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An important core backpacking gear item, your backpacking sleeping bag needs to be light enough to carry easily, pack small enough so as to not take over your entire pack, and most importantly keep you warm and comfortable at night. In this guide we’ll focus on the best backpacking sleeping bags currently on the market by temperature rating.

As this is a backpacking focused article weight of the sleeping bag and warmth to weight ratio will be of a paramount focus here, with down bags ruling the roost. For a basecamp scenario, synthetic bags would be worth consideration. See our guide on down vs. synthetic insulation for more information and background. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on features, weight, and performance.
Best 30F+ & Summer Rated Backpacking Sleeping Bags
This can be a complicated category with many options. Bags in this range can be very light, but early morning hours can be a bit crisp and ample warmth will be appreciated during the night. My pick hands down would be the Zpacks Classic 30 degree sleeping bag. Weighing in at just 14 ounces and going for $420, this bag is made with DownTek 900 fill power water resistant down and is available in 7 different sizes.
Going to a hoodless sleeping bag (I mostly use the Zpacks 20 degree) has changed my backcountry sleeping for the better – now I can turn with the bag, or inside the bag, no matter. Additionally with the zipper on the bottom maximum heat is retained and you have no zipper at the top (leaking the most hot air) no matter if you’re a back sleeper or a side sleeper. In milder conditions above the shoulders just a warm hat works well for me, but if it gets cold at night you can add in an additional goose hood.

Traditional top-tier manufacturers include Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering. When it comes to Western Mountaineering, they offer a variety of bags in this category, many that don’t have much difference between each other from a big picture point of view. Their MegaLite 30 degree sleeping bag weighs in at 24 ounces and is a nice option if you like more traditional design features. The MegaLite uses 850 fill down and is a wider bag with a passive draft collar that I’ve found is sufficient down to around freezing.
Western Mountaineering bags aren’t cheap – the MegaLite will set you back about $600 – but with proper care these are bags that will last darn near forever. For slimmer users and in warmer conditions one could consider the Western Mountaineering SummerLite (around $500, 19 ounces) – although we’ve found this one starts to take on a chill as temperatures close in towards the freezing mark, it would be ideal for warmer nights.

Both the MegaLite and SummerLite from Western Mountaineering feature a fully baffled construction (the bag is not sewn through to create the baffles – a sewn through bag results in a lighter and possibly less expensive construction but will have cold spots when temperatures drop).
The Western Mountaineering FlyLite is a newer bag that is an option for warmer weather trips – it’s rated to 36 degrees, weighs just ~14 ounces in a standard width, and retails for just over $500. This makes it the lightest fully baffled bag Western Mountaineering offers.

Draft tubes, draft collars, continuous baffles, and so on are not as critical during warmer conditions and their omission can save weight, but I find I've always appreciated these features in the field.
Feathered Friends additionally offers top of the line down sleeping bags including the Hummingbird UL 30 ($580, about 22 ounces). This is a narrower bag (saves weight, more efficient) so keep that in mind, but if you’ll fit, as with Western Mountaineering this 950 fill power down bag is expensive but worth it.
For women Feathered Friends offers their Egret UL 30 ($570, about 24 ounces) with an even narrower cut but in a more women’s-specific shape. Wider bags from Feathered Friends include the Swift UL 30 ($610, about 26 ounces) and the more middle of the road width wise Swallow UL 30 (24 ounces, $600). It will be hard to go wrong with a Feathered Friends bag, so long as you get the right fit.

Another option is the REI Co-op Magma 30 (averaging around 25 ounces, $380) – offered in no less than 9 sizes for an almost custom type of fit, this bag keeps it lightweight via use of an 850 fill power water resistant down, standard features, and you even get an interior pocket. While of all of my backpacking gear a down sleeping bag is one place where I would not try to cut budget, this is one bag that could be considered more in the budget category if you catch it on sale.
Summary: Best 30F+ & Summer Rated Sleeping Bags (and rating F)
Zpacks Classic 30
Western Mountaineering MegaLite (30)
Western Mountaineering SummerLite (32)
Western Mountaineering FlyLite (36)
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30
Feathered Friends Egret UL 30
Feathered Friends Swift UL 30
Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30
REI Co-op Magma 30
Best 20 Degree Range Sleeping Bags
Everything in nature seems to change below freezing, and at these temperatures I find that it becomes more important to consider those extra features like a nice draft tube and hood, with a draft collar being very much appreciated. For me and many others that backpack mostly in mountain terrain, the 20 degree bag gets the most use 3 seasons out of the year. These are your bread and butter sleeping bags, and from my perspective if you’re looking for the best sleeping bag in this category, you’ll likely be looking at the same brands we’ve previously discussed.
Feathered Friends offers their versatile Hummingbird UL 20 (24 ounces, $640) – with the Feathered Friends Egret 20 (~28 ounces, around $630) being a women’s-specific option in this temperature range. These are narrower bags to save the most weight. However, if you like a little more space in a bag as I do, check out the Swallow UL 20 (27 ounces, $660).

In regards to Western Mountaineering, we can narrow this down to the venerable UltraLite 20 degree (29 ounces, $630) – which is your narrow / standard option – and the wider and perhaps more comfortable 20 degree AlpinLite (31 ounces, $710). Although it’s a bit heavier the AlpinLite’s space wins out for me out of these two bags, but as with Feathered Friends, you can’t go wrong here.
That said as previously mentioned and although I have had many a comfortable backcountry night in a WM AlpinLite, my preference for a backpacking sleeping bag has evolved towards the hoodless category. The Zpacks 20 Degree Classic sleeping bag (~19 ounces, $450) is my current choice for a bag in this temperature range – I find at these temperatures a hoodless bag is ideal (so long as I wear the warm hat I already take and wear a jacket with a hood). You can find my review of the Zpacks 20 here, although Zpacks has since updated the bag just a bit with upgrades. Zpacks again also offers their goose hood, but with a warm hat and jacket hood, I haven’t personally needed this until temps fall below 20. That said if you’re not ready to give up your sleeping bag hood, Zpacks also offers their 20 degree Mummy sleeping bag (23 ounces in medium standard, $580) with a built-in traditional hood.

