10 Best Backpacking Tents Under $200 (Rankings)

There are lots of backpacking tents out there, and they all have the same aim: to provide shelter and block out the elements. But not all backpacking tents are created equal; some tents may be more durable, offer better protection from the elements, or come with nifty features like a vestibule or bug netting.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of what we think are the best backpacking tents under $200 (yep — it’s possible!). And if you’re interested in just our top overall picks, scroll down to the bottom of this article.

Camping with backpacking tent
Camping with backpacking tent

In this article, we present some popular affordable backpacking tents that are available today. These tents are available at a very affordable price. You can save a lot of your money when buying any of these products.

Best Backpacking Tent Under $200

It is very necessary for you to check all available factors before you decide to choose the best backpacking tent for yourself. You also need to consider how easy it is for you to install your favorite tent. In this article, we are going to talk about some popular backpacking tents that are available for less than 200 dollars. You don’t have to spend a lot of your money when buying the best backpacking tent for you and your families. Many people leave good and positive testimonials about any of these products.

1) Marmot Crane Backpacking and Camping Tent

Marmot Crane Backpacking and Camping Tent

Do you want to buy the best camping tent for yourself? You can take a look at this incredible backpacking tent. This lightweight tent can be an ideal choice for campers, hikers, and climbers. This tent is very well-known for its comfortable space and good performance. Its seam taped floor and seam taped coverage can give maximum protection for all users. This camping tent has a unique D-shaped door for easy exit and entry. There is also an overhead vestibule for offering the best experience for all users.

When you buy this camping tent, you can also get durable HD velocity 7000 series poles made from aluminum. These poles are well-known for their performance and strength. You will be able to maintain the position and stability of this camping tent by using these poles. The overall area of this camping tent is about 32 square foot. It is good for accommodating up to 2 – 3 persons who want to enjoy the best camping experience with this tent.

  • Full coverage weatherproof rainfly system
  • Strong 7000 series poles from aluminum
  • Large and convenient D-shaped doors
  • Dual vestibules
  • Leak-free rain protection system
  • Ultra-lightweight design without sacrificing the sleeping comfort

2) Kelty Late Start Tent

Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent

It is one of the most popular products from Kelty Store. There are a lot of good reviews that are written by its customers. This camping tent can bring a lot of benefits and features for all customers. The interior area of this backpacking tent is about 29.5 square feet. The overall height of this camping tent can reach up to 40 inches. There is an additional vestibule that has 7.85 square feet area. This backpacking tent is supported by two aluminum poles that are pre-bent for creating extra room in this tent.

This product is surrounded by mesh screen that is very useful to prevent bugs and insects from coming inside this tent. The floor is made from 68 denier fabric with 1800 mm water resistant rating. Its internal storage also comes with a ceiling pocket that is very convenient for all users. All seams in this backpacking tent are sealed for preventing the water from coming inside the tent. This tent is very well-known among many people because it has quick and fast installation process. Its quick-corner technology can accelerate the overall installation process.

  • Excellent ventilation 
  • Easy and fast setup procedure
  • Affordable price
  • Pre-bent poles for large space
  • Color coded rain fly attachment, so you can install this tent quickly
  • All seams are sealed perfectly for preventing the water from coming inside

3) Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman Sundome Tent

It is very easy for you to install and setup this camping tent. Therefore, this tent can be a perfect companion for you who love doing some outdoor activities, such as, camping, hiking, trailing, and any other activities. It has dome design that can be very comfortable for all users. It can support up to 3 persons inside this tent. This camping tent has spacious interior and huge space for all users to move around easily.

Its awning is specially created to provide good rain and shade protection for all users. It is made with patented WeatherTec system with welded floors and also inverted seams. This system can prevent the water from coming inside this tent. When you look at this tent, you can find large windows and also ground vents that are available in this tent. These vents can create good ventilation system in this tent. At the inside part of this camping tent, you can find some storage pockets for storing any essentials.

