top-of-the-line tent option: H.U.B. High-Altitude Utility Base Camp Tent
The H.U.B. High-Altitude Utility Base Camp Tent is the kind of tent every professional alpinist dreams of. It features enough space for up to 10 people, is 2 meters high, and can easily withstand the coldest temperatures with the most hostile wind.
Most popular tent option: Habitude 4 Family & Group Camping Tent
This is MSR’s best-selling tent, and for a good reason. First, it is spacious and grants standing height. Second, it features a massive vestibule for piling gear. Finally, its blue fly makes it easy to take a well-deserved nap even when the sun is up.
Budget-friendly tent option: Elixir 1 Backpacking Tent
The Elixir 1 Backpacking Tent is the perfect tent for solo hikers looking for durability and versatility. Not only is this tent easy and quick to set up, but it also features a gear loft to keep important items in reach overnight.
Mountain Safety Research was founded by Larry Penberthy in 1969. Its current headquarters are in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Official website: msrgear.com
SlingFin
Martin Zemitis has been an outdoors enthusiast for well over three decades. After ten years of designing high-grade gear for brands like The North Face and Sierra Designs, he decided to unleash his full potential in building the best mountaineering gear on Earth regardless of price tags. In other words, he wanted to make the Ferrari of adventure equipment for those who care more about performance than price.
Nowadays, after experimenting endlessly with the best fabrics in the industry, SlingFin is a synonym with ultimate durability, extreme nimbleness, and maximum performance for you to tackle the most challenging goals in your mountaineering career.
If you are after the best tent money can buy and can afford SlingFin, you’ll be in mountaineering heaven, sleeping safe, sound, and dry wherever you are.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Arctic 6
The Arctic 6 is a double-wall geodesic basecamp dome, making it the most fully-featured basecamp in the world. In addition, it can fit comfortably into a carrying bag.
Most popular tent option: Portal
The Portal is one of the most durable, sturdy, and strong freestanding tents in the world, and it only weighs 2lbs 13oz. It is a statement by SlingFin to show the world there’s no need to sacrifice strength to be lightweight.
Budget-friendly tent option: 2Lite
Double doors and giant vestibules don’t mean carrying a huge weight on your shoulders since this amazing creation by SlingFin gives you all those luxurious features in less than 3 lbs.
SlingFin was founded by Martin Zemitis in 2010. Its current headquarters are in Berkeley, California, USA.
Official website: slingfin.com
NEMO Equipment
NEMO Equipment mountaineering gear was recognized by Time Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Men’s Journal, and Popular Science because of its revolutionary design, outstanding reliability, and uncanny performance. Moreover, NEMO Equipment was even called in by the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts to create shelter concepts for the ultimate frontier: space.
These credentials are important because every time you come across NEMO Equipment mountaineering gear, you are in front of some of the most cleverly designed adventure equipment in the world that can withstand any weather without compromising the weight of your backpack.
If you are aiming for the best in the industry, it is impossible to overlook this rising brand that is taking over the backpacking world like a storm.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Chogori Mountaineering Tent
The Chogori Mountaineering Tent represents the pinnacle of NEMO Equipment design. It is a completely new concept in mountaineering tents that allows the same strength with half the set-up time and 25% less weight.
Most popular tent option: Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent / NEMO Dragonfly 3 Tent
The perfect balance between weight and livability does exist in a freestanding tent, and it is made by NEMO Equipment. Look no further than the Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent.
Budget-friendly tent option: Spike 1p Ultralight Tent
This minimalist-design tent is everything you need and nothing you don’t for spending days in the wild with no worries as a solo traveller.
NEMO Equipment was founded by Cam Brensinger in 2002. Its headquarters are currently located in Dover, New Hampshire. USA.
Official website: nemoequipment.com
Marmot
Since day one, the company decided to take the difficult lane of innovating to achieve better performance instead of building over known concepts. In that vein, by 1976, they were the first company to use Gore-Tex in the manufacturing of mountaineering equipment.
Nowadays, almost half a century later, Marmot is still a synonym for innovation in the service of performance, and you can expect some of the most revolutionary adventure equipment in the industry. Moreover, in 1982, they were pioneers in the inclusion of women-specific outdoor clothing, which caused a revolution all other major brands followed.
Whenever you see the Marmot logo, you can trust its dependability, strength, and revolutionary design to keep you warm, safe, and dry for as long as you need.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Lair 8-Person Tent
This structure is as sturdy and stable as it is comfortable and lightweight. The Lair 8-Person Tent is a professional basecamp tent for serious adventurers needing to withstand the harsh weather of the mountains.
