In many emergency situations, we can find ourselves without the comfort of shelter that we’re used to. We may take many parts of shelter for granted in our day to day lives; privacy, comfort, warmth, and safety are essential for our survival. Preparing a SHTF (shit hit the fan) tent and plan is the best way to ensure that you will have a safe shelter if you become displaced. Below you’ll find some of the best SHTF tent options to accommodate just yourself or even your family.
What is a SHTF Tent & Why You Need It
Securing shelter is a necessary step, just like starting a fire, for your safety in an emergency situation. Without it, we are vulnerable to the elements and other dangers. You may find that you need to protect yourself from weather, animals, other humans, or even dangerous chemicals. A SHTF tent and plan is the best way to ensure that you have a portable mode of shelter that will be able to withstand many of these dangers. For a quick history lesson, the earliest portable shelters were recorded in ~40,000 BC and were made from mammoth hides. Romans began to use tents militarily for portable safety in ~300 BC, and in 1862 the term “Pup Tents” was coined, as during the civil war soldiers were unsatisfied with their tent specifications. Around the 1970’s, there were technological advancements to create trends out of aluminum and synthetic materials rather than canvas, making tents lighter and more durable.
So, you can see that tents have been around for centuries, and their simplicity and durability make them even more powerful shields than we may think. A “Shit Hit the Fan” tent should be durable, lightweight, and able to fit your entire family. You’ll also want to be sure that it is easily secured to the ground and that you will be able to seal off entrance and exits. Another factor to consider is color; if you’re camping for survival, you’ll want a neutral color to blend in. However, if you would need to be rescued, a bright color will help search teams find you more easily.
There are a ton of options out there, so we’ve highlighted a few favorites. When considering which is best for you, you’ll want to consider weather factors, insect populations, size, and category. There are backpacking tents, high altitude tents, car camping tents, and tents that can go in the bed of a truck. Cold weather tents can be a little bit more expensive because they have technology that traps body heat to keep you warm and alive in freezing weather. Backpacking tents, on the other hand, are super lightweight and can be carried for a long time. They’re designed to fit easily in your bug out bag. Done tents are designed to be as large as possible, and are often used by professionals. They work at high altitudes and high wind survival situations.
No matter where you could end up and what your needs are, there is a tent that is perfect for you. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites!
Winterial Single Person Tent
This is one of the best SHTF tent options out there as it is incredibly lightweight at just 3 pounds and 9 ounces. It’s designed to shelter one person and fit easily into a backpack or bug out bags. It has a two hoop design so it should be quite quick and easy to put together by snapping two cords together. It has a mesh roof in case it is summertime and warm, but there is also a rain cover in case you need to protect from rain or it gets colder.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Single Person Tent with Two Hoop Easy To Assemble Bivy Tent
- PERFECT FOR HIKING AND BACKPACKING: Bivy Tent Sleeps One Person take it with you on any trip
- 3 SEASON TENT: Ventilated Roof Mesh With a Full Coverage Rain Fly for Colder/Rainy Weather
- LIGHT WEIGHT: Packed weight: 3 pounds 3 ounces. Packed Size: 18 x 4.5 x 4 Open Dimensions: 38 x 28 x 90 inches
- ACCESS: Large Zippered door for easy access. Includes 3 bundles of rope and 14 Heavy Duty Stakes To Firmly Secure
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Snugpak 1 Man Dome Tent
This tent is also for one person but is a bit more durable. There is a waterproof fly Sheet and protection on the ground in case there is flooding. It comes with two tent stakes that are easy to set up, and the tunnel shape of this tent will protect you from any harsh wind. There is also a no see mosquito net to protect you from insects. It is also more low profile and can camouflage into your environment if visibility is a concern for you.
