Choosing a tent (especially for two people) can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider before making the decision. It’s important to ask the right questions before committing. What time of year do you usually camp in? And how frequently? Will you be hosting other people in your tent? If so, what’s a good tent for two people? Will you be driving to your campsite or hiking to it?
Overwhelmed? Don’t be.
Our goal is to help you navigate the technical terminology of camping gear to choose a tent that best suits your needs and lifestyle (while there certainly isn’t any one-size-fits-all option that can be applied to all campers, a three-season, a double-wall tent is usually a safe bet for most outdoor enthusiasts).
Top 10 Best Two-Person Tents
1. River Country Products Trekker Tent 2
Standing at 7 feet long, 42 inches tall, and 5 feet wide, this tent is rather easy to set up and even easier to pack. It can be compressed to the size of a junior football weighing about two pounds. It has customizable features providing the user with the option of adjusting the front door and front screen using the provided toggles.
Additional gear includes a carry bag, guy-lines, and eight ultralight stakes.
This tent does not come with trekking poles, but they are required. You are advised to buy one separately or use an alternative material like sticks and branches.
The one shortcoming of this choice is its lack of ventilation which will likely cause unpleasant condensation.
Summary:
Pros: It’s compact, quick to set up, fairly cheap, has adjustable doors and is spacious.
Cons: Suffers from poor ventilation and does not offer the (necessary) trekking poles.
2. Bessport Camping Tent 1 and 2 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
The Bessport, though advertised as a two-person tent, can accommodate three people with a dome interior that measures at 43.5 inches in height and a floor of 86.6×48.4 inches. That said, however, it does not come with a gear loft which shouldn’t be much of an issue given the size of the tent.
This tent boasts an easy setup due to its freestanding design which allows the camper to relocate it without having to disassemble and reassemble the structure every time. With just two clip poles required, setting up takes no time at all.
With seam taped walls and a welded floor bedding, the Bessport is very sturdy against stormy weather preventing any water to seep through.
A slight demerit may be that the tent is more on the heavier side weighing around 5.2 pounds.
Should there be any grievances with the product, the company provides a no-questions-asked refund or is prepared to replace the damaged or unsatisfactory item(s).
Summary:
Pros: the tent is durable against extreme weather conditions, is waterproof, has plenty of room, and can be assembled effortlessly. Plus, the company is willing to provide a refund in case of any complaints.
Cons: the tent is heavier than most, and it does not come with a gear loft.
3. Coleman Sundome Tent
The Coleman is considered a popular choice for most outdoor enthusiasts for its budget-friendly pricing and durable quality.
It provides ample ventilation in addition to privacy with its ground vent and two (also vented) windows. There’s plenty of dynamic airflow guaranteeing that campers stay cool and refreshed inside regardless of how warm the weather might be.
It can endure light to medium precipitation and extreme wind. Its welded floors made of Polyethylene prevent leakage, but the rainfly may let some water soak through it which is not ideal.
Like any freestanding tent, the setup is simple and does not require any instructions.
A feature that campers most enjoy about the Coleman is its screen covered ceiling that allows them to enjoy the outside view from inside their tents. So when the rain fly is lifted, people can stargaze or look at whatever natural landscape they’re surrounded by.
As far as negatives go, the included stakes aren’t very sturdy and the tent does not come with any footprints.
Summary:
Pros: The Coleman is relatively wallet-friendly, is easy to put up, has plenty of ventilation, can withstand mild to medium weather conditions, and offers campers a view of the sky from the inside.
Cons: The Coleman cannot withstand much rain, is not waterproof around the rainfly area, and does not include footprints. Also, the stakes are a little flimsy.
4. ALPS Mountaineering Chaos 2-Person Tent, Clay/ Rust
The Chaos is a well-crafted mountaineering tent that is designed to withstand almost any climate. It has weather protection features like a Poly Taffeta floor, coated Polyester fly, and sealed seams. In other words, come rain, come shine, come snow, come sleet, you will be dry and cozy.
Built with vertical walls that stand at forty inches high, the interior feels very spacious and livable. It can easily accommodate two people with room to spare for a potential third person.
The Chaos has a very hassle-free setup for both assembling and disassembling the tent. The only downside, however, is that it’s pretty heavy weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. This may make it inappropriate for backpacking despite that being its primary function.
The provided stakes are not resilient especially when faced with windy weather, so it’s advisable to replace it with something store-bought.
For optimum comfort, there are two built-in vestibules on either side of the tent which allow campers to easily exit and or enter the tent without disturbing anyone in the tent.
Summary:
Pros: The Chaos has weather protection, is quite spacious with an easy setup, and has dual vestibules allowing for easy entry and exit.
Cons: The included stakes are not secure, and the tent is a little inconvenient for backpacking due to its weight.
