13 Best One-Person Tents for Backpacking [Top Solo Tents]

Reviewed by Jodelle Marx
Last updated:

*This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Short on time? Our pick for the best one-person tent is the MSR Hubba Hubba 1.

Are you looking for a solo adventure? Find the best one-person tent on the market!

I absolutely love my backpacking tent. It’s my quiet, private retreat after a tiring day outdoors. It feels cozy and safe, allowing me some essential me-time amid a big group campout.

The one thing I’d change about my tent is that I wish it were a one-person tent rather than a two-person one. 

I’d be more comfortable carrying a one-person tent, which wouldn’t take up so much room in my pack. Honestly, if I don’t have a friend to split the tent with, I usually don’t go.

So, I decided to search out the best single-person backpacking tent, and I’ve created a list of the best one-person tents on the market. 

This list includes traditional backpacking tents, ultralight tents, the best bivvy bag, and bikepacking tents. 

On my list, you’re sure to find the perfect lightweight camping tent for you and your little dog too. 

Not sure where to get started? There is *so much* jargon when it comes to tents, particularly with high-quality tents. I’ve created a buying guide to explain the differences between single and double-wall tents, freestanding versus trekking pole tents, and ultralights versus bivvies.

Read on to find the best one-person tent for you!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

A pair of lounging legs sticking out of what is presumably one of the best one-person tent, with a lake and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

#1 Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent

Best Ultralight One-Person Tent

Product photo for the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 1 lb 14.6 oz.
Peak Height (in): 38
Floor Area (sq. ft): 19.7
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

Let’s be honest; the best part of camping is the snacks, right? I love ultralight backpacking gear because it allows me to fit more snacks into my pack. 

If you’re looking for an uber-lightweight one-person tent, check out the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent. As an ultralight tent, this little puppy is under two pounds!

Mountain Hardwear is a high-end outdoor brand; you can expect this tent to perform well. This double-walled tent has ¾ mesh on the tent body for optimum star gazing. 

The lightweight rainfly is treated with silicone on both sides(sil/sil), which gives the tent excellent waterproofing. I love that the peak height is 38″ because this height will provide enough space for just about anyone. 

Webbing reinforces the corners of the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus and strengthens them. 

The main con of this tent is that the porch space is just 3.9 square feet, leaving little room for extra gear storage. 

Additionally, the fly needs better loops to stake it out tightly. Without them, the fly may sag in wet weather and prevent condensation from escaping.

PROS

  • The rain fly has silicone waterproofing on both sides
  • Ultralight
  • Poles connect via hub system (easy setup)
  • Two stuff sacks included
  • No flame-retardant chemicals

CONS

  • It needs better attachment points for guylines
  • Small vestibule space

#2 ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person

Best One-Person Budget Tent 

Product photo for the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person.

Our Rating: 4.4/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 4.2
Peak Height (in): 36
Floor Area (sq. ft): 18
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

Don’t let the high cost of backpacking gear deter you. There are plenty of good deals out there!

The best one-person tent under $100 is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person. Despite being cheap, it gets rave reviews. 

The Lynx’s stand-out feature is its ample gear storage area under the vestibule (10 square feet!). 

Although the tent’s interior space is average-sized regarding square footage and peak height, abundant porch space means there’s enough space for lots of gear. 

This cheap one-person backpacking tent is rated for three seasons and has waterproof ripstop nylon (a common material for budget tents). 

The interior has a gear loft and mesh pockets for organization (I love that). 

As is typical with backpacking tents, the cheaper it is, the heavier it is, which is true of the Lynx. However, it’s still under five pounds, with a minimum trail weight of three pounds and five ounces. You could also swap out the tent stakes with ultralight ones. 

The other con about this tent is that you must set up the tent body before the fly. If you’re setting up in the rain, you better be quick.

