Choosing a hunting tent is a soul-sucking experience. Who really wants to look at guy lines and groundsheets when there’s hunting to be done?
Luckily for you, I dragged myself away from my crossbow for just long enough to find 8 of the best hunting tents money can buy.
Maybe you’re part of a big group looking for a tent to stretch out in. Maybe you’re a newbie hunter looking for something cheap that keeps the wind off for the night. Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro looking to finally replace that ratty old tent with something shiny and new.
Whatever group you find yourself in, I’ve got just what you need right here.
- Overall best tent for hunting: White Duck 13′ Regatta
- Best hunting tents on a budget: The North Face Stormbreak 3
- Best ultralight tent: KUIU Mountain Star
- Roomiest tent for big groups: NEMO Wagontop 8
- Best tent for backpack hunting: NEMO Hornet Elite
- Best tent for backcountry hunting: Eureka! Mountain Pass
- Best for extreme weather: Mountain Hardware Trango 4
Which Style of Tent Do You Need?
Choosing a tent as a first-time buyer can be overwhelming – who knew there were so many shapes and sizes to choose from? Here are some of the main styles of tents you might come across.
Teepee
This style is also known as a bell tent. It’s easy to set up, so it’s great for new campers who break out in a cold sweat at the thought of setting up a tent for the night. The drawbacks? Weight. These tents are heavy, so they’re not ideal if you have a lot of gear to carry and a long way to carry it.
Dome
A dome tent is one of the most popular styles. It has two poles that cross in the middle and comes in many sizes, so there’s sure to be something for your group. They’re available in single or double-wall designs, and the groundsheet is also included to keep you off the ground.
Backpacking
If you’re looking to travel light, get a backpacking tent. As the name might suggest, these ultralight models are designed to easily be carried for miles in a backpack without weighing you down. Generally, these are pretty small tents, only designed for one or two people. Don’t expect to be sprawled out in luxury with a backpacking tent!
Multi-room tent
You guessed it – this type of tent has more than one room, giving you a place to store your gear away from where you sleep. Or you can get this style if you don’t want to sleep next to your sweaty hunting buddy (I wouldn’t blame you).
They’re excellent for large groups who need a lot of space, but as you’ve probably worked out by now, they’re pretty heavy. Pitching them can also take a bit of time and practice (I’d recommend setting it up at home to test it out first).
The Best Hunting Tent for Each Type of Hunter
1. Overall best tent for hunting: White Duck 13′ Regatta
What we love about it:
If you’re looking for the best teepee tent for hunting, I’ve found it for you in the White Duck Regatta. It’s versatile, functional, and has more than enough space for all your elk hunting gear.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 4-season
- Capacity: 6 people
- Weight: 66-71 lbs
- Material: 8.5 oz. Army Duck Cotton Canvas
Pros:
- Roomy: The 13’ tent has room for 6 people to sleep comfortably, whether in double or single hunting sleeping bags.
- Durable: There’s nothing better than canvas for durability, and it also comes in a water and fire-repellent variety.
- Stove jack: Cook up a storm after a busy day hunting, even if the weather is less than ideal.
Cons:
- Heavy: I can’t lie; this thing is heavy. But if you weigh up the pros of a canvas tent like this against the weight, it’s a small price to pay. Unless you have miles to hike, that is.
Full review:
Are you looking for a hunting tent with a stove jack (yes, really, they do exist!)? You’ll never have a more comfortable camping experience than you will in the White Duck Regatta.
If weight is a concern, you’d be better off with pretty much anything else on this list. But if you’re going to be parking close to where you’re setting up camp, you don’t really need to read any further. Just buy this tent; seriously, it’s a game-changer.
Not convinced yet?
The canvas will last longer than that Nokia 3310 you’ve had in your drawer for the last 20 years. It’s much tougher than the polyester used in my budget buy; the North Face Stormbreak 3.
It’s also the only tent on my list to feature a stove jack, meaning you and your crew can rustle up something delicious to warm up after a busy day. Is it one of the best hot tents on the list? I think so. This, coupled with the fact that this tent is rated for four seasons, makes it the perfect choice for even the harshest of environments.
It does come in 10′ and 16′ options too, sleeping around 4 and 8 people, respectively. No matter how many hunting buddies you have, there’s a White Duck Regatta out there for you. It’s, without a doubt, the best canvas tent for hunting.
