In the ultralight backpacking world, The Big Three refers to the most important (and heaviest) pieces in your kit: your backpack, sleep system (sleeping bag and pad), and shelter. Shaving a pound or two off of each of these items can go a long way toward keeping your base weight low. Compared to standard backpacking tents, ultralight tents are lighter and more packable (all but one of the picks below weigh less than 3 pounds) and run the gamut from premium freestanding designs from names like Nemo, Big Agnes, and MSR to stripped-down trekking-pole shelters and floorless pyramids from well-respected cottage brands. We took the best options money can buy to some of the most remote corners of the world&#;from the bush of Africa to lofty Patagonia peaks&#;to narrow in on our streamlined selection of 16 worthy models below. These are our favorite ultralight backpacking tents of . For more information, see the comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
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Editor's note: We updated this guide on June 7, , to include information about our testing practices and expand some of the sections in our buying advice. We also combed through the guide to ensure prices, colorways, and products were current at the time of publishing.
Category: Semi-freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 1.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 85 x 50/42 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: All the performance and convenience of a traditional backpacking tent&#;for just 2 pounds.
What we don&#;t: Expensive; less durable than most alternatives; not very spacious.
Gone are the days when you had to sleep under a tarp to be considered an ultralight enthusiast, and the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P is case in point. For just over 2 pounds all-in, the Hornet Elite combines the refined design and build quality of a standard backpacking tent with a competitive UL weight. The hubbed-pole structure is simple to set up and stable in winds, and two doors and vestibules keep convenience high and offer ample storage space for two. What&#;s more, the finishes are what we&#;ve come to expect from Nemo&#;s premium offerings, including multiple interior pockets, a handy headlamp diffuser, equalized guy-out points, smooth-operating clips and buckles, and a Flybar pole clip that increases headroom with very little weight penalty.
At a whopping $650, the Nemo&#;s main downside is price, especially considering you can save $250 with a tent like the Fly Creek HV UL2 (2 lb. 5 oz.) below. On the other hand, a trekking-pole shelter like the Gossamer Gear The Two (1 lb. 8.9 oz.; $320) is both lighter and more affordable, and many A-frame designs (both Dyneema and nylon/polyester) are considerably more durable, too. But there&#;s no denying the convenience of a traditional tent design, which features a better ventilated double-wall build, a user-friendly setup, and arguably more livable space overall&#;though the sleeping area of the Nemo Hornet Elite does feel pretty cramped for two compared to other competing models. Still, if you&#;re willing to make the investment, we think that the Hornet Elite is the best of both worlds in terms of weight and performance. It&#;s also worth noting Nemo&#;s Hornet Osmo 2P, which checks in just 7 ounces heavier but will save you a considerable $220.
See the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 7.4 oz.
Floor dimensions: 92 x 52 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: A highly engineered, double-wall trekking-pole shelter for just $280.
What we don&#;t: Heavier and not as long-term waterproof as the Dyneema competition.
A lot goes into making a solid shelter at a low weight, so UL price tags can be fairly steep compared to standard backpacking tents. It&#;s for this reason that the Durston X-Mid is such a surprising entry. Like many trekking-pole shelters here, the X-Mid 2 is well-built, stormworthy, roomy, and checks in at less than 2.5 pounds&#;but it's also just $280 ($265 if you opt out of stakes), which is a massive price savings compared to the rest of our top picks. On a backpacking trip through Washington&#;s Glacier Peak Wilderness, we found it easy to get a taut pitch (the setup only requires 4 stakes and the polyester fly doesn&#;t sag like nylon), appreciated the ventilated design (thanks to the double-wall construction), and loved special touches like the magnetic doorkeepers, durable #5 YKK AquaGuard zippers on the fly, and a unique parallelogram shape that ensures that the doorways aren&#;t blocked by poles. You can even separate the inner body from the fly and leave one (or the other) at home to save weight.
So how does Durston manage to make the X-Mid at such a low price point? In short, with compromises that will be fairly minor for most but might add up for serious users. The X-Mid is over a pound heavier than the Duplex below, which could be a deal breaker for thru-hikers set on a super low base weight. What&#;s more, the sil/PEU polyester fly will gradually lose its waterproofing over time, while Dyneema is naturally hydrophobic. The X-Mid also isn't as spacious as competing models. But for less discerning hikers looking for a very high-quality budget tent, it&#;s truly hard to beat&#;Durston is onto something with their highly engineered design, which includes more thoughtful details than most trekking pole shelters here (just be aware, its footprint is larger than that of most 2P alternatives). If you venture out solo, you can save even more with the X-Mid 1 ($234).
See the Durston X-Mid 2
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 4.4 oz.
Floor dimensions: 90 x 45 in.
Capacities: 2P, 2+P, 3P
What we like: The best in lightweight performance; great versatility with multiple sizes and the option to add poles.
What we don&#;t: Pricey; not as ventilated or user-friendly as a traditional tent.
Take a good look at the tents along the PCT, AT, CDT, or any other long-distance trail in the US, and you&#;re bound to see the Zpacks Duplex more than almost any other. For one, the Duplex is incredibly lightweight (the Zip version here is just 1 lb. 4.4 oz.) and features a streamlined setup with just two trekking poles and six stakes (not included). But it still provides a very roomy sleeping area for two, including two doors and vestibules and full waterproof protection (the new Zip model features zippered doors and peak vents). The linchpin to the Duplex&#;s design is Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), which touts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, doesn&#;t stretch like nylon, and is naturally waterproof. Dyneema is undeniably pricey, but for those who get a lot of use out of their gear (we&#;re looking at you, thru-hikers), the lightweight performance is second to none.
The Duplex Zip is considerably lighter than the Hornet Elite above, but those used to a traditional tent might need some time to get familiar with the trekking-pole design. The tent requires a careful pitch (you&#;ll need secure stakes or large rocks) and its single-wall construction can grow swampy if you&#;re not careful with ventilation. The mesh-heavy design is also very vulnerable to winds, although this is par for the course with most ultralight tents. In terms of the competition, Durston, Hyperlite, and Tarptent all offer similar DCF trekking-pole shelters that give the Duplex Zip a run for its money. But the Zpacks is the most versatile pick: It comes in a wide range of sizes, and you also get the option of a lighter non-Zip version (1 lb. 2.5 oz.) and the Freestanding Flex Kit, which converts the Duplex into a freestanding tent with four carbon poles (for 11.4 oz. and $149 extra). Added up, the Duplex is the most versatile and time-tested shelter of its kind, making it a runaway favorite among serious thru-hikers... Read in-depth Duplex Zip review
See the Zpacks Duplex Zip
Category: Freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 3 lb. 5.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 87 x 43 in.
Capacities: 2P, 2.5P
What we like: More weatherproof and breathable than most lightweight 4-season tents.
What we don&#;t: Expensive and Samaya&#;s Assaut2 Ultra is almost a pound lighter.
Most backpackers are fair-weather creatures, but if you don&#;t let the elements hold you back, it&#;s worth considering a 4-season tent. With key design features that include a freestanding and aerodynamic structure, burly poles, strong fabrics (including very little mesh), and additional guy-out points, these shelters are built to handle anything Mother Nature might dish out. And while many 4-season tents are as heavy as 10 pounds, there are a number of ultralight options for weight-conscious climbers and mountaineers, and intrepid UL backpackers. Standing head and shoulders above the competition is the Samaya 2.0, which provides impressive protection against wind and precip for just 3 pounds 5 ounces.
The Samaya 2.0 is undeniably expensive, but you won&#;t be thinking about your bank account when you&#;re braving heavy winds up high on a Cascades volcano or deep in a Patagonian valley. Compared to most lightweight 4-season tents, the 2.0 is actually waterproof (models like the Black Diamond HiLight are merely water-resistant) with a Dyneema floor, roof, and door awning that won&#;t wet out or sag over time. Samaya also opted for their 3-layer Nanovent fabric in the tent body, which increases breathability over Dyneema&#;great for when you&#;re tent-bound in a storm. All told, the 2.0 is an exquisitely designed tent that&#;s well worth the investment for serious users. For those looking for an even lighter option, Samaya also offers the all-Dyneema Assaut2 Ultra (out of stock at the time of publishing), which weighs just 2 pounds 5 ounces but will cost you a whopping $2,100.
See the Samaya 2.0
Category: Floorless shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 2.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 110 x 68 in.
Capacities: 1+P, 2P, 2+P, 4P
What we like: Versatile, with multiple setup variations and all-season weather protection.
What we don&#;t: Bare bones design isn&#;t geared toward new or tentative ULers.
Backpackers accustomed to the security of a freestanding tent might balk at the concept of a floorless pyramid shelter, but the Mountain Laurel DuoMid shouldn&#;t be overlooked. The first thing to like about the DuoMid is its versatility: It can be pitched alone, strung between trees, or paired with one of MLD&#;s InnerNets for a double-wall bug-free haven. Second is weather protection&#;the pyramid is surprisingly stable in snow and high winds, and the floorless design is uber-functional, allowing you to dig out a seating area in snow or cook inside in inclement weather. And a final benefit is its weight: At 1 pound 2 ounces (or up to 2 lb. including an insert), the DuoMid is incredibly lightweight considering its all-season credentials.
We really like the Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) DuoMid for those who get out in a variety of seasons and want the ability to tweak their kit accordingly, especially if you tack on the SoloMid XL ($180) or DuoMid ($195) InnerNets. That said, the MLD is a very simplistic shelter that takes some attention to set up correctly; and used on its own, the floorless concept doesn&#;t offer the same isolation from the elements that you get with a full-fledged tent. In terms of durability, the version here uses 20-denier silicone-treated nylon, a premium combination that offers a high degree of waterproofing and stretch resistance. The DuoMid and InnerNets are also available in 0.75 oz/sq yd DCF versions, but things start to get pricey when you head in that direction (getting the DuoMid and DuoMid InnerNet both in DCF will cost you $870 all-in).
See the Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid
Category: Semi-freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 8.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 86 x 52/42 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
What we like: Roomier and more affordable than the top-ranked Nemo Hornet Elite.
What we don&#;t: Less durable than most trekking-pole shelters here.
If the Nemo Hornet Elite above caught your eye, it&#;s worth also taking a look at Big Agnes&#; Tiger Wall UL2. The Tiger Wall UL2 is another one of our favorite ultralight tents, with a similar two-door-and-vestibule layout and semi-freestanding build (you have to guy out the corners at the foot). It can&#;t quite measure up to the Hornet Elite in terms of weight, but the Tiger Wall adds a few more inches to the floorplan and a large ridge pole across the top for noticeably more headroom. If you&#;d rather keep $200 in your pocket than shave a half-pound from your pack, it&#;s a great runner-up from a well-respected tent manufacturer.
The Tiger Wall is not particularly durable, with a 15-denier floor and fly that require caution around sharp rocks and twigs. That said, it&#;s a bit more hardwearing than the ultra-thin Hornet Elite, and we appreciate the added assurance of the full-length rain fly (the Nemo&#;s is truncated at the head for weight savings). All told, the Tiger Wall is a great value for those who like the traditional tent design&#;just expect it to be a tight squeeze for two. For more room, Big Agnes also makes the Copper Spur HV UL2 ($530), which is significantly heavier at 3 pounds 2 ounces. And while they can often be difficult to come by, it&#;s also worth looking into Big Agnes&#; Platinum and Carbon varieties&#;in particular, tents in the Carbon line feature a Dyneema fly and floor along with carbon fiber poles... Read in-depth Tiger Wall UL2 review
See the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 11.9 oz.
