Best overall
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
A superb ultralight backpacking tent with a perfect balance of size and features.
Best versatile option
MSR Hubba Hubba Backpacking tent
An extremely lightweight, universal, and quick-to-setup tent for beginners and PROs.
Best budget option
Kelty Late Start Backpacking tent
An excellent, easy-to-setup budget tent with plenty of space for people and gear.
If there’s one thing that can quickly ruin any backpacking trip – it’s a weighty, tiring backpack. So it comes natural to pick the gear that’s as lightweight as possible.
Small 2-person tents are often the top choice for backpackers, either for couples or solo campers. But hear us out – calling itself a 2-person tent doesn’t necessarily make a tent 2-person.
We’ve looked at 50 small 2-person tents and tested them by their size, weight, and must-have features like waterproofness, setup, and durability.
- The floor area ranges from 25.83 to 35.7 sq ft
- The minimum trail weight of a small 2-person tent ranges from 2.2 to 11.24 lbs
- The average floor area is 29.85 sq ft
- The average minimum trail weight is 4.74 lbs
- Waterproof tents are not necessarily waterproof
- For easy setup, freestanding installation is the best one
- The most sturdy material – nylon
- Dome and geodesic are the most common types of tents in this category
- Best small two-person tents: quick summary
- Top 3 best two-person tents overviewed
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Runners-up
- Best for festivals: Coleman Tent Kobuk Valley ¾ Plus
- Most durable tent: Sea to Summit Telos TR2 2-Person Tent
- Best for beach & dessert: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent
- Best for hiking: Kelty Discovery Trail Backpacking Tent
- Best versatile: Elixir 2 Backpacking Tent
- Best for summer: Near-Zero 2-Person Ultra-Lightweight 2 Door Mesh Tent
- Best all-season: Marmot Fortress Tent 2P
- FAQ before you get a small 2-person tent
- Got anything to add?
- Looking for other types of tents?
Best small two-person tents: quick summary
Don’t have time for details? No worries.
- Our top choice from tested tents is Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL. It ticks all the boxes as a backpacking tent – lightweight, spacious, and feature-rich enough to take on a casual car camping trip as well.
- If you’re looking for a tent to take, let’s say, anywhere, then the universal alternative is MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person tent. It’s a bit weightier than Big Agnes, though you’ll be sure it’ll stand tall through rains and winds. Hubba Hubba will be quick to set and pack up, too!
- And if you wish to spend as little as it gets, the best budget backpacking tent to choose without compromising quality is Kelty Late Start Backpacking tent. This freestanding tent is super easy to set up, and you can minimize its weight by reducing the number of stakes.
Top 3 best two-person tents overviewed
Now, let’s jump into the full details of our selected best small 2-person tents in 2023.
1. Best backpacking tent overall: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2-Person Tent
Specifications
- Body material: Proprietary ultralight double rip-stop, mixed denier nylon and polyester mesh
- Fly and floor material: Proprietary silicone-treated double rip-stop mixed denier nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 29 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 88×52 in / 88×42 in
- Vestibule area: 9 sq ft x 2
- Packed weight: 3 lb 2 oz
- Minimum trail weight: 2 lb 11 oz
- Head height: 40 in
- Packed size: 19.5×6 in
Pros
- Ultralight
- Feature-rich for car camping
- 2 large doors & vestibules with awning-style to create a shade
- Quick & easy TipLock Tent Buckle setup
- Storage pockets (ceiling storage, media pocket)
- Great weight & space balance
Cons
- Thin materials
- Not very waterproof
What’s most special about Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL is how little such an immense amount of quality weighs. With a minimum weight of only 2.69 pounds, it’s an absolute winner among ultralight backpacking tents.
Big Agnes Copper Spur has two large doors, so you don’t need to share the entrance with your camping partner. Naturally, it contains two vestibules for storing your gear. These vestibules with awning-style work ideally in creating shade on a sunny day (and ventilating your tent).
While the tent handled a night-long rainfall and moderate winds fine for us, we’ve seen some controversial reviews on the internet with not-that-successful stories, e.g., some seams started leaking. Probably, that’s worth considering if you’re planning to explore some more extreme weather conditions.
Note that Big Agnes Copper Spur is a 3-season tent, so it wouldn’t fit for winters.
