What is a Survival Tent?
A survival tent is a tent designed for use by serious outdoors enthusiasts. It’s not just any old tent – we’re not talking about the tents that people bring to music festivals or to go “glamping” (“glamorous camping”, can you imagine anything worse?).
A survival tent needs to be able to protect you from the elements, keep you warm, and ideally it’s lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble. Some survival tents are suitable for 3 seasons, and some can withstand even extreme winters, but winter appropriate tents tend to be heavier and more burdensome than 3 season tents.
While you might be thinking that you can get away with just any old tent, there are countless stories out there of a daytrip to the woods turning into a survivalist nightmare. So, when it comes to tents it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared – and that means buying a survival tent. You never know what might happen with regards to weather, temperature, etc, and a casual outdoor excursion can turn into a dangerous situation very quickly if you’re not properly prepared.
Survival tents do exactly what they promise. They keep you warm and dry no matter what the weather conditions, and far safer than you would be just lying out in the open in a sleeping bag. If you are finding the selection process for buying a survival tent a little overwhelming – don’t worry. We’ve narrowed down the choices down for you.
Here’s our definitive list of our favorite survival tents on the market. Somewhere on this list you’ll find a tent that meets your needs exactly.
The 10 Best Survival Tents For Wilderness Excursions
Features:
- 2 person tent
- 3lbs 13oz when packed
- 29 sq ft floor area
- 2 entrances
Can you trust a survival tent with the name “Hubba-Hubba”? Turns out you most definitely can. The NX2 is a high quality, ultralight survival tent, spacious enough inside to fit two people comfortably, yet cozy enough for even the most inclement weather.
The NX2 had 2 covered side entrance flaps where you can store backpacks and clothing you need to dry out. It also has StayDry doors for additional warmth and protection because of the built-in rain gutters. If you find yourself in more tropical temperatures, the NX2 offers roll-up entrance flaps and lots of cross ventilation. A great feature to look out for if you don’t like waking up in a sauna.
The stuff sack compacts the tent nice and tight so you’ll have plenty of space left for other essential items in your pack. In our opinion, the NX2 offers outstanding value for money and will be suitable for both serious backpackers, preppers, and casual day trippers. With one of these compact, lightweight tents in your pack, you can head out for the hills with complete confidence. A well-deserved 5 stars.
Check price of the MSR NX2 Hubba-Hubba
- Spacious head and leg room
- Warm and cozy if it rains
- Adjustable rainfly offers stargazer option
- If you carry a lot of gear, entrance flap covers might not be adequate
Features:
- 2 person tent
- 5.2 x 7.8 feet and 42inch height
- 6.7 lbs weight
- 2 entrances
A little bit bigger than your average shelter tube, the ALPS base is slightly over 5′ x 8′ and freestanding to boot. With its easy setup, the ALPS may have the advantage over a more basic shelter tent which demands you find a sturdy object to which to attach the rope. Not the easiest thing to do if the weather suddenly turns nasty.
Easier to setup because of the basic 3-pole design, the ALPS survival tent includes a rain fly that flaps out to create 2 covers for any backpacks or boots that need to stay dry too. Add in some really nifty mesh windows and storage pockets and you have yourself a well-priced, well thought out, basic survival tent. It’s possible to add a designated floor saver tarp as an additional purchase.
It’s our choice for best overall survival tent thanks to its easy set up, ability to withstand difficult weather conditions, reasonable price point, and good tradeoff between size and weight
Check price of the ALPS Mountaineering Extreme
- The 2 vestibule points also double up as additional attachment points for windy or stormy weather
- Bags for the stakes and poles included
- Stuff sack includes repair swatches
- A bit heavier than your average survival tube
Features:
- 2 person tent
- 8ft x 5ft interior floor space
- Extremely lightweight
- Weather tube design
If you are someone who always likes to think and plan ahead, the Sharp Survival Emergency Tent is the product you are looking for.
Setting up in minutes, the Sharp Survival is ideal for emergency shelter and used as a backup for any “just in case” scenarios you might encounter when out fishing, rock climbing, hiking, hunting, and more. It’s most outstanding feature is the speed at which you can set it up. It’s very basic, so don’t expect any bells or whistles when it comes to anything that could compromise the tent’s weight and easy setup.
When you encounter a situation that demands you have speedy access Mylar thermal materials that reflect up to 90% of your body heat back towards you, and is windproof and waterproof into the bargain, the Sharp Survival is what you need.
Check price of the Sharp Survival Emergency Tent
- Reusable
- NASA technology
- You’ll be warm and dry in minutes
- Fantastic price for what it does
- It’s a Mylar sheet that drapes tightly over the rope attached to 2 fixed objects, so no entrance flaps you can close.
