Top 27 How To Attach Tent To Backpack Top Answer Update

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The first way that you can attach the tent is through the backpack’s compression straps. Most camping backpacks come with compression straps on either side of the tent which also has buckles that allow you to tighten or loosen the compression straps.Another efficient way of attaching tents to backpacks is by disassembling them and by stowing all the fabrics (rainfly, inner tent, footprint) in a large stretchy pocket in the middle of the pack, and placing your poles and stakes to either side of the backpack.The best place to pack a tent in a backpack is in the middle against your back. For most hikers, this is the most comfortable place to carry heavy items and helps balance your weight.

How do you secure a tent on a backpack?

Another efficient way of attaching tents to backpacks is by disassembling them and by stowing all the fabrics (rainfly, inner tent, footprint) in a large stretchy pocket in the middle of the pack, and placing your poles and stakes to either side of the backpack.

Where do you put a tent on a backpack?

The best place to pack a tent in a backpack is in the middle against your back. For most hikers, this is the most comfortable place to carry heavy items and helps balance your weight.

Can I fit tent in a backpack?

Generally if your tent is around 4 or 5 pounds, then it will fit in an adult-sized backpack. If your tent is a 4-person or a 6-person, you may have to split up the tent material (rainfly, tent stakes, etc) among several backpackers.

How do I attach my sleeping bag to my backpack?

Use bungee cords

If your sleeping bag stuff sack doesn’t have any straps, you can use a bungee cord to attach it to the loops on your backpack. Hook the cord into one of the loops on one side of your pack, wind it tightly around your pack several times then book the other end into the other side of your back.

Can you backpack with a pop up tent?

I especially like their toddler sleeping bags. This tent is surprisingly affordable for its quality. In addition to being quick and easy to set up, it holds up really well in rain and bad weather. It’s a bit heavy, but still could be used for backpacking in addition to camping.

What are compression straps on backpack?

Almost every pack has them, those funky webbing straps that crisscross the sides. They’re called compression straps, and their main purpose is to squish the load closer to the pack frame, bringing the weight and bulk nearer your back for better weight transfer and balance-in other words, more comfort.

How do you carry a tent in a bag?

Tents should be packed inside the rucksack in the middle and close to your back as generally they will be heavy and this will give a better weight distribution and help keep your balance. By packing the tent inside the rucksack you will also be able to keep it drier.

What are the loops at the bottom of a backpack for?

Also known as gear loops, the loops on a backpack are extra room for anything you don’t want to put in your backpack. You can attach gear pieces, hang damp clothes and gear or carry souvenirs and other unusual items that need extra room.

Can you put a tent in a stuff sack?

The short answer is: Yes, you can put a tent in a compression sack, but only if it’s for a short amount of time. Compression sacks aren’t made for longer tent storage; it could potentially damage your tent fabric. With tents being rather expensive, protecting it properly should be your priority.

How do you pack a backpack for wild camping?

But a standard way to start would be putting your tent and sleeping bag at the bottom. Then you might add an inflatable sleeping mat, camping stove and fuel. After this, you might add spare clothes and waterproofs on top. Food is best stored in side pouches and the top pocket on your rucksack.

Can you put a tent in a stuff sack?

The short answer is: Yes, you can put a tent in a compression sack, but only if it’s for a short amount of time. Compression sacks aren’t made for longer tent storage; it could potentially damage your tent fabric. With tents being rather expensive, protecting it properly should be your priority.

How do you carry a heavy tent?

Tents should be packed inside the rucksack in the middle and close to your back as generally they will be heavy and this will give a better weight distribution and help keep your balance. By packing the tent inside the rucksack you will also be able to keep it drier.


