Determine the type of hiking trip you'll be taking. Long-distance backpackers (trips of more than 500 miles) will need different types of tents than weekend hikers. Also, if you are planning to car camp, another tent entirely will be required. See below for recommendations for all types of hiking and backpacking.
The goal here is to choose a tent that is both durable and lightweight. Backpackers need to limit the amount of weight they carry. One great tent is the Big Agnes Seedhouse 1. This is a solo tent (designed for one person) that weighs just less than 3 pounds including poles, netting, shell and ground sheet. Another good, yet heavier option, is the MSR Hubba. This tent, while heavier, offers more room inside, a side-entrance and a much larger vestibule under which you can store more gear. For two-person trips, the MSR Hubba Hubba is recommended. Much like the Hubba, this tent sleeps two comfortably and weighs about 4.5 pounds. Also, the burden of weight can be shared by the two hikers. All of these tents can withstand hurricane-force winds and strong precipitation.
Weight can be sacrificed when only headed out for a long weekend. Therefore, the best overall tent for a weekend trip for two people is the Marmot Aeolos. This tent is a bit larger that the Hubba Hubba mentioned above, sets up easily with four poles, offers two very large vestibules for pack and shoe storage, and even has a window through which weather and scenery can be observed. Also, this tent offers superior ventilation when properly set up. It weighs nearly five pounds with poles, netting, shell, and ground sheet.
Weight is not an issue when car camping. Tents (as well as all other gear) will be moved by a car. Therefore, a great recommendation for a car camping tent is the Eureka Tetragon 9 --- a large tent that will comfortably sleep 4-5 people. The setup is simple, the tent is roomy and fairly durable, and it offers huge vestibules under which chairs and even a table can be arranged. The tent is heavy, but again, this is not an issue when car camping. The tent is large enough to store virtually all gear inside --- just in case rain clouds darken the skies over your barbeque.
