Top Rated Guide: 6 Best Two-Person Tents

Rilor Staff
Update: January 24, 2023
Table of Contents

Are you going to hike or camp in pairs? Then you should get the best two-person tent. Check your options below. 

A Quick Overview

A two-person tent is what it suggests: it is a tent that houses two people--or, at the very least, a single person. Of course, its key difference from other tents is its size. Naturally, it is bigger than four- or six-person tents. Oppositely, it is smaller than a single-person tent. 

Keep in mind that 2-person tents should not only include sufficient space to shelter people. Ideally, it should have enough space to keep your small essentials and equipment dry. In some tent models, there are vestibules present that provide extra storage space. 

Later on, we will discuss more of the fundamental considerations in choosing a two-person tent. For the following section, we have listed some of the top-rated two-person tents you can get today. Check them out. 


Best Two-Person Tents: A Rundown

Floor SpaceTrail WeightPackaged WeightSeasonalityWhere to Buy

Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent
30.1 square feet4 lbs. 15.7 oz.5 lbs. 14.2 oz.3-seasonREI
Amazon

NEMO Aurora 2P Tent
31.8 square feet4 lbs. 9 oz.5 lbs. 7 oz.3-seasonREI
Amazon

REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent
31.7 square feet4 lbs. 14 oz.5 lbs. 15 oz.3-seasonREI

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent
29 square feet2 lbs. 11 oz.3 lbs. 2 oz.3-seasonREI
Amazon

Mountain Hardwear Aspect 2 Tent
29.3 square feet2 lbs. 14.7 oz.3 lbs. 5 oz.3-seasonREI
Amazon

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
30.6 square feet5 lbs. 5 oz.5 lbs. 14 oz.3-seasonREI
Amazon

Best Two-Person Tents Review

1. Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent - Editor's Pick

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
4 lbs. 15.7 oz.
5 lbs. 14.2 oz.
5.9 in. x 24.4 in.
30.1 sq. ft.
42.1 in.

2
Polyester taffeta
Velocity HD Aluminum

Marmot Tungsten 2P Tent Review

When it comes to two-person tents, Marmot Tungsten 2P is among the options you should check out. It is a spacious tent, offering 30 square feet of interior space and a peak height of 42.1 inches. Its interior space also has a lampshade pocket where you can stow a headlamp for ambient light. That's good for you and your partner. Internal pockets for small essentials are present, as well. 

It has a  seam-taped polyester floor that prevents moisture and water entry. Notably, it has a footprint on its package. Durable poles ensure that they can stand erect against gusts of wind. Speaking of, its poles, clips, and fly are color-coded for ease of assembly. 

We also like the fact that it has two large vestibules where you can store your pack and shoes, freeing more interior space for you and your partner. Two large doors allow convenient entry and exit. 

PROSCONS
Offers two oversized vestibules
Breathable tent
Easy to assemble and disassemble
Requires additional waterproofing

2. NEMO Aurora 2P Tent

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
4 lbs. 9 oz.
5 lbs. 7 oz.
23 in. x 7 in.
31.8 sq. ft.
44 in.

2
30-denier polyester / mesh
Aluminum

NEMO Aurora 2P Tent Review

NEMO is a prominent manufacturer of outdoor equipment. We love their tents. The NEMO Aurora 2P Tent is among those tents that we love to use whenever we want a quick backcountry trip.

It comes with vertical walls that improve its interior space. And it also has two large doors and corresponding vestibules. Hence, there's a lot of room for you to utilize while using this tent. While its floor is durable, including a footprint on its package is highly welcomed. 

The fabrics used on this tent are rugged and chemical-free. They even have fire retardants to prevent any risk of accidental fires. Interestingly, its fly has integrated strutted vents that give the tent the breathability it needs. It also has internal pockets for storing small gear. 

You can also invite your four-legged friends here. Just purchase a Pawprint liner from NEMO, and you can sleep in the tent with your pets!

