Here you have our list of the best backpacking tents for three people. All tents in this buyers guide are large enough for three people to live comfortably. Please note that while there are many 3-person camping tents, not all of them are recommended by us. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Best 3-Person Backpacking Tents
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3-Person Tent
- Black Diamond Fitzroy Tent
- ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 3-Man Tent
- Nemo Apollo 3-Person Tent
- Mountain Hardwear Vision 3-Person Tent
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3-Person Tent
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This is our overall #1 and best lightweight backpacking tent for 3 people.
If you’re looking for the most lightweight backpacking tent for three people, the Copper Spur is our number one choice. In fact, this is one the best-rated tents for backpacking overall. It’s even available in a range of four sizes (1-4 people), allowing you to upgrade the size if you need to. The trail weight of the 3-person tent is just 3lb 7oz.
So how do they make the tent so lightweight? Is the tent low-quality? The 3-season 3-person backpacking tent is crafted from a proprietary double rip-stop nylon fabric that is durable enough to withstand the elements, but the secret lies in the frame. The 4-way hub design is built using lightweight poles that gives 41 sq ft of living space while keeping the weight to a minimum.
Copper Spur comes with a range of storage features too. The vestibules provide extra storage space for large items, like your backpacks. Internal media pockets and a ceiling pocket are useful for storing bed-side essentials.
Comfort in enhanced further thanks to the two large vestibules that form to provide a large storage area for your backpacking gear. This keeps your bed area clear and with enough space to sleep comfortably. We also love the mesh pockets on the inside of the tent, which are great for keeping essentials close as you sleep.
2. Black Diamond Fitzroy Tent
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Strong as a tank, the Fitzroy is our best 4-season backpacking tent for 3-people.
If you’re going to be facing extreme weather, there isn’t many better than the Fitzroy. It features innovative fabric that protects you from the elements while keeping the weight to a minimum. The 3-person tent offers plenty of space for two people or a tight fit for three people (36 sq ft).
As we just mentioned, the main benefit of this tent is how well it copes with weather conditions. The durable construction is built using Easton poles, but the real strength is formed from these poles being crossed a total of seven times! Around this frame, you will find three layers of ToddTex fabric that protect you from the elements, while also providing great breathability.
Now, this structure is one of the strongest on the market, but it is also one of the hardest to pitch. As such, we recommend practicing in your garden before you go on your hiking adventure. The strong build is also not the lightest tent in this review. In fact, it comes in at 7lb 1oz, which is average for a tent of this size and strength.
Overall, there is no other tent we would rather have in stormy conditions. It has a strong build and provides plenty of living space, which is well worth the slight extra weight. With that said, it would be a bit cumbersome for summer backpacking.
3. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 3-Man Tent
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With a range of cool features, this is our best-value 3-person backpacking tent
The Lynx 3 is a well-balanced tent that has an easy set-up and offers great value for money. It’s a popular tent that is used due to its reliability and value. It’s ideal for those who go on occasional adventures. Its 7lb 3oz weight is light enough to carry up hills, and you can always share the load with your friends or partner. That said, it’s not as light as other tents, like the Big Agnes UL.
In regards to the build, the top is made from mesh while the bottom is crafted from waterproof polyester fabric. This mesh interior maximizes ventilation, while the fly and base prevent moisture from getting inside. Two vents can be opened to give even more airflow when humidity ramps up.
The Lynx is easy to set up. I had no problems with the 1-person variety. Now, the tent doesn’t come with a footprint for the underside of the tent, but these can be bought separately if you want extra protection.
In short, the Lynx 3 is one of the best all-around tents, especially for those campers on a budget or who will be camping on an infrequent basis.
4. Nemo Apollo 3-Person Tent
The Nemo Apollo is our best floorless 3-person backpacking tent.
If you just want a quick shelter to take on your backpacking ventures, the Nemo Apollo is our choice. The pentagonal pyramid shape provides enough shelter for three adults with backpacks, making it ideal for friends on a summer adventure. With that said, the center pole can be awkward for three people.
The tent is built from a lightweight, strong aluminum alloy pole that can be adjusted from 19” to 51”. Alongside the tent, you’ll receive a drawstring bag, guy-lines, stakes, and repair kit. To set it up, the corner is stretched out and staked down. Next, put the pole into the apex of the pyramid.
It’s no surprise that the tent weighs just 1.1lb. It is also super-packable too, which makes it ideal for when you need to go on long hikes and want to minimize weight. The tent isn’t the cheapest on the market, but the quality makes it one of the best floorless backpacking tents for three people.
5. Mountain Hardwear Vision 3-Person Tent
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This is our best 3-person backpacking tent for sleeping under the stars.
The Mountain Hardwear Vision is specially designed for stargazing. The mesh structure allows you to see the stars while keeping bugs on the outside of the tent. All you need to do is roll back the fly and away you go. However, if the weather does take a turn, you can quickly release the fly and stake it down. This mesh build also means this is a great 3-person backpacking tent for humid conditions. Please see our summer camping tents.
The tent measures 22 x 11 x 7 inches and weighs 5.95lbs, which is average for a backpacking tent of this size. The tent has a 20D nylon knit mesh build which prevents bugs and allows you to sleep under the stars. This mesh is covered by a 40D nylon ripstop fly that has 1500mm waterproof protection in case the heavens open.
Comfort in enhanced further thanks to the two large vestibules that form to provide a large storage area for your backpacking gear. This keeps your bed area clear and with enough space to sleep comfortably. We also love the mesh pockets on the inside of the tent, which are great for keeping essentials close as you sleep.
