Taking an overnight camping trip or backpacking can be fun and exciting. After all, who doesn’t enjoy wilderness adventures, gazing at the stars and appreciating the luscious natural surroundings? But let’s face it; if you’re going backpacking or camping by yourself, the three most important things that are necessary for your bag equipment, is the backpack itself, sleeping bag and your tent shelter.
As a result, investing in a tent that is not only light in weight, but also provide comfort is one of the best ways to ensure enjoyment on your trip. As a matter of fact, your tent should be a source of comfort and reliability to keep you dry in the wilderness. However, these days there are a lot of options out there when it comes to finding the best solo tent on the market. Trying to find the best solo tent that is adequate to your needs can be overwhelming.
In other words, how do you know what are the best tents for solo backpacking and hiking trips? Not to mention, traveling by yourself is a little expensive, so finding the right tent to suit your needs can be a little tricky to find. For this reason, this article will focus on the best 8 solo tents on the market that is based on featured factors like cost, weight protection, season rating and durability.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Color | Material | Floor Space or Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemo Escape | 0.43 lb | Black | No See Um Mesh | 26 x 36 x 48 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Sea to Summit Specialist | 1.4 lb | Gray | Nylon | 4 x 6 x 13 in | Check price on Amazon |
| MSR FlyLIte | 6.34 lb | Blue | Nylon | 15 x 11 x 3 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Nemo Obi Elite | 2.8 lb | Blue | Nylon | 21 sq ft | Check price on Amazon |
| MSR Hubba NX | 1.65 lb | White | Nylon | 36 x 30 x 85 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Hilleberg Akto | 3.5 lb | Green | Nylon | 18.3 sq ft | Check price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research Helium | 2.4 lb | Gray | Nylon | 15 x 9 x 5 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Big Agnes Bitter Springs | 3.86 lb | See Through | Nylon | 5 x 9 x 22 in | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
It is imperative to consider several factors before you invest in a tent. After all, you’re going to be the one using it for your backpacking and camping trips. Thus, in this section, the article will address specific features to look for when it comes to selecting the best solo tent for you.
Weight
If you’re planning for backpacking trips where you’ll be carrying the tent in your backpack along with other crucial items, it is recommended to find a tent that weighs at least 3 pounds. After all, weight is a critical factor that should be added to your list before you purchase one. Not to mention, you don’t want the weight to bring you down and exhaust you during your trips. For instance, all tents listed below here except The MSR Hubba NX Tent and The Hillberrg 1-person tent, are known for its ultralight weight features.
To put it differently, if you want to enjoy your backpacking or hiking adventures, consider lightweight tent choices. On the other hand, if you’re heading to backpack in colder weather, then it is recommended to carry a tent that is best suited for it.
For an instant, the Hillberrg 1-person tent is a little heavier compared to the other tents mentioned here. Given these points, it is known to be the lightest among 4-Season shelter tents. Thus, choose the tent wisely, according to the location of the place, and its conditions.
Cost
It is safe to say that it is unnecessary to spend a fortune to get an excellent shelter tent. For instance, Nemo Equipment Escape Pod and MSR Flylite is known to be the cheapest on the list, and they offer some of the very best features in their range of price. In other words, you don’t have to break a sweat to buy an expensive shelter tent.
Protection
If a shelter tent can’t provide you protection, it is not wise to buy it. Therefore, it is imperative to know what kind of protection, shelter tent should provide you during your trips. With this intention, it is safe to say that every shelter tent on this list will provide the best protection to keep you safe, dry and warm.
For instance, Nemo Equipment Escape Pod, Nemo Obi Elite 1 Person Tent and Outdoor Research Helium Bivy offer excellent bug protection to ensure that you are safe from any potential dangerous arachnids and insects. Another acclaimed example is that the Hillberrg 1-person tent and Bitter Springs UL1 Tent are known for its excellent protection during windy weathers due to its pole supports.
Season
3-seasons shelter tents are the most popular choice among backpackers and hikers during peak seasons. In fact, a lot of camping and hiking grounds are only open during spring, summer and fall seasons due to safety and security reasons.
Not only these types of tents are known to provide excellent circulation, but also suitable to be used in this kind of weather Thus, all solo shelter tents mentioned here are rated as a 3-season, except the Hillberrg 1-person tent.
The Hillberrg 1- person is rated as a 4-season shelter tent. It provides excellent protection during cold weather and snow loads. With this in mind, if you’re looking to camp in exposed grounds where it might snow or face harsh cold climates, then consider this tent.