When on sale, for a more budget option in this category we’ll go ahead and put the REI Co-op Magma 15 in this category (comfort limit: 21 degrees). With a weight of around 36 ounces depending on size and retailing at $400 full price, this bag offers a very reasonable weight in 9 different sizes for a tailored fit, and at a very reasonable price especially if you catch it on sale.
Summary: Best 20 Degree Range Sleeping Bags
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 20
Feathered Friends Egret UL 20
Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20
Western Mountaineering UltraLite (20)
Western Mountaineering AlpinLite (20)
Zpacks 20 Degree Classic
Zpacks 20 Degree Mummy
REI Co-op Magma 15
Best Winter and Cold Weather (Zero and 10 Degree) Sleeping Bags
I find that it’s more versatile to have 2 warmer rated bags, combining them to form a winter sleep system when needed for cold winter trips rather than keeping a bag from this category on hand. As an example, I’ve combined a 20 degree and a more summer-oriented bag and stayed warm (with appropriate sleeping pads and a total r-value for the temperature) on winter trips nearing minus 20F. That said if you have one 3 season bag that covers all seasons other than winter, sleep especially cold and want a warmer bag for 3 season mountain trips, or are looking to add in a dedicated winter bag, a bag in this category may be desired.
Same players, different temperature ratings again here. The 2lb., $720 Western Mountaineering VersaLite 10 degree sleeping bag is a solid choice on the warmer end of this category. One nice thing about the Versalite is that it’s in the middle width-wise – just right. Going back a bit to their 20 degree options, if the UltraLite was a bit too tight, and the AlpinLite a bit too wide, the VersaLite will likely be a perfect choice.

For a women’s-specific bag check out the 10 degree Feathered Friends Petrel UL 10 (2lbs, $690). This is a super high quality women’s bag that is not unheard of on packing lists even for summer trips in the mountains for cold sleepers. As a women’s bag I haven’t personally used the Petrel, but having seen this bag being used in the field on many occasions I’m never surprised by the loft of Petrel – you may need a bigger pack!
At these temperatures I do think a sleeping bag hood is something good to have – you want to retain every bit of heat your body puts off during the night within a singular compartment and bag. Thus the 28 ounce, $610 Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag in a 10 degree would be well worth consideration here for hikers looking to save weight.

On cold winter trips, I prioritize warmth and features over weight.
The colder it becomes the less I am personally concerned about weight – I prioritize warmth and comfort – and the last thing I’d want is a constricting bag on a winter night that could last 16 hours or more. In their wide mummy series the Feathered Friends Raven 10 UL (34 ounces, $730) would make for a top of the line choice in a 10 degree bag, but if saving the weight is more critical (via less width), the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL (31 ounces, $710) would be the next logical choice here.
Pushing the rating to 0F Feathered Friends offers their women’s Murre ES 0 degree bag (3lbs, $790) as well as their Ibis ES 0 Degree (50 ounces, $860). With a focus on heating efficiency, both of these bags have a bit of a narrow cut to be aware of – as with many things, there are pros and cons.
Summary: Best Winter and Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
Western Mountaineering VersaLite (10)
Feathered Friends Petrel UL 10
Zpacks 10 Degree Mummy
Feathered Friends Raven 10 UL
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL
Feathered Friends Murre ES 0
Feathered Friends Ibis ES 0
Deep Winter / Expedition Sleeping Bags
While I prefer to combine 2 bags to make a poor man’s expedition bag for general winter backpacking trips in the lower 48, if I were to plan an Arctic expedition, a cold mountaineering summit attempt, or for some type of cold northern basecamp type scenario, an expedition bag would certainly be appreciated in these unique circumstances.

Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering offer some very intriguing, and impressive, choices here that both throw plenty of goose down at the issue. The Western Mountaineering Bison Stormshield (69 ounces, $1360) is rated to -40F with 10” of loft and a weather-resistant shell. This bag is sized generously for additional comfort on those long winter nights.
On the Feathered Friends side, their -40F solution can be found in the Snow Goose ES -40 (65 ounces, $1210). This bag is another bag that’s sized generously for more comfort and space if you’ll be spending a lot of time in your sleeping bag. If -40F isn’t warm enough however, the 78 ounce, $1410 Snowy Owl ES -60 bag from Feathered Friends may be up your alley for the most epic of arctic level expeditions.
Summary: Deep Winter / Expedition Sleeping Bags
Western Mountaineering Bison Stormshield (-40)
Feathered Friends Snow Goose ES -40
Feathered Friends Snowy Owl -60

Whether it's an expedition sleeping bag rated to 60 below or a featherweight summer bag that packs up smaller than a water bottle, there is a sleeping bag on the market for every possible use and scenario.
In Conclusion
A critical item on your gear list, there are a few ways to go about your sleeping bag strategy. You could choose to go with a bag rated for the lowest temperatures you’ll ever backpack in, but this bag may be overly bulky and heavy for warm summer trips (albeit workable). To save weight, I like to go with a 2 bag system, a warmer bag for downright summer-like weather, and a 20 degree bag that gets the vast majority of use for 3-season trips in the mountains where lows in the 20s are not uncommon in August. When I head out on a winter trip, I combine them.
Whether you opt for a 1 bag approach or a multitude of bags ideal for every scenario, sleeping warm adds to any trip – and while a slightly heavier and warmer bag may not rule the ultralight spreadsheet, some temperature rating buffer is always appreciated at night when you’re out there.
For a list of sleeping bags from various manufacturers that you can sort and filter by temperature rating and more, see this page at REI Co-op. For background info on sleeping bags, refer to our guide on How to Choose the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag.
For additional related “big 3” and “big 4” gear selection, take a look at our articles: Choosing the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad as well as Best Backpacking Backpacks, and Best Backpacking Tents by Application and Budget.

