Best One-Person Tents of 2020 [Complete Guide]

2020 Update

We’ve updated the list of best One-person tents to include additional tents that should be considered for your next solo camping adventure.

Enjoy!

Original Article

Finding the right tent is difficult due to the many options available to us.

I camp at every chance I get. Oftentimes no one can find the time to join me, which is where a solo camping trip comes into play.

I’ve camped many times in the past and want to share the best one-person tents I’ve discovered over the years.

I will talk about the weight, size, features, quality and price, because these are all important.

Then I’ll get into the good stuff! (yes, the tents)

Weight

The weight of your tent will not be an issue if you’re car camping, as you won’t be carrying it very far.

It becomes a problem for backpackers because they have to worry about the weight, how far they’re travelling and how long for.

As a rule of thumb, the lighter and more compact the tent, the more space and weight you have for other items.

That brings me to my next point; the price.

Price

Usually, the lighter the solo tent the pricier it will be.

Many people think you have to pay an arm and a leg to receive a great product to protect you from the elements.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are a lot of tents that do well in bad conditions, and you won’t be paying anywhere near $300. Although don’t expect it to weigh less than 1.5 pounds.

However, these affordable tents definitely do protect you from the elements.

Size

Every 1-person tent has different dimensions, both packed and assembled.

If the tent has smaller packed dimensions, the less space it takes up in your backpack.

Again, this shouldn’t be an issue for car campers but it will be for backpackers.

Your body size and what needs you have determine what assembled dimensions best suit you.

Keep the floor “size rating” in mind when choosing a solo tent. You don’t want a tent you can’t get into!

The center height is another aspect you need to take into consideration as well.

Some campers want to go as small as possible, so they’ll get a tent they can’t even sit up and get changed in.

If that’s not for you, a tent with a tall center height is your next option.

Features

Some 1-person tents have a lot of features and some have a little amount.

Features are nice and all, but sometimes they’re not needed when you’re out camping alone.

If a tent has 2 doors but no mesh material for stargazing, is the 2 doors necessary for you? Thus a tent with 1 door and stargazing views is better suited.

Do you need a lantern hook if you’re only going to bed to sleep? No you don’t.

If you love reading then you’ll enjoy the lantern hook, otherwise don’t prioritize it.

Quality

Quality is a no-brainer if you ask me.

Picture this: you’re out in the woods with little-to-no civilization around you. A severe thunderstorm hits you during the night.

It starts off with your tent leaking, and eventually the horror hits. Your tent is now blowing HARD in the wind. A pole or 2 snaps.

It almost feels like a bad dream and you want to wake up. Unfortunately you are awake and it is reality.

Now with a high quality tent, you won’t have this problem.

All these tents in this article have proven to withstand the elements without fail.

Trust me, they would have NEVER made this list if they leaked or blew over in the wind.

A few notes before I continue:

• These tents are great value for money
• They all stand strong in the wind
• They are all water-resistant
• The list goes from affordable to expensive
• Each tent is unique with different features and dimensions
• I’ll write “tall” in the title if it’s a good option for tall people

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1. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Quick Tent

The TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Quick Tent is an instant tent, so it pitches in a matter of seconds…literally.

It’s a multi-purpose tent since it pitches on the ground or on top of the XXL TETON Sports cot, where it locks into place.

It doesn’t HAVE to be on a Teton Sports cot either. As long as it’s oversized it can be locked onto any cot thanks to the loop and toggle system.

This tent is built especially for the rugged conditions and has a watertight floor to ensure no water seeps through the seams.

It includes micro mesh for keeping bugs out and promotes stargazing.

There’s a large U-shaped side entry door for quick and easy entry/exit and a vestibule for keeping your gear safe out of the elements.

The manufacturers emphasize the wind-resistance, because it really does do a great job in high winds.

Key features

• Instant pop up system.
• Dual system comfort.
• Micro mesh for stargazing.
• Quick release buckles.
• Tough, watertight floor.
• Vestibule for added storage

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.8 x 3.2 ft (2.07 x 0.9 m).
• Peak height: 2.6 ft (0.7 m).
• Packed size: 25 x 8 x 5 in (63 x 20 x 12 cm).

