Best Hiking Tents Australia - 2023 List by K2 Base Camp Team
For the passionate hiker, the right tent isn't just a piece of gear – it's the backbone of their journey. The tent you choose can profoundly influence your experience, ensuring you remain comfortable, dry, and safe. While each tent has its merits, the challenge lies in finding the one that syncs perfectly with your specific needs and preferences.
Nature doesn’t play favourites, but it does reward those who come prepared. At K2 Base Camp, we understand this, and that’s why we've poured years into refining our tent selection, ensuring each one meets our strict criteria for durability and weight.
Whether you're taking on the challenging Western Arthurs, biking the vast Mawson Trail, or setting sights on the Himalayas, our collection has you covered.
Are you after the shortlist? Here are the K2 Team's top picks:
4- MSR Hubba Hubba Series
Why Do Lightweight Tents Matter?
It's not just about saving space for those celebratory gummy bears or a comforting flask of hot cocoa. Investing in a lightweight tent signifies a hiker's maturity and experience. Sadly, many have learned the hard way with subpar tents, discovering their pitfalls when it's too late.
Opting for a top-tier lightweight hiking tent is less about luxury and more about confidence in your equipment. It's a commitment to smooth journeys, be they on well-trodden paths or new horizons. Dive into our guide and let us help you find your perfect hiking companion.
1- MONT MOONDANCE SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Extended stays (both coastal and alpine) and long-distance hiking.
SEASON RATING
Standard: 3 Season
Full Nylon: 3-4 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
1 Person / 2 Person / 2-3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Expanded floor space, highly-waterproof floor, versatile, lightweight.
MAX WEIGHT
1 Person: 1485g (ST) & 1525g (FN)
2 Person: 1910g (ST) & 2090g (FN)
2/3 EX: 2300g (ST)
OUR VERDICT
Crafted primarily for the dedicated Australian hiker, the Moondance series from Mont sets the standard in lightweight shelter without skimping on robustness. The tent's floor is a 40-denier Nylon with its Waterhead rating surpassing 25,000mm.
Unique to many on the market, the 1-person model offers 25% more space by merging its non-door-side vestibule with the canopy. Such space optimisation is a standout feature for those foreseeing longer durations inside, be it for nature observations or weathering out unpredictable conditions. The Moondance series also allows you to adjust its rain-proof ventilation from within the tent—a feature surprisingly often missed by other brands.
Setup is lightning-fast thanks to its unified pole structure and a rainfly that effortlessly buckles into tent corners. The rainfly staking, further simplified by a 3-point guide rope system, is another testament to its user-friendly design. The Moondance series spans both 3 and 4-season models, ensuring adaptability for various conditions and the diversity of Australia's terrains.
2- ONE PLANET GOONDIE SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Varied Australian terrains, durability-focused hikers and bike-packers.
SEASON RATING
30D Nylon Inner: 4 Season
7D Nylon Inner: Light 4 Season
30D Mesh Inner: 3 Season
7D Mesh Inner: Light 3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
1 Person / 2 Person / 3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Durable one-piece floor, customisability, sturdy design, simplicity.
MAX WEIGHT
Depending on the inner and outer mix & match:
1 Person: 1475g - 1670g
2 Person: 1700g - 2070g
3 Person: 2640g - 2675g
OUR VERDICT
The Goondie series is an exceptional lightweight, robust hiking tent. Designed with the adventurous Australian hiker in mind, its 70-denier nylon floor, measured at an impressive 20,000 mm Waterhead rating, assures durability. When paired with a footprint, this tent becomes especially suited for those trekking off-trail or navigating rugged and rocky terrains.
While super durable, the Goondie series maintains a competitive weight, slightly edging out the Moondance series in our lineup. Like the Moondance, the Goondie incorporates the same user-friendly, easily locking toggles for poles and buckle-in rainfly. However, the poles can lean on each other before the tent is fully erected unlike the Moondance’s one-peice system.
The Goondie offers the option to mix and match between mesh or nylon inners and a choice of polyester or nylon flys which caters to various conditions in Australia, from warmer climates to backcountry camping. It's important to mention, however, that while the Goondie is versatile, it's not intended for extreme conditions like high-altitude mountaineering or polar expeditions.
3- EXPED MIRA SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Ultralight hikers and bikepacking adventures.
SEASON RATING
3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
1 Person / 2 Person / 3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Ultra-lightweight, spacious feel, waterproof gear storage.
