1
1.2 oz$245
1.2 oz, lighter than 100% of the 233 tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Trekking pole · 19.6 sq ft (Bug Shelter).
Best of · Shelters · Updated November 2026
The Best Budget Backpacking Tents (Under $250)
Backpacking tents that cost $250 or less, ranked by owner reviews and real weight.
We ranked the tents under $250 in our catalog by owner reviews and real published weight to surface the 10 worth your attention. Every pick links to current pricing and can be dropped straight into your pack builder. Browse the full tents under $250 directory to compare all options.
Quick picks
- Lightest: Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform DW (1.2 oz, $245)
- Best value: Yama Mountain Gear 1P Swiftline (2.5 oz, $160)
Our top 10
2
Yama Mountain Gear 1P Swiftline
Best value2.5 oz$160
2.5 oz, lighter than 100% of the 233 tents we track.
3
20.6 oz$250
1 lb 5 oz, lighter than 84% of the 233 tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Trekking pole · 47 in.
4
23.5 oz$249
1 lb 8 oz, lighter than 78% of the 233 tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Trekking pole · 84 sq ft.
5
24.3 oz$240
1 lb 8 oz, lighter than 77% of the 233 tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Trekking pole · 22.2 sq ft.
6
28.0 oz$160
1 lb 12 oz, lighter than 72% of the 233 tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Trekking pole · 23 sq ft.
7
32.0 oz$180
2 lb, lighter than 62% of the 233 tents we track. 36 in.
8
40.0 oz$160
2 lb 8 oz, lighter than 51% of the 233 tents we track. Trekking pole.
9
48.0 oz$180
3 lb, heavier than 59% of the tents we track. Sleeps 1 · Freestanding · 36 in.
10
86.4 oz$224
5 lb 6 oz, heavier than 82% of the tents we track.
How we picked
We track 318 tents from 30 brands, 233 of them with a published weight. Picks are ranked by how many owners have reviewed them and how they rated them, then by weight. Anything rated under 3.5 stars is left out, and every weight is the lightest figure the maker publishes. The list updates itself as prices, reviews and products change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lightest budget tent on this list?
The Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform DW, at 1.2 oz.
How much should a backpacking tent weigh?
Across the 233 tents we track with a published weight, the median is 2 lb 10 oz and the lightest 10% weigh 1 lb 1 oz or less.
What is the best budget budget tent?
Of our picks, the Yama Mountain Gear 1P Swiftline costs the least, from $160 at 2.5 oz.
How did you choose these?
We track 318 tents from 30 brands, 233 of them with a published weight. Picks are ranked by how many owners have reviewed them and how they rated them, then by weight. Anything rated under 3.5 stars is left out, and every weight is the lightest figure the maker publishes. The list updates itself as prices, reviews and products change.
Compare the rest
These are our top picks. See every option ranked by weight and price in the full directory.
Prices and availability change often; "check price" opens the store's current listing. Some links are affiliate links.