Floor dimensions: 84 x 48/42 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: Similar specs as the Zpacks above but $409 cheaper.
What we don&#;t: Not as durable, breathable, roomy, or versatile as the Durston X-Mid.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip above is a favorite among thru-hikers for its hardwearing Dyneema build and low weight, but Gossamer Gear&#;s The Two isn&#;t far behind. For a staggering $409 less, The Two features a very similar single-wall design (swapping out the Dyneema for a nylon floor and fly) that sets up with two trekking poles. What&#;s more, the two shelters are fairly close in weight if you consider the full package (stakes are not included in the Zpacks&#; listed weight). Nylon can&#;t match Dyneema in terms of lightweight performance&#;it has a tendency to sag, is not naturally waterproof (the waterproof coating will degrade over time), and has less tear resistance&#;but it&#;s been used by tentmakers for decades and certainly gets the job done. All told, if you&#;re looking to go as light as possible but need to keep prices low, too, the Gossamer Gear is well worth a close look. While not as durable as other models here, The Two and its younger sibling The One ($255) have accompanied us on some seriously gnarly adventures over the years. The One was the shelter of choice for one of our author's back-to-back thru-hikes of the CDT and AT, and one model served him well the entire time. A failed zipper and slightly degrading seam sealing were the only casualties of eight months of continuous use. That's no small feat for a little budget design.
Many budget-minded backpackers will find themselves choosing between The Two and Durston's X-Mid 2 above, which differ in key ways. While the Gossamer Gear&#;s primary aim is to be as light as possible, the Durston offers a better balance of weight and performance. Compared to the X-Mid, The Two features less durable zippers (#3 vs. #5) and fabrics (10D sil/PU nylon compared to 20D sil/PEU polyester), a smaller floor area, more complicated setup (6 stakes rather than 4), and isn't factory seam sealed. Most importantly, the X-Mid&#;s full-fledged double-wall design boosts breathability (The Two has a reputation for collecting condensation) and allows you to use the inner separate from the fly (or vice versa). But for gram counters who don&#;t mind a few compromises, the Gossamer Gear is far and away the lighter option.
See the Gossamer Gear The Two
Photo: Switchback Travel
Category: Semi-freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 9.5 oz.
Floor dimensions: 88 x 50 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
What we like: A very affordable semi-freestanding tent; options to boost ventilation.
What we don&#;t: One of the heaviest tents/shelters here.
Just when you thought you had ultralight tents figured out, along comes the Tarptent Double Rainbow. Like the Zpacks and Gossamer Gear above, the Tarptent features a weight-saving single-wall construction; specifically, you get a 30-denier silicone-coated nylon fly and floor with mesh doors sandwiched in between. On the other hand, it uses an arch pole to create a semi-freestanding structure similar to tents from Big Agnes and Nemo (plus, you can place trekking poles at the head and foot to achieve a fully freestanding tent). All told, the Tarptent Double Rainbow is a unique ultralight tent that&#;s roomy, durable, and easy to pitch&#;and more affordable than a lot of the competition.
Like the Zpacks Duplex and Gossamer Gear The Two, the Double Rainbow&#;s breathability suffers with the single-wall construction, although Tarptent does include vents at both the top and bottom to encourage airflow. You can also add a hanging liner for $45 more, which absorbs condensation and insulates against both hot and cold temperatures&#;or opt for the double-wall Double Rainbow DW, which is just $90 and about 2.9 ounces more. No matter what variation you choose, the Double Rainbow offers major cost savings compared to the semi-freestanding competition (including the Big Agnes Tiger Wall and Nemo Hornet Elite above), making it a nice option for budget seekers who aren&#;t quite sold on trekking-pole shelters... Read in-depth Double Rainbow review
See the Tarptent Double Rainbow
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 8.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 90 x 48 in.
Capacity: 2P
What we like: More refined and stormworthy than the Zpacks Duplex.
What we don&#;t: Thin floor is likely to gather punctures over time.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear knows a thing or two about Dyneema products, and their new Unbound 2P takes direct aim at the Zpacks Duplex Zip above. The shelters feature a very similar A-frame layout, but in testing the two side-by-side, the Unbound really stood out with a refined build quality (especially compared to Zpacks&#; more homegrown aesthetic). The components are a bit more user-friendly (including the buckle at the base of the door), and we can&#;t help but love the fun orange accents and contrasting colorways. Finally, Hyperlite designed the Unbound to ride a little lower to the ground than many of its competitors, which can help a great deal with wind and water protection. There&#;s no shortage of competition within the DCF trekking-pole shelter world, but the Unbound is poised to remain a favorite among thru-hikers.
But for the discerning buyer, there are a few ways the Unbound comes up short of the Duplex. The floor is thinner at 0.8 oz/sq yd (compared to the Zpacks&#; 1.0 oz/sq yd floor), and you don&#;t get the option between two canopy materials (the Unbound&#;s canopy is 0.55 oz/sq yd vs. the Duplex&#;s 0.55 or 0.75 oz/sq yd offerings). And while the Hyperlite&#;s fly sits closer to the ground, the tent lacks the Duplex&#;s end cinch, which closes the mesh gap between the tent canopy and bathtub floor (a helpful feature in wind and rain). Finally, despite the thinner fabrics, the Hyperlite is still 3.6 ounces heavier than the Zpacks, which will factor in for serious thru-hikers (it's also heavier than the X-Mid Pro 2 below, which has a more spacious and stormworthy design). But there&#;s nevertheless a whole lot to like about the Unbound, which feels just as premium as its price tag suggests... Read in-depth HMG Unbound 2P review
See the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 8.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 82 x 56/31 in.
Capacity: 1-2P
What we like: A highly customizable shelter; very affordable for such a low weight.
What we don&#;t: Requires a high degree of user input; tight squeeze for two.
SlingFin might not be a household name, but don&#;t be fooled: This company knows how to make a serious tent. Established by a former designer at Mountain Hardwear and The North Face, SlingFin is employee-owned and self-describes as &#;small, lean, and scrappy,&#; specializing in high-quality tents with no constraints. The SplitWing Shelter is their lightest design for thru-hikers and fastpackers&#;for just $355, you get a 1.5-pound double-wall shelter, which is a better price-to-weight ratio than even the Gossamer Gear above. The one-door layout shaves precious ounces off the design, and the tarp (fly), body, and vestibule can be used interchangeably (i.e. you can leave one or two components at home to save weight). Tack on a footprint that tapers drastically from head to toe, and the SplitWing is a roomy shelter for one or a snug home for two.
We&#;ve tested a few SlingFin tents, and what stands out to us is their high degree of innovation and user input. You can pitch the SplitWing low (good for aerodynamics and maximizing floor space) or high (increasing headroom for a solo sleeper), or opt for bringing only the 11.7-ounce mesh body (or 11.1-oz. tarp), depending on the weather. This might not be music to the ears of the &#;set it and forget it&#; crowd, but hikers who like to count ounces and tweak their gear will love the SplitWing&#;s customization and versatility. It is worth noting that its thin nylon build (20D floor, 10D tarp) isn&#;t as tough or sag-resistant as Dyneema, but the silicone treatment on both sides of the tarp goes a long way to remedy this. Summed up, the SplitWing Shelter Bundle is a great value for the solo hiker who ventures out in a range of conditions.
See the SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle
Category: Semi-freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 5.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 84 x 50 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
What we like: Non-tapered footprint offers more versatility with sleeping arrangements.
What we don&#;t: Truncated fly; not as much headroom as the Tiger Wall.
The MSR FreeLite 2 takes aim at our top-ranked Nemo Hornet Elite and the Tiger Wall above, with a similar two-door-and-vestibule layout that makes it much easier for two campers to enter/exit and stash gear than one-door alternatives like the Fly Creek below. One of the key strengths of the FreeLite&#;s design is its non-tapered floor area, which will feel a lot less cramped for two (and allow you to sleep head to toe with your tentmate). To save weight, MSR opted for a truncated fly at the head end, but traded out the mesh underneath for a water-resistant fabric body fabric. We recently took the FreeLite 1 on a rowdy backpacking trip across the highlands of Kenya, East Africa, where it performed with flying colors&#;and kept curious elephants at bay late at night. It weathered some wild and windy tropical storms, but the truncated fly meant water eventually seeped in after hours of consistent rain. All told, we love its minimum weight, wind protection, and stability, but wish it boasted a bit more water resistance.
The FreeLite is the same price as the Tiger Wall above, lighter by a few ounces, and offers a more spacious footprint&#;so why the lower ranking? As usual, the devil is in the details: The Big Agnes actually features a more livable interior, with a couple more inches at the head end (52 in.) and a larger ridge pole that stretches the walls up and away. And while we like that the MSR uses less mesh in the body&#;resulting in a more wind-worthy tent overall&#;most of the gains are offset by the shortened fly. It&#;s splitting hairs, but if we had to choose between the two, our vote would go with the Tiger Wall. But the overall quality of the two tents is very similar, including impressively strong silicone-coated nylon and high-end workmanship from two of the best tent manufacturers in the business... Read in-depth FreeLite 2 review
See the MSR FreeLite 2
Photo: Tarptent
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 8.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 84 x 42/32 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: A purpose-built 1-person shelter with great venting; affordable and durable.
What we don&#;t: Not as versatile as the SplitWing above.
If you&#;re anything like a good number of thru-hikers, it&#;s probable you venture out solo from time to time (or all the time). In this case, there&#;s simply no reason to carry the extra weight of a 2-person tent. Most of the tents and shelters here come in 1-person variations, but we particularly like Tarptent&#;s dedicated ProTrail. The single-walled ProTrail features a nylon floor and polyester fly with a mesh perimeter and door&#;not unlike most of the trekking-pole shelters here&#;but is purpose-built for one with a single entry (and vestibule) and a shape that tapers from head to toe. Tack on a weight of just 1.5 pounds and a $239 price tag, and it's for good reason that the ProTrail is Tarptent&#;s most popular 1-person design.
It&#;s true that the Gossamer Gear The Two above features a much roomier floor plan for even less weight, but the Tarptent is the higher quality offering: The floor and fly are more durable at 20 and 30-denier, respectively, and they&#;re silicone-coated on both sides for sag resistance (when wet, polyester is also stronger than nylon). We also love that Tarptent placed a large mesh panel at the ProTrail&#;s toe, which creates a nice cross breeze (most 1P designs feature just one mesh panel at the door). Compared with the SplitWing above, the SlingFin is undeniably more versatile with double-wall construction and customizable parts, but it&#;s over $100 more and not as durable. And finally, Tarptent also makes the Dyneema ProTrail Li ($529), which is relatively cheap for a DCF shelter and ridiculously light at 1 pound 1.8 ounces.
See the Tarptent ProTrail
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 9.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 90 x 50 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: Durable materials, roomy floor area, and spacious arched roof.
What we don&#;t: Heavier than the competition; can grow swampy when fully zipped up.
Like Durston, Gossamer Gear, and Zpacks, Six Moon Designs is a popular UL cottage brand built by the people, for the people. Their popular Lunar Duo Explorer is a non-Dyneema trekking-pole shelter similar to the likes of The Two above. The Lunar Duo features a massive floor area that easily accommodates two sleepers, and its 90-inch (7&#;6&#;) length is a particularly great pairing for taller hikers. The 50-inch peak height is also very generous, and curved poles above each door create an arched (rather than pointy) roof that leads to a bit more headroom overall. And while the Lunar Duo&#;s single-wall design can grow swampy, built-in vents at the top of each door do help to create a cross breeze.
