This is the Ultimate TopNotch Back 40 Emergency Tent Review 2026.
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.
Top-Notch Choice
Back 40 Emergency Tent Definitive
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
