Budget tents disappoint—but Premium Pick shines in quality.
When it comes to finding the best small tent for backpacking, durability and ease of setup are key. The **Night Cat Backpacking Tent** offers lightweight waterproof protection, while the **BISINNA Camping Tent** excels in spaciousness with its two-door design.
For those seeking adventure, the **Night Cat Upgraded Tent** features a heavy rainproof design, ensuring comfort even in challenging weather.
Below, we analyze budget, lifespan, and real-user feedback.


Night Cat Lightweight Waterproof Backpacking Tent
Night Cat Backpacking Tent: 2.2m x 1.2m, fiberglass poles, waterproof fabric, 2-year warranty.
Benefits
- Fits one person comfortably, with enough space for gear.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for more than two people, may feel cramped for two.
The Night Cat Backpacking Tent is an excellent choice for solo campers or a parent and child duo. Its inner dimensions of 7.0 x 3.8 x 3.6 ft provide ample room for one person and their gear, while still being compact enough for easy transport. Weighing only 2 kg (4.4 lbs), it’s lightweight and easy to carry on long hikes.
This tent excels in adverse weather conditions, featuring heavy rainproof polyester fabric with a PU 3000mm rating. The sealed seams and enhanced waterproof tape ensure that you stay dry even in heavy rain. Additionally, the mesh door and roof window offer excellent ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow while keeping bugs out.
Setup is straightforward, taking just 1 to 2 minutes with the two fiberglass poles. The compact package size of 42 x 12 x 12 cm makes it easy to store in a backpack.
This tent is a practical pick for small spaces and is ideal for those who enjoy solo camping or need a lightweight option for family outings.
To buy this product, click here.
BISINNA Lightweight 2/4 Person Camping Tent
BISINNA 2/4 Person Camping Tent: 23.6 + 55 + 23.6 inches long, 190T Polyester Taffeta, 2-year warranty.
Benefits
- Holds 2 people comfortably with ample space for gear.
- Water-resistant with PU2000mm rating for rainy conditions.
- Easy setup in under 10 minutes, ideal for solo campers.
- Compact packed size of 16.9” x 5.9” x 5.9” for easy transport.
Drawbacks
- No additional storage pockets for personal items inside the tent.
- No built-in groundsheet for extra protection against moisture.
A practical pick for small spaces and minimalists, the BISINNA Camping Tent excels in portability and ease of use. Its lightweight design and compact packing size make it perfect for backpackers and hikers. The double-layer construction ensures durability and weather resistance, while the spacious interior comfortably accommodates two people. Despite minor drawbacks like limited storage options, this tent remains a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliability and convenience on their adventures.
To buy this product, click here.
Night Cat Compact 1-2 Person Camping Tent
Night Cat Upgraded Backpacking Tent: 7×3.8×3.8ft, 210T Polyester Taffeta, 2-year warranty.
Benefits
- Holds 1 adult comfortably, with room for a child or gear.
Drawbacks
- No built-in storage pockets for personal items.
The Night Cat Upgraded Backpacking Tent is a standout choice for solo campers. Its unique clip setup allows for quick assembly in about one minute, a significant improvement over traditional tents that require tedious pole threading. Weighing only 2KG (4.4lbs) and packing down to a compact 42x12x12cm (16.5×4.7×4.7 inches), it’s highly portable for backpacking trips.
This tent is designed to withstand the elements, featuring heavy rainproof materials and strong fiberglass poles for stability. The waterproof ratings (PU 3000) ensure that you stay dry even in heavy rain, making it reliable during unpredictable weather. The mesh door and roof window provide excellent ventilation while keeping bugs at bay.
However, it lacks built-in storage pockets, which could be inconvenient for organizing small items. Overall, the Night Cat tent is a practical pick for small spaces and ideal for solo adventurers looking for a lightweight and durable shelter.
To buy this product, click here.
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent: 85” x 57” x 44”, DAC aluminum poles, 68D polyester fabric, 4 lbs. 1 oz. packed weight, 2024 model.
Benefits
- 30 square feet of interior space comfortably fits 2 people.
- Freestanding design allows for easy repositioning.
- Lightweight materials make it ideal for backpacking.
Drawbacks
- Single door may be inconvenient for two campers.
- No built-in pockets for gear organization.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 2P tent is an excellent choice for backpackers seeking a reliable and lightweight shelter. Weighing in at just 4 lbs. 1 oz., it won’t weigh you down on the trail. With a spacious 30 square feet of interior space, it comfortably accommodates two people, making it perfect for couples or friends on weekend adventures. The freestanding design allows you to easily pitch the tent in various locations, ensuring you find the best campsite.
However, the tent does have its drawbacks. The single door can be a hassle for two people, especially when one needs to get in or out. Additionally, the lack of built-in pockets means you’ll need to be strategic with your gear placement. Despite these minor issues, the Kelty Grand Mesa 2P is a practical pick for small spaces and offers great value for backpackers looking for a dependable shelter.
To buy this product, click here.
Clostnature Ultralight 2-Person Camping Tent
Clostnature Polaris Lightweight Backpacking Tent: 7’3” x 4’11” x 3’10”, Polyester rain fly, 5.29 lbs total weight, 1-year warranty.
Benefits
- Weatherproof material with factory-sealed seams keeps you dry in all conditions.
- Ultralight design reduces your load significantly, making it easy to carry on long hikes.
- Compact packed size of 16.5” x 5.9” allows for easy storage in backpacks.
- Quick setup with two aluminum poles, ideal for solo users without experience.
- Excellent ventilation with mesh walls and dual doors for convenience.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for extreme weather as it is designed for three-season use.
- No built-in gear loft for additional storage inside the tent.
A practical pick for small spaces and minimalists, the Clostnature Polaris tent is perfect for casual campers and backpackers. Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal choice for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing comfort.
To buy this product, click here.
Faq about best small tent for backpacking:
1:What is the best small tent for backpacking?
The best small tent for backpacking is lightweight, durable, and easy to set up. Popular options include the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, REI Co-op Flash Air 2, and MSR Hubba NX 2.
2:How much does a good backpacking tent weigh?
A good backpacking tent typically weighs between 2 to 4 pounds. Ultralight options can weigh as little as 1 pound, while more spacious tents may weigh more.
3:What features should I look for in a small backpacking tent?
Look for features such as lightweight materials, waterproof fabric, good ventilation, easy setup, and adequate space for gear storage.
4:Can two people fit in a small backpacking tent?
Yes, many small backpacking tents are designed for two people, offering enough space for sleeping and gear, such as the two-person models from popular brands.
5:Are small tents suitable for all weather conditions?
Small tents can handle various weather conditions, but ensure they have a good rainfly and sturdy construction for wind and rain protection.
Conclusion
Both the Night Cat Lightweight Waterproof Backpacking Tent and the BISINNA Lightweight 2/4 Person Camping Tent exemplify exceptional design and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. The Night Cat tent offers unparalleled portability and weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for solo adventurers seeking reliability in diverse conditions.
Conversely, the BISINNA tent caters to small groups, providing ample space without compromising on weight. Its thoughtful construction ensures comfort and ease of setup, appealing to those who prioritize convenience during their excursions. Together, these tents represent the pinnacle of lightweight camping solutions, each tailored to meet distinct adventurer needs.