How to Pack a Tent Inside a Backpack
How to Pack a Tent Inside a Backpack


How To Attach Tent to Backpack? – Proven & Tested Methods

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Prepare the Tent

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How To Attach Tent to Backpack? – Proven & Tested Methods
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How to Attach Tent to Backpack (To Not Hurt Your Back) | HM

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Why You Should Avoid Attaching Your Tent to the Exterior of Your Backpack

Different Ways of Attaching a Tent to a Backpack (From Best to Worst)

Things to Watch Out for When Attaching a Tent to Your Backpack

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How to Pack a Tent in a Backpack – Beyond The Tent

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Can You Attach a Tent to the Outside of a Backpack

My Favorite Backpacking Tents in 2021

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Can You Fit A Tent In A Backpack? – Decide Outside – Making Adventure Happen

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Should You Put Your Tent Inside Your Backpack

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How to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack | Advnture

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How to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack

1 Use the lid

2 Use the compression straps

3 Use the gear loops

4 Use bungee cords

5 Use the tie points at the bottom

How to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack | Advnture
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How to Pack a Tent Inside a Backpack: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Pack a Tent Inside a Backpack: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
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How To Attach Tent To Backpack | HobbyKraze

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Importance of Attaching your Tent to your Backpack

Preparing your Tent for Backpack Attachment

Attaching a Tent to a Backpack

Packing your Tent Inside

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How to Attach Tent to Backpack Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How To Attach Tent To Backpack [2022 Detailed Guide]

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Can You Fit A Tent In A Backpack? – Decide Outside – Making Adventure Happen

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How to Carry a Tent on a Backpack?

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How to Attach Tent to Backpack (To Not Hurt Your Back)

In my opinion, every hiker should know how to attach tents to their backpacks correctly. It’s so important, because tents are the most important pieces of hiking gear, along with good backpacks. You need to make sure that they’re protected, dry, and packed in a way that doesn’t end up hurting your back and shoulders.

That’s why in this article, you’ll learn the best way to attach a tent to a backpack, and what other things you should look out for. I’ve lived for 36 days out of my tent on a thru-hike in the Pyrenees mountains, so I know how important it is.

Why You Should Avoid Attaching Your Tent to the Exterior of Your Backpack

A lot of articles online about this subject will tell you to attach your tent to the exterior of your backpack, but that’s not good advice. If you want to avoid having back pain, you should always pack the heaviest items, such as your tent, in the middle of your backpack, and as close to your back as possible.

When you attach a tent to the outside of the backpack, regardless if it’s attached to the top, the bottom, or in the middle, but too far from your back, you’re putting a lot of weight away from the center of your body mass. Your body wants to stay balanced, so your shoulders, back muscles, and spine will make up for it, by tightening up and staying engaged. If, however, the heaviest items are packed closer to your back (such as your tent) the weight is evened out and spread out across all of your muscles evenly, even your legs. You need to understand this concept if you don’t want to experience shoulder pain at the end of a long day of hiking.

Even though back pain is the most important reason why you shouldn’t be attaching your tent to the exterior, there are others. When attached to the outside with compression straps, drawstrings, rope, or even carabiners, any element could fail and you could lose your tent. It could also get damaged from any sharp rocks or branches, or get wet if you wouldn’t be using a rain cover.

Read Next: Calculating Your Average Torso Length Relative to Height

Different Ways of Attaching a Tent to a Backpack (From Best to Worst)

Ideally, you should go with options 1-3, unless you have zero space left in your backpack. If so, consider upgrading to a larger backpack, leaving some unneeded items behind, or getting ultralight gear.

Option 1: Disassembling the Tent and Packing It at the Bottom of the Backpack

The first, and best option, in my opinion, is to get rid of your tent bag and pack each part of your tent individually inside the backpack. You should pack the inner tent and the rainfly inside the backpack at the bottom of the main compartment because essentially, they’re just pieces of fabric and they aren’t too heavy. You can just squeeze them at the bottom of the pack without rolling or folding them, as it’s the most efficient way to use up the space. Don’t worry if they’re still a bit damp from the last night, as you’ll be packing them at the bottom of the main compartment – away from your other gear.