If you want something even bigger and better, there’s a similar canvas wall tent that might be of interest. The White Duck Alpha has similar features to the Regatta but provides even more space. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for the best wall tents when hunting and plan on setting up camp for days at a time.
2. Best on a budget: The North Face Stormbreak 3
What we love about it:
This freestanding tent has everything you need to travel light for a night or two without blowing your hunting budget.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 3-season
- Capacity: 3-person
- Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz
- Material: Polyester taffeta
Pros:
- Price: It’s my favorite budget tent for a reason. If you already spent too much on elk hunting clothing and equipment, you won’t have to feel guilty about buying this tent.
- Set-up: Setting this thing up will take a matter of minutes with a bit of practice. The classic dome style is super simple to handle – two tent poles and a couple of pegs are all it takes.
- Light: If you have miles of trekking ahead, you’ll be thankful for the couple of pounds this tent will save in your pack.
Cons:
- Durability: When used in mild weather, this tent will last you just fine. But don’t expect it to hold up too well when used in high wind and heavy rain.
Full review:
It might come at the opposite end of the price scale from the White Duck tent, but don’t be put off by the pocket-friendly price tag of this two-person tent.
Yes, it might be simple, but do you really need all the bells and whistles if you’re just looking for a place to rest your head for the night?
It’s certainly not up for battling against a snowstorm – that’s a job for the Mountain Hardware Trango 4 – but it will do the trick if you’re hunting in the early season on a warm day.
Double doors allow for easy access, so you won’t have to crawl over, or step on, your partner or your gear when nature calls.
3. Best ultralight tent: KUIU Mountain Star
What we love about it:
It’s got to be the weight. You wouldn’t believe how much extra weight I’ve carried over the years (and I don’t mean my gut) – this 3-pound tent changes everything.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 3-season
- Capacity: 2-person
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Material: Silnylon
Pros:
- Light: This backpacking tent is seriously lightweight – you’ll barely notice it in your pack.
- Stable: It might not look like it’s up to much, but the shape of this tent is designed for maximum stability, even in windy conditions.
- Roomy: There are not one but two vestibules in this tent – plenty of space to store your gear or prep a meal.
Cons:
- Cost: It is pretty pricy for the size – for about $200 more, you could get the much more spacious White Duck Regatta.
Full review:
If you simply need the best lightweight tent for backcountry hunting, drop everything and go buy the KUIU Mountain Star right now. Did I mention this thing weighs only 3 lbs?
Three. Pounds.
Can you imagine how much less your back and shoulders will ache by the end of the day if you’ve been carrying three pounds instead of 25 or more?
It’s made of higher quality materials than the North Face tent above, which I think more than justifies its higher price tag. It’s also uniquely designed, unlike any other tent here. The asymmetric floor lets you sleep comfortably shoulder to shoulder (who wants feet in their face?). It also has several tie-down points to keep it anchored down when the wind picks up.
The NEMO Hornet Elite is slightly lighter, so if you want the absolute lightest tent and nothing else matters, go for that. I do think that the KUIU tent is slightly better overall, though, for the reasons noted above.
If you want to go beyond ultralight, something like the Stone Glacier Skyair Ult is worth looking into. It can be pitched with your trekking poles, making it one of the best backpacking tents if you really want to save on weight and space.
4. Roomiest tent for big groups: NEMO Wagontop 8
What we love about it:
If you want a tent, you can spread out in AND stand up in; this is your pick. It might be a little heavy, but you’ll be grateful for that extra space at the end of a rough day.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 3-season
- Capacity: 8-person
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Material: Polyester
Pros:
- Space: You can stand up and walk around inside this tent. Need I say more?
- Windows: You don’t often find a tent with windows – I love how you can wake up to a stunning view every morning in this tent.
- Huge vestibule: If you want a tent like this, you probably have a lot of gear to take too, right? The NEMO Wagontop has a mammoth vestibule that will keep everything safe and dry even if there’s an overnight downpour.
Cons:
- Weight: This isn’t one for ultralight hunters – at over 25 pounds, it will take up some space and weight in your pack.
Full review:
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury on your hunting trip but want something less heavy than the Regatta, the NEMO is your best bet.