Durability
Truth to be told, durability is an important factor to consider before you invest in a shelter tent. With today’s technology, a lot of tents are built with lightweight and sturdy materials. So if you’re a little worried in regards to the durability of lightweight shelter tents, don’t be!
All the recommended shelter tents mentioned in this article, are known for its varied and high-quality, durable structure. In fact, it is recommended to choose a lightweight tent. Make those trips of yours enjoyable and memorable.
Top Product Reviews
Now we are at the part where we will give you many reviews for you to look over and consider. Happy shopping!
Nemo Escape 
Price: Approx. $130
Color: Black
Weight: 0.43 lb
Floor space: 8.6 sq ft / 0.8 sq m
Material: No-See-Um Mesh
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: Unique Nemo AST Airbeam, two-thirds length bivy with drawstring closure, 15d nylon fly fabric 1200 mm & built-in privacy panel
Best use: Lightweight backpacking & camping, general backpacking
Description: If you’re looking for the best solo tent that features minimal space in your backpack, then the Nemo Escape Bivy is highly recommended.
It features a single AST air beam, that allows itself to pack small, to the size of a grapefruit. In other words, it is designed not only to be convenient but also saves space in your backpack.
Not to mention, the two-thirds length bivy with drawstring closure provides bug protection, which makes this tent to be perfect for outdoorsy stargazing. The only downside of this tent is that the 24-inch tall arch, which supports the mesh, is shorter than the others; thereby don’t expect to sit up.
On the positive side, the Nemo Equipment Pod is comfortable, light in weight, durable, and compact makes it perfect for lightweight, short-duration backpacking and camping trips. At approximately $130, this pod is made of synthetic material and can pack down very small so you do not have to worry about having enough space with the rest of your things.
PROS:
- Bug protection
- Packs down well
CONS:
- Pricey
- One size
Related: Do you need a dry bag? The Supersingularity Premium Waterproof Backpack is 30 liters and has dual air valve inflation!
Sea To Summit Specialist 
Price: Approx. $430
Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 13 inches
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
Seasons: 3-Season
Material: 15D waterproof Nylon
Specific features: Aluminum frame pole, 100% nylon flysheet & inner sheet
Best use: Mountaineering backpacking & hiking, general camping & thru hiking
Description: The Sea to Summit Specialist Bivy is exceptionally lightweight, which is ideal for mountaineering adventures. Boasting with its aluminum poles structural design, this tent is incredibly durable in endurance and strength.
The ultra-fine mesh panel doors designed not only to keep the bugs away, but also allow a free flow of maximum ventilation. Not to mention, the tent itself is light in weight, due to its pole substances and the material sheet. The only downside of this tent is that it is not designed to withstand heavy rain or extremely humid conditions even though the materials are waterproof.
Be that as it may, The Sea to Summit Specialist Solo offers brilliance stability, structure and linking system, which allows anyone to assemble the tent very quickly. Overall, this tent is a reliable shelter perfect for Mountaineer purposes. This is a 3 season tent, so do not take it out in extremely cold weather. While the price is a little much, this is an ultra light weight tent that will do a great job because it is well built.
PROS:
- 2 entrances
- 2 vestibules
- Waterproof and made of nylon
CONS:
- Pricey
- One color
Related: The Sea To Summit Folding Bucket is made of nylon, packs down well and has water tight construction for whatever you need to carry!
Msr Flylite 
Price: Approx. $235
Color: Blue
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 3 inches
Weight: 6.34 pounds
Material: 10D Nylon ripstop
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: Standard trekking pole compatibility, ultralight fabric, reinforced corner & peak patches, 10Dmesh side vents, & strongly taped seams.
Best use: Lightweight backpacking & hiking, general camping
Description: Known for its unbelievable ultralight weight, the MSR Flylite Solo Tent is a popular choice for backpackers for a while.
This tent provides excellent interior livability and cross ventilation due to its modern design of vertical sidewalls and mesh windows. In other words, it is quite comfortable, in a minimalist sense of shelter. The only downside of this tent is that it is less aerodynamic and weatherproof than a fully functioned backpacking tent and therefore, not suitable for heavy rainy weathers. Nonetheless, if you see yourself as a short-timer vacationer backpacker, then this tent might be the one for you.
This blue tent is not only strong and reinforced, which users love, but it’s so easy to use and set up. The blue color is nice, as darker colors hold in heat. Overall, users do enjoy this tent and think it is a great tent to take with them when they are sleeping outdoors!
