If you are on the hunt for a quality two-man tent, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are looking for a tent for a casual camping weekend or a week-long trek, it is important to get the right tent to suit your needs. Even though 2-person tents tend to be quite snug, they make up for it in lightness and easy-pitching. Additionally, they are often far more adept at dealing with harsh and windy weather than larger tents, so there is no need to worry about leaks or other disasters.
We have put together a list to make sure that there is a tent for every occasion - be it for a summer weekend trip, highland hiking, backpacking or all-year use so you will be equipped for what nature has to offer.
If you think a two-person tent may be too tight for your needs, then check out our guide to the best three-man tents and the best camping gadgets to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
What to consider before purchasing a tent
Types of tents on the list:
Tunnel tents: These tents are great for weekend and summer camping as they offer lots of space, are easy to pitch and use traditional poles. However, they are often heavier than other shapes.
Dome tents: These popular tents are good for hikers and trekkers because small dome tents are quite stable and lightweight. They are also cheap and work well in moderate wind.
Geodesic tents: This type of tent has crisscrossing support poles, making it much more capable of dealing with high winds and harsh weather. Geodesic tents sacrifice space and are a little more complex to pitch than other styles but are great for camping in extreme environments but less suitable for casual campers and families.
Backpacking tents: Usually on the pricer side, these tents are some of the lightest tents you will find. Some are intended for summer and mild conditions, and others have more durable fabrics, making them suitable for 3-season use. They are ideal for hiking and cycling trips.
Waterproof ratings :
1000mm: Will keep out light rain. It is more water-resistant than waterproof.
2000mm: Waterproof and will keep out rain.
4000mm: Will keep out fairly heavy rain.
10,000mm+: These ultra-durable tents have to deal with rain and snow and the extra pressure applied by backpack straps.
The best 2-man tents
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Best two-person tent for casual camping
This tent is perfect for light sleepers or novice campers as it functions as one big blackout room. Not only will this allow you to sleep through bright mornings, but it will keep you cool as it is up to 5u00b0C cooler during the day than other tents. It also boasts an impressive waterproof rating, so no need to fret if you end up camping on a wet weekend. This ten is excellent for casual camping trips and festivals as not only is it light and robust but simple but easy to assemble.
Specs:
Dome camping tent
Waterproofing: 4500mm HH fly, waterproof polyethylene groundsheet
Poles: Fibreglass
Outer dimensions: 255cm (L), 145cm (W), 105cm (H)
Packed size: 58 x 14 x 14cm
Weight: 3.2kg
Pros: High waterproof rating; good value
Cons: Small covered front section doesn’t protect much gear
Best two-person tent on a budget
Eurohikewww.gooutdoors.co.uk
If you are after something cheap, cheerful and easy to use, then this pop-up tent from Eurohike works like a dream. . You simply need to open up the bag, and it springs open. It fits two snugly and is also very light, so it is great for weekend trips away. The high-vis lines are also a good touch. Despite this tent being super light, the Pop 200 SD will not cut it as a hiking tent as it does not have the robustness required for harsh weather or terrain. Overall, this tent is extremely good value and is ideal for short and casual camping trips.
Specs:
Tunnel style pop up camping tent
Waterproofing: 2000mm HH fly, waterproof polyethylene groundsheet
Poles: 8.5mm integrated fibreglass Arcflex poles
Outer dimensions: 220cm (L), 110cm (W), 90cm (H)
Packed size: 70 x 70 x 3cm
Weight: 1.65kg
Pros: Very affordable; very light; quick pitching
Cons: Waterproof rating could be better
Best two-person budget backpacking tent
www.outdoorgear.co.uk
This lightweight tent weighs under two kilos and can be packed down to a compact size. If you are after a tent for summer backpacking, then this is an excellent option that does not cost a fortune. One downside, however, is that it is very much a summer tent as it provides you with the minimum waterproofing you need for trekking around the UK, but it will not be able to cope with harsher rain or wind.
Specs:
Backpacking tent
Waterproofing: 2000mm HH fly, 5000mm Oxford polyurethane groundsheet
Poles: Single alloy pole
Outer dimensions: None given
Packed size: 50 x 10cm
Weight: 1.77kg
Pros: Very affordable; good porch space for gear
Cons: Suitable for mild conditions only
Best two-person tent budget geodesic design
BerghausIf you are after a tent that will last through the seasons and harsher weather, then make no compromises with this red geodesic tent. Not only does it have a high waterproof rating, but due to its semi-geodesic shape, it can deal with windy and stormy weather, too. The downside to this tent is that due to the shape, there are extra poles, so pitching the Cheviot will take a little longer than basic dome tents or other ones listed. However, it makes an excellent tent for wild-camping.
