6 Best Two-Person Tents For Backpacking

Are you searching for the best two-person tent for backpacking? Well, look no more. Here, we got them all covered. 

A Quick Overview

Backpacking is a fun activity for many people all over the world. In the United States and Canada, it is among the top leisure activities enjoyed by families and households. 

Of course, backpacking is not exclusive to large groups or individuals. Couples, buddies, and partners can have fun in the backcountry as long as they are prepared with the necessary skills and essentials. 

A two-person backpacking tent comes into the equation right away. As its name suggests, this tent is designed to shelter two people alongside some of their items. There are several things to consider when buying these two-person tents, which we will discuss later on. 

In the meantime, you can check some of the top-rated two-person backpacking tents in today's market. 

6 Best Two-Person Tents For Backpacking: A Rundown

	Season	Trail Weight	Packaged Weight	Where To Buy
NEMO Aurora 2P Tent	3-Season	4 lbs. 9 oz.	5 lbs. 7 oz.	REI Amazon
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent	3-season	2 lbs. 11 oz.	3 lbs. 2 oz.	REI Amazon
Exped Orion II Tent	4-season	6 lbs. 9 oz.	7 lbs. 10 oz.	REI
ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tent	3-season	3 lbs. 10 oz.	4 lbs.	REI Amazon
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent	3-season	5 lbs. 5 oz.	5 lbs. 14 oz.	REI Amazon
Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent	3-season	4 lbs. 15.7 oz.	5 lbs. 14.2 oz.	REI
Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent	4-season	8 lbs. 9.7 oz.	9 lbs. 10.2 oz.	REI Amazon

Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents

1. NEMO Aurora 2P Tent - Editor's Pick

NEMO Aurora 2P Tent Review

The NEMO Aurora 2P Tent is nothing short of fantastic. As a 2-person tent, it provides enough space for two backpackers and their essential belongings. It has steep walls to maximize its internal space. 

It also includes two vestibules (one per door) so that you have another room to spread your body and store your other items. The package also consists of a footprint that preserves the overall durability of the tent.

Based on tests, the tent is relatively easy to set. It has a straightforward pole assembly. But remember that its poles might not sustain strong winds, so it is best used for 3-season applications only. But it has strutted vents on its fly that optimize air circulation. 

Notably, the fabrics of the NEMO Aurora are free from toxic chemicals and fire retardants. If you are going with your pets, you can install the Pawprint liner of Nemo. But you have to purchase it separately. Overall, this tent is superb for 2-person backpacking trips. 

2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

Are you looking for an ultralight tent? Then I suggest you pick up the Copper Spur HV from Big Agnes. We love using this tent for quick summer weekend backcountry adventures. It is light--as light as 3 pounds--so it is always easy to carry. 

It has a simple assembly, too; it is just a single pole that enables the tent to erect fully. The tent also includes awning-type vestibules that provide sufficient sun and water protection. 

Multiple pockets can be found inside this tent. There's an off-floor storage, ceiling pocket, and media pocket for your gadgets. Meanwhile, the fabrics used on its canopy, floor, and rainfly have decent durability. And that's something for an ultralight tent. 

Notably, the tent corner has the proprietary TipLok Tent Buckles that simplify the assembly of the tent. It secures the pole-tip, tensioner, stake-out loop, and rainfly. The buckles have a hinged construction, as well, which provides stability to the tent. They balance the canopy, stake, and rainfly so that the tent can stand steadily. 

3. Exped Orion II Tent

Exped Orion II Tent Review

The Exped Orion II Tent is the prime definition of an authentic 4-season tent. Those who are planning to go on challenging backpacking expeditions should consider using the Orion II as their primary shelter. Though it is pricey, it can provide the necessary protection and comfort while you and your partner are in the wild. 

The tent and its fly can be attached even while they are stowed. You can also separate the fly and combine it with a footprint if you simply want to embark on a lightweight journey. 

The tent is also versatile, as it comes in three modes: Storm, Breeze-Way, and Party. Each of these setups will fit specific applications, so there's actually no limit to how you can use the Orion II. 

We also like the inclusion of guyline anchor points. They make the pole sleeve extra stable so that it can withstand snow, water, and wind. The tent has vestibules, as well as four internal pockets for sufficient item storage and foolproof equipment organization. The fabrics of the tent are durable and almost puncture-proof. It is definitely a great winter tent!

4. ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tent Review

The ALPS Mountaineering Trail Tent is among the most spacious 2-person tents you can get today. Specifically, it has a floor space of up to 38 square feet, allowing it to comfortably shelter backpackers and their equipment. 

There are another 12 square feet of vestibule that serves as extra room for your outdoor gear. This tent can be staked out easily, as well. Hence, you can set it up in a jiffy and enjoy the shelter that it provides. 

By the way, the tent has numerous vents. It has vents on its top and another 360-degree vent on its bottom. You can adjust these vents to either decrease or increase the internal airflow. So whether or not it's warm outside, this tent will keep you cozy and comfortable.

Similar to other tents here, this one has a lightweight construction. But its fabrics are quite tough, though. The 75-denier polyester canopy can hold up to moderate climate and temperatures. It even has a coating for UV rays. 

5. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent Review

One of the most appealing two-person backpacking tents today is the Stormbreak by The North Face. In a nutshell, this tent is durable and breathable at the same time. It features a nice combination of polyester and mesh. 

It also comes with two large doors for easy access and limitless views. The doors are then paired with two twin-zip vestibules for additional storage for your equipment and a resting area for you and your partner. By the way, you can stuff the doors into their adjacent mesh pockets so that you don't have to roll them from time to time. 

The Stormbreak also includes high-low ventilation technology that optimizes the airflow inside the tent. Meanwhile, its fully seam-taped floor and canopy guarantee that it has sufficient waterproofing and durability against the elements. But as a 3-season tent, don't expect that the Stormbreak can withstand unruly weather conditions.

Still, it is a great tent, nonetheless. It is lightweight and easy to pack! 

6. Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent Review

If you and your partner want to challenge the alpines, the Mountain Hardwear Trango is a fitting choice for a tent. It exudes comfort, durability, and ease of assembly, which are essential to conquer unpredictable terrains. 

Apparently, it tried to streamline its weight by featuring the use of DAC Featherlite aluminum poles. These poles are specialized anodized metals that provide an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It can withstand turbulent snows and winds. 

The tent has a color coding setup for hassle-free pitching. There's also a direct connection point that attaches the frame, rainfly, and tent body in all the guyout points. As a result, the tent garners superior stability. 

It is also a spacious tent, offering 40 square feet of interior space. Its vestibules, on the other hand, are equipped with sleeved internal poles. These vestibules stand erect, allowing more headroom and storage space. With its price, features, and ergonomics, you can never get wrong with the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2.

How To Choose A Two-Person Tent?

Backpacking is an extensive field. So not all backpacking tents are the same. Some tents are designed to be more hiking-friendly; these tents are ultra-durable and lightweight. Meanwhile, there are those backpacking tents that are breathable and comfortable. 

When choosing a backpacking tent for you and your partner, it is better that you envision first the nature of your trip. Is it a simple outdoor adventure during the weekend? Or is it something that involves lots of mountains and cold air? 

Types Of Backpacking Tents

Based on your answer, you can choose a tent based on the following categories:

All-Season Backpacking Tents

One of the finest tents that you could possibly get today are these all-season tents. These tents are also known as 4-season tents. So aside from the typical ability to handle the conditions of summer, spring, and fall, these tents can also be used during winter or in any challenging terrains. 

Keep in mind that these all-season tents are heavier and bulkier than their 3-season counterparts. Needless to say, these tents tend to get more expensive, as well. 

If 3-season tents feature a meshy-heavy construction, these all-season tents prioritize nylon fabrics on their walls. Nylon offers thermal insulation and protection against the wind. Their pole assembly is intricate and robust, too. If you and your partner are planning to have a backpacking adventure in areas with unfavorable conditions, then these 4-season tents are the best choice for you. 

Budget Backpacking Tents

For those who are looking for entry-level tents should go for these budget-friendly options. You should prioritize these tents if you are still new to backpacking or if you don't go on trips frequently. 

These particular tents are generally inexpensive; they only cost around $300 or less. They are made from thick fabrics and basic pole assembly. They are somewhat heavy, too, as they prioritize comfort and spaciousness in their construction. Expect that these tents have numerous doors, windows, and vestibules. 

Affordable tents don't have innovative features. But they pack the fundamental components that enable you to use them on moderate climates and terrains.

Ultralight

Backpacking is an activity where weight does matter. So it is a given that ultralight tents are important to this endeavor. Backpackers are tasked to ensure that their luggage is as lightweight as possible, ensuring that they can hike, walk, and traverse terrains with ease. 

For two-person tents, the weight should be around 3 pounds or less. But expect that these tents use thin fabrics and materials on their ceilings, zippers, floors, vestibules, and doors. Their sizes are trimmed, as well. So don't assume that you can get a generous interior with these tents. 

Moreover, these ultralight tents come in either semi-freestanding or non-freestanding designs. In short, you need to stake them to the ground so that they can stand properly.

Because of these qualities, these ultralight tents should only be used when the weather is nice. They don't offer sufficient weather protection to keep you warm, dry, and windproof. By the way, ultralight tents are typically more expensive than other tents.  

All-Around Backpacking Tents

Just as their name suggests, all-around tents are tents that you can use for almost any situation. These tents are generally livable, but they are moderately lightweight, as well. They weigh around 3 to 4 pounds, especially for 2-person tents. Moreover, they have decent pole assemblies, which create steep walls and spacious interiors. 

Most all-around backpacking tents are stable in windy conditions. They can withstand light to moderate rain and snow, as well. Their doors also have vestibules for added storage and space. 

The downside of these all-around tents is that they are expensive. When it comes to durability, they aren't as tough as those four-season tents due to the fact that they have to be lightweight and breathable. 

Floor Size 

One of the things that you should do here is to ensure that the floor size fits your current requirements. It is an important consideration since you have to guarantee that your sleeping bags should fit inside the tent simultaneously. 

