Recommended Cheap Tents for Hiking

Kelty Gunnison 2.1

This tent is for a party of two people. Its price (about $190 as of 2010) is quite low when compared with other two-person models. The tent weighs 4 lbs., 14 oz., and it also can be split into its parts--poles, ground sheet, bug netting, rain fly--and packed away by all members of the camping trip. In addition, the tent features two openings and two vestibules, making for easy entry and exit, and a freestanding design--making for easy set-up and take-down. "Backpacker Magazine" called this tent the Best All Around in April 2009.

Kelty Crestone 2

This two-person tent by Kelty--a well-respected brand in the outdoor community--costs $109.93. In addition to the freestanding design and waterproof, seam-sealed construction, this tent is relatively light, too, at 4 lbs., 12 oz. Split between two people, it makes for a cheap and light alternative to the higher-end models on the backpacking market. Backcountry.com, a leading source for lightweight backpacking and camping, says the Kelty Crestone 1 "is an ideal tent for backpacking and other 3-season pursuits where weight is a primary concern." The outdoor supplier, REI, has given this tent high marks. This tent is especially appealing for taller hikers with a tent floor length of 119 inches--some 20 inches longer than most two-person models.

REI Cirque ASL2

The REI Cirque costs $200. Though it's a bit pricier than the previous two models, its benefits shine through. It was awarded the 2008 Best of Adventure Gear by "National Geographic Adventure Magazine." This tent can even be used as a moderate four-season shelter--it will withstand high, hurricane-force winds, and shoulder light snow loads in the winter. Weighing 5 lbs., 2 oz., this shelter is still relatively light when split between two people and much lighter than most four-season tents on the market.