PROS:
- Made of nylon
- Light in weight
- Very strong and durable
CONS:
- Pricey
- One color
- One size
Related: The MSR B0116G Footprint is made of polyester and polyurethane and is about $45. It fits the tent we reviewed and has a custom fit!
Nemo Obi Elite 
Price: Approx. $330
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Floor space: 21 square feet
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: 10D Polyurethane coated nylon material, one green anodized DAC 8.55mm Featherlite NSL aluminium Y-shaped one hub pole system & 6 aluminium alloy Y-stakes
Best use: Mountaineer backpacking & hiking, general camping
Description: Another recommended product from Nemo Obi Elite Solo Tent is known for its excellent extra features, simple setup and plenty of space inside. It has 10 denier nylon fly and interior fabrics ensuring that this tent is the lightest tent you will ever carry.
Due to its fabrics’ materials and design, this tent has an excellent ventilation and condensation resistance. Not to mention, it comes with two mesh storage pockets and the gear in the entry vestibule can be easily reached from inside the tent.
The only downside of this product is that the price is a little high. But if you’re willing to spend for a high-quality tent, then this tent is definitely recommended. This tent is a little pricey, but it does give you better rain and overall weather coverage while you are inside. It is designed well, which users like, and it does a great job at keeping you protected from all elements outdoors as you rest.
PROS:
- Easy to set up
- Made with aluminum stakes
CONS:
- Pricey
- One size
Related: You may want the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad so you can have some padding between you and the ground. It is not bulky, and will allow you to get a great night’s rest.
Msr Hubba Nx 
Price: Approx. $335
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Dimensions: 36 x 30 x 85 inches
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: 40-Denier ripstop nylon, 15-Denier Nylon mesh, large staydry door with built-in rain gutter, cross-ventilating rainfly, unified hub-and-pole system with color-coded clips & ultra-compact compression stuff sack
Best use: Lightweight backpacking & hiking, general camping
Description: The MSR Hubba NX Solo Tent is known for its excellent durability features and maximization of interior space. In other words, this tent is designed for comfortable use.
It is designed with a kickstand trekking pole that helps airflow ventilation and built-in rain gutter, which allows backpackers to have comfort during cold, wet weathers. The only downside of this tent is that it is a little heavier than the others that are recommended in this article.
However, if you overlook the weight, this product is actually recommended in this article due to its features that shout convenient and durability in strength. Made with 40 denier rip stop nylon, this tent is made for one person and has a large door that has a rain gutter built in! Easy to put together, it also comes with a color coded system to help you get it set up quickly! No wonder users love this tent!
PROS:
- Color coded system to set up
- Large door
- Made of nylon
CONS:
- Pricey
- One color and size
Related: If the weather is rainy, you might want the MSR MudMat 1 Tent Floor so you can keep the mud out of your tent! At about $25, it is a great addition to your gear.
Hilleberg Akto 
Price: Approx. $530
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Inner tent area: 18.3 square feet
Inner tent length: 87 inches
Material: Nylon (Kerlon)
Seasons: 4-Season
Specific features: Excellent ventilation option, center hoop, inner vestibule, multiple reflectors & waterproof Hilleberg Kerlon 1200 Outer Fabric.
Best use: Mountaineer backpacking & hiking, general camping
Description: The Hilleberg Akto Solo Tent tent is an excellent shelter for solo hikers looking to hike around mountain areas with a low cold temperatures or backpack during winter seasons. This tent is one of the lightest weights among 4 seasons tent.
It provides excellent coverage and protection from the worst of the weather. It comes with multiple reflectors and strong, tough guy lines to maximize visibility and durability, ensuring that you are well protected. Also, thanks to its design elements, this tent has fantastic ventilation options and has a larger interior space. Not to mention, the center hoop delivers an excellent windbreak.
The only downside of this tent is that it takes some time to set up the tent. Although this may be true, the Hillberg 1-person tent is relatively light compared to the other winter tents. Its comfort level is extremely impressive due to its many excellent usability features in winter conditions. Overall, the Hillberrg 1-person tent is highly recommended for cold weather camping trips.
PROS:
- Designed nicely
- Great for lower temperatures
- Many reflectors attached
CONS:
- Pricey
- Set up can take time
Related: The Hilleberg B0043EG Footprint can keep your tent floors from getting dirty and torn! At about $60, this product can help preserve the life of your tent.
Outdoor Research Helium 
Price: Approx. $170
Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 5 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: Waterproof, fully seam taped & anti-fungal coating on the floor.
