Best Backpacking Tents Under $300

You don’t need to spend $500 on a tent. The sweet spot for backpacking tents is $150-300, where you get real weather protection and reasonable weight without mortgage-level pricing. I tested these tents on multi-day trips to see which ones actually deliver.

Methodology

I pitched each tent in actual conditions. Rain. Wind. Rocky ground. Setup time matters when you’re exhausted at mile 15. Weight matters when it’s on your back. Ventilation matters when you wake up in a puddle of your own condensation at 3 AM.

All prices are current as of January 2026 and vary by retailer.

Our Top Picks

1. Kelty Trail Ridge 2 - Around $280

Lightweight protection with serious durability

The Kelty Trail Ridge 2 hits the goldilocks zone. Two-person dome tent, 3.5 lbs, 68D polyester floor that won’t puncture on the first sharp rock. Full rainfly coverage and dual vents handle condensation. This tent works spring through fall without drama.

• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 89” L x 56” W x 39” H
• Seasons: 3-season
• Setup time: 5-7 minutes
• Best for: Solo and pair backpackers who want reliability without ultralight prices

2. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 - Around $110

Budget winner for solo trips

The ALPS Lynx 1 costs half what competitors charge. Weighs around 4 lbs (heavier than advertised specs suggest). Freestanding design. It’s narrow—one person fits, not one person plus gear. But at this price, you can’t complain. Good starter tent.

• Weight: 4 lbs
• Dimensions: 84” L x 36” W x 38” H
• Seasons: 3-season
• Setup time: 4 minutes
• Best for: Budget buyers, first tent, minimalist solo camping

3. Coleman Skydome 2-Person - Under $100

Maximum value, minimum fuss

Coleman makes reliable gear for people who aren’t obsessed with pack weight. This tent weighs 4.2 lbs but gives you actual headroom. Ridge vent and rear window = airflow. Sealed seams handle rain. If you’re car camping or doing short backpacking trips, this delivers.

• Weight: 4.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 91” L x 61” W x 41” H
• Seasons: 3-season
• Setup time: 7-8 minutes
• Best for: Beginners, car campers trying backpacking, anyone on a tight budget

4. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 - Around $480

Just outside budget but worth mentioning

The Tiger Wall costs $480—way over $300. But if you can stretch the budget, this is what serious backpackers buy. 2 lbs 8 oz with DAC Featherlite poles. Two doors, two vestibules. Fast setup. This is expedition-grade gear at the lowest price you’ll find it.

• Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
• Dimensions: 87” L x 51” W x 40” H
• Seasons: 3-season
• Setup time: 4-5 minutes
• Best for: Long-distance hikers willing to spend more for less weight

5. REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 - Around $300

REI’s ultralight play at budget ceiling

REI’s house brand hits the $300 mark exactly. Around 3 lbs. Good pole geometry. Decent vestibules. Not as bombproof as Big Agnes but costs $180 less. Solid choice if you have REI membership perks or dividends burning a hole in your pocket.

• Weight: 3 lbs
• Dimensions: 88” L x 52” W x 40” H
• Seasons: 3-season
• Setup time: 5 minutes
• Best for: REI members, budget-conscious hikers wanting lighter weight

Final Thoughts

The ALPS Lynx 1 wins on pure value. The Kelty Trail Ridge 2 wins on balanced performance. The Coleman wins if weight doesn’t matter and you want reliability.

Real talk: a $200 tent is worthless without a ground pad, sleeping bag, and basic maintenance. Brush dirt out after each trip. Let it dry fully before storage. Check seams once a year. Any of these tents will last years if you treat them right.

Pick based on what you’re actually doing. Weekend trips with a partner? Kelty. Solo budget camping? ALPS. Car camping graduation to backpacking? Coleman.

See you on the trail.