The best survival tents are a crucial piece of gear that all preppers and survivalists need to have.
If things are looking rough and you’re on the move, the ability to quickly set up a shelter to protect yourself from the elements is a must.
But there are so many different survival tents out there that it can be difficult to choose the best one for you. There are numerous types and styles you can pick from, and not all of them will make sense for your most likely situation.
And then there’s the issue of quality. On the surface, all tents look pretty much the same. It’s incredibly hard to find out which ones are reliable and have the features you need to stay alive.
So we set out to make it easy for you.
This guide lists all of the best survival tents so you can quickly find one that works for you. We also go into some valuable info about what to look for, and how to use them.
By the time you’re done reading this, a tent will be the least of your worries.
Table of Contents
Our List Of The Best Survival Tents
Lucky for us, finding the best survival tents was actually a lot easier than you might think. We’ve used many tents over the years and know other experienced survivalists who have done this same.
This made it easy for us to establish a starting point.
From there it was just about narrowing down our list until we had the best of the best. As you probably know already, if you’re in a bad situation having something is better than nothing at all (you can also build your own survival shelter as well).
But we wanted the cream of the crop. Tents you could throw in your bag and have complete confidence that they’ll keep you safe and comfortable when needed.
We looked at quality, materials, structural design, company track record, and feedback from other owners. Combining that with our own personal experience helped us create the list you see below.
We’re confident that you’ll be happy with the products below. They’re all laid out in a way that will make it easy for you to pick which is best for your individual needs (climate, occupancy, etc.), so making your choice shouldn’t be hard!
Note: The list below is a mix of robust long-term tents and emergency tent options. We decided to include them all in the same list rather than separate them.
1. Ionosphere 1-Person Survival Shelter Tent by Snugpak
If you’re looking for an awesome low-profile survival tent for one person, this is your best bet. The Ionosphere dome tent by Snugpak is a three-season tent with a small footprint that just works.
- Built to accommodate 1 person and their gear, features tape sealed seams
- Equipped with DAC Featherlite NSL anodized aluminum poles
- 210t polyester RipStop with 5000 millimeter waterproof and windproof polyurethane coating
- Basic repair kit included
The dimensions of the tent are 94 x 35 x 28 inches which is plenty of room for one without going overboard. There’s also room for gear as well, so you can keep your essentials dry and protected. It has a sleek and long design that makes it great for holding up against high winds without falling apart.
Despite the sturdy build and accommodating footprint, this tent only weighs 3.34 pounds. That makes it something you can easily throw in your INCH bag (or bug out option) without weighing you down and being a burden. This seems like something that should be obvious, but there are actually a lot of heavy tents out there!
This survival tent comes with extremely lightweight aluminum poles and a mesh mosquito net in case you’re using it in warmer regions. You also get a standard repair kit to help you deal with any issues that you might run into while out in the wilderness.
The material of the tent itself is RipStop Polyester that has a 5,000-millimeter waterproof and windproof coating. While it’s definitely still a three-season tent, it can handle pretty much anything in those months.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94 x 35 x 28 inches | 3.34 lbs | Yes | 1 person |
2. Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent by SE
If you’re looking for a pure emergency tent, this one by SE is a fantastic option. This was one of the most-recommended survival tents on our list. It honestly seemed like every survivalist we knew had used it!
- Non-woven material with aluminum coated interior insulates body heat for extra warmth
- Dimensions: 82-inch x 36-inch
- 23 feet (7 meters) of rope
- 9-inch zinc plated carbon steel tent pegs
And after checking it out we understood why.
For a very reasonable price, you get a fantastic emergency tent that will keep you safe if things go bad. While it’s obviously not a long-term option, it does its job well.
It’s made from a non-woven material that has an aluminum coating on the inside. This aluminum helps trap body heat and keep you well-insulated. In a survival situation, this is priority number one.
For a pure emergency tent, it’s rather spacious as well. It’s 82 x 36 inches which gives one person room to lay comfortably while not being to open (sacrificing insulation). It comes with rope (which is how you’ll keep it standing) and 9-inch carbon steel stakes that do the job without sacrificing weight in your pack.
The material is waterproof and extremely tear-resistant which allows this seemingly flimsy tent to actually hold up nicely under the elements and be used repeatedly. It’s definitely not a one-off.