Features:
- 4 person tent
- 6lbs 14.5oz
- 56 sq ft
- 2 entrances
The Genesee has many incredible features, which makes sense because it sits at the slightly more expensive end of the survival tent market. This high-end, top quality tent comes with two doors and two flaps that can be extended out to create more shelter. Even with many more features than this, it still manages to be lightweight, airy, and spacious.
With its 3 season flexibility and resistance to all types of weather conditions, the Genesee is an excellent choice for larger groups of campers. It’s a freestanding tent with fours corners, bathtub floor fabrication, and taped seams. The clip pole attachment is to keep the tent lightweight and the fly vent windows keep things view-friendly.
Additionally, the Genesee had helpful reflective guylines (with tension-lock cords) so there’s no fear of the structure losing its rigidity. The handy detachable ceiling loft pockets and mesh storage keeps flashlights and water bottles accessible when needed. A really great product for the price.
Check price of the Mountainsmith Genesee 3 Season Tent
- Airy, spacious, and works well for all season in the mild climate
- Storage
- Easy to assemble
- Stands firm once assembled
- Not suitable for very extreme winters
Features:
- 3 person tent
- 40 sq ft
- 5.7 lbs weight
- 2 entrances
From the same company, going up one notch in space from our choice for best overall survival tent comes the Zephyr 3. Extra durable, freestanding, and easy to assemble, the Zephyr 3 is built to provide you with shade when it gets hot and warmth when in gets cold.
Offering 3 seasonality and space for up to three people, the Zephyr 3 comes with 2 lightweight aluminum poles in the kit that snap and clip together in the blink of an eye. The fly stands taut and is UV resistant, and the sealed floor seams and fly provide excellent protection against most harsh weather conditions.
Fresh and breezy ventilation is provided by entire walls of mesh and a capacious vestibule flap protects your gear as well. A good choice for your outdoor trip or to pack into the car trunk for survival emergencies.
Check price of the Zephyr 3 by ALPS Mountaineering
- Quick and easy setup
- UV resistant fabric
- Seriously good ventilation
- Not for extreme winter weather conditions
Features:
- 3 person tent
- 39.5 sq ft
- 5.8 lbs weight
- 2 entrances
Some survival tents are simple shelters, highly useful to sleep in or for emergencies. The Kelty is a bit more than that.
Here’s why the Kelty 3 stands heads and shoulders over other similar products in this category. First up, the Kelty Series 2 won loads of gear of the year awards from leading outdoors experts, and the Kelty 3 is like its bigger, better brother.
It’s roomy enough to sleep three comfortably, while remaining lightweight enough to be a doddle to carry around. This superior survival tent is easy to set up and pack away because of the shorter aluminum poles with hug/clip technology. Add a cute stargazing fly that can be rolled all the way back – or not – with one simple movement, and this 3 sleeper should be at the top of your “to buy” list.
Check price of the Kelty TN Series 3 Survival Tent
- Super-cool 3-style fly innovation
- “Porch” can be created using trekking poles
- Lightweight for the size
- Vestibule flaps add an extra 2′ to the sides
- 3 season tent, not for extreme winter weather
Features:
- 1 person tent
- 4lbs 5oz weight
- 8′ 7″ inch x 5′ 5″ outer layer
- 1 entrance
If you’re out hiking solo in forest or hillside regions, this tent will serve your individual needs, especially if you encounter a survival situation.
Taking an almost record breaking 5-6 minutes to set up, the Highlander XL Blackthorn also has an advantageous hydrostatic (Water resistant) head and breathable polyester outer fly. Take note of our helpful weight and size guide because the ones provided by the manufacture’s are metric. The guidelines have a inner pitch first rule. After you’ve done that, the rest of the setup is smooth sailing.
The best key feature is how incredibly fast the Blackthorn is to pitch. This is an ideal piece of kit to find in your pack during any wilderness exercise. The color provides camouflage at night and also has strong water resistance. Its lightweight means you won’t be weighed down during your travels, giving you mobility and speed.
Check price of the Highlander XL – Blackthorn 1
- Excellent to deploy on-the-fly during travels
- Super light and compact
- Handy front porch storage
- High-visibility guylines
- Color is not high-vis to make you easier to find
Features:
- 2 person tent
- 3.2lbs weight
- 29 sq feet
- 2 entrances
When they say ultra-light in the Big Agnes description, they aren’t exaggerating. This beautiful 2 sleeper weighs in at an incredible 3lbs 2oz when packed. That’s enough to tempt anyone to stick it into their pack for any unexpected survival scenarios.
The Big Agnes is freestanding and appropriate for 3 seasons. Even though it’s very lightweight, the Big Agnes is constructed from robust, durable fabric. The patented pole system comes with trendy-looking lightweight hubs and press and fit connectors.
