Best Backpacking Tent for Beginners: A Field Test Review of the Naturehike Cloud Up 2163

As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, testing gear from budget-friendly options to high-end, professional-grade equipment. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Naturehike Cloud Up 2 backpacking tent through its paces on a three-day, two-night trek in the Appalachian Mountains. This review will offer a detailed account of my experience, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this popular, budget-friendly tent.

Setup and Packability: One of the major selling points of the Cloud Up 2 is its ease of setup. The color-coded poles and intuitive design made pitching the tent a breeze, even in the fading light. I managed to set it up completely solo in under five minutes, a significant time saver, especially when battling fatigue after a long hike. The included stuff sack is compact and relatively lightweight, making it easy to pack and transport. While not the absolute lightest tent on the market, its packability is excellent considering its price point and spacious interior.

Space and Comfort: For a two-person tent, the Cloud Up 2 offers surprisingly generous interior space. Two adults could comfortably sleep inside, with enough room to store backpacks and other gear. The headroom is decent, allowing for easy sitting up and changing clothes without feeling cramped. However, the slightly sloping walls do mean that taller individuals might find their heads brushing against the tent fabric. The ventilation is surprisingly good, thanks to the mesh panels on both the door and the opposite side. This significantly reduced condensation, even during periods of high humidity and light rain.

Weather Resistance: This is where the Naturehike Cloud Up 2 shows some limitations. While the rainfly did a commendable job of shedding light to moderate rain, I wouldn't recommend this tent for extended periods of heavy downpour or strong winds. During a brief but intense thunderstorm, some water managed to seep through the seams, although it wasn't enough to soak the sleeping bags. The tent's overall construction feels sturdy enough for typical backpacking conditions, but it's not designed to withstand extreme weather. I would consider this more of a fair-weather tent.

Materials and Durability: The Cloud Up 2 is constructed primarily of a 210T polyester ripstop fabric for the rainfly and a 190T polyester for the inner tent. This is a relatively lightweight material, contributing to the tent's overall packability. However, it does feel slightly less durable than some higher-priced tents made with heavier-duty fabrics. Care needs to be taken to avoid snagging or tearing the fabric on branches or rocks. The poles are aluminum, which are lightweight but susceptible to bending under significant stress. While they held up during my trip, I wouldn't recommend using the tent in extremely rocky or harsh terrain.

Features: The Cloud Up 2 includes several thoughtful features that enhance its usability. The vestibule provides a small area for storing wet gear or shoes, keeping the interior dry. The large D-shaped door offers easy access, and the mesh windows provide excellent ventilation. The tent also comes with stakes and guy lines, which is a bonus considering the price. The reflective guylines were a nice safety feature, increasing visibility at night.

Price and Value: The Naturehike Cloud Up 2 sits firmly in the budget-friendly category of backpacking tents. Its relatively low price point makes it an attractive option for beginners or budget-conscious adventurers. Considering its features, ease of setup, and overall performance in typical backpacking conditions, the value proposition is excellent. While it may not match the performance of higher-end tents in extreme conditions, it delivers a surprisingly comfortable and reliable experience for its price.

Overall Impression: The Naturehike Cloud Up 2 is a solid entry-level backpacking tent that offers a great balance of features, packability, and affordability. Its ease of setup and comfortable interior make it an ideal choice for beginner backpackers. While it may not be the most durable or weatherproof tent on the market, it performed admirably during my test trip and provided a comfortable and dry shelter under relatively benign conditions. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for your next backpacking adventure, the Cloud Up 2 is definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind its limitations in extreme weather, and choose accordingly based on your planned itinerary.

Pros:
Easy setup
Spacious interior
Good ventilation
Lightweight and packable
Affordable price
Decent weather resistance (light to moderate rain)

Cons:
Limited weather resistance in heavy rain or strong wind
Relatively lightweight fabric (potential for tearing)
Limited headroom for taller individuals

Final Verdict: A great value backpacking tent for beginners and budget-conscious adventurers, but not ideal for extreme weather conditions.

2025-04-06

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