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2. Luxe Tempo 3.3LB 1 Person Backpacking Tent

The Luxe Tempo 3.3LB 1 Person Backpacking Tent contains a bunch of features for the price.

It is a 3 and 4-season tent due the design.

You can use it in the warmer months thanks to the no-see-um mesh body and winter climates, as the bent poles create a sloped surface for rain and snow run-off.

There are vertical walls for maximum living space and a no-drip entry for staying dry when you open the tent after a downpour.

The reinforced tent corners hold the tension in strong winds and guy out points on top of the tent ensure it stays stable in high winds.

You can make this tent even lighter by using the Fast & light feature. Just buckle the footprint to the fly and you have an instant shelter.

Key features

• Fast & light setup.
• Bathtub floor.
• Steep wall construction.
• Low slope roofing for extra head space.
• Mesh walls for stargazing and ventilation.
• Reflective stripes to enhance visibility in dim light.
• Free footprint included.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 3.8 lb (1.7 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.9 (length) x 3.0 (shoulder length) x 1.7 (foot length) ft (2.1 x 0.9 x 0.5 m).
• Peak height: 3.4 ft (1.0 m).
• Packed size: 17.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 in (44 x 9 x 9 cm).

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3. Ultralight 1-Person Waterproof BIVY Tent (tall)

The Ultralight 1-Person Waterproof BIVY Tent is packed with features and designed with the wilderness camper in mind.

It is low profile with a camouflaged design, protects you from heavy rainstorms and strong winds as the aluminium stakes and strong feet allow this to happen.

The taped seams offer more rain protection when it’s needed.

It is ULTRA light for a tent in this price range and very portable for what it offers.

It features a three-pole frame system for a quick and easy setup and strong aluminium poles to increase structure quality and extend overall life.

Ventilation consists of a mesh top and two windows which can be opened or closed depending on the weather.

See also the 5 Sleeping Bags for Ultralight Campers & Backpackers.

Key features

• Lightweight.
• Strong aluminium stakes.
• Low profile design.
• Taped seams.
• Two windows.
• Internal storage pockets.
• Reflective guy rope.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 2.8 lb (1.2 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.7 x 2.6 ft (3.5 x 1.1 m).
• Peak height: 2 ft (0.6 m).
• Packed size: 19 x 5 x 5 in (46 x 30 x 30 cm).

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4. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent (tall)

The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent doesn’t look like much upon first glance, but don’t let the appearance fool you.

You can store your gear in the vestibule area or remove the rain fly and view the night sky due to the full mesh body.

It has a heightened roof and a freestanding design for simple setup and ease of use.

The seams are factory sealed, the rain fly offers high UV-ray protection and doesn’t stretch or sag in the rain.

The zippers are larger and more durable than zippers on other tents (these ones are less likely to break).

Key features

• Aircraft alloy aluminium poles (for strong wind resistance).
• Large door.
• Vestibule for gear storage.
• Rain fly buckles.
• Heightened roof and widened sides.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 3.6 lb (1.6 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.8 ft (2.1 x 1.1 m).
• Peak height: 3 ft (0.9 m).
• Packed size: 18 x 6 in (45 x 15 cm).

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5. GEERTOP 1 Man 3-4 Season 20D Lightweight Tent

The GEERTOP 1 Man 3-4 Season 20D Lightweight Tent offers an easy setup thanks to the “dome” styled structure.

It is extremely lightweight for a 3-4 season tent at this price and even contains mesh material, two doors and two vents.

The reinforced corners, double stitching and taped seams keep every drop of water out even in the heaviest rain.

The buckle system and aluminium poles ensure it stays standing in heavy winds.

The rain fly is highly UV protective, waterproof and breathable to make it last a long time and the fluorescent guy ropes help you find your way back to your tent after a midnight pit stop.

There are two storage pockets for keeping your important items close-at-hand and flashlight loops for when you want to sit up and read a book.

Key features

• Ultra lightweight.
• Highly affordable.
• Taped seams, double-stitching and reinforced corners.
• Rain fly vents.
• Two windows.
• Two doors.
• Two storage pockets.
• Fluorescent guy ropes.
• Flashlight loops.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.9 ft (2.1 x 0.9 m).
• Peak height: 3.2 ft (1.0 m).
• Packed size: 17 x 4.3 x 4.3 in (43 x 11 x 11 cm).

