5 Best 4-Person Backpacking Tents

Are you heading outdoors with your family or friends? Then you should get the best 4-person backpacking tents! We listed all your options below!

A Quick Overview

Backpacking is an enjoyable pursuit. These days, many people are already engaged in this activity, given its benefits to the body. 

Preparing for a backpacking journey is a must. And among the things that you need to prioritize is your shelter, which, in this context, should be a tent. Tents come in different forms and sizes. Depending on your group size, you might either need a bigger or smaller tent. 

When choosing tents, always ensure that they can fit the number of people that you have. The floor space, including the wall and peak height, should allow you to move comfortably. At the same time, the tent should keep you safe from the elements; it should be suitable for the weather and terrain you are in. 

Before we discuss these factors in detail, let's highlight first the top backpacking tents for four people. We listed and reviewed them below. 

Best 4-Person Backpacking Tents: A Rundown

	Seasonality	Trail Weight	Packaged Weight	Where To Buy
Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent	4-season	11 lbs. 7.5 oz.	12 lbs. 12.4 oz.	REI Amazon
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 Tent	3-season	5 lbs. 4 oz.	5 lbs. 11 oz.	REI Amazon
ALPS Mountaineering Acropolis 4 Tent	3-season	9 lbs. 7 oz.	10 lbs. 4 oz.	REI Amazon
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent	3-season	7 lbs. 12 oz.	8 lbs. 7 oz.	Amazon
Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent	3-season	6 lbs. 13 oz.	7 lbs. 7 oz.	Amazon

Best Backpacking Tents For 4 Persons

1. Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent - Editor’s Pick

Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent Review

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent is a high-quality, 4-season tent. It is suitable for mountaineering pursuits, but it also works well in different weather and terrain. It has a durable construction, and its interior is comfortable and spacious. 

It comes with the DAC Featherlite poles. These aluminum poles possess an impressive strength-to-weight ratio so that they can support the entire tent structure. The pole set-up is fairly easy, thanks to the color coding scheme. 

There's also a fixed point that attaches the fly, frame, and body of the tent to their respective guyout point. Because of this design, the tent can be pitched with utmost stability. 

Aside from these impressive feats, the Trango 4 includes two doors and vestibules for convenient access and optimal storage space. We particularly love its rear vestibule because it also serves as a venting system for the tent.  

2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 Tent Review

We are big fans of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4 Tent. We have tried it a couple of times on our backcountry expeditions. One feature that we love about this tent is its lightweight construction. Despite being able to provide ample space for its users, the tent remains at 5 pounds at the very least. 

It also includes a plethora of pockets. There are eight mesh pockets and another four pockets for your gadgets. The media pockets even have slots for routing your earbud cord. 

When it comes to the design, we can say that the Copper Spur HV can stand moderate weather conditions. Its fabrics are made from double-layered ripstop nylon with decent tear and puncture resistance without being too heavy. Meanwhile, the fly is connected to its pole assembly via a highly reliable hook-and-loop closure tab.

Its poles have been pre-bent so that it can create livable space in the interior without sacrificing the ability to shed water and snow. A high-fly vent and a low-vent vestibule door optimize the air movement inside and outside the tent. 

3. ALPS Mountaineering Acropolis 4 Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Acropolis 4 Tent Review

For backpacking purposes, the ALPS Mountaineering Acropolis will always be one of our bets. Among the 4-person tents here, this one has the biggest floor area. It sits at 63 square feet, which allows the tent to provide more space for the backpackers and their equipment. 

It also includes near-vertical walls so that you won't feel cramped inside. Its robust aluminum poles don't just provide stability to the tent; they also ensure that it can support the shelter while snowing and raining. Similar to the Big Agnes tents, it also has pre-bent poles and a top-cross pole that add more interior space to the tent. 

Ventilation is not a problem for this tent. The polyester canopy has to mesh walls that promote optimal air circulation inside and outside the tent. It is a great feature, especially in cool settings where you don't actually need its fly. 

Of course, its fly encompasses the entire tent. Meanwhile, its two vestibules protect your other equipment from being ravaged by the elements. 

4. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent

Another tent from ALPS Mountaineering that you should check out is the Lynx. This 4-person tent gives you a convenient time for its setup. It has a freestanding, two-pole aluminum design that quickly pitches the tent wherever you want. 

It also excels in storage and item organization. There's a gear loft, as well as interior pockets that let you keep your important essentials close to you. 

We only have used the Lynx once on a backcountry trip in Colorado. Based on our experience, the tent's construction is suitable for mild weather conditions only. It should not be able to withstand a strong breeze of wind or heavy downpours. Still, its tent fly has UV and water resistance. 