That aside, the tent is made from high-quality materials like ripstop nylon and aluminum poles, which promise you a long-term lifespan.
Ranging from $400 to $550, it’s not the cheapest option you can get, but the features Big Agnes Copper Spur has are worth every cent. It didn’t take a while for us to award it as the best small 2-person tent.
2. Best lightweight tent: MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Backpacking Tent
Specifications
- Body material: 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm DuraShield™ polyurethane and silicone rainfly
- Pole material: Easton Syclone – composite
- Floor area: 29 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 84×50 in
- Vestibule area: 8.75 sq ft x 2
- Packed weight: 3 lb 13 oz
- Minimum trail weight: 3 lb 7 oz
- Head height: 39 in
- Packed size: 18×6 in
Pros
- Universal: good for hiking, fishing, backpacking, and car camping
- 2 doors & vestibules
- Super waterproof
- Easy to setup and packup
- Very lightweight
- Freestanding installation
Cons
- Vestibule could be larger
- Limited mesh for ventilations
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is an upgraded 2022 version of campers’ beloved MSR Hubba Hubba NX. What’s an upgrade?
- Basically, it has become even more lightweight, with a significant reduction of 10 oz. Though the weight decreased, the most comfortable (and exclusive) feature – the spacious rectangular floor – wasn’t compromised.
- Another update in this iteration is a newer color scheme, which blends perfectly into natural surroundings.
- Hubba 2 includes remade ventilation design – massive vents at the head and foot and an extensive mesh section at the tent’s peak. For us, a little bit more ventilation would be excellent, but we still find it well-created.
This freestanding tent just shouts durability. All of it is made from high-quality materials that will last no matter the number of camping trips you’ve had. Of course, if treated carefully.
Hubba 2 is a super universal tent you can pack nearly everywhere: for hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking – you name it. It’s sturdy and highly waterproof so you will feel dry and safe through rain and wind.
Like Big Agnes Copper Spur, the tent has double doors and vestibules, so you can enter and leave the tent without disturbing your partner.
The combination of ease of use, quality, and livability quickly qualified Hubba 2 into top 3 best 2-person tents.
3. Best budget tent: Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent – 2-Person
Specifications
- Material: Nylon
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 29.5 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 85×54 in
- Vestibule area: 7.85 sq ft
- Packed weight: 4.5 lbs
- Minimum trail weight: 4 lbs
- Head height: 40 in
- Packed size: 16×7 in
Pros
- Super easy & quick setup
- Possible to adjust weight if you don’t need all stakes
- Spacious
- Good value for money
- Freestanding installation
Cons
- Single door
- Can be a bit heavy
- No vents
And the last but certainly not least among the top 3 small person tents – Kelty Late Start Backpacking tent.
This lightning-fast-to-set freestanding tent caters to all budgets without compromising the camping experience. It has a minimalistic design yet contains a bunch of unique features.
One of which is Quick Corner technology – it includes four sleeves instead of grommets you’d typically find in four corners. Another aspect is the shark mouth-form bag, which makes it easy to pack the tent even if it’s not folded perfectly.
This tent has only one door and vestibule, located on the broad side, making the entrance for two people a bit inconvenient.
The Kelty Late Start tent contains a full rain fly with a zipper at the center. It makes rolling out the tent fly hassle-free, yet there’s one slight con – it includes no vents.
Though not as ultralightweight as other tents we review, Kelty Late Start is certainly an excellent value for money. It’ll serve you great in winds and rains thanks to its waterproof materials, aluminum poles, and low height.
Runners-up
Although not in the top 3, we discovered some other cool backpacking tents that are worth the spotlight. So, what’s in there?
Best for festivals: Coleman Tent Kobuk Valley ¾ Plus
Specifications
- Material: Polyester, polyurethane, PVC
- Pole material: Fiberglass
- Floor area: 40 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 82 x 70in
- Vestibule area: 11.8 sq ft
- Packed weight: 11.2 lbs
- Minimum trail weight:
- Head height: 47 in
- Packed size: 22.8 x 6.2 in
Pros
- Large vestibule for gear storage
- Double walls ensure it’s 100% waterproof
- UV guard
- Blackout bedroom
- Keeps cooler temperature
- Sturdy
- Storage pockets
Cons
- Weighty
- Conventional setup can take longer
Described as a 3 or 4-person tent, we wouldn’t see 3 or 4 persons blending comfortably into Coleman Kobuk Valley. Yet it serves perfectly for two people – both double and single mats easily fit in, leaving a bit of space for storage inside. This tent also has plenty of headroom so you can sit. And, if it’s heavily raining, even have a picnic inside.
