Top 5 Best Hiking Tents Australia 2024
Lightweight. Waterproof. Comfortable. Easy setup.
Choosing the perfect hiking tent requires in-depth research, but at the end of the day, it comes down to those four essentials. There’s nothing more disappointing than finishing a long day hauling a heavy tent along the track to find it takes ages to set up (and it's raining), your sleeping mats barely fit, and you wake up in the middle of the night to a wet sleeping bag (did I mention it's raining?).
We’ve rounded up our favourite hiking tents that have been trail-tested by both beginners and experienced hikers, and stood up to the toughest conditions.
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
#3: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
#4: The North Face AMK Assault 2
Looking for a complete set of hiking gear? Here's our list of the Best Sleeping Bags of 2024.
Hiking Tents Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the hiking tent reviews Australia.
Score
7.6
Open Size
88 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) in/ 223 x 132/107 cm
Weight
3.13 lbs/ 1.42kg
Price
$$
Hiking Tent Reviews
#5: Kelty All Inn 2 Tent
The Kelty All Inn 2 is designed to be lightweight and spacious. It features a visor for increased ventilation, 2 doors and 1 vestibule. This 3-season tent sets up and packs down easily with outward leaning walls that give extra headroom, and for us, this is our budget pick of the bunch.
Summary
Open Size: 84 x 52 in/ 213 x 132 cm
Packed Size: 18 x 6 in/ 46 x 15 cm
Weight: 3 lbs/ 1.6kg
Approx Price: US$237.99/GBP£279.95/AUD-not available/CAD-not available
Where to get it:
Pros: Large livable space, relatively light, mesh window in the door makes for good ventilation.
Cons: We always love a second vestibule for storing a pack each, which this tent lacks.
Verdict: Is it the best tent you can buy? No. But for the price, it’s a fantastic option that will set you up well.
#4: The North Face AMK Assault 2
The North Face AMK Assault 2 is an incredible tent for the serious cold-weather mountaineer. Its major innovation is the Futurelight fabric, which handles moisture incredibly well and is unbelievably strong. It also has an optional rainfly which constructs a separated vestible, ideal for cooking in cold and windy conditions.
Summary
Open Size: 82 x 45 in/ 208 x 114 cm
Packed Size: 7 x 22 in/ 18 x 56 cm
Weight: 4.19 lbs/ 1.9 kg
Approx Price: US$1,200.00/GBP£439.95/AU$1,300.00 (FUTURELIGHT™)/CA-not available
Where to get it:
Pros: Fantastic material, relatively small and light, easy setup, handy separated vestibule.
Cons: Small living space, fiddly guy lines.
Verdict: The future of cold-weather mountain exploration.
#3: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
An update to the Copper Spur HV UL series, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 introduces lighter materials with durable double rip-stop mixed denier nylon breathable and polyester mesh, and easy to set up hardware. It provides ample living space with its expandable awning-style vestibules. True to its name, Big Agnes has enough room and storage for standing, sleeping, and organising your gear.
Summary
Open Size: 88 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) in/ 223 x 132/107 cm
Packed Size: 19.5 x 6 in/ 50 x 15 cm
Weight: 3.13 lbs/ 1.42kg
Approx Price: US$500/GBP £424.99/AU$679.95/CA$503.96
Where to get it:
Pros: Two doors and two vestibules for better access, large storage pockets, easy set-up and packdown.
Cons: Narrows quite a lot towards the feet, poles not included for the awnings.
Verdict: A well-constructed tent for the price with innovative awnings and accessible vestibules.
#2: Lightwave sigma S22
When I was a kid, single-skin tents sucked. You got wet every time without exception. Enter the miraculous Lightwave Sigma 22, which has an amazing waterproof treatment on the fabric that will successfully keep you dry. It's an incredibly strong single layer between you and the elements, with all the benefits that a single-skin tent can provide (reduced weight, easier setup, more floorspace).
Summary
Open Size: 90 x 51 in/ 230 x 130 cm
Packed Size: 18 x 7 in/ 45 x 18 cm
Weight: 3.31 lbs/ 1.6 kg
Approx Price: US$923.36/699.99/AU$1,228.48/CA$1,150.29
Where to get it:
Pros: Waterproof, roomy and lightweight.
Cons: Have to thread the poles through the tent, and a little darker in the morning than we'd like.
Verdict: A lightweight, roomy, waterproof single-walled tent - who would have thought!
#1: MSR Access 2
The MSR Access 2 is a 4-season beauty with 29 square feet of interior space and roomy vestibules. It stands up to the cold, but unlike many 4-season rivals it's breathable enough to be used in most conditions other than the very warmest—a good choice when you’re in Australia. The lightweight fabric and double wall design does a great job at handling condensation, making this our top hiking choice.
Summary
Open Size: 84 x 50 in/ 213.36 x 127 cm
Packed Size: 6 x 18 in/ 46 x 15 cm
Weight: 4.06 lbs/ 1.84 kg
Approx Price: US$660/GBP£624.75/AU$959.51/CA$374.88
Where to get it:
Pros: Roomy vestibules, great water resistance, good weight for a 4-season tent.
Cons: Could pack down smaller.
Verdict: A really versatile option for a four season tent.
Hiking Tent FAQs
What brand of tent is the best?
Determining the best tent brand often depends on personal preferences and specific needs. However, popular brands renowned for quality hiking tents include MSR, Big Agnes, Lightwave, The North Face, Kelty, Nemo and REI. Read our reviews and see why we scored the MSR Access 2 as one of the best hiking tents Australia.
How do I choose a hiking tent?
Consider factors like capacity (1-person, 2-person, etc.), weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of setup and price. Make sure it suits your how you intend to use it and matches the climate and terrain you'll be hiking and sleeping in. Some people may be willing to compromise on one aspect, such as weight or price, for more room or lightness, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
How heavy should a hiking tent be?
Ideally, a hiking tent should be lightweight, especially for backpacking trips. Tents under 1kg are considered ultra-lightweight and are preferred for their ease of carrying during long treks. In our list, we had no lightweight tents under 1kg, but we consider up to 2kg an ideal weight for both quality and comfort, both for trekking and sleeping.
What is the difference between a camping tent and a hiking tent?
Hiking tents are typically lighter, more compact and designed for portability, making them suitable for backpacking and trekking. Camping tents, on the other hand, may prioritise spaciousness and comfort over weight, as they're often used for car camping. We have only reviewed hiking tents in the list above.
How can you tell if a tent is good quality?
Look for features such as durable materials, sturdy poles, reinforced seams, waterproof coatings and positive reviews from reliable sources or fellow outdoor enthusiasts, or like our reviews above! Quality is all in the construction, but a higher quality tent often comes at the compromise of weight, such as in strong aluminium poles and waterproof or more durable materials, or price (eg. lightweight tents that use the latest material technologies are often much more expensive).
How heavy is too heavy for a backpacking tent?
Generally, a backpacking tent weighing over 2.5kg may be considered too heavy for extended treks, especially for solo hikers. Ultralight backpacking tents often weigh under 2kg to minimise the burden on hikers. The tents in our list above range from to 1.42kg to 1.9kg.
How do hikers carry tents?
Hikers typically carry tents in their backpacks. Modern hiking tents are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack along with other essential gear for the journey. If you’re hiking with a friend or partner, you can also split the tent parts between your packs to make the load lighter.
Is a bigger tent better?
The size of the tent depends on your specific needs. While a larger tent gives you more space and comfort, it may also be heavier and bulkier to carry. Think about your group size, how much gear you have with you that you need to store and your personal preferences when deciding on tent size.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.