Its factory-sealed floor and fly seams ensure that water and moisture won't penetrate the tent. Aside from that, its polyester taffeta floor includes a 2000mm coating for utmost groundwater protection. Meanwhile, the large zippers on its vestibules and doors allow convenient access and entry. 

5. Kelty Grand Mesa Backpacking Tent 

Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Backpacking Tent Review

The Grand Mesa Tent is an excellent backcountry shelter. Aside from its affordability, the tent exudes ease of use, durability, and breathability. That's why it is considered one of the best 3-season tents for four people. 

It uses the proprietary Kelty Quick Corners that stabilize the poles while you pitch the tent. Meanwhile, its EZ-Zip vestibule has a fully-taped seam to prevent water and moisture entry. 

Its DAC aluminum poles are lightweight and robust at the same time. You can fold the poles compactly and store them in its Shark Mouth carry bag. Meanwhile, the tent features high-denier polyester construction, its rainfly, floor, and canopy--all of which have fully taped seams, as well.

The simplicity of its setup is even streamlined, thanks to the use of color-coded fly and clip connections. And, of course, this tent is lightweight, too, making it a great deal for 3-season backpacking. 

A Guide In Choosing 4-Person Backpacking Tents

Backpacking tents do come in different forms and sizes. Hence, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all regarding them. Over the years of backcountry experience, we have realized that not all tents--even the most expensive or feature-studded ones--are useful in every situation. 

Hence, when choosing a 4-person backpacking tent, the following considerations should be taken into account. 

Consider Size, Weight, And Durability When Choosing a Tent

Let's go with the basics first. 

One of the things that you need to inspect when choosing tents is their size and overall construction. 

Technically, size refers to the floor area and peak height of the tent. The larger the floor area, the more bodies you can put inside. So for four-person tents, the ideal floor area should be at least 50 square feet. But it should not exceed more than 65 or 70 square feet. 

Otherwise, you will be packing a tent that is bigger and heavier than your actual needs. Keep in mind that weight is vital when it comes to backpacking. Just because you need a spacious tent, you would just compromise the bulk and weight of your load. 

Floor space should also include the vestibules of the tent. Vestibules will allow you to stretch your body outside the tent (via its doors). They also serve as additional storage space for your gear and equipment. Most of the time, tents have two vestibules, one for each door. 

Aside from the floor space, you should also consider the peak height of these tents. Peak height refers to the height of the center portion of the tent. That's the highest point. The taller the tent is, the easier it is for you to sit or crawl. Don't expect that you can stand inside these tents, though. 

Also, prioritize tents that have steep walls. Near-vertical walls maximize the overall space of the tent. 

Durability

The durability of the canopy, rainfly, and floor depends on the material used on them. Essentially, there are different fabrics used on tents, such as ripstop nylon and polyester. Each of these materials has its own advantages. 

But one thing that could define their durability is their thickness. And that is commonly expressed via their denier. Technically speaking, denier refers to the weight of the yarn. So the heavier the fabric is, the thicker it becomes. Fabrics that have a high denier count are durable. But at the same time, they are heavy, too. 

So make sure that you don't pick overly thick tents, especially if you want to get a great 4-person backpacking tent. 

Don't overlook the poles, too. The pole assembly of the tent defines its overall structure and stability. If the poles are too fragile, they might get damaged by strong winds and heavy snow. Look for lightweight yet rugged poles, such as those that are made from high-strength aluminum.

Look For A Tent With Ample Ventilation

Breathability is another integral feature that you need to prioritize for backpacking tents. 

A tent that is breathable will not keep you sweaty and hot while the tent is being closed. Most backpacking tents have walls, doors, and windows with mesh layers. The mesh is a temporary screen that allows air to circulate outside and inside the tent without letting insects and the elements pass through. 

During the day, you don't actually need to fully close your tents. Hence, you simply have to unfurl or fold the windows and doors so that you can let the air pass through. If the weather is nice, you can also remove the fly, too. 

When it is raining, the tent has to be closed (obviously). Here, tents that have vents on their architecture will keep their interiors cool and free from condensation. From floor vents to roof vents, these things can maintain the coolness of your backpacking tents.

Investigate Waterproofing And Weatherproofing Features

Seasonality is an important consideration in choosing any type of tent. For backpacking tents, you either choose a 3-season or 4-season tent. 

But why is this important? 

Well, the seasonality of the tent dictates the kind of waterproofing or weatherproofing that a tent has. Don't automatically believe that a 3-season is fully waterproof. It may defend you from light rain and snow, but when the downpour gets hard, droplets will inevitably permeate. 

Meanwhile, 4-season tents are guaranteed to withstand the rigors of backcountry and mountaineering applications. Compared to 3-season tents, these 4-season tents are heavier. That's because of the extra thickness and coating embedded in their fabrics and poles. This design ensures that the tent can handle strong winds, rain, and snow. 