Follow by placing the poles in the main compartment vertically on either side of the backpack closer to your back, as they’re one of the heaviest elements of the tent. Squish your sleeping bag and inflatable sleeping pad on top of your rain fly and inner tent, and place the heaviest items on top (camping stove, food, tent stakes, e.t.c). You should be left with some space left on top of the main compartment, where you should pack your lightest items, such as your spare clothing. If there isn’t enough space for everything, proceed to option 3 or attach the lightest items to the exterior of your pack.

Option 2: Packing the Tent Inside the Main Compartment Without Disassembling

Another option would be to just stuff your tent inside the main compartment without much thought. That way your tent would stay in a single bag and it would be easier to take it out of the backpack when you’re ready to set it up. The only tradeoff is that you won’t be using up the total space of the main compartment efficiently, and most likely the inner compartment won’t be packed in a way that’s good for your back (lightest items on top/bottom and heaviest in the middle, closer to the back.)

Honestly, this is still a good way to pack a tent, as from my own experience, the way in which items are organized in the main compartment doesn’t make too much difference in terms of comfort and back pain.

Read Next: How to Keep Your Feet From Sliding Forward in Hiking Boots

Option 3: Disassembling the Tent and Attaching It to the Exterior of the Backpack

Another efficient way of attaching tents to backpacks is by disassembling them and by stowing all the fabrics (rainfly, inner tent, footprint) in a large stretchy pocket in the middle of the pack, and placing your poles and stakes to either side of the backpack. The fabrics usually aren’t too heavy, so it doesn’t make much difference if they’re attached to the outside, and by placing poles at the sides, they’re very close to your center of mass.

This technique is used by a lot of ultralight hikers because you can get away with using a backpack that’s smaller in volume, which will save some weight. If the rainfly and the inner tent become wet from morning dew, your other pieces of gear won’t get damp because they’ll be attached to the outside of the pack.

Option 4: Attaching the Tent to the Bottom of the Backpack

If you really have no space left inside your main compartment and your backpack doesn’t have a large-enough exterior pocket in the middle (or if it’s already full) then the best way is to attach your tent to the bottom of your backpack. Some backpacks come with straps that are meant for this purpose, but if they don’t you can also use regular rope, drawstrings, or carabiners. Just make sure to attach it safely, and double-check that your tent will stay there.

If you have a rolled-up foam sleeping pad, it’s best to attach it to the top of your backpack and keep your tent at the bottom, because the top of your backpack (anything above shoulder straps) is the worst place to attach heavy items and it will surely end in a lot of shoulder pain.

Option 5: Attaching the Tent to the Top of the Backpack

Try not to attach your tent to the top of your backpack, as it will result in too much shoulder pain. Instead, if you’re out of space, try swapping your tent with other, lighter gear, and place the lighter gear on top of the backpack. You can attach gear to the top of your backpack with drawstrings, rope, or compression straps.

Read Next: Is It Okay to Hike in Jeans or Should You Buy Hiking Pants?

Things to Watch Out for When Attaching a Tent to Your Backpack

Even though we already covered some of them, here are the most important things you should look out for when attaching a tent to your backpack:

It’s better to disassemble your tent. You don’t really need to bring the tent bag, as you’re trying to save as much weight as possible. By disassembling your tent, you can stash your rainfly and inner tent separately in the main comaprtment, without rolling or folding them, which is a more efficient way to use up the space inside the backpack.

You don’t really need to bring the tent bag, as you’re trying to save as much weight as possible. By disassembling your tent, you can stash your rainfly and inner tent separately in the main comaprtment, without rolling or folding them, which is a more efficient way to use up the space inside the backpack. It’s better to keep your tent inside the backpack. Unless it’s an ultralight tent, usually tents are one of the heaviest pieces of gear, and you should always keep the heaviest items inside of the backpack, if you want to avoid shoulder and back pain.