PROS

  • Affordable one-person tent
  • Includes gear loft and mesh pockets
  • Huge vestibule

CONS

  • On the heavy side
  • The tent body must be set up first

#3 MSR FreeLite 1

Best One-Person Pop-Up Tent

Product photo for the MSR FreeLite 1.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 1 lb 15 oz
Peak Height (in): 39
Floor Area (sq. ft): 20
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

There’s a whole science to setting up a tent correctly. You want to make sure the fly is tight enough to bounce a quarter off; you’ve got to make sure you’re not on a slope, and if you are on a hill, that your head is facing uphill.

The setup is even more complex if you have a trekking pole tent.

If you want a tent that sets up quickly and doesn’t require trekking poles, the MSR FreeLite 1 might suit you. 

In addition to the speedy setup (thanks to the hubbed pole design), the feature I like most about the new MSR FreeLite is the generous living space. 

While the vestibule is 9 square feet, the interior has 20 square feet, designed as a symmetrical rectangle (i.e., not tapered). The peak height is generous, too, making this a good choice for a tall camper. 

The MSR FreeLite is also ultralight at just one pound and five ounces. To achieve such a breezy packaged weight, the FreeLite uses a cutaway rainfly design, which I don’t love. The fly only covers the mesh part, which leaves the rest of the body exposed to rain.

PROS

  • Ultralight
  • Ample headroom
  • Hubbed pole design for fast setup

CONS

  • Cutaway rainfly is sus

#4 Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo

Best Tent for a Tall Person

Product photo for the  Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo.

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 1 lb 10 oz.
Peak Height (in): 48
Floor Area (sq. ft): 26
Poles Required: Yes
Single or Double Wall: Single

Single-person tents have a terrible but well-deserved reputation for being uncomfortably snug. If you’re tall, you may have an even harder time finding a tent you can sit upright in. 

There are many reasons to love the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent. First, it’s an award winner, and it was the Editor’s Choice for Backpacker Magazine in 2019 and received the Best Gear Award from The Trek in 2022. 

I chose the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo as the best one-person tent for a tall person, but it’s also an excellent choice for a broad audience. 

The Lunar Solo is an ultralight tent at just one pound, ten ounces, but it’s got an ample living space (26 square feet) and an adjustable peak height of up to 48 inches. There is also lots of gear storage space in the 8.5 square feet vestibule. 

This backpacking tent requires a trekking pole for setup, and you must stake the tent edges for the proper structure. 

Finally, I love that the design features steep walls, meaning it’s less likely you’ll brush the tent’s body, and thus less condensation will wick into your gear. 

Two small cons about the Lunar Solo are that you have to pay extra to seal the seams (frankly, it’s still a reasonably priced tent), and it lacks the versatility you get with a double wall design.

PROS

  • Ultralight
  • Reasonably priced
  • Very tall peak height
  • Editor’s Choice Award, Backpacker Magazine 2019
  • Steep walls

CONS

  • Seam sealing treatment is extra
  • Lacks the versatility of a double-walled tent

#5 Black Diamond Eldorado

Best Tent for Cold Weather

Product photo for the Black Diamond Eldorado.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 5 lbs 1oz
Peak Height (in): 43
Floor Area (sq. ft): 30.8
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Single

Need a bomber tent for winter camping? 

The Black Diamond Eldorado Tent has you covered. First, to address the elephant in the room, this tent sleeps two people, not one. It turns out it is challenging to find a one-person tent for cold weather. 

That said, there are many reasons why using a two-man tent in winter is advantageous. 

Number one, you won’t want to leave your gear outside or under a vestibule, and the Eldorado gives you plenty of storage space.

Additionally, with the extra space, this is the perfect tent for one person and a dog!

The Eldorado is a super durable tent with a four-season rating and a single-wall design. 

Single-wall designs are excellent in winter because you won’t deal with a flappy rainfly and won’t risk getting snow under the fly. 

You’ll pay top dollar for the Eldorado, and since it’s a two-person camping tent, it’s on the heavy side for a single person to carry.