Technically, lightweight tents have smaller floor areas than heavier tents. If you want to guarantee that you have enough space inside the tent, you might want to get a three-person tent instead. These tents offer additional space for your storage. 

Some tents have tapered feet. This design helps reduce weight; however, it makes it hard for the sleeper to sleep inside. 

By the way, check the shape and tent height, as well. They affect the overall interior space that a tent can provide. 

Weight Of The Tent

It is also essential that you are picky when it comes to the weight of your tent. If you have noticed, we have classified backpacking tents based on their weight and size. Essentially, the heavier the tent, the more protection and stability it can provide. On the other hand, lightweight tents usher breathability and carry comfort. 

For backpacking tents, we recommend that you get those lightweight models--or those tents that weigh around 4 pounds or less. Keep in mind that tents should be the heaviest item in your backpack. Therefore, you and your backpacking partner should plan out how you are going to carry your tent. 

In our selection, the heaviest ones are those budget tents, with the lightest being the ultralight models. All-season and all-around tents sit somewhere in between. Just remember that lighter tents have reduced their weather protection, while heavier ones are rugged and great for insulation. 

• Trail weight - This particular term refers to the weight of the tent, poles, and rainfly. Essentially, this weight is a precise estimation of the actual weight of the tent while carrying it. 

• Packaged weight - Meanwhile, the packaged weight is the entirety of the tent. So aside from the tent, poles, and rainfly, packaged weight also includes stakes, footprints, stuff sacks, and guylines. 

Ventilation

There are several factors that could impact the ventilation of tents. The presence of mesh indicates that a tent is designed to not keep you warm and damp. 

Double-wall tents that have a significant amount of mesh are great for summer. If you take out the rainfly, these tents will be more breathable and comfortable (as long as you pitch your tent away from the sun). That’s a good way to remain cool while backpacking during summer. 

But since the rainfly is important, removing them from the tent isn't an option that many are willing to take. Hence, other tent manufacturers installed vents on top of the rainfly. 

Defense Against The Elements

Keep in mind that your tent will serve as your temporary shelter once you are outdoors. So if this is the case, the realization should sink in. A poorly designed tent will not protect you against the elements and harsh weather conditions. 

The weather protection of backpacking tents primarily relies on their rainfly. The rainfly is the one that encompasses the entire structure of the tent so that you can receive more protection from the heat of the sun or heavy rain. 

The best backpacking tent for two persons has either waterproof coating in their rainfly. At the same time, they could have taped seams to prevent moisture and water from passing through. 

Aside from the rainfly, you should also check the poles and pole assemblies of these tents. If the poles bow when pressed by wind, they are fragile and likely to break. On the flip side, durable poles remain stiff while the wind blows strongly. 

Tent Fabric

Durability is an important aspect of choosing any type of tent. And one way of knowing the durability of a tent is by assessing the thickness of its fabric. 

Specifically, the thickness of the fabric is commonly expressed in denier. In a nutshell, the fabric refers to the yarn's weight. So usually, the best backpacking tents for two-person tents have a higher denier count on their canopy, rainfly, and floor. 

Among the tents we featured, all-season and all-around tents have thicker fabrics. On the other hand, ultralight tents tend to be fragile. After all, they have sacrificed fabric thickness to minimize their weight. Hence, if you are going to pick ultralight tents, you have to learn how to take care of them. 

Things You Shouldn't Share When Backpacking With A Partner

While two-person backpacking encourages sharing of tents, there are some items that you should never share with your partner. 

Water

Notably, food can be shared during the trip. However, water is a different matter. You see, being hydrated is crucial in a backpacking adventure. And your water consumption could affect your overall performance throughout the hike and trek. 

Each backpacker should have enough water to sustain them. And they should also monitor how much water they are drinking. On a hot day, we tend to drink more, and that's bad news if you have only brought a single water container. Part of the planning is to ensure that the two of you get enough water to drink.

Eating Utensils 

You can cook together while backpacking. That's a great way to bond and have fun. But then again, it is a different story when it comes to utensils and mugs. 

People should be responsible enough to have their own spoons and forks. Have individualized cups and plates, as well. Aside from ensuring your convenience during the trip, not sharing utensils prevents you from feeling disgusted. Just imagine eating using the spoon of your partner. That's pretty repulsive, right?

Luxury Items 

Each of us has our own means of staying comfortable and happy in our backcountries. So if you want to have a little bit of glamping experience, then do so. However, don't this guilty pleasure ruin the experience of your partner. 

For two-person backpacking, being responsible is a must. Don't let your partner carry your personal belongings. As the adage goes, "to each of their own." Of course, the exceptions would be during emergencies--if your partner got injured and had difficulties lifting stuff. That's where you should come in. 

Learn more about camping and backpacking etiquettes here. 

Final Thoughts

With the best two-person tents for backpacking, you and your partner would be able to enjoy your weekend adventure even more. These tents don’t just provide protection against the elements, but they also keep you comfortable while you are having fun or enjoying the scenery. 

Of course, your trip would get even better if you have other backpacking essentials, such as sleeping bags or sleeping pads. Now, have a nice time off the grid!