When embarking on a backpacking trip with friends or family, choosing the right tent is crucial. A three-person tent offers enough room for two hikers and their gear or for three people to share the shelter without feeling cramped. It strikes a perfect balance between space, weight, and durability, making it ideal for group backpacking trips, extended camping outings, or multi-day hikes. In this article, we’ll review the Top 10 Three-Person Backpacking Tents for 2025, providing a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is a top contender for the best three-person backpacking tent in 2025. Known for its impressive blend of lightweight construction and ample living space, the Copper Spur HV UL3 weighs just 4 lbs 11 oz and offers a high-volume design that maximizes internal space. With two doors and two vestibules, it provides easy access and plenty of room to store gear.

Key Features:

• Weight: 4 lbs 11 oz
• Two doors and two vestibules for gear storage
• High-volume design for greater interior space
• Excellent weather protection and durability

2. NEMO Dagger 3P

The NEMO Dagger 3P is a popular three-person tent among backpackers due to its light weight and roomy interior. Weighing 5 lbs 2 oz, this tent offers a dual vestibule design and features large mesh windows that ensure excellent ventilation. The Dagger 3P also offers a great mix of durability, space, and ease of setup, making it an ideal choice for multi-day backpacking trips.

Key Features:

• Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
• Dual vestibules for gear storage
• Excellent ventilation with large mesh panels
• Simple setup with color-coded poles

3. MSR Elixir 3

The MSR Elixir 3 is a versatile, durable, and spacious tent designed for all-weather performance. Weighing 5 lbs 7 oz, the Elixir 3 provides ample interior space for three people without adding unnecessary weight. It’s known for its easy setup and the great balance between comfort and weight, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced backpackers.

Key Features:

• Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz
• Two doors and two vestibules for easy access and gear storage
• Great weather protection, even in stormy conditions
• Easy setup with color-coded poles

4. REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus

The REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus offers generous space and comfort for three backpackers while maintaining a manageable weight of 5 lbs 8 oz. With its roomy interior, extra headroom, and two large vestibules, this tent is perfect for longer trips where comfort and gear storage are essential. The Half Dome 3 Plus is known for its durability, high-quality materials, and easy-to-pitch design.

Key Features:

• Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
• Spacious interior with extra headroom
• Two vestibules for gear storage
• High-quality materials for durability and weather resistance

5. Coleman Hooligan 3-Person Tent

For those on a budget, the Coleman Hooligan 3-Person Tent offers great value without compromising on quality. Weighing 6 lbs 3 oz, this tent is slightly heavier than other options but still offers solid performance for less demanding conditions. It’s equipped with Coleman’s inverted seams to help prevent leaks and provides a reliable shelter for mild to moderate weather conditions.

Key Features:

• Weight: 6 lbs 3 oz
• Affordable for budget-conscious backpackers
• Reliable weather protection with inverted seams
• Simple setup with color-coded poles

6. Sea to Summit Alto TR3

The Sea to Summit Alto TR3 is an ultra-lightweight, spacious tent designed for minimalist backpackers. Weighing just 4 lbs 5 oz, the Alto TR3 offers a semi-freestanding design that balances weight and stability. Its two vestibules provide excellent space for gear, while the lightweight fabric offers high durability and weather resistance.

Key Features:

• Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz
• Semi-freestanding design for easy setup
• Two vestibules for gear storage
• Lightweight and durable fabric for all-weather protection

7. Black Diamond Beta Light 3P

The Black Diamond Beta Light 3P is a highly portable and minimalist option for those who need a shelter for three people without sacrificing weight. Weighing 4 lbs 6 oz, this shelter is an excellent choice for backpackers who prioritize speed and ease of setup. Although it’s a single-wall tent, it offers excellent weather resistance, particularly in dry conditions.

Key Features:

• Weight: 4 lbs 6 oz
• Minimalist single-wall design for ultralight performance
• Great ventilation and weather resistance
• Quick and easy setup

8. Tarptent Scarp 3

The Tarptent Scarp 3 is a high-performance, spacious tent with excellent weather resistance. Weighing 5 lbs 14 oz, it features a double-wall design that provides outstanding ventilation and reduces condensation. The Scarp 3 is built for harsh conditions and is ideal for backpackers heading into rugged environments where durability and reliability are critical.

Key Features:

• Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz
• Double-wall design for improved weather protection
• Great ventilation and reduced condensation
• Built for harsh conditions with sturdy materials

9. Hilleberg Nallo 3

The Hilleberg Nallo 3 is a legendary tent known for its durability and weatherproof performance. Weighing 6 lbs 6 oz, it is slightly heavier than some of the ultralight models, but it more than makes up for it in terms of protection and comfort. The Nallo 3 is built for extreme conditions, with strong materials that can withstand high winds and heavy rain.

Key Features:

• Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz
• Excellent all-weather performance
• Highly durable materials for tough conditions
• Spacious and comfortable for three people

10. Luxe Tempo 3P

The Luxe Tempo 3P is an affordable, lightweight, and spacious three-person tent that’s perfect for moderate backpacking conditions. Weighing 5 lbs 2 oz, this tent features a semi-freestanding design and a spacious interior with two vestibules for gear storage. It’s perfect for those who want a balance of comfort, durability, and affordability.

Key Features:

• Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
• Semi-freestanding design for easy setup
• Two vestibules for gear storage
• Affordable option for budget-conscious backpackers

Final Thoughts on the Best Three-Person Backpacking Tents

Choosing the best three-person backpacking tent depends on your specific needs, whether that’s lightweight performance, durability, or affordability. If you’re willing to invest in premium performance, tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 and NEMO Dagger 3P offer exceptional comfort and weather resistance. For those on a budget, the Coleman Hooligan 3-Person Tent and Luxe Tempo 3P offer great value without compromising on key features.

For more serious backpackers looking for all-weather performance, the Hilleberg Nallo 3 and Tarptent Scarp 3 are built to handle the harshest conditions. Whatever your needs, there’s a perfect three-person tent out there for your next adventure.