A quality topnotch tent is not impossible to find. But, can you get something awesome and with an affordable price tag too? Is that even possible??? Oh, it is very possible indeed! Welcome to the top 10 best backpacking tent under 100 reviews. Just because we are called ideal campers does not mean that we don’t understand what you backpackers need, cool yeah! In this article, we give you 10 of the most exciting and cheap priced tents that you can take on your next backpacking journey. From lightweight to weatherproof features, our top 10 picks come with all sorts of awesomeness. So… what are we waiting for! Let’s begin!
We reviewed step by step the top 10 best backpacking tent under 100 dollars in the market right now and you know what? These 3 products have fulfilled our all demand to buy them right away. Have a quick look!
Quick Overview
List of top 10 best backpacking tent under 100 dollars:
1. Backpacking Best 6 Person Tent Under 100- MOON LENCE Waterproof Family Camping Tent.
2. Best budget backpacking tent- Yodo Lightweight 2 Person Backpacking Tent.
3. Best waterproof tent under 100 for backpackers- MOON LENCE Double Layer Backpacking Tent 1/2 person.
4. Best ultralight tent under 100 for camping and hiking- Forceatt Backpacking 2/3 Person Tent 4 seasons.
5. Best 2 person tent under 100 dollars- Bessport Two Person Waterproof Lightweight Backpacking Tent.
6. Best dome tent under 100 for backpacking MountainCattle 2 Person Backpacking Dome Tent.
7. Best 3 person tent under 100 for outdoor travel- BFULL Waterproof Lightweight Backpacking Tent.
8. Best 4 person tent under 100 for backpacking mountaineering- MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent.
9. Best instant tent for backpacking and hiking- TETON Outfitter XXL Quick Tent.
10. Best large tent for two backpackers. Clostnature 2 Person Backpacking Lightweight Waterproof Tent.
5 Things to Know Before Buying the Best Backpacking Tent
Looking to go backpacking with a tent? Well, the first thing most backpackers see is the weight. You wanna take something that’ll not become a burden for you on the road. And there’s nothing like an ultralight tent for backpackers.
Following up on the lightweight nature, you need something that is easy to carry. So, size does matter and for once you’d want a smaller compact size tent. It’s not like you’ll have a whole family of 15 people, right? So, go for something small.
There’s no skipping weather problem, is there? And the weather seems to just get the best of us when we are going camping and whatnot. That is why a waterproof tent is always the best option. Strong poles, top fabric, good seams, and sealed floor are the things you should look for.
Whether it’s hot or not, it is always nice to get some air inside the tent. And a tent with proper ventilation ensures that for you. Mesh body, windows, and even doors play a role in providing the breathability you need.
Backpacking, huh? That means you’d be moving around a lot. Then how about an easy to setup tent? Backpackers certainly would not like spending 20 minutes on setting up their tent. Best setup design comes with an instant popup tent.
Top 10 Best Backpacking Tent under 100 dollar reviews
The topic we discussed: Detail product analysis | 7 tips to clean a tent | 5 steps to set up a tent | Best backpacking tent buying guide | Backpacking tent categories and more.
1. MOON LENCE Backpacking Best 6 Person Tent Under 100
Key Features:
- The lightweight nature of this tent will come in handy for you backpackers. Also, a nice carry bag ensures easier portability.
- Sewed mesh pockets on the interior sidewall of the tent. In addition, a built-in hook on top for hanging a lantern or even a camping flashlight.
- Mesh fabric, windows, and even a ground vent. All of these provide the perfect ventilation for a more cool experience.
- MOON LENCE is a freestanding tent with clips on the tent to make the setup easy for you.
We Like:
- Easy to carry.
- Excellent breathability.
- Pockets and gear loft.
- Good waterproof fly.
We Dislike:
- The floor is not the best.
- Not so spacious (but this might be for the better for backpacking).
Product Analysis:
We start our 10 best backpacking tent along with this MOON LENCE camping family tent. It has two things most backpackers want in, a lightweight design and an easy to carry option.
Even though it is around 8 pounds, it feels a lot less than that number. The other advantage is that this is not one of those MASSIVE six-person cabin tents. It comes with a compact design more or less. As a result, you can find more ease in carrying it around.
Besides, the included carry bag does make it super easy to move the tent anywhere. This tent actually provides a lot more weather protection than expected. I for one did not expect such good protection within this budget.