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6. Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 1 Tent

The Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Tent is built specifically for the rugged outdoor weather.

It includes a highly waterproof rain fly (with vents) and full mesh body, so you can get out of civilization and watch the milky way if the weather permits.

The flooring material is very strong and watertight so no rain will be getting in, and includes an innovative design so it can be pitched with one pole only.

It has a freestanding design with a floor that wraps up around the sides of the tent to resist ground moisture and rain splashes.

It comes included with a free footprint protector, taped seam, lightweight aluminum poles and two doors for ultimate convenience.

The best way to describe this tent is: long-lasting with a virtually bulletproof floor no matter where you pitch it (thanks to the Oxford footprint).

Key features

• Heat taped seams and anchor points.
• Built-in ventilation system.
• Oxford bathtub floor with heat-sealed seams.
• Included 150D Oxford footprint
• Internal storage pockets.
• Micro-mesh body.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 4.5 lb (2.0 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.6 ft (2.07 x 0.8 m).
• Peak height: 3.2 ft (0.9 m).
• Packed size (L x D): 17 x 6.2 in (43 x 15 cm).

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7. Luxe Tempo Single 1 Person Tent

The Luxe Tempo Single 1 Person Tent has a slippery surface so it sheds off rain and snow in the fastest time possible.

This means it’s a lightweight, 4-season tent with a REMARKABLE price.

Some 4-season tents ONLY do well in winter conditions, whereas the Luxe works in warm weather too!

It has multiple venting options, mesh layered doors (opens from the inside) and 2 vestibules for gear storage.

The footprint is included in the purchase and provides even more protection to the bottom of the tent.

The reinforced panels ensure the tent stays taught in high winds and the reflective loops illuminate the tent at nighttime.

It has steep walls for maximizing living space and widened sides to make for a comfortable sleep.

This is easily the best 1-person 4-season tent I’ve come across thus far in this price range!

Key features

• Minimalist setup (can be pitched with the poles, rain fly and footprint only).
• Ultra lightweight.
• Double layer design.
• Two vestibules.
• High quality smooth zippers with storm flaps and noiseless pull.
• Reinforced corners for constant tension.
• Reflective loops.
• Steep wall design.
• Silicone coating – for maximum durability.
• Free footprint included.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 4.1 lb (1.8 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.9 ft (2.07 x 0.9 m).
• Peak height: 3.2 ft (1 m).
• Packed size: 15 x 5 in (38 x 12 cm).

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8. Eureka Midori Solo Tent (tall)

The Eureka Midori Solo Tent contains Eureka’s state-of-the-art V3 system, which helps protects the tent from brutal winds and increases end user versatility.

This system enhances the volume and ventilation by maximizing the rain fly, body and guylines.

There is no mesh ceiling but it does have a lot of wall mesh for panoramic views.

It includes storage pockets, a freestanding design and a free gear loft.

The door is massive and allows people on the larger side get in and fit comfortably.

There are a couple of downsides, and that is the vestibule frame attachment and weak stakes.

The vestibule frame is attached to the rain fly and cannot be removed. This stop it from compressing down to a small size.

Key features

• High performance rectangular dome shape.
• Large side door.
• Lightweight aluminum frame.
• Post & grommet assembly.
• Bathtub floor design.
• Free gear loft.
• Interior storage pockets.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 5.1 lb (2.3 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.6 x 2.8 ft (2.3 x 0.8 m).
• Peak height: 3 ft (0.9 m).
• Packed size: 16 x 5 in (40 x 12 cm).

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9. Eureka Spitfire Solo Tent (tall)

The Eureka Spitfire Solo Tent is another great option for tall people, as it offers the steep wall construction for better livability and long length for sleeping.

It has the pole and grommet system for a quick and easy setup and does not budge in high winds or leak in torrential rain.

The mesh roof promotes stargazing on clearer nights and includes 2 storage pockets for keeping your valuables close at hand.

The Eureka Spitfire has bad stakes but fortunately was the only bad thing I could find on it.