Specs:
Semi-geodesic tent
Waterproofing: 5000mm HH fly, waterproof groundsheet
Poles: Lightweight alloy
Outer dimensions: None given
Packed size: 50 x 16 x 16cm
Weight: 3.05kg
Pros: Excellent waterproof rating; ideal beginner tent for camping off the beaten track
Cons: More advanced options are lighter
Tried and tested by Ellen Kinsey, Commercial Content Writer: "I took the Berghaus Cheviot 2 Tent wild camping on the beach in Scotland for a weekend to test how well it would fair against strong winds. Semi-geodesic tents provide additional stability when the weather is rough, and the Cheviot 2 proved effective and comfortable. It comfortably fits one person or two people if you sleep with your head next to the entrance. Due to its shape, the tent narrows at the back.
"The tent comes in a spacious bag, yet it is still lightweight and is no hassle to carry. There are extra pegs for securing an additional ground mat, and it is easy to manoeuvre if you want to move the tent to a different location. I would recommend getting a ground mat as the tent's base may need extra protection, especially when camping in unpredictable weather. Putting a tarpaulin down will offer you more protection from the ground and save you from potentially waking up damp."
"Overall, I am very impressed with the Berghaus Cheviot 2. The value for money, fabric quality, design, lightness, easy assembly, and durability make it an excellent tent for hiking, wild camping or casual use."
Best two-person tent with space to weight ratio
Wild Countrywww.millets.co.uk
This mid-range tent does an excellent job at balancing performance and price. This is demonstrated by its size and how light it is. The shape of the tent allows for generous space lengthways, so it is practical for long hikes, wild camping, or cycle trip and is no burden to carry. The tunnel design means it isn't as weather-resistant as geodesic tents. However, due to the many ropes pinning the tent to the ground, it is still very stable, so you won't find it flying away in the wind.
Specs:
Low profile tunnel hiking tent
Waterproofing: 4000mm HH Stormtex fly, 5000mm HH floor
Poles: 8.5mm Superflex alloy
Outer dimensions: 430cm (L), 160cm (W), 90cm (H)
Packed size: 30 x 22cm
Weight: 3.15kg
Pros: Size to weight ratio; value
Cons: For what it is, none
Best lightweight two-person hiking tent
Terra Novawww.outdoorgear.co.uk
Despite being on the higher end of the market, this tent is definitely the lightest on the list and is ultra-durable. The Laser Compact 2 is as compact as the name states and is just about acceptable as a 2-man tent as the two people will need to top and tail. However, it does have excellent waterproofing, strong guy lines is super light and portable for long treks where backpack space is vital. The OutdoorGear tent listed above is a great beginner tent or trek in more temperate weather. The Laser Compact 2, however, is an investment for those devoted to trekking spring to autumn.
Specs:
Backpacker tent
Waterproofing: 5000mm HH fly, 6000mm HH floor
Poles: 8.7mm DAC aluminium Featherlite NFL
Outer dimensions: 230cm (L), 130cm (W), 100cm (H)
Packed size: 30 x 15cm
Weight: 1.23kg
Pros: Excellent materials; incredible lightness
Cons: Not as weather-resistant as geodesic tents
Best two-person weather-resistant tent
Terra Novawww.outdoorgear.co.uk
If you are a committed four-season camper, then this alpine tent is your best option. Weighing 3.5kg, the Quasar is the heaviest tent on this list due to its durable fabrics that will keep you secure and warm over the year. It has UV resistance, which is aimed at alpine use, but it can also deal with trips in other environments with harsher conditions.
Specs:
Semi-geodesic tent
Waterproofing: 6000mm HH fly, 10,000mm HH floor
Poles: 9.5mm Relfex aluminium
Outer dimensions: 361cm (L), 136cm (W), 105cm (H)
Packed size: 54 x 18cm
Weight: 3.47kg
Pros: Superbly stable; can be pitched without using guy lines; great name (Google it)
Cons: Heavier weight makes you think twice about taking it on longer trips
Camping equipment
Keep your gear from getting water damaged with dry bags. This dry pack comes in 10L-55L to fit most backpacks.
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
The Goal Zero Nomad 13 Solar Panel allows you to keep your phone, camera and tablets charged throughout your trip so you can keep in touch. Simply place the Nomad 13 device facing the sun and plug in your electronics to harness its rays.
www.outdoorgear.co.uk
This bright 800 lumen LED torch has five light settings, including SOS and a maximum range of 300 metres. Additionally, it can be charged using a USB port and can also charge devices via USB too.
www.blacks.co.uk
Do not compromise a good night sleep for pack space. The OEX sleeping mat packs down to just 14 x 9.5cm and weighs 410g, and when rolled to full-length, it is 183cm. While it requires manual inflation, the diamond pattern means it won't take long to reach its full thickness of 5.5cm.
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
This gas stove is an absolute camping essential. Stored in its little red box and weighing only 100g, this stove is easy and light to carry. It will boil a litre of water in about four minutes, so you can easily make hot drinks, boil grains and cook dinner in a jiffy. Just turn the wire handle on the side to control gas flow. It fits screw-top gas canisters.