11 Best Survival and Bushcraft Tents – 2023 Review and Guide

I reviewed over 30 tents and found the Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent to be the best survival and bushcraft tent. 

I’ve been practicing bushcraft for nearly a decade and spend at least one weekend a month in the woods, year-round. I was also previously in the military and spent months camping in the field. I took my experience along with others in our bushcraft and survival community to put together this review and guide.

For this review, I researched over 30 survival and bushcraft tents and narrowed it down to the 10 best. 

The Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent stood out as the best option available. It’s lightweight and spacious enough for two people (or one person and a bunch of gear). It also has great ventilation, reducing the risk of condensation and odors. 

However, different bushcraft tents may be better for other situations. For instance, you may need something smaller or more suited to cold climates. 

Below, we’ve reviewed ten of the best survival and bushcraft tents so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

BEST OVERALL

Klymit Maxfield Backpacking Tent

Easy to Setup

Durable

Affordable

Price: $$

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AT
BACKCOUNTRY

MOST COMFORTABLE

Haven Tents Hammock XL

Lay Flat Design

Includes Sleep Pad

Very Comfortable

Price: $$

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BEST BUDGET

Eureka! Midori Backpacking Tent

Lightweight

Affordable

Large Vestibule

Price: $

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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent

Lightweight

Durable

Good Ventilation

Price: $$$

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BEST FOR GROUPS

KingCamp Khan Yurt Tent

Spacious

Durable Material

Easy too Setup

Price: $$$$

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BEST FOR SURVIVAL

Rapid Deployment Shelter Obsidian

Large Interior

360 Degree Windows

Easy to Setup

Price: $$$$

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Best Survival and Bushcraft Tents

Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent – Best Overall

• Occupancy: 2-person
• Seasons: 3 season
• Weight: 4lb 3oz

The Kymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent is designed for backpackers and bushcrafters who need a lightweight and durable tent. Every ounce counts when you’re backpacking through the woods, and Klymit kept that in mind when designing this tent. 

Because it’s so lightweight, it also fits nicely into a backpack. As someone who packs a ruck nearly every weekend, I know just how important finding a tent that fits is. 

This tent is also easy to set up, taking only a few minutes. It’s perfect when you’re low on daylight or don’t want to mess with your sleeping arrangement for an hour. 

I love that it’s weather-resistant and it keeps me dry. Getting wet can be a deadly problem. You’re at risk for developing hypothermia when wet, even in weather as warm as 50°F.

It’s made of high-quality materials like 15D ripstop rainfly and 30D nylon. The poles are aluminum, making them lightweight and durable. Based on these materials, I’m confident this tent would be fine in tough weather conditions. 

This bushcraft tent has a great built-in ventilation system, preventing condensation and improving airflow. 

Compared to similar tents, I found this one more affordable, especially for what you get. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious bushcrafters. However, the interior space may be cramped if you’re with a buddy. 

Recommended for:

I recommend the Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent for most bushcrafters. It’s lightweight, durable, and protects from the elements. You can’t beat it, especially for the price. 

Haven Tents XL Lay Flat Hammock – Most Comfortable

• Occupancy: 1-person
• Seasons: 3 season
• Weight: 7lb 10.5oz

The Haven Tents XL Lay Flat Hammock is the most comfortable way to sleep in the woods.

In general, hammocks can be uncomfortable for some people since you can only lay on your back.

Haven tents has solved this problem with their lay flat hammock design. I think of it as more of a tent that is suspended in the air.

The huge advantage of this tent is that you don’t need flat ground. You just hang it between two trees. But, if you don’t have any trees, you can still pitch it on the ground like a regular tent.

The included insulated inflatable sleeping pad keeps you insulated from the air or ground underneath the hammock. This is another common problem with most hammocks.

None of the other tents on our list include a sleeping pad, so keep this in mind when looking at the overall price.

Also included is a bug net and a rain fly. The rain fly can be fully closed around the tent or opened up in calm weather. There are also tent stakes and guy lines included for flying the rain fly over the tent.

I like the internal pockets and the included toggles on the ridge line. I can hang my pack, a light, or my shoes from the toggles.

Setup is easy and does not require tying any knots. You just loop the straps around two trees and use the included carabiners to hang the tent.

The only down side I have found is the entire kit is on the heavy side. But, you have to keep in mind that this includes a sleeping pad. The tent itself weighs less than 5 pounds, which is comparable to most others.

This tent is only for one person, so you may need more than one if you are traveling with someone else.

I really like that this tent can be used anywhere. When it is suspended in the air it is very comfortable and you can sleep on your side or stomach if you want. You also don’t have the aggravation of ground that isn’t level or rocks and roots poking you in the back.

