From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night – overnight or extended hiking trips require a suitable hiking tent.
Our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word! Credit: ‘Things Amy Does’
Don’t just take our word for it. A high-performing tent will often receive good reviews. The more favourable the reviews, the more people are inclined to purchase and subsequently review it themselves – thus continuing the cycle. Basically, our customers have made the decisions. We’re just here to spread the word!
This isn’t a ranking of the ten most ‘technical’ tents. There are no hidden agendas or incentives, nor any imitations on price or brand. No strings or guy ropes attached. Instead, we’ve given bias the boot and determined the ten most popular tents by the number of sales, both online and instore at Snowys, over the past 12 months. Each tent falls within the boundaries of standard hiking tent criteria, including weight and dimensions – and while this year’s top contenders almost mirror the last, some have shuffled in the rank.
So – let’s get kicking to the pinnacle!
From trailblazing the ranges by day, to stargazing the milky way by night. Credit: MSR
10. BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight 2P and 3P Hiking Tents
Ranking since 2020, the BlackWolf Grasshopper Ultralight tent is Available in two and three-person variants. While these models have been featured in the BlackWolf range for many years, the brand decided to incorporate the use of lighter-weight fabrics within recent years.
The unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. With two teardrop-shaped doors and vestibules, the Grasshopper’s inner is constructed entirely from mesh for superior ventilation. Thanks to the colour-coded poles, you can be set up by sundown and packed down by daybreak.
The Grasshopper Ultralight tents by Black Wolf are a lightweight, mid-range option, ideal for use in the warmer and shoulder seasons.
The tent’s unique pole structure forms a dome shape with upright sidewalls, allowing for more internal space. Credit: BlackWolf
9. Zempire Mono Hiking Tent
For unparalleled simplicity blended with robust performance, the single-pole design of the Zempire Mono ensures a minimum weight while maintaining strength and performance in the field. Coupled with a convenient pack size, the Mono is perfect for solo adventures – providing enough sleeping space for one, plus a single vestibule for your gear, gadgets, and boots. With a full mesh inner, high-end alloy poles, and unbendable Tri-pegs – it also boasts an an impressive waterhead rating.
The Zempire Mono is a superior mid-range tent for lightweight adventurers.
The Zempire Mono represents unparalleled simplicity blended with robust performance. Credit: Zempire
8. BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents
Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes – the Mantis UL 1 and UL 2 from BlackWolf are ergonomically designed for hiking and backpacking amid weather ranging from mild, to wild!
Both the UL 1 and UL 2 are lightweight models with compact, pack-friendly designs. Their low-profile structures are made for the more rugged outdoor missions, boding well for steadiness in adverse conditions. A waterhead rating of 2000mm on the fly and taped seams battles the brutality of heavy rain. Meanwhile, the vestibule provides the means for additional storage, and the No-See-Um mesh vents double as insect protection and a means of airflow.
The BlackWolf Mantis Ultralight 1 and 2 Hiking Tents are the compact yet roomy choice for the hikers fresh to the tracks and the mountaineers savvy with their money!
Blissful sanctuaries for the solitary soul-searchers on the slopes. Credit: BlackWolf
7. Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent
Classically lightweight with space for two, the Zempire Zeus Hiking Tent offers both an entrance and vestibule for each adventurer.
A twin hub pole structure creates near vertical sides and ample internal space as well as a stable free-standing frame. With a full mesh inner, draft panels, highly waterproof floor and rip-stop fly – this tent is built for roughing at the summit with its tough, durable design.
One of the most functional in the Zempire tent range, the Zeus takes every hiker, backpacker, and track lover from mountain crest to much-needed rest!
The Zeus is one of the most functional in the Zempire tent range. Credit: Zempire
6. Zempire Atom Hiking Tent
Zempire’s Atom rubs shoulders with the Mono; a similar tent that came relatively close in sales numbers this year too.
Both feature the same materials and packed size, with the exception of the Atom’s brow pole allowing for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions.
The Atom’s brow pole allows for a more comfortable upright position when there’s a need to bunker down in unideal conditions. Credit: Zempire
5. Outdoor Connection Howqua Hiking Tents 2 and 3
From tearing up the tracks to hitting the sack, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents by Outdoor Connection are the most ideal lightweight tent for the kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers.
The two-pole design allows more space within the tent, with an inner of polyester and No-See-Um mesh for breathability. Be it pitter-pattering, or pelting – stay protected from rain with a 3000 millimetre waterhead rating, heat-taped seams, and a 75-Denier 210 polyester fly. With space for boots and bags in the the vestibules, enter and exit your personal hikers’ hub from either of the dual doorways.
With a minimalist set-up and a price to match, the Howqua 2P and 3P tents are a tourer’s most trusted travel companion.
The Outdoor Connection Howqua tents are the most ideal lightweight tent for kayakers, backpackers, or motorcycle tourers. Credit: Outdoor Connection
4. Roman Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents
If you like it, hike it – with the Cradle 1P, 2P, and 3P Hiking Tents by Roman, new to the best-sellers list!
