Every backpacker should have a reliable solo tent that balances weight and function. You need a sturdy shelter that can withstand rough weather without weighing you down.
Finding the best one person tent is easy using this comprehensive buying guide. Keep reading to learn more about the top-rated lightweight backpacking tents suitable for all seasons and climates.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 Tent
Best Budget:
ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent
Best for Bike Camping:
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent
1. Overall Best: Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 Tent
The Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 Tent combines all the features you need in a solid backpacking tent into a lightweight package. This one person tent stuffs into a compact two-pound package that you will barely notice on your journey.
What makes this the best one person tent that stands out from the competition? The heavily engineered design delivers a feather-light shelter that provides unparalleled comfort.
The Alto TR 1 tent features an extensive ventilation system you can tweak for a comfortable sleep in any weather. The 15-denier ripstop nylon keeps you dry in a torrential downpour while the vents pull excess humidity out to prevent condensation.
This shelter is suitable for three-season camping—it will keep you comfortable in the hot sun, rain, or chilly weather. You should select a heavier option if you intend to camp in frigid conditions with significant snowfall and sub-zero winds.
Overall, the Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 tent is perfect for serious adventurers needing an ultralight shelter with all the necessary features to stay cozy on the trail.
Weight:
- Minimum – 2 lbs. 1 oz.
- Full – 2 lbs. 7.2 oz.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight design
- Advanced ventilation and airflow control
- Spacious external storage vestibule
- Suitable for three-season camping
- Semi-freestanding
Cons:
- Expensive
- The footprint is sold separately
2. Budget Option: ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent is an extra large one person tent that is excellent for tall campers and those who want to stretch out while sleeping. This tent boasts 25 square feet of interior space, so you certainly won’t feel cramped.
This model is technically a one-and-a-half-person tent owing to its unique design, which maximizes the livable space. Even though it is extra roomy, the overall tent weighs less than five pounds and collapses into a compact package.
Do you want to go camping in a winter wonderland and wake up cozy with a fresh blanket of snow surrounding your site? This tent is awesome for almost all weather conditions, barring only the most extreme cold.
The only significant drawback is that the ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent is non-freestanding. You might encounter some challenges when erecting this tent on rocky, hard earth into which you cannot drive stakes.
If you want lots of space to sprawl out and don’t mind a little extra weight, this solo tent is the right one for you.
Weight:
- Minimum – 4 lbs. 2 oz.
- Full – 4 lbs. 13 oz.
Pros:
- Extremely spacious 25 square foot interior
- Suitable for all-season camping
- Durable construction
- The large doors allow for easy entry and exit
Cons:
- Non-freestanding
- The footprint is sold separately
- Somewhat heavy design
3. Best for Bike Camping: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent
Long-haul bicycle touring requires a durable tent that fits seamlessly with your bike gear. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent is your perfect bikepacking solution.
Big Agnes is well-known among the bikepacking community for quality shelters and gear. The Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent is specially designed for stowing on your bicycle’s pannier, handlebars, saddlebag, or frame.
The freestanding tent is easy to detach and assemble when ready to set up camp. You can keep your stuff nearby and stow your helmet, backpack, and other gear in the outer vestibules and pockets.
How does this shelter integrate perfectly with your bicycle? The tent poles composing the frame break down into short one-foot sections that fit almost anywhere on your bike.
Once the shelter is assembled, you can prop up the canopy of the outer vestibule with your bike’s handlebars. This increases the living area making the den feel twice as spacious.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent is ideal for serious bike campers who want the best one person tent.
Weight:
- Minimum – 2 lbs. 5 oz.
- Full – 2 lbs. 13 oz.
Pros:
- The optimized pack system fits any bicycle
- Ample internal storage options
- External storage vestibule and pockets
- Lightweight design
- Freestanding
Cons:
- The footprint is sold separately
- Expensive
4. REI Co-op Passage 1 Tent with Footprint
The REI Co-op Passage 1 Tent with Footprint is a great one-person tent if you are on a budget. You can save money without sacrificing your needed features in a backpacking shelter.
The Passage 1 is one of the highest-rated solo tents for good reasons. It is a reliable, feature-rich three-season shelter that is easy for beginners to deploy.
This tent is fully freestanding and is exceptionally simple to assemble. It is great for exhausted campers who need quick shelter at the end of a long day of hiking.
Is there a trade-off for the low price of this REI tent? The tent poles are made of thin aluminum to keep weight and cost down. This won’t be an issue if you are careful, but they can bend and break under excessive stress.
The REI Co-op Passage 1 tent is a fantastic affordable option for beginner backpackers. It isn’t the lightest or most durable one person tent, but it comes with everything you need in an affordable package.
Weight:
- Minimum – 3 lbs. 11 oz.