The included fly comes with the 190T PU coating Polyester material. In addition, it has a decent waterproof rating of 1000mm. Double layer tent design of course makes it more firm against bad weather.
I cannot say the same about the floor of this tent. It does not come with a bathtub floor design which by the way really goes well for bad weather situations.
With that being said, I don’t honestly think anyone should take this budget backpacking tent in any harsh weather climate. Check out our best tents for bad weather for better options to deal with extreme weather.
Let me tell you something you do not need to worry about at all. Ventilation? MOON LENCE gets full marks with its breathable nature.
A large mesh section helps bring in all the air. In addition, you can stargaze at night too. Moreover, a large D door along with two windows adds to the ventilation. You can either keep windows open or zip them up. Oh there’s even a ground vent too.
Finally, the setup is not bad even though it’ll take some time. Fiberglass poles, guy ropes, fly, and pegs are all included with the product itself.
2. Yodo Lightweight 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Key Features:
- Extremely lightweight tent weighing 3.3 pounds. You’ll love to use this tent as a backpacker.
- Quick and easy setup/takedown in 5 minutes makes this tent great if you are moving from place to place.
- Screened door and top mesh provides a good amount of ventilation for people inside the tent. Sturdy buckle available for the door’s screen.
- Comes with a nice storage bag and the size of this tent allows you to pack up easily.
We Like:
- Ultra-light tent.
- Unbelievable price! Best tent under 50 for backpacking.
- Easy to carry.
- Enough ventilation.
- Quick setup.
- Lantern hanger.
We Dislike:
- Lacks quality.
- Can’t use it in rainy or bad weather conditions.
Product Analysis:
If you thought MOON LENCE was lightweight and easy to carry then this Yodo is gonna blow your mind.
This is truly something for the backpackers. It is compact in size and weighs almost nothing really. As a result, making it easy peasy for you to move with the tent on your back.
Another thing you are sure to appreciate is the quick setup. It takes less time than the MOON LENCE to get this tent ready. Of course, you can do it all alone without needing a second person. More importantly, it is possible to set it up in only 5 minutes.
You can already understand how cool this tent is for backpacking, can’t you? The ultra-lightweight design, easy to carry advantage and the quick setup are all perfect for backpackers.
But unfortunately, this tent is not such a great choice if you are traveling to rainy area. I’ll be honest with you. The Yodo is not gonna handle rough weather so good. In fact, you’ll put yourself in jeopardy. Read our reviews on top 10 best tent for heavy rain.
This small tent provides ample ventilation. And that’s something you would need on those hot summer days. Large mesh side wall vents are great for a good air circulation. In addition, these help to fend off bugs and mosquitos.
Furthermore, the door also has a screen to protect from insects. And it increases overall ventilation of the tent no doubt. You can roll up the door curtain and keep it out of the way for easy in and out of the tent.
Yodo comes with a rainfly vented roof for better breathability, fiberglass poles, metal stakes that keep it firm, and wind ropes too for extra stability.
Oh don’t forget the carry bag that also comes with the tent. And the Yodo goes into the bag nice and easy.
3. MOON LENCE Double Layer Backpacking Tent
Key Features:
- Good fabric and double layer design provide a good durability. Additionally, it comes with a good 2000mm waterproof rating.
- It uses aluminum poles that are lightweight just as much as strong too.
- Two D doors in this tent are perfect for two people to go in and out easily. And the doors help in air circulation too.
- A small storage pocket inside this tent allow keeping of essential things like smartphones.
- The lightweight and small size design makes it easy for transportation.
We Like:
- Very lightweight tent.
- Weather-resistant.
- Best budget backpacking tent.
- Two doors.
- Ventilation.
- Long-lasting.
We Dislike:
- Your perfect backpacking tent. Nothing we disliked about this tent.
Product Analysis:
This is without any doubt the best backpacking tent under 100. It has all the right features and I’d like to see you say no to this epic tent.
Backpacking tent means you need something light, isn’t it? And of course, it must be easy to carry, right? Okay then…
This MOON LENCE tent is around 5 pounds in weight. Yep. That is pretty lightweight for traveling around with it on your back. I’d even argue that it is comfortable enough for hikers.
Also, this is not a Godzilla size tent in any way. It can have two people but best experience for single users. This compact and comfortable size makes it even easier to carry.
