How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Looking for a lightweight and spacious oasis that's just right for 2 people? Pitch the Mountain Hardwear Meridian 2 tent to enjoy your favorite sprawling views right from your sleeping bag.
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View all Mountain Hardwear Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 9.3 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 8.6 oz. |
Packed Size | 7 x 22 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 88 x 52 inches |
Floor Area | 31.8 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 9.15 + 9.15 square feet |
Peak Height | 43 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | High-grade aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 9 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Canopy: polyester; 40-denier polyester mesh; 75-denier ripstop polyester; tent body: polyester; 75-denier plain-weave polyester; 1,500 mm polyurethane (PU) coating |
Floor Fabric | Nylon; 68-denier 210T ripstop polyester; 1,500 mm PU coating |
Rainfly Fabric | Polyester; 68-denier 210T ripstop polyester; 1,500 mm PU coating |
Footprint Included | Yes |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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I purchased this tent for my son to join me on backpacking trips and to use when camping with the Boy Scouts. It was very easy to set up (my son is 11), and he assembled the tent on his own with my instruction. I took this tent on a section hike of the Palmetto Trail for a few days to see how it performed to some of my more expensive backpacking tents and was very happy with it. While not the lightest tent out there—as we all know, cost and weight are inversely related—it was manageable and at a reasonable price point. The inclusion of a footprint with the tent is excellent. Two of the nights on the trail, it rained, and not a drop of water entered the tent. While the tent's footprint is not set up for a fast fly pitch, it was quick enough that the tent remained dry while pitching in moderate rain. overall this tent is great and punches well above its price point of less than half of my Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 LONG and less than a third of my Durston X-mid2 Pro.. (when I backpack with the scouts or even just my son, I don't take trekking poles as i often need to help them at stream crossing or more technical parts of the trail)
Good build quality, simple pitch, not overly heavy for backpacking with two people splitting it up. Not a surplus of storage but you might add a gear loft if you wanted that. On the weight issue it weighs 2 oz. more than a Hilleberg Soulo I used to have -- and they're 1P, 4 season tents. I'm pleased with my Meridian 2, have recommended them and yes, would buy again.
The tent is awesome, great space (I’m 6’6) and could move around very well in this tent. Tent is very easy to setup and pack up. However, my rain fly ripped due to branch fall on it punctured the rain fly. Contacted customer support to try and purchase a replacement rain fly. You are unable to purchase parts for this tent. Very annoying as it is pretty much $300 tent brand new and I now have to buy a new one when I could just replace the rain fly. Will be shopping with other brands that support their products.
Bought this as an additional tent for our early 2000s MH 2 person tent. This tent did not disappoint. It rained the off and on the entire weekend but not one drop of water ended up inside. I have found these tents to be extremely easy to put up, we got to the campsite after dark and with only two poles needed to have it upright, I was ready to go in about 7 minutes (likely only because the ground was hard and it took a minute to get the stakes in!). The interior pockets were in convenient and intuitive places, no snags in the zipper and the materials are high quality. My Pops loved MH gear for his long haul bicycle trips, and I can see why. We have had great experiences with this gear!
The zipper broke on my previous backpacking tent and I was told there was no fixing it. After a lot of research I ended up with this tent and I have not been disappoint. I wanted to wait to write a review until I had been able to use it a couple of times but overall I’m extremely happy with my purchase. The good: This tent withstood 60mph winds, sideways rain and hail with not a drop of water getting in with he rain fly closed up. It’s super easy to set up and while other are still finishing erecting their tents in sitting down with my feet up. The cross breeze on hot days with both rain fly doors open is fantastic. The tent is extremely spacious compared to my old Kelty and I have tons of room for all my stuff. The not so good: I contemplated a lighter backpacking tent but I really wanted one that was fully self supported so it is on the heavy side. Although it is easy to split between packs if two people are sharing. It’s definitely a tight fit for two. My husband and I were pretty limited on space but I don’t mind snuggling.
This is a great tent for one person & gear or two people if you're cozy. My wife and I have used it backpacking a few times together and split the weight, making it an easy carry. My preferred use is as a solo tent on longer camping trips with the scout troop. It's bright and easy for the kids to find, with plenty of space inside for me and my gear.
This tent has been amazing for backpacking. Great weight, size, and very easy to set up/take down.
Excellent value. Not quite perfect but I’m still rating it 5 stars. On my first trip it was tested by a 4” rain together with hail and high winds. The inside stayed dry and the tent suffered no damage. That rates 5 stars. The tent has some minor improvements over an older model that I have used for years. I liked the old one so I bought another one. I think there are some better tents made but not at this price.
I've been going to the BWCA for 60 years and have used a lot of tents in that time. I just got back from another trip and have nothing but praise for this tent. Packs small sets up easily, has lots of well-thought-out features. So far, my favorite tent, ever!
refreshing attention to details I didn't know a tent required. Saddened to see that they didn't provide enough guide lines and stakes for a full setup. overall worth the money. I'm excited to put it through it's paces.