PROSCONS
Steep walls maximize its internal space
Packs compactly
Includes strutted vents for air circulation
Should not be exposed to heavy rains

3. REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent 

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
4 lbs. 14 oz.
5 lbs. 15 oz.
8 in. x 18 in.
31.7 sq. ft.
40 in.

3
Polyester / nylon
Aluminum

REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent Review

Say whatever you want, but we always deem REI a reputable outdoor equipment manufacturer. REI tents are among our favorite shelters on our trips. If you are searching for a 2-person tent, you can try RE's Trail Hut. 

The Trail Hut has a notable dome architecture that offers a freestanding mechanism. It enables a steady and quick setup of the tent. Adding to its structural durability are its equal-length poles and clips. They ensure that the tent can withstand the elements. There are also separate ridge poles that support the tent's wall, effectively increasing the interior space of this shelter. 

Aside from two oversized D-shaped doors, the tent also includes two vestibules. They serve as safe spaces for your gear so that they remain dry and untouched even if the sky gets dark. The doors also have fly closures that you can roll up for ventilation and an optimized outside view. 

Meanwhile, internal gear loops and pockets were built on the tent. They will let you organize your essentials in a breeze. 

PROSCONS
Integrated venting system for weight reduction
Vestibules offer large storage space
Pole assembly is durable and simple
A bit heavy for backpacking purposes

4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
2 lbs. 11 oz.
3 lbs. 2 oz.
6 x 19.5 in.
29 sq. ft.
40 in.

1
Silicon-treated ripstop nylon and polyester mesh
DAC NFL

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

Big Agnes is actually a big name in the outdoor market. Its tents, for instance, are notable for their award-winning designs. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent is among their opuses. It features awning-type vestibules that further expand its coverage; it offers sufficient storage space and ample protection against rain and UV rays. 

This tent excels in storage and item organization. The 3D bin in its foot ensures ample, off-the-floor space for storage. It has a large ceiling pocket on its head and another set of media pockets for your earbuds. 

But that's not all. The tent's corners have been integrated with the proprietary TipLok Tent Buckle, which allows it to make three functions: rainfly attachment, pole-tip capture, and stake-out loop. Meanwhile, the proprietary hook-and-loop closure tabs easily attach the fly to the pole assembly of the tent. It ensures flawless pitch and added stability.

The tent is also durable; its lightweight double-ripstop nylon is impervious to punctures. It is not susceptible to wear-and-tear, as well. Each of the doors has a dual-zipper design for convenient access.  

PROSCONS
Features proprietary designs for ergonomic use
Fabrics are impervious to constant use and abuse
Lightweight construction
No notable drawbacks

5. Mountain Hardwear Aspect 2 Tent

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
2 lbs. 14.7 oz.
3 lbs. 5 oz.
6 in. x 20.5 in.
29.3 sq. ft.
41 in.

2
15-denier ripstop nylon / nylon
DAC Featherlight NFL

Mountain Hardwear Aspect 2 Tent Review

Of course, we can't complete this list without featuring a Mountain Hardwear tent. Specifically, the Aspect 2 of this brand is a favorite pick among backcountry and camping enthusiasts. It features an intuitive canopy-to-pole assembly that enhances its compressibility. As a result, you can pack it compactly, allowing you and your partner to bring it anywhere. 

The tent itself is suitable for a spacious two-person adventure. The interior is large enough for you and your partner to move around. And it has internal storage pockets where you can place your small gear. The accompanying vestibules have dual sliders for a secure enclosure. And they even allow easy entry and exit. 

We also like its pole assembly; it is significantly more durable than other poles. But at the same time, it matches well with the strength-to-weight ratio of the entire tent to prevent breakages. The poles were pre-bent, as well, which optimizes the headroom that the tent provides. 

Its dual mesh doors are quite helpful in providing ventilation. Even the canopy has a mesh assembly, as well, so that you can view the night sky without leaving the tent. Pretty fantastic, indeed! 