As one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to backpacking gear, your choice of a backpacking tent can have quite the impact in regards to your comfort in camp and protection from the elements. Additionally, choosing the best backpacking tent can also have an impact when it comes to weight carried on the trail (as one of, if not the heaviest items in your pack), and a tent decision can have quite the impact on your wallet, as well.

With many factors to consider, in this article we’ll look at the top backpacking tents currently on the market, with a preference towards tents that of course offer protection from the elements, but also are lightweight and include plenty of space for the weight (including headroom), while remaining sufficiently durable and easy to use. Additionally preference here leans towards tents that haven’t had any flame or fire retardant chemicals applied, and for tents that are easy to get in and out of and have space to store gear.
Best Solo & Ultralight Backpacking Tents
For solo use I look to save just about as much weight as possible and space is less of a concern – I find a little extra space to be much more useful and important when there’s more than one person sharing a tent. If it’s just me and in this day and age, I’ll look to go with a Dyneema Composite Fabric tent every time and will look for an ultralight tent under the 20 ounce mark or so. Previously my choice has been the (discontinued) Zpacks Hexamid Twin, which while designed for two was much more workable for one person having only a single side door and one vestibule. This tent however still only weighed around a pound.

An ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric tent from Zpacks
Luckily there are modern-day alternatives available from Zpacks via their Plex Solo tent ($599, 14.5 oz.) as well as their Altaplex Solo tent ($669, 16.5 oz.), with the Altaplex being designed for taller hikers. I like a rectangular, non-tapering floorplan whenever I can get it no matter what tent I’m looking at, and as such the Altaplex would be an intriguing ultralight option. That said for those using standard-width pads who want the lightest pack, the Plex Solo and the Plex Solo Lite tent (a Plex Solo tent option featuring more ultralight materials and further weight savings) are equally interesting choices.
With the solo tent category one door and one vestibule work great, as can be found in the tent designs discussed above. However, especially for those that backpack with a wide pad and like space, the Duplex Lite tent ($669, 14.9 oz.) should be given strong consideration. The Duplex Lite is also an option for 2 with standard-width pads, who want to save as much weight as possible and don’t mind bumping elbows.
Regardless of which Zpacks tent you go with, I’d suggest at least considering their .75 oz. canopy material over the default .55 oz. Dyneema. I’ve used the .55 oz. material for years without issue – it’s not a bad default material and my tents have withstood years of use and severe weather. However, future DCF tents that I purchase will likely be of the .75 oz. variety just for all-around insurance.
The .75 oz. material will be stronger and offer greater puncture resistance, which may be appreciated over the long haul and when you need it, without too much of a weight penalty. As you might have guessed, Zpacks offering buyers the choice of this fabric option is one reason their tents are recommended so highly in this article. Note that as you might expect, their "Lite" tents are not offered in this heavier duty fabric, but are still worth consideration as the lightest of the light.

However, if you’re not sold on Dyneema and prefer a more traditionally-designed tent, one that does stand out in this category can be found in the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 1-Person tent ($580, 29 oz.). With 39” of headroom this tent may not be the most ideal choice for the tallest of users, but this height is on par with other tents in the more traditional, double-walled and freestanding (or semi-freestanding) tent market. At less than 2 pounds this tent will not weigh you down and can even fit a rectangular large and wide sleeping pad. If you’re looking to save some cash, NEMO also offers a standard version of the Hornet Osmo, which still comes in at a respectable weight with slightly smaller interior dimensions.
Summary: Best Solo & Ultralight Tents
Zpacks Plex Solo Standard
Zpacks Altaplex Classic
Zpacks Plex Solo Lite
Zpacks Duplex Lite
NEMO Hornet Osmo Elite
NEMO Hornet Osmo Standard
In summary if you’re looking for a Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) ultralight or solo tent and are open to a non-traditional design, Zpacks offers an excellent choice of floorplans and overall performance, and with the option of a heavier-duty DCF fabric for durability. For a more traditional design but still in the ultralight category, take a look at the NEMO Osmo series.
Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents
For a 2-person backpacking tent, I look for 2 doors with side entries and 2 matching vestibules, without question. This allows each person their own entry and exit (no having to crawl over anyone) and their own space to store gear at night. Generally, around 3lbs. or less is a good target here. For many years my go-to option here was the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo ($395, 45 oz.). This tent features all the prerequisites above, but the weight of their lighter backpacking model (previously known as the Explorer model, and suggested if budget allows over their heavier Lunar Duo Outfitter) has crept up a bit in recent years.

The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo 2-person backpacking tent
That said, the Lunar Duo backpacking model is not exactly heavy by any means and is a wonderful design with a 54x90” floorplan. This is one of the best floor measurements for a 2-person tent I’ve ever used. It’s long enough for tall hikers, wide enough for 2 wide pads, and isn’t excessive even with 2 standard pads…extra space is always nice. Additionally, the 45” centered height is great for sitting up in the tent. If at least one hiker uses a shorter pad, you can easily fit 2 people plus a dog or very small child in this tent as well, with gear being stored in the large vestibules. Find our Lunar Duo review here.
About the only downside to this tent is that, as with all silnylon / silpoly tents including those to follow from Tarptent, you’ll need to seal the seams with something like SeamGrip SIL seam sealer at home before you head out, although many manufacturers are now offering this as an add-on service. Many backpackers – including myself – have long hoped that Six Moon Designs would come out with a Dyneema Lunar Duo to take things from lightweight to ultralight...we’ll continue to keep our hopes up.

