The tent is the one piece of camping gear you really don’t want to skimp on — a leaky or flimsy shelter turns one bad storm into a miserable trip. Here are two we trust, budget to quality, plus how to pick the right one.
Our picks at a glance
Everything below, side by side:
The tents
Clostnature lightweight backpacking tent — budget pick
A light, packable 1–2 person backpacking tent with a full waterproof rainfly at a great price — easy to carry into the backcountry and simple to pitch. A smart value starting point.
- Polyester
- Imported
- WATERPROOF & LONG-LASTING: Polyester rain fly & groundsheet & bathtub with PU 5000 coating is firmer than you expected. Weatherproof material with factory-sealed seams keeps you dry and comfortable in all season&all weather condition! Better material but more affordable! You really need an appropriate lightweight 2 person tent for backpacking!
- LARGE SIZE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Ultralight 2 person tent! Tent's size 7'3''x 4'11''x 3'10''(220x150x115 cm). Weighing just 5.29lbs (2.4 kg) total, or 4.52 lbs (2.05 kg) at minimum trail weight (fly, inner tent, poles only), greatly reducing your load. The compact 16.5''x5.9''x5.9'' (42x15x15 cm) packed size slips easily into backpacks, making it ideal for family hikes, boy scout trips, or adventures with your furry friend
- QUICK SETUP & COMPACT: Freestanding and two Aluminum poles designed for lightweight hiking tent's fast pitching. Easily set up by one person with no experience. This ultralight backpacking tent is compact and portable, and also great for Hiking, Bikepacking, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Fishing, or Car Camping
Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 — the quality lightweight pick
A cult-favorite ultralight 2-person tent: genuinely light, wind-stable, and well-made, with a proper waterproof fly and footprint. The step up for backpackers who count ounces.
- 210T polyester with waterproof coating, waterproof 3000mm+
- Imported
- CLOUD UP BASE: The Cloud up Base is the upgraded version of Cloud up 2 Person Tent; 1. A ventilation window is added above the front door, to provide more air flow in the tent, avoid water condensation; 2. The door is upgraded to be a larger and higher front door, with more space to put your camping gears and easy access to the tent.
- BACKPACKING TENT: Made of lightweight & wear-resistant 210T polyester fabric, this two person tent only weighs 4.25lbs（not including footprint）. The tent packs up fairly small:15.7” x 5.1” x 5.1 ”, fits your backpack with plenty of room for other camping gears. It is perfect for backpacking, cycling, camping, hiking, bikepacking, etc.
- SPACIOUS 2 PERSON TENT : Tent size: 82.7"L x 49.2"W x 41.3"H, It is perfect suitable for two person camping, There is plenty interior room for a 2 person to have a good sleep and enough headroom to sit up comfortably. The front door and vestibule design is perfect to keep stuff or cook without getting out of your tent in bad weathers.
How to choose a tent for Colorado
- Backpacking vs. car camping. Backpacking tents are light and packable to carry on your back; car-camping tents are bigger and heavier but roomier. Match the tent to how you’ll actually camp.
- Size up. A “2-person” tent is snug for two adults — if you want room for gear or comfort, size up one. Weight rises with size, so balance space against what you’ll carry.
- 3-season vs. 4-season. A 3-season tent covers spring-through-fall Colorado camping. Only winter camping or high, exposed, windy sites need a heavier 4-season (mountaineering) tent.
- Waterproofing & wind. Use the full rainfly, look for taped seams and a bathtub floor, add a footprint, and pitch on high ground — Colorado afternoon storms are sudden, and above treeline the wind is real.
FAQ
What kind of tent do I need for camping in Colorado?
For most trips, a 3-season backpacking tent with a full waterproof rainfly. It handles the sudden afternoon thunderstorms and cold nights of the high country. Only winter or high, exposed, windy camps call for a heavier 4-season tent.
What’s the difference between a backpacking and car-camping tent?
Weight and size. Backpacking tents are light and packable to carry on your back into the backcountry; car-camping tents are bigger and more comfortable but too heavy to hike with. Choose based on how far you’ll carry it.
What size tent should I get?
Size up one from the person rating for comfort — a "2-person" tent is tight for two adults plus gear. Just remember weight grows with size, which matters if you’re backpacking.
Do I need a 4-season tent for Colorado?
Usually not. A 3-season tent covers spring through fall, which is when most people camp. A 4-season (mountaineering) tent is for winter camping and high, wind-exposed sites — heavier and overkill for a typical summer trip.
How do I keep my tent dry in Colorado?
Always pitch the full rainfly (even on a clear afternoon — storms build fast), use a footprint under the floor, seam-seal if needed, and choose higher ground so water drains away. A bathtub-style floor helps too.
Is a lightweight tent worth it?
If you backpack, absolutely — every ounce you carry matters on a long approach or a 14er base camp. For car camping where weight doesn’t matter, you can trade light weight for more space and comfort.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.