DCF fabric, formerly known as Cuben Fiber, is completely water proof, and will not absorb water either, meaning it won't stretch or sag when it gets wet. That said, you can skimp on livability to opt for the lightest or the most packable, but it's important to know what conveniences you're giving up. If you're out with a smaller backpack and you want a reliable, ultralight shelter, this is definitely one to consider. This one stands out as the interior tent is a continuous fabric (not bug netting), which makes the interior tent weather-resistant as well (even without the vestibule).
ultralight tente trek900 grise trekkingzelt forclaz decathlon puis zelte This provides the opportunity to make your shelter more adaptable to any type of terrain. Second, set-up is unfortunately not very intuitive and requires a tutorial. The Tarptent StratoSpire Li is distinguished from the Zpacks Duplex by its two large vestibules, multiple ventilation points, and its zippers that have storm flaps. 
A certain amount of wetness and discomfort is to be expected on trail, but the more you can mitigate it, the better. tent ultralight person tentsy The perfectly square design allows for endless adaptability when it comes to pitching options and locations. These tents have made it around the world, from Iceland to Europe to Canada and throughout Asia. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Square Flat Tarp pitched in super low storm mode without stakes.
This offers one big space for living but forces you to stay lying down. backpacking person tent tents lightweight man camping 2021 rated 
Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. backpacking When packing for a week-long stay on an Alaskan Glacier we needed to seriously consider the weight we took along the way. Another reason why the Kuhli wins a notable mention for its great value as a tarp. We also love that you can strip it down to its bare essentials, removing the protective inner to create a floorless pyramid that still protects well in harsh weather thanks to walls that extend all the way to the ground.
Here, we test it on the Blue Lakes Trail in Southern Colorado. The Aeon is an expensive tent; the serious fast packer will get their money's worth if a three-season shelter is what they need, but the casual user will spend a lot on a tent that they may only use a few nights a year. Of the crowd, tarp tent options with thoughtful ventilation do well here. We love its adaptability, easily pitching off the ground for added airflow or right to the ground when wind and rain make their appearances. It's important to note that for any tent that requires trekking poles for set up, this weight is not factored in. The whole strut system looks complicated, and we were scratching our heads at how this shelter could be one of the lightest and have additional features not seen on any other tent, but the Tarptent folks pull it off. Taking the cake is the Tarptent StratoSpire Li, which has all these attributes. 
If you prefer to cowboy camp, perhaps a tarp is all that's needed. Needs a little practice to perfect a bombproof setup, Two huge vestibules keep your gear out of the rain. They are expensive, but the feeling of carrying next to nothing in your pack is one hundred percent worth it. At only 10.9 ounces, including copious amounts of tie-out cordage, this tarp is the lightest shelter in this review. This tent requires two trekking poles and eight stakes (ultralight and included) for setting up, limiting where you can set up. This favorite offers four points for ventilation and two large vestibules with lots of storage. After about an hour of snowfall, the SilNylon Beta Light has begun to absorb a bit of moisture and the fabric is stretching and sagging a bit, a drawback of SilNylon. All trademarks property of their respective owners We also appreciate the adaptability of the double-wall designs that allow for sleeping under only mesh netting on perfect nights, and since they are mostly free-standing models, they often don't need soft ground to set up successfully.
We also took advantage of windy weather and practiced set-up to see which were the easiest and which felt impossible. Of these, the Tarptent Aeon Li (1.09 pounds with stakes) and the Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum (1.1 pounds) are at the top of the list. Some of our competitors, side-by-side, lit up against a beautiful night sky. ultralight tents nemo tent meta 1p equipment hikinglady person kilo easton nashua nh hiking moontrail nemoequipment sku trekking Like the Zpacks Duplex (which doesn't have the same space but offers many of the same features), it has built-in bug netting, making travel through insect-ridden areas a little easier. The price of the Black Diamond and the Durston are almost identical, but the X-Mid is far more luxurious. With easy-to-use tensioners on each grommet, you can re-tension and loosen it with ease. The Nemo Hornet 2P is a highly recommended semi-freestanding pole tent with double-wall construction.