With its 90" long floor, the Lunar Duo from Six Moon Designs can fit 2 people with extra room, especially if at least one person utilizes a shorter sleeping pad.
For something lighter but significantly more expensive, the Zpacks Duplex tent ($699, 17.9 oz.) or the larger Zpacks Triplex tent ($799, 21.4 oz.) are worth significant consideration. Zpacks tents are made from Dyneema Composite Fabric to save weight and you’ll end up with a tent that won’t sag in the rain like you can get with silnylon. At a 45” floor width, the Duplex will be tight for 2 people and both hikers will have to use standard-width sleeping pads, unless you want to absolutely max out the width of the floor with 1 wide and 1 regular-width sleeping pad…something I don’t recommend. The Triplex however, at a 60” floor width would be extremely tight for 3, but has plenty of room for 2 people with wide pads and room for gear or possibly a dog or small child as well.
In the case that you utilize standard-width sleeping pads and are looking for a 2+ person tent, the Zpacks Triplex Pro ($899, 22 oz.) boosts the floor width to 65" to fit up to 3 sleeping pads, but is shorter (at 84") than the standard Triplex. For a 2+ person tent that will fit wide pads, the LightHeart Gear Duo Tent ($340, 36 oz.) with its unique 55x100" floorplan is worth a look and the longer floor makes fitting a dog in much easier.

The Zpacks Triplex features a 60" wide floor, offering room for 2 people using wide sleeping pads with room to spare.
Mainstream manufacturer Big Agnes makes some interesting tents in their Platinum and Carbon lines that are either freestanding or semi-freestanding, however there are some compromises to be had related to interior space or entry configuration (a side door, even when solo, is preferred). For example the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum tent ($650, 35 oz.) will get you a semi-freestanding tent for 2 using standard-width pads, but the 86” length and 39” peak height combined with a lengthwise sloping ceiling would be cramped for taller users.

All said, the Zpacks Triplex (for more see our full Zpacks Triplex review) is a top choice in this category for maximum flexibility (tents only seem smaller in the field). 60” is a bit much, and something close to the width of the Lunar Duo would be closer to perfect for 2. That said, we’re not making a custom tent here and beggars can’t be choosers. For two using wide pads who also have a dog along, the aforementioned LightHeart Duo would be a better fit. Both of these tents feature 2 doors and 2 vestibules.
Summary: Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter
Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Triplex
Zpacks Triplex Pro
LightHeart Gear Duo
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum
To summarize, the Zpacks Triplex is our choice in this category, fitting 2 people with wide pads comfortably while the Duplex would be more of an ultralight option for 2 with standard pads, while the LightHeart Duo allows for maximum comfort / room for a dog or gear. The venerable Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo series offers a budget-friendly option with a perfect floor size for two. For a more traditional design, the Big Agnes Platinum tent is worth consideration.
Best Family or Group Backpacking Tents
There is not much discussion to be had here when it comes to the best group and family backpacking tent, as unfortunately it seems manufacturers pour most of their research and development into their 1 or 2-person tent designs. The Tarptent Hogback ($549, 63.2 oz.) is my choice in this category with few competitors. The Hogback is a 4-person tent that weighs in around 4 pounds and features an 86x86” floorplan that can fit up to 4 standard-width pads, or 3 wide pads, and features double-wall construction with either mesh or partial-solid fabric inner options. 4 people in the Hogback will be a squeeze and you’ll be fighting for vestibule space, but we’ve used it for 3 plus a dog on many occasions.

Tarptent Hogback 4-person backpacking tent
Although for years Tarptent declined to entertain the idea of making Dyneema Composite Fabric tents, in recent years they began to utilize this weight-saving non-stretch fabric, but it hasn’t made it up the line to the Hogback quite yet (which would save quite a bit of weight in a tent this large). That said, we’ve been quite happy with the silnylon fly utilized in our Hogback and about 4lbs is still quite light for a tent of this size. You can read our full Tarptent Hogback review here.
Although more of a backpacking shelter than a tent due to its floorless nature, the Black Diamond Mega Light tent ($500, 45 oz.) is also worth considering in this category and these tents and tents of a similar design have been successfully used by educational expeditions for many years. Depending on where you’re backpacking however, the extra bug and weather protection you get with an integrated floor like you’ll find on the Hogback may be appreciated.
There is an optional nest available for the Mega Light; however it more than doubles the weight and almost doubles the price. For a lighter option Hyperlite Mountain Gear offers their UltaMid 4 pyramid ($1440 as a tent, 62 oz. with the floored mesh insert and pole). With either of these shelters you'll need to be aware of some compromises pyramid shelters can have – like a pole in the center of the tent, slanted walls, typically one (relatively) small door for entry and exit, lack of vestibule space, and the possibility of rain getting into the tent when entering and exiting due to the slanted walls.