The entire survival tent is very lightweight and easy to pack as well. It only weighs 1.6 pounds and folds quite nicely. This allows you to bring it in a large bag or even a day pack if you’re going to be in conditions where you want to play it safe.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82 x 36 inches | 1.6 lbs | Yes | 1 person |
3. 2-Person Emergency Survival Shelter by DZRZVD
This mylar survival tent by DZRZVD is another fantastic option when it comes to keeping you warm and safe in bad conditions. This isn’t something you would rely on if you were planning on covering a significant amount of ground (you’re better off with a traditional tent in that case), but this will keep you alive for the night if you get into trouble.
- Portable mylar thermal reflective shelter tube tent, sleeping bag, blanket and raincoat
- Reusable, waterproof and windproof
- Help retain up to 90% of your body heat
- Comes with carrying bags
This emergency tent is essentially a mylar bivy sack that has effective thermal reflection that also will keep you sheltered from the elements. It’s entirely reusable and is waterproof and windproof as well.
This is something that not many new survivalists and preppers understand when it comes to mylar. Something about the foil-like nature of this material makes people think it’s a short-term option. However, this stuff can last for quite a while!
This tent also comes with a blanket, sleeping bag, and raincoat to keep you warm and dry, if needed. This allows you to build a quick shelter for yourself and stay warm in the process.
One of the biggest advantages of this product is portability. Although this set includes four separate pieces, each of them packs tightly and weighs very little, making them easy to mix and match or carry all four.
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | 8 x 5 feet | 8.7 ounces | Yes | 2 people |
| Sleeping Bag | 84.6 x 35.4 inches | 4.8 ounces | Yes | 1 person |
| Blanket | 82.6 x 63 inches | 2 ounces | Yes | 2 people |
| Raincoat | 51.1 x 39.3 inches | 2.8 ounces | Yes | 1 person |
4. Limelight 2-Person Survival Camping Tent by Marmot
This is one of the best tents for survival. Marmot is a fantastic company that’s known for creating high-quality products that are used for expeditions in some of the harshest climates around the world.
- Body Zone Pre-Bends Create Vertical Walls for a more spacious living area
- 1 super-sized double door and rear D shaped door with 2 Vestibules
- Seam taped full coverage fly with vents
- Interior pockets for small gear organization
The Limelight is a two-person tent that offers a tremendous amount of space on the inside even when being used at full capacity. They call this “zone pre-bend construction” which essentially means the structure of the tent can facilitate sleeping as well as sitting without sacrificing resistance to wind.
There are two doors to this tent that allow both people to enter and exit without disturbing the other. One door is quite large and the other is a bit smaller (although still roomy). There are also two vestibules that allow you to keep your equipment dry if it’s raining.
There are great ventilation options that you can use if it’s warm, but the build is great for cooler weather as well. While it’s a three-season tent, you can get away with using it in colder weather if needed (even though it’s not ideal).
One of the really nice things about this survival tent is that it can be set up in minutes. The tent has a series of well-placed clips that make the entire process painless and manageable with just one person.
Overall, this tent does the job without getting too fancy. It will keep you safe and protected by the elements and last quite a long time (as all Marmot products do).
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88 x 54 x 43 inches | 5 lbs 10 oz | No | 2 people |
5. Four Season Survival Tent For 2 People by GEERTOP
If you’re looking for a reliable four-season survival tent that will last you a while, this is the one for you. GEERTOP is a fantastic company with a track record of producing amazing outdoor gear. In our opinion, they might actually be a bit underrated (if that’s possible).
- Made of high-quality material that is fully rain proof and extremely light weight
- Special coating features excellent UV-resistance
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Quick and easy set up by one person in a few minutes
This tent is not only suitable for year-round use, but it’s waterproof as well. You can douse it with water and not a drop will make it through to the inside. It also is UV-resistant which is a feature that is often overlooked.
The insulating mylar material was designed by NASA and retains 90% of body heat. This will prevent hypothermia or shock to help you survive in an emergency situation.
The entire tent is very durable and built for the long haul. You’ll be able to rely on this tent heavily for years. This is mostly because of the anti-tear polyester build that helps it stand up to serious abuse.
This tent a breeze to set up as well. You can get everything ready to go in just a couple minutes once you get the hang of it. It’s very light as well, weighing in at just 6.5 pounds.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches | 0.15 Kilograms | Yes | 2 people |
6. Lynx 1-Person Tent by ALPS Mountaineering
There’s a lot to like about this tent. ALPS Mountaineering has been in the game for a while and rarely disappoints. Honestly, the Lynx is probably our favorite product by them!