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Of these models, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear does the best job of making conditions most liveable. These can easily be modularized to carry only the body of the tent if you want to eliminate even more weight. brands ultralight outdoor double larger tent In the world of ultralight gear, you get less material, costing you more money. Testing the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon to see how it sheds snow. This tent has everything you need (including poles) at a super low weight. The Black Diamond Beta Light (1.35 pounds, pyramid tent) and the BD Distance Adaptor (1.99 pounds, semi-freestanding) are both the least expensive. Our 5'10" tester (with the hair standing up) has plenty of headroom in this small shelter.
Between them, most of our testers found the Tiger Wall 2 Carbon to be the easiest to set up without consulting directions. Having enough breathing room is important not only for comfort but for keeping your sleeping bag and the rest of your gear as dry as possible too. Those built with Dyneema offer the best lightweight protection. It provides the most area for living and has ventilation in the ceiling. ultralight trek900 tente grise forclaz It also features the most protective vestibule and interior tent for all four seasons (as opposed to just bug netting). Specifically, those that have better performance and a lower cost. Even if we hadn't put these rocks in place, there are few options for re-tensioning this tent except adjusting the location of the stakes. The Hornet fell shortly behind. Living in it affords the ability to sit up straight and actually be comfortable. The average outdoor recreationist doesn't. The floorless pyramid design offers lightweight travel with a packed size just larger than a Nalgene bottle. A few other attributes we consider to be important also include insect protection, condensation management, privacy, and whether a tent has a floor or not. backpacking tents person tent ultralight solo season lago peak snow four mountainsforeverybody visit text ultralight station13 backpacking skylar 824g tent marmot tungsten person 1p hiking sc footprint ultralight st The Nemo Hornet 2P (2.34 pounds), another double-wall tent that does a great job at managing moisture, offers good protection and packs down to a small size. tents tentseeker backpacking ultralight mountaineering
This four-sided pyramid is fully enclosed in top-quality DCF material, ranking it right up there with the very best for weather protection. It is also tough, durable, and doesn't degrade with exposure to UV light.
Not as intuitive as a pole tent, it took a little time to figure out how to set it up with a set of ski poles. Being able to keep your sleep system dry during a stretch of a few rainy days in a row is a huge morale boost. Like other tents and tarps made from Dyneema, the StratoSpire is expensive. It's large enough for people up to seven feet tall. Bonus! Here is the HMG UltaMid 2, set up close to the ground with no gap for the best weather protection, taking a heavy wind, although you wouldn't be able to tell by this photo. This tent is set up easily (with practice in under three minutes on softer terrain). While it doesn't have built-in bug protection, Black Diamond sells a bug netting insert for those that want to extend its usage into the buggiest months. If you're ready to purchase an adaptable tarp system at a reasonable price, the Kammok Kuhli UL may be exactly what you're looking for. It is complete with plenty of headroom, upping its livability score. All three can be set up high for added airflow or low to the ground for more bomber protection from the wind. For winter camping, it has added versatility. Related: Best Budget Backpacking Tent of 2022. Of the two-person tents, the Black Diamond Beta Light (1.35 pounds, stakes included) once again shines. This ups the overall shelter system weight and costs a bit. That said, the condensation build-up isn't a problem. The weight of poles, stakes, and the tent. Of them, it's not surprising that solo options with less material are lightest. Andy has spent countless days rambling through the backcountry in the Pacific Northwest, a region that puts ultralight shelters to the test like no other. We are also impressed by Tarptent's ultralight single-person Aeon Li, which offers a generously sized vestibule and enough headroom for hikers up to seven feet tall.