The Yodo tent might fall short when it comes to handling bad weather. But, this MOON LENCE comes with some heavy-duty weather-resistant stuff. It is pretty impressive for the price.
Both the fly and floor come with an excellent waterproof rating of 2000mm. Your worries about getting wet end when you have this tent. It uses high-quality waterproof fabric too that ensures no sipping of any water.
Oh traveling to a windy place? You need some aluminum tent poles, my friend. And guess what this tent has? Uh-huh! Aluminum alloy poles included that provide great stability in windy situations.
It has a decent setup. Not so quick and easy like the Yodo but it should not cause any trouble for you.
Then the tent has ample ventilation options of course which you are gonna enjoy. It might seem small but the two large D doors are a great addition. Easy in and out possible and great ventilation ensured.
Other than the doors, it also has large section of mesh for continuous breathability.
4. Forceatt Ultralight Backpack Tent
Key Features:
- This tent provides a good space for two. Also, two vestibules make it possible to organize your gears and whatnot.
- A best waterproof tent under 100 for backpackers to consider. Full coverage 75 denier 220T tear-resistant polyester rainfly and good waterproof floor.
- Strong aluminum poles help to resistant the heavy winds. Guy line for resisting wind is also included.
- The tent is pretty lightweight with 5.5 pounds. It is also suitable for backpackers and hikers to carry.
- Features an easy and quick setup in 3 minutes. That is fast!
We Like:
- Excellent weather-resistant features.
- Great waterproof rating.
- Two doors.
- Two vestibules.
- Spacious enough for two.
- Lightning-fast setup.
We Dislike:
- Cheap bag.
Product Analysis:
Forceatt with its cool weather-resistant features might actually undermine the MOON LENCE.
Rain, wind, you name it. This tent is gonna do a great job when the weather is not so pleasant. I like pretty much everything on the offer with this tent.
It has a strong fabric with a waterproof index of 5000mm. And the floor is way better than anything you’ve seen so far in this best backpacking tent under 100 articles.
Welded design tub-like floor means that the bottom is elevated from the ground. Guess what that means? You are staying dry even when the ground is wet.
Moreover, the fly with a waterproof rating of 3000mm really puts the finishing touch to an overall weather-resistant design of this tent. And it is a full coverage one too protecting all parts of the tent.
Okay, it can save you from rain and stuff. And can it keep you cool when the weather gets hot? The simple answer is yes.
Ceiling vents on the top of the tent provide good air circulation. In addition, the micro-mesh fabric adds to the breathability factor. There are also two mesh windows for good ventilation.
By the way, Forceatt also comes with two doors. As a result, you get more ventilation and comfy entrance option.
Buckles and straps make it really easy to set this tent up. It only takes a few steps and you can get the setup done in 3 minutes or so.
Durable, breathable, easy setup is great, but is it lightweight and easy to carry?
This is what you backpackers must be thinking, isn’t it? Well, no worries because it weighs only about 5 pounds and gets down to a size you’ll feel comfortable carrying around.
The Forceatt provides an ideal space for two.
5. Bessport Two Person Tent
Key Features:
- It is a lightweight tent and you can carry it easily from place to place.
- Waterproof, windproof, tear-resistant, quality fabrics ensure all the durability you’d expect from a backpacking tent.
- Comes with preassembled poles and freestanding design. That is why this tent sets up in under 3 minutes.
- Interior space of 31 square feet and 42 inches ceiling height are good measurements for backpacking experience.
- Aluminum tent poles, full-coverage fly, guy line, stakes, and a carry bag are included with the tent.
We Like:
- Easy to carry for backpackers and hikers.
- Quality fabric.
- Waterproof and windproof.
- Spacious for two.
- Fast setup.
- Long-lasting.
We Dislike:
- Low-quality zippers.
Product Analysis:
Best backpacking tent under 100 dollars just keeps on coming. You really can’t oversee one over the other. Here’s another topnotch tent for backpackers and hikers. Bessport goes hand in hand with the Forceatt as far as quality is concerned.
Can you carry it around with ease? Yes sir. The 5 pounds weight distribution ensures that. This tent will not put a burden on your back at all. You’ll easily move around with the tent on your back.