It has good features, a vestibule for gear storage, lots of interior space and a good reputation within the camping community.

Key features

• Quick and easy setup system.
• Enhanced livability.
• Interior storage pockets.
• Flashlight loops.
• Factory seam sealed rain fly and floor.
• Large D-door.
• Rain fly vent.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 3.4 lb (1.5 kg).
• Dimensions: 9 x 3.6 ft (2.7 x 1.1 m).
• Peak height: 3.4 ft (1.03 m).
• Packed size: 12 x 6 in (30 x 16 cm).

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10. Snugpak Ionosphere 1 Person Tent (tall)

Key features

• Small and compact.
• Low profile design.
• Taped seams.
• Free repair kit.
• Great ventilation.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 3.3 lb (1.5 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.8 x 2.9 ft (2.4 x 0.9 m).
• Peak height: 2.2 (head area) x 1.3 (foot area) ft (0.7 x 0.4 m).
• Packed size: 18 x 5 in (48 x 14 cm).

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11. Marmot Eos 1 Tent (tall)

The Marmot Eos 1 also has a minimalist design, but with a very different approach than the Snugpak.

This one includes a vestibule for gear storage which I’ve found to be larger than what other solo tents offer.

If the weather allows for it, remove the rain fly and you have the ability to stargaze thanks to the full mesh walls and roof.

Setup time is 2 minutes without the rain fly, so total completion is around 3-5 minutes.

The high quality construction and materials make it last a long time.

It has a short length and narrow ceiling but makes up for it with the high weatherproof abilities and light weight.

And if you want to take your camping experience to the next level, the Marmot Eos 1 has a bare bones setup. There’s no stakes or rain fly needed and it can still be pitched.

Key features

• Bare bones setup.
• Internal storage pockets.
• Seam-Taped Catenary Cut Floor.
• Full-Coverage Rain Fly.
• Reflective guylines.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 2.6 lb (1.1 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.3 x 3.1 ft (2.2 x 0.9 m).
• Peak height: 3 ft (0.9 m).
• Packed size: 18.5 x 6 in (47 x 15.2 cm).

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13. MSR Elixir 1 Backpacking Tent (tall)

The MSR Elixir 1 Backpacking Tent is the most livable, lightest tent MSR have created.

It’s quick and easy to set up and can become even lighter if pitched via the “Fast & light” method. Just use the rain fly, footprint and stakes.

It optimizes head space with a unique pole geometry system and can fit a large sleeping pad as a result of the extra wide width!

There is a massive side-entry door and a vestibule for gear storage.

Ventilation consists of breathable mesh material and a canopy fabric, which also helps with warmth and privacy when it’s needed.

The gear loft is built into the tent and offers a safe and easily-accessible area for your smaller items or valuables.

There are glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls and a free footprint included.

Key features

• Fast & light setup.
• Widened sides.
• Extra large vestibule.
• Unique pole geometry.
• Adaptive rain fly.
• Built-in gear loft.
• Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.
• Footprint included.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 4.07 lb (1.8 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.2 ft (2.1 x 1.6 m).
• Peak height: 3.2 ft (1.0 m).
• Packed size: 19 x 6 (48 x 15 cm).

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13. Kodiak Canvas 1-Person Canvas Swag Tent

The Kodiak Canvas 1-Person Canvas Swag Tent has an unusual design but comes packed with features.

It is very versatile and a good example of the latest technology new tents are receiving.

It comes with a mattress and flannel liner.

If you store your sleeping bag and pillow inside, it’s just a matter of grabbing this shelter and heading on your journey (yes, it allows you to store your bedding inside too).

There are zippered window options at the feet and head which help with temperature management.

It includes Kodiak’s state-of-the-art hydra-Shield 100% cotton duck canvas for the best rain protection.

The top opens and closes to expose the mesh material, which works a treat when you’re stargazing and it suddenly rains, as you can zip it up in a matter of seconds.

Key features

• 2-Inch foam mattress included.
• Flannel liner included.
• Two window options.
• Hydra-Shield 100% cotton duck canvas technology.
• Screen shelter option.
• Interior pockets.
• Attached doormat.
• Cinch straps.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 17.5 lb (7.9 kg).
• Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.9 ft (2.07 x 0.8 m).
• Peak height: 2.2 ft (0.6 m).
• Packed size: 35 x 12 in (89 x 30 cm).