- Inner tent dimensions are 94 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 28 inches tall; built to accommodate 1 person and their gear, features tape sealed seams
- Lightweight and compact pack size is 19 inches long by 5.5 inches wide; trail weight is 2.64 pounds, pack weight is 3.34 pounds
- Equipped with DAC Featherlite NSL anodized aluminum poles with press fit connectors; features No-See-Um mesh mosquito net for warmer climates
- Flysheet is 210t polyester RipStop with 5000 millimeter waterproof and windproof polyurethane coating; the 2 pole system keeps condensation buildup to a minimum
- A basic repair kit is included; contains metal pole repair sleeve, tent guide rope tensioner, spare cord, elastic loop, patch materials, and a storage bag
- Flysheet is a lightweight 210t Polyester Rip Stop up with a 5000mm waterproof polyurethane coating
- Inner Tent constructed of 190t Nylon with Polyester Mesh
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Kelty Dirt Motel (Updated Versions of the Kelty TN 2 Person Tent)
This tent has received awards for how durable and easy it is. It is compact and light and can easily sleep two. An important feature of the tent is its “stargazing fly” so that you can look up at the stars while you sleep. It also has silent zipper pulls as an added safety benefit.
- Offering exceptional room for your head and shoulders, The 3-season Kelty dirt Motel 2P tent offers you an unobstructed view of the backcountry if you peel back the protective rainfly.
- The tapered tent measures 84” x 50” (at its widest point), with a peak height of 42. 5 inches. The interior space is 28 square feet. It has two vented vestibules, which together protect almost 18 square feet of real estate.
- The tent is supported by compact DAC Press fit poles. The setup for this tent includes two hubbed poles and one Ridge pole. This assembly creates vertical walls, which provide more overall Living space inside the tent, instead of a peak in the center.
- The floor of the tent is polyurethane coated 70 denier nylon with a 3000 mm water resistant rating. No-see-um mesh walls provide ventilation and keep out unwelcome guests. Two doors provide flexibility and privacy.
- The freestanding design means you can pitch the tent and then move it around to find the best site. The rainfly is 40 denier siliconized rip stop nylon rated to 1500 mm. All seams are tape sealed to further ensure weather protection.
- Stargazing Fly system: quickly and easily roll up a portion of the rainfly. Secure the rolled fly with simple clips and you’re free to enjoy a view of the stars and reap the benefits of increased ventilation.
- This tent includes Kelty’s Shark mouth stuff sack, designed to make stuffing easier, and reflective guy lines. The custom-fit Kelty dirt Motel 2P footprint (sold separately) can further protect your tent from wet ground, roots and rocks.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The North Face Summit Series Assault 2 Tent
This tent is designed for two people in high altitude cants. It has an escape hatch back door and two top vents for improved breathing and stability at high altitudes. In terms of wind protection, the company says it is “bombproof”. When the wind hits the side of the tent, it backfills the interior and “equalizes the pressure to create a stronger structure”. There is also space here for hanging stoves or drying lines.
- Rugged, single-wall expedition tent engineered for high-altitude camps with breathability and
- Removable vestibule
- DryWall proprietary single skin provides unparalleled single-wall breathability
- Single door and escape-hatch back door
- Dual top vents increase breathability and stability
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Nemo Hornet Tent Ultralight Backpacking Tent
This tent is slightly larger as it can fit 2 people. It is somewhat of a minimalist tent and is only 6 pounds.
- THE MASTER OF ULTRALIGHT - The updated Hornet offers unmatched livability and comfort for its weight; NEMO’s patent-pending Flybar volumizing clip adds even more interior volume, while top shelf fabrics and a minimal pole structure make it even lighter than the previous generation
- LIGHTWEIGHT & LIVABLE - The 2P model is one of the only free-standing tents in the sub-2 lb category with two doors and two large vestibules; Flybar pole clip adds more headroom and increased stability; Volumizing guyouts connect the inner tent to the rainfly, pulling the sidewalls outward to create more livable space; 2P model has a minimum weight of 1 lb 15 oz, a packed weight of 2 lb 6 oz, and packs down to 19.5 x 5.5 in dia
- WEATHERTIGHT & RUGGED - Premium 10D Nylon Ripstop fly with silicone water repellent is extremely light and durable; DAC Featherlite poles boast minimal weight and connect with a single hubbed intersection for lightning-quick setup; Canopy: 10D Nylon Ripstop & No-See-Um Mesh; Fly: 10D Sil/PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm waterproof); Floor: 15D Sil/PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm waterproof)
- PERKS & DETAILS - Guyouts and struts at corners increase volume at the foot, protecting sleeping bags from wall condensation; Unique Divvy dual stage stuff sack makes it easy to divide the load with a partner; Diffusing Light Pockets turn your headlamp into a tent lantern
- LIFETIME WARRANTY - We strive to design and build the best outdoor equipment on the planet, obsessing over every detail; All NEMO products carry a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials to the original owner, with proof of purchase from an authorized NEMO dealer
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Kelty Grand Mesa Tent
This houses two to four people. It is freestanding and easy to set up as all of the pieces are color-coded for easy assembly. It is only 3 pounds so it can fit in your bag easily.