The Gossamer Gear and Six Moon Designs differ most in terms of fabrics and weight. While The Two keeps weight under 1.5 pounds with thin, 10-denier nylon that&#;s silicone-treated on one side and PU-coated on the other, the Lunar Duo features a 30-denier, fully silicone-treated nylon (compared to PU, silicone strengthens the base material and makes it much more waterproof). As a result, the Lunar Duo is over a pound heavier than The Two, but has less of a tendency to sag when wet, absorbs less moisture, and is more hardwearing over the long haul. For hikers more concerned with durability than ounces, it&#;s an excellent and highly livable pick. Finally, because silicone can&#;t be seam taped, keep in mind that you&#;ll have to seam seal the Lunar Duo yourself (Six Moon Designs also offers a seam sealing service for an extra $35). At the time of publishing, the Lunar Duo is currently on closeout&#;and $100 cheaper&#;at the time of publishing while they clear out more space for new inventory.
See the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 7.1 oz.
Floor dimensions: 90 x 46 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: A unique Dyneema trekking-pole shelter that&#;s arguably more livable and stormworthy than the Zpacks above.
What we don&#;t: The nylon floor adds a bit of weight.
The Durston X-Mid 2 gets our top pick for the best budget tent, but the Pro version is a whole different beast and well worth a separate mention here. This Dyneema tent competes with the likes of the Duplex Zip and Unbound above, but with a shape and feature set that arguably has a lot more to offer. The off-set pole structure centers the headroom close to each end, ensures the doorways aren&#;t blocked by poles, and is better in both wind and rain than a standard A-frame design. What&#;s more, you get a full-coverage fly that extends lower to the ground than that of competing tents, and a simple four-stake pitch. Finally, Durston gives the option of a sil/PEU-treated nylon floor, which makes a lot of sense and is something we&#;re seeing from more and more companies: Nylon is less slippery than Dyneema and more puncture resistant, packable, and affordable.
The budget X-Mid above is a double-wall design, but the Pro here features single-wall construction, similar to that of the aforementioned Dyneema trekking-pole tents. But because of the Durston&#;s unique geometry, ventilation is less of a concern: The vestibule doors cover the entryway even when open, meaning you can keep them unzipped in a rainstorm without moisture entering the tent. We haven&#;t yet had a chance to test the X-Mid Pro 2 (we'll update the write-up and ranking once we do), but all signs point to it being a really thoughtful alternative to tents from Zpacks and Hyperlite. Plus, it doesn&#;t hurt that the nylon-floor version will save you $100 and checks in at a competitive weight (the 1-lb.-7-oz. spec includes stakes). For those interested, Durston also makes a full-Dyneema model, which is lighter at 1 pound 5.2 ounces (including stakes) and retails for $754. Note: The X-Mid Pro 2 is here and comes in a new DCF floor version that is even lighter. Due to high demand, availability will be intermittent during the summer of . Currently, the woven floor version is in stock, while the DCF floor version is available for pre-order in early August.
See the Durston X-Mid Pro 2
Category: Semi-freestanding tent
Packaged weight: 2 lb. 4.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 86 x 52/42 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P
What we like: A very lightweight semi-freestanding tent for just $400.
What we don&#;t: Not very stormworthy; just one door and vestibule.
Throwing it back to semi-freestanding tents, our next pick is Big Agnes&#; trimmed-down Fly Creek HV UL2. The Fly Creek is the most minimalist tent in Big Agnes&#; lineup, featuring a simple one-door-one-vestibule design, all-mesh body, and single hubbed pole. In terms of semi-freestanding tents, it doesn&#;t get much simpler, and as a result, the Fly Creek checks in 4 ounces lighter than the Tiger Wall above. At just $400, it&#;s also one of the most affordable semi-freestanding UL tents available. And like the Tiger Wall, the Fly Creek is available in Platinum and Carbon versions, which shave weight with lighter materials and&#;in the case of the Carbon&#;carbon fiber poles.
However, the Fly Creek gives up a lot of windy-weather performance with its simplified structure, all-mesh body, and very low bathtub floor. On a blustery night in Washington&#;s Enchantment Range, dirt flew in through the walls of our Fly Creek, covering our sleeping bags; the next morning, a pole broke and punctured the fly near the vestibule. You also sacrifice a lot of gear storage with the one-door-and-vestibule layout and will have to crawl over your tentmate to get in and out. In the end, if you have reason to opt for such a minimalist structure, we think a more durable and stormworthy trekking-pole design is the better option, such as the Durston X-Mid 2 above... Read in-depth Fly Creek HV UL2 review
See the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye
Category: Trekking-pole shelter
Packaged weight: 1 lb. 9.0 oz.
Floor dimensions: 95 x 58 in.
Capacity: 2P
What we like: The weather resistance and small footprint of a 4-season mountaineering tent.
What we don&#;t: No vestibules and lacks breathability.
Black Diamond is a core climbing and skiing brand, so it comes as no surprise that their ultralight trekking pole shelter diverges from the standard formula. Weather resistance is one of the Distance&#;s primary strong suits: The single-wall build uses sag-resistant polyester (30D) for a taut pitch, features very little mesh, and boosts stability with a DAC pole across the ridgeline. Tack on a relatively small footprint&#;great for squeezing onto small bivy ledges&#;and you get a shelter that can hold court with some 4-season mountaineering tents (we&#;ve even read reports of climbers using the Distance up high on Cerro Torre in Patagonia).
But the Black Diamond&#;s fatal flaw is its lack of breathability. The shelter does feature vents at the peak and foot, but with no mesh doors, you simply don&#;t get as much airflow as the other trekking-pole shelters here. The Distance also forgoes vestibules, which is great for maximizing interior space while keeping the footprint relatively small, yet impractical for most backpackers. But for alpinists who need lightweight weather protection above all else, it&#;s still a suitable option. Another con that surfaced&#;which may just be a personal qualm of ours&#;is the luminous blue glow you are ensconced in while lying in the tent when the sun is out. This was fine at first, but really started to mess with us after hours of sitting inside in the evening to escape the wind. Finally, one small added perk: If you purchase any of Black Diamond&#;s WR (&#;Whippet Ready&#;) trekking poles, you get one piece of gear that serves as a trekking pole, whippet (modified ice axe), and tent pole in one.
See the Black Diamond Distance Tent
From months-long grueling thru-hikes across the country to shiver-bivies on snow-draped peaks, the Switchback Travel team is no stranger to packing light and staying safe in the most extreme environments on earth. To hone in on our initial selection of 16 worthy models back in early , former senior editor and veteran ultralight adventurer Jenny Abegg took countless UL tents all over the world to test their mettle and craft this guide. Current senior editor Chris Carter inherited the round-up in . An alumnus of each of the Triple Crown trails in the United States (AT, PCT, and CDT), Chris has arguably spent more time under flimsy sheets of nylon than a real roof. He continues to backpack all over the world&#;recently completing long treks through East Africa and the Himalayas&#;and is constantly seeking a lighter, more efficient base weight for his expeditions.
Key factors such as weight, materials and durability, weather protection, packability, and ventilation are considered when giving any tent real estate above. These shelters serve as a first line of defense against unpredictable elements in the backcountry, and we would be remiss to recommend anything that we wouldn't personally depend on during our trail-trotting exploits. Our round-up represents a broad spectrum of designs, weights, and purposes, but each will keep you cozy and safe while on the move. Finally, we recognize that the competition for the ultralight tent podium is fierce. We work hard to keep our finger on the pulse of the UL backpacking community, scoping out new products as they surface and adding standouts to our list along the way, ensuring that our existing reviews stay up-to-date in the process.
By our definition, tents and shelters must have a packaged weight of less than 3 pounds to be considered ultralight, which includes the body and fly along with stuff sacks, stakes, tent poles (if applicable), and guylines. In , the ultralight category is surprisingly large, ranging from semi-freestanding tents to trekking-pole shelters and floorless pyramids and tarps. If you want to dip into freestanding tents (the traditional, tent pole-supported type that dominates the backpacking market), you&#;re looking at packaged weights over 3 pounds; for this reason, we only include one highly specialized freestanding model on our list (the 4-season Samaya 2.0). For a comprehensive look at the best traditional backpacking tents on the market, be sure to check out our other guide on the best backpacking tents.
Opting for an ultralight tent is an excellent way to decrease your base weight (an ultralight term for all of your gear, minus consumables like food, water, and fuel). Many serious ultralighters will aim to have a base weight of 8 pounds or less, in which case a sub-2-pound tent becomes fairly important. More casual ULers can get away with a tent or shelter that's roughly 2.5 pounds. And as we&#;ll touch on more below, ultralight tents offer surprisingly decent livability, weather protection, and durability&#;although do expect some compromise compared to traditional backpacking models that check-in anywhere from 3 to 6 pounds. If you are chasing that elusive 8-pound-or-lower base weight, you'll also want to choose a particularly ultralight backpacking sleeping bag or quilt and sleeping pad to round out your sleep system.
Freestanding and Semi-Freestanding Tents
On the heavier end of the ultralight spectrum are streamlined tents from traditional tent brands like Big Agnes, Nemo, and MSR. Like standard backpacking tents, they feature double-wall construction (including a separate tent body and rainfly) and pitch with included tent poles. But they often trim weight with semi-freestanding designs, which means they need to be guyed out at a few points to maintain their structure (usually at the foot). They also use thinner fabrics and zippers (including a lot of mesh in the tent body) and feature tapered floor areas, heavily sloped ceilings, and more simplified pole structures. Our favorite tents in this category include the chart-topping Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P, Big Agnes Tiger Wall, and Tarptent Double Rainbow.
Compared to the ultralight competition (trekking-pole shelters and floorless shelters), tents offer the easiest setup and are thus our recommendation for new backpackers or those who prefer a hassle-free camp experience. They also have a smaller footprint that fits well in cramped campsites; on the other hand, livable space is competitive due to their more generous headroom. Because of their well-ventilated double-wall design, tents are also a great match if you travel in particularly wet or humid climates or sleep with a tentmate (two people generate more condensation than one). However, ultralight tents don&#;t offer as much bang for your buck as trekking-pole shelters: Most of the time, they&#;re heavier, more expensive, and not as durable. As a result, they're not on the radar for many serious ULers or thru-hikers who prioritize low base weights and gear that can withstand month after month of hard use.
Trekking-Pole Shelters
Trekking-pole shelters comprise the bulk of the dedicated ultralight market and are traditionally made by cottage brands like Zpacks, Gossamer Gear, Durston, and Mountain Laurel Designs. The standard trekking-pole design uses single-wall construction with solid fabric on the floor and fly and mesh on the doors and perimeter. Generally, two-person models feature two doors and vestibules and are set up with two trekking poles at the midline, although manufacturers can shave weight by employing a one-door-one-vestibule design. Depending on materials, trekking-pole shelters can range from just over a pound to over 2 pounds for the two-person model (e.g. the top-ranked Zpacks Duplex Zip is 1 lb. 4.4 oz. and the budget Durston X-Mid 2 is 2 lb. 7.4 oz.).
Compared to ultralight tents, trekking-pole shelters offer ultralighters a lot more value, with lower overall weights and price points. They&#;re also known for their larger footprints, which provide more floor area for two sleepers to spread out. If you do opt for an expensive Dyneema version, the payoff is better weather protection, sag resistance, and tear resistance in a lighter-weight package; for example, the Hyperlite Unbound 2P ($699) will withstand significantly more wet weather and abuse than the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650), and it&#;s also over a half-pound lighter. The downside is less ventilation (a casualty of the single-wall build), although shelters like the Durston X-Mid and SlingFin SplitWing remedy this with double-wall designs. Finally, trekking-pole shelters do require a bit more tweaking to get a taut pitch. But if set up well, they offer just as much (or more) weather protection as a semi-freestanding tent.
