Updated on March 22, 2024

Do you like to camp? Do you also like to bike? Yes and yes? Well then, partner, it sounds like you need to hit the road on a bikepacking adventure! One of the key components to a bikepacking trip is a trusty bikepacking tent. Since we always aim to make sure you’re geared up with the best of the best adventure products out there, we’ve rounded up the best bikepacking tents on the market and compiled them in a list here for you.

Before you dive in, we’d like to note that bikepacking tents come in a great range of variety – from cost to size to purpose, there is a lot to take in. We’ve explained this all in our “Things To Consider” section and we’ve done the work of taking into account a number of factors that we think are most important when selecting a bikepacking tent. Use the breakdown at the end of the article to help decide which factors are most important to you. Happy trails!

For more of our top biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Stoves for Bikepacking.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Bikepacking Tents

  1. MSR Hubba NX 1
  2. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
  3. Marmot Tungsten 2P
  4. REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL1
  5. The North Face Stormbreak 3
  6. Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
  7. Marmot Catalyst 2P
  8. Black Diamond Firstlight 2P

 

Comparison Table - Best Bikepacking Tent

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NameSleeping CapacitySeasonFootprint IncludedPriceRatingReview
MSR Hubba NX 113-SeasonNo$$4.6Read Review
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL223-SeasonYes$$4.9Read Review
Marmot Tungsten 2P23-SeasonYes$4.7Read Review
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL113-SeasonNo$$4.7Read Review
The North Face Stormbreak 333-SeasonNo$4.6Read Review
Mountain Hardwear Trango 224-SeasonNo$$$5.0Read Review
Marmot Catalyst 2P23-SeasonYes$4.6Read Review
Black Diamond Firstlight 2P24-SeasonNo$$4.8Read Review
NameSleeping CapacitySeasonFootprint IncludedPriceRatingReview

Reviews - The Best Tents for Bikepacking

MSR Hubba NX 1

Specs
  • Footprint Included: No
  • Weight: 2 lb. 14 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 1
  • Packed Dimensions: 6 X 18 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 85 x 30 inches (L x W)
Features
  • Super Light Design Adds Minimal Weight To Your Pack
  • Tent Poles Are Built To Withstand Inclement Weather
  • A Special Waterproof Coating Lasts Up To Three Times Longer And Works Better Than Standard Waterproof Coatings

BEST FOR: EASY SET UP

Tent setup not your thing? Don’t worry, it’s not necessarily ours either. Some tents are complicated to set up and can take quite a bit of time to pitch, but not this one! Since its entire pole system is interconnected, all you have to do is unpack, unfold, and attach. Can you say easy breezy?

Not only does this tent set up well, it also packs down into a small compression bag so that it takes up minimal space in your pack. The tent fabric and poles (featuring the latest composite technology) are built to withstand wet and windy weather, and the design is all topped off with rain gutters to keep moisture out.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

Specs
  • Footprint Included: Yes
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2
  • Packed Dimensions: 5.5 X 18 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 86 x 52/42 inches (L x W head/foot)
Features
  • Single-Pole Design Makes For Easy Set Up And Pack Up
  • Two Doors For Easy Entry And Exit
  • Easy Grip Zippers Make Opening And Closing Simple

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT BIKEPACKING

For its two-person capacity, this tent is extremely light. If many miles and lightweight travel are your goals, then this may be the tent for you. And even with its low weight, you won’t sacrifice functionality!

The Tiger Wall tent features great airflow and a special “dry-door” design that keeps water out when you enter and exit. It also has special extended corners located at the foot of the tent so you have more room to stash your stuff. This tent is built for three-season use so you can go comfortably and confidently on your journey, knowing your tent will keep you protected in a lot of different weather.