- 4-person backpacking tent with 53.3 square feet of living space
- 18.8-square-foot vestibule for gear storage; mesh wall panels
- High-quality DAC press-fit poles and color-coded clip construction
- Internal storage pockets and gear loft loops; noiseless zipper pulls
- 55-inch peak height; footprint measures 96 x 80 inches
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Marmot Limestone 6 Person Tent
This tent is larger and can fit 6 people. It has full coverage and two vestibules. It is heavier, though, at 16 pounds. This would not be the best option for a bag, but if you are going to be transporting it in another way then it is a great option, as it can likely fit an entire family.
- 6 person, 83.8 square foot lightweight tent ideal for group or family camping; includes seam taped, full coverage weatherproof rain fly
- Catenary cut fly and tent body to increase air flow, keeping occupants cooler and drier
- Color coded easy pitch poles and clips for quick and easy setup
- Zone pre bend construction creates vertical walls for roomier interior; front double door for easy entry and exit.
- One D shaped door, one vestibule.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Coleman Sundome Tent
This tent can fit six people and is “Amazon’s Choice”. It is very waterproof and wind and rain tested. It can withstand 35mpg winds. It’s also easy to set up in just ten minutes and comes with an E port so you can set up your electronics. It can fit one queen size air mattress.
- Polyester
- Imported
- WeatherTec System patented welded floors and inverted seams keep water out, Spacious interior, room to stand and move
- Dome design makes setup quick and easy, 10 minutes , Snag-free, continuous pole sleeves for easy setup, Rainfly awning for shade and rain protection
- Floor vent for maximum ventilation, Large windows help cool the tent, Storage pockets keep gear organized
- Insta-Clip pole attachments stand up to winds, 10 ft. x 10 ft. (3 m x 3 m), fits six people or two queen airbeds
- 6 ft.(1.88 m) height, room to stand and move, 1-year limited warranty
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Coleman 8 Person Tent
This is a very affordable option that can fit 8 people. There are room dividers inside that you can use if you’d like to turn the tent into a 3 room. There is also an innovative wethe control system and a cool air port so you can control airflow as you’d like.
- Polyester
- Imported
- Weatherproof: Welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in; included rainfly offers extra weather protection
- Hinged door: Easily swings open and includes an extended awning
- Storage pockets: Keep small gear organized and off the floor
- Conventional pitch: Sets up in 15 minutes
- Roomy interior: 16 x 7 ft. With 6 ft. 2 in. Center height; fits 3 queen-size air beds
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Camping Hammock
A camping hammock is a fantastic option if you’re looking to try something different than a traditional tent. Hammocks can be even more lightweight than a tent and require even less set up. You can also get a higher vantage point with a hammock and will not have to worry about sleeping on the ground if there is bumpy terrain or wet conditions. You will also want to get a rain tarp and bug netting so that you can sleep as comfortably as possible.
Here are some of our favorites:
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Camping Double & Single with Tree Straps
Easthills Outdoors Jungle Explorer Double Bug Net Camping Hammock
ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock
Whichever SHTF tent or hammock you may choose, securing a survival tent can be a matter of life or death. As many of these are very lightweight, you can rest assured that you can bring shelter with you on the move. These options are built to withstand all of the harsh conditions that you may find yourself in, whether that’s damp weather or very high altitudes and high winds.