Speaking of burden… we all know how frustrating some tents are when it comes to the setup. Bessport comes with two pre-attached poles with clips that make it super easy and less confusing. Furthermore, the fly also comes with buckles for easy setup.
And the freestanding design of course helps too.
There are windows in this tent. But, the top mesh structure does not let you feel the emptiness of no windows. You’ll get all the air during the hot days through the mesh top. And the fly is of course perfect for the rainy days.
Moreover, there are also two doors in this tent. Both doors have their upper part mixed with the meshed structure. As a result, ventilation continues even when you close the doors.
Bessport is also a spacious tent for two with an area of 31 square feet. 42 inches ceiling does not allow standing up. But hey! You are looking for a backpacking tent after all.
Quality fabric, waterproof design, wind-blocking technology are all available on the Bessport backpacking tent.
68D durable Polyester fabric is a popular one even among the best tents for bad weather. It has welded oxford floor material which will perform good with an extra tarp.
And of course, the full coverage fly does its job and protects you from heavy rain.
6. MountainCattle 2 Person Backpacking Dome Tent
Key Features:
- The inner tent is mesh design. It provides all the ventilation without even needing any windows.
- 210D Polyester is of high quality. The fabric resists water as well as gives UV protection to the user.
- 2000mm waterproof rating ripstop rainfly does its job in keeping you dry always. Also, it is a full coverage one.
- With the rainfly on, you can have yourself a nice vestibule for keeping extra gears. And even create an awning for some shade during the daytime.
We Like:
- Best ultralight tent under 100.
- Good materials.
- Water & UV resistant.
- Perfect ventilation.
- Vestibule & awning.
- Good value.
We Dislike:
- Not freestanding.
Product Analysis:
This is another best two person tent for you. And you backpackers and hikers are gonna love the ultra-lightweight nature of this tent for sure.
That is the main catch with this tent. You will find it suitable if you are moving around a lot. It gives the freedom of taking it anywhere. And it does not put a burden on you at all thanks to the ultra-light design.
The tent provides a decent space on the inside. I would recommend for single use. But, two people can get in there. Besides, you can create a vestibule too which can give you some extra space.
Moreover, an awning is possible to make with this tent. This creates a little area to keep your belongings even when it is raining.
Hmm bad weather, huh? Well, I am more than satisfied with MountainCattle. Especially considering the low price of the tent. This one is gonna keep you safe in a rough climate. Read top 20 best camping tents for extreme weather reviews.
It comes with a quality fabric that has an awesome denier too. And that is not all because the body is polyurethane coated too. You cannot expect anything better than this at this price.
The body is 210D PU coated Polyester with both water and UV resistant advantage.
Moreover, rainfly is of high-density ripstop polyester. And with a waterproof rating of 2000mm, you can forget about getting wet while staying inside this tent.
What about the hot days? MountainCattle has you covered there too. A full mesh body ensures all the ventilation you will need. In addition, mosquitos and insects have no chance of bothering you.
Although not as easy like the Bessport or Forceatt, it still provides a comfortable setup without causing any trouble for you. You’d probably get it standing in 5 minutes or so.
7. BFULL Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Key Features:
- It has a nice and easy setup design for your comfort. And the luminous loop on the tent allows easy identification even at night.
- You’ll enjoy the spacious nature of this tent. It has 41 inches center height and can even accommodate three people [we recommend it for two people].
- Comes with fiberglass pole that is lightweight, strong, and easy to carry for you.
- Good quality Polyester fabric with fully seamed tape ensures a water-free and UV resistant experience for you.
- Inner mesh structure and rainfly vents keep the air running inside the tent at all times. The tent also comes with two large doors.
We Like:
- Excellent weather resistant tent.
- Easy setup.
- Spacious interior.
- Storage bag & ceiling hook.
- Good for first-timers.
- Awesome ventilation.
- Two doors.
We Dislike:
- Not a good floor.
Product Analysis:
BFULL is an all-rounder tent that has all the right features for a good backpacking adventure. You want the best backpacking tent under 100? Then take a good look at this BFULL tent.
It comes with quality fabric and ensures a safe stay for you during rainy season and hot summer days. The fly is high density ripstop 190T Polyester. And it comes with a good waterproof rating too.
Worried about water leakage? It’s got you covered with a fully seam taped design. Need a shade when the sun burns hot? It does a decent job in keeping the heat inside the tent to a minimum.