A lightweight and compact construction boasts alloy poles with ‘v’ stakes, for security in outdoor serenity! A quick setup design features internal hanging room and colour-coded poles – so you can match, attach, and tip that frothy down the hatch in no time. With ventilation throughout and at the rear, and a generous front vestibule, you’re equipped for lazy lounge-about afternoons post hike. Plus, owing to to compression straps on the carry bag, you can roll over, roll up, and roll on out of camp with tightly bundled hiking clobber!
Keep it kicking on the hike track with the Roman Cradle Hiking Tents, offering a cozy, cot-like nap beating the need for nightcaps!
The Roman Cradle hiking tents offer a cosy, off-track cranny. Image: Roman
3. MSR Hubba Hubba 1, 2, and 3 Hiking Tents
Compatible camping companions, the Hubba Hubba 1, 2, and 3 hiking tents challenge any co-campers in your set-up at the summit.
With an inner of high-tenacity nylon fabrics, the fly boasts an Xtreme Shield™ Waterproofing Coating that both resists fabric gumminess and lasts up to three times longer than standard coatings. Their all-in-one hub and pole system not only guarantees a speedy setup, it also bodes well for sturdiness amid the gusts and gales. In the Hubba Hubba 3, three ain’t a crowd thanks to its symmetrical design and non-tapered floor guaranteeing room to groove for the whole gang and their gear.
Trumping the streetlights of big city backstreets, achieve that million-star view from the mountaintops with the option to completely roll back the fly on clear nights. Equipped with reflective guy ropes, MSR Needle stakes, and adjustable stake-out loops – the MSR Hubba Hubba 1, 2, and 3 hiking tents offer the perfect pitch for three musketeer-mountaineers, a pair of trailblazers, or a solitary swashbuckler.
A true companion, the Hubba Hubba 2 hiking tent challenges any co-campers in your set-up at the summit! Credit: MSR
2. Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent
Crowned number 1 in 2022, the Companion Pro Hiker 2 Tent has remained at number 2 fpr two years running it yet another alarming 2024 rank review!
Despite discontinuing the one- and three-person models, Companion has maintained this two-person design – along with its near-perfect 5-star ratings. A traditional dome style tent, the Pro Hiker 2 features dual doors and vestibules. By no means is it the lightest tent, nor does it offer as much internal space as some of its corrivals – but it remains both a reliable and affordable performer. With a robust floor, an inner constructed of three-season mesh and polyester, and alloy poles – the Pro Hiker 2 is conveniently furnished with roof vents, organiser pockets, and a gear loft for storage.
The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price.
The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is where lightweight functionality reaches a crossroad with door-busting durability – at an affordable price. Credit: Companion
1. Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 and 3 Hiking Tents
The EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability – bringing them to number 1!
Together, durable fabrics and alloy poles create a roomy and functional shelter, also featuring superior weatherproof properties. With a solid inner and mesh doors, the Spartan 2P and 3P tents reflect a true three-season tent, embellished with internal storage pockets, lantern hanging points, and a compression storage sack.
The EPE Spartan hiking tents take the eager adventurers from the metropolitan maze to the trails primed to blaze!
The EPE Spartan 2P and 3P tents boast the most butt-kicking blend of quality and affordability. Credit: Explore Planet Earth
We’ve got to mention these guys…
Sea to Summit Alto and Telos Ultralight Tents
They’re the gear guru’s choice for gold on those off-grid getaways – and given they’re only a recently introduced model, they just missed out on the top ten best-sellers list for the past 12 months!
A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too. Credit: Sea to Summit
Despite their weightless designs, the Alto and Telos series tents by Sea to Summit boast longevity. Standing up to the rough and tumble of outdoor adventuring, their superior performing materials include DAC poles, robust YKK zippers, and 7-series aluminium hardware.
The seam-taped, PU-coated rainfly can be assembled before the tent itself to ensure a dry setup and pack-down – and for the Telos, ‘hangout mode’ incorporates pair of separately available trekking poles to convert the rainfly into a half-open shelter. A lightbar offers a point to attach a headlamp for late-night ‘tent-ertainment’ too, with the option to secure the tent pole storage pouch to the apex for a softer light. Plus, enjoy three gear storage pockets for the valuables that transform into three stuff sacks through Sea to Summit’s FairShare, split-load storage system.
A tension ridge creates more head-and-shoulder space, greater vestibule area, and higher doorways for easy entry and exit, while colour-coded poles and pole feet bring home that quick-clicking and a butt-kicking blend of lightweight and durable. Plus, Ground Control Light tent pegs, guy lines, and custom attachment toggles ensure a steadfast setup.
Ben and Lauren discuss the range with Ross Smith from Sea to Summit on the Snowys Camping Show:
Both the Alto and the Telos tents are compatible with separately available accessories such as footprints and gear lofts, and also available in a bikepacking design for those two-wheeled adventures. Below, our very own Ben takes us through the features of Sea to Summit’s Alto Ultralight Tent and the Telos TR Ultralight Tent:
Were you surprised at this year’s top 10? Let us know in the comments!