For many people, camping alone is one of the best ways to relax and get in touch with yourself. It is the perfect way to clear your head and free yourself from the stresses of daily life. However, when you are outdoors alone, it is more important than ever for you to be able to depend on your camping gear. Most importantly, you should use a one person tent.
A one person tent is essential for any solo camping or backpacking adventure. Because you need to be able to carry it, break it down, and set it up all by yourself, it is important to choose the right tent for you. Let’s take a look at the five best one person tents.
The 5 Best One Person Tents
5. Eureka! Solitaire AL One-Person Tent
The Solitaire AL Backpacking Tent is one of our favorites, especially for solo camping trips. It is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with plenty of features.
Weighing less than 3 pounds, you won’t have a problem carrying this tent as you explore the surrounding area. You’ll be able to easily climb more difficult trails without feeling like you are being weighed down. It is also incredibly easy to set up, thanks to the two poles designed to smoothly slide into place.
Even novice campers know that the weather is not always perfect on a camping trip. However, this isn’t a problem with the Solitaire AL. The frame is constructed from 7000 series aluminum so it is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
For added protection from the elements, the polyester taffeta floor and fly are weatherproof so you stay dry and comfortable throughout the night. On clear nights, the fly can also be pinned back for stargazing.
We also like the tent’s roomy interior space, measuring 21.5 square feet, which gives you plenty of room to move around inside.
Pros and Cons
4. Kelty Late Start One Person Backpacking Tent
Some experienced campers may already be familiar with the Salida tent by Kelty. This model, Kelty’s Late Start 1 Person Backpacking Tent, is the redesigned and updated version of the popular Salida.
The name of the tent is truly a pun. The Late Start tent is incredibly quick and easy to set up and takedown. You can sleep in, get a late start in the morning, and still have plenty of time to make your way home or to the next campsite. Kelty employees believe that camping should be fun and relaxing, not spent struggling to pitch and disassemble your tent.
Wind and rain will never be a problem for you with the Late Start. Along with the sturdy, pre-bent aluminum frame poles, the denier fabric floor is fully waterproof. For added rain protection, the entire tent body can be covered by the rainfly that comes included.
Even a solo camper needs some storage space, and you get a little short of 6 square feet with the waterproof vestibule. This gives you additional space to move around, even after you have spread the bedroll out or inflated the air mattress.
Our favorite feature of the Late Start tent is the awesome freestanding design. If you don’t like the current camp site, you can easily move the tent to a nearby location by simply picking it up, without the need to break it down or disassemble it.
Pros and Cons
3. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1-Person Tent
The Zephyr 1-Person Tent by ALPS Mountaineering is ideal for solo camping trips and backpacking adventures. It is lightweight, portable, and designed for one person to handle with ease.
This affordable and durable freestanding tent features a two-pole design. Simply slide the two poles into the sleeves and you are set for the night. Since it is freestanding, if you discover you are trying to sleep on rocky ground, you can easily pick up and move the entire tent a few feet to a more comfortable area. The design eliminates the need to take the tent apart and re-pitch it when you are moving it across short distances.
When the weather cooperates, it is always nice to sleep in the fresh air. The Zephyr comes with mesh walls and doors to increase ventilation and airflow. You will be able to enjoy the fresh air and, when the weather is poor, the polyester rainfly will still keep the wind and rain out.
You won’t have to worry about tripping over your gear, thanks to the convenient gear loft and vestibule, which are great for storage. In addition, there are also mesh pockets for safely storing smaller, personal items close by.
Our favorite feature of this freestanding tent are the guy ropes. Easy to secure and release, the ropes will keep the tent secured in place during wind gusts and storms.
Pros and Cons
2. Teton Sports Quick Tent
There is very little we don’t like about the Quick Tent by Teton Sports. It comes with all the features you need to sleep comfortably outdoors. With such an affordable price point, it should also fit into most budgets.
This instant pop-up tent only takes three steps to set up, and the same to take it down in the morning. All you have to do is roll the tent out, lock in the poles, and pull the drawstring down. This is an awesome design, the tent can be fully pitched and ready to go in about a minute.
One aspect we love about the Sports Quick tent is the interior. It is spacious and comes with plenty of storage room for your gear and supplies. Believe it or not, there is also enough room for a camping cot or a small-to-medium sized air mattress.
When the weather is clear, you can sleep while watching the starry night sky. The tent comes with a mesh top and sides which, in addition to a great view, provide consistent airflow and ventilation. If it starts raining, just zip up the protected, waterproof rainfly. If you opt for the “elite model” of the tent, the rainfly extends to the ground for further weather protection. Whether you are camping in your backyard or at a campsite, you will be able to enjoy being outside, while still staying comfortable with the Sports Quick tent.
Pros and Cons
1. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
When backpacking or solo camping, our favorite tent to spend the night in is the Lynx 1-Person Tent from ALPS Mountaineering. Not only is it a breeze to set up, but it is also durable and affordable.
The Lynx one person camping tent has a freestanding design and comes with two sturdy aluminum poles that are easy to attach. The tent also comes with stakes and guy ropes to secure it in place. It is freestanding, so you do not have to use the stakes and guy ropes, but they will provide additional protection if the wind picks up.
Even on a one-night camping trip, there is still gear that needs to be stored. Along with storage pockets, the interior also has a convenient gear loft. This way, you can keep necessary personal items close to you, and store the rest of your gear out of the way on the loft. In addition, there is also a vestibule that provides even more storage space.
This top-selling tent will keep you dry during rainstorms and provide plenty of ventilation during nice weather. The mesh sides allow for airflow and also gives you a clear view of the night sky. When bad weather hits, simply zip up the waterproof rainfly and you will stay dry and comfortable.
