There are few things more enjoyable than spending a couple of nights camping in a beautiful place with your better half. While gear isn’t everything, having the best tent for couples will ensure a much more pleasant experience where you stay warm and dry and have a comfortable night’s sleep. We wanted to put a list together to share our favourite options for the best 2 person tent.

There are plenty of great options when searching for the best tents for couples and there are a wide variety of things to take into account before purchasing the best 2 person camping tent that will fit your needs. We have first listed the best 2 man tents and after this, there is a list of things to consider before you buy, which will help you to make the right choice based on your preferences.

One of the main considerations is whether you will be car camping i.e. driving to a campsite and setting up right next to your car, or if you are looking to go on some backcountry adventures and you are after the lightest 2 person tent available. We have split our 2 person tent reviews into two sections, beginning with the best 2 person tents for backpacking and the second section looks at the best car camping tents.

*Wild About BC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note we only link to products & services we personally use or trust. 

Our #1 Choice of the Best Tent for Couples

MSR Elixir 2

While there are a lot of amazing choices when considering the best camping tents for two, our favourite of the top-rated 2 person tents is the MSR Elixir 2. This made it into our top spot, for either car camping or backcountry camping as it is well priced, made of high-quality materials, it’s relatively spacious and there is lots of storage room both inside the tent, with different stash pockets, and outside the tent in the two large vestibules.

This is the tent that we currently use on all of our adventures, whether that’s camping by the beach in Tofino or way in the backcountry of Mt Assiniboine – the MSR Elixir 2 does it all perfectly for us.

This 2 man hiking tent sits right in the middle of the pack in terms of price but for a high-quality tent known to be incredibly well-rated, we think it is super reasonably priced, making it one of the best backpacking tents on a budget. We have taken this tent out in all conditions, including hours of heavy rain, and have never gotten wet so we can confidently say this is one of the best tents for rain.

This tent is definitely designed to be packable and taken on backcountry adventures. While it isn’t the lightest 2 person backpacking tent, weighing in at 2.24 kgs, you can still easily carry it on long hikes and I have hiked over 30 kilometres in one day while carrying this tent. This is our packable home that comes on every single one of our backcountry adventures.

At 1.27 m wide and 1.02 m it does actually feel quite spacious inside making it one of the best 2 person tents for camping next to your car as well. The clever design pushes out the sides to make it a more boxy shape that feels much roomier on the inside than your classic dome tents where the walls slope in.

Every time we climb in I’m pleasantly surprised by how spacious it feels plus you can stand up when you are bent over at the waist to make changing your bottoms easier. Another great perk is the zipper entrances on both sides of the tent so there isn’t any need to climb over your partner in order to get out!

If you would prefer slightly more space then consider buying the MSR Elixir 3 which is designed for 3 people but is a good choice for those looking for a bit more room or maybe those who need room for their dog to sleep with them.

For those couples looking for a tent that checks all the boxes without breaking the bank, this is easily one of the best-rated tents for camping. I read tons of reviews about every tent under the sun before deciding on this one. Now, having used it through all 4 seasons I am delighted we chose this particular tent!

Overall we feel like this is the best 2 person tent for backpacking.

What we like:

• Excellent all-round tent that won’t break the bank
• Will keep you dry even on the wettest days

What we don’t like:

• There are lighter options for those looking for a hiking specific tent
• There are cheaper and roomier options for those looking for a car camping tent

>>See the latest prices for the MSR Elixir 2

Our #1 Pick of the Best Budget Tents for Camping

Coleman Sundome Tent

While we often recommend spending a little bit extra to get some really nice gear, sometimes all you need is a decent tent to use a few times a year. If you are looking for a cheap 2 person tent then look no further than the Coleman Sundome tent which comes in 2, 3, 4 and 6 person options so you can have as much room as you need. The 3 person version is ideal for a couple looking for a cheap two-man tent without being too cramped.

This is definitely one of the more basic tents on the list but Coleman makes decent equipment for a very reasonable price and the Sundome tent is no different. We have slept in this tent on a camping trip in Tofino where it did the job just fine. We definitely rate this as the best budget 2 man tent on the list.