5. MFH 2 Person Tent Minipack With Mosquito Net Flecktarn Camo
Though labeled a 3 season tent, The MFH can withstand a bit of rain due to its waterproof coating on the exterior. To be on the safe side, though, it is preferable to avoid using this tent in the winter.
Unlike the other mentions on this list, this tent has a complicated setup. It requires the corners of the tent to be staked down or grounded some other way otherwise, it will not hold up by itself.
The tent comes with two 30 inch poles that look too delicate to be a match for windy or stormy climates. Adding reinforcements or substituting the poles altogether will have to be necessary.
The placement of the windows allows for some great ventilation. Additionally, the tent comes with a mosquito net that should ward off any unwanted pests.
Tents like the MFH are best suited for not-so rigorous events in warm climates like festivals, fishing trips, and or short camping trips.
Summary:
Pros: The MFH can withstand rainy weather, and provides great ventilation.
Cons: The setup is time-consuming and complex, and the poles that come with the tent are not resilient.
6. KIKILIVE Ultralight Tent 3-Season Backpacking Tent
The Kikilive Ultralight is known for its comfort and durability. Being 83 inches in length, 30 inches in width and 49 inches in height, the tent can house two people with all of their additional gear. Additionally, it’s easy to carry around because it weighs under 3 pounds, so whether you’re mountaineering, fishing, or just camping, this tent is a good pick.
The setup is relatively easy taking eight minutes at most only requiring mere trekking of the pole by the provided stakes.
Seam-sealed and made out of waterproof silicone, this tent is waterproof. It’s not a four-season tent, though, so it’s probably not a good idea to use it in the wintertime. Plus, there are some accounts of people who’ve had loose stitches that lead to water leakage, so you might need to re-seal some areas.
The pegs for hook the vestibules close are flimsy and prone to breakage. It’s probably best to replace them.
Summary:
Pros: It is lightweight, has a simple setup, and is spacious and durable.
Cons: wonky hooks, not suitable for rainy weather, may cause leakage in some small patches if the stitches come off, and is pricier than the average tent.
7. ALPS Mountaineering Highlands 2 Tent: 2-Person 4-Season
The ALPS Mountaineering Highlands tent is a four-season tent which means it’s a tank as far as weather resistance goes. With its double-wall build, nothing’s getting into this tent.
Assembling this tent is as easy as it gets. All you have to do is snap the poles in place and you’re all set. This takes minimal effort and can endure the most adverse conditions.
The tent can probably fit three people because of how spacious it is.
Convenience is a priority with The ALPS Mountaineering Highlands as it provides pockets for gear in addition to an external port for equipment and such.
The few shortcomings this tent has pertains to its heavy weighty and difficulty in packing. Most campers opt for a compression pack when dealing with The ALPS tent. Also, the carry bag is a bit small, so taking the poles in and out of the bag is a bit of a hassle.
Summary:
Pros: The tent has many convenient pockets for storing things, is very durable all year round, has an easy assembly, and is spacious.
Cons: The ALPS tent is heavy, does not pack easily, and has a small carry pack.
8. Oztent 30 Second Expedition 2-3 Person Tent
As the title suggests, The Oztent 30 Second Expedition 2-3 Person Tent only requires a record 30 seconds to set up. With a truly minimal number of steps (and seconds), your tent is up and ready for immediate use.
This tent can be used all year round with its heat-resistant, heavy-duty PVC floor and waterproof canvas that makes it possible to camp in rainy weather.
For campers with back problems or who have a long trail before setting camp, The Oztent may not be the best choice given that it weighs over 20 kilograms. Also, the bag it comes in is a little snig and may require a bit of maneuvering to fit the tent back in.
It comes with power inlets that allow you to plug your devices. Plus, the zippers are made of the best materials (YKK) which means they’ll last a very long time. If that isn’t enough, the tent comes with a two-year warranty.
While The Oztent 30 tent is certainly on the pricier side, the pros seem to outweigh the cons.
Summary:
Pros: the tent can be pitched in 30 seconds, is made of durable materials, and can be used in any weather.
Cons: The Oztent 30 is expensive, comes in an ill-fitting bag, and is quite heavy and therefore cannot be used backpacking.
9. Pinnacle Tents Pop Up Camping Tent – 2 Person
If the Oztent 30 was impressive with its 30-second setup, The Pinnacle tent takes 3 seconds. All you have to do is gently fling it in the air. That’s it!
With its taped seams, no water can get it. Plus, it’s wind-proof. The roof vents can be modified in case of rain.
The Pinnacle does not require any poles, so that’s one concern out of the way.
The tent comes with a lifetime warranty which makes the investment feel all the more secure and worthwhile.
The flaps on the sides of the tent don’t allow any light to get into it making it potentially difficult to breathe in. especially if it’s dry out.
Summary:
Pros: Virtually no setup required (takes 3 seconds), has no poles, is waterproof and wind-resistant, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons: The “windows” don’t allow much light.