Floorless Shelters
Last but not least are floorless shelters, the most minimalist form of ultralight shelter. These can range from simple tarps strung between trees to pyramid shelters like the Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid featured above. They&#;re most ideal for those who prioritize a low base weight (floorless shelters can range from just a few ounces to a little over a pound) and camp in non-exposed, low-elevation (and low-bug) areas. That said, the pyramid design can be surprisingly stable when pitched correctly, and is also a great choice for snow camping (you can dig out the floor for a sheltered hang-out zone) or inclement weather when it&#;s nice to have the option of cooking inside.
By our definition, ultralight tents check in at less than 3 pounds for the packaged weight, which includes poles (if applicable), stakes, guylines, and stuff sacks. Generally speaking, semi-freestanding and freestanding tents are the heaviest in the category (on our list, they range from 2 lb. 1 oz. to 2 lb. 9.5 oz.), while floorless shelters are the lightest (the Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid is 1 lb. 2 oz.). Trekking-pole shelters fill in the middle, with Dyneema models at the low end (the Zpacks Duplex Zip is 1 lb. 4.4 oz.) and durable nylon or polyester designs at the high end (the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer is 2 lb. 9 oz.).
It&#;s worth noting that all ultralight tents and shelters are inherently compromised (some more than others), so you&#;d better have a fairly good reason to need to dip under 3 pounds. For reference, we consider a tent like the popular Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (3 lb. 2 oz.) to be an excellent fit for the majority of backpackers, with a near-ideal balance of weight, livability, and performance. But if you&#;re thru-hiking the PCT, fastpacking in the high country, or just love covering a lot of miles with a lightweight pack, an ultralight tent/shelter can go a long way in helping you keep your base weight low.
A lot hinges on a tent or shelter&#;s materials, including the final price and weight, along with its lifespan (and/or how much you&#;ll need to exercise caution during use). Cottage brands place an especially high emphasis on materials, mixing and matching Dyneema, nylon, and polyester, and often offering the consumer a number of options for each design. Importantly, Big Agnes also provides this level of customization with their Carbon and Platinum lineups. Along with the actual materials, it&#;s also important to consider the thickness of the fabric (i.e. denier or ounce-weight), in addition to the waterproof treatment (i.e. silicone, PU, or PE). Ultralight materials have come a long way as thru-hikers, mountaineers, and weekend warriors alike push the limits of where they pitch these thin shelters. A sub-one-pound UL tent must still be able to survive months of rough use, weathering driving rain, snow, and high winds&#;all while keeping bulk and weight to an absolute minimum. These are big asks, but the UL market has risen to the challenge. Several of the models above have accompanied our authors on months-long thru-hikes across the country, serving as their portable non-stop home and refuge from the elements.
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, and Dyneema
The majority of tents are built with nylon and polyester, and we also see a number of Dyneema models in the ultralight category. At the time of writing, nylon is still the most popular material, prized for affordability alongside performance: It's relatively strong (even the thin varieties), tear and puncture-resistant, and has a fairly minimal weight and packed size. However, nylon's big flaw is that it&#;s hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs water. As a result, it both gets weaker and expands when wet (which explains why your tent fly sags after the rain) and is slow to dry.
Polyester has traditionally received a bad rap for being cheap, heavy, and not as strong as nylon. However, the last few years have seen a lot of advancements in lightweight polyester, and it&#;s now a solid contender in the ultralight realm. Unlike nylon, polyester is not hydrophilic, meaning it does not absorb water, dries quickly, and remains taut when wet. What&#;s more, it won&#;t degrade as quickly when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. It&#;s true that its tear and puncture resistance isn&#;t quite as high as nylon in dry conditions, but this equation reverses in wet conditions, which is arguably when you need the most performance out of your tent. As a result, polyester has become much more prevalent in ultralight tents, particularly in models like the Durston X-Mid 2 Solid, Black Diamond Distance, Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, and Tarptent ProTrail.
Finally, there&#;s Dyneema Composite Fabric&#;often referred to as simply Dyneema, or DCF&#;the darling of ultralight gear and a fabric that&#;s known for its low weight, high tensile strength, and inherent water resistance. What&#;s more, Dyneema doesn&#;t require waterproof coatings (which we&#;ll touch on below), which goes a long way toward saving weight and bulk. But it isn&#;t all good&#;Dyneema is incredibly expensive and, despite its strength, has particularly low abrasion resistance. As a result, it tends to form punctures quite easily, especially when you&#;re camping around sharp objects like sticks and rocks. It&#;s hard to beat Dyneema as a fly fabric, but manufacturers often look for ways to get around it as a floor material; for example, the Durston X-Mid Pro features a Dyneema fly and nylon floor.
Denier (Thickness)
You can&#;t talk about fabrics without also discussing their thickness. Nylon and polyester are measured in terms of denier (technically speaking, the weight of the yarn), while Dyneema is measured in terms of ounce per square yard (oz/sq yd). Traditional backpacking tents often feature 30- to 70-denier nylon or polyester (particularly on the floor), while most ultralight designs use 10- to 20-denier fabrics. Of course, the higher the denier, the more durable the tent, which is why it's important to exercise caution with ultralight models.
When it comes to Dyneema, a thicker material also translates to more performance (and particularly, abrasion resistance). The Hyperlite Unbound 2P, for example, uses a 0.55-ounce fly and 0.8-ounce floor, while the similarly priced Zpacks Duplex Zip&#;s fly and floor are 0.55- and 1.0-ounce, respectively (the Duplex Zip also comes in a version with a 0.75 oz/sq yd canopy). Just by checking the numbers, you can ascertain that the Duplex Zip will hold up better over time than the Unbound. Interestingly, Mountain Laurel Designs only uses 0.8 oz/sq yd Dyneema in their shelters&#;it&#;s as thin as they&#;re willing to go without compromising too much on durability. In short, not all Dyneema shelters are created equal, and the weight of the DCF is a very key consideration.
Waterproof Coatings: Silicone, PE, and PU
Nylon and polyester aren&#;t inherently waterproof&#;for this reason, we need waterproof coatings. Traditionally, the most common treatment has been PU (polyester urethane, or polyurethane), which is gradually being replaced by PE (polyethylene). PU/PE are relatively inexpensive, highly waterproof, and aren&#;t slippery like silicone, meaning they can bond with fire retardant or seam tape (and offer a better next-to-skin feel when used in a tent floor). But both come with some major downsides. Because PE doesn&#;t stretch, it reduces the tear strength of the fabric to which it&#;s applied (for this reason, it&#;s rare to see PE used on fabrics thinner than 20D). On the other hand, PU actually absorbs water (leading to mold and mildew growth) and eventually degrades over time. Neither are even close to perfect, but PE is the better option of the two.
Without question, the best waterproof coating is silicone. Silicone is fully waterproof (when&#;s the last time you saw your silicone kitchen tool absorb water?), strengthens rather than weakens fabric, and doesn&#;t degrade over time. Silicone treatment also makes fabric less prone to stretching, meaning your fly will stay more taut in the rain. Because of its strengths, we see silicone used a lot in high-end ultralight tents (often referred to as silpoly or silnylon). Silicone treatment is more expensive than the alternatives, but we&#;d much rather see a premium treatment on a premium fabric (rather than have a premium fabric go to waste with PU).
But because of silicone&#;s slippery nature, it can&#;t adhere to seam tape or fire retardant, and it&#;s not the most comfortable application for a tent floor. For this reason, it&#;s common to see sil/PU or sil/PE combinations, which denote that the fabric has been treated on one side (usually the inside) with PU/PE, and the other side with silicone&#;the MSR FreeLite's fly, for example, is 15-denier nylon sil/PEU. Of course, these materials aren&#;t as strong, stretch-resistant, long-lasting, or mold-resistant as pure silicone (often referred to as sil/sil), but they&#;re nevertheless a good compromise.
Floor Dimensions
In parsing out how roomy an ultralight tent or shelter is, the first thing you&#;ll want to evaluate is the floor dimensions (L x W), which matter quite a bit when you&#;re trying to fit two backpackers with their sleeping pads side-by-side. In general, two-person ultralight tents have fairly streamlined floor areas (which often taper about 10 in. from head to foot), while trekking-pole and floorless shelters use more generous dimensions that provide a more practical sleeping area for two. However, while floor dimensions are a good place to start, you&#;ll also want to take the tent&#;s peak height and shape into consideration as well.
Peak Height and Slope
A tent&#;s &#;peak height&#; refers to its tallest point, and the models above vary from 37 inches for the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P up to 50 inches for Six Moon Designs&#; Lunar Duo or 55 inches for the MLD DuoMid. Trekking-pole and floorless shelters have significantly taller peak heights than ultralight tents, but this number doesn&#;t tell the whole story: A-frames slope sharply from the apex (the top of the trekking poles) to the ground, while freestanding and semi-freestanding tents have a longer ridgeline across the top (this can be further extended with a ridge pole). Thus, whereas trekking-pole shelters and floorless shelters offer a better sleeping area for two, ultralight tents are roomier when you&#;re sitting up.
Tents are built to provide shelter in bad weather, including both rain and wind. All of the designs above use waterproof materials for their fly and floor (Dyneema is naturally waterproof, while nylon and polyester become watertight with waterproof coatings and seam tape/seal), which can withstand hours of downpour without leaking. The primary point of vulnerability on ultralight tents and shelters is their mesh-heavy interior&#;if wind or rain sneak under the fly, it&#;s easy to penetrate the mesh doors, walls, or perimeter. If you&#;re consistently headed out in inclement conditions, it&#;s a good idea to look for a design that offers a low pitch or minimal mesh, such as the Hyperlite Unbound 2P and Black Diamond Distance, respectively.
Structure is another factor in weather resistance, especially when it comes to heavy winds. When pitched correctly (read: taut, guyed out well, and with the head or toe facing the wind), both semi-freestanding ultralight tents and trekking-pole shelters (and even floorless pyramid shelters) can fare decently in moderate winds. That said, we wouldn&#;t recommend pushing ultralight tents and shelters into high-altitude or exposed areas&#;the tent poles of ultralight designs can be a particular weak point, and no matter the design, it can be challenging to find decent anchors above treeline. On our list, the 4-season-ready Samaya 2.0 is the main exception, and Black Diamond's Distance also has a sturdy build that can handle challenging mountain conditions.
We&#;d be remiss not to also touch on hydrostatic head (HH) specifications here. Often provided by manufacturers, the HH is a measure of how much water pressure must be applied to a fabric (nylon or polyester) before passing through. For example, the SlingFin SplitWing tarp has an HH rating of millimeters, while the floor is millimeters. On the other hand, the Durston X-Mid&#;s sil/PEU-coated polyester is rated to millimeters. In general, fabrics will start out very waterproof, but their coatings will decline over time (yes, your nylon/polyester tent won&#;t stay waterproof forever). Thus, opting for a higher HH at the beginning can be a nice setup for long-term success.
Ventilation is one area where we see a lot of variation among ultralight tents and shelters. The main thing to look for here is whether a design features single- or double-wall construction. A double-wall tent features a permeable layer of fabric (often mesh) that allows air to escape the interior before hitting the moisture-trapping fly, while single-wall construction offers no barrier between you and the fly. As a result, single-wall shelters&#; big downside is ventilation, and they can grow very swampy throughout the night. Most semi-freestanding tents and a few shelters (including the Durston X-Mid and SlingFin SplitWing) feature double-wall construction, while the vast majority of trekking-pole shelters have single walls.