The setup for this tent is nice and easy, making it a great option for people who don’t camp often and want a tent that they can easily set up in just a few minutes.

It is designed to be waterproof and for most conditions, this is the case, but we did experience some very minor leakage in torrential rain. It weighs in at just under 4 kgs and doesn’t pack down very small so this is definitely not a tent you would want to have to carry too far.

What we like:

• Excellent value for money
• Quick and easy setup

What we don’t like:

• Not the most spacious option. The 3 person version is ideal for a couple
• Can be minor leakage in heavy rain

>>See the latest prices for the Coleman Sundome tent

Best Tents for Backpacking

This section will focus on great options for a lightweight 2 person backpacking tent that will easily fit into your backpack so you can hike into the mountains for a few days. The best tents for hiking are usually smaller and more lightweight than tents designed for car camping, and they are much easier to carry long distances and will allow you to explore more. Check out some of these awesome options for a 2 man backpacking tent.

Tent	Floor Area	Capacity	Weight	Price
MSR Elixir 2	29 sq. ft.	1p, 2p, 3p, 4p	2.77 kg	See Price
MSR Hubba Hubba	29 sq. ft.	1p, 2p, 3p,	1.76 kg	See Price
Nemo Aurora Backpacking Tent	31.3 sq. ft.	2p, 3p	2.67 kg	See Price
Marmot Limelight	32 sq. ft.	2p, 3p	2.55 kg	See Price
REI Co-op Passage 2	31.1 sq. ft.	2p	2.42 kg	See Price
Marmot Tungsten	32 sq. ft.	2p, 3p	2.18 kg	See Price
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent	29.75 sq. ft.	2p	1.81 kg	See Price

MSR Hubba Hubba 2

The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is essentially a smaller, lighter and more expensive version of the MSR Elixir 2. If reducing the size and weight of your pack is essential for you as you venture out into the wild, then this may be a great option and it is the best lightweight 2 person tent that MSR offers and one of the best overall hiking tents.

The Hubba Hubba weighs in at only 1.76 kgs and packs into the stuff sack to be considerably smaller than the Elixir so it will be easier to pack in your bag, especially on those longer trips. The Hubba Hubba even comes with lightweight pegs to reduce the overall weight and all this adds up to make it one of the best backpacking tents for 2.

The design is quite similar to the Elixir as it uses a pole across the middle of the tent to square off the sides and gives you much more room than traditional tent setups with sloped sides. While it may look small from the outside it feels quite roomy on the inside and is perfect for a couple to share comfortably plus they make a 3 person version if you want to upsize.

The major downside of this tent is that it is a significant jump in price to shed the extra weight, so you will need to decide how important packing light is to you. All around, we think this is one of the best small tents for camping.

What we like:

• Clever design makes the interior feel spacious
• Lightweight and packs up small

What we don’t like:

• Very expensive
• Some reports of seams leaking in heavy rain

>>See the latest prices for the MSR Hubba Hubba at MEC and REI

Nemo Aurora Backpacking Tent

Nemo is renowned for making top-quality camping and hiking gear and the Nemo Aurora tent is yet another example of this. The Aurora is designed to be light enough to take with you on a hike but roomy enough to be able to actually spend some time inside it. The construction is very similar to the Hubba Hubba and it weighs in at 2.67 kgs which makes it a good 2 man hiking tent.

This tent has extremely large vestibules on both sides which makes storing your gear so easy. There’s no way you’ll run out of storage space with this tent which is awesome. It’s also a little bit longer than most tents which provides some extra room for those who are really tall or some space inside the tent to store gear you need to keep dry. This tent comes in both a 2 or 3 person size.

There’s not much to dislike about this tent but all these good things do come at a hefty price. Although we think the quality of the materials and overall functionality does warrant the higher price tag, much like the MSR Hubba Hubba.

