Best 15 Small Two Person Tents for 2023

From the cupboard of camping supplies, small two-person tents are undoubtedly one of the most beneficial and used items. Going for a weekend getaway, staying overnight at the seaside, or picnicking in the forest – you and your loved ones can surely use a cover and a warm place to rest.  

There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by nature after an exciting day outdoors and retreating to your own cozy space for a peaceful night under the stars.

However, finding the perfect tent to accommodate you and your buddy or a partner can be daunting, especially with so many options available. I have taken upon a task to test the 15 best two-person tents, and here are the results! Scroll down, and I hope this helps make your decision easier.

My Top Small Two Person Backpacking Tent Pick:

NEMO Dagger OSMO

Picking the perfect two-person tent for backpacking is no easy task: you need a shelter that can provide ample space and comfort but also needs to be a lightweight tent, durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, and pocket-friendly while remaining quick and simple to set up.

Finding something that fulfills all these requirements isn’t an impossibility – it just takes some insight!Whether you’re alone or with friends, NEMO Dagger OSMO is a shelter that provides enough roominess to protect you from sudden weather changes while ensuring incomparable comfort.

This is my number one choice for outdoor lovers who want to be protected during adverse weather and then let in the warm sun when clouds are nowhere in sight. 

If you are looking for an eco-friendly and durable tent for two – OSMO is the tent to consider for your next unforgettable trip.

Our Best Small Two Person Tents Recommendations

1. NEMO Dagger OSMO

Weight: 2 kg | Floor area: 2.9 m²

Overview

When I was searching for a worthy tent, I was paying extra attention to the materials and durability of it. That’s how I encountered NEMO Dagger OSMO and got to test it right away. 

The NEMO Dagger OSMO tent is the perfect solution for an eco-friendly and comfortable camping experience. 

Lightweight, spacious, and crafted with recycled fabric that contains no PFCs or PFAS chemicals nor any fire retardant materials – this two-person tent truly elevated my outdoor adventure while simultaneously minimizing its environmental impact. 

And if that wasn’t enough, the design left me speechless. NEMO’s approach ended up in a practical and thoughtful design. The mesh roof gives a clear view of the sky – perfect for stargazing. The storage area was plentiful to secure my backpack, hiking boots, and even electronics away from direct sunlight.

Bottomline

Nemo’s Dagger OSMO tent is the ideal combination of spaciousness and lightweight, sturdy construction. It’s quick to pitch and made using recycled materials – what more could you ask for?

This model builds on Nemo’s previous design that has been incredibly successful over time – with a game-changing fabric upgrade! The new OSMO fabric offers unheard-of water repellency four times higher than regular fabrics, plus it retains its shape even when wet due to three times less stretch.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

2. Sierra Designs Meteor 3,000 2P

Weight: 2 kg | Floor area: 2.77 m²

Overview

If you require extra space than the average backpacking tent offers but still desire a lightweight and convenient structure to bring along on your travels, then look no further; the Meteor 2 tent is all that and more.

I was happy to see how spacious it became when I unzipped its two vestibules and doors and ended up with an expansive interior, complemented by steep wall angles due to the ridge pole design boosting volume at each head, peak, or foot of this remarkable shelter.

When testing it with my partner, I felt it was spacy enough for a couple, and you wouldn’t feel cramped. One thing to note is Meteor 2 is rather suitable for mild weather, and I wouldn’t recommend taking it to places where storms are frequent.

Bottomline

I am delighted to present Sierra Designs’ first tent on my site.

I was immediately impressed with the perfect harmony of space and weight – an ideal combination for two people sleeping together in comfort, along with plenty of headroom and dual spacious porches.

What’s more incredible is that its total weight is only 2126g! It’s truly remarkable how they’ve managed to achieve this balance without sacrificing quality or performance.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 3/5

3. MSR FreeLite 2

Weight: 1 kg | Floor area: 2.7 m²

Overview

FreeLite 2 is one of the best two-person tents I have ever tested that is durable and lightweight. I barely felt it hanging on my back when I was hiking. But that could be because I am used to carrying quite a few pieces of equipment when outdoors!