BFULL has plenty of space on the inside. You can have two people sleep inside the tent comfortably. In addition, another smaller person can also get in there. So, two adults and a kid might find it okay with a bit of congestion.
Best 3 person tent under 100 for backpackers? Is it really?
It has two large doors so that you do not have to go over your partner or anything. You can use any of the doors for a comfy entrance and leave.
Of course, lightweight is a must, isn’t it? You are looking for backpacking advantages after all. BFULL weighs around 5 pounds making it certainly a lightweight tent and easy to carry around when necessary.
No ventilation issues caught our eyes. In fact, it has an awesome breathability nature. The tent mesh body ensures plenty of air circulation. In addition, you can even enjoy the air with the fly on.
The fly comes with nice little adjustable vents. As a result, you have all the breathability inside this tent.
Finally, you can set it up a lot quicker than most cheap tents. It is also faster and easier than the MountainCattle. You’ll get it up within 3 minutes.
8. MOON LENCE Instant Pop Up Tent
Key Features:
- It has plenty of interior space. You can have 4-5 people easily sleeping inside this tent. Backpacker’s best family tent under 100.
- Windows on all sides give you a good ventilation. Besides, these keep mosquitos and stuff out too.
- Instant pop up design means that you can set this tent up and even take it down in about 1 minute. Seriously!
- It comes with a decent waterproof rating and somewhat protects you from the heat of the sun too.
- Storage pocket for keeping things and a gear loft to hang a light are integrated on the inside of the tent.
We Like:
- Spacious tent.
- Best setup.
- 4 windows.
- Storage pocket and hook.
- Good value for the price.
We Dislike:
- Heavy & not the easiest to carry around.
- Needs improve waterproof technology.
Recommended: Top 10 best waterproof tents for camping and backpacking reviews.
Product Analysis:
BFULL tent is a spacious one but this MOON LENCE brings more when it comes to a large interior space. This is the best 4 person tent under 100 for backpacking.
Now, let me clear up something first. This tent does fall on the heavy side. As a result, it might not appeal more to you, backpacking enthusiasts.
With that being said, let’s talk about the good stuff.
Space, right? Well, like I said… it provides plenty of interior space for you to enjoy. 4-5 people can have a good time inside this tent. Also, it has a greater headspace and a decent area to keep camping gears and whatnot.
Wanna know the best part about this tent? The most exciting thing is the setup. Instant pop up tent. You know what that means don’t you? This MOON LENCE is not gonna cause any trouble for you.
Setting it up in under a minute is nothing difficult with this tent.
Breathability is fine enough thanks to small windows on all sides. There is even a large door for added ventilation. Don’t worry about mosquito bites either because the mesh structure is in this tent.
Is it weather resistant? I cannot fully vouch for its weather-resistant features. But, you should know that it does come with 190T Polyester fabric and has a decent waterproof rating too.
The issue is more with the strong windy situations. That is why we do recommend that you stake it down very well. By the way, the tent does come with guy ropes, pegs and stuff.
One more thing you can enjoy inside the tent is the gear loft. Get a nice camping flashlight or a lantern and hang it for an illuminated tent at night. And there are integrated pockets on the inside to keep things like smartphone or a hand watch.
9. TETON Outfitter XXL Quick Tent
Key Features:
- This tent sets up in an instant and it is easy for you too. No need to assemble poles or attach clips.
- A built-in gear loft allows keeping phones and tablets or hanging a lantern for illuminating the tent at night.
- Freestanding and gives you the freedom of keeping it on the ground or setting up on a camping cot.
- Full mesh on top ensures proper ventilation always. And it comes with a decent full coverage rainfly too.
We Like:
- Sets up in a zippy.
- Lightweight & easy to carry.
- Fine breathability.
- Gear loft.
- Cot or ground setup.
- Waterproof base.
We Dislike:
- No pockets.
- Not entirely reliable for rough weather.
Product Analysis:
TETON Outfitter has what every backpacking enthusiasts want. Easy to carry, weighs almost nothing, sets up in no time and it is truly best backpacking tent under 100 no doubt.
Let’s start with the setup. You need something to not confuse you? Need a lightning-fast set up so that you can start focusing on other jobs at hand? Well my friend, you simply cannot overlook this tent.