What we like:

• Spacious inside
• Huge vestibules to store all your gear

What we don’t like:

• Expensive
• Not the lightest weight tent

>>See the latest prices for the Nemo Aurora Backpacking tent

Marmot Limelight

Marmot is another company that makes fantastic camping gear and the Marmot Limelight is a great mid-range option for those looking for a small two-man tent. While it is a little heavier than some of the more expensive options, weighing 2.55 kgs for the 2 person, (it also comes in a 3 person version), you can still take it on long backpacking trips or set up next to your car and enjoy the roomy interior space.

The limelight is also one of the best-looking tents on the list so if you want that perfect camp photo this is a nice choice.

The huge doors give you easy access in and out of the tent and this does feel like one of the roomier tents that are included in the backpacking section which is nice even for couples who like to snuggle up together.

While it may not be the best 2 man backpacking tent it should definitely be considered by those on a tighter budget. The lower cost does get you slightly heavier and lower quality materials but it will still last you for ages if you take care of it.

What we like:

• Lots of features at an affordable price
• Large doors on both sides

What we don’t like:

• Not the lightest 2 man tent on the list
• Materials aren’t as high quality as other tents on the list

>>See the latest prices for the Marmot Limelight

REI Co-op Passage 2

REI provides a wide selection of amazing gear but their own line of tents is a fantastic choice for those couples looking to buy the best cheap tents for hiking. You’ll get good quality at a more affordable price with the REI Co-op Passage 2 tent and it is a superb entry-level tent.

You’ll find this tent easy to set up in just a few minutes and it comes with a footprint which is a nice touch as some of the other, more expensive tents on this list don’t even come with a footprint. For those wondering, a footprint is a small sheet that sits under your tent to protect it.

This is a fairly compact 2 person tent as the sides taper in as there is no horizontal pole across the top to give you extra room like in many other more expensive tents.

At this price point you also don’t get the same amount of inner stash pockets but overall we think this is one of the best deals out there, especially if you don’t need all the bells and whistles. It does weigh 2.55 kgs but that is to be expected in this sort of price range.

What we like:

• Excellent value. One of the best affordable tents for backpacking
• Easy to set up

What we don’t like:

• Slanted sides make interior space feel smaller
• Fewer interior stash pockets

>>See the latest prices for the REI Co-op Passage 2

Marmot Tungsten

Another awesome two man backpacking tent that is perfect for couples is the Marmot Tungsten. It’s one of the more budget-friendly tents and one of the best affordable tents for camping and backpacking. Like all of the more budget options, this is slightly heavier at 2.38 kgs but that’s still easy enough to carry in a backpack.

While the tent design is similar to others on the list in the fact the sides don’t taper in as much, this is one of the smaller tents with this design. But if you are happy enough getting cozy with your partner, then this shouldn’t be too much of a worry. They do also make a 3 person version as well if you are looking for more space.

What we like:

• High quality product for the price
• Good ventilation

What we don’t like:

• Quite heavy for a true backpacking tent
• Smaller inside area

>>See the latest prices for the Marmot Tungsten

Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent

This small 2 man tent comes in as the cheapest backpacking tent on our list. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best cheap 2 person tent out there but if you are looking for a super budget-friendly option then this is a good choice. Even at this price point, you get a pole layout that squares off the walls to make it feel roomier inside and while it is heavy at 2.72 kgs, we don’t think this is that bad for a tent this cheap.

The quality of the Featherstone is definitely not as good as the other tents on this list. I wouldn’t expect this tent to last you for years and years and when it is set up you’ll notice the rain fly doesn’t fit as tight as many other tent choices – but again this is to be expected at this price.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend when looking for small 2 person tents but just want to get outdoors, this will definitely do the job for you, even if it isn’t the best two-man backpacking tent out there.

What we like:

• Very cheap
• Pole construction is similar to more expensive tents

What we don’t like:

• Lower quality materials
• Rain fly doesn’t pull super tight

>>See the latest prices for the Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent here

Best Tents for Car Camping

While backpacking tents are all about minimizing size and weight, the tents below are designed for regular camping where you can drive in and don’t have to carry the tent for too long. The big bonus with these types of tents is that they offer much better living areas and much more space as they don’t need to be small and ultralight.

