Back 40 Emergency Tent Definitive Review (2024)

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This is the Ultimate TopNotch Back 40 Emergency Tent Review 2024.

Looking for a 2 person tube tent that’s easy to set up and will just as easily double as an emergency sleeping bag?

Well guess what?

We’ve done one better for you.

In our search for an ultralight survival tent, we found one that came with a separate emergency blanket.

It’s called the  Back 40 Outfitters Tent and Emergency Bivy Sleeping Bag and it’s just what you’re looking for.

A shelter like the 40 outfitters tent is your first line of defense against the elements, predators and really could mean the difference between life and death.

What makes us so knowledgeable about this?

Well, here at TopNotch, we tested the best brand names in wilderness survival to find the Top 10 survival tents.

In this comprehensive roundup we’ll cover:

  • The features of this emergency shelter that could save your life
  • The extras you won’t find in an average emergency cover
  • How you’re getting more than your money’s worth
  • Lots more…

So if you want the full lowdown on this Thermal Emergency Combo Kit, you’ll love this guide.

Let’s not waste another minute.

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Value for Money
7
Ease of Use
9
Weather resistance
8.5
Durability
8
Pack Size
9
Overall Score
83

  • Capacity: 2
  • Material: Plastic (Mylar)
  • Dimensions: 62” x 92” x 46”
  • Manufacturer: Back 40 Outfitters
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs

Bottom Line : Emergency tube tent designed to prioritize heat retention

Pros


  • Strong paracord that can be used for crossing rivers and tying down gear
  • Comes with handy carabiner clips

Cons


  • Relatively unknown in the market so is yet to stand the test of time

Our Verdict: Back 40 Emergency Tent – Best Thermal Insulated Tube Tent

We’re loving the multi-functionality here.

First up, there’s the two product feature for the price of one.

Let me be clear though, this is not a single product that has two uses.

This combo kit comes as two separate components, one being the tent and the other the bivvy bag.

There’s a lot of 2-in-1 products on the market and at first glance, I thought the Back 40 was one of them.

But no.

We’re also happy about the durable thermal, mylar material that it’s made of.

It’s said to retain up to 90% of your body heat for year-round all weather protection.

It also comes in a striking orange color to attract the attention you need when in trouble.

But that’s not all…

The manufacturer’s have gone one step further and added 120-decibel whistle to this already impressive lineup.

In an emergency situation where you’ll possibly be out of range of a cell phone tower, emergency whistles can make the difference between being stranded outside one more night or signaling the cavalry to come to your rescue.

It’s obviously great value for money, but we’ll cover that in a little while

Keep reading to find out more…

“This back 40 emergency combo kit provides an emergency tent for shelter from the elements and an emergency sleeping bag (bivy) to help keep you warm by trapping in your body heat.”

Related: 10 Best Tube Tents

Value For Money

If it’s value for money you’re looking for, you won’t get better than the Back 40. 

Open the palm size stuff sack and you’ll find a mylar emergency shelter AND ultra light emergency sleeping bag. 

Great piece of kit.

Back 40 Emergency Tent

Value For Money Rating

ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
9
Geertop Tent
9
UST Tube Tarp
8.5
LYN Tube Tent
8.5
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
8
Back 40 Emergency Tent
7
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
7
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
7
SE Emergency Tube Tent
7
Texsport Tent
7

Ease of Use

Erecting an emergency shelter doesn’t get any easier than the Back 40. 

All you have to do is run your paracord through the tent ridgeline and secure both ends to a tree.

If that was easy, the sleeping bag is child’s play.

Back 40 Emergency Tent

Ease of Use Rating

Back 40 Emergency Tent
9
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
9
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
9
LYN Tube Tent
9
SE Emergency Tube Tent
9
UST Tube Tarp
9
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
8.5
Texsport Tent
8.5
Geertop Tent
8
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
7

If you know how to get into bed, you’ll know how to use the bivvy bag. I don’t want to insult anybody’s intelligence.