Also, keep in mind that waterproof/water-resistant coating can be applied on the rainfly and canopies of tents. Always check the label of the tents to see the kind of coating is being used--or if there's coating at all. Always remember that this treatment gradually decreases over time, especially if the tent is used frequently and is exposed to extreme heat and temperatures. Hence, you need to apply another layer of these waterproof coatings to the tent in the future. 

Choose A Tent That Is Easy To Set Up And Take Down

Backpacking requires people to strive for minimalism and convenience. And so, it is crucial that they pick tents that they can assemble and disassemble quickly. 

You need to look for tents that you can pitch and take down easily. Freestanding tents are great at this since they don't require too much assembly. 

Additionally, check the pole architecture too. The fewer poles there are, the easier it is for you to set up the tent. Many tents these days have pre-attached loops, clips, and color-coded poles. With them around, you don't need to keep on guessing which one should be attached to another. 

Also it is also essential that you check the compactness of the tent. You should be able to fold it compactly and tightly since you are going to use it on a backpacking trip. Remember that weight and bulk matter. Backpacking is all about being lightweight, after all.

By the way, let's talk about trail weight and packaged weight. 

Trail weight is the weight of the tent that includes the rainfly, poles, and tent body. This is considered the minimum weight of the tent or the minimum items needed for the tent to stand. 

Meanwhile, packaged weight is the total weight of the tent after the purchase. So aside from the tent body, poles, and rainfly, the weight also includes the guylines, stakes, and other accessories. 

Research Reputable Brands for Quality Assurance

Here at RilorWilderness, we don’t discriminate against outdoor products based on their brands. After all, if a product works, then we would recommend it to you. 

However, there’s always a correlation between brand and quality. So names like Mountain Hardwear, REI, Big Agnes, and Marmot have a higher percentage of providing feature-studded, durable, and innovative tent designs. Not all of their products are impressive. But the number of their poorly-made tents is just few. 

Evidently, it is up to you which of these brands you will pick. But if you want the best 4-person tents for backpacking right from the get-go, you should go to these tested-and-tried manufacturers. 

Tips In Using Backpacking Tents

These are some of the most valuable tips that we can give to you when it comes to buying and using backpacking tents. 

Ensure Proper Selection Of Tent Size

As mentioned earlier, not all tents will fit your needs. Here, you need tents that aren’t too spacious or too cramped for your needs. 

While it sounds tempting, it is not practical or advisable to use 6-person or 8-person tents on a backpacking trip. Doing this is quite counterproductive. After all, the added weight could affect your convenience, especially if you are the one that will bring the tent. 

At the same time, the unused space will reduce the thermal efficiency of the tent. If you are heading to a cold area, it is better that you are lumped together. In this way, you can share body heat. 

These 4-person tents have sufficient space to cater to your group, including all your equipment. It is the same thing as with 2-person backpacking tents and vice-versa. 

Familiarize Yourself With The Tent Setup

Before the big day, you must familiarize yourself with the tent assembly. It is an important backpacking preparation that many tend to overlook. 

Each tent is constructed differently. So don't expect your new tent to have a similar assembly or disassembly process as your old one. That's not really the case, especially if you are using modern tents. 

So take your time to familiarize all the parts and components of the tent. Check the manual on how to connect them, which part goes with this part and things like that. You may practice pitching the tent in your backyard. 

By doing this step, you will be able to pitch the tent quickly and correctly. In turn, it would allow the tent to protect you from the elements. Furthermore, this process lets you know if there are damaged or incomplete parts that you need to address. 

Bring Spare Parts And Tools To Make Repairs, If Necessary

It's also prudent that you bring spare tools and repair kits for your tents. Don't ignore this tip, as you will never know what will happen while you are backpacking. 

You see, no tent is truly impervious to damage. One accident and the poles could break, and the fabrics could tear. Once these things happen, tent repair kits will be able to rescue your shelter. 

Of course, this also means that you need to know how to use these tools as well. 

When backpacking, it is wise to bring spare poles, tent stakes, and patches. Even small ropes could be useful. Pliers and hammers would enable you to make the repairs quickly. Additionally, having these supplies available can help extend the life of your tent and reduce the chances of needing to buy a new one. If the rainfly got damaged, a rain tarp is a great substitute. 

Final Thoughts

The best 4-person tents for backpacking are great investments for outdoor enthusiasts. These tents will give you the convenience and safety that you need whenever hitting the backcountry. 

Before you choose a backpacking tent, make sure that you follow the guidelines we listed in this blog. Pick the correctly-sized unit, check its weatherproofing, and assess its assembly. Doing these things will let you narrow your choices and find the ideal tent for you and your group.