MAX WEIGHT
1 Person: 1150g
2 Person: 1300g
3 Person: 1700g
OUR VERDICT
Exped’s Mira HL series is our lightest double-walled, freestanding tent series. Designed to optimise space and weight, the tent range strongly appeals to those maxmising efficency, making it a go-to for cyclists, especially long distance bikepackers.
If organising your gear is a priority, its one-person version’s unique gear closet offers a distinct, waterproofed space for segregating wet and frequently used gear. Exped haven’t compromised on comfort as it feels roomy inside thanks to its vertical sidewalls and 105cm of headroom.
Since this tent is designed for minimal weigh, Exped employs a thinner, 20-denier ripstop nylon in the floor when compared to the Moondance and Goondie. As such, Exped recommend a footprint to protect the lightweight floor, which adds 175g to the overall weight. With a 1500mm Waterhead rating in the floor, the tent is perfect for specifically ultralight traverses of Australia’s drier trails like the Larapinta and other parts of the world.
4- MSR HUBBA HUBBA SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Varied terrains as an all-rounder tent, and perfect for lightweight backpackers.
SEASON RATING
3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
1 Person / 2 Person / 3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Lightweight, efficient ventilation, wind resistance, and liveability.
MAX WEIGHT
1 Person: 1110g
2 Person: 1470g
3 Person: 1720g
OUR VERDICT
The Hubba Hubba series is a testament to MSR's expertise in tent design and innovation.
While, again, its floor is made from relatively lighter 20-denier ripstop nylon than the Goondie and Moondance, it counters with Durashield™, an advanced polyurethane and DWR treatment. The tent's one-pole system makes for a simplesetup, although its smaller, snug-fitting toggles demand more precision compared with the toggles use on the Moondance and Goondie Series. It holds a Waterhead rating of 1200mm for both its rainfly and floor.
Weighing around 400 g less than the Goondie and Moondance series, the Hubba Hubba's weight advantage can be credited to MSR's meticulous engineering and premium materials. With its notable light weight, it positions itself as a top choice for trekking across diverse terrains—be it the cold of Alaska or the warmth of Far North Queensland.
5- EXPED LYRA SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Everyday trekkers seeking reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly shelter across diverse terrains and seasons.
SEASON RATING
3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
2 Person
3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Multiple set-up modes, rapid assembly with unified pole segments.
MAX WEIGHT
2 Person: 2100g
3 Person: 2300g
OUR VERDICT
Exped’s Lyra series caters to the everyday hiker, merging premium quality with affordability.
With a freestanding canopy and shock-corded pole segments, setup is quick and uncomplicated. Its adaptable rainfly can be set up to provide partial inner canopy cover, ensuring shade while allowing breezes—ideal for sunny, open-air trail days. While it weighs 2.1 kg and 2.3 kg for its 2 and 3-person models respectively, this heft stems from its durable materials: the fly, canopy, and floor are crafted from 68-denier taffeta polyester. The floor's robustness is underscored by a 5000 mm Waterhead rating. Added conveniences of dual doors and vestibules enhance its functionality.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned trekker mindful of your budget, the Lyra is a trusty companion for most non-extreme hiking conditions.
6- VAUDE HOGAN ULTRALIGHT (UL) SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Mountaineering and trekking in varied climates, particularly favourable for cooler conditions due to its single entrance.
SEASON RATING
3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
2 Person
KEY FEATURES
Tripod-dome construction, high wind stability, adjustable vent system.
WEIGHT
2 Person: 1860g
OUR VERDICT
The Hogan UL from Vaude is deigned for the minimalist mountaineer and trekker. With an emphasis on reducing weight without compromising on stability, the Hogan UL showcases a tripod-dome construction, optimised for space efficiency. This design ensures a comfortable sitting height at the front while maintaining a low and aerodynamic profile towards the back. Its design offers quick setup and exceptional wind resistance, making it a reliable companion in elevated, windy terrains.
The Hogan is comparable but slightly heavier than the Goondie series and slightly lighter than than the Moondace at 1.86 kg. One thing to keep in mind is that the Hogan UL has a single entrance, limiting cross ventilation, which makes it slightly less favourable for humid and warm conditions.
7- MONT DRAGONFLY TENT
BEST SUITED FOR
Demanding alpine terrains, high-altitude treks, and traverses across Australia’s alpine peaks.
SEASON RATING
4 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
Spacious 2 Person
KEY FEATURES
4-season design, versatile ventilation, durable 70 denier Nylon waterproof tub floor with 20,000mm TPU lamination, heavy snow and high-wind stability.