This ultralight, semi-freestanding tent will ensure you have plenty of room to move around while still keeping your pack light and easy to carry.

Bottomline

After my testing, I’ve concluded that the FreeLite 2, although super lightweight, is quite liveable and spacious for two, to my surprise. 

The durable 15D ripstop nylon flysheet of the tent is outfitted with MSR’s high-quality Durashield PU, and all seams are taped for a waterproof seal. During light rain, I wasn’t disturbed by any droplets falling onto my face. However, the tent isn’t capable of enduring adverse weather, so it’s better not to use it in heavy rain.  

I reached out to the company to learn how they managed to reduce the weight, and it turned out that the interior features 10D polyester micro mesh that is lightweight and can maintain superior condensation control.Additionally, the bathtub groundsheet is made from 1,200mm HH material as well, providing an excellent Hydrostatic Head rating of 1,200mm.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 3/5

4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Weight: 1.5 kg | Floor area: 2.6 m²

Overview

The Copper Spur HV UL2 2-person tent has already been one of my most popular ultralight backpacking tents, and now it’s even better! It offers all I need – it’s waterproof, has sufficient space for two, and also there is remaining space to store my items. 

After running a few tests, I’ve realized this tent is also durable. It is equipped with the latest features inside and out, made with proprietary lighter yet stronger materials, as well as hardware that makes set-up a breeze.

Moreover, its high-volume design ensures plenty of living space in this freestanding structure.

Bottomline

This tent is just the right height for sitting up in, and its durable design allows you to use it throughout all three seasons. The tent poles are sturdy as well. During rainy nights, not a drop got in. At first, I thought the material was flimsy, but in reality, the tent stands firm. 

Outfitted with exceptional quality materials and features like a ‘Quick Stash’ doorkeeper, color-coded clips on the corners of the flysheet, and a hole at the bottom of the internal gear pocket that permits phone charger wire threading.

This well-designed tent has large porches on both sides.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

5. Nemo Hornet 2P

Weight: 1 kg | Floor area: 2.5 m²

Overview

If you’re searching for a lightweight shelter offering increased space and comfort, Hornet™ is the perfect fit. I’ve taken it out a couple of times, and it didn’t disappoint me. Although it was tight for me and my partner to sleep there for a few nights, it was doable. Most importantly, during the rain, we were safe and dry inside, 

The premium fabrics and minimal pole structure are designed to ensure that every ounce of weight is shaved off while providing maximum living volume with its new patent-pending Flybar™ volumizing clip feature.

With this upgrade, you can be sure that your tent will have all the room you need without adding any extra bulk!

Bottomline

With a single forked pole, this tent is easy to set up and offers extra headroom thanks to Nemo’s Flybar.

By adding two additional attachment points along the inner walls of the roof, you can widen its width while still keeping it freestanding.

This simple design allows you to either pitch with just an inner or add a lightweight flysheet as well!

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

6. Lightwave Sigma S22

Weight: 1.5 kg | Packed size: 45 x 18 cm

Overview

Lightwave’s Sigma tents are supremely designed with their X-Tex fabric flysheet. This waterproof material offers unparalleled protection against condensation, something that I always had a problem with for single-wall designs in the past.

Despite its heavy coating and greater weight compared to other fabrics, it provides an impressive hydrostatic head rating of over 3000 – 5000 mm, much higher than what is generally found in standard tents. I could sit without having to grudge and enjoy all 4 seasons in this tent. Although, in hot weather, I didn’t have enough ventilation, so that’s a bearable defect of the product.

Bottomline

In 2016, Lightwave Tents ushered in the revolutionary Sigma tent made of cutting-edge X-Tex fabric. 

The waterproof ripstop nylon was specifically crafted to feature an activated carbon layer for maximum performance; it works by pulling moisture from the air and dispersing it over a wide area before allowing it to evaporate through the flysheet into the atmosphere.