10. Mountain Hardwear Aspect 2 Person Backpacking Tent
The Mountain Hardware Aspect 2 tent is so robust; it can withstand the harshest of thunder storms. As its name suggests, it is ideal for camping in the Mountains.
It has a canopy-to-pole attachment which makes it lightweight and compact. This type of tent is so convenient to load (and unload) in a backpack ideal for campers on the go.
Most tents use flame-retardant chemicals on their tents which, while essential, can irritate the skin of those who come into contact with it and is bad for the environment. This brand abstains from coating their products with chemicals.
Space is not an issue seeing that The Mountain Hardware Aspect 2 has a lot of headspace.
If you’re an avid camper with a preference for mountainous campsites, then this bad boy is for you. If not, The Mountain Hardware tent may not be worth the investment seeing as it is pretty expensive.
Summary:
Pros: Is resilient to mountainous climates, is compact to pack, is spacious, and does not use any flame retardant chemicals.
Cons: Pretty expensive.
How to Choose the Right Tent
Here are the key factors you should look for when making a choice.
Usage
There are two categories of tents, 3 season tents, and 4 season tents. The former is designed to be lighter and cooler in the heat, while the latter is usually more robust in build and can withstand turbulent weather. Take into account that it is on the pricier end with comparison to the 3 season tent.
You have to ask yourself when you prefer to camp out. If you prefer the summertime, ventilation should be a top priority in your tent’s design. If you favor the cold, however, you should get something with double walls and a waterproof exterior.
Capacity
Will you be bringing people with you? A dog, perhaps? It’s important to make a selection that has enough space for however many persons you have with you without feeling too snug.
Wall design
Essentially, you have two options to choose from; double-wall and single-wall tents.
Single-wall: the fabric of this variety of tent is usually pretty thin. This means it’s very light and easy to pack making it ideal for mountaineering. The downside is that while it’s rain-proof, it may cause condensation because of the unbreathable nature of the material.
Double-wall: this is basically a single-wall tent with an added layer, the rainfly. Made of nylon fabric, the body of the tent is waterproof while the added rainfly cuts down on the condensation and shields the tent from harsh weather conditions. The only con of the double-wall tent is its weight. It is considerably heavier than the single-wall option and also requires more time in setting up, but it guarantees more comfort.
Tent Dimensions
If you like to be able to stand up in your tent, then you’re going to need a cabin-style tent that comes with a high ceiling. Some tents even come with room dividing structures if you’re camping with a few people.
The other alternative is the dome-style tent. The ceiling of this type of tent will be sloped and naturally shorter in altitude.
Type of Tent (also based on usage)
On average, a tent is one of three types: camping tent, backpacking tent, or mountaineering tent.
Camping tents are very light weighing up to six pounds at most and conveniently compact. Backpacking tents, on the other hand, are lighter still as they are designed for campers who have to trek a good distance before setting up camp. Finally, the mountaineering tent is designed to bear severe precipitation like snow and blizzards perfect for mountaineering trips, as the name suggests. It can be carried in a backpack, but is comparatively heavier than the other two tents.
Ventilation
This is a crucial feature you just cannot overlook. If your tent does not allow proper airflow, your breath will cause condensation which will make it warm, humid, and generally hard to breathe in. To avoid this discomfort, you should invest in a tent that comes with sizable windows and doors, mesh-covered walls, and vents. Problem, solved.
Setup
Setting up the tent is truly the worst part of camping. Sometimes you have to pitch it in the dark or while it’s raining. The whole thing can be such a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be. Most brands today opt for a straightforward setup that should take ten-fifteen minutes at most, and with enough practice, less. If you want something even simpler than that, you can always go for the pop up or instant tent which can be set up in literally seconds. Do note that tents of this description may potentially be lacking in the girth and sturdiness of the average tent. This can be easily avoided though, by inspecting the product before buying it.
Freestanding VS Non-Freestanding Tent
Freestanding tents can stand up on their own without being attached to the ground. This means they can be placed on any kind of landscape and moved around freely. The poles they come with add to the overall weight which may be a demerit for some.
Non-freestanding tents need to be staked down. This could limit the type of landscapes you can camp at with this tent. They don’t require any poles, though, making them ultralight and ideal for backpackers.
Tent Material
An important aspect you have to consider is what the tent is made of.
Tents made of Polyester or Nylon are waterproof but may depreciate with each use. Tents made of cotton, on the other hand, are mostly waterproof but absorb the water which may cause it to be heavier on the way back. It’s sturdier and can last longer than those made of Nylon/Polyester.
Durability
This is a big one. Depending on how avidly you go camping, a tent is a long-term investment that may cost you a pretty penny if you keep buying cheap ones that you have to replace every year. Before committing to something, make sure you check the details on the infrastructure, the provided gears, and the warranties. Though, flimsy gears can easily be replaced by store bought ones.
Conclusion
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences and the specifics of the trip, you can make the right selection that will guarantee your comfort and security.
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