  • Patented WeatherTec system
  • Excellent ventilation system
  • 10 minutes installation process
  • Available in two main colors, green and navy/grey
  • E-Port for offering electrical power for all uses.
  • Inside storage pockets

4) ALPS Mountaineering Meramac

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac Tent

If you are looking for a good backpacking tent that is available at a very affordable price, you cannot forget this incredible tent. This lightweight tent is available for about $109 – $145 depending on its size. It is good for 1 – 3 persons who are going to enjoy the best camping experience inside this tent. This backpacking tent is very well-known for its ligthweight design. It only weighs for about 9 pounds depending on its capacity.

This backpacking tent is made from 185T polyester rain fly and 1500mm coating surface. This product is good for you because it provides good waterproof feature for all users. The combination of the waterproof material and the factory-sealed seams can keep you comfortable and dry in any seasons. It is very easy for you to install this backpacking tent. It can be assembled in less than 5 minutes. This backpacking tent is covered by its 30 days money back guarantee. You can complain for any unwanted problems that may occur on this tent.

  • Available for 1 – 3 persons
  • Can be installed in less than 5 minutes
  • Mesh interior pockets for storing any items and accessories
  • Full coverage rainfly material
  • Lightweight structure

5) Kelty Salida Tent

Kelty Salida Backpacking Tent

One of the most popular backpacking tents that you can buy from the market is the Kelty Salida tent. This is a backpack-friendly tent that has some useful accessories, such as compact folding poles, color coded clip, fly attachment, and also Gearloft loops. Its wall material is made from 68D polyester equipped with 40D mesh screen. Its floor material is made from 68D nylon 1800 mm. The combination of door and vestibule allows you to get access to this tent easily.

This tent is available for 1 – 2 persons depending on which one you choose for your camping activity. Kelty Salida wants to offer the best backpacking tent for any seasons. It has more than 20 square feet main ara and 6.5 square feet vestibule area. Those areas are good enough for you who want to enjoy your camping activity with your lovely friends and families. There are some internal storage pockets that are added for allowing you store any items securely.

  • Fully seam taped construction
  • 68D nylon for floor and 68D polyester for the wall
  • 40D mesh screen for preventing bugs and insects from coming inside
  • 2 main poles for improving the structure of this tent

6) Bisinna Lightweight Camping Tent

Bisinna Lightweight Backpacking Camping Tent

This tent is very well-known among many people who love camping and outdoor activities. The inner layer from this tent is made from 190T polyester taffeta with mesh screen. This material is chosen because it has lightweight design with maximum protection. It has PU 2000 mm waterproof coating surface for improving the durability of this tent. This camping tent is supported by its 7001 aluminum for supporting this tent in heavily wind rain. It has double layers that can make this tent suitable for any seasons.

This camping tent is equipped with 8 powerful alloy pegs and also 2 wind ropes. Both accessories are added to this tent for improving the overall quality of this unit. It is very easy for you to install this unit. It has free-standing design that comes with aluminum poles. You only need to take about 10 minutes for setting up this camping tent with its double flysheets. This product is protected by its 30-days money back guarantee. Its velcro vents can keep the water out, while keeping the fresh air in.

  • Stable connection with high-quality fasteners
  • Full coverage PU2000 mm waterproof protection
  • 210D Oxford welded fabric on the floor
  • Sun protection with double layer materials
  • 7001 series aluminum poles

7) Bessport Camping Tent

Bessport Camping Tent

Finding a good camping tent for yourself should never have to be difficult for you. This camping tent can be a perfect choice for you. This backpacking tent is chosen because it has lightweight design with rugged and tear-resistant fabric. This material is also waterproof, so it can keep you dry and comfortable inside this camping tent. This camping tent comes with #8 zippers that can enhance the overall comfort and breathability from this tent. It can reduce the condensation that may occur on this tent.

This tent is very well-known for its seam taped construction. This construction can become an impenetrable barrier against water and wind. Its welded floor design can also elevate the bottom part of this backpacking tent. It can protect you from any wet grounds. This backpacking tent comes with 2 pre-attached poles that come with clip, so you can setup this camping tent in less than 5 minutes. The dimension of this camping tent is about 87.8” x 33.5” x 42.1”. It is good enough for 1 – 2 persons inside this camping tent.