- Full – 4 lbs. 10 oz.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Suitable for three-season camping
- Freestanding
- Easy to assemble
- The footprint is included
Cons:
- Somewhat fragile construction
- Minimal interior storage options
5. MSR Elixir 1 Tent
Some campers just want a no-frills shelter that can withstand heavy use season after season. If this sounds like you, the MSR Elixir 1 Tent is your ideal one person tent.
MSR is known for rugged tents, and the Elixir 1 is no exception. The durable fabric and sturdy freestanding frame will last through years of rough use without fail.
This shelter is great for all-season camping. The 40-denier ripstop nylon canopy and 68-denier ripstop polyester/1500-mm polyurethane rainfly are guaranteed to keep you warm and dry all year long.
This solo backpacking tent is on the heavy side but still weighs in at under five pounds. The extra weight is worth it when you need a heavy-duty refuge out in the wild.
This one person tent is best for experienced campers who want an affordable, long-lasting option suitable for any climate.
Weight:
- Minimum – 3 lbs. 15 oz.
- Full – 4 lbs. 12 oz.
Pros:
- Suitable for all-season camping
- Extremely durable construction
- External storage vestibule
- Freestanding
- The footprint is included
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy design
- The interior space might feel cramped for taller users
6. Cheap Beginner Tent: Sutekus Tent
Are you shopping for a beginner’s tent for a kid who wants to practice camping in the backyard? Do you need a dirt-cheap shelter to toss into your survival bag? If cost is the main decider, look no further than the budget-friendly Sutekus Tent.
This is by far the cheapest one-person tent that is worth the investment. This little tent boasts enough room for a twin mattress once assembled.
The Sutekus Tent has a freestanding frame that is super easy to put together. It’s a great way to teach children how to set up and tear down camp by themselves.
The low price tag comes with a few disadvantages. This is a one-season tent that is only comfortable for dry summer nights.
The lightweight material is not water resistant, and the seams are not sealed. While it’s easy to remedy this at home, it might be better to look into a more durable tent for serious camping.
The Sutekus one-person tent is great for children just learning how to camp. Since it is small and lightweight, it also makes a decent emergency shelter to keep in your survival pack.
Weight:
- Minimum – 2 lbs. 5 oz.
- Full – 2 lbs. 5 oz.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Inexpensive
- Freestanding
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Fragile construction
- No water resistance coating or seals
- The footprint is sold separately
- Not suitable for serious camping trips
The Best One Person Tent Buyer’s Guide
When you buy a tent for backpacking, bikepacking, hiking, and camping, you want something that will last you years of intense use. You must conduct thorough research, compare key features, and evaluate reviews to determine which tent meets your most important criteria.
So, what makes the best one person tent stand out from cheap competitors? Keep reading to get the lowdown on top tent features and functions.
Material
The material your tent is made from determines its durability and weather resistance. To a lesser extent, it also impacts the overall pack weight of your one person tent.
You need a shelter that can keep you safe from rain, wind, and pesky bugs. The best tents accomplish this by using multiple fabric layers for the canopy, rainfly, and inner mesh.
High-quality, lightweight solo tents are generally made of treated, waterproof nylon or polyester. Heavy-duty all-season tents might also include a thick canvas layer to block the freezing wind.
Weight
If you are shopping for a one person tent for your next backpacking trip, the total weight is likely your most crucial factor. Every ounce counts when you are hauling your pack for days or weeks on end.
You want a solo tent that weighs two-and-a-half pounds or less for longer trips. You can take heavier tents along for shorter journeys where you won’t risk exhaustion and over-incumbrance.
Size
Size is important when you are selecting the perfect solo tent. This is why you must carefully consider the length and width of any potential one person tent.
Sleeping should be comfortable even when you are out on remote trails. Ensure you purchase a tent with a livable space large enough to fully stretch out. This should be around two feet longer than you are tall.
Height
Depending on the shape of your one person tent, the overall stature can vary greatly. When it comes to choosing the perfect tent, does height really matter?
Some solo backpacking tents, particularly coffin or bivy tents, can be pretty short. Typically this matters little, but it can be critical in certain circumstances.
If you plan on backpacking in an area populated by large predators, consider purchasing a taller tent. Mountain lions and bears are less likely to swipe at an imposing target, so keep this in mind when selecting a back-country solo shelter.
Doors
How many doors should a backpacking tent have? The answer depends on a few factors, including the climate in which you are camping.
Most one person tents feature one door, usually composed of multiple fabric layers. A single door is sufficient for most campers, especially if you hit the trails during fair weather.
There are some minor benefits and drawbacks to sleeping in a two-door tent.
The most obvious pro of a two-door tent is that it is easy to access, especially if you’re sharing your sleeping space. Multiple doors also come in handy in hot climates to increase airflow and ventilation.
Remember that the extra door with its zipper increases the pack weight and the risk of leaks in heavy rain. The extra doors are generally only worth it in incredibly humid environments.
Storage
Have you ever spent the night in a cheap tent with inadequate storage? If so, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it is to wrestle with your backpack and supplies for foot room.
