Best Backpacking Tent Under 100: Reviews and Buying Guide
Looking for the best backpacking tent under 100? Our top recommendation is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent since it will help you make the best of your backpacking trip.
Going backpacking is a chance to break free and explore the surroundings and buying the best gear will make this possible. In this article, we’ll review the following backpacking tents that cost less than 100 dollars and we’ll also answer some questions to help you pick the right product.
- ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
- Chillbo CABBINS 2 Person Camping Tent
- Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
- Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent
- Coleman Sundome Tent
- Weanas Professional Backpacking Tent
Reviews of the Best Backpacking Tents Under 100
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still get a good tent for your time away from home. Check out our top picks.
This is a free-standing tent that takes a couple of minutes to be fully set up. The aluminum dual-pole design is a breeze to master even for a first-timer. There are 3 different colors available so you can pick the one you like.
Made of durable polyester, this tent is designed to resist the wind and UV rays. It’s water-resistant and comes with a storage vestibule to carry your essentials. Moreover, the tent has special storage pockets where you can keep your wallet and power bank.
If you usually go hiking in wet weather, this will be an excellent choice as it comes with a durable polyester fly and features factory sealed seams to keep you warm and dry. The floor is made of poly taffeta with a 2000mm coating to keep you dry in all weather conditions making it an excellent 3-season tent.
It’s extremely lightweight as it weighs 4 pounds but it comes with an outstanding lifetime guarantee. The rainfly doesn’t cover the whole body of the tent which might be a problem if it’s raining heavily.
PROS
- Free-standing tent.
- Easy to set up.
- Durable polyester body and rainfly.
- Water-resistant and UV-resistant fly.
- Coating on the floor to keep you dry.
CONS
- The fly doesn’t cover the whole tent.
Going on a backpacking trip with your best friend or significant other is possible even if you don’t want to break the bank. This affordable tent is available in various designs to suit your taste and comes with a roomy bag where you can easily carry it for your time away from home.
This tent works well for hot weather because it features 2 mesh panels that make it breathable in addition to the 2 D-frame doors that provide fast access. In windy weather, you won’t feel cold because the fly covers the tent to keep you warm. Nevertheless, you should be careful while handling this tent because some of the stitching might come loose if you get too rough.
Don’t worry about getting wet because the 2000mm coating on the floor will keep you dry. The sealed seams will keep you warm inside the tent whether you’re attending a party or going on a backpacking trip.
Since it’s big enough, it can be used to accommodate 2 or 3 people unless you’re using an air queen mattress. There are 2 internal pockets to store your essentials and cross-wound poles to keep it stable. It weighs 8.4 pounds.
PROS
- Affordable tent for 2 people.
- Comes with a spacious bag.
- 2 mesh windows for better ventilation.
- 2 D-frame doors for easy access.
- 2000mm coating to keep you dry.
CONS
- Heavier to carry around.
- Some of the stitching might come loose.
Featuring an innovative hub system, this tent is quite easy to set up and take down for a wonderful backpacking trip. This is an extremely lightweight tent that weighs 4.5 pounds so you can easily carry it around. It’s also extremely affordable so it won’t break the bank.
Camping in hot weather can be quite uncomfortable but not when you buy this tent. It features UPF 50+ sun protection and breathable polyester and large windows that keep you well-ventilated. Unlike other tents, the frame of this one is made of sturdy and portable fiberglass so it won’t break easily. The floor is PE-resistant making this an excellent beach tent.
The entrance is big so you can easily get in and out. There are special storage pockets to keep your belongings while you’re spending time away from home. All the instructions are sewn on the tent so a first-timer can easily set it up. It also comes with a bag for storage.
Securing this tent to the ground might be a problem because it’s extremely lightweight. It’s not suitable for a taller person.
PROS
- Innovative hub system.
- Lightweight construction.
- Fiberglass poles.
- Large windows for ventilation.
CONS
- Not suitable for tall people.
- Securing it to the ground is a bit challenging.
If you’re going on your first backpacking trip, this might be the right tent for you. It’s lightweight weighing 3 pounds and 3 ounces so you can easily carry it around while hiking or backpacking. It’s also quite easy to set up and packs small so it won’t bother you when you’re spending time away from home.
This 3-season tent is good value for money because you can use it in any weather while hiking or camping. It features a ventilated mesh roof for better breathability and comes with a rain cover to protect you in rainy and windy weather.
