Trekking tents: test & buying guide

A good tent is your home on tour: light enough to carry, robust enough for alpine weather. We compare models from the affordable entry to the expedition geodesic.

Our picks at a glance

Models compared

Prices as a guide, please verify. Advertising.

What to look for

• Type: dome = freestanding/fast; tunnel = lots of space per weight, needs pegs; geodesic = maximum storm/snow-load stability.
• Seasons: 3-season is lighter/airier; 4-season withstands snow load and storms.
• Weight: note the honest minimum weight vs. the higher packed weight (incl. pegs/stuff sacks).
• Water column: floor ≥5,000 mm, outer tent 1,500–3,000 mm (PU); silicone-coated (e.g. Hilleberg Kerlon) rated by tear strength rather than mm.
• Real capacity: figures are tight; for comfort with luggage, often a 3-person tent for 2 people.
• Pitching: freestanding = flexible on rock/platform; a tunnel must be guyed out.
• Ventilation: two doors + adjustable venting reduce condensation (important in damp alpine weather).

The models in detail

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Our choice

Persons: 2 · Weight: approx. 1.36 kg min / 1.54 kg packed · Seasons: 3 · Water column: outer 1,200 mm, floor 3,000 mm · Pitch: freestanding · approx. 500–560 € (please verify)

Touring/trekking hikers looking for a light, comfortable all-round tent for three seasons.

Pros: Top weight/living-space ratio (rectangular floor plan) · Symmetrical single-hub pole, fast pitching · Two doors/vestibules, good ventilation
Cons: Pure 3-season tent · Low outer-tent water column → guy out carefully

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Vaude Taurus 2P Best value

Persons: 2 · Weight: approx. 2.6 kg · Seasons: 3 · Water column: outer 3,000 mm, floor 5,000 mm · Pitch: guying required · approx. 230–290 € (please verify)

Beginners/tourers on a budget who want a reliable, roomy tent.

Pros: Robust, lots of space + large vestibule, affordable · Inner/outer tent pitch together (good in rain) · Solid water column, sustainable manufacture
Cons: At 2.6 kg heavier than ultralight · Not freestanding

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Hilleberg Jannu 2 Premium/Expedition

Persons: 2 · Weight: approx. 2.8 kg min / 3.2 kg packed · Seasons: 4 · Water column: Kerlon 1200 (silicone, no mm value), extremely tear-resistant · Pitch: freestanding (geodesic) · approx. 1,050–1,250 € (please verify)

Demanding alpinists/expeditions who need a year-round, robust all-weather tent.

Pros: Geodesic with excellent storm/snow-load stability · Very durable Kerlon 1200 outer skin · Inner/outer tent connected, pitch in one step
Cons: Very high price · Heavier/larger pack size than 3-season lightweight tents

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Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW Lightweight

Persons: 2 (tight) · Weight: approx. 0.95–1.05 kg · Seasons: 3 · Water column: outer approx. 2,000 mm, floor approx. 8,000 mm · Pitch: guying required · approx. 700–800 € (please verify)

Gram-counting solo/couple tours that save every gram.

Pros: Extremely light (~1 kg) · High-quality DAC poles, small pack size · Very waterproof floor
Cons: High price · Tight interior, not freestanding

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Vaude Campo Compact 2P Entry-level

Persons: 2 · Weight: approx. 2.7 kg · Seasons: 3 · Water column: outer 3,000 mm, floor 5,000 mm · Pitch: freestanding · approx. 150–200 € (please verify)

Beginners/occasional campers for weekends and easy tours.

Pros: Affordable entry, solid build · Freestanding, fast to pitch · Decent water column + vestibule
Cons: At 2.7 kg relatively heavy · Only three seasons

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Tatonka Alaska 3 Plus Family tent

Persons: 3 · Weight: approx. 4.13 kg min / 6.3 kg packed · Seasons: 3 · Water column: outer 8,000 mm, floor 10,000 mm · Pitch: guying required · approx. 350–450 € (please verify)

Small families/bike tourers who put space and weather protection over weight.

Pros: Very roomy, large stand-up vestibule · High water column, very rainproof · Two doors, long inner tent
Cons: Over 6 kg packed weight (camping rather than trekking) · Not freestanding

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FAQ

Do I really need a 4-season tent?

For summer tours a robust 3-season tent is usually enough. Only with snow load, persistent storms or winter tours is a 4-season/geodesic worthwhile (heavier, pricier).

Freestanding or tunnel?

Freestanding domes are flexible and quick to move (ideal on rock/platform). Tunnels offer more room per gram but need peggable ground and wind alignment.

Is the capacity accurate?

Tightly calculated. For space with luggage/comfort, often plan one person more (a 3-person tent for two).

Why is there no mm water column for premium tents?

Silicone-coated fabrics (e.g. Hilleberg Kerlon) are rated by tear strength/long-term water resistance, age more slowly than PU, but are more expensive.

How do I care for my tent?

Store dry, keep zips clean, check poles/pegs, re-proof PU floors when worn; a footprint protects the floor.

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