Marmot Tungsten 2P

Specs
  • Footprint Included: Yes
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2
  • Packed Dimensions: 7 X 21 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 88 x 54/46 inches (L x W head/foot)
Features
  • Vented Rain Fly Keeps Rain Out While Letting Air In
  • Vertical Side Walls Allow For Extra Head And Sleeping Space
  • Specially Designed Lamp Shade Pocket Allows Your Headlamp To Act Comfortably As An Interior Light
Marmot Tungsten 2P

BEST FOR: RAINY WEATHER

When it comes to rain and other kinds of wet weather, not all bikepacking tents perform the same! We’ve selected The Marmot Tungsten tent as our best-performing tent for rainy weather because of its waterproof seams and large rain fly that keeps rain out but continues to let fresh air in, meaning you won’t get hot and sticky inside.

This tent also comes with a reasonable price tag and color-coded setup system. It is capable of sleeping two people and suitable for three season use. Plus, for its floor space, the tent is still reasonably lightweight. Gotta love it!

REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL1

Specs
  • Footprint Included: No
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 6 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 1
  • Packed Dimensions: 6 X 18.5 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 88 X 35/27 inches (L x W head/foot)
Features
  • Large Door For Ease Of Entry And Exit
  • Color Coded Parts Make Setup A Breeze
  • Lots Of Interior Pockets And Loops For Organizing Your Belongings
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL1

BEST FOR: OVERALL ROOMINESS

The Quarter Dome tent from REI Co-op has been completely redesigned to improve durability, lightweightness, and of course…interior space! If you’re someone who likes to backpack and bikepack but still prefers some extra wiggle room in the tent, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. 

From your sleeping space to your sit up and stand up space, this tent has you covered when it comes to roominess. Plus, it has a slew of perfectly placed interior loops and pockets to make storing your gear and other small belongings easy. In addition to its expert interior design, this tent comes with a few other key features like large, easy-to-enter doors and color-coded parts that make setup easy.

The North Face Stormbreak 3

Specs
  • Footprint Included: No
  • Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 3
  • Packed Dimensions: 8 X 22 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 88 x 65 inches (L x W)
Features
  • 2 Doors For Easy In And Out
  • Compatible With The “Tentertainment Center” From North Face To Hold Everything From Your Tablet To Your Speaker
  • Airflow-Promoting Ventilation System Keeps The Inside Air Fresh And Clean

BEST FOR: EASY ACCESS

If you’re someone who tends to be sore at the end of the day or if you’ve ever experienced difficulty bending down to get through a tiny tent door for any reason (like a long day of pedaling), you may want to check this one out. The Stormbreak tent from The North Face features two oversized doors for easy access, even when another person is inside the tent.

In addition to its easy access doors, this tent also has a waterproof floor and seams, superior ventilation, and easy setup. It weighs a good bit more than some of the other tents on this list, but it is also super reasonably priced.

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2

Specs
  • Footprint Included: No
  • Weight: 9 lbs. 10 oz.
  • Season: 4-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2
  • Packed Dimensions: 8 X 24 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 92 x 64 inches (L x W)
Features
  • Lightweight Poles Are Also Super Strong And Sturdy
  • Nylon Floor Provides Superior Wet Weather Protection
  • Specialized Light Diffusing Pocket Allows Your Headlamp To Light The Whole Tent

BEST FOR: PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING

The Trango Tent from Mountain Hardwear is everything you’d want in a bikepacking tent and then some. Intended to withstand four season use, everything about this tent is strong and sturdy, from its lightweight poles to its waterproof fabric and fly. 

There’s not much not to love here, so we thought it might be easier to tell you about the only downsides we see with this superior quality tent. You’ll definitely pay the cost for this one, as it is double and even triple the price as some of the other tents on this list. Since it is built to withstand extreme weather and last through many uses, you’ll sacrifice a little bit of weight, too, which means this tent is a little heavier than some of the others on the list. Both of these downsides are the cost of an extremely high quality, reliable tent.

Marmot Catalyst 2P

Specs
  • Footprint Included: Yes
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 3 oz.
  • Season: 3-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2
  • Packed Dimensions: 7 X 18 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 88 x 53 inches (L x W)
Features
  • Great For Spring, Summer, And Fall Use
  • Color-Coded Poles Make Setup A Breeze
  • Light Weight Makes This Tent Optimal For Any Bikepacking Adventure

BEST FOR: YOUR WALLET

The Marmot Catalyst is a high quality tent that is also perfect for those who are balling, er… should we say bikepacking on a budget! This finance-friendly tent offers 3-season use, 2-person capacity, and easy setup. 

