Captain Obvious Alert: You should always pick a tent that is suitable for your expected conditions.

For backpacking you will obviously want to go as light as possible since you’re lugging your shelter along with you. You’ll need to make a tradeoff between peace of mind and weight. My basic recommendation is that if you don’t really need a tent, dont bring one — bring a bivvy bag if you can. A bivvy bag is essentially a tent for your head with a waterproof bag for your sleeping bag.

If you ARE going to bring a tent, here’s the breakdown of types:

  • Ridge Tent. This is the classic pup tent. It’s a waterproof bottom with a ventilated inner tent with a rain fly. You can use these tents pretty much anywhere in almost any condition.

    • Ridge Tent

  • Dome Tent. Ideal for high wind situations and less cramped than a ridge tent.

    • Dome Tent

  • Single Hooped Tent. This lightweight tent provides ample living space, easy to set up and its sloping design helps deflect oncoming winds.

    • Single Hooped Tent

Finally - the image below illustrates the Bivvy Bag.
Bivvy Bag