Some of the tents on this list aren’t specifically designed for couples but we think the extra room they give will mean you and your partner will have a much more enjoyable experience without having your noses pressed against each other as you sleep.

Tent	Floor Area	Capacity	Weight	Price
Coleman Sundome Tent	35 sq. ft.	2p, 3p, 4p, 6p	3.4 kg	See Price
REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent	59.7 sq. ft.	4p, 6p	6.41 kg	See Price
Coleman Cabin Camping Tent	88 sq. ft.	4p, 6p	9.93 kg	See Price
Coleman Pop-Up Tent	28.71 sq. ft.	2p, 4p	2.91 kg	See Price
Kelty Discovery Dome 4 Tent	55.3 sq. ft.	4p, 6p	4.31 kg	See Price
Moon Lence Pop-Up Tent	54.2 sq. ft.	4p	4.54 kg	See Price

REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent

If you are looking for a boxy and spacious tent for a couple of campers to enjoy then the REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 tent is an excellent choice. The sides are almost vertical which maximizes the already generous amount of space inside the tent. The floor area on this tent is just under 60 square feet and the peak height is 6.25 feet which means you can comfortably stand up and walk around inside the tent.

As with all tents that have high sides, it will not be one of the best tents for wind so is better for fair weather camping. The large size and high-quality materials also make this a big and heavy tent that will take up a decent amount of space in your car. The ventilation in this tent isn’t bad but there are some better options out there.

What we like:

• Huge interior space
• High quality materials that will last longer than some cheaper options

What we don’t like:

• Not good in the wind
• Ventilation is not the best

>>See the latest prices for the REI Co-op Grand Hut 4 Tent here

Coleman Cabin Camping Tent

The Coleman Sundome Tent took our overall pick for best budget 2 man tent and it’s no surprise that we’ll jump right in with another tent from Coleman. They make decent quality gear at reasonable prices that are ideal for people who might not be out camping every weekend. The Coleman Cabin tent comes in a 4 or 6 person version and has so much space for you to unwind in and is tall enough to stand up in (tall people will need to crouch a bit).

It sets up in 10 minutes, has a huge porch to store extra gear and is really well priced. One of the main reasons you may not want this tent for 2 people is that it may end up being too large for you.

The other issue you may face is strong winds. High-sided tents like this are not ideal when the wind starts blowing but if you only plan to take it out in fair weather this is an excellent choice.

What we like:

• So much interior room and a large porch
• Panoramic windows for light and ventilation

What we don’t like:

• Very large for just 2 people
• High sided so won’t hold up well in the wind

>>See the latest prices for the Coleman Cabin Camping Tent here

Coleman Pop-Up Tent

Yet another awesome, budget tent from Coleman that will take seconds to set up. The Coleman pop-up tent comes in both a 2 and 4 person version so you can decide how much extra space you need. Once you pull this tent out of the bag it literally springs into place in a couple of seconds which makes setting up camp a dream and overall is one of the best pop-up tents for camping.

Anyone who has ever used a pop-up tent like this before knows the pain of trying to get it back in the bag. Once you learn the trick to it, it’s easy but until then it can be infuriating.

We really like the rainfly at the top that can be rolled back on a warm and dry evening for stargazing and extra ventilation and there really is no easier way to set up camp than with this tent. And when the rain comes it’s nice to know your 2 man pop-up tent is waterproof.

Until you learn the trick to folding it back up again it can be incredibly frustrating and the door zippers aren’t fantastic either. But for the price, this one is the best 2 man pop-up tent and you’ll get to enjoy sitting around watching everyone else set up their tents while you relax with a cold drink.

What we like:

• Easiest tent on the list to set up
• Rain fly rolls away for extra ventilation on warm nights

What we don’t like:

• Initially difficult to put away
• Low quality zippers

>>See the latest prices for the Coleman Pop-Up Tent here

Kelty Discovery Dome 4 Tent

For those really wanting to buy a tent on a budget another great choice is the Kelty Discovery Dome 4 Tent. It’s a little bit smaller than the REI Grand Hut mentioned above, but there is still a lot of room for 2 people and it is a lot cheaper as well. There is lots of ventilation so this is a nice option for warm weather camping and the setup is a breeze.