I liked the versatility of the Lightwave tent and its durable materials against wet weather conditions.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

7. Terra Nova Laser Compact 2

Weight: 1 kg | Floor dimension: 100 x 145 x 230 cm

Overview

Introducing the Terra Nova Laser Compact 2 Tent – a featherweight and highly compact two-person tent! I instantly noticed its prolonged design, unlike other products on my list, that effortlessly accommodates 2 people. However, sitting there may be slightly uncomfortable. 

All in all, for me, there is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and lightness. All my favorite features from its big brother, the Laser Competition 2, are packed just 30cm long for quick setup wherever you are going camping or backpacking.

Get ready to experience unparalleled efficiency in an outdoor shelter like no other! The tent floor is livable and comfortable.

Bottomline

The Laser Compact 2’s efficient and uncomplicated single-pole hoop design, coupled with two little poles at each end, creates enough space for two to sleep comfortably in a top-to-tail position.

To add even more convenience, the tent has dual front doors that facilitate access to porches where you can store your camping equipment.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Design: 4/5
• Durability: 5/5

8. Snugpak Journey Duo

Weight: 3 kg | Floor dimension: 220 x 120 x 100 cm

Overview

Enjoy camping with your companion in the Journey Duo, a low-profile two-person tent designed to withstand high winds. When unpacking the tent, I immediately noticed how tough the fabrics were, so I knew I could totally rely on the tent in bad weather. 

Another factor I was happy about was how conveniently I managed to store all of my items on the generous front porch while keeping mosquitoes at bay with its large front door and mosquito net ventilation panel.

The durable bathtub-style groundsheet of this night cat backpacking tent ensured I was protected from any elements regardless of where I wanted to set up camp!

Bottomline

Snugpak crafted this tent with heavy-duty materials to bring robust protection, not lightweight convenience.

If you’re in the market for a reliable basecamp tent, look no further – Snugpak has got you covered.

Plus, they kept the price low enough to make it accessible and appealing specifically to entry-level or award scheme hikers.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 3.5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

9. Heimplanet Fistral

Weight: 2.5 kg | Floor area: 2.9 m²

Overview

Fistral is the sleekest tent I’ve ever tested. It did grant me ultimate mobility and could be easily carried as a backpacking tent pack size. However, its weight wasn’t the lightest one among all the tents I added to my list. So, if 2.5 kg is too much for you, scroll up to find other options. 

On the other hand, I enjoyed the advantages of two entrances and vestibules for maximum coziness in the tent body.

In addition, I could also inflate my tent in just one minute with an easy-to-use pump! Its inflatable frame structure provided a lot of stability while the premium materials gave it weatherproofing properties that would last me years to come.

Bottomline

The Fistral Classic is an ideal tent for the ultimate weekend wild camp; it weighs a manageable 2.5 kilograms and can easily be split between two backpacks for ease of transport.

Inflating this structure takes no time at all, but I suggest taking it in to ensure the flysheet remains taut so that you can make full use of your porch space.

Once securely staked down, you will find out how remarkably solid this tent truly is!

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

10. Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2

Weight: 1.5 kg | Floor area: 2.79 m²

Overview

The renowned Clip Flashlight 2-Person Tent is a top-selling tent that caters to heavier car camping needs and still accommodates backpacking and trekking requirements. I found it quite practical but a bit tight for two people my size. 

The tent also ensures that you don’t have to spend too much on gear – making it an ideal choice for all outdoor enthusiasts! 

It was fairly easy to set up for me since the tent features a two-pole design. Packing it back was also intuitive. Sierra, as always, provided me with a safe shelter through the wind and rain.

Bottomline

The Sierra Designs 3,000 Clip Flashlight Tent bears all the hallmarks of its series with its recycled polyester taffeta tent fabric and eco-friendly Durable Water Repellent treatment.

This special treatment is PFCs-free, meaning it does not contain any of the hazardous chemical compounds known to be harmful to our environment.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

11. Snow Peak Fal Pro Air 2

Weight: 1.7 kg | Floor area: 2.7 m²

Overview

With its two-pole design and sleeve pole fixtures, I managed to set up the Fal Pro Air 2 quickly and in less than one minute – perfect for when storms approach.

With this lightweight shelter, I also didn’t have any problems with attaching an inner tent to provide warmth or protection from wet weather.