The best one person tents come equipped with ingenious storage solutions that maximize space so you can stretch out and sleep comfortably. This includes inner compartments, mesh pockets, and outer vestibules to keep your gear dry.
Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Tents
Suppose you only ever camp in designated sites. In that case, you might not know the struggle of erecting a non-freestanding shelter on barren, hard ground.
Ease of use is why most top selling one person tents are either freestanding or semi-freestanding.
What is the difference between freestanding and non-freestanding tents, and which style should you choose?
Freestanding tents include lightweight, collapsible metal frames that enable you to erect the tent anywhere.
Non-freestanding tents instead rely on anchors in the ground and taut guy lines to stay up.
Semi-freestanding tents generally combine the best of both worlds using minimal or optional poles.
Only the most hardcore adventurers and experienced backpackers generally choose non-freestanding one person tents. The lack of poles enables minimalist campers to significantly reduce pack weight and size.
Best Onr Person Tent FAQs
What is a good weight for a tent?
The ideal weight for your tent depends on a few factors, like how long you need to carry it and your base strength. The best solo backpacking tents generally weigh between two and four pounds.
Aim for a one person tent that weighs about two pounds if you plan to haul your pack for exceptionally long distances with minimal rest along your journey.
You can spring for a heavier tent if you plan to take it easy or use an assisted carrying system like a wagon or pack animal. This will enable you to take advantage of additional features and functions that add on a few pounds.
What is the lightest one person tent?
The lightest isn’t always the best one person tent since the most desirable features might add a few ounces each. If you really want to go bare minimum, there are two main options for the lightest shelter types.
One extremely basic lightweight tent is the pup tent. The most straightforward setup is a tarp staked to the ground and propped up with a guy line.
Another lightweight shelter is the bivy bag, which is like a sleeping bag and tent mixed in one package. The best bivy bag for solo camping is REI’s Black Diamond Twilight Bivy, which weighs only ten ounces.
You might wonder why this ultra-lightweight option didn’t make the best one person tent list. Even though it saves weight, sleeping in a bivy bag is significantly less comfortable than using a solo tent combined with a high-quality sleeping bag.
How is a bikepacking tent different from a backpacking tent?
Bikepacking tents are specially designed to be a bicyclist’s best friend. These lightweight shelters fold down into tiny packages suitable for attaching to your bike frame, handlebars, or pannier.
Once set up, bikepacking tents generally have dedicated pockets and vestibules for storing your bicycling gear. Some even have an extra rainfly to keep your bike near and dry.
Still, when it comes down to it, the best one person tent is perfect for backpacking or bikepacking. As long as your shelter is lightweight, durable, and easy to use, you can take it anywhere.
What are the three types of tent structures?
There are many different one person tent styles to choose from. Freestanding, semi-freestanding, and non-freestanding tents are the three basic categories.
Freestanding tents are self-explanatory. These convenient shelters have collapsible frames that keep them erect once assembled.
This type of tent is the most popular amongst beginners and casual campers. The primary benefit is the ability to set this shelter up anywhere with minimal staking required.
Non-freestanding tents include pole, canopy, ridge, a-frame, and outfitter shelters. These rely on guy lines anchored to a sturdy external surface to keep their shape.
These tents save on weight but can be difficult to keep upright. They are unsuitable for camping on a solid rock where you can’t drive stakes into the ground.
Semi-freestanding tents combine lightweight minimalism with stability and versatility. These structures generally include a few support poles but require some external anchors for complete stability. This can consist of a single guy line through the center or multiple stakes along the edges.
Most experienced backpackers consider semi-freestanding to be the best one person tent style. This option is lightweight while still providing a rigid structure that’s easy to assemble.
Is a one person tent worth it?
One person tents were essential gear for backpackers many years ago. Back then, smaller tents weighed significantly less than larger models due to the fabric used.
Advances in materials engineering have reduced the weight of fabric manufacturers use to create rugged, weathertight shelters. This means the difference in weight between a modern multi- and one person tent is minimal.
Still, every ounce counts when you are out on the trail carrying everything you need to survive. This makes the very best one person tents relevant and handy for many backpackers.
Which tent shape is best?
Shelters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The ideal tent shape depends on where you are camping and how much headroom you want.
The most common shapes are dome, A-frame, tunnel, geodesic, coffin, multi-room, cabin, and pyramid tents. Each style is best suited for different applications.
The best one person tents are generally dome, A-frame, or coffin-shaped. These designs prioritize minimal fabric and pole use to cut down weight.
Other styles are more suitable for larger tents that must house multiple campers. These designs maximize livable space with less regard for the overall weight.
The Best One Person Tent for 2023
Now you should feel comfortable selecting the best one person tent for your next adventure. You likely want to explore more of the top camping and hiking equipment you should bring along.
Visit our Shelters hub to learn about the best temporary and permanent shelters for any occasion. Plus, explore more of our extensive guides to ensure you hit the trails adequately prepared.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.