5 Top-Rated Backpacking Tents For Tall People

Backpacking can be an incredible experience, allowing you to connect with nature and disconnect from the comings and goings of everyday life. But when you’re a tall person, camping and overnight backpacking can be cramped and annoying.

Finding the right backpacking tent can often be challenging. Ideally, you want a comfortable resting place that doesn’t feel like a tight little nook, so not just any ol’ tent will do.

Tents might come in various sizes and shapes, but often they are not very accommodating to people who are six feet or over.

I get it — as a fellow tall person, I too struggle with this issue! And guess what I’ve found? There are options out there for us!

The best backpacking tents for tall people will accommodate length while still being durable and lightweight.

In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into some of the best backpacking tents for tall people on the market today. Feel free to compare the bunch, read some product reviews, and pick the best one for your needs!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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What To Look For In A Tent As A Tall Person

Searching for that perfect tent can be challenging if you are tall, as most tents are not specifically made to accommodate the extra length. They’re often made to accommodate multiple people, but not the lengths of those people.

The wrong tent can leave you feeling cramped, uncomfortable, and unable to enjoy the experience of being in your own little room. Here are some criteria you should keep an eye out for, fellow tall folks!

Tent Dimensions: Length, Width, And Height

A tent’s dimensions are probably the most important thing to look at when choosing a suitable option for a tall person. Length and width are critical, as they determine how much space you’ll have to stretch out and move around.

As a rule of thumb, I’d recommend a tent length of about two feet taller (or more) than your height if you prioritize extra space and comfort. If you go for a tent that is just one foot taller than you, you may be hitting the walls when you stretch your arms and legs out.

For instance, as a 6-foot person, you’d want to look for a tent of at least 90 inches long (7.5 feet). Depending on what you feel comfortable with, anything 84 – 96 inches (7ft – 8ft) will do.

Additionally, you’ll also want to consider the height of the tent. People want a tent with enough headroom to sit comfortably without hitting their heads on the ceiling or having to crank their necks to fit.

Tent Weight And Packability

Weight and packability are two essential factors you must consider when choosing a backpacking tent. Tents that are lightweight and easy to pack will make it easier to carry them along on your hiking expeditions.

Additionally, you’ll want to look for tents with a compact carrying bag to store them in your backpack easily.

Durability And Materials

Regardless of height, durability and high-quality materials are essential when choosing a backpacking tent. You’ll want a tent that can withstand rain, wind, and snow.

The materials used to construct the tent should be sturdy and long-lasting, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

High-quality tents are typically made from materials that balance durability, weather resistance, weight, and breathability. Some of the best materials used in tents include:

• Nylon: A popular material for tents due to its strength and light weight. High-quality nylon tents often have a ripstop weave, which helps prevent tears from spreading. Nylon is also treated with coatings for waterproofing and UV protection.
• Polyester: Similar to nylon but typically more resistant to UV degradation. It’s also often used in tent canopies and rainflies, and it tends to be a bit heavier than nylon.
• Cuben Fiber (Dyneema Composite Fabric – DCF): An extremely lightweight and strong non-woven composite material that’s waterproof and highly durable. It’s often used in ultralight backpacking tents. However, it’s also one of the most expensive tent materials on the market.
• Silnylon (Silicone-impregnated nylon): Nylon fabric coated with silicone to create a waterproof, lightweight, and durable material. It’s commonly used in lightweight and ultralight tents.
• Silpoly (Silicone-impregnated polyester): Similar to silnylon, this material uses polyester as the base fabric. It offers better UV resistance than silnylon but is slightly heavier.

Ease Of Setup

Consider how easy it is to set up your chosen backpacking tent before purchasing. You don’t want to waste valuable hiking time struggling with a complicated tent that needs multiple people to set up!

Look for tents that come with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and require minimal effort to set up.

Weather Resistance

Another vital aspect you must consider when choosing your backpacking tent is its weather resistance. Tents with good weather resistance can protect you from harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow.