To see if this tent is right for you, see my full Haven Tent Hammock Review.

Recommended for:

The Haven Tents XL Lay Flat hammock is for someone who doesn’t sleep well in regular tents. It works great on rough and uneven ground. This hammock style tent can be suspended from trees and more comfortable than any other tent.

Eureka! Midori 1-Person Backpacking Tent – Best Budget

• Occupancy: 1-person
• Seasons: 3 season
• Weight: 3lb 11oz

The Eureka! Midori 1-Person Backpacking Tent is much more affordable than other 1-person tents. Therefore, it is perfect for bushcrafters on a budget. 

It weighs just three pounds, making it one of the lighter options. Despite it’s smaller size, it has a peak height of 3 feet, providing plenty of headroom. I want to emphasize that it is a 1-person tent, though. You aren’t fitting much in it. 

My favorite feature is the sturdy design. I’ve camped in pretty rough weather and have had plenty of tents fail. However, this one features an aluminum frame, making it incredibly sturdy. Plus, the tent’s rainfly is made from polyester with a 1500 coating for extra protection. 

This tent also features plenty of ventilation thanks to the two windows and large mesh panel on the door. This extra airflow will help you stay cool if you’re camping in warm weather. It will also help prevent condensation that can actually make a tent colder in wintertime. 

Recommended for:

I recommend the Eureka! Midori 1-Person Backpacking Tent for solo bushcrafters that prefer to travel light. It offers a sturdy frame, ventilation, and a lightweight design for a very affordable price. 

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 – Best Lightweight

• Occupancy: 2-person
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of the more expensive options on the market – but it is expensive for a reason. It’s lighter, more durable, and easier to use than any other survival and bushcraft tent.

My favorite feature is the lightweight design. After rucking plenty in the military, I know how important packing lightly is. This tent is only 2 pounds 12 ounces, making it one of the lightest. Thanks to its innovative “hub system,” it provides plenty of interior space without adding extra weight. 

On top of its lightweight design, this tent is also extremely durable. The rainfly is made of nylon ripstop, protecting you from the elements. The tent’s floor is also made from nylon ripstop and is both puncture-resistant and waterproof. 

Like most tents I recommend, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 provides unparalleled ventilation. It has two doors and two vestibules, ensuring excellent airflow. The tent’s mesh walls also provide ventilation while keeping the bugs out. 

Recommended for:

Compared to other tents on the market, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is just better. However, it’s also more expensive. At the end of the day, if money isn’t an object, this tent is probably your best choice. 

KingCamp Khan Yurt Tent – Best for Larger Groups

• Occupancy: 8-person
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Weight: 98.5 lbs

Yurts are a great option for bushcraft, as they provide protection on all sides and have enough room for furniture and other amenities. The KingCamp Khan Yurt Tent is one of the better yurt tents for bushcraft. It’s larger, so you’re going to pay more for it. 

However, the spacious design can house up to 8 people with a central area and separate sleeping compartments. If you’re camping with a larger group, this yurt tent is easily one of the best options. 

This tent is made from Oxford fabric and strong steel poles. It’s extremely durable and stable, providing serious protection against the elements. In my experience, Oxford fabric is a great material to make tents out of. 

With that said, this tent is very large and weighs a lot. Therefore, it may not be suitable if you have to travel far. I expect it won’t function well in extreme weather, including heavy snow and high winds. 

Recommended for:

I recommend The KingCamp Khan Yurt Tent for anyone looking for a long-term survival or bushcraft shelter that has plenty of room for others and gear. This tent basically functions like a canvas cabin, though you’re going to pay for the spacious design. 

RBM 8-Person Hot Tent – Best Tent for Cold Weather

• Occupancy: 8-person
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Weight: 64 lbs

If you’re out in the woods during sub freezing weather, I highly recommend a tent that you can heat, like the RBM Hot Tent with Stove Jack. 

This tent is perfect for long-term cold weather wilderness camping. It provides plenty of room for up to eight people, including room for furniture. However, it works best when housing up to four people, as this leaves extra room for gear. It provides plenty of room for cooking and other activities, too.

The stove jack lets you use a wood-burning stove inside the tent for cooking and warmth. If you’re camping in cold weather, this feature is a game changer. 

I’ve almost developed hypothermia and frostbite multiple times. Don’t underestimate how much of a difference a heated shelter can make. 

On top of keeping heat in, this tent also keeps cold air and water out. It’s waterproof and windproof with sturdy, aluminum poles. I’d trust this tent in more remote and rugged areas.

