10 Best Survival Tents for 2024: How to Pick The Right One for You

Choosing the best survival tent is a complex decision that is influenced a lot by when and where you camp, as well as how you camp. You need to pick a tent that is lightweight but gives you all the features you need to keep you both comfortable and protected. There are many different types of survival tents to choose from and you can pick the best one depending on your unique needs and preferences. Here is a look at some of the different types of tents you will find today:

• Double wall tents – These come with three parts: an inner tent with a non-waterproof roof and waterproof floor; rainfly, or outer waterproof tent; and poles. They also come in three varieties: self-supporting, free-standing and tunnel tents.
• Tarp tents – These are single-walled shelters that come with bug netting and built-in floor. They are half as light as double-walled tents and faster to set up. They also offer complete weather protection. But they also tend to accumulate moisture in the tent interior and are the least adaptive type of tent.
• Ultralight shelters – Any shelter that does not come with dedicated, flexible poles is known as an Ultralight shelter. A-frame, pyramid tarp and dome are some of the different types of Ultralight shelters.
• A-frame – This has less headroom when compared to dome tents. Depending on how many occupants will be in the tent, this can be a major problem.
• Pyramid tarp – Also known as Mids, these are arguably the most weather-resistant and strongest type of tent. You can pitch them with one or two poles, have steep walls that shed snow and wind, are enclosed on all sides and offer excellent protection from the elements which you know you will encounter.
• Dome – This has more headroom and the shape provides better weatherproofing. Water also shed more easily. However, this advantage gets diminished when the size of the tent is bigger as the surface becomes a factor.
• 3 season tents – A majority of three season tents are not designed or built to withstand severe storms or be pitched in exposed areas or above treeline areas.
• 4 season tents – These are sturdily built and can withstand any type of weather condition, no matter how serious. They can protect you against snowstorms and such.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SURVIVAL TENT

There are many points that you need to consider before choosing a survival tent. To make sure that you make the best decision, make sure you consider the following factors:

• Capacity – The capacity you pick will depend on your needs. You can choose 1- to 4-person tent. Think about the likely number of sleepers and make the decision.
• Measurements – There are measurements that you will need to consider when buying a survival tent. These measurements include minimum trail weight, packed size and packaged weight. These will play a role in how easy your tent is to carry when you are hiking, camping or backpacking.
• Durable lightweight materials – For a 2-person tent, 6 pounds or less is recommended. In general, a tent should weigh about 2.5 pounds per person. You should consider picking a tent that is made with strong materials and weighs less than regular tents.
• Easy to set up – The tent you choose should be easy to set up. You should practice setting up your tent before you use it so that you can be ready when you need to assemble it.
• Seams – A marvelous tent will have appropriate folded seams that have double stitching. You should also choose a tent that uses a water sealant to increase the protection of the seams.
• Bathtub floor – You should choose a tent that has a bathtub floor. An extra tarp is also a prudent idea to lay under the tent for protection from the punctures of the ground.
• Extra features – It is important to consider the features that a tent comes with. A rainfly, vestibules, and notable storage space are all features you should look for in a survival tent. You should also make sure that your tent has suitable ventilation, so check the windows, vents, and stargazer fly.

With these points in mind, you can make the best decision and find the perfect tent for all your outdoor or survival needs.

You might find interesting to read our best one-person tents article.

BEST SURVIVAL TENTS

1. MSR HUBBAHUBBA NX 2-PERSON TENT

The HubbaHubba NX2 is a high quality, 2-person ultralight tent. It is spacious with enough head and elbow room throughout the tent. It has two large side-entry vestibules where each hiker can store gear. It also has two large StayDry doors with built-in rain gutters to keep you dry in case of rain.

It has a cross-ventilating and adaptable rainfly that features a roll-up vestibule as well as optional stargazer view, meaning that you can open it up to look at the night-time sky while inside the tent. The HubbaHubba NX2 also comes with a compression stuff sack that is super-compact for outstanding and strategic packing. All in all, this is a fabulous tent that has all profound features to keep you safe from the elements when you are out in the great outdoors.

Opinion: We believe that the HubbaHubba NX2 is an excellent tent. The lightweight and compact design is appreciated, especially when carrying it for long distances. We like that it is easy to set up, unlike many other tents available. A great feature that serious backpackers appreciate is that this tent comes with two vestibules – this frees up space inside the tent while having your backpack and gear protected from the weather. We can also add that it is flexible, airy, and rainproof – three vital things when it comes to tents.