It has the instant pop setup design. As a result, it takes like 15 seconds to set it up! Yes seriously! Roll in out, lock the poles, pull the drawstring and voila! Enjoy the tent.
It is very lightweight too. Weighs around 4 pounds or so. That is why this tent will make a great addition for a backpacking journey. Besides, it is one person tent and doesn’t take a lot of space. So, you can move around with it in comfort.
By the way, it is a freestanding tent and it gives you the versatility of setting up on the ground or a cot.
Now, I would recommend you not to use this tent under extreme weather conditions. More so, it is better to keep it away from heavy windy areas.
The tent does come with a standard waterproof rainfly. But, do not fully rely on it to protect you when the rain really pours down. Try getting a more elite fly separately.
You can have yourself a nice little vestibule to keep things dry and safe.
I am pretty satisfied with the breathability of this little devil. The top is full mesh. So, you don’t have to swim in your sweats on those hot days when the temperature becomes unbearable.
One way entrance with a large door. Also, a gear loft for lighting or keeping essential things is available on the tent.
10. Clostnature 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Key Features:
- Excellent weather resistant features are in this tent. You will find it suitable for bad weather conditions.
- Two vestibules and a nice awning is at your disposal for keeping things dry when the clouds gather in the sky. You can say it is your best 2 person tent under 100.
- Plenty of ventilation available thanks to the full meshed inner tent structure.
- Small storage pocket on the inside allows keeping things where you will not forget.
We Like:
- Weather-resistant.
- Good waterproof traits.
- Fine ventilation.
- Two doors & two vestibules.
- Front awning.
- Emergency repair kit.
We Dislike:
- Nothing mentionable. You’ll have a blast with this tent.
Product Analysis:
We are finishing off with a bang! Don’t think anything less about the Clostnature just because it comes last. This is an overall great choice for campers, backpackers, hikers, scouting etc.
Soo… what is on the offer? You name it and this tent’s got it!
Let’s focus on the uniqueness first. The fly along with the floor work great in giving the best weather resistant tent experience. And you can even make use of two vestibules to keep things safe and sound.
Truly comes with a genuine fabric. The fly is 210T Polyester that will for sure resist rain and increase the durability of your tent. In addition, oxford bathtub floor ensures a sealed bottom. Both fly and floor are PU5000 coated.
Moreover, it comes with factory sealed seams. Of course, it needs no mention that this keeps you safe and dry in all weather conditions.
Happy with the weatherproof features? You should be!
Well, there’s no lacking of breathability either. Take off the fly and enjoy all the air while staying inside thanks to the full mesh inner tent structure. Also, make use of the two large doors and move in and out of the tent without bothering your partner.
Soo… weatherproof? Checked! Breathability? Checked!
How about the weight? You would like to carry it without difficulty, right?
I’ll be honest with you. It is not the lightest backpacking tent out there. Coming in with a weight of around 5.5 pounds, you can still back it nice inside your backpack thanks to its reasonable compact size.
Oh, this is a freestanding tent too by the way. As a result, you can set it up almost anywhere without even needing any stakes. But, it still comes with stakes and other common camping essentials including an emergency repair kit.
This is the end of our top 10 best backpacking tent under 100 reviews. Hope you have been benefited a lot to find your perfect deal out of these awesome and cool tents collection. All the tents are under 100 dollars, some of them are much cheaper with great features as well. Now we’ll be starting some important things to share with you. Let’s start with some necessary tips to clean a tent properly.
Top 7 Tips to Clean a Tent
Having a dirty tent at the end of a camping or backpacking journey is pretty common. But, your tent does not have to come home with you in the dirt. Here are our 7 cool tips you can follow for cleaning a tent:
1. No Washing Machine!
Got a dirty tent? No problem. Throw it into the washing machine, right? NOPE! The first and simple rule of cleaning a tent is not “washing machining” it!
Tents are simply not made to go through all the spinning and stuff. You will only put your precious tent at risk if you put it into a washing machine.
What can happen? The fabric might stretch or tear up including other parts of the tent-like any mesh area. In addition, the seams can also break up and you can say goodbye to the waterproof design of your tent.
It does not matter whether you have the best backpacking tent under 100. NEVER USE WASHING MACHINE!
So, what should you do? Go old school and manual and use your hands. Yep. That’s how you’ll clean even the dirtiest tent.