We also call Coleman Kobuk Valley a perfect car camping tent. It has one door on a narrower side of the tent and a large vestibule. And by “large”, we mean it. We’ve successfully stored two big backpacks, chairs, wood, and shoes… Well, everything we’ve brought while car camping, without limiting ourselves to particular weights or space.
It has double walls that ensure 100% waterproofness and guards from UV rays, keeping the temperature a few degrees cooler. The tent body is also very sturdy and thus works well even in heavy rainfalls, so you can camp without worrying about waking up in a swamp.
And another plus that makes this tent really stand out and be rewarded as “best for festivals” is its blackout bedroom. If you’re off to spend a sleepless night under the stars, you won’t have problems falling asleep even when the early sun shows up.
Having all these fantastic features, Coleman Kobuk Valley is a bit weighty, and a conventional setup can take a bit longer. For backpacking, we’d recommend considering another, more lightweight option with a quicker setup. But if the weight isn’t the determining factor – Coleman Kobuk Valley is certainly worth taking a look.
Most durable tent: Sea to Summit Telos TR2 2-Person Tent
Specifications
- Material: 20D ripstop nylon floor, 15D ripstop fly, 15D polyester mesh canopy
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 28 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 84.5 x 53 in
- Vestibule area: 9.75 sq ft x 2
- Packed weight: 3lb 11oz
- Minimum trail weight: 3lb 4.3oz
- Head height: 43.5 in
- Packed size: 5×19 in
Pros
- Super waterproof
- Easy setup
- 2 doors
- Rainfly can be set up first for dry setup and takedown
- Premium materials
- Tension ridge ridges the tent’s shape for easier entry and more vestibule storage
Cons
- Likely needs an extra footprint
- Floor area less than average
Being huge fans of Sea to Summit products, durability was precisely what we expected from this tent. Unsurprisingly, it met our expectations.
It was one of those not-so-many days we jumped straight into the heavy rainstorm, which lasted for the whole night. So, it’s safe to say Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is absolutely waterproof – no single drop touched us (and our gear) thanks to this tent’s premium materials.
The tent also stands out for its multitype pitch and unique features like easy-clip fly and multiple vestibule door configurations. The possibility to set up and take the rainfly down first came particularly handy for us in keeping the tent dry during the rain.
Sea to Summit Telos features a smaller-than-average tent floor area (27.98 sq ft), but it actually doesn’t feel like that. It has steep tent walls and high peak volume, making it feel bigger and thoroughly enough for two sleepers. And you don’t need to change the body position before sitting up.
It’s a perfect choice for a backpacking trip, as the tent weighs 3.67 pounds. And if you’re up to sacrificing bug protection and using this tent as a tarp, Telos 2 can be even more lightweight – 2.64 pounds.
If you’re interested in Sea to Summit but still not convinced about its weight – Sea to Summit Alto TR2 is worth a look. It’s very similar to Telos 2, but weighs slightly less (2 lbs 15 oz). Give it a try if semi-freestanding tents don’t scare you!
Best for beach & dessert: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent
Specifications
- Material: Proprietary OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 31.3 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 90×50 in
- Vestibule area: 11.4 sq ft x2
- Packed weight: 4lbs 2oz
- Minimum trail weight: 3lbs 6oz
- Head height: 42 in
- Packed size: 19.5×6.5 in
Pros
- 2 large doors & vestibules
- Premium fabric to prevent rain and winds
- Nightlight pocket
- Great ventilation
- Excellent bug and sand protection
- Can be used in mild winters
Cons
- A bit small – hard to fit two mats
- Could be larger storage
NEMO Dagger OSMO is well designed for backpackers who want a tent that’s ultralight to carry, can be split into two pieces, and has the space and comfort for sleeping. It’s also very durable, making it a perfect choice for wilder areas.