A tent or shelter&#;s fabrics are also an important consideration. Dyneema in particular suffers in terms of breathability, while thin nylon or polyester are more air-permeable&#;for this reason, Samaya uses Dyneema only in key areas on the 2.0, swapping in their 3-layer Nanovent laminate throughout the rest of the tent body. Venting options also matter a great deal: Some shelters (like Gossamer Gear's The Two) feature very little in the way of vents, while others maximize airflow with perimeter mesh at the base and roof vents. Placing mesh on opposing sides (as we see with most two-door trekking-pole shelters or one-door designs like the Tarptent ProTrail) can also help to encourage a cross breeze.
We've also accrued a few more tips for avoiding the condensation calamities of UL tents through trial and error on our own adventures. First and foremost, on clear nights, unzipping the vestibule doors&#;or even the main mesh doors themselves when bugs aren't an issue&#;and letting air flow freely can go a long way toward mitigating condensation build-up. It's also a good idea to orient your tent so that the vents are facing the direction of the wind. This facilitates easy circulation throughout your tent, boosting ventilation. Take some time to analyze your campsite before pitching your tent, and think about where the wind will blow from throughout the night.
Second, pitch your tent under a tree's canopy whenever possible. Camping under the open sky increases the possibility of condensation buildup. Avoid hanging wet clothes or shoes up to dry inside your tent if at all possible. Drying your gear inside your tent increases humidity, encouraging condensation. Plan to dry your gear the following day during a sunny break, or by hanging your gear off your backpack while you hike. Next, don't pitch your tent in low valleys or depressions of land where cold air lingers at night. And finally, avoid setting up camp on the banks of streams, rivers, lakes, or marshy areas with greater humidity whenever possible. While some condensation is usually inevitable with UL tents&#;primarily single-wall shelters&#;these practices can help mitigate the issue. In the end, we often plan to bring an extra bandanna to wipe off condensation buildup in the morning, and then take our tent out during a (hopefully) sunny lunch break the next day, turning it inside out to let it dry completely. Nobody likes setting up a wet tent.
Tent storage can be broken into two categories: vestibules for exterior gear storage and pockets inside the tent body for small items you need close at hand. A traditional vestibule&#;seen in most tent and trekking-pole shelters&#;covers the entry door to the tent with enough space for a backpacking pack and footwear. Without it, your options are bringing the wet and grimy gear inside the tent or letting it soak outside. Needless to say, we put a priority on some sort of outside gear storage. The amount of vestibule space is measured in square feet and can vary a fair amount. From our top picks above, the smallest vestibules are on designs with just one door, such as Big Agnes' Fly Creek HV UL2 (8 sq. ft.). On the other end of the spectrum is the Durston X-Mid 2&#;s 23 square feet divided between two vestibules. For those camping with a partner, the Durston&#;s added space makes staying organized (and sane) much easier.
A tent with excellent interior organization isn&#;t a top priority, that is, until you get into the tent for the first time and look for a spot to store your headlamp, handheld GPS, or other small items. We&#;ve found the most helpful area for a pocket is near the head, and a simple mesh drop-in pocket or two is sufficient. Some tents have pockets along the interior of the roof, which make for an easy place to squeeze in a headlamp to light up a game of cards (the top-ranked Nemo Hornet Elite even features a light-diffusing pocket specifically for this reason). Should the tent or shelter not include pockets along the roof, look to see if it has hang loops instead for securing a light. These extra little details can make your backcountry camping experience all the more enjoyable.
This article covers primarily two-person ultralight tents and shelters (the most common capacity), and a quick look at our picks above shows our clear preference for models with two doors. These designs are by far the most convenient if you consistently camp with a partner: Each person has their own door for getting in and out, including vestibule storage space. A few models above use just one door to save weight&#;the Big Agnes Fly Creek and SlingFin SplitWing, for example. If you&#;re sharing the tent with a partner, this can be a major downside&#;you&#;ll be crawling over your tent mate to get in and out and will be limited to one vestibule for exterior storage. In the end, unless you&#;re traveling alone or pulling out all the stops to save weight, we recommend a tent with two doors.
The setup process can differ widely between semi-freestanding tents and trekking-pole and floorless shelters. Semi-freestanding and freestanding tents are very intuitive, often featuring color-coded poles and corners, and can be set up very quickly with little practice. Because the ultralight tents here are not completely freestanding, you&#;ll want to make sure to choose a campsite with some form of anchor (especially at the foot of the tent), whether it&#;s hardpacked soil, rocks, tree trunks, or snow. But in general, it&#;s difficult to mess up when setting up a semi-freestanding tent, which is one of the key benefits of their design.
On the other hand, trekking-pole and floorless shelters can require a little more practice to pitch correctly. You&#;ll need to stake out the corners, adjust your trekking poles to the correct height (for many shelters, this is 48 in.), and insert them into the correct grommets or attachment points. Once standing, it&#;s very important to tweak your shelter so that all angles are taut&#;in heavy wind and rain, a taut tent is synonymous with a weather-resistant tent. This can be difficult to nail the first time around, and many manufacturers offer troubleshooting guides or videos to help you learn the ropes. Finally&#;even more so than with ultralight tents&#;it&#;s important that you find a campsite with strong anchors to set up your shelter, as the tension between the guy-out points and the trekking poles is vital to the structure.
Most of the ultralight tents and shelters above are of the two-person variety, with floor plans that can accommodate two 20-inch sleeping pads side-by-side. However, because ULers place a high priority on weight savings, it&#;s just as common to see streamlined one-person designs for solo hikers. If you most commonly travel alone, opting for a one-person tent or shelter like the Tarptent ProTrail or Gossamer Gear The One will shave perceptible weight (and bulk) from your pack (The One is almost 6 oz. lighter than The Two). Compared to the traditional backpacking tent market, there are far fewer three-person UL options, but those traveling with a furry friend or small child might want the extra room. In this case, it&#;s worth checking out models like the Zpacks Triplex, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3, and Tarptent Rainshadow.
None of the ultralight tents and shelters above include a footprint with purchase, but it&#;s not a bad idea to consider adding one to your kit. Dyneema floors are particularly prone to forming punctures, but you&#;ll want to baby thin polyester and nylon, too. For ultralight enthusiasts trying to keep their pack weight low, our top recommendation is a Tyvek groundsheet, which is affordable, waterproof, very abrasion-resistant, and easy to set up. Tyvek can be found at your local hardware store, or you can purchase it online from retailers like Zpacks or even Amazon. Our dirtbag thru-hiking editors have also been known to scrounge around old construction sites for a free sheet every now and then. Tyvek is easy to cut despite being puncture-resistant, which makes it simple to create a custom shape for the variety of UL tent floor designs out there. In addition to providing a durable, waterproof groundsheet, Tyvek makes a great hitchhiking sign while on long treks. We always throw a sharpie in our packs to write town-specific pleads for rides&#;or even fish for free food. Polycro is another popular option (also found at hardware stores or sold online by Gossamer Gear)&#;it&#;s even lighter and more packable than Tyvek, but isn&#;t quite as durable and doesn&#;t have the same ease of setup. You also can't draw on it.
There are no shortage of trekking poles to choose from, but you&#;ll want to take care to purchase a model that&#;s compatible with your trekking-pole shelter. The most important consideration here is length and adjustability&#;each shelter is different, but most require trekking poles in the 120- to 130-centimeter range (47 to 51 in.), and adjustable models are essential to tweaking your pitch depending on campsite features and anchors (lever locks offer a much more secure clamp than twist locks). If you opt for the Black Diamond Distance Tent, Black Diamond even offers trekking poles with a compatible grip (e.g. the Alpine Carbon Cork WR). Of course, trekking pole weight will be important to most ULers: Gossamer Gear makes some of our favorite lightweight and adjustable designs in their LT5 ($195; 10.4 oz. for the pair).
Our article above provides a survey of the ultralight tent and shelter market for the majority of ULers, but some thru-hikers and gram-counters are known to opt for even more minimalist designs. The Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid hints at this market, which generally includes floorless tarps and shelters that set up with trekking poles or included poles or are suspended between trees. Within this category, there&#;s a vast array of options, most of which come from cottage brands like Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Mountain Laurel Designs, Zpacks, Seek Outside, and Hyperlite Mountain Gear. If you&#;re looking to shave even more ounces from your pack, check out floorless shelters like the Hyperlite UltaMid, Gossamer Gear Solo Tarp, Six Moon Designs Deschutes Tarp, and Zpacks 7' x 9' Flat Tarp.
If you're looking to pare down your backpacking kit, opting for an ultralight tent or shelter can shave pounds off the weight of your pack. But the other components of "The Big Three" are arguably just as vital to an ultralight load, including a sleeping bag or quilt, sleeping pad, and backpack. Within each of these categories, there are fairly mainstream models that are particularly popular among the ultralight crowd, well-loved cottage-brand designs, and seriously streamlined gear used only by the most devoted ULers (similar to what we see in the picks above). To help guide your purchase, see our articles on the best ultralight backpacks and the best ultralight sleeping bags and quilts.
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The NEMO Hornet OSMO and Big Agnes Tiger Wall are among our favorite backpacking tents. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)Your backpacking tent will be one of the most important gear purchases you make. Finding one that has the best balance of interior comfort, weight, durability, and weather protection will make it much easier to stay happy and having a good time on trail.
Our team of gear experts has spent over a decade testing more than 50 backpacking tents from brands like Big Agnes, Zpacks, NEMO, MSR, REI, and more. We&#;ve hiked upward of 20,000 miles on trails all over the world, including treks through the alpine peaks of Patagonia, summer monsoons in the Rockies, and sweltering days in the desert, with more than nights in the wilderness.
And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:
Best Backpacking Tent Overall
Price: $530
Weight: 3 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in.
Size: 1-Person2-Person3-Person4-Person
Type: Freestanding
The Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of our all-time favorite backpacking tents &#; the CleverHiker team has spent hundreds of backcountry nights in this shelter. Its ultralight freestanding design enables hikers to pitch it almost anywhere, and it doesn&#;t sacrifice convenience, weather protection, or livability.
The Copper Spur is a popular choice among thru-hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT, all of which are notoriously tough on gear. Despite the ultralight materials used in the construction of this tent, it can last for thousands of miles if you take the time to clear pokey debris from your campsites. We&#;ve taken several iterations of the Copper Spur 2 over a thousand miles each on trail, and they&#;re still going strong.
The bent-pole structure and ridge pole of the Copper Spur create nearly vertical sidewalls &#; maximizing interior volume and providing ample headroom. The UL2 has enough space inside for two regular-width sleeping pads and some gear. You can even squeeze a tapered wide pad plus a regular pad inside but you&#;ll likely need to store gear outside in that case.
If you and your hiking partner both use wide pads (or you just prefer extra space), you&#;ll want to bump up to the Copper Spur HV UL3. Pretty unique in the backpacking tent category, the Copper Spur 2 and 3 are also offered in Long versions. The Copper Spur Long gives you a whopping 96 inches of floor length, so it&#;s a lot more comfortable for hikers over six feet tall who prefer to store all their gear inside. Whichever size you go with, you&#;ll have a backpacking tent that provides an exceptional balance of camp comfort and low packed weight.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Full Review
Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Price: $699
Weight: 1 lb. 1.9 oz.(no stakes or poles)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 90 x 45 x 48 in.