You can use a non-abrasive sponge. Be careful! You do not wanna scrub too hard and damage the tent or nullify its waterproof feature.
2. Bad Odors?
Opening up the drawer and finding a stinky tent is no way to start your camping season. But wait… a tent that smells like your grandpa’s socks does not mean the end of your camping dreams.
Removing bad odors from the tent is simpler than you might think. Get an odor eliminator. Revivex Odor Eliminator is pretty common for tents. You can go to that one.
Mix the eliminator with a sufficient amount of water. And then soak the tent in the mixture for about 5 minutes. Don’t spend too much time. Then dry up the tent and you should have a stinky free tent.
3. Be Careful Using Hot Water & Soap
I’ll be first to admit that warm water and soap do help to clean up a tent. In fact, these play a vital role in cleaning many different tents.
But, some tent materials can get damaged with hot water or soap. That is why we advise that you read the instruction of your tent. And try asking an expert if you can wash your tent with hot water and soap.
4. General Cleaning Steps
Take the tent out in the opening and follow these steps:
- Clean the tent and take out any debris or dust using a brush or something.
- Begin scrubbing the tent especially the dirty areas that are easily visible. Don’t use anything too harsh or abrasive. You can use soap (depends on your tent’s material).
- Make a mixture of a cleaner and some warm water (hot water can damage some tent). Soak in the tent and wash it inside out.
- Take out the water and add clean fresh water to rinse the tent.
5. Drying Is Important!
The last thing you wanna do is take a wet tent home. Always dry up the tent before heading back home.
This is also true in case of cleaning the tent. You must air dry the tent before putting it back into the closet. Mold and mildew easily grow on wet tents and ultimately create bad odors.
6. Proper Storage
Storing the tent in a proper place after a nice cleaning is essential. You don’t wanna clean your tent only to put it back in a place where it might pick up a stinky smell again.
A lot of people think it is fine to keep it in the included carry bag. Don’t be one of those. Store the tent in a cool, dry, and safe place. A plastic container is a good choice.
Avoid hot places and areas where the tent has a chance of getting wet.
7. Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Well, you cannot expect to go backpacking or camping and come back home with the same clean fresh tent. But, what you can do is save your tent to an extent.
Taking your favorite pet? Then don’t leave them inside the tent.
Ready to leave the campsite? Wait! Don’t pack up the tent just yet. Dry first and then get in your car.
Pick a nice dry spot to set up your tent. Wet grounds are your worst enemy. That is why we always recommend that you use a footprint.
Be sure to clean up if you have your food inside the tent.
If you don’t wanna bother cleaning the tent too often then you better take good care of the tent.
Easy 5 Steps to Set Up a Tent
Of course, different tents come with different setup design. For example, instant pop up tent like our TETON Outfitter XXL quick tent requires you to do almost nothing.
But, we’ll give you a general idea here of how to set up a tent easily.
- Layout your tent on the ground. If you use a tarp then put it on the ground before laying out the tent. Then put the tent over the tarp.
- Stake down all the corners of the tent. Although freestanding tents do not need to be staked, we still recommend you use stakes with any tent.
- Many tents come with their poles already assembled. If that is not the case with your tent then insert the poles in their right positions. Color-coded ones are less confusing for you. But, you should find the right guidance in the instruction manual anyway.
- Raise the tent. Simple bend the poles and make erect. In the end, you can attach the tent body to the poles via clips or Velcro.
- Finally, add proper safety and put the rainfly over your tent so that you stay dry for good. Many top camping or backpacking tents do come with the color-coded features. As a result, it is easier for you to put the cover on.
Remember that this is only a general way of setting up any tent. Your specific tent might have different features and ways to set up. So, don’t forget to follow the user manual that comes with your tent.
Best Backpacking Tent Buying Guide
You can’t simply expect to get the best backpacking tent under 100 without having the proper knowledge, right or wrong? Don’t worry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know right now for a better idea about backpacking tents.
1. Backpacking Tent? What are these?
A tent is a tent, right? Why would we use a fancy term like a backpacking tent? Well, it means that not all tents are the same, isn’t it? And a backpacking tent has its own traits.
Backpacking tents are the ones that are easiest to carry around. So, weight and size are generally a lot less in these tents for the ease of a backpacker.
One advantage of backpacking tents comes at an affordable price.