If we had the chance to make one improvement it would be the size of the vestibules – we wish they were a little wider. Other than that, the HubbaHubba NX2 is considered one of the most durable and top quality tents out there.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 3 lbs 13 oz
• Floor Area: 29 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 20D ripstop nylon 1200mm Durashield
• Canopy Fabric: 20D ripstop nylon
• Floor Fabric: 30D ripstop nylon 3000mm Durashield™

2. MOUNTAINSMITH MORRISON 2 PERSON 3 SEASON TENT

The Morrison is another high quality, 2-person tent that is made with the finest materials. This 3-season tent has a freestanding design and a bathtub floor with taped seams to help keep the interior dry. It also has a 2-pole design and color-coded fly attachment system to make setting up the tent easy and quick. The Morrison was recognized with the “Killer Value” and “Killer Deal” awards by the 2011 Backpacker Gear Guide.

With the Morrison, you get 35-sq.ft. of main floor space and 14-sq.ft. of vestibule space, which is ample room for two people’s gear. It weighs a little over 4 pounds, making it ideal for backpacking, hiking, and camping. The mesh panel walls give you improved ventilation. This is the right choice when you need a substantial tent for your backpacking or camping trips. Mother Nature has been put at bay.

Opinion: We have nothing but good to say about the Mountainsmith Morrison. The first thing that we would like to mention is the light weight of the tent and the spaciousness. We think that it is the perfect size for two people, with enough space to stretch even with gear and other items.

Another great thing about this tent is how easy to set up is, especially with the color-coded poles that help in speeding up the process. The protection it gives in all types of weather is another thing that we appreciate – we are sure that it will stay warm inside the tent even during an entire night of wind and rain.

The only complaint that we have about the Morrison is the seams, we believe that they can loose stitches in many areas and the weak seams should have double stitching. On the bright side, this tent looks nice, is of good quality, and you receive your money’s worth on every level. We think is a good option for those who like backpacking, camping, and so on.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 5 lbs 8 oz
• Floor Area: 35 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 185t Poly PU2000MM F/R
• Canopy Fabric: 185T Breathable Poly F/R
• Floor Fabric: 190td Poly PU5000MM F/R

3. BIG AGNES COPPER SPUR UL2 TENT

The Big Agnes Copper Spur is a freestanding, 3-season, ultra-light backpacking tent that is made of sterling and robust materials to make it strong and long-lasting. It has a DAC Featherlite NFL pole system that comes with press-fit connectors and trendy lightweight hubs. These also have eco-friendly anodizing. Both the floor and fly are light silicon-treated nylon rip-stop that has a 1200mm waterproof PU coating.

There are two rainbow doors on the tent body and two vestibules that have single stake-outs as well as storm flaps over the zippers. The design of the pole/hub makes set quick and simple. There are also four interior mesh pockets and two media pocket to hold flashlights and other items. The tent corners have reflective webbing and guyline for nighttime visibility. All seams come taped with waterproof, solvent-free PU tape. This is a good tent that you should consider if you are in the market for one.

Opinion: We like the Big Agnes Copper Spur, it is a top-of-the-line tent that has some really good features. In fact, we believe that it is one of the best freestanding tents on the market. Customers who have used the tent say that it held up extremely well under 2 inches of hail and extremely strong winds. It is also worth mentioning that it is lightweight and highly durable, and also keeps moisture and bugs out. The vestibules are also well-received and very spacious.

One thing to note is that it is more of a single-person tent than a 2-person one and that it should be made slightly larger for two people. This is the only thing that we would change. All in all, we like the Copper Spur and it is a great companion every time you go out camping or backpacking.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 3lb 2oz
• Floor Area: 29 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: Coated ripstop nylon
• Canopy Fabric: Mesh/Nylon
• Floor Fabric: Coated ripstop nylon

4. ALPS MOUNTAINEERING ZEPHYR 3

The Zephyr 3 is a 3-season, 3-person tent with a free-standing, two-pole design with 7,000 aluminum poles. It is extremely easy to assemble as it comes with handy pole clips that quickly snap over the poles. It has a quality 75D 185T polyester fly that stays taut and has a high resistance to UV damage. Its factory-sealed floor seams and fly give you excellent protection from any type of weather.

It has entire mesh walls that provide fabulous ventilation. It also has a spacious vestibule for gear storage and additional protection from the weather. Also, its weather-proof fly can be buckled on to give you maximum adjustability and protection. The Zephyr is a fantastic tent that you will definitely find is the best choice for any outdoor trip.

