After 15+ hours of research, we found the MSR Hubba Hubba to be the best stargazing tent.

One thing that we love about camping is getting out of our artificial shelters and staying as closer to nature as possible. And looking at the starry skies through the see-through mesh of a tent is an integral part of it.

Keep in mind the best tent for backpacking may not be the best stargazing tent. To help you choose, we decided to pick the best tents for stargazing from the market. We checked through the necessary features for stargazing tents, while keeping in mind the other important factors like comfort, ease of setup, and reliability.

The MSR Hubba Hubba was our top choice. This is one of the top products in the market with a durable micro-mesh in the tent body and a minimalistic pole structure. With a weight of 3 lbs. 13 oz., it’s ultralight, easy to pitch, but also offers the right support if the weather turns foul. 

Next, we have the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent for large groups. One of the best products from REI, this tent is incredibly spacious with 83.3 square feet of space, 85 inches of roof height, and extra vestibule space. With a mesh roof that has minimum obstructions, it’s also great for spending a night with the stars.

Lastly, we have the Clostnature lightweight backpacking tent as our budget pick. With durable ripstop materials and an excellent mesh to fabric ratio, this is a tent that offers incredible value. At 5.4 lbs it’s also relatively lightweight for car-camping and short hiking trips.

Feel free to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide and FAQs to learn more about stargazing tents.

Comparison Table – The Best Stargazing Tents

Product	Available Sizes	Weight	Weather Resistance	Price Level
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2	2P	3.5 lbs. for the complete setup	A durable Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating	$$$$
REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent	6P, 4P	21 lbs. 6 oz. for the 6P	The rainfly is 75-denier polyester taffeta with a special coating	$$$
Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent	1P, 1.5P, 2P	5.4 lbs. for the 2P	A 210T polyester rainfly with 5000 mm waterproof coating	$
Hyke & Byke Zion 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents	1P, 2P	6.3 lbs. for the 2P	A 63-denier polyester rainfly with 5000 mm of waterproof coating	$$
Kelty Late Start 1 Person – 3 Season Backpacking Tent	1P, 2P, 4P	4 lbs. for the 2P	68-denier fabric with 10800 mm of water resistance for floor and rainfly	$$
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL	1P, 2P, 3P, 4P	3lb 2oz packed weight	Rip-stop nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating for rainfly and floor	$$$$
TETON Sports Vista Quick Tent	1P, 2P	6.3 lbs. for the 2P	Available with an Elite rainfly for additional protection	$
Coleman Cabin Tent	4P, 6P	Weight not specified	Inverted seams and welded corners for water resistance	$$

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of Set up (20%)- 9/10

Price (10%) – 7/10

Portability (10%) – 9/10

There are a lot of reasons that backpackers love the Hubba Hubba NX. Honestly, we are great fans of this excellent tent too.

But is the Hubba Hubba good enough for stargazing?

Fact is, it is.

The Hubba Hubba has lots of nylon micro-mesh on the ceiling and the walls to allow great views all around. You can also roll up the vestibule to get a better view of the skies on wet or cold nights.

And with all that mesh, the Hubba Hubba weighs only 3 lbs. 13 oz. That means it falls under the ultralight category. 

What’s more, it offers an excellent balance of weight and durability. Obviously, it’s not as durable as tents with thick fabrics. But the ripstop nylon material and the DAC Featherlite poles offer sufficient resistance to rough weather.

Rest assured, these aren’t poles that will snap easily during a storm. MSR also uses a special Xtreme Shield coating for water resistance. Most users were impressed by the performance.

The Hubba Hubba is also easy to set up. The hub system is simple to use and the system is color-coded for ease of use. We also loved the use of tensioner straps at each corner.

With 29 square feet of floor area, the dome tent is good enough for two adults. You also get 17.5 square feet of vestibule space.

The peak height of 39 inches isn’t the best. But since the height is uniform across the tent structure, you get a spacious feel.