Unless it’s an ultralight tent, usually tents are one of the heaviest pieces of gear, and you should always keep the heaviest items inside of the backpack, if you want to avoid shoulder and back pain. Keep your tent as close as possible to your back. You want the heaviest items to be packed closer to your back because that way the weight will be spread out across all of your muscles, instead of only the shoulders and back muscles. Also, try to pack the heaviest items towards the middle of the pack, not top of bottom.

You want the heaviest items to be packed closer to your back because that way the weight will be spread out across all of your muscles, instead of only the shoulders and back muscles. Also, try to pack the heaviest items towards the middle of the pack, not top of bottom. If attached to the outside, make sure the tent will stay intact. Your tent is the only thing that will keep you protected from the elements, so make sure to safely secure it to your backpack. Also, make sure that the tent bag is securely closed, so your stakes, guylines, or poles, don’t accidentally fall out.

Your tent is the only thing that will keep you protected from the elements, so make sure to safely secure it to your backpack. Also, make sure that the tent bag is securely closed, so your stakes, guylines, or poles, don’t accidentally fall out. If attached to the outside, keep the inner tent dry. If your backpack comes with a rain cover that fits over everything, even the gear that’s attached to the outside, you should be good. But if not, most tents come with a bag that isn’t waterproof, so when you pack your tent, wrap the inner tent inside the rainfly, to keep it from becoming wet in case you encounter some rain.

If your backpack comes with a rain cover that fits over everything, even the gear that’s attached to the outside, you should be good. But if not, most tents come with a bag that isn’t waterproof, so when you pack your tent, wrap the inner tent inside the rainfly, to keep it from becoming wet in case you encounter some rain. If attached to the outside, try not to rip your tent. Whenever you attach your tent to the outside of your backpack, you’re exposing it to whatever the trail decides to throw in your path. So if you accidentally lose the way and end up bushwacking, try not to rip your tent on sharp branches.

Whenever you attach your tent to the outside of your backpack, you’re exposing it to whatever the trail decides to throw in your path. So if you accidentally lose the way and end up bushwacking, try not to rip your tent on sharp branches. When attached to the outside, it’s better to attach it at the bottom rather than the top. When you attach heavy things to the top of your backpack, it screws up your centre of mass, and your shoulder and back muscles make up for it. Even though attaching your tent at the bottom of the pack isn’t perfect either, it’s much better than attaching it to the top.

When you attach heavy things to the top of your backpack, it screws up your centre of mass, and your shoulder and back muscles make up for it. Even though attaching your tent at the bottom of the pack isn’t perfect either, it’s much better than attaching it to the top. Choose an internal frame backpack. If you’re looking up how you should be attaching your tent, chances are that you’re just getting into hiking and your gear is pretty heavy. When carrying heavy, medium-weight, or even lightweight gear, it’s essential to get a backpack with an internal frame. The internal frame spreads out the total weight accross your body. With a frameless pack, all of the weight is concentrated towards the shoulders. Ultralight hikers can get away with that because their setups are so lightweight that internal frame isn’t really needed.

Tip: We’ve tested multiple internal frame backpacks ourselves. Check out our internal frame backpack reviews over here

Final Words

It’s really important to properly pack your gear inside your backpack, storing the heaviest items closer to your back and towards the middle of the pack. People who are new to hiking, usually bring a lot of gear, and what’s worse – they attach the heaviest items to the outside of the backpack (such as their tents), not knowing that’s the main reason why their backs end up hurting. So hopefully, you won’t be like them from now on, and you’ll know how to pack your tent inside your backpack in a way that’s good for your back.

How to Pack a Tent in a Backpack

Today, I’m going to talk about how to pack a tent in a backpack.

Of course, you could just stuff your tent in willy-nilly, but taking care to properly pack your backpack helps ensure a more enjoyable backpacking trip.

