When planning a backpacking trip, having a reliable tent is crucial. A 3-person backpacking tent is the perfect size for a small group or couple who wants a bit more room to move around. In this article, we will review and compare the features, warranty, and service of the top 5 best 3p backpacking tents available in the market: The North Face Stormbreak 3, Marmot Crane Creek 3, Near Zero 3 Person, MSR Hubba Hubba 3, and Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person. We have tested these tents on various hiking trips and evaluated their performance based on their operation features, pros, and cons.
The North Face Stormbreak 3: A Spacious and Durable Backpacking Tent
Full Feature: The North Face Stormbreak 3 is a spacious and durable backpacking tent that can accommodate up to 3 people. It is made of high-quality polyester fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. The tent has 2 doors and 2 vestibules, which provide ample space for gear storage. The interior of the tent is well-ventilated and has mesh windows that provide excellent airflow. The tent's set up is straightforward, and it comes with color-coded poles that make it easy to assemble.
Warranty & Service: The North Face offers a limited lifetime warranty for this product.
Operation Feature: The tent features a freestanding design, and it comes with stakes, guylines, and tensioners for added stability.
Pros: Spacious and durable, easy to assemble, good ventilation.
Cons: Slightly heavier than some other backpacking tents, vestibules are not very spacious.
Testing and Performance: The North Face Stormbreak 3 performed exceptionally well in windy conditions and heavy rain during our hiking trip to the Pacific Northwest. The tent remained dry inside, and the vestibules were effective in keeping our gear dry.
Weight: 5.15 lbs
Price: $ 219
Final Score: 8.9/10Marmot Crane Creek 3: A Lightweight and Easy-to-Assemble Backpacking Tent
Full Feature: Marmot Crane Creek 3 is a lightweight and easy-to-assemble backpacking tent that is designed for three people. The tent is made of high-quality nylon fabric, which is both waterproof and breathable. It has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for gear storage. The tent's interior is well-ventilated, and it has mesh windows that provide excellent airflow. The tent's poles are color-coded, making it easy to assemble.
Warranty & Service: Marmot offers a limited lifetime warranty for this product.
Operation Feature: The tent features a freestanding design and comes with stakes, guylines, and tensioners for added stability.
Pros: Lightweight and easy to assemble, well-ventilated, and excellent waterproofing.
Cons: The vestibules are not as spacious as other tents, slightly expensive.
Testing and Performance: Marmot Crane Creek 3 performed well during our hiking trip to the Rockies. The tent was lightweight and easy to assemble, and the waterproofing was excellent. However, the vestibules were not very spacious, making it challenging to store our gear.
Weight: 5.13 lbs
Price: $ 199
Final Score: 9.2/10Near Zero 3 Person: A Compact and Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Full Feature: Near Zero 3 Person is a compact and lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for three people. The tent is made of high-quality polyester fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. It has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for gear storage. The tent's interior is well-ventilated, and it has mesh windows that provide excellent airflow. The tent's poles are made of high-strength aluminum, making it durable and long-lasting.
Warranty & Service: Near Zero offers a limited lifetime warranty for this product.
Operation Feature: The tent features a freestanding design, and it comes with stakes, guylines, and tensioners for added stability.
Pros: Compact and lightweight, well-ventilated, durable and long-lasting.
Cons: The tent is not as spacious as other backpacking tents, slightly expensive.
Testing and Performance: Near Zero 3 Person performed well during our hiking trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The tent was easy to assemble and lightweight, making it ideal for backpacking trips. The waterproofing was excellent, and the ventilation was top-notch, keeping us comfortable even in warm weather. However, the tent's size was slightly smaller than other backpacking tents, making it challenging to store our gear.
Weight: 4.11 lbs
Price: $ 349
Final Score: 9.5/10MSR Hubba Hubba 3: A High-Quality and Versatile Backpacking Tent
Full Feature: MSR Hubba Hubba 3 is a high-quality and versatile backpacking tent that is designed for three people. The tent is made of high-quality nylon fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. It has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for gear storage. The tent's interior is well-ventilated, and it has mesh windows that provide excellent airflow. The tent's poles are made of high-strength aluminum, making it durable and long-lasting.
Warranty & Service: MSR offers a limited lifetime warranty for this product.
Operation Feature: The tent features a freestanding design, and it comes with stakes, guylines, and tensioners for added stability.
Pros: High-quality and versatile, spacious and well-ventilated, durable and long-lasting.
Cons: Slightly expensive, the tent's size is not suitable for taller people.
Testing and Performance: MSR Hubba Hubba 3 performed exceptionally well during our hiking trip to the Grand Canyon. The tent was easy to assemble, and the waterproofing was excellent, keeping us dry during a heavy rainstorm. The ventilation was top-notch, and the tent's spaciousness made it comfortable to stay in for extended periods. However, the tent's size was slightly smaller than other backpacking tents, making it challenging for taller individuals.
Weight: 3.13 lbs
Price: $ 589
Final Score: 10/10Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person: A Lightweight and Affordable Backpacking Tent
Full Feature: Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person is a lightweight and affordable backpacking tent that is designed for three people. The tent is made of high-quality nylon fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. It has two doors and two vestibules, providing ample space for gear storage. The tent's interior is well-ventilated, and it has mesh windows that provide excellent airflow. The tent's poles are made of high-strength aluminum, making it durable and long-lasting.
Warranty & Service: Naturehike offers a one-year warranty for this product.
Operation Feature: The tent features a freestanding design, and it comes with stakes, guylines, and tensioners for added stability.
Pros: Lightweight and affordable, well-ventilated, and durable.
Cons: The tent's size is slightly smaller than other backpacking tents, the zippers can be difficult to use.
Testing and Performance: Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person performed well during our hiking trip to the Rocky Mountains. The tent was easy to assemble, and the waterproofing was good, keeping us dry during light rain. The ventilation was adequate, and the tent's lightweight design made it easy to carry during long hikes. However, the tent's size was slightly smaller than other backpacking tents, making it challenging to store our gear. Additionally, some of the zippers were a bit difficult to use, requiring a bit of extra effort to open and close.
Weight: 5.07 lbs
Price: $ 209
Final Score: 8.5/10Conclusion: In conclusion, all five backpacking tents reviewed are excellent choices for hikers looking for a reliable and comfortable shelter for their outdoor adventures. The North Face Stormbreak 3 is the best choice for hikers on a budget, while the Marmot Crane Creek 3 is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality and versatile tent. Near Zero 3 Person is the most compact and lightweight option, while MSR Hubba Hubba 3 is the best choice for those looking for a spacious and well-ventilated tent. Finally, Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person is the most affordable option, but it is slightly smaller and has some zipper issues. Ultimately, the best 3p backpacking tent for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.