PROS

  • Lots of living and storage space
  • Single-wall design
  • Durable materials

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Heavy for a backpacking tent

#6 MSR Hubba Hubba 1-Person

Best One-Person Waterproof Tent

Product photo for the MSR Hubba Hubba 1-Person Waterproof Tent.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
*Minimum Weight (lbs): 2 lbs 2oz 
Peak Height (in): 37
Floor Area (sq. ft): 18
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

When the weather gets wet, I prefer car camping for 100% assurance of staying dry. Failing this, however, you need a durable tent specifically designed to handle rain. Behold, the  MSR Hubba Hubba 1

There are several reasons why the Hubba Hubba 1 is the best one-person camping tent for rain. If you’ve ever camped in the rain, you know the mesh panels on the inner tent can allow moisture and condensation to pool, especially if the fly starts to dip. 

The Hubba Hubba minimizes this problem with enough mesh on the inner tent to make it breathable while avoiding significant leaks. 

MSR also designed the Hubba Hubba with a rain gutter on the rain fly and a StayDry door, which is a little flap covering the zipper to keep rain out. 

The one downside to this one-man backpacking tent is that the packed size is large at 19’’x4.” 

*Also note that MSR only lists the minimum weight, not the packaged weight. Expect the packaged weight to be a few ounces more than I listed above.

PROS

  • The inner tent has minimal mesh
  • Rain fly features a StayDry door and rain gutter
  • Easy setup
  • Lots of headroom

CONS

  • Large packed size

If you’re looking to beef up your tent’s water-repelling abilities, check out our articles on the best tent waterproofing sprays and our guide to waterproofing a tent.

#7 The North Face Stormbreak 1

Best One-Person Hot Weather Tent

Product photo for The North Face Stormbreak 1 Hot Weather Tent.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 3 lbs 7 oz
Peak Height (in): 33.5
Floor Area (sq. ft): 18.13
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

Most sane folks want to camp in summer when the weather is warm. If this is you, look for a tent with design features that suit summer weather. 

The North Face Stormbreak 1 is one of the best one-person tents for hot weather because half of its body is mesh. You can sleep comfortably on clear summer nights with maximum ventilation. 

Another feature I like about the Stormbreak is the durable tent material. Other tents designed for backpacking often use thin materials to save weight. The Stormbreak utilizes 75D polyester on the canopy and fly, plus 68D polyester on the floor, but still keeps the weight down at around three and a half pounds. 

Finally, this tent is downright bargain-basement-cheap, and it’s a great three-season tent for beginners and experts alike. 

One bummer about the Stormbreak is that you must buy the gear loft separately. Since gear storage is at a premium in one-person tents, having the gear loft is super crucial.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Durable materials
  • ½ mesh on the inner tent

CONS

  • Gear loft sold separately

#8 Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 1 Solution-Dyed Tent

Best Non-Toxic One-Person Tent

Product photo for the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 1 Solution-Dyed Tent.

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 2 lbs 2oz
Peak Height (in): 39
Floor Area (sq. ft): 19
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

I’m excited about the non-toxic movement in camping gear. New dye and fabric treatment methods use less water and gentler chemicals but produce great results. 

If you’re also excited about an eco-friendly tent, look at the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 1. In addition to solution-dyed fabric, which uses less water than standard dying techniques, the seams use a tape with solvent-free polyurethane. 

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall is a semi-freestanding, three-season tent with an easy breezy weight of just over two pounds.  

Setup is super easy with the color-coded webbing on the tent corners, and there’s a mesh media pocket over the sleeping area for gear organization. 

Finally, if you want to go minimal, you can pitch the fly over the footprint (sold separately) and go without the tent’s body. 

The two main downsides to the Big Agnes Tiger Wall are that it’s pretty narrow at the foot end (28″) and, since the body is almost entirely mesh, it won’t hold heat well.