  • Water / wind block technology
  • Excellent ventilation system
  • Smooth and never stuck zipper
  • Colorful options, including, grey, blue, orange, green, brown, etc
  • 8.5 mm 7001 aluminum poles
  • Inside storage bag

8) Night Cat Tent

Night Cat Backpacking Tent

This backpacking tent is suitable for you who want to enjoy your backpacking activity. As a backpacker, you only want to bring lightweight items that can support your outdoor activities. This backpacking tent only weighs for less than 4.4 pounds. The package of this tent is quite compact. The overall dimension of this backpacking tent is only about 42 x 12 x 12 cm. Its foldable fiberglass poles can increase the strength of this tent. It can withstand rain, snow, wind, and any other extreme weathers. This backpacking tent is made from 210D waterproof PED fabric with PU 3000 rating. At the bottom part of this tent, you can find its oxford bottom fabric with PU 3000 waterproof rating.

This backpacking tent has enough space for any users who want to sleep inside this tent. This tent is also supported by its instant installation procedure. You only need about 1 – 2 minutes to setup this tent. The taking down process is also pretty quick and simple. This backpacking tent has good ventilation dsign with two mesh windows. These windows are good enough to deliver good air supply inside this camping tent. Its mesh screen can be used to keep any bugs and insects out from this camping tent. This tent is available in two main color options, including green/white and army green.

  • 210D waterproof fabric
  • Strong fiber glass poles for ensuring the stability of this tent
  • Roomy for any users
  • Can be used in any places, such as beach, mountain, park, backyard, etc
  • Comes with storage bag
  • Strong buckles for connecting the rainfly and the tent tightly

9) Wakeman Dome Tent for Backpacker

Wakeman Dome Tent for Backpacker

If you are looking for the best backpacking tent for your outdoor activities, you can take a look at this product. This camping tent has a unique dome design that can be very interesting for most people. It can be a reliable backpacking tent for hiking, camping, outdoor music festivals, and any other outdoor events. It is mainly made from durable nylon material. This nylon material is used to prevent water from coming inside this backpacking tent. It also comes with convenient rainfly for preventing the water from the outside.

This lightweight dome tent has a large D door that is designed to offer convenience, space, and comfort for all users. The overall dimension of this backpacking tent is about 3.5 x 6.25 and 4.8 feet. This roomy tent can be suitable for you and your relatives or families. It comes with a large interior pocket, so you can keep everything inside this pocket safely. When you buy this tent now, you are going to receive a storage bag as a bonus. This tent has a lightweight design that is very convenient for all users. It only weighs for about 3 pounds.

  • Durable nylon
  • Large D-style door
  • Strong fiberglass poles for ensuring the stability of this tent
  • Bold blue color which is very interesting for many users
  • Protected by its warranty

10) MountainCattle Tent

MountainCattle Backpack Camping Tent

This is a good camping tent that is available on the market today. This camping tent is made from polyester material which is coated with waterproof coating surface. This product can resist UV damage and also water. This camping tent also has high density polyester rainfly that can resist water and snow. This camping tent has a unique dome design that can be very interesting for many people. The overall dimension of this unit is about 106 x 59 x 41”. This tent is available in two main color options, including yellow and green.

Many people are interested in buying this camping tent because it has easy installation procedure. You only need to spend about 5 – 10 minutes to setup this tent completely. It has two hoops that can help you install and setup this camping tent quickly. Its inner tent mesh design can be used to provide good ventilation and view while preventing bugs from coming inside. It is very convenient for you to spend some time inside this camping tent. It can be a good choice for you who want to buy the best lightweight backpacking tent. It only weighs for less than 3.5 pounds.

  • High-quality polyester material
  • Dimension: 106 x 59 x 41”
  • Enough space for 2 – 3 persons
  • Good ventilation system
  • Waterproof materials

4 Important Factors

When you are looking for the best backpacking tent that is available at a very affordable price, you should check all features and benefits from all available tents. You should never focus on the price only, but you can also check all the features offered by these tents. There are some important details that you need to check from all available tents before you decide to buy the best one for yourself.