Best use: Lightweight backpacking & hiking, general camping, multi-trip backpacking
Description: Another tent is known for its lightweight properties, the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is a great piece for ‘grab and goes’ hiking purposes. This tent provides sufficient comfort and offers outstanding bug protection.
Not only that, it comes with 70-denier nylon floor, which not only makes this tent durable in strength, but also stands up to cheese-grater rocks. The only downside of this tent is that it doesn’t have proper ventilation and thus it is recommended to zip open a little for proper condensation.
Users like this bivy because of the price, and because it is waterproof and will breathe well. The anti fungal coating for the flooring is a wonderful addition, and it is lightweight, so you will not have to worry about carrying extra pounds while hiking! Overall, if you’re looking for a right tent for light and fast backpacking adventures, then this tent is definitely recommended for it.
PROS:
- Priced right
- Waterproof
- Light in weight
CONS:
- Some seepage
- Not a lot of space
Related: The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Mattress is give you padding so you can have a nice sleep. Very light and compact, this mattress will run you about $100.
Big Agnes Bitter Springs 
Price: Approx. $260
Dimensions: 5 x 9 x 22 inches
Weight: 3.86 pounds
Seasons: 3-Season
Specific features: 15 Superlight aluminium J stakes, fly & floor, are silicone treated nylon rip-stop with 1200 mm waterproof polyurethane coating, all seams taped with waterproof, DAC Pressfit pole features the Jake’s Foot simple connection mechanism & DAC Twist Clips attach tent body to the pole frame.
Best use: Lightweight backpacking & hiking, general camping, multi-trip backpacking
Description: The bitter springs’ is known for its ultralight in weight and outstanding trekking pole support. It comes with a mesh-walled inner tent, which provides excellent interior ventilation.
The DAC Pressfit pole that features the Jake’s Foot simple connection mechanism allows the tension between the tent body and fly to be even. The only downside of this tent is that the entry point into the tent is a little inconvenience to get in.
Nevertheless, the Big Agnes Bitter Springs Solo Tent is surprisingly lightweight, and the price is reasonable compared to the other tents mentioned in the article. If you’re looking for a budget tent to be used in protected campsites, then this tent is definitely recommended.
Overall, users like this tent because they can see through it, it fits just one person comfortably and it is easy to set up! The price is not too expensive, but it is not cheap. At 3 pounds, it is very light and easy to carry with the rest of your gear!
PROS:
- Light in weight
- Easy set up
- Made for one person
CONS:
- Somewhat small
- One size
Related: Consider the Big Agnes Bitter Springs Footprint which is orange and comes in one size. At about $50, it will protect your tent from rips and dirt.
Concluding Thoughts
In short, before you purchase one, it is best to consider what type of backpacking trips you plan in the future. Consider the terrain grounds and its weather. After all, your purchased tent should be compatible to the surrounding fields and weather.
Lastly, remember that if you’re going backpacking or camping by yourself, the three most important things that are necessary for your bag is the backpack itself, sleeping bag and your tent shelter To conclude, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort, safety and convenience. These recommended tents mentioned here, prove to be some of the very best solo tents on today’s market.
Not only they are ultra light in weight, but also, they pack down small, which can be convenient for the upcoming future trips you’d plan. Even if some of the products in the article are not agreeable to your preferences, at least, consider the factors when it comes to choosing the best solo tent for you.
Do you think we missed any of the great shelter solo tents out there? If so, please let us know in the comment.
My solo tent is surprisingly spacious and 2 people can sleep easily inside. It can be set up in the rain without getting the inside wet which is the most important criteria for many (including me). It has enough mesh to make it breathable, not too warm with a cross wind from the window on each side.
Not all tents are created equal so it is necessary to read a lot of reviews to find what’s suited for you. My list gives all the information you need to make a great decision. Make sure to always consider materials, costs and weight of the tents. After all, you don’ want to carry a solo tent that weights a ton!
The MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent is a great tent for when I am camping alone, and when I am in a group but don’t feel like sharing my sleeping space. It is so easy to pack and carry so it is ideal for my backpacking trips. It seals well and kept me dry when it rained. I got it with a matching footprint just as a precaution. Although it is a strong tent, I do not want to risk damaging it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the MSR Hubba NX 1- Person Tent. It is a strong and hardy tent. You’ll stay dry when it rains and keeps you comfy on cold nights. It can be quite heavy, by the way, but this 3-season test is a keeper!