For freestanding options, the Copper Spur UL4 tent ($850, 88 oz.), with its larger (listed) 86x96” floorplan can fit 4 people with a couple of those people using wide pads, and this tent also has an impressive 50” inside height. In our testing getting this tent's floorplan to measure up to specs would be quite a stretch; thus we cannot recommend this tent maxed out with 3X wide pads along with 1 standard width pad. That said the tent will fit 4 people all in the same tent, although you’ll be well over 5lbs. And if the UL4 still isn’t enough space, you can take a look at the 86x108” Copper Spur HV UL5 ($900, 117 oz.) which, as you might expect, is designed for groups of 5 and features 60” – or 5 feet, of headroom.
The Copper Spur UL line is typically a leader on the spec sheets – just be aware that to achieve light weight in a traditional design Big Agnes uses very light 15 and 20D fabrics that are lower on the hydrostatic head scale and feature a PU (polyurethane) coating. Coatings are very waterproof and allow manufacturers to tape seams, but coatings wear off, unlike impregnated silicone or Dyneema waterproof fabrics (it would be suggested to use a groundsheet – I use one made of window insulation film).
At some point and once the group size gets larger, taking multiple smaller separate tents may make the most sense and can even save weight over a single larger tent – although depending on your tent choice, this can potentially be more expensive.
Summary: Best Family or Group Backpacking Tents
Tarptent Hogback
Black Diamond Mega Light
HMG UltaMid 4
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL5
For family and group tents the Tarptent Hogback is our choice, if your group will fit. The struts allow for good use of the 86x86” floorplan, but 86x86” is tight as group size approaches 4. The Black Diamond Mega Light and HMG UltaMid4 are pyramid options, which again are great if you fit and if you can deal with the drawbacks of the pyramid design, including inefficient use of floorspace. For more traditional designs, the Copper Spur series should be considered, however care will need to be exercised with the ultralight fabrics utilized.
Best Budget Backpacking Tents
Budget is relative, but for this category we can go ahead and rule out ultralight Dyneema tents and set our focus on the much more affordable nylon and polyester options. The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo ($260, 26 oz.) can be had for less with free shipping and a sign-up discount, and if you catch it on sale it can even go for under $200. The Lunar Solo is roomy for one, fitting either standard or wide pads. The REI Co-op Half Dome Series of tents with a 2-person as well as a 3-person option has also been a go-to choice for many years.
The REI Co-op Flash Series of tents offer lighter weight options, and can typically be found on sale at intervals throughout the year. The venerable Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo can also be found in their heavier but much cheaper polyester Outfitter Tent version, which will get you a palace for 2 people in a package under 4lbs. for around $200. If you’re looking to save and aren’t too picky on an exact model, checking the REI Co-op Outlet from time to time can lead to some good savings on a variety of tent models from various manufacturers.
Summary: Best Budget Backpacking Tents
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
REI Co-op Half Dome Series
REI Co-op Flash Series
Lunar Duo Outfitter
REI Co-op Outlet Tents
If you’re looking to save some cash but still want a great tent, the SMD Lunar Solo is a venerable choice in this category for solo use. For two, look to the Lunar Duo Outfitter also from Six Moon Designs. The REI Co-op Half Dome series make for a traditional choice, with the REI Co-op Flash series offering some weight savings, and it’s always worth browsing the REI Co-op Outlet to see what’s on sale.
Best 4-Season Backpacking Tents
All the tents listed here thus far are primarily targeted towards 3-season use, but if you’re wanting to extend your trips into winter where heavy snow load can be expected and freestanding features become more important, you’ll need to look into 4-season options. The Black Diamond Firstlight 2P ($500, 54 oz.) has been a popular option for solo and 2-person use for years – you can find our full review of the Firstlight 2P tent here. If you like the Firstlight but want a little more space for 2 people, look at the Black Diamond Firstlight 3P ($550, 64 oz.). Black Diamond also offers their Hilight 3P tent, which is very similar to the Firstlight except with upgraded features at a weight penalty.

Tarptent Scarp 2 4-season tent
For my use, I like the Tarptent Scarp 2 ($489, 56 oz.), however the weight is getting up there with the crossing poles and you’ll need to set a couple snow anchors with this one. For more, take a look at our Tarptent Scarp 2 review. When it comes to 4-season tents and winter backpacking, you don't want to make any compromises in regards to protection from the elements or the sturdiness of your tent, and extra weight carried here is typically worth it.
Summary: Best 4-Season Backpacking Tents
Black Diamond Firstlight 2P
Black Diamond Firstlight 3P
Black Diamond Hilight 3P
Tarptent Scarp 2
For winter and 4-season usage the Scarp 2 from Tarptent is my choice, be it a solo or 2-person trip. However and as you might expect, Black Diamond has plenty of choices in this category that are among the most popular 4-season tents of all time.
Final Thoughts
Overall when selecting the best backpacking tent you need to find a balance between weather and bug protection, weight, space, and price – and getting that balance just right will be a little different for each of us. However, with hundreds of options on the market the perfect tent is likely out there for everyone no matter your needs.
For more on baseline information and factors to consider when choosing a backpacking tent or shelter, see our guide on how to choose a backpacking tent that goes into tent design and factors to consider on a more overall and general level. For a list of additional backpacking tents to consider from various manufacturers that you can narrow down by capacity, season, and more, check out this page at REI.com.

The desert is full of little gems, and again I was off to explore another little nook in the wide expanse of the Colorado Plateau in Utah. As I headed south on U.S. 191, passing through the sleepy towns of Monticello and Blanding, my headlights cut through the darkness of the night-shaded road. I was on another unplanned road trip, fueled by my need for some space and nature therapy after having a typical week in the city.

After car camping for the night I awoke the next morning to my alarm and the warming sky. At the south end of the Abajo Mountains in Southern Utah are Fish and Owl Creek Canyons, which converge into each other to make a loop for a fantastic overnight trip, or even a multi-night trip if you want to spend some extra time exploring the area for Native American ruins and relics. Bridges National Monument is in the same area too, but it didn’t really seem to fit a backpacking trip as it’s more of a loop road for tourists. I decided it would be fun to visit both, day tripping the monument with the other tourists and getting away from it all in the remote canyons.
The ranger station opened up at 8am, and luckily they had a few permits still available even though it was considered the “high use” season. Because of the remoteness of the Cedar Mesa area, even during the high use season, it is still pretty desolate. After watching a required informative movie about leave no trace and the ecology of that area, I paid the nominal fee and collected my permit, and headed back out on the road towards the trailhead. Luckily my little hatchback made it down the last little bit of dirt road, where some of the roads in the area would have forced me to pack in my stuff.