Overall, the Hubba Hubba is a solid option for backpackers and stargazers.

The only downside is, it’s expensive. Still, if you want a high-end 2-person tent that will last for years, it’s worth the investment.

We have no second thoughts about marking it as the top choice.

Pros

• A spacious tent for 2 adults
• Solid waterproofing
• Dual doors and vestibule space
• Excellent quality and workmanship
• Great reliability and durability

Cons

• It’s pricey
• Relatively small fly doors

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 9/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 7/10

Price (10%) –8/10

Portability (10%) – 8/10

The Kingdom series from REI comes in 4, 6, and 8-person varieties. That gives you a lot of flexibility while choosing.

With two huge doors and 83.3 square feet of floor area, this is a great freestanding tent for large groups. But for the best comfort, we feel it’s ideal for 4 adults.

You can divide the inner space into two private rooms.

But if you want the best views of the night sky, keeping the divider open will be the right choice.

Moreover, you get 29 square feet of vestibule space. Not to forget, you get a class-leading peak height of 85 inches.

The good news is, there’s enough bugproof dark mesh that makes this tent great for stargazing. In addition, with the large doors and minimum obstruction from the poles you get an excellent view of the skies.

What’s more, the fly can also be used as an awning. 

The fly also has multiple vents. So, ventilation isn’t an issue.

Setting up the tent isn’t complicated. But due to the large size, it can take anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes. It has a dual hub system that comes with multiple clips you need to attach.

The durability is top-notch. The floor material is 150-denier coated polyester Oxford and the poles are made from high-grade aluminum. 

In short, this tent can take abuse from kids and pets. That makes it a great choice for family camping trips.

Since all the seams are sealed, the tent offers excellent protection from the rain. 

But make sure to stake the rainfly properly, especially during rough weather. The tall boy design isn’t the best choice in strong winds.

As expected, the tent is on the heavier side. At 21 lbs. 6 oz., the use is limited to car camping trips.

The Kingdom comes at a high price. But don’t forget, the overall quality and performance are high too.

Without a doubt, it’s one of the best stargazing tents for larger groups and families.

Pros

• Huge interiors with room divider
• Top-grade materials
• Offers great views and excellent ventilation
• Lots of interior pockets.
• Good rain protection

Cons

• The floor area could have been more

Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 8/10

Price (10%) –9/10

Portability (10%) – 8/10

If you are a budget shopper, this tent from Clostnature is one of the best options in the current market. 

With more than 70% of transparent mesh in the tent body and minimum obstruction, you get great views during the night. It also offers great ventilation and the outer door can also be used as an awning.

The interior of the 2-person tent is spacious but at 3’10”, the head clearance isn’t the best. It’s not the most comfortable option for tall individuals.

It also has two doors and two vestibules. However, users felt that a few more storage pockets would have been better.

Considering the price, we were impressed by the material quality. The rainfly is made from 210T Polyester with a 5000 mm waterproof coating and aircraft-grade aluminum poles. Even the pole clips are made from high-quality ABS.

Clostnature also offers a lifetime warranty on the tent. That means you can buy it with confidence.

Users found the setup to be easy. Solo users were able to set it up within 5 minutes.

The factory-sealed seams and a bathtub-shaped floor improve water resistance. Users noted that the tent performed well during rains. The wind resistance is good but not the best.

What about the weight?

The 2-person variety weighs 5.4 lbs. It’s not ultralight, but lightweight enough for short backpacking trips.

Honestly, this is a great stargazing tent at this price. You won’t be using it in extreme conditions. But we wholeheartedly recommend it for weekend stargazing trips in non-technical terrain.

Pros

• Top-grade materials
• Very good waterproofing
• Two-way SBS zippers
• Dual doors for easy access
• An affordable price

Cons

• Best for summer camping only
• Not ultralight

Hyke & Byke Zion 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 8/10

Price (10%) –9/10

Portability (10%) – 8/10

The Zion line of tents from Hyke and Byke offers excellent value from all ends. We liked the design of these three-season tents and the fact that it has no-see-um mesh walls.