Size: 1-Person, 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Non-freestanding
The Zpacks Duplex is our go-to ultralight backpacking tent for thru-hiking and long-distance adventures. This tent provides an excellent amount of interior space and weather protection at a low weight.
The Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) is a big part of what makes the Duplex such a great choice for thru-hikes. It&#;s waterproof, tough, incredibly light, and doesn&#;t sag when wet; the downside is that it&#;s very expensive. That said, the Duplex is a very worthwhile investment if you love to backpack light since it can last for several seasons if you treat it with care.
The other key to the ridiculously low weight of the Duplex is its non-freestanding, single-wall design. This eliminates the need for dedicated tent poles (you use your trekking poles to create the structure) and a rainfly. It may take a few pitches to get it perfect if you&#;ve never used a backpacking tent like this before, but you&#;ll quickly get the hang of it with a little practice. Condensation can also be a bigger issue in single-wall tents because there isn&#;t a mesh layer to keep the interior separate from the flysheet, so ventilation and campsite selection become a lot more important.
The high ceiling of the Duplex allows you and your hiking partner to sit up comfortably at the same time, and the two-door design will keep you from crawling over each other to get in and out. If you&#;re looking for the best ultralight backpacking tent on the market, this is your guy.
The Duplex is spacious enough for two hikers, and it&#;s an absolute palace for one. But pairs of hikers who really like to spread out should look at the Triplex for even more square footage with a negligible amount of added weight. CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, has used both extensively, and the Plex tents are his absolute favorites for big mileage trips and hikes with a ton of elevation gain. For ultralight solo trips he packs the Duplex, but when he needs more space to share with a tentmate &#; like on his JMT thru-hike &#; he brings the Triplex. On the flip side, solo hikers who prioritize saving weight above anything can&#;t go wrong with the Plex Solo.
Zpacks Duplex Full Review
Zpacks Duplex Zip Full Review
Zpacks Triplex Full Review
Zpacks Plex Solo Full Review
Best Budget Tent for Backpacking & Car Camping
Price: $349
Weight: 4 lb. 11.5 oz.(including footprint)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 90 x 56 x 42 in.
Size: 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Freestanding
REI&#;s Half Dome SL 2+ has an unrivaled blend of affordability, durability, and interior space. Its symmetrical freestanding design and very roomy dimensions make it comfortable and user-friendly for hikers of all experience levels. This is our favorite budget-friendly crossover tent for those who want a single shelter that works for camping in the frontcountry and the backcountry.
The spacious interior comfortably fits two hikers plus their gear &#; you could pack along two wide/long sleeping pads and still have room to spare. The generous amount of headroom also allows two campers to sit up comfortably which is a real perk on rainy days spent inside. While this isn&#;t the most glamorous camping tent nor the lightest backpacking tent, the Half Dome suits both needs well and costs far less money and storage space than buying a separate tent for each activity.
Though the weight of the Half Dome is more than we prefer for multi-day backpacking adventures, it&#;s not too bad when split between two hikers. In addition, you can save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint at home. Footprints aren&#;t strictly necessary and we often choose to hike without one. Just taking time to clear your campsite of debris before setting up will go a long way toward preserving your tent floor (but we wrote a whole post that&#;ll help you decide whether or not you should use a footprint). Plus the Half Dome already has a pretty robust floor as it is (40-denier nylon).
The NEMO Dagger 2 below is in this same crossover category, and &#; if money was no object &#; we&#;d recommend the Dagger over the Half Dome for its lower weight and larger amount of headroom. But budget is a top consideration for many of us when buying big-ticket outdoor gear, and the much friendlier price point of the Half Dome SL 2+ gets you a very comparable tent that won&#;t disappoint.
Full Review: Half Dome SL 2+
Best Semi-Freestanding Tent
Price: $450
Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 86 x 52/42 x 39 in.
Size: 3-Person
Type: Semi-freestanding
Solo backpackers who want some space to sprawl and ounce-counting pairs of hikers will love the ultralight design of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2. With enough structure to perform well in inclement weather but a weight that&#;s barely over a pound per person when split between two hikers, the semi-freestanding Tiger Wall is a more convenient alternative to non-freestanding ultralight tents.
The Tiger Wall 2 and Tiger Wall 3 are top picks for CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch. He&#;s used the 2-person version on over 1,000 miles of trail &#; including the Oregon Coast Trail and Superior Hiking Trail &#; and the 3-person version for his 3,000-mile CDT thru-hike with his partner. Both sizes of the Tiger Wall held up beautifully on trail, and only have minor signs of wear and tear to show for all the hard miles put on them &#; very impressive for such lightweight shelters.
Semi-freestanding tents can often feel a bit cramped, but &#; while the quarters in the Tiger Wall 2 are still a bit tight for two &#; this tent has a wider ridge pole than most others in this category. The ridge pole creates more livable space where we want it most &#; at the head when sitting up. Additionally, you can save valuable floor space by storing gear in the large mezzanine pocket at the foot of the tent.
Another comfort feature of the Tiger Wall is the easy-to-use door toggles that give you the ability to roll back both sides of the vestibule to take in grand views or max out ventilation on clear nights. Since the Tiger Wall doesn&#;t have vents on the rainfly like many other tents, we prefer to sleep with one or both doors rolled back whenever possible for airflow.
Out of the three semi-freestanding tents on our list, this is the one we&#;d recommend most for pairs of hikers looking to balance weight and space most efficiently. Overall, hikers who prioritize saving weight and don&#;t mind sharing a tighter space will love the minimal yet functional design of the Tiger Wall 2. If you prefer more room to spread out, the excellent Tiger Wall 3 has extra floor space and a few more inches of peak height but is still lighter than many 2P tents.
Full Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Best Lightweight & Sturdy Tent for Harsh Conditions
Price: $560
Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 85 x 51/42 x 44 in.
Size: 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Freestanding
With an extra stable frame, generous headroom, and top-quality construction and materials, the SlingFin Portal is an excellent lightweight shelter for hunkering down when nasty weather hits.
The Portal can be set up with internal guylines that run along the interior walls at the head and foot to give the structure significantly more strength in wind than external guylines alone. In the most basic terms, the internal guylines take the stress imposed on the structure by wind and transfer it to the stakes where your tent is anchored to the ground. This keeps the tent from bending and contorting in the wind like most other lightweight backpacking tents would. Comfort is increased as a result, but it also bumps safety up several notches since your poles will have a far lower chance of snapping in strong gusts.
Thicker poles, internal guylines, and the ability to attach trekking poles for added structural integrity make the Portal super solid in wind, rain, and even light snow. These features are unique for a lightweight backpacking tent and are generally more common in high-end 4-season mountaineering shelters. Many hikers would probably be better off buying the versatile Portal rather than a dedicated winter tent that&#;s heavier and less practical for summer and shoulder season hiking.
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One of our favorite features of the Portal is its generous headroom, which makes it feel much more livable than the average lightweight 2-person backpacking tent. While we wish there was a smidge more floor space from head to foot on this tent, the solid amount of breathing room up top keeps the Portal from feeling cramped.
Other details like great pockets and included replacement zipper sliders come together with the stormworthy design to make the Portal one of the best backpacking tents we&#;ve ever tested for staying comfortable and safe in harsh weather.
SlingFin Portal Full Review
Great Option for UL Hikers Wanting More Space
Price: $550
Weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 88 x 68/62 x 44 in.
Size: 1-Person 3-Person
Type: Semi-freestanding
Ultralight doesn&#;t have to mean sacrificing comfort. With the NEMO Hornet OSMO 3, a pair of hikers can have the conveniences of a traditional 2-person tent &#; two doors/vestibules, a roomy interior, and useful pockets &#; without the additional weight. As an added bonus, this spacious shelter costs around the same amount of money as many of the leading 2-person backpacking tents.
You might want extra space for a variety of reasons &#; maybe you want to fit two wide sleeping pads with room to spare, or you travel with a large dog or an adventurous kid, or you just want a little more breathing room when sharing your tent with a partner. Whatever the case may be, the generous floor dimensions and peak height of the Hornet 3 will accommodate.
NEMO&#;s proprietary OSMO fabric repels water better than standard nylon or polyester flysheets, and &#; best of all &#; it stretches far less when wet. This means your pitch stays taut in the rain, and you won&#;t have to worry about saggy rainfly material creating wet spots on the tent body, your sleeping bag footbox, or your head.
We&#;ve always been big fans of NEMO&#;s attention to detail, high-quality construction, and innovative designs, and the Hornet OSMO 3 doesn&#;t disappoint. For those who prioritize saving weight over having extra space, the NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 is also a great choice and is a bit more affordable than similarly designed tents.
NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 Full Review
Exceptionally Spacious Backpacking Tent with Innovative Features
Price: $599
Weight: 3 lb. 10 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.
Size: 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Freestanding
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an innovative tent with a lot of unique features to love. The biggest standout is its pole structure which provides far more headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class.
The inverted ridge pole of the Telos points upward instead of sloping downward like most others. This creates tall door openings and practically vertical sidewalls that translate to a massive amount of headroom throughout the length of the tent. We find that having ample headroom inside a tent considerably increases comfort, and the Telos is certainly best-in-class for this spec.
CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, took the Telos on a rainy test hike over the 40-mile Timberline Trail with her partner. This spacious tent provided a cozy retreat for the pair to wait out inclement weather when the rain really started coming down. There was plenty of room to keep gear dry inside as well as enjoy a game of cards until the weather quieted down.
The Telos also has exceptional ventilation &#; it features a huge apex vent that can be opened or closed plus low venting on the vestibules that can be deployed when necessary. We find that the vents create truly excellent circulation and provide comfortable and practically condensation-free nights. Other creature comforts, like the light-dispersing Lightbar and shady Hangout Mode, add to its livability and make the Telos feel like a little slice of luxury in the backcountry.
Though it&#;s pretty spendy, the comfort the Telos provides is worth the cost if you&#;re looking for a versatile 2-person backpacking tent with all of the details dialed in. There&#;s really nothing else on the market like this tent, and we recommend it to hikers whose main priority is comfort on trail.
Full Review: Sea to Summit Telos TR2
Best Crossover Tent for Backpacking & Car Camping
Price: $530
Weight: 4 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 90 x 50 x 42 in.
Size: 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Freestanding
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 offers a ton of interior space at a reasonable weight, so it&#;s perfect for those wanting a tent that&#;s comfortable for both backpacking and car camping.
When split between two hikers, each will carry just over two pounds. While that&#;s not as impressive as some others at first glance, it&#;s actually very respectable when you consider the whole picture. The Dagger offers significantly more interior space than much of the lighter weight competition thanks to its long, rectangular floor and nearly vertical side walls.
Since the Dagger has enough floor space for two wide/long pads and plenty of interior volume to comfortably hang out inside, it works quite nicely for car camping as well. Crossover tents like this one will save the user storage space at home and a ton of money over buying a dedicated tent for each activity.
The Dagger has many convenient features built in, like two huge, trapezoidal vestibules for gear storage, light-dispersing headlamp pockets, and an included tub accessory for the vestibule that keeps your gear clean and dry. The innovative OSMO fabric also doesn&#;t sag when wet (unlike Silnylon), and it remains waterproof for longer than the coated fabrics used for many other tents.
Though the Dagger is among the more expensive tents on our list, its ability to pull double-duty as a luxurious backpacking tent or a comfortable car-camping tent makes it a versatile option that&#;s worth the high price tag. Those looking for lightweight livability in a convenient design will find that the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 is among the best of the best.