With a tent at this price, it isn’t going to be the highest quality materials so keep that in mind that it won’t last a lifetime. The zipper also tends to get stuck on the door quite a lot which isn’t the end of the world but can be quite annoying.

For the price we think this is a good deal overall and is a good tent for the occasional camper.

What we like:

• Very cheap
• Good ventilation

What we don’t like:

• Low quality materials
• Zipper gets stuck on the door

>>See the latest prices for the Kelty Discovery Dome Tent here

Moon Lence Pop-Up Tent

Pop up tents are an excellent option for those that want the easiest possible setup and takedown when going camping. A popup tent goes up in a matter of minutes and you’ll be ready to crawl into bed in no time with the Moon Lence Pop Up Tent. It is a 4 person tent but we think this is actually the perfect size for a couple, especially if you use an inflatable mattress when camping.

It has two doors, hanging pockets and a hook in the middle for hanging lights. While not packed with features it has all the basics you need. The attached rainfly doesn’t cover the entire door so you may get wet on particularly rainy and windy days. And again, at this price, it isn’t going to last forever.

What we like:

• Easy setup and take down
• Very cheap

What we don’t like:

• Not great for bad weather
• Not the most durable tent

>>See the latest prices for the Moon Lence Pop Up Tent here

Things to Consider When Buying a Tent

Buying a new tent is awesome. You’re getting a portable home that you can enjoy on weekends, holidays and trips away with your friends. You want to make sure you consider some if not all of the following options to make sure you get the tent that’s right for you. Tents come in all shapes and sizes and the best choice will vary greatly for each person based on some of the below factors.

Car Camping vs Backpacking

This is the single most important factor when deciding which tent to buy. If you are camping next to your car you can afford to carry a much larger and heavier tent and it’s really nice to have the extra space in a larger tent when camping. Then you can put in air mattresses, cots and whatever else you feel like bringing. The best tents for car camping are usually the ones that offer you the extra space.

If you need a tent to take backcountry camping then you really want to consider a much smaller and lighter tent that is easy to carry in your backpack over long distances. It won’t be quite as spacious and luxurious as some of the larger tents, but it is awesome to be able to carry a shelter on your back so you can sleep out in the wilderness.

Think about what type of camping you plan to do and this should help make your decision much easier.

Floor Space and Peak Size

This is a similar consideration to the one above but you will want to consider the interior size of the tent and its peak height. Some tents will allow you to fully stand up which makes moving around and getting changed really easy, while others are just about big enough to sit up in.

You will also want to think of how close you want to be to the other person in the tent. If you are a couple and don’t mind getting up close and personal then you don’t need to worry too much about having a huge floor space. However, if you want plenty of space to sleep or you are looking for the best tents for camping with dogs then you may want to consider a 3 or 4 person tent which offers you much more room. Several of the backpacking tents come in 3 person sizes and are still small and light enough to hike with.

Storage Space

While interior storage is important, the vestibules or porches that provide external storage are important as well, especially if you are traveling with gear. If you are cycling or hiking you may want a 2 person tent with a vestibule that is big enough to store some gear outside of the main sleeping area. Almost all of the tents on the list have some form of storage but depending on the activity you are using it for you may need some extra space.

The Coleman Cabin Camping Tent has a huge porch that could easily fit mountain bikes or camp chairs or almost anything else you may have on your adventures. If you want to keep a closer eye on your gear overnight then look for a 2 person tent with vestibules large enough to store your gear.

Packed Size and Weight

This is more of an issue for backpacking tent. You need to decide how much space you have in your bag to pack a tent and how much weight you are willing to carry. Some hikers love having an ultralight setup when they head into the backcountry and this is where you may want to choose something like the MSR Hubba Hubba to really reduce the weight of your pack.