With great visibility and an obstruction-free pole structure, this is a solid choice for stargazing all through the night.

The material quality is good. It has 7000 Series aluminum alloy stakes, and a PU rainfly that’s 5000 mm water-resistant. The floor is bathtub material with taped seams.

That makes it a tough tent that can handle adverse conditions.

The weights stand at 6.13 lbs. for the ZIon 2 and 4.87 lbs. for the Zion 1. This doesn’t make them ultralight tents, but they aren’t too heavy either. 

The design also allows you to set up the rain fly first. That means, pitching the tent in the rain is much easier.

There are plenty of practical features too. These include reflective guy lines, dual doors and vestibules, a removable gear loft, and corner pockets.

Note, Zion 1 and Zion 2 have floor areas of 22.6 ft² and 34.4 ft² respectively. The ceiling height is 42-inches and 42.5 inches in the same order. 

Users found the interiors spacious and comfortable.

The stability of the tent is good. Users mentioned that even in stormy conditions, the tent always felt stable.

Now, this isn’t the easiest tent to set up. But once you get used to the single-pole design with clip attachments, setting it up gets easier.

Most of all, both the Zions offer excellent value at this price. When it comes to the price to performance ratio, they are among the best in the market.

Pros

• Spacious interiors
• Comes with a durable footprint
• Affordable price tag
• Proprietary stake presser
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• The vents don’t stay open
• Poor quality stakes

Kelty Late Start 1 Person – 3 Season Backpacking Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 8/10

Price (10%) –9/10

Portability (10%) – 8/10

This is a lightweight tent from Kelty that offers a practical design and is super easy to pitch.

For starters, it has around 75% of dark no-see-Um mesh that makes it great for stargazing. The canopy is mostly obstruction-free and offers a wider viewing area.

With 20.6 square feet of floor area, it’s spacious enough for tall users. However, at 36.5 inches, the headroom offered isn’t the best. There’s an additional vestibule space of 6.4 square feet.

Now, Kelty has incorporated a Quick-Corner technology for easy setup. The two-pole design can be set up quickly. 

The fly is made from 68 D polyester and comes with 1800 mm water resistance. The aluminum poles offer good stability. We have to admit, this tent offers a good combination of durability and stability.

But if you don’t tension the rainfly properly, there can be some flapping when it gets windy. And users found that tensioning the rainfly properly can take some time.

Also, the lack of vent can make the interiors damp in humid conditions.

What about the weight?

At 3 lbs. 5 oz, it’s pretty light and can be squeezed in a backpack.

Keep in mind, this model is also available in 2- and 4-person versions. However, users noted that all the models come with a single door. That’s an inconvenience when there are multiple people in a tent.

To sum up, this affordable tent from Kelty doesn’t come with stellar features. But if you aren’t looking for a high-end tent, this is a good choice for stargazing.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Durable materials
• Lightweight design
• Sealed seams

Cons

• Not the best ventilation
• Not for 3-season use

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 9/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 8/10

Price (10%) –7/10

Portability (10%) – 9/10

This is another backpacking tent that offers excellent quality and is great for stargazing as well. Note, the Copper Spur HV is available in multiple sizes, ranging from 1 to 4-person.

The tent body is a mixture of ripstop nylon and polyester mesh and the pole arrangement is simple. The vestibules can be used as awnings as well. In short, it’s a great tent for stargazing.

You get 29 square feet of floor area and a roof height of 40 inches. There are 9 square feet of vestibule space as well. However, the vestibule isn’t as spacious as the Hubba Hubba.

Setting up the tent is easy. With the interconnected pole structure, color-coded poles, and a freestanding design, solo-pitching isn’t a problem.

The rainfly is specially coated to offer 1200 mm of water resistance and the DAC Featherlite NFL and NSL poles provide excellent durability.