PROSCONS
Lightweight and easy to compress
It has a spacious headroom
Excels in ventilation and breathability
Its stakes aren’t that robust

6. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent

Editors' Rating:

SPECIFICATIONS
Seasonality:
Trail weight:
Packaged weight:
Packed size:
Floor area:
Peak height:
Number of doors:
Number of poles:
Canopy material: 
Pole material: 
3-season
5 lbs. 5 oz.
5 lbs. 14 oz.
7 in. x 22 in.
30.6 sq. ft.
43 in.

4
68-denier polyester 
Aluminum

The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent Review

The Stormbreak is among the cost-friendly but premium-grade of The North Face. It is not just a roomy tent but also has spacious headroom so that you and your partner can stretch and bend without feeling cramped. 

Unlike other tents, the Stormbreak doesn't have roll-up doors. After all, you can stash the door cover into the side mesh pockets. Depending on the user, such a design could be a convenient addition. It also comes with two vestibules that you can configure to style your external space. 

The tent also flaunts a high-low ventilation system for optimal. In a nutshell, there are vents on the lower and upper portions of the tent so that air can circulate properly. Moreover, the tent has a fully seam-taped floor and canopy to prevent the entry of the elements. 

PROSCONS
Spacious headroom
Four-pole assembly for added stability
Great ventilation system
It’s a heavy tent

How To Choose The Best Two-Person Tents

Over the years, we have witnessed the release of different tents in the market. We have tried some of them on our trips to white mountains and seemingly endless valleys. Unfortunately, we can't say that we were able to test all the tents that came our way. 

But that's alright. The point here is that these tents, regardless of how new or old they are, follow some essential structural principles so that they can be useful in their intended applications. 

For two-person tents, the following considerations should be taken into account. 

Shape of the Tent

Most of the time, there are two shapes implemented in the construction of 2-person tents: dome and tunnel tents. 

  • Dome tents are the usual ones; they are freestanding, allowing faster pitch time. Due to their design, they can be used in areas with unfriendly weather conditions. They can negate strong winds and shed snow. One variation of dome tents is geodesic tents. 
  • Meanwhile, tunnel tents require to be pegged most of the time. They are also heavier than dome tents. But because of their burly design, they offer more interior space for shelter and storage. 

Seasonality

As couples or partners, you should first discuss how well your equipment and tools are when facing the elements. Most of your items will require a degree of moisture-wicking, waterproofing, and breathable properties. 

But for tents, the majority of the discussions should be about seasonality. The seasonality of the tent refers to how it can handle different elements and temperatures. Usually, it is divided into categories: 3-season and 4-season tents. 

  • 3-season tents - These particular tents are designed to handle the challenges that can be brought by summer, spring, and fall. If your adventure coincides with any of these seasons, then 3-season tents are enough. If the weather is warm, these tents offer suitable ventilation mechanisms to promote breathability. 
  • 4-season tents - A 4-season tent is like a 3-season tent, but unlike its counterpart, it can also handle low-temperature conditions of winter. Of course, you can expect that these tents are heavier and sturdier to ensure your utmost protection and comfort during cold-weather adventures. They do still have ventilation to prevent condensation, but only minimal. 

There are also 3- 4-season tents that you can use during backcountry trips. These tents can handle moderate cold and wind. You can also use them in warm conditions due to their vents and windows. 

You can also find 2-season tents, but they are strictly for summer and spring only. Meanwhile, expedition tents are designed for harsh and rugged challenges. 

Most of the time, these 2-person tents are 3-season tents. But you can always find 4-season variants. Depending on your trip, you can decide which of these "seasons" are suitable for your tents. 

Size Of The Tent

Not all two-person tents have the same size or dimensions. As we have mentioned earlier, the size of the tent should account for not only the users but also the storage space. 

And when all these things are within the tent, the interior should still feel spacious. If it is too stiff or cramped, then you pick a tent that is too small for the needs of you and your partner. 

But how big should a tent be? 