Most popular tent option: Limelight 3-Person Tent
The Limelight 3-Person Tent is a simple, straightforward design by Marmot that offers a great home away from home for groups of 3 people or a couple plus gear.
Budget-friendly tent option: Tungsten 1-Person Tent
The Tungsten 1-Person Tent maximizes usable space with pre-bent poles that make more room in the interior for added comfort. Also, it features a full-coverage fly with a vestibule.
Marmot was founded by Tom Boyce, David Huntley, and Eric Reynolds in 1974. Currently, its headquarters are in Rohnert Park, California, USA.
Official website: marmot.com
Sea To Summit
Sea to Summit’s name isn’t just a cool combination of words; it’s a statement. Indeed, it means that the gear they proudly manufacture can help you overcome the plethora of obstacles that range from sea level to the highest summits in the world.
That was the company’s first expedition, which ended in a successful climb of Mount Everest over thirty years ago. From that day on, Sea to Summit has worked relentlessly to perfect those designs and provide adventurers with the best state-of-the-art equipment to conquer all their dreams.
If your tent bears the Sea to Summit name on it, it will surely provide you with the shelter you need to keep you safe and dry during your adventure, regardless of the weather conditions.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Telos TR3 PLUS Ultralight Backpacking Tent
The Telos TR3 PLUS Ultralight Backpacking Tent is the pinnacle of the Telos series and also the most popular design by Sea to Summit. With a TR3 Plus in your backpack, your camping experience will be amazing regardless of the weather, the terrain, and the season.
Most popular tent option: Telos TR2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Those in search of the ultimate 3-season camping experience will find it in the Telos TR2 Ultralight Backpacking Tent’s best-in-class space, ventilation, and a multiplicity of set-up modes.
Budget-friendly tent option: Alto TR1 Ultralight Backpacking Tent
The Alto TR1 Ultralight Backpacking Tent is a semi-freestanding tent that is as light as it is comfortable for the solo traveller. It is suitable for 3-season adventures taking virtually no space in your backpack.
Sea to Summit was founded by Tim Macartney-Snape and Roland Tyson in 1983. Their current headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Official website: seatosummitusa.com
Eddie Bauer
Over the last 100 years, Eddie Bauer has grown to be one of the leading innovators in outdoor gear and appeal. They pride themselves on creating gear that is not only of high quality but is also straight to the point without any unnecessary bells and whistles. You can trust that their products are developed to withstand any adventure with their applied performance approach to testing gear.
Keeping the environment in mind, Eddie Bauer continues to strive with sustainability in mind as they aim to create gear that will have a minimal impact on the environment.
Top-of-the-line tent option: First Ascent Katabatic 3 Tent
The First Ascent Katabatic 3 Tent is top-of-the-line for a reason. It is a four-season tent made to withstand extreme conditions and any altitude situation. Tested in real-world situations such as at Everest, you can be certain this tent will live up to all your expectations.
Most popular tent option: First Ascent Stargazer 2.0 3-Person Tent
This award-winning tent has lived up to all the hype with its easy setup, large footprint and ability to withstand various weather conditions. It is no surprise why the First Ascent Stargazer 2.0 3P is named one of the best 3-person, 3-season tents on the market.
Budget-friendly tent option: Carbon River 2 Tent
The Carbon River 2 Tent is a lightweight yet durable, budget-friendly option. It features double-wall construction and is great for 3-seasons with its polyurethane coating, which makes this tent waterproof.
Eddie Bauer was founded by Eddie Bauer in 1920. The company’s current headquarters are in Washington, USA.
Official website: eddiebauer.ca
Tarptent
Henry Shires’ love for the outdoors led him to design tents, not out of a passion for design, but rather out of a need for gear that was light enough to make his adventures more enjoyable. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and for Henry Shires, this was certainly the case.
More than two decades have gone by since that moment. After successfully trying their equipment in the harshest situations, Henry and Cynthia became the tent gurus for the entire Sierra Nevada area.
Whenever you purchase from this small family endeavour, you can expect attention to detail and durable products made of the lightest materials available. More than two decades of non-stop innovation and polishing make each tent a perfect piece.
From hikers for hikers, you can never go wrong hitting the road with a Tarptent in your backpack.
Top-of-the-line tent option: AEON Li
One pole, one pound, a single Dyneema wall, and a total packed size of 14 inches is all this state-of-the-art tent needs to keep you protected under the stars, come what may.
Most popular tent option: Double Rainbow
The Double Rainbow tent is an award-winning tent for the best value. It can accommodate two people and can be transformed into virtually any kind of shelter you need.