By design, NEMO Dagger OSMO has a single-hubbed pole structure forking in both ends that creates high ceilings and steep-sided walls. So, it’s convenient for two people to sleep, sit, and even cook (as there are two porches on each side)!
We heard manufacturers saying it took more than 100 prototypes to get the suitable fabric that would stand winds and rains THAT well. Happily, it’s now four times more water-repellent than standard tents and three times less stretch, saving the tent from sinking.
Nemo Dagger OSMO has plenty of useful features installed. It has two internal pockets, where you can place a head torch and create a soft glow. Also, there’s a removable “Landing Zone” to keep your porch kit without any contact with the ground if it’s wet.
We liked this tent because of how easy to set, quick to dry, and hassle-free to carry it is. And it’s one of few tents that can be used in mild winters! Making it (almost) four-season.
Best for hiking: Kelty Discovery Trail Backpacking Tent
Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 32.63 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 87×54 in
- Vestibule area:
- Packed weight: 4lb 14oz
- Minimum trail weight: 4lb 5oz
- Head height: 42 in
- Packed size: 5×18 in
Pros
- Wireless, freestanding installation
- Cross-body transportation
- Good headroom
- Rainfly covers the entire tent
- Quick & easy to set up
Cons
- A bit small – doesn’t fit two single mattresses, lacking storage
- Little heavy
The winner’s name for the “best for hiking” award speaks for itself – Kelty Discover Trail Backpacking.
This tent just screams compatibility for hiking all the way. Wireless, freestanding installation, rapid setup, convenient crossbody transportation. The only slight con we see is that it’s not the most ultralight tent – weighing 5.95 pounds, it can be a bit inconvenient to take it on your shoulders.
Like almost all the winners, Kelty Discovery Trail has two doors and vestibules for more convenient entry. A good headroom also adds to its comfort. For a couple, there’s more than enough space to fit a double mattress. However, two single ones wouldn’t do.
What we loved about this tent is that the rainfly covers the entire tent. So in case it’s raining, there’s no single gap for leaking.
Best versatile: Elixir 2 Backpacking Tent
Specifications
- Material: Mesh fabric
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 29 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 84×50 in
- Vestibule area: 12 sq ft x2
- Packed weight: 6 lbs
- Minimum trail weight: 5 lbs
- Head height: 40 in
- Packed size: 7×20 in
Pros
- Good headroom
- Fits two mats – spacious
- Sturdy and waterproof
- 2 doors & vestibules
- Good for versatile camping locations
- Thick and durable materials
Cons
- A bit hard to setup at first
- White tent fabric shows every spec of dirt and mud
MSR Elixir 2, like all other MSR products, is obviously built with durability and versatility in mind. It’s an excellent choice for backpackers who don’t strive for the most lightweight tent out there (its lowest trail weight is 5 pounds) but puts sturdiness and quality first.
Although we were testing this tent in relatively warm and sunny weather, many reviews confirm the sturdiness of MSR Elixir 2. Campers tell stories about how it handled snow and rainfalls combined with epic windstorms. No wonder – as it’s made from thick and durable materials.
The sturdiness it offers makes MSR Elixir 2 super versatile for all camping locations – from the middle of the mountains to the dense forest.
The unique pole geometry perfectly optimizes this tent’s headroom and fits two mats. So you can comfortably sleep and sit without worrying about repositioning yourself.
Best for summer: Near-Zero 2-Person Ultra-Lightweight 2 Door Mesh Tent
Specifications
- Material: 20D ripstop nylon, outside – silicone-coated nylon
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 24.5 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 86×52 in
- Vestibule area:
- Packed weight: 3 lb 12 oz
- Minimum weight: 3 lb 5 oz
- Head height: 41 in
- Packed size: 22.8 x 6.4 in
Pros
- Quality materials
- All-around see-through mesh panels for panoramic views
- Lightweight
- Good value for money
- Great waterproofness
Cons
- Small vestibule
- Lacks spacing if people don’t want to be touching
What completely stole our hearts in this tent is its all-around see-through mesh panels with panoramic views. Imagine laying in your tent and observing beautiful summer night skies at once.
Near-Zero 2-person tent is an excellent value for money. It costs around $300 and is built from high-performance 20-denier nylon that’s more robust and tear-resistant than many other ultralight tents.
It weighs only 3.3 pounds and offers plenty of interior space for a couple. Though, it might be lacking for two people who don’t want to keep touching.