Opinion: Alps Mountaineering did a wonderful job with the Zephyr, we think it is the best value lightweight tent for people who are on or off a budget. we believe that it has a nice hardware and the tent, poles and fly are all made of materials that are strong and can stand the test of time. Another great thing is how spacious and comfortable it is, and also very easy to set up. This tent has a fantastic price for the quality it offers.

One thing that should be improved is the quality of the rainfly, it is poor and leaks from the top. Unless it is a slight drizzle, the tent base will get wet. We believe that the manufacturer should fix this defect and make it a perfect tent. Other than this, we can finally say that the Zephyr is a well-made, good quality tent that is a steal at the current price.

Specifications

• Capacity: 3 persons
• Weight (packed): 5 lb. 7 oz.
• Floor Area: 40 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 75D 185T polyester taffeta, PU coating (1500mm)
• Canopy Fabric: 40D nylon no-see-um mesh
• Floor Fabric: 75D 185T polyester taffeta, PU coating (2000mm)

5. KELTY GRAND MESA 2 TENT

The Kelty Grand Mesa is a high quality, 2-person tent that is made of polyester, giving it breathability and durability. It is 5 inches high and 13 inches wide. It has a freestanding design with color-coded clip construction to make set up quick and easy.

It weighs under 5 pounds, making it light and great for carrying on hiking, backpacking, and camping trips. The Grand Mesa has many features that make it a fabulous choice when it comes to tents. It is spacious with enough room for your gear and sleeping pads. It has a side-release tent-fly connection and fly vent. The tent stays warm during cold nights with the vent closed, which means it gives you excellent weather protection. The Grand Mesa is definitely one awesome tent that you should have if you are a regular backpacker or camper.

Opinion: To start, we can say that the Grand Mesa is a sparkling tent for backpacking and car camping. It is easy to assemble and the rain fly is also very easy to install. We like the fact that this tent is spacious and the vestibule has enough space to fit two people’s gear. It has taped seams and a bathtub floor unlike many other tents. Another good thing to mention is how resistant the bathtub floor is, it holds up very well to repeated use. We think that this tent is fantastic in any weather, keeping you well protected throughout.

There is one thing that we would like to change and that is the poles – it may not last very long as it bends a little more easily than we would like. Apart from this, we still think that the Grand Mesa is a high-quality product from Kelty and another great choice for those in the market looking for a good and durable tent.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 4 lbs 12 oz
• Floor Area: 30 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 1
• Rainfly Fabric: 68D Polyester, 1800 mm
• Canopy Fabric: 40D No-See-Um Mesh
• Floor Fabric: 68D Polyester, 1800 mm

6. NEMO GALAXI 2P

The Galaxi 2P is a great-looking, well-built 2-person tent. It comes with two large vestibules and doors that get rid of jostling for gear storage and position. The wide vestibules offer dry gear storage as well as protected entry. You can tie back either one or both the doors, or keep both closed for complete protection.

With its latest magnetic MagTieTM door tie-backs, you can easily and smoothly roll back the door so that it is out of your way. It comes with a one-piece hubbed pole set to make setting up quick and easy. The Galaxi 2P is a well-designed, durable, and sturdy tent that is ideal to take on any outdoor adventure.

Opinion: We think that the Galaxi 2P is an excellent tent that looks very nice. The build and details of the tent are fantastic. We like how spacious and easy to set up is. The materials it is made of are high quality and durable, making it a top choice for campers, backpackers, etc. Another great thing to mention is that it has prolific ventilation and you can set it up with or without the rainfly.

One thing that we would like to improve is to make the footprint, or ground trap, extend to the vestibule. Apart from this, the Galaxi 2P is an outstanding tent built with high quality in mind.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 5 lbs 6 oz
• Floor Area: 32 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 68D PU Polyester Ripstop (1500mm)
• Canopy Fabric: No-See-Um Mesh
• Floor Fabric: 70D PU Nylon (3000mm)

Check out our suggested budget sleeping bags article.

7. ALPS MOUNTAINEERING EXTREME 2 TENT

The ALPS Extreme 2 is a high-quality tent that has a free-standing three-pole design with sturdy 7000-series aluminum poles. It is easy to assemble as it comes with handy pole clips that you can quickly snap over the tent poles. It comes with a 75D 185T polyester rainfly that protects against UV damage and stays nice and tight. Factory-sealed floor and fly seams give you maximum protection against the weather.