For enhanced comfort during my camping trip, I combined the Fal Pro Air 2 with a Fal 2 Ground Sheet. Although the design may look simple, it’s very functional. The quality materials also add extra protection in any weather.

Bottomline

Exemplifying easy setup, the Fal Pro Air 2 tent features a cross-pole dome structure with two poles crossing each other at its apex.

This allows for ample headroom and an internal floor space of 210x130x100cm.

With all-as-one pitching, you don’t have to muck about trying to assemble flysheet and inner separately – though they can be detached if necessary!

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 4/5
• Durability: 5/5

12. Nordisk Telemark 2 LW

Weight: 1 kg | Floor dimension: 220 x 135 x 100 cm

Overview

The Telemark 2 LW is an ideal tent for backpackers, ultra-runners, and adventure racers because of its lightweight design and robust construction.

Not only is it low in weight, but it also has two entrances on either side that make entry and exit a breeze.

Its small size, when packed, along with the use of high-tech materials, allows you to bring this quality shelter wherever your next adventure takes you!

I could hike along with it without even noticing it. Hence, consider this tent if lightweight is the ultimate priority for you.

Bottomline

Without a doubt, the Telemark 2 LW is an exceptionally durable and lightweight tent that has won countless industry awards.

If you’re looking for something ultra-lightweight – look no further! Coming in at 950g, its price tag of £160 more than the Telemark 2 ULW cannot be beaten with its carbon poles weighing 70g lighter.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

13. Co-Op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent

Weight: 1.1 kg | Floor dimension: 229 x 137 cm

Overview

I enjoyed every adventure with the upgraded REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ tent.  This lightweight marvel is designed for two campers and provides a spacious interior, a simple setup, and ample gear storage. I felt like I brought home with me!

Bottomline

Make the most of your next camping trip with this two-rollable door tent. With its wide vestibules and spacious interior, I had enough room to store all of my gear while also enjoying quick access from both sides.

What I loved the most was the mesh panels in the top portion that provided me with stunning views of the scenery around me, as well as adequate ventilation for a comfortable sleep inside.

Meanwhile, ripstop fabric on the lower paneling surprisingly helped keep out dust and drafts so that nothing disturbed my restful slumber!

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

14. Marmot Limelight 2P Tent

Weight: 2.72 kg | Floor area: 3.2 m²

Overview

When I was looking for a spacious tent for two people to take on my expeditions away from home, I discovered the Marmot Limelight 2P tent!

This two-person camping tent features a pre-bend construction that makes for vertical walls, maximizing headroom and space in the sleeping area.

Bottomline

The Limelight tent is extraordinarily nice to assemble, regardless of whether it’s your first time. Its components, such as the zippers, clips, grommets, and poles, are all individually labeled with color codes for added convenience.

The only downside may be its weight, hence making it unsuitable for backpacking trips due to portability issues.

If you’re looking for a lightweight option instead, take a peek at my evaluation of ultralight tents or simply use the Limelight when camping near your car!

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5

15. ust Gear Highlander 2-Person Backpacking Tent

Weight: 2.2 kg | Floor dimensions: 213 x 121 x 111 cm

Overview

The last but not least on my list is the Highlander 2-Person Backpacking Tent. I want to point out that the setup from ust Gear is no novice tent—it requires several attempts and a lot of adjustments to the guylines and stakes before you can feel sure that it will remain safely pitched.

Bottomline

If you’re looking for a tent small enough to fit two people snugly, or one person and their pup pal, then this is the perfect option.

Its smaller size than other tents make it ideal for such an arrangement without sacrificing durability; after all, no one wants their abode ripped apart by Fido’s claws!

Feel secure in knowing that your tent can handle even the most playful of pups.

My Rating: 

• Ease of Setup: 3/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 4/5

Conclusion

You can never go wrong with small 2-person camping tents. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight or durable option, there are plenty of small 2-person tent options on the market to fit your needs and budget.With ample interior space and plenty of room for gear storage, these best two-person tents will help you make the most out of any outdoor adventure. So don’t wait – start exploring the great outdoors today! Good luck!