That being said…

The important thing is to know where to use the bivvy bag.

When out in snowy terrain, you can take cover with your bivvy bag in a safe snow cave.

Or if you’re roughing it like Bear Grylls and not using a man-made tent, then you can use it in the safety of a debris hut.

Weather Resistance

While this gear will shelter you from whatever the weather decides to throw at you, I can’t guarantee you’ll be hugely comfortable.

For instance…When we took it out in the pouring rain and wind, the tent moved so much, the entry and exit way practically angled themselves to make sure more rain came in.

Back 40 Emergency Tent

Weather Resistance Rating

ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
9.5
Texsport Tent
9
UST Tube Tarp
9
Back 40 Emergency Tent
8.5
Geertop Tent
8.5
SE Emergency Tube Tent
8.5
LYN Tube Tent
8.5
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
8
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
8
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
8

Luckily, the crew were able to mitigate this with the help of the UST Tarp.

However…

On cold dry nights, this combo kit was a godsend!

Durability

The durability of the mylar means any outdoor enthusiast who takes good care of their gear can use this combo kit more than once.

While the material is tough under stretching and constant use, it’s always advisable to be cautious about where you choose to put it up.

Back 40 Emergency Tent

DurabilityRating

ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
9
LYN Tube Tent
9
UST Tube Tarp
9
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
8.5
Geertop Tent
8.5
Texsport Tent
8.5
Back 40 Emergency Tent
8
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
8
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
8
SE Emergency Tube Tent
8

I’ve been to camping grounds where previous campers were not considerate when it came to disposing their trash.

I innocently set up over a crushed soda can half buried in the ground and ripped the bottom of my tent.

Packed Size

We love how small and portable the Back 40 is. It’s small enough to toss into a car’s dashboard and if you’re going out in a large group, several of these can easily fit into a bug out bag.

It won top place in this metric, alongside the Delmera and Bearhard camping survival kit.

Back 40 Emergency Tent
Back 40 Emergency Tent

Packed Size Rating

Back 40 Emergency Tent
9
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
9
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
9
Geertop Tent
8.5
LYN Tube Tent
8.5
UST Tube Tarp
8.5
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
8
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
8
SE Emergency Tube Tent
8
Texsport Tent
7.5

This ultralight survival tent and sleeping bag combo  is as large as a can of beer, but I know what I’d reach for in an emergency situation.

Our Final Verdict: Back 40 Emergency Tent

When it comes to functionality, portability, and durability the Back 40 ticks all the boxes.

Although we deducted points for performance in the rain, this combo kit won out in areas of ease of use, durability and value for money.

That’s why it sits at 83 on the overall points table, giving the big dogs a run for their money.

Our Final verdict Rating

UST Tube Tarp
88%
LYN Tube Tent
87%
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
85%
Geertop Tent
85%
Back 40 Emergency Tent
83%
Bearhard Emergency Tube Tent
82%
Delmera Emergency Survival Tent
82%
Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
82%
SE Emergency Tent
81%
Texsport Tent
81%
Back 40 Emergency Tent Review✓ 30Hrs Field Testing✓ Pros & Cons✓ 4 Season✓ Great Value✓ Extra Durable✓ Compact✓ Heat Reflector✓ Lightweight✓

Conclusion: Back 40 Emergency Tent

That’s the end of the ride folks!

Perhaps you started your journey knowing only that you needed a contingency plan.

Perhaps one that included a thermal tent.

But now you’ll know what kind of return on investment you’ll get with the Back 40, what kind of weather condition this gear is ideal for and how it measures up to other similar products on the market.

In short, if you’re looking for a thermal tent and bivy that’s durable, easy to carry around and just as easy to set up – but won’t cost a fortune – then look no further than the Back 40 Outfitters Tent and Emergency Sleeping Bag.

So what are you waiting for?

A lack of an emergency shelter might be the only speed bump between you and your next Safe and Amazing TopNotch adventure!

Time to make your choice…

…you won’t go wrong with our recommendations below.

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