The Best American Made Backpacking Tents
I’ve backpacked since I was a little kid and have tried everything under the sun to lower my pack weight. I’ve tried hammocks (which unfortunately I don’t find comfortable), tarps which often get me wet in a gusty rain, and tacoing (rolling up) in a ground tarp during storms… none of which make for deep sleep. When the weather and mosquitoes play nice I like to sleep under the stars without a shelter, but when it rains, blows, or snows then I prefer a tent for a good night’s rest. The tents I’ve included here are the lightest, highest quality tents available anywhere in the world and they’re made in the USA.
Why Trust Me?
I know how hard it is to find honest recommendations and to narrow down American made gear. This is why I started American Gear Guide. I take my recommendations seriously and only recommend the best of the best. Here are a few reasons to trust me.
- I make independent recommendations based on personal experience (not paid to endorse a product).
- I’ve hunted, fished, gathered, and gardened since childhood. I fill my freezer with meat via bow, rifle, and rod.
- As an avid outdoorsman that reviews gear for a living, I also actually own and use all American made gear.
- My background includes 10 yrs working with the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter, Ranger, Wildlife Crew-leader, and Forest Ecologist. I certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I’ve backpacked extensively throughout the USA and 45 countries including in the Middle East, Central & South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. See About page for more.
- I attend industry trade shows like Hunting Expos & Outdoor Retailer to stay informed on the latest innovative equipment.
- This guide receives regular updates with the newest gear.
- Continuous learning & self improvement are encouraged, so I welcome your criticism. If you think I missed anything then please leave some helpful suggestions.
The Top Tents
Zpacks Duplex
Weight: 1.31 lbs | 21 oz | 595 g
Price: $669
Best 3 Season Uses: Backpacking, Bikepacking, Alpine Climbing, Thru-Hikes, Packrafting
The Duplex is another fantastic ultralight option. Like the HMG tents, the Duplex utilizes ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric and trekking poles for support. The Duplex also has a bathtub floor, two doors (so you don’t have to climb over anyone), bug-netting, and room for one plus gear or you can squeeze in a friend. If you prefer, you can optionally purchase carbon fiber poles to setup the Duplex as a freestanding tent.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 & Ultamid 4
Ultamid 2
Weight: 1.18 lbs | 19.01 oz | 539 g
Optional floored insert : 1.37 lbs | 21.98 oz | 623g
Price: $715
Ultamid 4
Weight: 1.44 lbs | 23.17 oz | 657 g
Optional floored insert: 1.75 lbs | 28.01 oz | 794g
Price: $865
Best 4 Season Uses: Backpacking, Ski Touring, Bike Touring, Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering, Thru-Hiking, Packrafting
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) tents are for those where money is no object to achieve top quality. HMG constructs their tents of super durable, waterproof DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabric (aka Cuben Fiber) that will last the test of time. The Ultamids use trekking or ski poles as the central support so if you’re using poles anyways then this saves lots of weight. Their pyramid design is very spacious; the Ultamid 2 comfortably sleeps 2 and the Ultamid 4 sleeps 4.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II
Full weight: 1.81 lbs | 29.03 oz | 823 g
Price: $695
Best 3 Season Uses: Backpacking, Bike touring, Thru-Hiking, Packrafting
The Echo II is an ultralight modular tent system that can be setup with trekking poles as a tarp, bug net, or a full weatherproof tent. Like it’s cousins it’s made with high end Dyneema and waterproof zippers. The Echo II provides a much roomier ultralight shelter than a bivy and can squeeze two people when the need arises.
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