Not only does a properly packed tent prevent damage to the tent, but it also better distributes the weight (since your tent is likely one of your heaviest pieces of backpacking gear) to protect your back from undue strain and make the hike to your next campsite more comfortable.

Here’s exactly how to pack a tent in a backpack for your next backpacking trip.

Don’t forget to check out our backpacking checklist for more packing tips!

Here’s How to Pack a Tent in a Backpack

First, let’s discuss how to pack a tent in the inside of your backpack.

Pack in a Stuff Sack

A stuff sack can seriously help compress your tent to give you more space inside of your backpack. A waterproof model is essential, especially if you live somewhere rainy like me. Just remember to never store your tent in a stuff sack – always leave it loose in storage.

In the Middle, Against Your Back

The best place to pack a tent in a backpack is in the middle against your back. For most hikers, this is the most comfortable place to carry heavy items and helps balance your weight. I personally pack the tent body and rainfly inside my backpack but lash the tent poles to the exterior of my backpack.

Consider Packing Loose

Ultralight backpackers should forgo a stuff sack altogether. Packing your tent loose in your backpack helps shed a tiny bit of weight. It also allows you to squish your tent amongst other items. If you go this route, I recommend lashing your tent poles to the outside of your pack. The downside to this method is the small chance your tent could get damaged inside your backpack.

Split Components with Partner

My number one backpacking tip for traveling with a partner is to split your tent components between the two of you. So, one of you will carry the tent body and rainfly while the other carries the poles. Of course, this only works if you’re planning to sleep in the same tent.

Packing a Wet Tent

Unfortunately, you just have to pack a wet tent in a backpack sometimes. If at all possible, dry the tent out as much as possible before packing. Even just shaking it out or letting it dry for a few minutes helps a lot. If packing a wet tent is inevitable, make absolutely certain that the tent fully dries out before storing it at home (you should always do this anyways).

Can You Attach a Tent to the Outside of a Backpack?

It’s possible to attach a tent to the outside of your backpack rather than pack it inside.

This helps free up a lot of interior space to stash other gear in your backpack.

However, I personally tend to avoid this method. I just don’t want to risk tearing or ripping my tent if it gets snagged on debris during my hike.

With that said, it can be a good idea to stash the tent poles on the outside of your pack. These won’t get damaged and are often awkward to store inside of your pack.

Splitting the tent poles and the tent body/rainfly also makes it easier to pack the rest of the tent inside of your backpack.

If you do decide to pack the entire tent on the exterior of your backpack, then you’ll want to experiment with placement to see what works best for you.

Many backpackers recommend attaching a tent to the bottom of the outside of a backpack (like you would do with a closed-cell foam sleeping pad), but others find it more comfortable to lash it to the top of the backpack near the lid opening.

Some backpackers even attach their tent vertically to the middle of the outside of their backpack. Some backpacking backpacks come with straps to accommodate this technique.

Whatever method you choose, a waterproof stuff sack or storage sack is a must, unless you absolutely know the weather will be dry.

My Favorite Backpacking Tents in 2021

Knowing how to correctly pack a tent in a backpack only goes so far.

It’s just as important that you bring the right tent, ideally one specifically designed for backpacking.

Simply put, a backpacking tent is much lighter and packs down much smaller than your standard camping tent.

If you try to bring a normal camping tent on a backpacking trip, you’ll most likely discover that it takes up way too much space in your pack (and seriously weighs you down to boot).

Lately, I’ve been a huge fan of the Snugpak Ionosphere.

This one-person tent is something of a combination of a backpacking tent and a bivy sack. It clocks in at just 3.4 pounds (including the stuff sack, poles, tent body, and rainfly) and packs down to about 19 x 6 inches.

Despite its small size and light weight, this Snugpak tent is remarkably spacious and incredibly durable.

For something a little larger, I recommend the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 or the MSR Hubba Tour 2.

Both of these two-person tents are designed for backpacking. They’re both lightweight and pack down very small. The full coverage rainflies are great for camping in the rain and offer ample vestibule space.