- Free-standing, aluminum two-pole design is a breeze to set up
- Polyester tent fly resists water and UV damage while adding one vestibule for extra storage space
- Fully equipped with #8 zippers, storage pockets, gear loft, stakes, guy ropes and one doorway
- High-flow ventilation mesh
This three-season tent is designed to handle a wide range of conditions. While the tent itself is not technically waterproof (it’s fairly resistant though), it does come with a rain fly that does the job quite nicely. The polyester material can withstand UV damage as well, making this a survival tent you can use for quite a while.
The entire thing can be set up in just a couple of minutes. It has a nice 2 pole free-standing design that allows the tent to be clipped and standing in no time at all. We’re always a fan of easy assembly and the Lynx definitely delivers in that department.
Despite being a one-person tent, there’s actually a lot of space and room for your gear. It has a rather large vestibule as well as mesh storage pockets for anything you need to keep close as well.
This is also one of the best tents for survival in terms of ventilation. Spacious half mesh walls do a great job of moving air in and out of the tent as you see fit. For a solo trip in hot weather, this product is your best bet.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 x 36 x 32 inches | 4.1 lbs | No | 1 person |
7. 10×10 Waterproof Camping Tarp by Chill Gorilla
If you’re looking for something light and simple, here is another no-frills emergency tent. This survival tarp by Chill Gorilla looks a bit different than the standard emergency tents or mylar options we’ve listed, but it still deserves to be on this list.
This tarp/tent combo is waterproof and has 9 tie-down spots that allow you to set it up in a number of different ways. You can use it on top of an existing shelter, extent it from a car, pretty much whatever you want!
Survivalists and preppers love this because of its versatility. It’s also easy to store and quick to set up. The weight is very impressive as well since many “tarp” survival tents actually get quite hefty.
The entire thing only weighs 1.4 pounds in your pack which makes it an easy item to include without a big size or weight sacrifice. Considering you’re getting a 10 x 10-foot area of protection, we think it’s a pretty good deal.
The nylon material is extremely durable too. This won’t break down or tear no matter what kind of punishment you throw at it. At the end of the day, availability is the most important trait of survival gear.
Given the affordable cost and versatility, we recommend this for pretty much everyone (even if you’re thinking about getting a more traditional survival tent as well). You’ll always be able to find a use for it!
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 feet | 1.4 lbs | Yes | N/A |
8. Mylar Thermal Emergency Survival Shelter Tent by SharpSurvival
If you’re looking for a pure mylar survival tent, this product by SharpSurvival is another excellent choice. It can fit two people and the dimensions 8 x 5 feet are quite generous. A lot of the other mylar options out there (even the best ones) are made only have the capacity for one person!
- Mylar thermal material reflects 90% of body heat
- Fully waterproof and windproof
- Reusable tent packs easily for camping, hiking and emergency supplies
- Sets up in minutes
As you would expect from the magic of mylar, this survival tent will help reflect back about 90 percent of your body heat back at you to help keep you warm in a rough situation. To make things even better, the shelter is completely waterproof and windproof. We’ve given this a shot out in the cold and the results are mind-boggling.
Due to the simplicity of this tent, it only takes a couple of minutes to set up. Just take a rope and tie it around two trees (or supporting objects) and you’re good to go! This allows you to get out of the elements quickly which can make all the difference. The sooner you can protect yourself the better.
The entire thing is extremely light too. At just 0.35 pounds (5.6 ounces) you won’t even notice the weight of it in your pack. Considering how much space this tent provides, this weight is extremely impressive.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 5 feet | 5.6 oz | Yes | 2 people |
Read Also: Building A Long Term Survival Shelter
9. Emergency Weatherproof 2-Person Thermal Tent by Grizzly Gear
This is one of the best survival tents out there for a lot of the same reasons as the one above. It’s a high-quality mylar option that does a great all-around job. This is something you can rely on in a survival or emergency situation without any worries.
- Wind-resistant and watertight shelter that provide protection in all conditions
- Heat retaining thermal barrier helps prevent hypothermia
- Lightweight, versatile and easy to set up
- Functions as an emergency thermal shelter, emergency sleeping bag, water collector, signaling device and more!
The tent is waterproof and wind-resistant which allows you to set it up in a variety of different areas. While your goal should always be to set up camp in the best place possible, sometimes that’s not an option. If that’s the case, it’s nice to know the survival tent you’re using will keep you safe.
