These Top 5 Best Mountain Tents are ideal for long weekends away, mountaineering and peace of mind. We’ve picked top brands we trust, but still tried to keep costs down, and value for money high. All of these tents are low-slung and fairly elongated for maximum aerodynamics.
Ferrino Summary Tent, One Person
‘Snug and safe protection from the elements.’
With just enough room for one person ,the Ferrino is meant to be space-saving and compact. Extremely low and aerodynamic, it’s simply but thoughtfully constructed to keep wind and rain out and flowing over the tent.
Size and weight
Weighing in at 1.1kg, the Ferrino is light enough to trek with, and at 2.3m x 1m x 80cm, it’s compact enough, yet long enough to sleep one person comfortably.
Features
The tunnel design is the most aerodynamic there is when it comes to extreme tents, and the well thought-out tying and guy line system keeps the tent taut and windproof in extreme conditions. Entry is from the front side, so the whole back of the tent facing the wind is sealed off.
Materials
Made from highly durable, waterproof and windproof polyester.
Value for money
The cheapest extreme tent on our list is still a winner, and we recommend it highly. A serious contender for our Top 5 Best Mountain Tents list.
Altus 41500DI036 Light Series Tent
‘Thermo-sealed seams keep 100% of rain out.’
Thermo-sealed seams and double mosquito net interior to help keep pesky critters out. High-grade ventilation and extremely wind and waterproof. We’re pretty sure this baby has been wind tunnel tested, and it’s no joke. Probably not the best for way up Everest, but for most domestic trips, it’s a solid choice.
Size and weight
A tapered tent with enough room inside for tall people to stretch out and sit up with large rucksacks. Packed weight is 1.7kg.
Features
As well as being strong and sturdy, the Altus is lightweight and features double doors with mosquito netting, making it great for hot weather and forest camping. The tapered design makes is extremely sturdy in high winds, and the ventilation system helps to keep clear air circulating throughout the tent.
Thermo-sealed seams offer greater protection from rain and wind, and will help to keep the seams from splitting after constant use, a problem faced by many cheaper tents on the market.
Materials
Made from highly durable, waterproof and coated polyester. No chance of rain or snow getting inside this one.
Value for money
It’s not the cheapest, but it’s trustworthy, in our opinion, and those thermo-sealed seams are a great addition, especially in very wet conditions.
Nordisk Telemark 1 ULW
‘ULW stands for Ultra Light Weight.’
Nordisk Telemark tents are some of the best around, tested in wind tunnels to ensure they’ll perform in the highest winds, they’re also incredibly waterproof and ultra light weight. We love the Telemark 1, and have featured the Telemark 2 on Camping Things before. The tunnel design allows for maximum comfort and space, while keeping the tent as sleek and windproof as possible.
Size and weight
Ultra Light Weight, that’s what the Telemark 1 is all about. Weighing just 770g, it’s one of the lightest extreme tents in the world. It’s roomy enough for one person to sleep comfortably, with 2.3m of length and a comfortable 86cm of height to sit up in.
Features
The tunnel design is what gives the Telemark 1 its extreme windproof properties, and with a separate stuff compartment down by your feet, you’re free to stretch out inside without being cluttered by wet shoes and bags. Features quick fastenings for easy construction, and folds up into a small carry case which can be stashed away in a backpack or clipped on.
Materials
YKK high-quality zips all around, and state-of-the-art waterproof and windproof fabrics are what make the Telemark so light and so popular with extreme climbers and campers.
Value for money
A solid investment and one which will last and perform for many years, over many extreme expeditions, a good contender to lead our review of these best mountain tents.
Carinthia Observer Plus Bivy Tent
‘Keep a lookout in comfort and safety.’
The Observer is meant as an observation cover, for when you’re spending long hours outdoors, perhaps watching for wildlife. It works just as well as a one-person tent, and it’s super durable, as well as inconspicuous. Low and windproof as well as waterproof, it’s perfectly suited to covering your body, simply and effectively, whatever the weather.
Size and weight
Weighing 1.7kg, the Observer is sturdy and reliable, but still light enough to carry around on long days hiking. Like our other picks, the Observer is over 2m long, so there’s plenty of room for tall people inside.
Materials
Polyester. Extremely waterproof and windproof, the Observer is simple but effective.
Features
A simple zip down front and a roll-up flap are features on the front opening of the tent, and the side zips open to allow for better ventilation when needed.
Value for money
It might seem like you’re paying a lot for something so simple, but the beauty of the Observer is in its build quality. Highly recommended and easily one of the best mountain tents available today.
Mountaineering Zephyr Two Person Tent
‘Detachable top layer for summer camping.’
Made with UV resistant polyester and some of the most secure seams we’ve ever seen, the Zephyr’s top layer also detaches, revealing an all-over mosquito net, so you can camp under the stars, and stay pest-free.
Size and weight
The Zephyr is a middleweight, but extremely strong and durable tent, weighing in a 1.3kg. It’s over 2m long, so big enough for tall people and plenty of stuff like backpacks and shoes, and it packs away nice and tidy for easy transportation.
Features
Extra large zippers make entry and exit easy when wearing your big camping or hiking gloves, and the seams are tucked away behind flaps, to further keep out rain and wind. The Zephyr is a two-layer tent, and the top layer lifts off, revealing an all-over mosquito net, for warm weather camping. A simple two-pole structure makes the tent easy to set up and dismantle, too.
Materials
75D 185T polyester resists UV damage, which can degrade your tent in extreme conditions. The extra large zippers are durable and sturdy, and the taffeta floor is totally waterproof, too.
Value for money
The most expensive extreme tent on our list, but arguably the best, as well. We highly recommend the Zephyr, as we highly recommend all Mountaineering products. This could easily be winner of our Top 5 Best Mountain Tents.
Best Mountain Tents
Our Choice - Mountaineering Zephyr Two Person Tent
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Summary
One of the most expensive extreme tent on our list, but arguably the best, as well. We highly recommend the Zephyr, as we highly recommend all Mountaineering products. (Check the latest price and stock levels here)