It’s designed with comfort in mind, something that certainly can’t be said about the super compact Mountain Star.
That being said, the Mountain Star will cope a lot better in windy conditions. This tent is seriously tall (did I mention you can stand up), so it’s likely to struggle to stay upright in high winds. I’m sure you don’t want to wake up in a sideways tent, so keep this one for hunting trips in better weather.
5. Best tent for backpack hunting: NEMO Hornet Elite
What we love about it:
It’s one of the lightest, most compact, quality tents I can find. Anyone with limited space in their pack will seriously appreciate the fact that this tent weighs in at under 2 pounds.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 3-season
- Capacity: 2-person
- Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
- Material: Poly nylon
Pros:
- Weight: It’s the lightest tent on my list and possibly one of the lightest on the market. You won’t even notice this one in your pack.
- Layout: Two doors and two vestibules make it easy for you to get yourself and your gear in and out of the tent.
- Easy set-up: Even if you’ve never pitched a tent or you’re camping solo, you’ll manage to get this thing pitched in minutes.
Cons:
- Size: If you’re going with a partner and you have a lot of equipment, you’re going to feel quite cramped in this tent. It’s really better suited to one person or those traveling seriously light.
Full review:
If you’re going to be moving camp every day, you don’t want to lug around the 26-pound beast that is the NEMO Wagontop 8 or a huge, traditional wall tent.
Think about it: every pound matters when you’re out on the trail for days at a time; wall tents are simply no good. Yes, my favorite light tent might be the KUIU Mountain Star, but the Hornet Elite is over a pound lighter than that.
It doesn’t stop there; NEMO offers a lifetime warranty on this tent, which is surely an attestation to its durability.
Yes, it’s a little small for two, but it’s actually pretty well-designed for one. The triangulated corner guyouts give you a little more space on the floor, keeping your gear and your sleeping bag away from the tent walls (which will stop them from getting damp).
Generously-sized doors allow for easy access, and you can keep your pack at one side and exit the tent from the other – no more crawling over your kit in the dark!
Is it the best one-man tent for hunting? Quite possibly.
6. Best tent for backcountry hunting: Eureka! Mountain Pass
What we love about it:
This model offers a solid balance between weight and performance. Not many sub-6-pound tents give such durability and weather resistance.
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 4-season
- Capacity: 2-person
- Weight: 5 lb 9 oz
- Material: Polyester
Pros:
- 4-season: Despite being made from polyester, this tent will keep you protected against the elements, even when those elements include snow and high wind.
- Visibility: The bright orange color ensures you’ll be seen when out in the backcountry wilderness.
- Weight: Sure, it’s not ultralight, but how often do you find a sturdy, 4-season tent that weighs just over 5.5 pounds? The Trango is around double that.
Cons:
- Packability: It could be a little easier to put away.
Full review:
Have I found you the best 2-person tent for backcountry hunting? Quite possibly. Let me tell you why.
Like the Mountain Hardware Trango 4 that I’ll get into next, the Eureka! tent is bright. You’re not going to be the subject of fellow hunters’ arrows (or worse, bullets), even in the endless wilderness in this neon orange shelter.
What I really love about this tent is just how practical it is.
Removable vents for breathability? Check.
Loft for gear storage? Check.
Convertible vestibules? Check.
Yes, you read that right. The vestibules can be transformed into a handy awning, giving you more space to stretch out while still keeping you safe from the elements.
7. Best for extreme weather: Mountain Hardware Trango 4
What we love about it:
This four-season tent can handle any weather condition Mother Nature can throw at it. Even if you’re hunting in Alaska, this tent won’t let you down (or let you get soaked).
Specs:
- Weather resistance: 4-season
- Capacity: 4-person
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Material: Nylon taffeta
Pros:
- Weather protection: It can handle the roughest of climates and is well-insulated enough to keep you a little warmer in such conditions.
- Roomy: The sizable vestibules offer plenty of space to store your gear, even if you’ve brought along some bulky items.
- Compact: For such a sturdy tent, it’s pretty compact. Sure, it’s not the lightest tent around, but considering the features, it’s not overly bulky, either.
Cons:
- Price: It comes in at over $1000, so it’s not going to suit every hunter’s budget.
Full review:
If you’re going to be hunting in seriously bad weather, this is the tent you need. So it might not be compatible with a tent stove to warm you up like the Regatta, but let’s look at the materials.