Although there are plenty of other options available, an MSR backpacking tent is a great choice if you’re backpacking with a partner (or just prefer the extra space on a solo backpacking trip).

How to Pack Other Camp Shelters in a Backpack

A tent is far from the only shelter you can take backpacking.

In fact, I’ve started to shift away from using a tent while backpacking on my own trips in favor of hammock camping.

The best backpacking hammocks are super lightweight (typically much lighter than a one-person backpacking tent). They also pack down super small since you don’t need to use poles to set them up.

Of course, you must make sure your destination is good for hammock camping – you’ll need sturdy, well-spaced trees to hang your hammock – but this is currently my favorite backpacking shelter for trips here in the Pacific Northwest.

The Hennessey Explorer Deluxe is currently my go-to hammock (it comes with a highly effective rainfly), but we list a ton of other great backpacking hammocks here.

And, don’t forget to check out our full packing list for hammock camping (with setup tips).

In addition to hammocks, some backpackers also opt for bivy sacks, tarp shelters, or just plain old cowboy camping out in the open as alternatives to tents.

Because most of these backpacking shelters are lighter and pack down smaller than tents, they’re typically even easier to pack into your backpack.

Other Tips for Packing a Backpacking Backpack

Packing a tent in your pack is just one step of packing your backpack for backpacking.

It’s just as important to efficiently pack the rest of your backpacking gear to make the best use of space, evenly distribute all of your gear, and ensure your essentials are easily accessible.

I like to break down my backpack into the following zones for easy packing:

Bottom – This is where I pack all the gear I won’t need until I make camp. Think camp shoes, sleeping clothes, and inflatable sleeping pads. I also store my sleeping bag here, although some backpacks come with a bottom compartment specifically for sleeping bags.

Middle – This is where I pack my heaviest items, including my tent. I usually store my entire tent here, but it’s common to store just the body/fly here and the poles on the exterior. I also keep my bear canister (with food inside) and backpacking stove in the middle of my pack.

Top – My water filter, first-aid kit, rain jacket, and toilet kit (click here for tips on going to the bathroom while backpacking) go here. The top of your backpack is perfect for those things you’ll likely need on the trail during the day.

Pockets – My phone and wallet go into the most secure pocket. I clip my keys onto a built-in key clip. I also keep my GPS/satellite communicator, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and headlamp in the pockets. Lip balm, paper maps, a compass, and other small items can also go here. Of course, I always carry plenty of water (plus a few high-calorie snacks) where I can easily access them.

Exterior – I typically lash my tent poles and closed-cell foam sleeping pad to the outside of my backpack. This is also a good place to stash hiking poles (when not in use) and a backpacking chair if you’re bringing one.

Of course, every backpacker has their own preferred method of packing their bag. With time, you’ll find what works best for you and what doesn’t. But the method above is a good starting point for beginners.

Want More Backpacking Advice?

Check out our full beginner’s guide to backpacking for even more tips on planning a backpacking trip.

Our other backpacking resources include how to go backpacking in winter, how to go backpacking with a dog, and the best meals for backpacking.

And, like always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions in the comments below.

Happy Backpacking!

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Can You Fit A Tent In A Backpack? | Decide Outside

When I was growing up we always had to attach our tent to the outside of our backpacks in order to get them to fit. It wasn’t until later in life when I found out that you actually store your tent inside your pack.

1 to 2 person backpacks can be stored easily within a backpack of at least 3400 cubic inches, or 55 liters. Bigger tents are still possible to be carried within a backpack but you may need to distribute the load among several backpacks.

The question is why would you want to do so? I’ll explain which types of tents you can do this as well as some reasons why you would want to put your tent inside your backpack.

By the way, as an Amazon Associate, I earn when buying qualified products through links on my site.

Is It Possible To Fit a Tent Within A Backpack?