I had read about Fish and Owl Creek Canyons in Peter Potterfield’s Classic Hikes of North America a year or more earlier, and thought that if it had been placed in such a prestigious book that it definitely warranted a visit. It went on my short list since it was within an 8 hour drive from home, and beyond that I didn’t really look into it any more. Part of the adventure is knowing that a route exists and seeing it on a topo map, but leaving the sights and the rest for when you get there. Sure, I saw a few photos in the book, but from what I read it was the perfect length for an overnight loop and I thought I’d figure the rest out there when I got there. I brought my topo map and my overnight kit, slimmed down to the bare necessities due to the weather being mild and relatively warm for April. One other car with a New Mexico license plate was at the trailhead, a different one than at the BLM station since that couple had come to see another attraction in the area, the Moon House.
An Owl Creek and Fish Canyon Hike Begins
I shouldered my pack gingerly, keeping the right strap a little looser, and started off towards the trail that veered right towards Owl Creek Canyon. I hadn’t been backpacking since the fall, but all winter I had been climbing snow in the Colorado Rockies, so while it felt great to be back in the warm desert, I wasn’t used to wearing my trail runners and walking in the seemingly solid red Utah dirt. At first the path cut through a fairly thick pinyon pine and juniper forest, eventually becoming faint as cairns started to mark the path down the slick rock into the first canyon.

As I worked my way down, the only obvious Native ruin along the route came into view. Sitting under an alcove stood a small mud and stone hut with the roof missing. It was surrounded by footprints but seemed to be in good shape without any modern vandalism or graffiti, and was a fun surprise to see. I took a moment to imagine what the indigenous people would have seen in this canyon centuries ago when they lived here, and how strange I would look to them. As I continued down the canyon, I found the trail and cairns to be easy to follow, and the walls grew around me fairly quickly.

After a few miles, the grade leveled out and led to a much lusher area with Owl Creek meandering down through small ponds. Cottonwood trees and grasses replaced the pines, and on either side of me cryptobiotic kept me from wandering off the trail. A beautiful little pond with a small waterfall greeted me, and I decided it would be a good lunch spot. After having a quick bite, I continued on, and about a mile later I spied a few cairns on the left that were out of place and too high to be the actual trail, almost leading straight up the side of the canyon walls. I decided to check it out and drop my pack, and after a few moments of scrambling I found out what it was marking. A fairly large Native ruin appeared, similar to the first one but built against the side of the canyon walls, with a beautiful view down canyon. Here a few shards of pottery were placed in an obvious spot to be seen, but I knew that touching was off limits.
After getting back to my gear, I shouldered by backpack again gingerly and continued on. My right shoulder gave me a dull throb, telling me that I needed to think twice. A few days earlier I had found out that it was torn, something called a labrum that I understood just enough to know that it was serious. Being out in the wilderness was doing more to remind me about my new found limitations than to find the freedoms I was hoping for. I answered back by popping a few vitamin-I’s and pretended it wasn’t there. I knew that it wouldn’t tear further while I was walking, and I tried to distract myself again. The trail twisted around a few minor washes that came through from the north, and then opened up to the left to a beautiful arch and sandstone spires.

Nevill's Arch is definitely the highlight of the entire loop, and is quite the formation. I spent a few minutes just photographing the arch and enjoying the bluebird weather that had welcomed me to the desert. After getting a few shots, I noticed on the map that the trail straightened out and I wondered what the canyon junction would look like. I hoped for it to be marked, but instead I just turned when the canyon seemed to almost disappear into a flat, and I noticed some foot prints keeping a little more left than normal. As I made the turn and started into Fish Canyon, the trail and cairns came back, reassuring me that I had made a good decision.
Fish Creek Canyon
While not quite as beautiful as Owl Creek Canyon, Fish Creek Canyon didn’t disappoint. Like Owl Canyon, the walls grew quickly around me, but with a little more room in-between and with less slick rock sections. No creek existed at first, but after a few miles a small pool of water appeared. I decided it would be a good place to fill up, the first time since I had left the car, and I pumped a few liters. As I sat, I started hearing a few voices coming from up canyon. A moment later the only people I saw the whole trip came into view, three scientists from Los Alamos. I spoke briefly with them, finding out that I had also been the only person they had seen so far and that they had started down Fish Creek the afternoon before. Soon enough I returned to solitude, and continued on.

At this point the sun disappeared over the west rim of Fish Canyon, and I began to hike in the shadows. Larger pools of water appeared, and in them you could see fish swimming around, undoubtedly giving the canyon its name. Not just minnows, but small trout that didn’t seem like they should exist here. They were landlocked with no water downstream, so I wondered if someone had stocked them years ago, or if they had somehow swam upstream during rainier seasons gone by. More and more fish appeared in additional pools as I moved further up the canyon, although nothing that was big enough to catch. After moving on I slipped into the bivy and my sleeping bag, and again let the stars of the desert sky lull me to sleep. I woke the next morning to the sunlight instead of an alarm. The night has been dreamless, and the throbbing in my shin and feet had disappeared.
Another Hike Comes to a Conclusion
I quickly packed up and started up the canyon, looking forward to the treats in my car somewhere above me. I felt like most of the canyon was behind me, and sure enough after a larger dryfall the trail steepened as it climbed up to the rim high above. Near the rim’s edge I came upon the only hard part, a two move scramble that some might consider to be slightly technical. I checked it out and hoped my shoulder wouldn’t bother me, but my rumination last night gave me hope. Luckily the rock was solid, and a small pile of rocks at the bottom served as a booster step to get me high enough to grab a positive hold. I was glad that I didn’t have to down climb it, and once I topped out, I found myself back in the pine forest that I had started in, with less than an hour’s worth of hiking to the car.