The bathtub-style nylon floor will keep you and your gear off the cold, damp ground, and there are snow flaps to keep any snowdrift out. Did I mention this tent was best for extreme conditions?
In terms of size, it’s more of a two- or three-person tent, keeping in mind that if you’re using this tent in the conditions, it’s designed for, you probably have a lot more gear than if you’re hunting backcountry early season.
Considerations When Buying Hunting Tents
Materials
Some of the best materials to look for in a tent are silnylon, canvas, polyester and silpoly, and DCF.
Silnylon is strong, and it’s a pretty popular choice, meaning it’s readily available and often comes with a fairly attractive price tag.
Canvas is one of the best picks for durability, and it can also be treated to make it weatherproof. However, it’s pretty heavy, meaning it’s only really a suitable choice if you don’t have far to walk and carry your kit.
Polyester and silpoly are similar, so silnylon but a little bit heavier. These materials come with the advantage of being cheaper though, so it’s up to you what you want to prioritise. These tents can absorb a bit of water, so they may take longer to dry out than silnylon tents.
The most expensive tents are often made using Dyneema Composite Fabric, or DCF. This is an ultralight material, but it does come with a price – literally. It’s very expensive, I won’t lie, but if you’re seriously looking to shed some weight off your load, it could be an investment worth making.
Weather resistance
There are two main types of tents: three-season and four-season.
Three-season tents are ideal for general use – they’ll keep you protected against the usual bad weather conditions such as light rain and wind, but they’re not suitable for extreme conditions.
That’s a job for four-season tents.
These are designed to withstand even the most challenging weather conditions (if you can face going out hunting in them). Snow, high wind, and heavy rain are no match for these tents. They’re your best bet if there’s bad weather forecast and/or you’re hunting late season.
Dimensions
Take the ‘person’ capacity as a rough guide – not everyone is the same size, and not everyone wants to sleep so close to someone else!
Look at the tent’s actual dimensions to see if it has enough room for everyone that will be sleeping in it and don’t forget to account for all your gear.
How We Chose the Best Hunting Tents
Value for money
I tried to pick options at a variety of price points. I know when you’re just starting out, that costs can quickly add up – there’s just so much gear for hunters, right?
While some of my top tents might seem a little pricy, bear in mind that these are the best of the best, the crème de la crème of tents. In my opinion, you get what you pay for. With that in mind, I’ve made sure that the higher-end options give you a great bang for your buck.
Weight
When I first started hunting, I wanted to take everything, almost down to the kitchen sink. I’ve since learned to reign it in a bit, but no one wants to carry extra weight out in the field; I’m sure you’ll agree.
So, I’ve tried to choose tents that aren’t too heavy to add to an already bursting-at-the-seams pack. I also considered how compact these tents are to make your job a little easier when it’s time to head home.
Who are Hunting Tents For?
Anyone who’s planning on going hunting for more than a day at a time needs a high-quality tent. Unless, of course, you really want to rough it and sleep straight under the stars!
Even if you’re only planning on heading out for the day, you might like to pack a lightweight, compact tent like the NEMO Hornet Elite. You never know when you might have to stay out late tracking an animal. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll be glad you brought a tent!
FAQs
What is the best tent for extreme weather?
My favorite tent for the worst weather conditions is the Mountain Hardware Trango 4. It’s rated for four seasons, so it will keep you protected against snow and high winds. Even with a tent like this, though, you still need suitable gear inside, like an appropriate temperature sleeping bag and sleeping pad to keep you off the ground.
What is a hunting tent called?
A hunting blind isn’t the same as the hunting tents we’ve looked at above. A hunting blind is designed for use when actively hunting to stay hidden from animals. Our tents are for resting at night between two or more days of back-to-back hunting.
Can you hunt in the winter?
You can absolutely hunt in the winter as long as you have the correct gear. You’ll want to start with a four-season tent, but don’t forget plenty of warm and waterproof clothing and boots. extras like hand warmers will also make your experience more enjoyable.
Last Tips on Hunting Tents
There’s a lot to think about when choosing the ideal tent, so the best for you might not be my favorite overall (the White Duck 13′ Regatta). If you need something lighter for a bigger group or you’re shopping on a budget, check out my top picks for each category above.