I have a Kelty Grand Mesa 2-person tent. I love this tent as it’s worked wonderful for backpacking and for car camping. (See here for a more in depth review or you can check it out here on Amazon) And I can tell you definitively–yes, this tent fit easily within my 4600 cubic internal frame inch backpack. This includes the optional ground tarp, the tent stakes, the tent poles, the tent itself, and the rainfly and guylines.

For this particular tent you could definitely fit it within a smaller backpack but you would lose some storage space that you might want for other necessary items.

The Kelty Grand Mesa, though, is a backpacking tent. This means that the tent poles are made of a lightweight aluminum and can fold compactly. I measured the tent pole length while folded and they are 18 inches long. I would recommend the main compartment to be a few inches longer just so the poles aren’t stressing the backpack fabric.

The “long pole” that determines whether you can fit your tent in your backpack entirely is in fact the tent poles.

When I was growing up we always had to attach our tent to the outside of our backpacks in order to get them to fit. It wasn’t until later in life when I found out that you actually store your tent inside your pack.

pole length for my kelty grand mesa

If, however, you’re carrying a larger tent, then you have to be more careful. For example, our Core 6-person tent (not a backpacking tent) has tent poles that are each 25 inches long. This tent is far too big for one backpack.

For reference, my Teton Outfitter 4600 (cubic inches) backpack was about 30 inches from the bottom of the biggest compartment all the way to the top.

my teton 4600 internal frame backpack main compartment height

So, if you want to put your tent in your backpack, you need to make sure that the length of the largest backpack compartment exceeds the pole height by a few inches.

So, before we continue, though, let’s think more about the question: why would you want to put your tent in your backpack?

Should You Put Your Tent Inside Your Backpack?

So putting your tent in your backpack has some distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about them:

Advantages

Rain Protection : Although your backpack is not waterproof without a tarp or other protection, if it drizzles for a few minutes while you’re hiking than your tent will stay dry. Setting up a cold wet tent is not very inviting at the end of your hike.

: Although your backpack is not waterproof without a tarp or other protection, if it drizzles for a few minutes while you’re hiking than your tent will stay dry. Setting up a cold wet tent is not very inviting at the end of your hike. Snag Avoidance: When you’re backpacking, you have from 30-80 extra pounds on your back. You’re basically a lumbering elephant at this point–your coordination is significantly decreased. Because of this, as you swing from side to side stepping over logs and such, it’s easy to get your backpack and any attached gear (like your precious tent) snagged (and torn) on branches. If your tent is in your pack you avoid this problem.

When you’re backpacking, you have from 30-80 extra pounds on your back. You’re basically a lumbering elephant at this point–your coordination is significantly decreased. Because of this, as you swing from side to side stepping over logs and such, it’s easy to get your backpack and any attached gear (like your precious tent) snagged (and torn) on branches. If your tent is in your pack you avoid this problem. One less bungee cord: One disadvantage of attaching your tent to the outside of your backpack is that you have to think about how to attach things to the outside of your pack. Sometimes your backpack has enough straps to make this work–but sometimes it doesn’t and you need to use bungee cords

Disadvantages

Tents are bulky : So… this is kind of true. A backpacking 2-person tent can be packed very small, but it requires some anti-laziness (which I often lack). If you stuff your tent inside the tent bag (or just simply inside your backpack), then that means that your other gear is going to be more cramped and when you need to fish something out of your pack you will have to fight through your tent.

: So… this is kind of true. A backpacking 2-person tent can be packed very small, but it requires some anti-laziness (which I often lack). If you stuff your tent inside the tent bag (or just simply inside your backpack), then that means that your other gear is going to be more cramped and when you need to fish something out of your pack you will have to fight through your tent. Your tent might not fit: If your tent is over 5-6 pounds, there’s a chance it won’t fit in your backpack. Generally if your tent is around 4 or 5 pounds, then it will fit in an adult-sized backpack. If your tent is a 4-person or a 6-person, you may have to split up the tent material (rainfly, tent stakes, etc) among several backpackers.