Look on how to install the tent

Not all tents can be installed quickly. You should read the descriptions from the sellers, so you can understand how you can install the tent. Some tents are equipped with freestanding design. This type of design is suitable for you who want to install this tent easily. It allows you to setup all parts from this camping tent quickly. We always recommend some of the best backpacking tents that can be set up in less than 15 – 30 minutes.

Find the best tent with lightweight design

If you are planning to buy the best backpacking tent, you can consider this tip now. This tent should have a lightweight design. Most reliable backpacking tents weigh less than 5 pounds. It can be very easy for you to bring any of these lightweight tents at any time you want. However, the tent should be equipped with the best and strong structure, so this tent can withstand strong wind and storm.

Find the tent with waterproof feature

This is another important feature that is available in the backpacking tent. The tent should be made from the best waterproof materials. This waterproof feature is very useful to ensure that the tent can protect you from getting wet, especially during extreme weathers, such as, rainy or snowing season. The waterproof feature can be measured by using its waterproof rating. Canvas and nylon are two most common materials used for creating this backpacking tent. Both materials are recommended for you who want to choose the best backpacking tent for yourself.

Look for the best tent with interior pockets

Although the tent has lightweight design and portable size, you still need to have some spaces for storing some necessary accessories. Therefore, you have to look for the best backpacking tent with interior pockets. These pockets can help you store some necessary items and accessories easily. These interior pockets should be made from the best materials, so they can hold any heavy items securely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is the average price of the backpacking tent?

There are a lot of types of tents that are available on the market today. Different products may come with different prices. You can find a lot of backpacking tents that are available within $100 – $1000. In this article, we recommend some popular backpacking tents with affordable price. You can buy any of these tents for less than $200. You can also get some additional discounts by visiting any of those links above. The discounts are limited to any buyers who buy the backpacking tents now. You can act now for getting this rare opportunity to buy high-quality backpacking tents at a very affordable price.

Can we prevent bugs and insects from entering the tent?

When you are planning to spend some time on the outdoor space, you are going to face a lot of insects or bugs from the environment. You don’t want to let them come inside your tent. Therefore, you have to choose the best backpacking tent with mesh screen. This mesh screen is very useful to help you prevent any bugs or insects from attacking you when you want to enjoy your outdoor activities. This mesh screen can be installed around the doors, walls, and windows of your camping tent. You will be able to enjoy your camping activity without having to worry about these insects.

How long do we need to prepare for setting up the tent?

There is no exact time required for installing the tent. It depends on any tools required to setup the tent. Some backpacking tents come with some useful installation tools, so they can be installed quickly. You don’t have to spend a lot of your time when you want to install this camping tent alone. Don’t forget to read the instruction manuals, especially when you want to setup this tent quickly. Some camping tents also come with color-coded accessories. These accessories are specially added to this tent, so you can complete the installation process quickly.

Is it safe to stay inside an affordable camping tent?

If you buy any tents that we recommend in this article, you will feel safe and secure when enjoying your outdoor activities. We always recommend the best backpacking tents that are supported by strong structure. Although they are available at a very affordable price, you can still rely and trust their quality. All products are covered by their warranty. This warranty can protect you from getting any unwanted products with low quality and weak performance. All backpacking tents come with strong poles and structures that are made from the best materials.

Final summary

It is possible for you to find some popular backpacking tents that are available for less than $200. Although these tents are available at a very affordable price, you can still trust their performance and quality. All of these tents are protected by their warranty. It is very easy for you to install any of these recommended tents in this article. All tents also come with some useful accessories that can help you install these tents easily. They also come with lightweight design.

Matthew Koch

Hi, I'm Matthew, a passionate blogger and traveler. I'm also a hard-core hiker. Hiking with friends and visiting new places is what I live for. Currently, I'm working at Gear Odds as CEO & Columnist. I would like to provide my best outdoor experience possible.