The ALPS Extreme 2 comes with two doors for easy entry and ample ventilation. It has two vestibules for extra weather protection and gear storage. This tent is designed to give you maximum protection in all weather conditions and last many years. Spacious and light, this is definitely a magnificent option if you are looking for a high-quality tent.

Opinion: Let’s begin by saying that the ALPS Extreme 2 is a really good tent in its category. One thing that always gets a mention is the space. We love that the tent is roomy and well-ventilated. Another feature we like are the two doors, two windows, and mesh window on top, as they make the tent airy and great for stargazing too. We believe that this tent is perfect for hiking as it is light and compact.

Customers who have used it also say that it kept them dry even after two days of rain! That is some good protection. The only drawback that we want to mention is that the same polyester material on the door is missing from the windows, which means that it does not provide enough privacy. Otherwise, we have no problem saying that the ALPS Extreme 2 is a fantastic tent that oozes quality.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 6 lbs 8 oz
• Floor Area: 35 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: Coated polyester
• Canopy Fabric: Polyester taffeta
• Floor Fabric: Coated polyester taffeta

8. MARMOT LIMELIGHT 2 PERSONS TENT

The Limelight is a lightweight, 2-person backpacker tent that has a gear loft and footprint. It has a spacious 32-sq.ft. interiors and a 9-sq.ft vestibule for gear storage. This roomy side vestibule gives you more than enough room to keep your gear dry in wet weather.

It comes with lightweight and sturdy DAC poles and color-coded webbing to make set up quick and easy. It has a D-shaped door with no-snag zippers. It has a waterproof floor, waterproof window construction and full coverage fly to give you full protection from any type of weather. Compact and neat when packed, the Limelight is the perfect tent to carry on all your outdoor adventures, whether it is backpacking, hiking, or camping.

Opinion: We think that the Marmot Limelight is a magnificent tent and their favorite camping item. We like the fact that it is lightweight, easy to use and all-inclusive – you do not have to buy a separate footprint (tarp). The poles and stakes are made of high-quality materials and are sturdy and durable. Another great thing worth mentioning is that it is incredibly spacious, even with gear and sleeping pads, you still have room to stretch. We also like the breathability of the tent, we are sure that on hot nights, you get fantastic ventilation under the fly.

One thing that we would like to change is the vestibule size, you can fit one large pack, but will not keep your gear completely dry during a storm as the fly is too short. Also, we find that it is slightly heavier than other tents. Otherwise, we really believe that the Marmot Limelight is a durable, high-quality tent that everyone should own.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2 persons
• Weight (packed): 5lbs 10oz
• Floor Area: 33 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 1
• Rainfly Fabric: 68d Polyester Taffeta 190T 1500mm F/R
• Canopy Fabric: 40d 100% Polyester No-See-Um Mesh F/R | 68d 100% Polyester Taffeta F/R
• Floor Fabric: 68d Polyester Taffeta 190T 2000mm F/R

We also suggest checking out our article about the best survival sleeping bags by clicking here.

9. KELTY TN 3 PERSON TENT

The Kelty TN is a well-designed nylon tent that has a packaged weight of 5 pounds 4 ounces. Its floor area is 39.5 sq. ft. and vestibule area is 11×11 sq. ft. This high-quality tent has everything you need to protect you against the elements and is easy to set up. It has a stargazer fly that allows you to watch the stars from your tent. This tent also has a tent cube storage system that gives you plenty of space to store your gear. The Kelty TN is designed to give you maximum space for you and your backpacking mates. It is sturdy and solid and perfect for all weather conditions.

Opinion: To begin, we believe that the Kelty TN is one of the best tents available right now. We think that it is a nice simple tent and is great with the cover off on a warm night with clear skies – we are sure that the stargazer fly is a nice feature on this high-quality tent. It is also worth mentioning that this tent is easy to set up, the walls and zippers are strong and durable. We find that the Kelty TN has an excellent design and a durable seam construction.

One thing that we would change is the size – it is a little small for three people. It is perfect for two people as it gives them enough space to sleep comfortably and put their gear in. We love the light weight and its excellent design. All in all, we really like the Kelty TN, it is a high-quality product that comes with a really good sticker price.