WEIGHT
2 Person: 2650g
OUR VERDICT
The Dragonfly shelter is a tent engineered for the extremes. Designed to weather harsh winter conditions, it's a top choice for traversing Australia’s alpine regions. Its advanced ventilation system—featuring two internally accessible ceiling vents, full mesh/Nylon inner doors, and the ability to adjust both fly doors in quarter increments, caters to both wintry blizzards and summer breezes.
The Dragonfly's floor, made of 70 denier Nylon, features a superior 20,000mm TPU lamination and is comparable in thickness and waterproofness to the Goondie series. Built to counteract heavy snow loads, this tent promises not just shelter but a haven against the harshest conditions.
If your adventures lead you to challenging terrains, such as the unpredictable climates of the Himalayas or the rugged European Alps, where the shelter's integrity can determine survival, the Dragonfly is prepared.
8- EXPED ORION EXTREME TENTS
BEST SUITED FOR
Four-season demanding adventures and treks globally.
SEASON RATING
4 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
2 Person
3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Freestanding ridge tunnel design, high wind stability, spacious interiors with two large vestibules, eco-friendly materials.
WEIGHT
2 Person: 3600g
3 Person: 3900g
OUR VERDICT
The Orion Extreme is a definitive 4-season tent, trusted by adventurers for diverse expeditions worldwide. Its unique free-standing ridge tunnel, anchored by a full-length ridge pole that reaches the ground, ensures wind stability and offers a spacious interior for users.
Constructed for durability, the tent features a 40-denier ripstop nylon fly with a silicone coating. Its 70-denier taffeta nylon floor matches the Goondie series with a 10,000 mm waterhead rating. Notably, the rainfly doors can be operated from inside the tent. Dual vestibules, broad doors, and the added Gear Loft for personal items enhance its functionality and appeal.
Suitable for diverse environments, from polar expanses to elevated alpine mountaineering, the Orion Extreme prioritises user convenience.
9- EXPED VENUS SERIES
BEST SUITED FOR
Alpine and locations susceptible to high wind.
SEASON RATING
EXT: 4 Season
UL: 3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
2 Person
3 Person
KEY FEATURES
Hybrid freestanding design, superb wind resistance, elevated gear loft.
WEIGHT
2 Person: 2350g (UL) & 3200g (EXT)
3 Person: 2650g (UL) & 3900g (EXT)
OUR VERDICT
The Venus series is tailor-made for rigorous adventures. Merging the wind-deflecting benefits of tunnel designs with a ridge pole structure, it achieves maximum stability with minimal setup effort. Inside, an adjustable Gear Loft offers elevated storage. With a 40-denier ripstop nylon flysheet, a canopy that blends 30-denier ripstop nylon and 20-denier ultrafine mesh, anchored by a 70-denier taffeta nylon floor with a 10,000 mm Waterhead rating, the Venus Extreme is built to protect and be tough. It is also avaliable as an ultralight and 3 season version if weight is your primary concern.
Internally, the tent doesn’t disappoint. An adjustable gear loft provides elevated storage, modifiable with a straightforward pull cord. Whether you're facing the unpredictability of alpine weather or setting up in areas known for their challenging wind, the Venus ensures peace of mind.
10- VAUDE CAMPO TENTS
BEST SUITED FOR
Mild hiking and trekking adventures.
SEASON RATING
3 Season
SIZE AVAILABILITY
3 Person
3-4 Person
4 Person
KEY FEATURES
Spacious design with two vestibules and uncomplicated construction, Campo offers a lot of comfort.
WEIGHT
3 Person: 3600g
Grande 3-4 Person: 4100g
Grande XT 4 Person: 4800g
OUR VERDICT
The Campo from Vaude emphasises spaciousness and functionality. Crafted with 100% polyester, the Campo’s flysheet is fortified with a 3000 mm polyurethane coating, promising resilience against unpredictable weather. The tent floor ups that rating to 5000 mm polyurethane coating, ensuring the insides remain dry and cozy.
The Campo Range's weight starting at 3.6kg, these tents might not be the lightest on the block, but it more than makes up for it with its spaciousness and durability.
Additional clever integrations, such as the inner tent pockets and an all-in-one guy line collector and clamp, further cement the Campo as a reliable, weatherproof, and user-friendly choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigating Australia's diverse landscapes demands a reliable shelter. From lightweight designs ideal for long treks to robust tents suited for alpine adventures, K2 Base Camp offers a selection tailored for every hiker's needs. Make your next Australian hiking experience memorable and secure with the perfect tent from our curated range.