If you aren’t quite as bothered about carrying some extra weight, something like the MSR Elixir is a great option at a much cheaper price. It does still come into the equation for car camping as well as some of the larger tents do pack away quite large so you need to ensure you have the room in your car for them.

Set Up and Take Down

I absolutely love setting my tent up every time I go camping. It’s usually a sign of the start of an epic adventure. But I understand not everyone enjoys this and I don’t think many people enjoy taking a tent down and packing it away.

There are a couple of tents on this list that are ridiculously easy to set up and takedown, such as the Moon Lence Pop-up Tent. If you hate messing around, trying to set up your tent, then it may be best to consider one of these super easy tents. None of the tents on this list are particularly difficult to set up but some are certainly easier than others.

Weather Resistance

We all hope we are going to get sunshine and blue skies when we go out camping but unfortunately, it doesn’t always turn out like this. Wind and rain can often sweep in and if you don’t have a weather-resistant tent you are going to have a bad time. All of the tents on this list offer weather protection but some are much better than others.

A general rule is that the more money you spend, the higher quality the materials will be and this makes it more likely you will manage to stay dry. This isn’t always the case but is generally a good rule that the best waterproof tents for camping are more expensive.

If you plan on camping up in the mountains or in exposed places where it gets really windy, then the larger high sided tents may not be a great choice. The best tents for windy conditions are usually smaller and don’t have large square sides that will catch the wind. You should also look for a tent with plenty of guy ropes and staking points to anchor your tent against the wind and keep the rain fly nice and taught.

Ventilation

If you live in a warmer climate or tend to sleep really hot then you should get a tent with excellent ventilation to let air flow through and keep the temperature down. Some of the larger tents have large mesh windows and doors that are excellent on warm and dry days and will let a lot of air circulate through.

Many of the backpacking tents can be used without the fly and we have set our tent up with no fly on particularly warm nights in the summer and you really notice the difference.

Warmth

On the flip side, if you are camping in colder climates, or spending time in the alpine, then you will want a tent that will keep you warm throughout the night. A good quality rain fly that doesn’t leave much of a gap around the edges will really help you to keep warm. Some tents on the list don’t have full rain flies and would not be the best tents for cold weather as they let the warm air out and the cold air in.

The size of your tent will also play a part in keeping warm. A smaller tent will heat up more easily and feel warmer with 2 people in it than a much larger tent with lots of space. If you think you will be camping in colder conditions, then the best camping tents for cold weather are usually small 2 person tents.

If you are looking for a tent to camp in the snow then you will want to buy a 4 season tent, rather than a 3 season tent. A 4 season tent is built with more heavy duty materials to help keep you warm and dry in snowy, freezing conditions.

For more tips check out our full blog on How to Stay Warm in a Tent.

Footprints

Many tents will come with a footprint. This is a piece of material that goes underneath your tent. The main benefit of a footprint is that it protects the actual tent body from wear and tear, and footprints are much cheaper to replace than an entire tent body.

If you want your tent to last for as long as possible then we highly recommend buying a tent with a footprint or buying a footprint separately if it doesn’t come with one. A footprint also gives you a little bit of extra insulation from the cold ground as well.

Final Thoughts

Getting out in your new tent is such an awesome thing to do and you’ll have endless amazing nights spent out under the stars in your new tent. We hope that our list of the best tents for couples has helped you to make the right decision and we are confident that all of the tents on the list are worth having, depending on your needs. Writing these 2 man tent reviews was a blast for us and we hope you get the tent that is just right for you.

Have you purchased one of the tents on this list? Let us know what you bought and how you like it in the comments.

---

Interested in picking up some new gear? Check out some of our other gear guides:

• BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING BAGS UNDER $100
• BEST CAMERAS FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING
• BEST MESS KITS FOR CAMPING AND BACKPACKING
• PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER HOODY REVIEW
• PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER VS NANO PUFF
• DAY HIKE PACKING LIST | Essential Gear Guide
• THE BEST CAMERAS FOR BLOGGERS