I made a quick trek of the last bit, finding my car before noon. Getting out of the canyon so early in the day made me almost wish I had gone a little slower, but I remembered that I still had one sight to see before heading on. Bridges National Monument welcomed me with fresh water and bathrooms. As I enjoyed the lookouts over the three major bridges, crowded with RVs and tourists, I was happy in my decision to spend most of the trip in the backcountry. After driving the loop, I set back onto the road, feeling renewed and ready for the next piece of life to strike.
Need to Know
Information
The BLM website has a brochure and more information about the area. Permits are required.
Best Time to Go
Spring and Fall will have the mildest temperatures, and spring will have more water options.
Getting There
There are no major airports near Cedar Mesa, and the closest town is Blanding. From Blanding, head south on Highway 191 to Highway 95, and then west on Highway 95 to Highway 261. Fish and Owl road is designated as road #253 and is 5 miles south of Highway 95 along Highway 261. The Kane Gulch Ranger Station would be able to relay current conditions. Dirt roads in the area can become impassable in bad weather.
Maps
Trails Illustrated #706 (Grand Gulch & Cedar Mesa Plateau) is your best option for a good map of the area. For getting to the trailhead and exploring other hikes in the state, the Utah Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer can be useful.
Books
Peter Potterfield’s Classic Hikes of North America.
Editor's Note: This article by contributor Ted "tmountainnut " Ehrlich originally appeared in Issue 20 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here for additional photos and content.

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For many backpackers, thru-hiking a major long trail just isn’t a realistic option. Not everyone can pause life, quit their job, and leave their family and friends behind for half a year to hike a long trail. Even if they could, not everyone has the mental and/or physical stamina to enjoy such an arduous task over multiple months. Maybe you’re an aspiring to thru-hiker, but feel like you need more experience before committing to such a long endeavor. If you fall into any of these categories, or maybe have put the idea of thru-hiking on the back burner, I’m here to tell you that there is still a complete thru-hike experience out there for you! The 173 mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is the perfect solution!

To give an idea of my perspective, I’ve hiked over 10,000 miles along long distance trails, and the 173 miles spent on the TRT are some of the most memorable. Having already experienced hiking’s Triple Crown (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail), I can honestly say that I came into the TRT a bit jaded with few expectations. My impression of the TRT was that it would be a redundant walk around the same lake for a week or two. Fifty miles of which, I’d already done as it overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail. I planned the TRT (with two friends of mine from the area) more to fill time between two other long hikes, and was more excited about spending time with my friends than the trail itself. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it would be fun because I love backpacking, but I didn’t expect it to be as great as it was. What a wonderful surprise!

The 173 mile Tahoe Rim Trail offers the opportunity for a shorter thru-hiking adventure.
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) Logistics & Hiking Overview
To start off, there are many pros to the TRT for logistical purposes. As a loop hike, it’s simple to park at a trailhead and return to that same trailhead at the end of the hike. No shuttle is needed, but there are also public transit options if you are not using a vehicle. If something happens and a hiker needs to exit sooner than planned, there are many exit points that will eventually lead to frequently used trailheads and a possible hitch from day hikers, mountain bike riders, or equestrians. Another unique advantage of the TRT is that many access points also allow for caching of water (and food if needed) in stretches that are relatively dry with significant gaps between water sources. All of this access to civilization, and yet the trail still provides a great balance with solitude and scenery. Perfect for someone testing out their thru-hiking skills for the first time.
Our Hike on the TRT Day by Day
What follows is a brief overview of each day of our hike to get a feel for this as a thru-hike and why I recommend it. By the end of the hike, we (myself aka Wired and my friends Christy aka Rockin’ and Nancy aka Why Not) felt like we had experienced a microcosm of what we do on a long trail over multiple months. It was wonderful! Note a few things. Mileage is included as a reference, but not recommended for all hikers. Each hiker should do mileage that in their personal comfort range. Even as a conditioned thru-hiker, I’d have enjoyed a slower pace to really take this trail in more completely. We chose to go counterclockwise and begin at the Kingsbury South Trailhead. This would allow us to see more PCT hikers by hiking against the grain when the two paths overlap. There are multiple trailheads to access the trail. It’s all up to personal preference where you choose to start/end and which direction you choose to go. We started fairly early in the season on June 2nd on a low snow year, so it may not be advisable to start that early on in other years with a higher snowpack.

The Tahoe Rim Trail keeps things interesting and takes hikers through scenery that's always changing.
Day 1: Oh How I’ve Missed You (10.1 miles)
After having just spent a couple months along the Hayduke Trail in the desert of S Utah and N Arizona, it was like a reawakening to be on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Fresh air, a cool light breeze, a beautifully winding blazed trail, amazingly large trees, and a reunion with good friends. We even got a glimpse across Lake Tahoe at what lied ahead with some snowcapped mountains.
Day 2: Lakeview Hiking (23.5 miles)
A day of beautiful views of Lake Tahoe to our west as we hiked high above the lake (most the trail is well above the lake) on the east side. One of my favorite views of the hike was a ridge walk along North Canyon with views of Lake Tahoe and Marlene Lake. Expansive views with low lying clouds in the distance that would build over the next 24hrs. Off a friend’s recommendation, we took a side trip to Sand Harbor Overlook. Well worth the effort for that view at the end of the day!
Day 3: Rockin’ Gets Her Wish (20.2 miles)
Threatening clouds had moved in overnight and loomed all morning as we descended to the flower filled Tahoe Meadows. Rockin’ mentioned that she’d like a bit more of a challenge on this hike given the wonderfully clear trail we’d been on thus far. Well, she got it as we climbed to the highest peak on the TRT, Relay Peak at 10,301ft. Temps dropped and snow fell as we hit snow covered trail that had yet to melt from the winter. It was like we entered a magical winter mountain expedition for a brief period before dropping back down to snow free trail.