It’s really waterproof and prevents leaking. The tent stood perfectly in medium winds, although we saw comments (with which we can agree) that rainfly doesn’t seem TOO snug to handle strong winds well. But that’s what we haven’t experienced, so let’s give the benefit of the doubt.
Our verdict: Near-Zero 2 features an incredible design that it’s rarely found in other tents. Being quite a cheap option, it competes very well with other ultralight tent options. So, if you’re a summer camper hungry for pure nature sounds and panoramic views, Near-Zero 2 is the choice to consider.
Best all-season: Marmot Fortress Tent 2P
Specifications
- Material: Synthetic
- Pole material: Aluminum
- Floor area: 30.6 sq ft
- Floor dimensions: 88×54 in
- Vestibule area: 8.125 sq ft x2 (16.25 sq ft)
- Packed weight: 5 lbs 15.5 oz
- Minimum weight: 5 lbs 7.8 oz
- Head height: 42 in
- Packed size: 23.6 x 6.7 in
Pros
- Universal: good for trekking, camping, hiking
- 2 doors
- Highly water-resistant
- Freestanding installation
- Good for winter
Cons
- A bit weighty for backpacking
- Lacking headroom
As most tents show their best only in 3 seasons, we felt it’s essential to award the tent that stays true to its name even in winter. Marmot Fortress is literally what we were looking for – a high-quality, durable, and light tent.
The tent features double-wall construction with premium materials that cope perfectly with rain, frosty conditions, and nasty storms. Actually, rain has no chances of sneaking in thanks to Fortress seam-taped, catenary-cut floor and full-coverage vented fly.
The vestibule is also spacious enough to store our shoes and wipe our feet before jumping into the tent. The thick mesh and compact design keep the heat perfectly, still allowing excellent ventilation.
What we really liked about this tent was how easy it was to set up. After a long day hiking or backpacking, the last thing you want to do is to spend another hour setting up your shelter. Color-coded, easy-to-pitch clips and poles together with freestanding installation here make sure you don’t need to solve any puzzles. 3-4 minutes, and you’re done.
The size for us – a couple – was okay. Our double cot fitted in perfectly, leaving extra space for some gear. However, it might be a little snug for two partners who want to avoid touching.
FAQ before you get a small 2-person tent
Is getting a 1-person tent worth it?
Of course, a one-person tent might be worth it, but only if you like both lightweight backpacking and solo camping. The main benefit of using a 1-person tent is that it makes your pack lighter and more compact, but you can sacrifice comfort and versatility in the process.
What is the ideal size of a tent?
It’s a good idea to go up one person for maximum comfort when choosing a tent: 1-person tents are typically too small for one person, 2-person tents are often too tight for two people, etc.
However, if you’re backpacking and want to reduce your weight as much as possible, you should try maneuvering within the tight space.
Can a 1-person tent fit two people?
Two people will most likely fit in a two-person tent. You won’t have a lot of extra room, but remember that it’s a tent and not a hotel room, after all. Two average adults can easily fit inside a two-person tent designed for two people.
How big is a 2-person tent?
There are 2-person tents available in sizes up to 90 x 62 in and at least 39 in tall. The ideal 2-person tent for your needs depends on your height and frame. You should also consider the campground where you plan to pitch your tent.
Will a queen-size air mattress fit in a 2-person tent?
No, a queen-size air mattress won’t fit in a two-person tent. It will take the whole 3-person tent’s floor space but might stretch the tent’s edges.
If it’s a 4 or 6-person tent, it’ll fit and leave extra room for gear on the sides. The most comfortable option is a family tent with a vestibule.
Got anything to add?
Have any experience to share or question to ask about small two-person tents? Leave a comment below!
Looking for other types of tents?
We got you covered. Check out our detailed reviews on other, mostly roomier tents that stand out from the market:
- If you’re up to camping with a larger crew or just want to have lots of extra space for yourself, a 12-person tent will do the job.
- If you’re a light sleeper or simply want to improve your sleeping experience outdoors, there’s no better option than a blackout tent.
- A cabin tent will do wonders if you want something that’s stylish, extremely spacious, and full of features.
- If hitting the road in the pickup is part of the plan, a truck tent is worth a shot.
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