Recommended for:

The RBM Hot Tent with Stove Jack is perfect for those interested in a heated shelter. You can spend days in the woods in sub-freezing conditions with this tent without worrying about hypothermia or frostbite. It’s a game changer – if you can afford it. 

Coleman Sundome Tent – Best for Short Trips

• Occupancy: 2-person
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Weight: 7.5 lbs

The Coleman Sundome Tent is known for its affordability and ease of use. In my opinion, its best feature is the price, which is much lower than other tents on the market. It’s a cheaper option for those on a budget who still want a shelter to stay in while they master bushcraft. 

I specifically reviewed the 2-person option. However, there is a range of sizes available, allowing it to accommodate up to 6 people. Therefore, you can even use it for families or larger groups. 

The tent’s WeatherTec system includes welded floors and inverted seams. These features prevent water from leaking in the tent and protect against the elements. If you’re using this tent as your main form of shelter, this waterproof feature is vital. 

When I’m staying in the woods, the last thing I want to do is spend tons of time setting up a shelter. Luckily, this tent sets up easily and quickly, so I can spend more time focusing on other activities, like fire-building and foraging. 

With that said, there isn’t much ventilation. It can get pretty stuffy and may lead to more condensation, which isn’t good in cold weather. 

Recommended for:

The Coleman Sundome Tent is for anyone on a very strict budget. This tent is suitable for shorter trips, and it is much cheaper than other options. It works, but it isn’t the best on the market. 

RBM 3-Person Hot Tent – Best 4-Seasons Tent

• Occupancy: 3-person
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Weight: 36.4 lbs

I’m a huge fan of heated tents, even though I don’t live in the coldest climate. The RBM 3-Person Hot Tent is one of my favorites for solo camping in very cold weather. This tent features a stove jock, letting you use a wood-burning stove for heat and cooking. You can safely sleep in this tent in very cold temperatures without developing hypothermia. 

The tent is spacious and rated for three people. However, using it for three people would make it more cramped and unable to hold much furniture or gear. With that said, you can shove three raised beds inside if you needed to, along with the wood stove. 

The outside walls are crafted out of waterproof and windproof fabric, and the tent stays up using sturdy aluminum poles. It can provide protection from the elements, even in rougher conditions. If you’re concerned about shelter where you’re going, this tent makes a very good backup. 

I love that the tent is insulated, which helps keep the heat inside and the cold outside. The inside of this tent can become warm and comfortable, even when it is well below freezing outside. 

Sadly, this tent is bulkier and heavier than others. Therefore, it may not work in very remote areas. You’ll also need a wood-burning stove, which you’ll have to buy separately (and carry in). 

You’re also going to pay more, though you’re getting a lot for what you’re spending. It’s larger than the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, which we reviewed above.

Recommended for:

I recommend the RBM 3-Person Hot Tent for those making longer bushcraft trips in very cold climates. Without it, you may put yourself at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. 

Rapid Deployment Shelter Obsidian – Best Survival Tent

• Occupancy: 6-person 
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Weight: 84.7 lbs

Sometimes, you just need shelter fast. That’s where pop-up tents like the Rapid Deployment Shelter Obsidian come in. This tent is made for all seasons and is large enough to support six to eight people (depending on the sleeping arrangements). 

This tent was designed for military, emergency response, and survival applications. However, I’ve found that it works well for bushcraft when I need a shelter up ASAP. Even if you plan on building a shelter, having a shelter like this one can be handy for emergencies. 

It’s made to literally “pop up,” so setup is literally minutes. It’s also durable and lightweight, on top of being waterproof and fire-resistant. The outer shell is very hardy, while the inner layer is breathable. 

I love the tent’s modular design, which allows it to be customized for different situations. The floor is completely removable, too. When it’s raining or condensation builds up inside the tent, being able to remove the floor may literally be a lifesaver. 

While I do love this tent, it’s more expensive than others on the market. It’s also heavier, though this is because of its durability. Its weight is one reason it is rated lower than others on this list. It’s primarily for emergency purposes and doesn’t work quite as well for lightweight camping as the Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent.

Recommended for: 

I recommend the Rapid Deployment Shelter Obsidian for those looking for an emergency shelter. If you are looking for a survival tent for your family, this is the one you want. If you are planning on building a shelter yourself but want something just in case, this emergency shelter is highly recommended. 

OneTigris Rock Fortress Hot Tent – Best Teepee-Style

• Occupancy: 4-person
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Weight: 9.2 lbs

The OneTigris Rock Fortress Hot Tent is designed specifically for bushcraft and is suitable for year-round use. It features a stove jack, allowing you to utilize a wood stove inside the tent. In the colder months, this feature can be a lifesaver. Otherwise, winter camping can be challenging if not impossible. 