PROS

  • Eco-friendly manufacturing processes
  • Solvent-free seam taping
  • Ultralight
  • Easy setup

CONS

  • Narrow
  • It doesn’t hold heat well

#9 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Tent

Best Gear Storage on a One-Person Tent

Product photo for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Tent.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 2 lbs 6 oz
Peak Height (in): 38
Floor Area (sq. ft): 20
Poles Required: Yes
Single or Double Wall: Double

There’s hardly anything worse in my OCD brain than gear strewn everywhere inside my tent. Gear pockets are a must, especially in one-man tents. 

If you love pockets on your gear, as I do, you should check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Tent. Maybe it’s just me, but when I settle in for the night, I love stashing my gear in the tent pockets and gear loft to help me feel cozy. 

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Tent has storage galore. 

First, the vestibules. Despite being a one-man tent, there are two tent doors and two vestibules. As with other tents, you can zip the vestibules closed or you can prop them up with trekking poles for an awning-style shelter. 

Inside the tent, there are three mesh gear pockets. There’s an oversized ceiling pocket, a considerable mezzanine (i.e., middle) height pocket at the foot, and a media pocket with a little cord entrance. 

In addition to all the storage, I like that the Tiger Wall has such steep sides. 

Most people love this tent. If I had to find fault with it, it’s that the fabric can be noisy when it ruffles.

PROS

  • Versatile vestibule design
  • Ultralight
  • Two doors with two vestibules
  • Ample gear storage
  • Steep walls

CONS

  • Noisy fabric

#10 Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent

Best One-Person Tent for Bikepacking

Product photo for the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent.

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 12 lbs 4 oz
Peak Height (in): 54
Floor Area (sq. ft): 34
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

There are many similarities between backpacking and bikepacking tents. So many, in fact, that the vast majority of backpacking tents work as bikepacking tents. 

If you’re looking for a tent explicitly for a two-wheeled adventure, though, I recommend the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 Tent. 

And no, before you ask, Big Agnes doesn’t make a one-person version. 

I chose the Wyoming Trail 2 because it has an enormous 44-square-foot vestibule to shelter your bike–a feature you won’t find on a standard backpacking tent. 

In addition to the enormous vestibule, the peak height is downright palatial at 54 inches inside the tent and 68 inches under the vestibule. 

The only drag about the Wyoming Trail Tent is the weight. At 12 pounds, it’s quite heavy.

PROS

  • Can shelter your bike
  • Enormous peak height
  • Two doors
  • Lots of living space

CONS

  • Heavy

#11 Geertop Ultralight Bivy Tent

Best One-Person Bivy

Product photo for the Geertop Ultralight Bivy Tent.

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 3.8
Peak Height (in): 17
Floor Area (sq. ft): 23.15
Poles Required: No
Single or Double Wall: Double

If you’re looking for lightweight tents, check out bivvy bags. A bivvy bag (or bivy bag) is essentially a rain jacket for your sleeping bag. It’s short for bivouac, which my friend’s dad told me is French for a sleepover outside. 

Many campers keep a tiny, lightweight bivy in their backpack as an emergency shelter, but you can use the beefier bivvies instead of lightweight tents. 

I chose the Geertop Ultralight Bivy as the best because it has all the benefits of a standard tent, it’s just smaller. I like that this bivy has structure– the poles keep the fabric off your face. 

Additionally, most bivvies are single-wall creatures, but this is a double-wall beauty, which enhances the versatility. 

The Geertop Ultralight has two doors, two vestibules for gear storage (love that), and 2500mm waterproofing.

The one con of this bivy is the size and weight. At 3.8 pounds and 17’’x5″ packed size, this is like a standard backpacking tent. 

While these are perfectly reasonable measurements, I wish they were smaller and lighter for such a small shelter.

PROS

  • Pole structure keeps the fabric off your face
  • Two doors and vestibules for ample gear storage
  • Cheap
  • Double-walled for max versatility

CONS

  • Heavy, for the size
  • Heavy packed weight for the size

#12 Gossamer Gear The One

Best Trekking Pole One-Person Tent

Product photo for the Gossamer Gear The One.