You can fit two people in this tent as well, and the 8 x 3 foot dimensions give just enough room to make that happen. Both of you won’t have a lot of room to stretch out, but you’ll be warm and safe (the close quarters will also help you keep things toasty in the shelter if it’s cold out).
One of the best things about this survival tent is how light it is. They don’t advertise the weight and we didn’t have a scale to measure it, so this is an eyeball assessment when compared to other products. In our opinion, it’s one of the lightest mylar options out there (when you factor in the overall dimensions).
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 3 feet | N/A (light) | Yes | 2 people |
10. 2-3 Person Camping Waterproof 3-4 Season Tent by Forceatt
In our opinion, this is one of the most overlooked survival tents (and tents in general) on the market right now. Forceatt is a great company that has a solid track record, but they obviously don’t have the clout that a company like Marmot does. With this being said, we absolutely loved this tent.
- Waterproof index up to 5000mm
- Two D-Shaped doors and two vestibules to accommodate up to two people
- Easy Install in 3 mins
- Large mesh window with 2 ceiling vents for optimal air flow
It’s a 3-4 season option that’s waterproof and windproof as well. When you’re on the inside of this thing you really feel cozy and safe! There’s no hint that any of the outside elements have a chance to creep in.
The tent is very well-built and has two D-shaped doors with vestibules as well. This allows you to keep your gear dry, bring in a lot of fresh air, and leave the tent without disturbing the other occupants.
For a tent that’s made to house two or three people, it’s actually very light. The entire thing only weighs five and a half pounds! The whole thing is easy to set up as well, with strong (but light) aluminum poles providing the foundation of the structure.
It’s also a very easy survival tent to ventilate. You have big mesh windows that can bring in fresh air when needed, and smaller vents near the top if you need to maintain the heat inside.
| Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88 x 53 inches | 5.5 lbs | Yes | 2-3 people |
Different Types of Survival Tents (And Why It Matters)
There are a number of different types of survival tents you can choose from, so it’s important to know each of them before you make a purchase. Not all of these types made our list (we favor function and survivability first), but they’re useful to be aware of.
Backpacking & Hiking Tents
The advantage of backpacking and hiking survival tents is pretty obvious- they’re extremely lightweight and easy to set up. In short, they’re perfect for anyone who is going to be carrying their tent around on their back for a while.
These tents are great for bug out or INCH bags because they won’t take up much space and won’t weigh you down. If part of your survival plan involves covering a solid amount of distance on food, these are the tents for you.
4-Season Tents
A 4-season survival tent is one that’s able to be used at any time of year. While most solid tents are good for 3 seasons, the magical 4th (aka the coldest months) requires extra engineering.
Because of this, 4-season tents are usually more expensive and sometimes a bit heavier. This is because they’re able to deal with the harsh winter conditions that a 3-season tent can’t handle. Depending on your region and climate, a 4 season tent might be overkill if you don’t want to spend the money.
Teepee Tents
Now we’re getting into tent styles and designs. As you’ve probably noticed, there are a number of different-looking tents on the market. Some design styles are better suited for certain situations than others.
The teepee style is pretty much what you think about when you imagine a tent. It’s the classic style that’s been around forever. It’s easy to set up, keeps everything dry, and is structurally sound. There’s a reason it’s still used so often!
When you think of a teepee survival tent, think of one pole holding up the walls with small stakes keeping the structure in place.
Dome Tents
Dome tents are a bit more trendy and are commonly used in serious expedition situations. The main advantage of this design is the extra space it allows on the inside. This gives you the ability to maximize capacity in terms of people or additional equipment.
An added bonus of this design is it’s very resistant to wind. The rounded top allows for wind to pass over without grabbing the tent, ensuring that things are calmer on the inside (and it doesn’t blow away).
Bivvy Tents
When we think of a survival tent, the bivvy design is what we picture. It’s designed for emergency situations where you need to get out of the elements at all costs. Comfort and space are secondary to staying protected and warm.
They’re pretty much a sleeping bag/tent hybrid that traps body heat so you can stay warm. Some of the big advantages of this design are the portability, weight, and ease of setup.
What To Consider When Purchasing a Survival Tent
While we’ve already done the hard work for you, this section will help you understand what to consider when looking for the best survival tents. Each of the factors below are simple, straightforward, and matter a great deal.