The overall durability is good. But the lightweight build leads to the use of relatively thin materials. So, it’s not a rugged tent.

The geometry of the tent and the flexible pole structure give it solid stability even in high winds. Users also mentioned that it never leaked even during heavy rainstorms. We had no negative reports about the ventilation either.

The 2-person tent has a packed weight of 3lb 2oz. That does make it one of the best options in the ultralight category.

Admittedly, this is one of the best tents in terms of interior storage. It has multiple pockets and dual cord-routing portals.

Keep in mind, the Copper Spur HV UL is a pricey tent. While it’s a good choice for stargazing, compare the features with the Hubba Hubba- our top choice- before taking a decision.

Pros

• Spacious interiors with good headroom
• Full cover rainfly offers good ventilation
• Multiple interior features
• Dual doors
• Top-grade craftsmanship

Cons

• It’s pricey
• Materials offer limited durability

TETON Sports Vista Quick Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 8/10

Durability (30%) – 8/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 9/10

Price (10%) –9/10

Portability (10%) – 8/10

This is a one-person tent from Teton Sports that has all the right features to attract our attention.

Is it good for stargazing?

Since two-thirds of the walls and roof are made fully of mesh, you can stay up all night watching the night sky. However, the locking hub at the top of the tent may cause some obstruction to the views.

In terms of features, Teton sports has kept it simple but practical. First thing is, this is a pop-up tent. All you need to do is lock the poles in place and pull the drawstring.

This saves quite a bit of time when you are in a hurry to set up the shelter. Collapsing the structure is also super simple.

The PU rainfly isn’t of the best quality, and coverage isn’t the best either. But considering the low price tag, we find it acceptable. The stitching and finishing are top-notch.

A separate Elite rainfly is also available if you need more weather resistance.

The stability was good during stormy conditions. But this isn’t a three-season tent and the insulation isn’t the best.

Note: This tent can also be used with the Universal Camp Cots from Teton Sports.

That said, the pop-up system makes the tent slightly heavy. At 4.6 lbs, this isn’t the lightest one-man tent you will pick. 

The tent comes with a gear loft. However, users felt the lack of pockets in the interiors.

To sum up, Teton has designed an attractive tent with quality materials. If you specifically want a stargazing tent and don’t require top-notch weather protection, this is worth a closer look.

Pros

• A comfortable tent
• Offers great value
• A pop up system for easy setup
• Fits on a camp cot
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Limited weather protection
• Not the best for tall individuals

 

Coleman Cabin Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

Stargazing Capacity (30%) – 8/10

Durability (30%) – 9/10

Ease of setup (20%)- 8/10

Price (10%) –9/10

Portability (10%) – 7/10

This tent from Coleman is another good option in the stargazing tents category. It’s available in 4 and 6-person varieties and offers excellent room for a family.

The 6-person version comes with 88 square feet of interior space and a ceiling height of 76 inches. Since the walls are vertical, you can utilize the space to the maximum.

The tent comes with a mesh roof and panoramic windows. Apart from that, there’s also a screened porch. It’s great for lounging.

On the whole, we were satisfied with the views that it offers for stargazing.

Even so, the amount of mesh in the tent body is less than some of the competitors.

The tent comes with Coleman’s WeatherTec system. This includes a tub-like floor, inverted seams, and welded corners. In addition, the pole system can resist wind speeds of 35 mph.

Users remarked that the ventilation in the tent is great. It also offers excellent protection from the rain.

Now, the 3-pole design is color-coded for easy setup. But connecting the poles and attaching the fly does take some time. This isn’t a tent that you can set up in a flash.

Coleman doesn’t specify the weight of the tent, but it’s over 30 lbs. So, it’s not something that you can carry around easily.

The tent comes with a warranty of 1-year. But most users were satisfied with the durability. 

Considering the price tag, we feel that this tent offers good value in this category.