You’ll find that the Marmot Catalyst boasts a great amount of interior space for its cost, as well. Plus, it has several interior pockets for stashing your small gear and an overhead “lampshade” pocket that turns your headlamp into a tent light. It is also lightweight and strong! For the cost, it would be tough to find another tent that performs so well.

Black Diamond Firstlight 2P

Specs
  • Footprint Included: No
  • Weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.
  • Season: 4-Season
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2
  • Packed Dimensions: 6 X 9 inches
  • Floor Dimensions: 82 x 48 inches (L x W)
Features
  • Simple Design Is Lightweight and No-Fuss
  • Two Interior Pockets To Stash Your Goods
  • Zippered Mesh Windows Allow For Privacy Or Increased Airflow

BEST FOR: ALL SEASON USE

Previously hesitant to camp in colder weather? Want to feel secure in your tent no matter what the season and weather conditions? If you answered yes to either of those questions, it sounds like you’re a candidate for a four season tent. And if you want the best of the best, then we highly recommend checking out the Firstlight from Black Diamond.

Though it features a minimalist design and lacks the bells and whistles that some other tents in  the same price range have, don’t be fooled. The Firstlight has all the basic features any bikepacker would want: lightweight design, spacious floor dimensions, and interior pockets for stashing gear. And since it’s built to withstand extreme weather all year long, you’ll feel safe and secure no matter what camping conditions you’re working with.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BIKEPACKING TENTS

COST

Bikepacking tents come in a wide range of costs. More expensive tents do tend to last longer than cheap ones, but that does not mean that there are not good quality budget friendly tents out there, too! Before you head to the bank to take out a loan, do your research. We’ve included quality tents at a range of prices on this list so that you can find a tent that is just right for you (and your wallet!).

 

SLEEPING CAPACITY

We’ve included 1-, 2- and 3-person tents in this article. You’ll often see abbreviations for the number of people a tent can hold. For example, 1P means “one person” and 2P means “two person.”

Because one major goal of most bikepacking tents is to reduce weight and therefore size, some one person tents are quite small. So, even if you are an individual traveler, you may want to consider a two person tent, especially if you’re someone who likes a bit of wiggle room when you sleep. Same goes for two people – it might be worth considering investing a little extra cash and pack space for a 3-person tent if you know you like to spread out at night or store all your gear in the tent with you!

 

SEASONABILITY

Many bikepacking tents are built to withstand just part of the year: the tail end of spring, summer, and the beginning of fall. These tents are known as two season tents. Three season tents, on the other hand, are built to withstand the full scope of spring, summer, and fall. Beyond the mighty three season tent is the even mightier four season tent. Four season tents are built for more extreme weather and will fare well in all seasons. One thing to keep in mind: the higher the number of seasons, the more expensive the tent.

Pro Seasonability Tip: Never camped in the wintertime but looking to try it out? Read this article from REI Expert Advice first. It will tell you all about winter camping basics.

 

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS

When it comes to bikepacking, you want to minimize weight and dimensions as much as you can without sacrificing quality or functionality. We’ve listed the full weight of each tent on this list of best bikepacking tents. Most of them also have what’s called a “minimal trail weight,” which means you can opt to leave some tent components behind (like the rainfly or footprint) to shave weight. We’ve also listed the tents’ dimensions when packed up for travel and the dimensions of the floors when the tents are set up.

 

Need More Info On Bikepacking Tents?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about choosing a bikepacking tent that is perfect for you!

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

RAIN FLY

An external waterproof cloak that attaches to your tent in order to keep you and your gear dry in the event of rain and other weather.

FOOTPRINT

A base fabric that is sometimes included with your tent purchase and serves to protect the bottom of the tent itself.

PACKED DIMENSIONS

The size of your tent all packed up.

FLOOR DIMENSIONS

Some tent floor dimensions are rectangular, while others have a “mummy”-like shape. We’ve notated the dimensions in this article to help you understand what shape each tent is.

POLES

Tent poles are used to hold up the fabric portion of the tent.

READ MORE

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