2. Materials & Wall Design
Like any other tents, backpacking tents also come with a variety of different materials and design. Of course, you must already know how important the material of a tent is.
So, let’s first talk a little bit about wall design.
Single wall vs. double wall, isn’t it? Which one do you go for?
A single-wall tent of course is lightweight. So, that’s something for you, backpackers to take note. And as the name suggests, there is the only layer of fabric without any rain covering or something of that sort.
The big advantage of double-layer tents is protection. If you are traveling to some bad weather place then the double-wall design is your best option.
Two layers include an outer rainfly which is more often than not fully waterproof. In addition, the inner wall is generally a lighter meshed structure for greater ventilation.
So… if the weather is not your primary concern or any concern at all really then single wall tents are not bad for backpacking. But, don’t underestimate the long-lasting nature of double-layer tents.
Okay then let’s move on to the materials.
Polyester, Nylon, Oxford… you know them all. I have found Polyester fabric to be most common in tents and also more effective. It is not an only fabric with a good denier rating. Extra waterproof ratings or PU coating are also great for that extra durability in your tent.
Keep these simple tips in your mind for picking the best backpacking tent under 100 or otherwise.
3. Freestanding vs. Non-freestanding
Well, there’s no question which one is better when it comes to setting up the tent, isn’t it? Freestanding tents are known for their quick and easy setup features.
So, let’s skip the setup advantage because freestanding gets all the marks.
Something else I appreciate about these tents is how you can move them around without taking them down. Are you with me?
So, you set up the tent, lie down inside the tent only to find some rocks beneath. What do you do? If you have a freestanding tent then you can simply lift the tent and move it away from the rocks.
But, you’d have to take down the whole tent in case of non-freestanding.
Well, you can look around and set up the tent in a no rocky area in the first place lol. Nonetheless, it is still an advantage you get with freestanding tents.
Now, I know many people fuss about how freestanding does not need any staking. Look, the general and golden rule that we always advise people is to stake your tents no matter what.
If you do not want the wind to blow your tent away then use stakes. A freestanding tent might stand without any stakes but that does not mean it won’t blow away when heavy wind crosses the path.
Some Common Backpacking Tent Types
We can classify tents based on different things like season, shape, size, etc. Here are some common types you’ll find in the market today.
Three Season Tents: A mesh structure for good ventilation, a water-resistant fabric, and strong poles for staying firm in windy conditions. Most 3 season tents are gonna offer these to you. [Not best for storms & extreme snow]
Screen Tents: A simple single-layer construction to protect you from bugs and provide maximum ventilation. These are best for those hot summer days. Not for any bad weather conditions.
Four Season Tents: These are the tents that give you full weather protection. Downpour rains, heavy snow, extreme winds… you name it. These are built to handle any rough situations.
Dome Shaped Tents: Dome tents are among the most popular backpacking tents. These come to a good interior space even though not always have a suitable headspace. You can also use these in difficult weather conditions.
Popup/Instant Tents: The easiest setup and takedown are found in these tents. Not only that, but popup tents also tend to provide ample space on the inside.
You will not find many backpacking tents falling outside of these categories. Each has its pros and cons. You should go with the ones that suit your situation and need.
Extra Things to Know About Tents
Tent poles play a vital role in keeping your tent stable. In addition, they provide the shape of the tent too. We always recommend going with aluminum poles because they are strong and lightweight which is ideal for backpacking.
Got the best backpacking tent under 100 for yourself? Think you have nothing more to worry about? Well, I’ve got some news for you my friend because getting the best tent under 100 even for your backpacking trip is not enough.
It does not matter how cool and topnotch tent you purchase. You better keep an extra tarp with you. An extra tarp protects you from down below and also reduces the change of your tent getting dirty.
Having a waterproof tent is always awesome. What you need is a waterproof rainfly as well as a waterproof floor. Bathtub like the floor is best for a wet free experience.
Vestibules, storage pockets, gear lofts, awnings, etc. are things that increase your overall experience with the tent.
The Final Verdict
You came here looking for the best backpacking tent under 100, isn’t it? Affordable and quality tents. Well, we have put 10 at your disposal. Now, the choice is yours. But, you should know that each of the 10 tents will perform great for backpacking adventures. Good Luck to you!
Enjoyed our review? Which one will you buy for your next camping trip? Write below in the comment box. Thank you!
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