Here are the top 5 backpacking tents of 2017
Backpacking tents need to be the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and low weight. It is going to be a large investment for your trip so you want to make sure you make the right decision.
Tent technology has come a long way since your grandpa’s era. New tents feature easy setup, more durable materials, and larger volumes per weight ratios. Nearly all modern tents now offer hubbed tent stakes and color coding for quick and painless setup.
We have narrowed down the best backpacking tents of 2017 to help you choose the right one. Below are all 2 person tents but most of them come in 1 and 3 person variants. Single walled tents and tarps were excluded from this list.
1. Big Agnes – Copper Spur HV UL
Trail Weight: 2 lb 12 oz
Floor Area: 29 square feet
The 2017 version of the Copper Spur UL tent improved on an already amazing tent. The HV stands for “High Volume” which stands true. The tent has 20% more usable volume than earlier versions. Another improvement was the switch to D-shaped doors which allow for easier entry and less dirt in the tent. If you are not a fan of Big Agnes’ signature orange color, this tent is also available in a more discrete olive color.
At 2 lb 12 oz, the Copper Spur is ridiculously lightweight. This tent features the best comfort in its class for being so light. Although this tent has one of the best volume to weight ratios we have see, it is not perfect. In order to keep the weight down the materials are thin. It is recommend you use a footprint to keep this tent from punctures. Overall, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL makes camping comfortable and lightweight.
2. NEMO Dagger
Trail Weight: 3 lb 5 oz
Floor Area: 31 square feet
The Nemo Dagger offers comforts usually not found in such a light backpacking tent. The unusually long crossbar allows the side walls to be near vertical and makes the tent feel roomy. Large interior gear pockets allow backpackers to easily access their equipment in the middle of the night. The no-see-um mesh allowed for great breathability in the mornings.
The rainfly features duel stakes for each of the vestibules. This creates a larger vestibule area for stashing backpacks and makes entering and exiting the tent easier. This is a feature we hope to see on more tents in the future. This tent makes backpacking easy with its comfort and features but doesn’t slack on performance.
3. REI – Quater Dome 2
Trail Weight: 3 lb 5 oz
Floor Area: 28.7 square feet
REI’s latest version of the REI Quarter Dome has made significant improvements. The pole system is interconnected and color coded to make set up easier. Testers preferred this pole design because it allows for vertical walls due to two horizontal cross bars. Backpackers can easily sit up playing card games in this tent without discomfort. The large livable volume makes comfort easy in the backcountry without reducing performance.
Additionally, the dual stake vestibules is a welcome improvement on REI’s design. Two stakes keep the rainfly tight and create an entrance area which is easy to move in and out. This system fixes the drooping rainfly problem that plagues other tents. Coupled with the bathtub floor, this rainfly ensures you will stay dry in the night.
4. MSR – Hubba Hubba NX
Trail Weight: 3 lb 7 oz
Floor Area: 29 square feet
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX improves upon last years model to produce a well rounded backpacking tent. The Hubba Hubba is just as fun to say as it is comfortable. The 29 square foot area provides ample room under its symmetrical dome. The symmetry allows makes it easier for backpackers who aren’t as familiar with each other to sleep head to toe.
Where the Hubba Hubba NX shines is its breathability. Kickstand rainfly vents allow air to circulate and reduce condensation. The vestibule even has a neat feature in which the bottom can be rolled up for additional breathability, even during a rainstorm. Getting in and out of the tent during a storm is make easy by a rain gutter on the vestibule which ensures you don’t get soaked when opening the door. Lastly, the compression side opening stuff sack is a great feature which makes putting away the tent and starting your day simple. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX lets you enjoy the backcountry even when its raining.
5. Kelty – TN2 
Trail Weight: 4 lb 4 oz
Floor Area: 31.8 square feet
The Kelty TN2 may be the heaviest tent on this list but it also may be the most fun. The main distinguishing feature of the TN2 is the stargazing rainfly. This fly can be rolled up to allow an amazing view of the night sky. Too many times I have hiked to a secluded mountain range only to be too exhausted to get out of my tent to see the milky way. The TN2 makes it easy to enjoy getting away from the light pollution of big cities. If it does start to rain, the fly can be unrolled and attached without leaving the tent. The no-see-um mesh surrounding the main body allows air circulation to remove condensation.
The unique square stuff sack makes fitting this tent in a backpack simple. Although heavier than the previous tent, the materials feel much more durable. The Kelty TN2 provides great features and value for an economical price.