When it comes to choosing a backpacking tent, weight is the key factor. If you’re carrying your tent in a rucksack over several days, a lighter pack will always make for a more comfortable trek. That’s why most backpacking tents are designed for one or two people, keeping things as compact and lightweight as possible.
Whether you're wild camping in the UK or heading overseas, a backpacking tent offers a simple and cost-effective alternative to hotels or hostels.
These tents are built to be lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and other school trips where reliability matters.
Popular Backpacking Categories
Backpacking Tents for All Trips
Lightweight Design in Backpacking Tents
One of the key reasons backpacking tents are so popular is their low weight. When you're carrying your gear on foot, a tent that packs down small and adds minimal bulk to your rucksack is essential. Most models are designed for one or two people and use lightweight materials such as aluminium or fibreglass poles and polyester or nylon canvases. Many also feature simple pole structures to reduce weight further.
While you’ll sacrifice a bit of headroom or interior space compared to larger tents, the trade-off in weight and pack size makes a big difference on longer treks. For multi-day hikes or expeditions where every gram counts, a lightweight backpacking tent helps you cover more ground with less strain.
Weather Protection
Backpacking tents may be small, but they’re built to handle a range of conditions. Most offer full waterproof protection with taped seams, high hydrostatic head ratings, and secure outer flysheets that keep the rain off. The low-profile shape and strong poles help the tent hold up well in windy conditions too. Ventilation is another important factor- mesh panels and adjustable vents reduce condensation inside the tent without letting in the weather. If you're wild camping or trekking through unpredictable environments, having a shelter that keeps you dry and stable is essential. Good backpacking tents strike a careful balance between weight, ventilation, and weatherproofing.
Similar Collections DofE Recommended Tents | 2 Man Tents | Festival Tents | 3 Man Tents
Backpacking Tents for Expeditions and Travel
Backpacking tents are a great choice for a wide range of uses beyond solo trekking. They’re commonly used for school expeditions such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, where ease of transport, durability, and quick pitching are important. Many tents in this category can be set up in minutes and packed away just as quickly, which is ideal for moving from site to site. They’re also useful for cycle touring, gap year travel, and festivals - any time you need a reliable and lightweight shelter. With compact pack sizes and strong construction, backpacking tents offer a flexible and affordable way to sleep outdoors while keeping your kit as light as possible.
FAQs
A backpacking tent is a lightweight, compact tent designed to be carried easily in a rucksack. These tents prioritise low weight and pack size, making them ideal for multi-day hikes or wild camping.
Most one or two-person backpacking tents weigh between 1kg and 2.5kg. Solo tents can be lighter, while larger or more robust designs may weigh slightly more. For longer treks, keeping weight under 2kg is often recommended.
Yes, quality backpacking tents come with a waterproof flysheet and groundsheet. Look for a hydrostatic head rating of at least 3,000mm to ensure it can handle typical UK weather.
Key features include low weight, small pack size, waterproof materials, good ventilation, and durable construction. A freestanding design can also be useful if pitching on rocky or uneven ground.
With proper care, a good backpacking tent can last many years. Avoid prolonged UV exposure, store it dry, and clean it after trips to extend its lifespan.