Budget-friendly tent option: Rainbow
This is the solo version of Tartptent’s best-selling tent, the Double Rainbow. It achieves the difficult optimal balance between cost, spaciousness, weight, and comfort every backpacker dreams of.
Henry Shires and Cynthia Gilbert founded Tarptent in 2002. Their headquarters are currently in Nevada City, California, USA.
Official website: tarptent.com
Hilleberg
Hillberg’s motto is “The tentmaker”, thus, you can assume this is the brand’s forte. Moreover, it has been their main product for over half a century, in which they helped conquer some of the most difficult terrains in the world, including Antarctica.
For over five decades, they have been perfecting double-fabric tents that can be erected as one, resulting in outstanding results.
After a life lived for the outdoors and some of the most groundbreaking products in the industry, it is safe to say that Hilleberg is an industry leader, that you can trust your welfare to. Furthermore, their catalogue is so broad you can surely find the perfect tent for your upcoming adventure.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Stalon XL
This robust, modular tunnel tent can keep up to 14 people safe and sound regardless of the weather conditions, including extreme cold and snow.
Most popular tent option: Staika
Simplicity at its best makes this easy-to-pitch, immensely stable, remarkably light, and spacious tent a one-of-a-kind solution for solo travellers who need sturdiness and strength as top priorities.
Budget-friendly tent option: Akto
The Akto tent is a luxurious, all-season, one-person tent weighing only 3lbs when fully packed. It can keep you warm, safe, and dry in any weather.
Hilleberg was founded by Bo and Renate Hilleberg in 1971. Its current headquarters are in Frösön, Sweden.
Official website: hilleberg.com
Black Diamond
Although the foundational year of this company is 1989, they started making state-of-the-art mountaineering gear in the 2000s. Peter Metcalf and several other companions bought the company they worked for when it filed for bankruptcy. That same initial passion fuels every movement the company does. Moreover, they know the manufacturing process inside out since they started in the assembly line decades ago.
As a result, you can expect perfectly crafted tents that can last for a lifetime and endure any kind of weather inclemency. Furthermore, because of its location, each company member is a hiker, skier, and overall outdoors enthusiast, and every input is applied to make their products better.
Half a century after their first steps, this passionate company offers some of the best outdoor equipment you’ll find on the market today.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Mission 4P Tent
The Mission 4P tent is easy to pitch, can hold up to four people, and has double walls. Moreover, it can be set up within moments, even in the harshest weather, due to its revolutionary hoop and hub exterior pole architecture and pre-attached fly. Not to mention, it provides uncanny protection regardless of weather conditions.
Most popular tent option: Eldorado Tent
The Eldorado Tent features a classic, award-winning, compact design that works wonders to accommodate climbers with extra space for gear and extended height.
Budget-friendly tent option: Firstlight 2P Tent
Another award-winning design, the Firstlight 2P Tent, is an ultra-light, four-season tent designed with steep walls and a simple floor shape to optimize living space and headroom.
Black Diamond Equipment was founded by Peter Metcalf in 1989. Their headquarters are currently in Holladay, Utah, USA.
Official website: blackdiamondequipment.com
ZPacks
Reliability, simplicity, and lightweight are the three main characteristics that can be used to describe the kind of gear ZPacks designs and manufactures. Of course, it is not an overnight finding but the outcome of a lifelong dedication to exploring the outdoors. Indeed, Joe Valesko can count over 10,000 miles under his belt in every condition you might think of.
The road taught him a few lessons on endurance and durability that he cascaded to his designs and made them not only trustworthy regardless of the weather conditions but also lightweight and durable so that they could make it back in one piece.
ZPacks is a brand you can trust made by people who have been in your shoes before and overcame the same obstacles.
Top-of-the-line tent option: Free Duo Tent
Designed with versatility in mind, the Free Duo Tent is an ultra-light freestanding two-people tent that is the perfect choice when exposed to extreme wind or in packed camping sites.
Most popular tent option: Plexamid Tent
This is one of the lightest tents in its category, weighing under a pound. While lightweight, it is still spacious enough for you to enjoy your night under the stars in any location comfortably.
Budget-friendly tent option: Hexamid Solo Tent
From the blizzards in the San Juans to the temperature of the Mexican desert, the Hexamid Solo Tent protected founder Joe Valesko on his trip from Canada to Mexico. Plus, it is one of the lightest in its category.
ZPacks was founded by Joe Valesko in 2005. Its current headquarters are in West Melbourne, Florida, USA.
Official website: zpacks.com