Designed for durability and ease of use, the Lynx 1-Person Tent is great for beginners and experienced campers alike. Personally, this is the tent I always bring on my own solo backpacking trips. I highly recommend it for anyone who is planning to go on adventure alone.
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect One Person Tent
If you know what to look for, choosing a tent for your solo camping trip should not be too difficult. These are a few of the most important factors and features that you should consider when looking for the best one person tent.
Tent Height
The height of the tent is an important factor to consider, even if you are the only one using it. You do not want to hit the tent roof every time you sit up. When choosing a new tent, take note of the maximum ceiling height. Also consider the design of the tent, because if the ceiling comes to a point in the middle, the tent’s height can be much shorter towards the walls.
Cabin-style tents typically have higher ceilings but they are usually designed for more than one person, making them impracticable for use on solo trips. Many one person tents feature a dome-style design, providing additional height in the center.
Motorcycle owners may also want to consider a motorcycle tent. They are typically designed for solo camping, but also provide shelter for your bike.
Floor Length
Even though single person tents are about the same length, a few extra inches can make a huge difference in comfort. Check the product specifications for floor length and do not forget to consider how much room your gear will take up.
Ease of Setup
These days, many modern one-person camping tents feature an instant, pop up design. We highly recommend that you opt for a pop-up style tent, especially for going on outdoor adventures by yourself. Pitching a traditional tent often requires more than one person and can be difficult to accomplish when you are alone. A pop up tent is incredibly easy to pitch, can be set up in just a few seconds, and is a significantly better choice for solo campers and backpackers. Additionally, pop-up style tents usually weigh a lot less than traditional camping tents.
Tent Poles
The tent poles are an important factor to consider because they contribute to the weight, portability, and set up time of the tent. In a one-person tent you want it to come with no more than two sturdy poles, preferably constructed from durable, lightweight aluminum. The poles should be simple to attach to the tent or slide through the sleeves. Remember, you won’t have any help setting up or taking down the tent on solo camping trips.
Materials
The tent, including the rainfly, should be constructed from lightweight materials that have been treated with a waterproof/resistant coating. You’ll want to look for higher-denier ones. The sturdy material is designed to last and is better equipped to keep rain and moisture out.
Ventilation
Even if you are the only one sleeping in the tent, ventilation is still important for comfort. Mesh panels keep insects out, while still allowing for plenty of airflow and a view of the nighttime sky. You can find tents with mesh walls, windows, doors, and even rooftops.
Guy Loops and Rope
If you plan on camping when it is windy or don’t want to take the chance of the tent blowing over, look for one that comes with guy loops and rope. Quick and easy to attach, this will keep your tent securely in place so you don’t have to chase it around the campsite.
Storage
Even a single camper will have gear and need a place to store it. Most one-person tents come with handy storage pockets but you might want to consider one with a vestibule or gear loft. This gives you a little extra space to stow gear so you’re not tripping over it during the night.
5 Benefits of a One Person Tent
1. Lightweight and Portable
Because of the reduced size, a one person tent is significantly more lightweight and portable than larger tents are. This makes them perfect for backpacking, hiking, and navigating the trails. They are easy to carry over long distances and can often be securely tied to a backpack or belt.
2. Easy to Store
Compared to larger camping tents, one person tents break down and pack into a much smaller package. Some models even pack down to just a few square inches. The small packed size really increases the storage ability. You can store a one person tent just about anywhere.
3. Easy to Clean
Camping is dirty business. When you are out on the campsite, it is easy to track dirt, mud, and debris back into your tent. Typically, tents that are used often will have to be cleaned and washed a few times per year. Due to their small size, one person tents are easy to hand wash. Washing a tent with a large interior, on the other hand, requires a lot more time and work.
4. Quick and Easy Pitching
In most cases, a tent designed for one person will be incredibly easy to pitch. These smaller tents typically utilize a pop-up design for easy and instant set up. In addition, many of the tents are freestanding, which eliminates the need to use and/or carry tent stakes and mallets.
5. Affordable
One person tents are some of the most affordable, high-quality camping tents that you can find on the market. They are smaller than most other available tents, which means they require less material and time to be manufactured. Tents designed for solo use will often be hundreds of dollars cheaper than comparable, larger camping tents from the same well-known brands.
One Person Camping Tents FAQs
How much does a one person tent weigh?
Most one-person tents weigh between 2 to 4 pounds, anything heavier is too much for a single camper to handle. When you are considering tent weight, think about what you can comfortably carry. You also want to consider the terrain you will be hiking and camping in. If the trail is steep and rugged, the best one-person tent for most people will weigh around 2 pounds.
Can two people fit in a one person tent?
Some one person tents are large enough for two people to sleep comfortably. However, this will depend on the length of the tent’s floor and the size of the two campers. If you’re planning on bringing another camper, pay close attention to the height, width, and length of the tent.
Does a one person tent have to be a pop up?
No, a one person tent does not also have to be a pop up tent. However, we do recommend that you choose a tent that features the ability to pop up. Because you will likely be pitching the tent alone, you should choose one that is as easy to set up as possible. Pitching a traditional tent by yourself can be difficult, especially with larger tents.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, there is nothing more relaxing than spending time alone in the great outdoors. Camping by yourself is a great way to “get away from it all.” However, to have a pleasant solo camping or backpacking experience, it is important that you bring the right tent. A one person tent should be lightweight, portable, simple to set up, and provide plenty of extra room to store your gear.
For solo adventurers, we typically recommend choosing an instant pop-up style tent that is also freestanding. Overall, the best one person tent is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent. The Lynx tent is freestanding, lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. This is the exact tent I use on my solo backpacking trips — I highly recommend it.
Happy Camping!
What tent do you use for your solo camping trips? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Feel free to share your own tips for successful solo adventures.