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14. MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent (tall)

The MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent contains a large side door for easy entry/exit and a built-in rain gutter.

There’s added head and elbow room for the best convenience and makes a good choice for big people.

This system makes the MSR Hubba the most livable, lightest, freestanding, 1-person tent on the market.

There is a vestibule for storing your equipment and a cross-ventilating rain fly.

The manufacturers keep emphasizing the living abilities on the MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent, as it does pack a punch when it comes to maximizing living space.

The weight, livability and ease-of-use make this a must have for any adventurer!

Key features

• Ultra lightweight.
• Fast & light setup (brings the total weight down to 1 lbs 10 oz).
• Enhanced head and elbow room.
• Large side-entry vestibule.
• Built-in rain gutter.
• Adaptable, cross-ventilating rainfly.
• Unified hub-and-pole system.
• Ultra-compact compression stuff sack.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 2.7 lb (1.1 kg).
• Dimensions: 7.0 x 2.5 ft (2.1 x 0.7 m).
• Peak height: 3.0 ft (0.9 m).
• Packed size: 18 x 5 x 5 in (45 x 30 x 30 cm).

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15. Rab Ridge Raider (tall)

The Rab Ridge Raider is similar to the Snugpak but definitely unique in its own way. This one is called a “bivvy tent”.

For example: it is freestanding so you can pitch it without the stakes and move it around without disassembling it.

It has a long length so your equipment is stored at your feet.

The flooring material is also strong and durable.

The Rab Ride Raider has been created for extreme mountaineering use (it can handle tough winds and torrential rain when it needs to).

It doesn’t need a rain fly as it is a single skin tent, which is a good idea when you don’t want to cart around many different parts and materials.

There is only one pole, the tent itself and 6 stakes. This minimalist design allows you to travel easily but effectively at the same time.

It is a fine tent with great weatherproof abilities if you ask me.

Key features

• Tunnel design.
• Minimalist design.
• Freestanding design.
• Bathtub floor.
• Single skin weatherproofing (no rain fly needed).
• Glow-in-the-dark zippers.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-person.
• Weight: 2.2 lb (0.9 kg).
• Dimensions: 8.4 x 2.7 ft (2.5 x 0.8 m).
• Peak height: 1.9 ft (0.6 m).
• Packed size (L x D): 12 x 6 in (30 x 16 cm).

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16. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-person tent is one of ALPS best selling test and is an excellent choice for your next solo adventure.

What sets this tent apart is how it is fully equipped and ready out of the box.  This tent boasts a gear loft, guy ropes and high quality zippers.  The quality to price is a great balance providing excellent durability at a reasonable price.

Key Features

• Easy set up and take down in as little as 2 minutes.
• A rain cover the protects against water and UV damage that extends all the way to the ground.
• a vestibule to keep the dirty stuff outside and dry.

Specifications

• Base size: 2’8 x 7’6
• center height: 36″
• total weight: 4 lbs. 1 oz.
• minimum Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.

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More Information (And My Recommendation)

These are all great tents and perform better than expected in the great outdoors.

There are no shortage of tents in the marketplace – all the more reason why you shouldn’t just get any old tent. More times than not it will be the wrong choice.

When I look for a tent to purchase, I look for how much value it offers for the price.

For example: the Luxe Tempo Single 1 Person Tent works in all conditions, it’s packed with features, it sheds snow and torrential rain and even withstands heavy winds.

Next thing you need to look at is the price.

At a little over $100 bucks makes it GREAT value for money if you ask me, even better than other tents in this list.

How I Came to My Final Decision

The Luxe Tempo Single 1 Person Tent is a tent that packs a punch but stays in an affordable price range.

It handles snow conditions, torrential rain and heavy winds without a problem.

The fact that it’s ultralight and usable in warmer climates puts it ahead of other 4-season tents which are higher in price with a heavier weight.

Well that concludes this article on the best one-person tents.

I’m open for discussion, so let’s see what you have to say in the comments below!