Full Review: NEMO Dagger OSMO 2
Good Balance of Weight & Livability for Solo Hikers
Price: $450
Weight: 2 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 84 x 50 x 39 in.
Size: 1-Person, 2-Person, 3-Person
Type: Semi-freestanding
The MSR FreeLite 2 is a great option for those looking to go lighter without sacrificing the convenience of a double-wall tent. It has two large doors/vestibules, a smart rainfly design that prevents drippy entry in the rain, and a lower weight than many similarly designed tents.
We view the FreeLite as more comfortable for solo hikers since the interior headroom can feel a little cramped when spending any extended amount of time inside. But for pairs that value saving weight over having more interior space, the FreeLite has the dimensions to accommodate two people.
The rainbow shape of the FreeLite is effective at shedding precipitation, and the unique rainfly gutters direct water away from the zippered entry to prevent it from pooling up and pouring onto the floor while moving in or out of the tent in wet weather.
Solo backpackers wanting the best mix of weight, livability, and weather protection will love the FreeLite, and pairs who would opt to save weight and don&#;t mind tight quarters will find that this tent delivers excellent performance.
Full Review: MSR FreeLite 2
Most Affordable Crossover Tent for Backpacking & Car Camping
Price: $199
Weight: 5 lb. 7 oz.(including footprint)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 88 x 52 x 40 in.
Size:
Type: Freestanding
The affordable REI Trailmade 2 is a great tent for backpackers on a tight budget or those wanting to save money on a crossover tent that works for both car camping and backpacking.
Though none of the Trailmade&#;s specs (other than price) are really standouts, the tried-and-true dome design holds up well in bad weather. The quality materials and construction of the Trailmade (strong zippers and thicker material) ensure this tent will remain reliable through many seasons of use. And the symmetrical free-standing design is quick and easy to pitch, so this is a great starter tent for beginners.
What holds the Trailmade back from ranking higher on our list is the lack of a ridge pole across the top. Most backpacking tents nowadays include this pole to pull out the sides of the tent and increase headroom &#; significantly increasing livability without much added weight. Since the Trailmade omits this pole, it feels a bit narrow inside across the spine &#; especially when the space is split between two hikers.
While we consider the Trailmade a bit heavy for backpacking, the weight and bulk aren&#;t too bad when split between two hikers. You can also save about 8 ounces by leaving the included footprint at home.
The budget-friendly Trailmade is an excellent investment for beginners and those wanting to get into the backcountry without spending a fortune. We would recommend trying to stretch your budget a bit for one of the more comfortable options on this list if you plan to backpack often, but you won&#;t be disappointed by the Trailmade if you really just need to keep costs down.
Full Review: REI Trailmade 2
Affordable & Spacious Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Price: $395
Weight: 2 lb. 13 oz.(no stakes or poles)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 90 x 54 x 45 in.
Size: 1-Person, 2-Person
Type: Non-freestanding
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is one of the best value backpacking tents on our list due to its excellent blend of space, weight, and durability. CleverHiker Gear Tester, Heather Eldridge, has put the Lunar Duo through the wringer on multiple thru-hikes covering thousands of miles, and it continues to hold up like a champ.
The Lunar Duo is a bit heavier than many other ultralight non-freestanding tents, like the Zpacks Duplex above, but we find the weight tradeoff is worth the significant monetary savings for hikers on a budget. One thing that makes the Lunar Duo unique among non-freestanding tents is the arched brow poles over the doors. These poles maximize headroom along the entire length of the tent and give the Lunar Duo the most luxuriously spacious interior of any model in its class.
The large vestibules are designed to open completely without disturbing the structure of the tent so you get the same ventilation and view benefits as a double-wall tent. On top of that, the floating canopy and peak vents work together to create ample airflow in the Lunar Duo &#; cutting down significantly on interior condensation.
If you&#;re looking for a roomy ultralight shelter at an exceptionally affordable price, few tents come close to the Lunar Duo.
Solo hikers wanting to cut down on weight even more, should check out the Lunar Solo. It&#;s one of our top 1-person tent picks because it&#;s very spacious for one hiker and their gear, it&#;s easy to set up, and it&#;s incredibly affordable for the specs.
Full Reviews: Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo & Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Great Balance of Weather Protection & Weight
Price: $550
Weight: 3 lb. 4 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 84 x 50 x 40 in.
Size:
Type: Freestanding
The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is a standout on the backpacking tent market for its durability and weather protection. The rainbow shape of this tent leaves very little surface area along the spine to catch gusts of wind, and there aren&#;t any flat surfaces on the fly for water to pool.
One of our favorite details of the Hubba Hubba is the gutter on the vestibule doors. This little feature directs water down a groove behind the rainfly closure providing a drip-free entry in wet weather.
The Hubba Hubba&#;s symmetrical freestanding design makes it quick and easy to set up and provides just enough space to squeeze two wide pads inside. However, we find that the pole structure causes the walls to slope inward &#; limiting interior headroom.
That said, if you tend to be hard on gear or you often backpack in places with temperamental weather, the Hubba Hubba is still a top choice for its high-quality build at a relatively low weight.
Full Review: MSR Hubba Hubba 2
Best Affordable Ultralight Backpacking Tent for One Person
Price: $280
Weight: 2 lb. 2.4 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 92 x 52 x 48 in.
Size:
Type: Non-freestanding
The Durston X-Mid 2 is a nice non-freestanding shelter for one person. We appreciate the near-vertical side walls, which create a roomy interior at shoulder height for comfortable sitting and changing. The interior pockets are situated higher up in the canopy than most other tents. Though it&#;s a slightly longer reach, it does prevent the walls from sagging in when there&#;s a heavy object tucked away. The footprint is also a rhombus which creates extra space to store gear at the head and foot.
We&#;ve weathered dozens of storms in the X-Mid and it has proven to be durable in the long run. Its 20D polyester fabric and robust zippers withstand the rigors of backcountry travel and the two vents at the top with kickstands do a solid job of releasing condensation. This tent has saved us more than once in rainstorms because the inner portion can be pitched after the fly has been set up, keeping the inside dry. This fly-first design also makes it possible to leave the tent at home if you are inclined to go ultra-ultralight.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this model is that it is challenging to set up on uneven ground. It&#;s also not as stable as dedicated-pole freestanding models. However, its low-profile maximizes wind resistance, and the fully seam-taped bathtub floor and double-wall construction keep moisture out.
Weighing in at just over two pounds, the X-Mid is a featherweight champion in the world of backpacking shelters. Its minimalist design and efficient use of lightweight materials make it a top choice for ounce-counting thru-hikers and ultralight enthusiasts. Though its pitched footprint is arguably too large for tighter campsites, its compact packed size, it easily fits into the crevices of a pack. We also don&#;t love the offset geometry of the interior for two people &#; one person gets a nice high ceiling and the other gets a face full of tent.
The the 90-degree zippers are not the most user-friendly, but this shelter is a lightweight, roomy and cost-effective option for one person.
Full Review: Durston X-Mid 2
The Zpacks Duplex is great for fast and light adventures to get deep in the backcountry. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)We assessed each backpacking tent based on five criteria: comfort, weight and packability, weather resistance, ease of setup, and durability. We have spent a minimum of 20 nights (but in some cases, over 100) in each of these models in a range of hiking conditions, from the hot, dry deserts of the southwest to the coldest, wettest reaches of northern New England.
Comfort spans a wide range of characteristics. We pay careful attention to things like floor dimensions, including maximum dimensions and any head-to-foot taper; peak height (as well as interior volume and shoulder space); number and style of doors; zipper pulls and door tie-backs; number, size, and placement of storage pockets; and any special features that make the experience of living in the tent more enjoyable. We get an extremely good sense of each of these characteristics by sleeping, eating, and living side-by-side with our hiking partners.
Manufacturers often list multiple weights, which include different combinations of tent components. We consider the packaged weight &#; the tent body, fly, poles, and included stakes) &#; as well as the packed size of each model, testing out how easy it is to stuff each one into a pack and around other gear, noting any especially streamlined or chunky hardware that takes up space.
We look at weather resistance inside and out. Our assessment includes the rain, hail, and snow resistance of the fly, including both water penetration/dripping through the fly, as well as splashback from underneath the fly, and any sagging from saturation. In addition to precipitation, we consider the wind resistance which entails assessing the quality and stability of stakes; number and location of guypoints; and vestibule geometry. Lastly, we analyze interior condensation, paying attention to the number, size, and location of vent points, as well as, obviously, the amount of moisture on the underside of the fly when we wake up each morning.
Most of these tents are fairly easy to set up but some go a little faster than others. Here, we measure how long it takes on average to set up each model. The differences come down to whether or not the tent is symmetrical (thus providing two correct orientations for a tent and fly instead of just one); the pole-to-tent connection system; the fly-to-tent connection system; the quality and bite of the included stakes, as well as whether or not there are enough of them; and any tensioning systems that make it easier to get a good taut pitch.
Durability includes both on trail wear and tear as well as longevity season after season. We set up each model on a variety of surfaces, from soft soil to sandy, gravely clearings. Pinholes in the floor, micro-fissures at the ends of poles, and zipper snags are all top-of-mind. In addition, our experience has taught us that certain materials and waterproof coatings are more resilient than others so we assess fabric type, thickness, and chemical treatments, also noting if a model provides a repair kit (e.g. pole sleeve or adhesive patches) for fixes in the field.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall Solution Dye has the best balance of weight savings and double-wall comfort. &#; Photo credit: Ben Applebaum-bauch (CleverHiker.com)We&#;ve spent over 1,000 nights in these backpacking tents and covered over 20,000 miles with them on our backs. Senior Gear Analyst and lead tester, Casey Handley, has pitched and slept in these shelters along her many thru-hikes of the Arizona Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, and more. She has weathered nights through high-alpine storms in frigid temperatures on trail and poured over all of the specs at basecamp. Her previous experience at REI also gives her unique data-driven insight into the features and functionality that backpackers, including herself, are most often looking for.
We rank tents based on five different metrics including comfort, weight and packed size, weather resistance, ease of setup, and durability. Our comparative results below outline the top performers in each metric.
Good, lightweight backpacking tents are expensive, but that doesn&#;t mean some of them aren&#;t a great value. When we do our testing, we are careful to note products that outperform what they cost. This could mean both low-priced items that get the job done just as well if not better than the more expensive competition, as well as pricier tents that are just smashing it out of the park.
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is one of the highest-value backpacking tents around. Its spacious floor dimensions and headroom make it one of the more comfortable options while also logging reliable weather resistance and sporting thick, durable fabrics. The REI Trailmade 2 is on the heavier side, but the price is right and it&#;s super easy to set up.
Overall top performers like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall Solution Dye are pricier for sure but their combination of light weight and space makes them some of the best options available for longer treks.
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ has comfort features that make it a great option for two people who want to spread out on a long weekend adventure. Its generous 56-inch width means that you don&#;t have to worry about rubbing shoulders with your hiking partner if you both want to sit up at the same time. The impressive peak height and large double doors also add to the livability of this model.
Not far behind, the NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 is another great option for the space-needy backpacker. Though it tapers from head to foot, it is wide enough all around that two people will have plenty of space. Its white mesh is also a nice feature that adds a little bit of privacy at camp, even if the fly is off or tied back, and the large storage pocket at the head means that you can store even large items off the floor but keep them close at hand.