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 1 lb 1.7oz
Peak Height (in): 45
Floor Area (sq. ft): 15.75
Trekking Pole Required: Yes
Single or Double Wall: Single

A clever way to save on pack weight is to use a trekking pole for tent support. 

Faithful hikers go gaga over Gossamer Gear’s The One ultralight trekking pole tent. Seriously, it gets an average of five stars based on 171 reviews on the website, suggesting it’s one of the best solo tents you can find. 

The One is a super ultralight backpacking tent for one. It weighs just over a pound and will utilize a trekking pole on each side for proper setup. 

Despite having such thin 10D ripstop nylon for the body and fly, The One holds up well in any three-season condition. 

The waterproof rating was a tad low on The One. Both the body and floor were 1800mm, 10D ripstop nylon. 

The peak height on The One is quite generous at 45″ and, despite a small interior footprint, has a relatively large vestibule at 10 square feet. 

Finally, the price of The One is very reasonable for such a light tent. Similarly-weighted tents from other brands often go for many hundreds of dollars more.

PROS

  • Ultralight
  • Internal gear storage pockets
  • It holds up well in most weather
  • Large vestibule

CONS

  • Low waterproof rating
  • Thin material

#13 Zpacks Plex Solo Tent

Most Compact One-Person Tent

Product photo for the Zpacks Plex Solo Tent.

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Packaged Weight (lbs): 13.9 oz
Peak Height (in): 52″
Floor Area (sq. ft): 20.6
Trekking Pole Required: Yes
Single or Double Wall: Single

Ok, ya’ll. I hope I haven’t bored you yet with this article because the last tent on my list is *excellent.* 

The Zpacks Plex Solo Tent is a superb choice for serious backpackers, long-distance trekkers, or older hikers with lower weight limits. 

This compact tent packs down to 5’’x11″, making it one of the most packable tents on the list. 

Forget everything you know about other lightweight tents. The Zpacks Plex Solo is under one pound, making it the lightest tent on my list, with the caveat that you can choose different canopy materials from Zpacks, which will change the weight. 

Zpacks uses Dyneema for their tents, which is a futuristic, lightweight, super strong material that’s even stronger than steel (at the molecular level, anyway). Dyneema is incredible, but prepare to pay a premium for it. 

Depending on the canopy fabric you chose (all variations of Dynema), you can expect waterproof ratings in the 15,000-20,000mm range. I’ve been reviewing tents for over a year, and I’ve never seen ratings even close to that. 

The Plex Solo requires one trekking pole for setup, and the maximum peak height is a whopping 52 inches. 

There’s little you can complain about this tent except for the premium price.

PROS

  • Small packed size (5’’x11″)
  • Under one pound! (*ultra*light)
  • Very tall peak height

CONS

  • Expensive

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Solo Tent for Backpacking

A tan one-person tent with green trim pitched on a mossy patch of ground with vegetation in the background.

What to Look for in One-Person Tents

Lightweight

For the best one-person hiking tent, look for weights in the one to five-pound range. Generally, a backpacking tent should weigh about 2.5 pounds per person. 

Usually, the lightest tent is the most expensive, but it’s worth it to spend a little more upfront and have a tent you’ll use over and over versus buying a heavier tent that hurts your back and makes camping a drag. 

The best backpacking tents often list two weights:

  • Trail weight (or minimum weight). The trail weight is just the weight of the tent’s body, rainfly, and poles. 
  • Packaged weight. The packaged weight is the total weight of the tent, including the stuff sack, repair kit, guy lines, tent stakes, etc. 

Peak Height

Backpacking tents are not known for roomy interiors. 

Ensure the peak height is at least as tall as your sitting height. For example, I’m 5’7″, and my sitting height is ~33 inches. 

I want to ensure I can comfortably sit upright in any tent I purchase, so I’ll only consider those with a peak height of over 33 inches.

Floor Area

Most adults need between 14-20 square feet of floor space when camping, but there are nuances to consider when assessing whether your tent has sufficient interior space. 