Some areas still had remaining snowpack from the previous winter.
Day 4: Of Course We Did! (31.1 miles)
We awoke knowing that we were 31.1mi from our resupply location of Tahoe City, which the trail goes right through and the one point where the trail goes down to Lake Tahoe. There was quite a bit of wooded hiking with a gradual descent. The pull of a hotel room, a restaurant meal, and shower motivated us to make the miles in time for dinner. It was glorious in only the way a meal at the end of a 31 mile day can be.
Day 5: This Is the Life! (9.7 miles)
A relaxed return to trail after a half day in town and taking in the atmosphere at a quiet and clear Tahoe City Marina. The less populated trail is a bonus for hiking early in the season. One of those days that feels free, relaxed, and calm. With full packs, we began the climb back up into the woods and rain began to fall. We got our tents up in a sheltered area just as an earth shaking thunderstorm blew through for brief periods before bed. Just awesome!
Day 6: Returning HOME (21.4 miles)
The day we all were excited about! We started our 50 mile overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail! Before hitting that intersection, we took a side trip to scramble to the summit of Twin Peaks, a highlight of the hike. All of us have completed the PCT and this was like returning HOME. We talked to countless thru-hikers and reminisced on our respective days through this section.
Day 7: Stupendous & Serendipitous (18.9 miles)
One of my all time favorite days ever on trail..heck ever in life! Sometimes the trail is just magical. We spent the morning hiking through the Desolation Wilderness while still overlapping with the PCT. We were transported to an abundance of alpine lakes reflecting granite peaks with snow on top. Temperatures were the warmest of the entire hike – in the 80s – and that made for some welcoming dips in the lakes and streams. An amazing number of coincidences happened the second half of the day that had us, not only hiking the most beautiful section if the TRT, but also experiencing some true trail magic.

We were unexpectedly hosted by old trail friends that happened to be staying at Echo Summit Lodge. Dinner was made by a world famous chef, and we were invited to stay the night. Even more magical, as the evening wore on, we discovered how many of our paths had unknowingly crossed years ago, and how serendipitous life can be. We were definitely where we were meant to be that night!
Day 8: Nice Climbs & Fun Finds (17.9 miles)
Coming off the high of the previous day, we were gliding. We saw many more PCTers in our final miles overlapping the PCT. After forking off the PCT, we dipped down into a forested area where we surprisingly found ourselves surrounded by treasure in the form of morel mushrooms! At $40/lb these are a rare find and they were in abundance around us given the unique conditions of cold damp weather. Why Not found a whole new use for her mosquito head net as she collected quite the loot of morels. Note, that it is legal to pick small amounts of morels along many areas of the TRT and as long as they are not being sold for commercial use.

The final day would be defined by fog and wet weather.
Day 9: Socked Ending (22.3 miles)
The final day ended in deep fog. A viewless, yet mystical ending, that seemed fitting after having experienced almost every type of weather. It was really unique to experience a day that felt like fall in the Northwest, when it was early June and we had been in 80 degree heat just two days prior in the Desolation Wilderness swimming in alpine lakes. Much of the trail that day was in a forested area and made for quite nice scenery, but we did miss out on one particularly great view at the pass near Freel Peak. Looks like I have yet another great reason to return to do this hike again!

The Tahoe Rim Trail holds its challenges, but the rewards made the effort worth it.
Final Thoughts on the Tahoe Rim Trail
As I said before, I’ve hiked thousands of miles, and the Tahoe Rim Trail ranks up there with some of the best. It’s remarkable what we experienced in just the 9 days that we took to hike the trail. I think I could hike this trail multiple times and get vastly different experiences each time. The TRT is unique in providing such a variety of experiences and scenery while also being a trail that both beginner and veteran hikers would greatly enjoy. There are definitely challenges to face with terrain, elevation, weather, and water, but the TRT is one of those trails where the rewards definitely make the challenges worth facing. A highly recommended trail for day hiking, biking, thru-hiking, section-hiking, and horseback riding. Enjoy!
Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Need to Know
Information
Head over to www.tahoerimtrail.org for links to resources and more information on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Pay attention to days when mountain bikers are allowed on trail, and plan your hiking schedule to avoid them if possible. There is a schedule on the TRT website of which days specific sections are open to mountain bikers as well as hikers. With melting snow and lakes along the way, be armed to defend against mosquitoes during those weeks that they tend to multiply once the snow melts off. Also, look into where the waterless stretches are if you think you’ll need to cache water along these notoriously dry sections.
Permits/Reservations
The two permits needed to hike the Tahoe Rim Trail are a Campfire Permit and a Desolation Wilderness Permit. Information on obtaining those permits can be found on the TRT website.
Best Time to Go
The most ideal window for thru-hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail most years is July-September. Check snow levels if going during the shoulder months.
Maps & Books
There are multiple maps and guidebooks available. Some are listed at the TRT website above including some free ones available for download. A summary of top resources for the trail includes:
Tom Harrison's Tahoe Rim Trail Map Trails Illustrated Tahoe Rim Trail Map 1013 Tahoe Rim Trail Pocket Atlas The Tahoe Rim Trail: The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians The Author
Erin “Wired” Saver is a long distance backpacking blogger that has hiked over 10,000 miles since 2011 including hiking’s Triple Crown (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail).
Editor's Note: This article by Erin "Wired" Saver originally appeared in Issue 27 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here for additional photos and content.