Fabric & General Durability
The kind of fabric the tent is made from is important to look at. Nylon, polyester, and mylar are all common materials you’ll see (and for good reason). These are all tried and true materials that provide clear benefits in a survival situation.
They’re also very durable as well. While mylar isn’t as durable as nylon or polyester, it’s not a joke either. Understanding what you’re looking for in a survival tent before you make your pick is important here.
If you’re just looking for something light to keep you warm if you get completely stuck, mylar might be your choice. If you’re planning on using the tent extensively in the wilderness, a more robust tent made of polyester or nylon is a good call instead.
Weight
Weight is a very important factor that many new survivalists don’t think about. While it doesn’t have much of an impact on the usefulness of the tent while you’re using it, it does affect your ability to pack and carry it.
When making room in a backpack for your survival gear, size and weight are very important. You need to be able to bring as many useful pieces of gear with you as possible (and don’t want to be burdened by a heavy bag). If your survival tent is light, that makes things easier for you in the long run.
Don’t worry, all of the ones we included in our list are very light!
Setup Convenience
If you’re in a bad situation the last thing you want to do is fumble around with a tent that’s a pain to set up. You need to get shelter fast so you can conserve body heat, protect yourself, and start working on the next step of your survival plan (even if just means staying put).
That’s why all of the best survival tents take minutes to set up. Most of the normal tent designs feature clips that allow you to get things up quickly, and mylar tents can be constructed with a simple bivvy.
Shape
Depending on where you are, the shape of your survival tent might be a factor to consider as well. If you’re going to be using it in an area with a lot of wind, a dome tent might be preferable to a traditional teepee design.
Number of Possible Occupants
If you’re a lone wolf and don’t have the need for a multi-person tent, that makes things easy. Simply get an emergency shelter tent that can hold one person and you’re good to go!
However, if you’re going to be traveling with a group you’ll want to get tents that can house more than one person. It takes up less space to carry two bushcraft tents that can hold two people than four tents that can hold one person.
Protection from the Rain
Rain protection is essential no matter where you live. While this is obviously something that will impact you more if you live in a rainy climate, staying dry is a core principle of survival.
That’s why all of the best emergency tents are waterproof (or at least have a waterproof covering).
Cost
We include this last because we don’t like to shop for crucial survival gear based on cost alone. A lot of the time, you get what you pay for.
However, we understand that budget is something to consider for the vast majority of people. All of the bug out tents on our list are affordably priced for most preppers and survivalists, so you shouldn’t have any issues if you stick to our recommendation.
The Importance of Choosing a Good Location
It’s important to point out that you can’t just set up a an emergency survival tent anywhere and expect things to work out. While it’s obviously better than nothing, the placement and location you choose still make all the difference.
While we’re not going to go into the entire thing here, there are a few important things to consider when picking a spot. Look for ways to limit exposure to the elements, stay dry, and keep you out of harm’s way (don’t pitch your tent underneath a leaning dead tree for example).
How to Maintain Your Survival Tent
If you want to maximize the amount of use you get out of your survival tent, it’s important to do some consistent maintenance. This will extend the lifespan of your gear significantly and keep it more functional when you need to use it.
Keep It Clean
After you’ve taken your tent out into the elements make sure to clean it up when you get back home. If you’re bugging out and “home” is somewhere entirely new, clean it on the fly.
Dirt, bugs, rocks, and rodents are all things you’ll want to get rid of. Neglecting to do this will result in a worm-down and holey tent in no time!
Store It Properly
After you’ve cleaned (and dried) your tent you’ll want to keep it in a good spot. Dry, dark, high, and cool are all the principles that we recommend. Also never store it near food! It will quickly become a home for mice.
Protect The Bottom During Use
When you’re using your tent it’s important to protect the bottom as much as possible. It doesn’t matter what kind you have (military survival tent, mylar, or traditional), the bottom should be your priority.
Try to get rid of any objects like sticks or rocks that could poke holes in the bottom before you set it up. Also if you have any kind of surface or tarp to place underneath, that’s recommended as well (some tents come with these).
Conclusion
Now that you know what the best survival tents are and how you can pick between them, it’s time for you to get one for yourself!
A good emergency tent is worth its weight in gold (even though they’re very light) and we consider them one of the most important pieces of survival gear you can have.
If there are any other tents you think we should consider, feel free to contact us so we can check it out. There are a lot of survival tents out there and we’re always interested to see what new tech is being used!
