Camping Tents vs. Backpacking Tents

Camping tents and backpacking tents are both camping essentials for different purposes. Camping is typically done near a car or RV. Backpacking involves camping in more remote locations without easy access to the comforts of modern life. A camping tent makes camping comfortable by providing protection from bugs, wildlife, wind, rain, and sun with all the conveniences of a home inside. A backpacking tent, on the other hand, keeps you safe from bugs and wild animals. Still, it doesn’t provide any shelter from the elements unless paired with a tarp or an additional outer layer that you have to carry as well.

Both of these tents are essential, but they vary in several ways.

Differentiating camping and backpacking tents

As mentioned earlier, camping usually happens near a car or RV, while backpacking involves camping in more remote locations without easy access to the comforts of modern life. A camping tent provides a level of comfort that a backpacking tent does not.

Camping tents usually have an inner tent with bug-proof mesh and a rainfly to keep out the elements. In contrast, backpacking tents rarely have an inner tent. When using a backpacking tent, you’ll have to make do with using bug repellant or designing your own way to keep bugs and the elements out.

Backpacking tents require camping under more primitive conditions without access to much of anything in terms of luxury. Backpackers will need all their camping gear as well as their own food and water for sustenance.

Backpacking is about camping under the stars and backcountry camping. You can’t really do that with a camping tent as you will need to make your way from campsite to campsite or find some kind of out-of-the-way place where no one else has set up camp before you get there.

One significant difference between camping vs. backpacking tents is the weight of the tents. Backpacking tents are lighter than camping tents because backpacker camps on foot; they need something lightweight. Camping tents, on the other hand, are heavier and sturdier because campers use vehicles.

Another difference between backpacking and camping tents is the space. Backpacking tents will have less space because backpackers want to keep their weight as light as possible. On the other hand, camping tents provide more room for campers using vehicles. They might be camping with family members or friends. This also makes it easier to pack backpacking tents, as opposed to camping tents.

When it comes to the cost, camping tents tend to be more affordable compared to backpacking tents. Also, camping tents are easier to set up compared to backpacking tents.

When it comes to similarities, both tents are available in different sizes. You can choose a tent for one person or up to four people. Also, both tents are available for different seasons. You can choose between mild rain and winds, snowfall, and heavy downpour, and strong winds. If you are a frequent camper, you may want to choose a suitable tent for all the seasons.