The pyramid-style of this hot tent provides excellent protection from the elements and plenty of headroom. I also like that it’s made from 20D silicon-coated nylon and 300D Oxford fabric. It’s lightweight and durable, making it a bit easier to carry into remote camping locations. 

This tent’s ventilation system is one of the best I’ve seen. It prevents condensation from building up inside the tent, keeping you and your stuff dry. Condensation can be a killer in the colder months. 

Unlike many teepee tents, this one can be set up easily. It comes with a central pole and 12 aluminum pegs. It even comes with a carrying bag for easy transport. 

With that said, it isn’t the lightest, but it is a 4 person tent. If you’re counting ounces and camping alone, you should probably choose a lighter tent. 

Recommended for: 

If you like teepee tents, I’d recommend getting the OneTigris Rock Fortress Hot Tent. It’s usable year-round thanks to the stove jack, and it’s big enough for several people and their gear (or just as a very comfortable shelter for one person).

Elk Mountain Canvas Bell Tent – Best for Long-Term Use

• Occupancy: 8-person
• Season: 4 seasons
• Weight: 115 lbs

If you’re going to be in the field for a long time, the Elk Mountain Canvas Bell Tent is a suitable option. It has a stove jack, which is necessary for camping in the winter. Because you can reliably use it for heat and cooking, you can live in it longer than other tents. 

It’s also extremely large and can fit up to eight people. There are several sizes available, so you can size up or down as necessary. 

The heavy-duty canvas will last a while, allowing you to use it in harsh weather conditions for a fairly long time. As you’d imagine, durability has extra importance when you’re living in the same tent for weeks or even months. 

The interior is also far more spacious than most tents. It can hold up to 8 people easily. Plus, the tent also has many different windows and vents, preventing condensation.

However, this tent is quite bulky and weighs a lot. Therefore, it only makes sense when you’re heading to the woods with several other people.

Recommended for:

If you want a tent that’s going to last you a long time, get the Elk Mountain Canvas Bell Tent. It’s a perfect long-term tent, especially if you have several different people who commonly travel with you.

Best Survival and Bushcraft Tent Buying Guide

There isn’t a survival or bushcraft tent that is the best for everyone. While I do recommend the lightweight Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent for most people, you may do better with a different tent, depending on your exact circumstances. 

Below, I’ll help you figure out exactly what survival or bushcraft tent you should purchase. 

Type of Tent

There are many types of tents, but not all of them do well for everything. The exact type of tent you need depends largely on your environment and needs. 

Lightweight backpacking tents are perfect backups when you plan to build your own shelter. They’re also great for relatively short trips or for trips that involve a lot of hiking. If you plan to move campsites each day, it doesn’t make much sense to construct your own shelter every day. There are tons of options on the market, as well – which can’t be said for other types of tents. 

Open-faced tents like our top pick provide coverage on three sides (and our top pick can be modified to provide coverage on all four sides). You can, theoretically, heat these tents by placing a fire close to the open side, but this isn’t the safest option and not something I would recommend. 

For very cold weather, I recommend a small wall tent. These are comfortable and provide plenty of protection from the weather. Many come with stove jacks, allowing you to heat the tent in the winter. Many gold rush miners chose these tents and erected them on raised platforms (something you may want to consider for long term camps). 

These tents often function more like small canvas cabins than traditional tents. You can even place small pieces of furniture inside and use a raised bed. An 8’ by 10’ wall tent provides plenty of space for one person, and many larger options are available for group camping. 

Of course, bushcraft tarps are a solid option, too. I have a whole article on how to craft a bushcraft shelter out of a tarp and some cordage. Often, I use a tarp when living in the woods, especially when it’s warmer outside. Often, this is how the military teaches how to craft shelters, too. 

Teepees are popular in many bushcraft spaces, too. They provide protection on all sides, and some even come with a stove jack for heating. However, teepees can be harder to set up and require more space, in my experience. 

Hammocks have a big following, especially in areas that have rocky, hilly ground. They have a huge advantage in this type of terrain since they are suspended off of the ground. However, most people do not like how a hammock lays, since your feet and head are elevated. You can only sleep on your back, so for some this is not comfortable.

Our pick for the most comfortable tent, the Haven Tent XL, solves all of the traditional issues that hammocks have. It has a lay flat design, so you can lay in any position while still being off of the ground.

Materials

The exact material your tent is made out of is vital. You want a material that is high-quality and durable, ensuring that you can use the tent for a long time. However, there is a lot more to it than that. 