Securing this tent will never be a problem because it comes with 14 heavy-duty stakes and 3 bundles of sturdy rope. You can easily access the tent through the zippered door and there are 2 colors available. Taller people might find this tent a little uncomfortable, especially if they try to sit up in it.
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to set up.
- 3-season tent with mesh roof for ventilation.
- Removable rainfly.
- Easy access.
CONS
- Not suitable for taller people.
- Roof sits too low.
This is a sturdy tent that can safely withstand 35+ mph winds and the WeatherTec system features welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry in wet weather. The tent can be set up in 10 minutes and there are several sizes available to accommodate 2 up to 6 people on a hiking or backpacking trip. It’s also very easy to take down and comes with a compact storage bag.
You will enjoy your time in this tent even if the weather gets too hot because it features large windows and a ground vent for better ventilation. Unlike other tents, this one doesn’t sit low so you can even sit up in it or use a queen air mattress inside.
There are sewn storage pockets where you can keep all your essentials for your outdoor adventure. You can even extend an electric cord through a special opening to enjoy electric power inside your tent. The tent weighs around 7 pounds.
Spending your night in this tent, especially in hot weather is an excellent experience. Nevertheless, the mesh vents allow the dew to come inside and might make it a little too cold when it’s rainy outside.
PROS
- Suitable for windy weather.
- Welded floors.
- Several sizes are available.
- Sewn storage pockets.
CONS
- You might get wet because of the vents.
Several options are available from this model so you can find a tent that suits 2 or 4 people, and all of them cost less than 100 dollars. The tent is quite spacious and features 2 doors for fast access. The door can be opened from the inside and the outside.
The top of the tent features two ventilation skylight openings to keep you comfortable. You can close the outer layer and use it for storage or roll the outer door with a buckle. This multi-purpose 3-season tent is the best for camping and backpacking.
You won’t get wet when you’re sleeping in this tent as it features waterproof fabric and adhesive tape to keep you dry. The floor has 4000mm coating so you can sleep comfortably in rainy weather. The aluminum poles keep the tent stable so it can withstand strong winds.
Being a 3-season tent, this one can be used in warm and cold weather. The fabric is UV-proof and features a special coating on top of the breathable nylon. The tent provides good ventilation in hot weather.
The 2-people tent weighs 4.5 pounds while the 4- people tent weighs 6.2 pounds. All models come with a flysheet to protect you while in rainy weather. You should be careful while handling this tent as you can easily rip the seams open. The instructions are poorly written.
PROS
- Lightweight tent.
- Ventilation for hot weather.
- 4000mm coating to keep the floor dry.
- UV-proof fabric.
CONS
- Instructions are poorly written.
- The seams aren’t sturdy.
What are the Different Types of Tents Available?
Season ratings tell you about how versatile your tent will be. You need to think about the weather conditions when you’re likely to go backpacking so you can pick the right tent.
Every tent is designed to protect you from the elements but the rating will tell you how protective the tent will be and when is the best time to use it. Here is a quick summary of the season rating.
1-Season Tents
These are only suitable for good weather. 1-season tents are basic and are usually more affordable because they won’t withstand challenging weather. They are perfect for backpacking and hiking in the summer but can also be used in the spring and fall, as long as the temperature is moderate.
Some of these tents still come with a rainfly, but this will provide some protection from the occasional showers and strong sunlight. If it starts to rain, then you know that the tent won’t keep you dry.
Nevertheless, a 1-season tent is an excellent choice for a day by the beach for a camping adventure by the lake as it will keep you away from the sun. Finding 1-season tents isn’t easy because they’re less versatile.
2-Season Tents
Just like 1-season tents, these tents are designed for summer use. They usually come with a rainfly but are typically well-ventilated so you can spend a long day by the beach without feeling uncomfortable. However, even with a rainfly, the tent won’t withstand heavy showers so it can’t be used in winter or late fall.
These tents are sturdier than 1-season tents so they will keep you warm in windy weather. They will have mesh windows or vents for better breathability but they won’t make you feel cold at night. If you’re spending time in extreme wet or cold weather, a 2-season tent won’t work.
3-Season Tents
Most tents on the market are 3-season tents because they’re extremely versatile. These are the best value for money because they can be used in warm and cold weather.