Ventilation And Breathability

Regardless of your height constrictions, you will want to consider how ventilated your chosen backpacking tent is and its level of breathability.

Tents with good ventilation can help keep you cool and comfortable, especially in hot and humid weather. Tents made of non-breathable materials can lead to condensation and wetness that makes it incredibly moist and stuffy inside your tent — a big no-no!

High-quality polyester tents can be made more breathable with the use of special coatings that allow water vapor to escape while still providing waterproofing.

Similar to polyester, nylon can be treated with breathable coatings to increase its water vapor transmission rate. Tents made with breathable nylon are often used in lightweight and backpacking tents.

While breathable materials are important, the overall tent design also plays a significant role in managing condensation. Features such as mesh panels, vents, and double-wall construction (with a breathable inner tent and a waterproof outer rainfly) are crucial for improving airflow and reducing condensation inside the tent.

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Top-Rated Backpacking Tents For Tall People

Now that we’ve covered some of the most essential factors to consider when choosing a backpacking tent for tall people, let’s review some of the best options available on the market!

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

A popular choice for backpackers who need a lightweight and spacious tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. The tent’s high-volume pole architecture maximizes headroom and interior space, making it an excellent option for taller backpackers.

It has two doors and two vestibules, allowing easy access and ample storage space. The tent also features an ultralight design making it easy to pack and carry, perfect for backpackers who need to keep their gear weight down!

Tent Specs:

• Tent Dimensions (L x W head/W foot x H): 88 x 52/42 x 42 inches
• Packed Size: 6 x 19.5 inches
• Packed Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz
• Materials: Fly and floor material is silicone-treated nylon ripstop with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating; the tent body is made of breathable nylon ripstop and polyester mesh; pole material is DAC Featherlite NFL with angle connectors and high-volume architecture
• Features:  two doors with storm flaps; two vestibules; reflective guylines, and webbing; easy-grip zipper pulls; interior mesh pockets; gear loft loops; fast fly setup option

Pros:

• High-volume pole architecture maximizes headroom and interior space
• The ultralight design makes it easy to pack and carry
• Two doors and two vestibules provide easy access and ample storage space

Cons:

• Expensive compared to some other backpacking tents
• Tent stakes and guylines not included

2. Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Tent

The Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Tent is a lightweight, durable tent made to accommodate tall people. With nearly vertical walls that deliver expansive views and extensive livability, the two-person Sea to Summit Alto TR 2 tent is a highly ventilated, 2-door wonder weighing under 3 lbs.

The tent’s unique pole design maximizes headroom and interior space, which is perfect for taller backpackers. It features two doors and two vestibules, providing easy access and ample storage space.

The tent’s durable construction and weather-resistant features make it an excellent option for backpackers who need a tent that can withstand the elements.

Tent Specs:

• Dimensions (L x W head/W foot x H): 84.5 x 53/38 x 42.5 inches
• Packed size: 21 x 5 inches
• Weight: 2 lbs. 15.3 oz
• Material: Floor and rain fly fabric is 15 denier nylon ripstop; canopy fabric is 15 denier polyester mesh; pole material is DAC Featherlite NSL 9.0mm and 8.7mm
• Features: Free-standing design with a unique pole system; two doors; two vestibules; interior storage pockets and gear loops; reflective guylines and webbing for increased visibility at night

Pros:

• Super lightweight and compact design
• Two doors and two vestibules for easy access and storage
• It’s super easy to pitch
• Reflective guylines and webbing for increased visibility at night

Cons:

• Expensive compared to some other backpacking tents
• The inner mesh tent can be cold in windy conditions
• We don’t recommend sleeping two unless you’re comfortable sleeping really close together

3. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid is an ultralight backpacker’s dream. When it comes to portable shelters, few designs have been as thoroughly time-tested and proven as those built in the pyramid style. They’re easy to set up, efficiently spacious, and incredibly capable of providing sanctuary in all but the most extreme weather.

