What could make camping and hiking easier than a tent that can be stored in your backpack? Queue, the best backpacking tents and camping just became that much more convenient.
A quality backpacking tent should be lightweight and easily compacted, without being complicated to set up or cumbersome to carry.
Tough and weather proof are must-have features of a good quality backpacking tent, as though it should be lightweight, this should not compromise its durability against the elements.
Depending on your budget and size requirements, there are many different variations of backpacking tents that can house 2 to sometimes more than 3 people at a time.
See below the best of the best, five viable choices to revamp your camping gear!
We've included the weight (as you'll be carrying it), the assembled size and number of persons. For further information on choosing the right one you can read this article.
Best Backpacking Tents Australia
1. Naturehike Cloud-Up
Easily erected and dismantled, the Naturehike 2-person Cloud-Up backpacker’s tent is ideal for hiking and travelling light. It is stable, light and sturdy.
The tent is designed in a Y-shape and weighs only 2.1kg (including poles) for self-support without peg nails. It measures 210*125cm with a peak height of 100cm.
When packed up it measures a compact 40*13cm. It has a system of poles which can be used in different ways depending on the weather conditions encountered.
The material used in manufacture is high-quality waterproof nylon with a silicone coating (4000mm rated waterproof index).
There is a groundsheet (floor) included for comfort, and the tent has a veranda area for sitting in the open air but still on a groundsheet and undercover, or for storing backpacks, food etc. The rear has a small window of B3 breathable mesh for airflow and light. This also provides an insect-free source of ventilation.
The front door is also made from a mesh with a solid fold-back door, which is designed to be quickly opened with a single arm movement.
2.Coleman Ridgeline Adventure Dome
The Coleman Ridgeline Adventure Dome 2-person tent is designed for multi-day hiking adventures in three Australian seasons: Spring through Autumn.
Though stated to be a three-season tent reviews do suggest that this tent will handle most weather conditions. A lightweight 75 denier seam sealed polyester fly with four heavy-duty buckle Q/R attachments make setup and dismantling a breeze.
The tent is set up as a two-pole tunnel style construction held in place by aluminium poles and V stakes which use tension to keep the structure up, but it does need to be pegged to the ground. The tent is made from lightweight nylon and features a full ultra-fine mesh inner tent for warm weather use.
The floor is a heavy-duty 190T nylon ‘bathtub’ material for comfort and waterproofed sleeping. Weighing only 1.8kg and measuring 40*15*16cm the tent is easily tucked into a backpack for hiking. When assembled it measures 320*140cm with a floor area of 240*120cm and height of 90cm, comfortably accommodating two people sleeping, or ideal for one plus hiking gear.
The layout is perfect for keeping wind and rain out of the tent. It has been tested in winds up to 100 kph and has a 3-season rating so it suits both cold and warmer conditions.
3. Texsport First Gear Cliff Hanger II
Sleeping up to two people the Texsport First Gear Cliff Hanger II pop up tent is ideal for hiking trips which involve some overnight camping out. It’s light and extremely compact when packed up.
The tent is made from a mesh and PU combination with a 150D polyester seam-taped floor. The fly is fully waterproof and features a zipper, air vents, and guy ropes.
It is designed as a half-moon shape with two lightweight fibreglass poles and stakes to secure it to the ground. The inner is a full mesh tent with a separate rain fly cover for weather protection and light blackout. A groundcover footprint is also supplied.
It’s very easily assembled single-handedly. The poles are retractable for portability. And because of that, they bend to slip into each corner of the mesh tent and holes around the tent simply hook onto the poles to create the domed structure.
The provided spikes then connect to the base of the tent to pull out the interior of the floor area and the headspace and to provide stability.
The tent when assembled measures 230*120cm (equalling a floor area of 2.6sq metres) with a ceiling height of 100cm. The size is on the smaller side compared to others of its type but great for scouts etc.
4. Clostnature Backpacking Tent
Designed for use in both hot and cold weather, sun or rain, the Clostnature Ultralight two-person tent is both durable and lightweight for portability if you’re hiking or otherwise wanting to save space.
The PU5000 coating on its polyester rainfly makes it extremely waterproof. The fly is also rip-proof and features factory sealed seams which increases its weatherproofing.
All the zippers smooth and durable and are protected against weathering by Velcro sleeves. The tent has a groundsheet as well as an anti-insect mesh inner lining for optimum ventilation and light.
There are also two mesh windows in the fly itself for added ventilation at night. D-shaped doors on each side allow access for each person with no partner disturbance.
These side doors also have their own vestibules for privacy, space and extra storage room. The poles and stakes are made of lightweight aluminium and the reflective ropes are a safety feature in poor visibility. When fully assembled the tent measures a sizeable 2.2*1.5*1.1 metres.
Packed up it weighs approximately 2.5kg and measures 42*15*15cm. The tent comes with a carry bag, an inner mesh tent, an outer flysheet, 2 aluminium poles, 4 ropes,14 aluminium stakes, and an emergency repair kit.
5.Cedar Ridge Granite Falls
Featuring two mesh zippered windows and mesh side panels, the Cedar Ridge Granite falls two-person tent is a free-standing double-walled hiking tent which is light, compact and portable. This is also an extremely affordable tent of its type.
These two-person freestanding tents are ideal for starting kids out in the backyard as they begin to go on school and scout hiking trips which include overnight camping.
The manufacturers have these uses in mind when designing these products at this price point. The tent is easily erected by one person with a two-pole design. The poles are made from a light shock-corded fibreglass.
The material of the full coverage fly is a 185T polyester which is sun and weather-resistant for long life. The ground cover is made from a heavy-duty PE tub-style material for greater comfort and protection from both water and insects.
Two windows in the fly and two large mesh panels supply plenty of light and ventilation. The fly extends to provide a vestibule for sitting or for storing backpacks, food and other gear. The mesh ceiling is a great way to stargaze on clear nights.
Other features include a mesh storage pocket, a gear loft, steel stakes and guy ropes.
The tent when assembled measures 1.5*2.3 metres with a ceiling height of 1.35 metres. Unassembled it weighs 3.5kg.
Buying a backpacking tent doesn't need to be an expensive purchase and due to the advancements in technology and cheaper materials, you can pickup a backpacking tent online for under $200 these days.
If you want to explore the outdoors, while carrying your shelter for an overnight stay then you really need to buy one of the best backpacking tents Australia has to offer. In our opinion you can do no wrong with the Naturehike CloudUp.
Now be sure to checkout our other outdoor buyer guides and product reviews.
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Last Updated: April 28, 2020 by Rhys