Both the fly and floor have been treated with silicon nylon coating to make it more tear resistant. The 2 rainbow entrances and 2 vestibules have storm flaps, single stake outs, and zippers. The 4 interior mesh pockets can hold extra items you might need on hand during the night.
Check price of the Big Agnes UL2 Copper Spur
- High-vis guylines
- Seams are taped and waterproof
- Spacious vestibule flaps
- Weatherproof against storms and hail
- A bit cramped for 2 people
Features:
- 2 person tent
- 5lbs 5oz weight
- 7′ x 3.5′
- 2 entrances
With its camouflage green and 2 spacious entrances, the Shire doesn’t immediately jump out at you looking like a survival tent. However, it’s a worthy little addition to any backpack because of its affordability and great performance.
The 2 full-size doors allow each occupant to enter and exit without having to crawl over the other tent mate. The mesh exterior allows for airflow and there’s also a convenient rain fly that buckles firmly to each bottom corner. After you’ve setup the rain fly, it creates the vestibule flaps where you can stow your gear.
Super-small and lightweight, you can take the Shire with you on a hiking trip as it rolls up nicely into a compact nylon carry bag. The bag has clips to attach to the outside of your pack if you wish.
Check price of the 12 Survivors Green Shire Tent
- Easy setup
- Wide enough to comfortably accommodate an inflatable sleeping pad
- You can turn the rain fly into an awning by using your trekking poles
- Three season tent so no good for extreme winter conditions
Features:
- 1- 2 person tent
- 8ft2 x 3ft6 size
- 1.6lbs weight
- 1 entrance
The SE offers a bit more than the standard waterproof material draped over a rope. While remaining lightweight and easy to setup, the SE also provides extra features that can make all the difference in a survival situation.
The SE stays closed on one end and has flaps that can be closed with ties over its entrance. This is a nice feature to have if you’re heading off into unpredictable weather conditions. The aluminum coating inside both insulates and reflects your body heat back to you. The bright orange exterior ensures any search and rescue will see you with ease. Add waterproof, reusable, and tear-proof to the description, and you have one fine product on your hands (or preferably in your backpack!).
Check price of the SE Emergency Survival Tube Tent
- Includes rope and 4 x tent pegs
- Easy setup
- Metal grommets that protect the material from rope fraying
- Doubles up as blanket and ground cover
- Tight fit for 2 people
A Buyer’s Guide to Survival Tents – What Factors you Need to Consider
Weight, Size, Number of People
In any survival situation, it’s always better to have something rather than nothing at all. Keep this in mind whenever you leave on an excursion. If you are traveling by car, you can chuck a survival tent into the trunk before heading out into winter weather. You don’t need to pay any attention to how much it weighs in this case.
If you are hiking or camping, you must factor in the weight of your survival tent into the rest of your equipment. If you’re traveling solo, you might want to check out the dimensions when your survival tent is in its stuff sack as well.
A true emergency kit will always contain a basic shelter or shelter tube. They fold up nice and tight, so are perfect for any true survivalist pack that demands you travel light with minimal gear.
If you are a regular backpacker, you should factor in the weather conditions of your favorite camping spots and buy accordingly. There’s no need to weigh yourself down with a 4 season, 2 person monster when it’s usually only you alone hiking in a temperate zone.
Always remember to correlate the weight of your survival tent with the distance you will be traveling. Walking for a few miles to your top camp as opposed to trekking for miles up a mountain. Each situation demands a different tent weight.
Setup
You need a quick setup tent if it’s to be regarded as a true survival aid. A good rule of thumb is the larger and more “tent-like” your shelter is, the longer it will take to setup. It also matters how many people are with you on your hike, as some tents need two physically capable people to setup.
Seasons
Not all tents are designed for use in all 4 seasons – in particular, you’ll find tents labeled “3 season” or “4 season”. The fourth season is winter, and the reason why some tents aren’t suitable for extreme winters is because there is a definite trade off between weight and warmth. That means a four season tent will typically be heavier (and more of a burden, particularly on long trips) compared to a three season tent. People who spend a lot of time outdoors will typically have both a lighter, more convenient 3 season tent and a heavier duty 4 season tent, and on excursions during the winter they’ll use the latter. You’ll have to decide for yourself what makes sense, but if you live in a place with moderate weather (e.g California) then a 3 season makes a lot of sense. If you live in an area with harsh winters, maybe a 4 season tent is the way you should go.
Color
A proper survival tent is easy to see. If you hike alone or in extreme weather conditions, you need a bright colored tent. If you are using your tent for prepping or camouflage, then you can opt for a green or white tent according to the weather.
We hope the information provided for you here is helpful to you when you are making your selection. If you ever leave the comfort of your home or head out into areas where communication is erratic at best, be sure to take a survival tent with you. Also – always let someone responsible know where you are going and for how long you will be away.
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