First, most tents have a vestibule space or a little sheltered “porch” outside the tent door, which can make a massive difference in gear storage. You can leave packs, boots, and outer layers on a decent-sized porch, leaving the remainder of the interior for you to stretch out. 

Second, the wall orientation dramatically affects how a tent feels. Near vertical walls create a roomy interior, while slanted walls can feel cramped. 

Ease of Setup

The best one-person tent for backpacking will be easy to set up, and the best way to assess this is to read the reviews. 

Many reputable tent makers will post a video tutorial to help you set up your tent for the first time. 

Note that some one-person tents need trekking poles to complete the tent setup. If you’re looking for a reliably easy tent to set up, I would steer clear of this design feature. 

Waterproofing

You need your one-person tent for wild camping to protect you from the wildness. Extreme weather conditions can impede a good night’s sleep, at best, or be life-threatening, at worst. 

Look for one-person tents with waterproof ratings of at least 2,000-3,000mm. This rating is called the hydrostatic head (HH) and measures how many millimeters of water can stack on the tent fabric before the tent leaks. 

The higher the HH rating, the more waterproof the tent. Note that breathability and waterproofness are inversely related. The more waterproof (usually), the less breathable. 

Poles Required

Some ultralight backpacking tents use trekking poles to complete the tent setup to save on gear weight. Trekking pole tents, like all tents, come with pros and cons. 

On the pro side, you can save around eight ounces if you don’t have as many tent poles to lug around. Trekking pole tents save on pack space too.

On the con side, you won’t be able to use your poles for hiking, the tent won’t be freestanding, and the trekking pole configuration can limit living space. 

Double or Single Wall

A double-wall tent has an inner tent (usually with mesh panels) and an outer rainfly. A single-wall tent uses one layer of tent fabric for the entire tent. 

Double-wall tents are heavier than single-wall tents, but they’re more versatile. The mesh tent wall allows heat and tent condensation to evaporate, and you can remove the rainfly in hot weather. 

A single-wall tent will be lighter by having one layer. The single-wall style is popular with winter tents, where you know you won’t want to take the fly off or have the fly flapping around in the wind. 

Check out this video comparing single and double-wall backpacking tents. 

Seasons

Most tents are rated as three-season tents, meaning they’ll suffice in spring, summer, and fall. For winter camping, look for a four-season tent. 

Types of Solo Tents

Two people seen from behind sitting on a ridge side-by-side outside a grey one-person tent at sunset, with mountains in the distance.

Ultralight

An ultralight tent weighs around two pounds, and ultralights are the lightest tent on the market. Ultralight tents are made of delicate fabric or Dyneema to achieve maximum weight savings.

Often, ultralight models are more expensive than heavier tents. An ultralight backpacking tent is right for you if you want to shave weight off your pack. 

Bikepacking

A bikepacking tent is similar to a backpacking tent, as both are incredibly lightweight and pack down small. 

Bikepacking tents’ distinguishing feature is that their pole design compacts down small enough to fit in a bike pannier, often smaller than a backpack. 

The stuff sack may also have extra gear loops and tie straps to help you fix it on your bike. 

Freestanding

Freestanding one-person tents can stand upright and be picked up and moved around after you’ve snapped the tent poles in place. Freestanding tents are a little heavier than nonfreestanding tents, but they are typically super easy to set up. 

Semi-freestanding

A semi-freestanding tent has all the poles you need, but you must stake out some part of the tent, usually the fly, to set it up properly. 

Avoid a semi-freestanding tent if you camp on rock surfaces (i.e., granite or sandstone). 

Nonfreestanding

If you’re looking for a great backpacking tent and always plan to hike with trekking poles, nonfreestanding tents might be for you. 

Nonfreestanding tents come with some tent poles, but you have to support them with a trekking pole, anchor them with guylines like you would with a tunnel tent, or string them up between standing objects (i.e., trees). 

Single Wall

Single-wall one-person tents utilize one layer for the entire tent body, and they don’t have an inner tent or rainfly. Single walls benefit from being well-suited to windy conditions and are lighter than double-wall tents. 

