The best Backpacking Tents

How is the tent going to be used?
By and large, most people do not need a true four season tent. Three season tent designs stress ventilation, light weight, convenience, and often price. Many have mesh panels in the walls and ceilings to increase air circulation (and allow some stargazing on clear nights. Rainfly awnings over doors and windows let you look out at the world around you while still keeping you sheltered from the rain, and can allow for better cross-ventilation. Four season tent designs focus on withstanding such elements as high winds, snow loads, and even ultraviolet radiation. More poles provide a more stable structure, walls and ceilings lack mesh panels to reduce cold drafts, and rainflys fully cover doors and windows to provide greater protection from the elements.

How large?
A good rule of thumb is no less than fifteen (15) sq. feet per person. This will allow enough space for a sleeping pad and bag, plus a little room for personal gear and clothing. Don't plan on space for your pack inside. Usually, packs can be left outside under a tarp or pack cover. And taking an external frame pack into a tent is a sure way of punching a hole in the floor.

How much does it weigh?
Just like anything else, there are tradeoffs. A tent that gives you more floor space, head room, or poles (for stability) is going to weigh more. A four pound tent is light and packable, but won't give you much living space and won't handle a winter storm. The weight factor is something that must be considered against your other criteria

How easy is it to set up?
OK, we know more poles can make a tent stronger. But more poles can also mean more hassle to set up. Continuous pole sleeves (such as you find on Kelty tents) are by far the easiest pitch system on a tent: no special clips or hardware to worry about. Multiple pole sleeves (where one pole must be threaded through numerous small pole sleeves) are the most awkward to deal with.