This UL shelter is designed for maximum durability and weather resistance. Made of 100% waterproof Dyneema® Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber), the Ultamid serves as an excellent waterproof barrier between you and the elements.

It features a single-pole pyramid design that provides ample headroom and interior space, making it ideal for taller backpackers who want to save on weight without sacrificing comfort.

Because this tent checks all the boxes (roominess, ease of setup, and extremely lightweight), it does cost a pretty penny compared to others on this list!

Tent Specs:

• Dimensions: 107 x 83 x 64 inches (L x W x H)
• Packed size: 8.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz (tent only)
• Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
• Features: Single-pole pyramid design; easy to set up with a single trekking pole or dedicated tent pole (sold separately); large, zippered door for easy entry and exit; interior mesh pocket for storing small items

Pros:

• Ultralight yet extremely spacious design
• Four-season, weather-resistant construction
• Large interior space with ample headroom
• Durable and weather-resistant materials
• Large, zippered door for easy entry and exit

Cons:

• Expensive compared to some other backpacking tents
• The setup requires you to lash two poles together
• Minimal ventilation can lead to condensation buildup inside the tent

4. Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent

The Nemo Hornet OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent is another great option for tall people who want extra room while prioritizing weight and packability.

It’s a two-person tent that weighs just 2 pounds, making it one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market. Even though it’s marketed to fit two people, it’ll feel better if just used by one.

The high-performance, proprietary OSMO™ poly-nylon ripstop fabric has 4x better water repellency and 3x less stretch when wet. That means you get a level of water repellency that starts drier and stays drier than the rest.

Tent Specs:

• Dimensions (L x W head/foot x H): 85 x 51/43 x 39 inches
• Packed size: 12.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 2 lbs. 1 oz (minimum), 2 lbs. 8 oz (packed weight)
• Materials: Fly fabric OSMO; canopy fabric 15D Nylon Ripstop/ No-See-Um Mesh; floor fabric 0D OSMO ripstop (1500 mm); rainfly fabric 0D OSMO ripstop (1200 mm)
• Features: One hubbed pole and single-pole design; dual doors and vestibules for easy entry and exit; good ventilation with No-See-Um mesh canopy; waterproof and durable with a 1200mm waterproof rating

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and compact
• One of the more affordable options here
• Good ventilation
• Waterproof and durable for its weight
• Large dual doors and vestibules provide easy access for two people

Cons:

• Limited headroom due to the sloping walls
• It can feel cramped inside if there are two people
• Heavy winds cause the tent to flex

5. Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P Tent

If you prioritize comfort and livability on the trail, then the Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P is what you want to go for. It’s a two-person tent that provides ample interior space, a gear loft, and plenty of interior pockets for storage.

The Dagger’s design makes it easy to set up, with a free-standing structure and color-coded poles and grommets.

And similar to the Nemo tent listed above, this one’s also made of high-performance, proprietary OSMO™ poly-nylon ripstop fabric has 4x better water repellency and 3x less stretch when wet.

Tent Specs:

• Dimensions (L x W head/foot x H): 90 x 50/42 x 42 inches
• Packed total size: 19.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz (minimum), 4 lbs. 2 oz (packed weight)
• Materials: Fly fabric OSMO; canopy fabric nylon ripstop/ No-See-Um-Mesh; rainfly fabric 0D OSMO ripstop (2000 mm)
• Features: Easy to set up with a free-standing design and color-coded poles and grommets; dual doors and vestibules for easy entry and exit; good ventilation with No-See-Um mesh canopy and rainfly vents; waterproof and durable with a 2000 mm waterproof rating

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable for two people and two wide pads
• Plenty of interior storage options
• Good ventilation with rainfly vents
• Waterproof and durable, tent is strong and stable even in a lot of wind
• Good amount of headroom

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than some other backpacking tent options
• More expensive than some other lightweight tent options
• It has small doors

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Hopefully, you were able to find a tent that fits your camping/backpacking needs!

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