Polypropylene is extremely lightweight, but it has poor longevity. I’ve found this material unsuitable for anything outside of very short-term trips. Luckily, this material is very inexpensive, so when you have to replace it after a year, it shouldn’t be a huge blow. (But, it is also very bad for the environment, so most seasoned campers prefer to get something else.)

Sinylon is a nylon material that’s mixed with silicone for waterproofing. It’s commonly found on the market today, as it is very light and can be rolled into a very small package. It’s great for backpacking for this reason. However, it’s extremely susceptible to fire, so you have to use extreme caution. 

Canvas is extremely durable. Many canvas tents are treated with flame-retardants and mildew-resistant coverings. These features make canvas very viable for long-term shelter. It’s a great option if you want to use a shelter for an extended period of time. Sadly, canvas is quite heavy, so carrying a sizeable tent for much distance is tough. 

Size

The exact size tent you need depends on the number of people you’re camping with and the amount of gear you have with you. Generally, you can follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how many people the tent is meant to house. 

However, keep in mind that these estimates aren’t always accurate. Often, they involve shoving people very close together and may leave little space for gear. Still, assuming that you aren’t carrying tons of stuff, these guidelines should work. 

As you increase size, the weight will increase. Therefore, bigger isn’t always better. 

Ventilation

Ventilation is absolutely necessary for any tent. You want to prevent condensation from building up inside the tent, which will get everything wet. Tents with waterproof floors are particularly notorious for condensation, as there isn’t any breathing out the bottom. The condensation can also buildup on top of these floors. 

Tents with mesh panels and vents help reduce condensation and ensure plenty of air circulation. It’s easy to overlook ventilation, but no one wants to wake up wet. In cold weather, poor ventilation will actually make you colder.

Stove Jack

If you’re camping in sub-freezing weather, you absolutely need a stove jack. There are tons of alternative ways to heat a tent, yes. And you’ll find tons of guides online. However, all of them are less effective and much more work than having a stove jack (and sometimes not even cheaper). If you can afford a tent with a stove jack, get one. 

Stove jacks allow you to place a wood stove directly in the tent. This feature provides heat and a place for cooking. You need fire for all sorts of things, and having a wood stove makes those activities much easier. 

Ease of Setup

Bushcrafting is about living off the land. However, sometimes you don’t want to spend your time crafting a shelter. You may want to try your hand at primitive fishing or tool crafting. In these situations, bringing along a shelter (at least for backup) makes sense. 

When you aren’t focusing on shelter building, the last thing you want to do is spend hours trying to set up your tent. 

I’ve been in situations where my goal wasn’t crafting a shelter, but my chosen tent was complicated and took forever to set up. By the time I got done with it, I could have built my own shelter much faster. 

Ease of setup is something I consider very important. It’s hard to judge from a product description, though, which is why I recommend reading reviews like ours. 

What Makes a Good Bushcraft Tent?

The best tent for bushcraft will mainly depend on how long you plan to be in the woods and how much you plan to travel.

If you plan to move around alot and have a different campsite everyday, a lightweight tent is the way to go. It simply takes too much time to construct a shelter every night.

If you plan to be in the woods for weeks with other people, a larger canvas tent that you can raise off the ground is the best choice.

In the end it comes down to your goals of the trip, the weight you can live with, the weather conditions, and the length of your stay. It may be that there are a few different tents you need, so we have included options for most scenarios.

What Makes a Good Survival Tent?

In a survival situation when you are forced to evacuate your home and move to a remote location, portability, weight, and size are the main considerations.

If you plan to Bug out in your vehicle, you could consider a heavier tent. If you have a large family, you will need room for everyone, so also consider the size.

Keeping a larger 4 person canvas or popup tent is the best option for most people. These are durable and work well in most weather conditions. They are also suitable for long term use. A light backpacking tent is OK, but not the best if you need to spend weeks outdoors.

Choose the Best Tent for You

I’ve included eleven different tents that work well for survival and bushcraft above. However, my favorite is the Klymit Maxfield 2-Person Backpacking Tent, and the Haven Tent XL.

The Klymit tent is very lightweight, while still remaining durable. Therefore, it’s a great option when you’re solo camping or have to hike far. The color-coded poles make it extremely easy to set up, and the rainfly can be configured in several different ways. 

The Haven tent is very comfortable, and it can be used on unlevel and rocky ground. With other tents, you are limited in where you can use it.

Now that you have decided on a tent, don’t forget your tent stakes, and check out our other Bushcraft guides and reviews. Be sure to check out our Bushcraft Shelter guide also.