Well, there are interesting takes when it comes to this matter. And there's no standard answer here. Some people suggest that an individual should have a space of at least 20 square feet (including their equipment). So if you are looking for the best 2-person tent, then the interior space should be at least 40 square feet. 

Meanwhile, others recommend that a person should have 30 to 40 square feet of space inside the tent for utmost comfort. Of course, 40 square feet per person would be too much, right? That would make a tent a little too big for your needs, especially if you are backpacking. Hence, a 30-square-foot tent should be a good middle ground if you find 20 square feet too small. 

Ease Of Setup

A two-person tent should offer a degree of convenience to its users, specifically in the aspect of the setup. When choosing any tent, it should let you pitch in the shortest time possible and without any quirkiness. 

This is important for two-person and single-person tents. At the very maximum, you only have four hands on the trip. So if the tent has a complicated setup, it could cause a burden on your trip. 

Of course, this matter is something that you have to be accountable for, as well. Before the big day, make sure that you have practiced setting up your tent. Inspect if all the components are in proper condition. Be familiar with the parts, especially with the pole assembly. In this way, you and your partner can ensure that you can pitch the tent properly and securely once you arrive at your destination. 

Features To Consider

Buying a two-person tent can be a challenge. To simplify the process, you should first assess your needs, requirements, and preferences. The type of weather and environment should also influence the tent you are going to buy. 

  • Vestibules - A vestibule can be considered a tent extension. It is the space outside the tent where you can put the other items that you can't find inside your tent. Two-person tents can benefit from this feature, especially if you are going to have an extended trip. After all, longer trips will require more equipment and gear. 
  • Ventilation - Your tent should offer a sufficient degree of ventilation, even if the condition isn't warm. Condensation can take place inside a tent that doesn't have vents. Air circulation is important to keep yourself cozy while inside the tent. Tents with mesh doors and windows are also a great way of promoting air circulation without letting insects come in. 
  • Footprint - Not all tents have footprints. But these footprints are essential in keeping the tent more secure from the elements from the ground. With a footprint, your tent can also get additional insulation. Couple it with the best two-person sleeping bag and best sleeping pad, and you can have warm nights ahead.
  • Rainfly - Are you expecting rain or snow? Then a rainfly is a must! A rainfly serves as the "outer" tent that protects the tent from harsh elements. A rainfly can cover the entire tent, including the walls, for additional privacy.

Tips For Camping Or Backpacking As A Couple Or Duo

Camping as a couple is a great and healthy idea. But it is not just the tent that matters when it comes to a two-person outdoor trip. To ensure the success of your adventure, you need to pay attention to the following things. 

  • Secure the equipment of your partner - You have to remind your partner about the important stuff that they should bring on your excursion. This should include clothes, cooking items, and survival gear. Ask them if they need to bring special medications and hygiene products, as they could also influence their overall experience. 
  • Pack for two - Some of the camping or hiking gear should be individualized--such as clothes or personal products. However, some can be packed for two. For example, cooking tools and food can be packed to cater to up to two people. Doing this would minimize your luggage and streamline the weight of your backpacks. 
  • Move at a moderate pace - Always consider the physical fitness and experience of your partner. If they are still rookies, they better move at a slower pace. Don't rush, as it could pressure them to keep up with you. You don't want the same thing to happen to you if the situation is reversed. Take it slow and enjoy the journey. 
  • Keep your expectations in check - The trip can always go south unexpectedly. From bad weather, and injuries, to insect bites, several things may not go the way you expect them to. Still, it is better to be prepared to deal with these emergencies. And if they are just disappointments, just remember that there are future trips you can still engage in!

Meanwhile, here are some more tips for couples who want to hike and camp!


Final Thoughts

The best two-person tents come in different features, sizes, and specifications. Hence, it is essential that you can check all the available options to see which one fits the bill. It would also be great if you and your partner could check and pick the tents together. Doing this would allow you to select a terrific shelter for your trip! 

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