A 3-season tent is the best choice if you’re going camping in warm spring, hot summer and cold fall. Nevertheless, the tent usually comes with a rainfly and is made of waterproof material so it can be used in mild winter because it can withstand regular light showers.
One of the perks of buying a 3-season tent is that you won’t feel cold if the wind is too strong. It will be the right choice for a backpacking trip, a day by the beach or for a camping adventure by the mountains.
4-Season Tents
4-season tents aren’t meant to be used in all seasons. As a matter of fact, they’re designed to provide you with a comfortable retreat in the most challenging season; winter. However, a good tent can also be used in late fall and early spring when the weather is still cold.
These tents are quite heavy so they will keep you warm and protect your body from getting wet. The rainfly should be waterproof and you should be able to seal the tent closed using zippers to keep the cold air outside.
If you’re planning to go backpacking in the summer, a 4-season tent will be too hot. This tent is usually made of dual-layer materials that are weather and waterproof. Even though your tent might be made of breathable materials, it won’t be the best option if you’re spending too much time in the sun.
Most 4-season tents are more expensive because they’re more versatile. They’re also heavier than 2 and 3 season tents.
5-Season Tents
These tents are designed for more experienced users and might cost more than 1000 dollars. They’re usually made of the sturdiest materials on the market because they’re designed to withstand extreme weather.
5-season tents feature double-layer walls that can handle snow and rain. The supportive poles are quite durable to keep the tent secure in extreme weather. If you’re an occasional backpacker who wants to go hiking in the spring or summer, a 5-season tent will definitely exceed your needs.
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tent Under 100?
As you can see there are several models on the market and finding the best one isn’t easy. However, there are a few factors that you can take into consideration to help you find the best backpacking tent that costs less than 100 dollars.
Number of People
In addition to the season, tents are rated according to the number of people they can accommodate. The choice is yours and solely depends on your favorite backpacking style. Do you like sleeping alone or do you prefer to sleep with a friend? Answering this question will help you determine whether you need to buy a one or two-people tent.
A 1-person tent is usually lightweight and easier to carry. It will also be compact so you can easily carry it around. However, you should understand that there won’t be enough space inside for a comfortable air mattress.
Moreover, some 1-person tents are not suitable for taller people. The ceiling might be so low that a taller person can’t sit comfortably.
If you don’t mind carrying the extra weight, you can also pick a 2-person tent. There will be more room available, but it will definitely cost more.
Weight
When you’re backpacking, carrying extra weight will definitely drag you down. A lightweight yet durable tent will be your best bet.
In addition to the weight, you should look for a tent that packs small. It won’t confuse you while you’re carrying your gear for a backpacking or hiking trip.
Stability
Most backpackers are always thinking about a trade-off between weight and stability. Lightweight tents are quite easy to carry but they won’t provide adequate protection if you’re spending time in extremely cold weather. In this case, you should make sure that your tent has a strong support system so it stays stable.
Materials
Most tents are made of durable nylon or polyester. However, you should make sure that the material is UV-proof so it stays in good condition. Having a waterproof rainfly and coating on the floor will keep you warm and dry even when it starts raining, guaranteeing the best time in your backpacking tent.
The poles and stakes will keep the tent in place. Aluminum is a good option because it’s durable and lightweight. Fiberglass is another option for campers who intend to carry their tents for long distances. If you’re going to set up your tent in windy weather, you should think about buying a tent with steel poles.
Make sure that your tent has mesh panels or windows. The mesh will keep the bugs outside and will also provide better ventilation in hot weather. Without windows, the water vapor in the tent will condensate and make you uncomfortable, especially during the night.
Conclusion
There are several good products available for outdoor enthusiasts so choosing the right pieces to add to your gear can be quite challenging. Luckily, we did the research on your behalf to help you find the best backpacking tent under 100.
We chose the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent as our top pick because it’s quite easy to set up even for a first-timer. It’s made of highly durable materials so it will help you enjoy your backpacking trip to the maximum regardless of the weather conditions.
This is an extremely lightweight tent that comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a tent that can accommodate 2 people, you can check out the Chillbo CABBINS 2 Person Camping Tent. It’s extremely affordable and features a special coating on the floor to keep you dry even if it starts raining.
Getting a budget-friendly tent is possible. All you have to do is to check our list and you’ll definitely find a product that suits you.