Tips For Putting a Tent Inside Your Backpack

Before you stuff your tent in your backpack and go on your merry way, here’s a few tips to ensure your tent doesn’t get damaged and that you have plenty of room in your backpack.

Combine the lower and main compartments: The lower compartment (the pocket at the bottom of the backpack that usually has separate zippers) often can be combined with the main compartment. If you’re having trouble getting your poles to fit, you can partially open the gap between the lower compartment and the main compartment so your poles can lay vertically in the backpack.

The lower compartment (the pocket at the bottom of the backpack that usually has separate zippers) often can be combined with the main compartment. If you’re having trouble getting your poles to fit, you can partially open the gap between the lower compartment and the main compartment so your poles can lay vertically in the backpack. Fold your ground cloth flat against the internal frame: I use a simple tarp for my ground cloth and I have found that everything fits a lot better if this tarp is as flat as possible against the actual frame of the backpack. In other words, the tarp should be as flat and as close to your back as possible on the inside of the backpack.

I use a simple tarp for my ground cloth and I have found that everything fits a lot better if this tarp is as flat as possible against the actual frame of the backpack. In other words, the tarp should be as flat and as close to your back as possible on the inside of the backpack. Tightly roll your tent: Folding a tent tight like a flag can lead to sharp folds which can damage the waterproof lining of the tent and cause issues. It’s best to lightly fold and roll. I’ve gotten away with stuffing my tent in my tent bag but I hear that’s not the best for it.

Folding a tent tight like a flag can lead to sharp folds which can damage the waterproof lining of the tent and cause issues. It’s best to lightly fold and roll. I’ve gotten away with stuffing my tent in my tent bag but I hear that’s not the best for it. Don’t pack your tent wet: This is true in general (sometimes it can’t be helped), but it’s especially important if you are going to be putting your tent in your backpack to make sure you dry it as much as possible. When you get home you should empty your pack (it’s easy to just leave everything in there because you just finished an exhausting hike) and let your tent dry out. See more information on why it’s so important to dry your tent and some tips for fast drying here.

Types of Tents You Can Fit Inside a Backpack

I covered this spread out through the article but if you are looking for the specific consice answer, here it is. Nevery tent is going to fit inside your backpack, not matter how big your backpack is.

If you want to fit your tent in a backpack, here are some key components and key words you should look for:

Backpacking tent

Ultralight

1-2 person

Aluminum poles

Less than 5-6 pounds

My Kelty Grand Mesa 2 person wasn’t advertised as ultralight, but it is definitely lightweight enough and compact enough to fit inside a backpack.

Ultralight tents are incredible in their portability. This Zpacks Plexamid Tent (see it at their website, here.) weighs less than a pound. Incredible! Anyway, this will fit inside your backpack no problem.

Tarp shelters (like this one from ZPacks) weigh about 6 ounces and can be used as your sole shelter (popular for those who are serious campers and into bushcraft). If you are planning on making a shelter with just a tarp, than you will be able to fold it small enough to fit inside your pack.

Anything bigger than 5-6 pounds it’s likely you will need to split up the tent among multiple people to be able to haul it inside multiple packs.

Types of Backpacks Ideal For Stuffing a Tent Inside

Again, I mentioned a lot of this information earlier, but if you want your tent to fit in your pack, make sure you get a pack with the following:

Minimum size of around 3400 Cubic Inches, or 55 liters (usually this number is in the model name of the backpack)–much smaller than this and you will need ultralight or extremely compact tents to fit inside these packs..

So you have finished reading the how to attach tent to backpack topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: how to attach sleeping bag to backpack, how to attach tent to osprey backpack, how to attach things to backpack, attach tent to molle backpack, how to pack your tent smaller, backpacking tent, how to put on a backpack, how to pack tent

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