Good 2P tent for backpacking under $450-500

I've used my Xmid 2p with two adults comfortably. Fits your price range.

For a 2P tent, I’d say that if you prioritize space, the MSR Elixir 2 or REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+.

If you're looking for ultralight tents, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 or Durston X-Mid 2. And if you prefer a non-freestanding design, the Tarptent Moment DW may do it.

Others I personally vouch for are either the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 or MSR Elixir 2 which are both ultralight and very durable. Ive used both of them and they’re great. the MSR Elixir 2 also has the reputation for being “bomb proof” because of how good the material and build is.

For gear suggestions, hope you already have a headlamp and some sort of water filtration system! It could help - 50 Hiking and Camping Gears

Also, get a tent repair kit and have it in your backpack just in case, you’ll thank yourself later if you have a small rip in your tent and water starts leaking in, other than that, cheers and hope you have fun mate

Nemo and MSR will have some options. Both brands will also have $$$ options, but all their stuff is pretty great.

You could look at the Gossimer Gear “The Two” if you’re open to trekking pole tents and looking for something extra light (notice I didn’t necessarily say ultralight).

My tiger wall 3UL tent (which fits 2 wide pads with room to spare or 3 20inch pads snugly) was picked up on Christmas sales for $374 (plus $20 shipping and $28 tax). Moosejaw has since changed owners, so dunno what kinda sale you’ll find, but it is a lovely tent that works for backpacking trips with me and my 2 kids.

I use a BA Tiger Wall UL2. I’ve got a lot of nights and miles on it.

X mid. You won’t pay for a third party markup either bc you’ll be buying directly from the durston company.

Whatever you do, wait for the REI sale may 17th.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Nemo Dagger 2p, which is under that price at REI with the coupon. I had one issue with it where a zipper got stuck (after a lot of extreme use), and they repaired it free of charge even though it had been many years since I got it. I love it so much I use it for car camping too (it's very roomy for a 4-ish pound 2p backpacking tent. They've since improved the rain-fly, even though I've never had problems with the original one. If I had all the money in the world and didn't need a sub 4-lb tent, I'd buy it again.

2P = 1 person + gear 3P = 2 people + 2gear

I'm not sure on your climate but budget wise Paria has some decent options for 2p tents. nothing ultralight but nothing outlandishly heavy either. I'll let folks with more experience chime in with reccomendations on the more specific side, but as someone relatively new to the hobby we got their trekking pole tent and I'm pretty happy with it so far as a starter tent.

Teton tents are great, light and cheap for your first few go arounds. I would recommend a 3 person though which will add some weight

Just bought and used a Kelly Grand Mesa 2P. $160 on Amazon, 4lbs minimum weight. Can’t really beat it for a starter 2P. 45f with a lot of moisture that night and light rain, zero condensation.

I abosolutely love my REI Half Dome 2. It's light, extremely quick to setup, a little small but has two vestibules you can stake out to cover packs, gear, boots/shoes, whatever else. Mine is also sealed all the way around. I have hunkered down through a few rain storms in that thing and not even a single drop of rain got in. I give it an easy 10/10!

You can get essentially any tent on the market for that price. Good hunting fam. Do your research for what you need, and then do some more. I would always get a little bigger than 2P for 2 people. I would do 3P, but that's just me. Room for your gear as well if there is shit weather. A two person literally fits two bodies. Not much more room

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. Best ever.

You can check the Mountainsmith Celestial 2, Big Agnes Tiger Wall Ultra Light or the Zpacks Triplex. All with good material, multi seasonal, mesh pockets, easy to setup and well recommended.

The REI Coop 2P tent line is solid imo. No complaints from multiple uses thus far

I love my Durston Xmid 2p it’s roomy and super lightweight and not a bad price.

I swear backpackers love spending money. If you’re new to backpacking and haven’t hardly been outside, why would you voluntarily spend $400-500? You can purchase a good 2-person for $150-225. Spend the good money where it matters. Also what matters now are the experiences. I see too many people spend thousands on gear and never get out or have to sell their gear because it wasn’t a good investment (they didn’t like it) You need to make sure backpacking is for you, first. Also You said you’re moving to the mountains; so you really need to concentrate on sleeping bags and a good comfortable pack, imo. A tent is a four-walled tarp. Anyone who tells you differently is either a gear salesperson or an asshole. If you’re overly concerned about weight and have tons of dispensable cash i would say your argument is valid but you really only need to be overly concerned about weight if you’re a thru-hiker. Especially if you’re new to this.