In the next tier, the SlingFin Portal 2, NEMO Dagger OSMO 2, Sea to Summit Telos TR2, and Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo all have their unique redeeming comfort features that make them stand out. Though the Slingfin doesn&#;t have exceptional length, it does have an especially high peak height for its weight and size. The two curved side doors are easy to open and close and there are plenty of storage pockets all around for small items. Though the Dagger OSMO 2 has two zippers on each door, which makes it a little clunkier to open, it has larger dimension than the Portal and the extra length is much appreciated for taller sleepers. The Telos TR2 is a little clunkier to enter and exit, but its unique tension ridge pole across. the top creates tons of space at shoulder height for sitting up and playing cards with your hiking partner. And though the Lunar Duo is non-freestanding, it has massive dimensions relative to its weight.
With no stakes or poles, the Zpacks Duplex takes the top spot in this metric. Since it&#;s non-freestanding, it uses a standard pair of trekking poles that you are likely already carrying to create the structure it requires to pitch. (And even including the weight of a pair of typical poles, it is still a lighter package than almost all of the freestanding tents). The two other non-freestanding options &#; the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo and Durston X-Mid &#; are both quite a bit heavier (though much less expensive), but are still a very comfortable two-ish pounds.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall Solution Dye makes this list precisely because it is the best balance between the comfort and structure of a double-wall tent while weighing in at a scant two and a half pounds. For there size, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 are both exceptionally light and are well worth the investment for those who want the best of both worlds.
The SlingFin Portal 2 is designed for inclement weather. We love the guylines inside the tent that let us tension it properly for added wind resistance. It also comes with ample stakes and additional external guylines. The fly runs low to the ground and the kickstand vents at the doors are reasonably effective at dispersing condensation.
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ also has effective fly vents. It earns its stripes in this metric for its high bathtub floor, which limits splashback in heavy rain, and its 30D fly and large vestibules, which keep gear protected. Though its more basic pole structure makes it slightly less stable than the Half Dome, the REI Trailmade 2 otherwise benefits from the same features.
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 has a unique trapezoidal vestibule geometry that significantly limits how much it can flap in the wind and also increases the usable storage pace. Though the higher cut at the ends of the fly leaves the main tent body exposed a little more than other models, we never experienced problematic seepage. The proprietary fabric also sags less than its other nylon counterparts, which is a huge upgrade.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 &#; Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)Most freestanding tents are pretty straightforward to pitch. This is especially true for the REI Trailmade 2. It has a very basic X-pole design, with two long poles that cross at the apex and secure easily into grommets at the corners. The fly attaches with buckles at the corners and because it&#;s symmetrical, it doesn&#;t require any color coding &#; it goes on correctly multiple ways as long as you have the doors lined up. The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is similar &#; the primary difference is that it has a long brow pole and is slightly larger so it takes just a fraction longer to setup.
The hubbed pole designs of the Slingfin Portal 2, NEMO Dagger OSMO 2, and Sea to Summit Telos TR2 make it a breeze to shake the pole segments into place in a matter of seconds. We also appreciate the color-coded poles and segments of the Dagger OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, which makes it easy to orient everything correctly.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 has a unique &#;front Porch&#; feature so you can raise the vestibule perpendicular to the ground. &#; Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)The burly fabric of the REI Half Dome SL 2+ makes it stand out among the competition for its durability. The 40D ripstop nylon floor stands up to rough ground and it comes with a footprint for even more protection. The pre-bent poles also help reduce the tension in key segments so they are less likely to crack.
The Slingfin Portal 2 has thinner 20D ripstop nylon floor fabric but one longevity feature we love is the pre-installed backup zippers on the tent door. This common failure point often renders an otherwise good tent much less practical but the extra set of pulls provides peace of mind.
Six Moon Designs&#; Lunar Duo is a less expensive, spacious option for two. &#; Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)You shouldn&#;t have to spend a fortune to get a great backpacking tent. That&#;s why this list contains an array of solid options at a variety of price points. If you backpack a lot, it probably makes sense to spend more for a quality product that will get many years of use. If you&#;re on a limited budget, you may want to check out our budget backpacking tent recommendations, but they do tend to be much heavier.
The NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 is worth the price if you want a high-quality backpacking tent that doesn&#;t skimp on space. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)The reality with tent sizes is that a lot of manufacturers exaggerate how many people can sleep comfortably in them. For example, many two-person backpacking tents are a tight fit for two average-sized people. If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent and want more space, you may find a three-person tent to be more comfortable. Extra space will add weight, so you&#;ll probably want to choose a lightweight tent to keep your backpack light. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more info on finding the right fit for you.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of our favorite tents overall for its outstanding combo of features. &#; Photo Credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)When researching tents, you&#;ll likely notice a few different specs listed for weight and it can get a little confusing. Some manufacturers may even exaggerate how light a tent is to make it seem more appealing. Unfortunately, there is no required set standard for measuring backpacking tent weights across the industry, but here are some tips to help you decipher all the numbers:
Most tents and shelters come in a few different sizes. Here, Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is a great option for one. &#; Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)This spec refers to the weight of all parts of the tent plus any accessories it comes with when you buy it. This is usually the most accurate measurement to consider, and it&#;s the spec we&#;ve listed with all the tents on this list. After all, you&#;re going to be using tent stakes with your tent, right?
This one gets a little hairy. Since there&#;s no required industry standard for calculating this, some manufacturers exclude more items than others. Minimum trail weight is generally accepted to mean just the essential components to keep you dry. It will always include the tent body, the rainfly, and the poles. This measurement usually excludes tent stakes (unless your tent is semi-freestanding), guy lines, and stuff sacks.
Having a ground cloth can save the bottom of your tent from a lot of daily wear and tear. Left to right: Tent footprint for Copper Spur, Polycryo, Tyvek. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)Almost every backpacking tent on this list comes with the option to buy a footprint that will help extend the life of your tent floor. Footprints are not necessary, though, and many choose not to use them. It&#;s totally a personal choice, but a footprint will ensure that your tent floor lasts as long as possible. If you need help deciding if a footprint is right for you, check out our post Do You Really Need a Footprint for Your Tent.
The Zpacks Duplex & Triplex can be tricky to pitch but well worth it if you can find the right spot. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)A backpacking tent that doesn&#;t protect against the elements is worse than worthless, it&#;s dangerous. So be careful about extreme budget tents you&#;ll find elsewhere. Every tent on this list will provide excellent storm protection to keep you safe, dry, and warm.
If you want even more space at a light weight, the Zpacks Triplex has more luxurious dimensions than its duplex counterpart. &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)Backpacking tents keep weight to a minimum by limiting interior space (and thus, use less material). One-person tents are great for dedicated solo hikers looking to travel fast and light. Two-person tents tend to be the most popular, because they strike a good balance between weight and interior space. Most two-person tents have just enough room for two sleepers and a few stuff sacks, with backpacks and extra gear stored in the vestibules. If you want more interior space for camping comfort, you may want to bump up one size in tents (for example, buy a three-person tent to fit two hikers). Just remember, interior tent space is a tradeoff between comfort and weight. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more information on choosing which model to go with.
Good vestibules are a big value add so you can keep gear outside your tent but still protected from the elements. &#; Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)Three-season shelters are the most popular backpacking tents and the style we&#;re focusing on in this guide. They&#;re built for spring, summer, and fall trips where you&#;ll need to keep bad weather out while promoting ventilation, which helps keep interior condensation to a minimum. Three-season tents can usually handle a little snow, but they&#;re not made for heavy snow and harsh winter conditions. If you&#;re looking for a winter worthy tent, make sure to check out our list of the Best 4-Season Tents.
MSR FreeLite 2 &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)Freestanding tents are generally preferable because they&#;re easier to use and quicker to pitch. They come with a fixed pole system that can be set up almost anywhere &#; even on solid rock. Non-freestanding tents use stakes, guylines, and trekking poles for pitching. They save weight by cutting out tent poles, but require more time/space to pitch and will take more practice to master.
We love the SlingFin Portal 2 for its light weight and weather resistance. &#; Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent, it&#;s more comfortable to have two doors and two vestibules. Having separate entrances will ensure that you&#;re not climbing over a tentmate and two sets of gear every time you want to get in or out of your tent. That&#;s a huge benefit, and it&#;s why almost all of our backpacking tent recommendations have two doors and vestibules.
We compare our tents side-by-side in real-world conditions. &#; Photo Credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)Double-wall tents come with two separate parts &#; a mesh tent body and a rainfly. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that forms on the inside of the rainfly. Single-wall tents reduce weight by attaching the fly sheet directly to the mesh inner-tent, but that leaves hikers vulnerable to interior condensation in wet/cold conditions. Rubbing up against a wet tent interior is the pits, so we mostly recommend double-wall tents unless you usually backpack in arid, dry climates. For ultralight hikers open to the idea of single-wall shelters, have a look at our Best Ultralight Tents list.
MSR Hubba Hubba &#; Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)The main trade-off with lightweight backpacking tents is that they&#;re built using thinner materials, which tend to be less durable than heavy-duty shelters. That said, ultralight tents will literally last for thousands of miles if treated with care. It&#;s also important to remember that a sharp stick or rock will puncture just about any kind of tent fabric. If you&#;re tough on gear and don&#;t want to deal with lightweight materials, we recommend choosing one of our heavier recommendations built for durability or adding a footprint to to increase the durability of your tent floor. For our personal use, we think lightweight tents are well worth the tradeoff.
ZPacks Duplex &#; Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)The following backpacking tents didn&#;t make our final list, but they&#;ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these tents might be perfect for you:
REI Flash 2
REI has made some of our favorite tents over the years, but few have been as impressive as the Flash 2. This tent was a new offering from REI in , but it&#;s currently out of stock for the foreseeable future. It&#;ll be back at some point down the line, which is why we felt it still deserved an Honorable mention on our list.
This freestanding tent has a weight and interior volume that rivals some of the most popular backpacking tents, but it costs far less than anything in its class. With its unique pole architecture, the Flash 2 manages to feel more spacious than tents with the same dimensions &#; like the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2. The headwall of the Flash 2 stands vertically and is supported by an arch pole that pulls the sidewalls out. As a result, you end up with more headroom where you need it most.
We&#;re eagerly looking forward to the return of the REI Flash 2.
REI Trail Hut 2
The affordable REI Trail Hut 2 is almost identical to the REI Trailmade 2 on our main list. The biggest difference is that the Trail Hut has a ridge pole at the peak that creates more headroom than the Trailmade has. The other key difference is that the Trail Hut has more opaque nylon on the walls for privacy, while the Trailmade includes more mesh on the walls for airflow.If you&#;re after a crossover tent that you&#;ll mostly be using for car camping and only backpacking with it occasionally, you&#;ll probably find this tent more comfortable. If you&#;ll mostly be using your crossover tent for backpacking, we recommend saving the money and going with the lighter Trailmade 2.
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2
This tent feels a little tight for two, but it&#;s a roomy option for solo hikers. This tent is very similar in design to our top pick &#; the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. We prefer the ridge pole design on the Copper Spur since it pulls the headroom out more and creates more interior volume at the peak where you really want it.
The Dragonfly is very light for a freestanding tent and has a tiny packed size, so it&#;s a good choice for hikers looking to shave weight and bulk from their packs.
The proprietary OSMO fabric on the Dragonfly makes it a great choice for hikers who frequently go out in foul weather. OSMO sags less than sil-nylon when wet, doesn&#;t absorb water, and stays waterproof for longer than standard coated fabrics.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo &#; Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)There are a lot of big and small differences between backpacking tents but investing the time to find the right one is worth it. Whether you are counting &#; and minimizing &#; ounces, or don&#;t mind the extra weight if it means you get to spread out at the end of a long day, we hope out guide has you pitching your perfect tent this backpacking season. Happy trails!
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