Pros

• Spacious interiors
• Weatherproof screen room
• Excellent ventilation
• Weather-proof design
• Offers good value

Cons

• It’s heavy
• Setup takes some time

 

How to Choose a Tent – The Best Stargazing Tents

There are plenty of general factors to keep in mind while buying a tent. Here, we will look at some of the main points that you need to consider while buying stargazing tents.

The first thing is to understand what are the essential features of a stargazing tent. Here are the three main things any stargazing tent should have.

• A tent body made of insect-proof mesh
• Minimum obstruction of the tent poles
• Large windows and doors in the canopy

Let’s take a closer look at these features.

Mesh Tent Body – How to Choose a Tent

If you want to enjoy the stars from inside the tent, a mesh canopy is a must. That means you need a two-layered tent with an outer canopy or rain fly. Ideally, the mesh should be dark or grey in color as that works best with night vision. Brighter colors aren’t the best options.

Obviously, you won’t be using the rainfly while stargazing. But it’s always best to pick a two-layer tent as it offers more versatility and weather protection. You also get more flexibility when it comes to planning a camping trip in different weather conditions.

Many tents use no-see-um mesh that is lightweight but durable. It also keeps out the smallest bugs like the midges. Keep in mind, this sort of mesh does not make it difficult to see through the mesh wall, so privacy may be limited.

Minimum Obstruction – How to Choose a Tent

Any tent with a complex support structure and poles that crisscross each other multiple times will obstruct your vision and isn’t suitable for stargazing. Choose tents that have a simple support structure with a minimalist pole layout.  Also, the tent should have the minimum amount of fabric in the walls and the roof.

For example, geodesic tents are a popular choice when it comes to stability. But their poles come with a crisscrossing design that isn’t the best option for stargazing. So, dome and tunnel tents are the best choices.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to choose a tent with a weak support structure. Top-grade tents come with minimum poles to keep the weight down. But the pole design also keeps the tent sturdy at all times.

Tent Design – How to Choose a Tent

A tent with large doors and windows is a great option for stargazing. These openings expand your range of vision and also improve ventilation. Moreover, dual doors also make a tent more user-friendly,

Choosing large tents with dividers is a good option as they offer privacy for large families. However, dividers can affect the views during the night.

Other than that, don’t miss considering the general features that any tent should provide. These include sufficient space for the occupants, the weight, vestibule space for storage of gear, and internal pockets.

Cost – How to Choose a Tent

The price of a tent depends upon the size and the quality. To be honest, a stargazing tent need not be pricey. There are plenty of budget options that are great for the purpose.

For frequent backpackers, we will suggest picking a durable tent that will serve you for years. A reliable tent won’t let you down in case the weather turns foul. If you want to pick premium brands, be ready to pay top dollar as they offer better quality and more reliability.

Conclusion – The Best Stargazing tents

So, these are the top choices when it comes to stargazing tents.

The MSR Hubba Hubba, a popular choice for many backpackers, is the top pick. It’s a premium grade ultralight tent that’s great for stargazing too.

For larger groups, we suggest picking the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent. It offers excellent quality and is perfect for spending a night with your family, exploring the milky way.

For budget buyers, the Clostnature lightweight backpacking tent is a no-brainer. You get a reliable tent that offers great views and sufficient protection if the weather gets rough.

Now, the choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions – The Best Stargazing Tents

Which Tent is Best for Stargazing? – FAQs

For us, the MSR Hubba Hubba is best for stargazing. The Clostnature lightweight backpacking tent is the best option for budget buyers.

Are Stargazing Tents the Same as See-Through Tents? – FAQs

Not really. Stargazing tents should have a full mesh roof. See-through tents may come with mesh walls but a lot of fabric on the roof area which isn’t the best for stargazing.

What Time is Best for Stargazing? – FAQs

There are several points to keep in mind when choosing the best time for stargazing. Firstly, it’s necessary to choose a period when the weather is clear with cloudless skies. Next, the days around each new moon are the best as the light of the moon doesn’t wash out the stars. In general, the months during autumn, winter, and spring are the best times for stargazing.