The 5 Best Tents for Backpacking with a Dog

by | Mar 8, 2023 | Backpacking, Dog Travel, Travel Tips

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Gator and Merci in Colorado on the Continental Divide Trail

Gator and Merci backpacking in Colorado on the Continental Divide Trail

When it comes to planning a backpacking trip with your furry friend, choosing the right tent is essential. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day hike or setting up camp at a nearby park, you’ll want a tent that is lightweight and easy to set up. It’s also important to have enough space for your dog to sleep and move around, while also being durable enough to withstand your dog’s nails.

In this article, we’ll review the best tents for backpacking with a dog, taking into consideration different hiking distances and varying hiking and camping styles. Whether you’re a solo hiker, part of a family outing, or a group of friends, we’ve got you and your pup covered.

Getting your dog comfortable

Before you hit the trails, it’s essential to get your dog comfortable with your new tent. Depending on your dog’s size and personality, they may need some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Start by setting up your tent in your backyard or a quiet area where your dog feels safe. Let them sniff around and get used to the tent’s layout.

If your dog is anxious or skittish, you may need to spend extra time acclimating them to the tent. Consider bringing their favorite blanket or toy to help them feel more at ease. For larger dogs, make sure there’s enough space inside the tent for them to move around comfortably. For smaller dogs. With a little patience and some positive reinforcement, your dog will be a happy camper in no time!

Our tent reccomendations

High End Tent : Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Backpack Tent

The Big Agnes Copper Spur Backpacking Tent comes in three sizes:

It is for the outdoor enthusiast who is planning to go on longer backpacking trips. It is durable and easy to set up. The tent has a waterproof rainfly and a vestibule that provides extra space for your dog to rest. Additionally, the tent features interior mesh pockets and a gear loft for convenient storage. The main downside of this tent is its price, which can range from $449 to $649 depending on the size.

Nuthin and Merci in Nepal

Mid-Range Tent: Naturehike Cloud-Up Ultralight Tent

The Naturehike Cloud-Up also comes in three sizes:

It’s freestanding, which makes it easy to set up and move around. It is designed with lightweight, durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The tent’s interior has enough extra space for a dog, and it features a waterproof rainfly and two vestibules for extra storage space.

The tent also has interior mesh pockets for convenient storage. This tent is that it’s not as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, but it has received positive reviews from backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. The price of this tent ranges from $119 to $209, depending on the size.

Nuthin and Merci in Nepal

Budget Tent: Coleman Sundome Tent

The Coleman Sundome Tent is a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for backpacking with a dog and comes in 3 sizes.

It’s easy to set up, with a simple dome design and snag-free, continuous pole sleeves. The tent also features a waterproof rainfly, and its interior is roomy enough for two people and a dog.

While it lacks a vestibule for extra storage space, it does have interior mesh pockets for keeping your gear organized. The main downside of this tent is its weight. It is slightly heavier so it is better suited for short hikes and car camping. The price of this tent can range from $59 to $99, depending on the size.

Nuthin and Merci in Nepal

Ultralight Tent: Zpacks Duplex Tent

The Zpacks Duplex Tent is an ultralight option that weighs in at a stunning 1lb 2 oz. It’s perfect for thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking with your dog. It’s a two-person tent constructed from high-quality materials, including Dyneema Composite Fabric, which makes it highly durable and waterproof.

The tent is easy to set up, with trekking pole-supported corners, which saves you weight because you don’t have to carry tent poles. It also has guy lines for added stability. The tent’s interior is spacious enough for two people and a dog, and it features two vestibules for extra storage space. The two main downsides of this tent are its cost, which is $699 if you order directly from Zpacks and it has low breathability which can cause condensation inside.

Nuthin and Merci in Nepal

Family-Sized Tent: Big Agnes Big House 4 Deluxe Tent

The Big Agnes Big House 4 Deluxe Tent is a great option if you’re planning a backpacking trip with your family or have multiple large dogs. It’s relatively heavy at 12 pounds, so it may not be the best option for long backpacking trips where weight is a concern. However, for car camping or shorter backpacking trips, it provides plenty of room and comfort for the whole family and your furry friends.

The tent has a spacious interior and two vestibules for extra storage space and is easy to set up, with color-coded webbing and buckles. Additionally, the tent’s durable construction and waterproof rainfly ensure that you’ll stay dry and protected from the elements.

Nuthin and Merci at Hierve al Agua in Oaxaca Mexico

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to offset the cost of running our website so that we can keep writing informative travel content. We only recommend brands that we personally use. If we don’t use it for our own travels, we’ll never recommend them to you. 

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