The drawback of a single wall is that the tent’s ability to release condensation diminishes. 

Double Wall

A double-walled tent has an inner tent with mesh panels and an outer rainfly (i.e., the second “wall”). A double-wall camping tent is better suited to disperse tent condensation and can adapt to versatile conditions. For example, you could sleep without the fly on hot summer nights. 

Since there are more moving parts to a double-walled tent, they’re a bit heavier. 

Bivvy

A bivvy bag (sometimes spelled bivy bag) is a super lightweight shelter. Think of it like a rain jacket shaped like a sleeping bag. They’re not tents, per se, but you’re bound to run into them when searching for one-person backpacking tents. 

A bivvy bag is a minimalistic shelter, so while you’ll save on space and weight, they don’t hold up well in extreme weather. 

FAQs About One-Man Tents

A young man lounges in a white and orange tent with a snowy mountain peak in the background.

Is a one-person tent worth it?

A one-person tent is absolutely worth it if you want to minimize trail weight and are okay with having a small sleeping space. 

A solo tent is an excellent choice if you wish to have a cozy cocoon at the end of a long hiking day. 

However, a two-person tent might be better if you’re a solo camper that needs ample gear storage or if you occasionally like to camp with a friend. 

How do single-person tents stay warm?

Here are some strategies to keep a single-person tent warm:

  • Invest in a high-quality, zero-degree sleeping bag.
  • Choose a sleeping pad with a high R-value. The higher the number, the warmer you’ll be. 
  • Heat water in your camp stove, pour it into a durable water bottle and stuff it in the bottom of your sleeping bag (tightly closed lid). 
  • Pick a campsite in a sheltered spot. 
  • Stay hydrated. Having sufficient water in your system allows your body to circulate heat more efficiently.
  • Change out of any damp clothing before you sleep. Even a slightly wet underlayer can suck away a surprising amount of heat. 
  • Pack Hot Hands

How heavy is a one-man tent?

You should plan on a one-person tent weighing between one and five pounds. Backpacking gurus will tell you you should plan 2.5 pounds per person in tent weight. I have a six-pound backpacking tent, which is a beast if I have to carry it solo. 

How much does a one-person tent cost?

Backpacking adventures can be expensive, but there are decent one-person tents for between $100 and $200. If you’re in the mood to splurge, the best solo tents can run upwards of $700-$1000. 

Should I get a one or a two-person tent?

If you’re hardcore into solo camping and saving weight is a priority, go for a one-person tent. 

If you’re on the fence about solo adventures or want the flexibility to bring a friend, opt for a two-person tent. 

Looking for more tent options? Check out our guides to the best 6-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, large camping tents, 3-room tents, instant tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, tunnel tents, canvas tents, insulated tents, winter tents, tents with stove jacks, family tents, and cabin tents.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best One-Person Tent

A small tent with a green rain fly set up beside an icy pond in a wintry mountain landscape.

Picking out a one-person tent for yourself is like buying your own house. This is your sanctum sanctorum, your baby, your respite, and you don’t have to consider anyone’s needs but yours! 

That said, finding the right tent also means wading through mountains of jargon, page reviews, and hours of indecision. 

Well, let me do the heavy lifting for you. Our pick for the best one-person tent is the MSR Hubba Hubba 1. The Hubba Hubba is an ultralight (2lbs 2oz) double wall tent designed to keep you dry above all else. 

The double wall design is a solid choice for those on the fence because it is the most versatile tent style. I like that the body has minimal mesh to keep drips from the rain fly at bay, and the door comes with a miniature rain gutter!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

author bio - Meredith Dennis

Meredith Dennis

Meredith is a biologist and writer based in California’s Sierra Nevada. She has lived in 6 states as a biologist, so her intel on hiking and camping is chef’s kiss next level. One of her earliest camping memories was being too scared to find a bathroom at night on a family camping trip. Thankfully, she’s come a long way since then and she can help you get there too!


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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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