Specifications

• Capacity: 3 persons
• Weight (packed): 5 lbs 8 oz
• Floor Area: 39.5 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 40D Sil Nylon, 1800 mm
• Canopy Fabric: No See-Um Mesh
• Floor Fabric: 70D Nylon, 3000 mm

10. MOUNTAINSMITH GENESEE 4 PERSON TENT

The Genesee is a top-quality 4-person tent with three-season flexibility, making it great for all types of weather conditions. It is designed with two doors and two vestibules which is an excellent layout for any camping trip. This is a freestanding four-corner tent that comes with a bathtub floor construction and taped floor seams. It has a clip-pole attachment that gives you lighter weight and improved breathability. It is made with tent fly ventilation windows, making it airy.

The Genesee also has reflective guylines with tension-lock cord adjustment that is a great feature to have. The detachable ceiling loft pocket and interior mesh storage pockets give you extra space to store camping items like flashlights, etc. Tough and sturdy, this is a fantastic tent for any outdoor adventure.

Opinion: We like the Genesee as it has many incredible features. It is simple yet well-built. We also like how easy is to assemble – in fact, one person can set it up. Another great feature is the weight, it is just right for carrying on backpacking and hiking trips. We also appreciate the fly ventilation windows as it makes the tent interior light and airy. We find it is comfortable and offers illustrious weather protection.

If there was one thing that we could change, it would be the size of the vestibules. they are a little too small to store anything much. Apart from this, there are no complaints and overall, this is a great tent to have in mind when looking for one.

Specifications

• Capacity: 4 persons
• Weight (packed): 6 lbs 14.5 oz
• Floor Area: 56 sq ft
• Number of Doors: 2
• Rainfly Fabric: 185T Poly PU2000MM F/R
• Canopy Fabric: 185T Breathable Poly F/R
• Floor Fabric: 190td Poly PU5000mm F/R

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST PLACE TO ARM YOUR TENT

Whether you are setting up camp in a designated camp area or roughing it out in a natural, unprepared area, it is important to know how to choose a good place to pitch your tent. There are certain things you need to look for when picking out the best place to arm your tent.

• Is there a water source close by? It is critical to choose a camp site that is close to a water source so that you do not have to go far to carry water for cooking, cleaning, and so on. However, it is also perfectly alright to fill up your water containers and camp at a dry site, especially if you prefer not to have noisy neighbors.
• Is it a safe camp site? You obviously need to keep away from sites that have hazards like flash floods, rock falls, avalanches or high tide. Make sure that you are aware of the local environment and avoid camping in an area where you or your loved one can get hurt or worse.
• Is the surface free of roots, broken branches and stones? You need to make sure that you are comfortable at the place you camp. Clear away any small debris before setting up your shelter.
• Is the campsite quiet and private? When you go out camping, the last thing you want is loud noise around you. You should pick a spot that is away from the crowd, but not too far that you will not have any help in case of an emergency.
• Is the site away from animal trails and hiking trails? For privacy sake, you do not want to camp too close to a hiking trail, or a game trail where you can be disturbed by animals at night. Human trails often attract animals, so you may want to avoid both.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR TENT IN FANTASTIC CONDITION

If you take good care of your tent, it will give you many years of service during your outdoor adventures. Here are a few helpful tips to take care of your tent and keep it in good condition.

• Pitching and Dissembling – It is a magnificent idea to practice pitching your tent before you start using it. When you pitch your tent properly, you make sure that you prevent any wear and tear. It is also important to know how to disassemble it properly. This will ensure that your tent stays in solid condition for a long time.
• Condensation – This occurs in all tents, but condensation will vary based on your tent type and the conditions. Keep your tent well ventilated to prevent heavy condensation. Most tents come with ventilation systems. You can also encourage air flow by leaving vents and flysheet doors open on dry nights.
• Footprint – You should make sure that you use a footprint. It will prevent abrasion on your tent floor. It also prevents rainwater from collecting under the floor. If you are using a generic ground cloth, make sure you tuck in excess material under the tent floor.
• Debris – If you have a free standing tent, pick it up and shake off any debris before packing it away. Packing your tent with grime and debris can cause a lot of damage.
• Repairs – Even when you take the best care possible, there will always be something that blows up in your face and certainly general wear and tear. It is an astute idea to carry duct tape or gaffer tape just in case you need to make a few quick repairs. A synthetic adhesive or needle and thread will also work well. You never know what Mother Nature will throw at you and you could just make a simple but costly mistake

CONCLUSION

There are many sagacious and wonderful survival tents on the market today. Once you know what to look for, you can choose the best survival tent for your outdoor needs. With a sturdy and fearsome tent, you can make sure that you are protected from different types of weather conditions and also from wild animals, and so forth. Choose the best tent and have an outdoor experience that does resemble what we saw in A Walk in the Woods. You do not want that!