After taking over 10 hours to research products online and read reviews, we select only the best potential ultralight tents. We love the dual doors that give you the luxury of choosing your entry, as well as plenty of airflow if the forecast does not call for rainstorms. Support poles are in the center of the living space. However, amongst them rises the Kammok Kuhli UL. Make a steep-sided shelter or a lean-to with your tarp.
If you want protection and lightweight performance, the Tarptent StratoSpire Li (1.60 pounds, stakes included), Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon (1.7 pounds, stakes, and poles included), and Zpacks Duplex (1.8 pounds, stakes, and poles included) are your best bet.
While he isn't necessarily afraid of a heavy pack, he's willing to go to great lengths to carry as little as possible on backcountry adventures. tent naturehike ultralight campingtents What's more, it's lighter than most ultralight tents we tested and will pack into a small backpack, running pack, or even fanny pack (depending on what you bring). The Tarptent Stratospire Li is one of the most liveable options out there. Derek sets up the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon with ease in under four minutes. Our favorite design feature of this tent is that the removable inner can be detached and stowed in your pack while you are still inside the fly. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. (Imagine the gait of a seven-foot-tall hiker. The Durston X-Mid 1P also requires two poles, but its rectangular design and clever ventilation access points for the poles make it a quick and easy set-up. While both offer adequate protection, the double-wall ultralight tents we tested struggle to handle a strong wind as well as the products above and need some serious guying out in heavy weather. That said, if you want a very adaptable, super weather-resistant, fully enclosed shelter that will never have you lamenting the trade-off in space or comfort, then this is the ultralight tent for you. For both, simply stake the tents on all corners, and assemble the poles. tente forclaz trek900 trekkingzelt archiwum puis bientt trekkingowy namiot zelte So why don't you just cowboy camp without a shelter? Plus, you need a set of poles to put this tent up. Regardless, if you are in the market for a tarp and want the best one we have ever used, look no further than this excellent design. The Tiger Wall 2 Carbon is the most packable but also the least durable of the group. Over We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a complete list of backpacking-related categories here, testing is objective and based on well-founded unbiased and hands-on research, determine what features are most important to you, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Square Flat Tarp is the lightest advertised shelter, Tarptent StratoSpire Li, our favorite for Weather Protection, Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon is another highly protective, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Amazingly light, four-sided weather protection, ample space for two, double doors, Great weather protection, lightweight, adaptable, Affordable, durable materials, removable inner, double doors, DCF construction is lightweight and waterproof, super spacious, four season use, Plenty of room for two people plus gear, adaptable for four season use, very affordable, Expensive, doesnt include necessary stakes, Heavy for ultralight, guy lines can be difficult to tighten, Requires lashing two poles together for setup, very expensive, no floor or bug protection built in, No floor or bug protection, potential condensation problems, needs to be seam sealed, Ample space and exceptional performance in all metrics makes this our favorite ultralight shelter, A comfortable shelter that is built to take on storms with ease, An ultralight, durable, highly adaptable, and fully featured shelter that won't weigh on your wallet, A super high-quality and spacious single wall pyramid with a high price tag to match its quality, A single wall, floorless, all around awesome pyramid tent with a great value attached, Single wall tent w/ sewn in bug mesh and floor, Double wall tent w/ removable floor and bug netting, Twin pole structure w/ removable bug netting, Total: 1 lb, 5 oz Tent: 19.7 oz, Guy lines and clips: 1.2 oz, Stuff sack: .3 oz. The Aeon Li is one of our favorite solo tents; one of the reasons being that you've got plenty of headroom with built-in bug protection. We've used them in storms, blustery weather, cold and icy conditions, and in the desert heat, to give you an accurate account of their strengths and weaknesses. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This ultralight bivy tarp comes with stakes and is extremely lightweight. For nicer weather that isn't the worst you can imagine, this tarp option is thin and easy to pitch wherever you explore. The first on the list is the Durston X-Mid 1P (1.9 pounds), a very affordable double-wall pyramid shelter whose bug net is removable, optionally converting it into a floorless pyramid for weight savings and less bulk. From simple value tarps to expensive Dyneema fully enclosed designs, we aim to choose and compare the best options on the market. tent backpacking hiking person waterproof camping ultralight portable man wenzel ozark trail ing extra zeppy io starlite Between torrential rains and swarms of insects, this is a perfect, unforgiving environment for our comparative testing. trek900 tente forclaz bientt puis The Durston X-Mid 1P is absolutely amazing. But even better, its tall, steep sidewalls and huge footprint mean that there is enough space for two people to sleep, plus a dog, gear, and then still some room left over for a kitchen or simply spreading out. That being said, the weight savings of a tarp cannot be ignored. First, it needs to be put up with two poles, so if you don't use them, you'll want to check out the Flex (which costs more money). Just peg out the edges and insert a pole (or two) inside. The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 (left) and Gossamer Gear the Two (right) are compared by our testers while camping under the stars and mountains of the Rockies in Colorado. Most require the need to sink stakes, which need to be in a specific place relative to the installed guy lines. Regardless, be sure to factor in all parts you need to carry to erect the tent and stay comfortable. Both require you to carry two additional poles for set-up, which adds a little weight. Set-up is vital here to make the tarp more liveable. With enough time and practice, anyone can enjoy the versatility and freedom that comes with tarp shelters. This is best for those seeking a floorless pyramid tent with many applications across all seasons and environments. This was the most weather protective option in this review. North Cascades, WA. However, that bulky item may not be as packable as you'd like. tent season person backpacking tents lightweight With two interior poles, there are few options for adjusting the layout inside, but we didn't find this to be a problem. The relative packability of the Black Diamond Beta Light; just a little larger than a water bottle! Easy to change shape and tension in poor weather, Need to carry at least six stakes; four are provided. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. No ads. Bringing these shelters made for a great kitchen, sleeping area, with the ability to bring more food for more conveniences when remote and cold. Elizabeth demonstrating the ample amount of room inside the Beta Light, and also how both front door flaps can be fastened back for greater airflow. We also love the Ultimate Direction FK tarp that can easily be set-up with poles or your bike. The Tiger Wall 2 Carbon uses a cross-pole at the top that needs to be inserted (which can be finicky), while the Nemo Hornet just needs to be clipped in.
Derek and his pup enjoy spacious headroom in the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon on a backpacking trip into the Gunnison Gorge, early Spring in Colorado.
This is revolutionary in comparison to other tarp shelters where, when setting up with poles, you need to clove-hitch the poles or a stick, which can be cumbersome, annoying, and requires a knowledge of knots. After hours of testing, we've learned that tents that use Dyneema Composite Fibers (DCF), with a "tarp tent," or A-frame tarp design utilizing "beaks" or protective vestibules on each side offers the best protection from the elements. Keep in mind that when shopping, you need to look at the weight of these extras if that's something you're interested in and add it to your packed trail weight. Of the three tested, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Square Flat Tarp is the lightest advertised shelter weighing only 0.64 pounds (no stakes or extra cord included). It's also not recommended for snowy weather for this reason. When camping in windy Nevada, this kept us up at night with the tent poles bending and the fabric hitting us in the head! Be sure you set your budget, needs, and wants before committing to an ultralight tent purchase. For such a thin nylon exterior, we are surprised at its level of durability and protection during storms. We highlight ultralight tents that weigh under two pounds with a myriad of designs and options. If you're stuck waiting out days of bad weather (like our unlucky testers), this is the tent you want to be stuck in, as the two vestibules provide ample space for dry storage and cooking. While tarps offer great adaptability, living in one for an extended period can be cumbersome. If you are seeking a versatile tent with good ventilation and all-around good performance, this is an excellent value option that you won't be disappointed in. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The Zpacks Duplex Flex Upgrade easily outperforms the competition with the lavish comforts of a full tent construction at a ridiculously light weight. If they aren't tarp tents (with a zip-up opening), you will always have at least one end open to the world without bug netting. One tester just opted not to use it and use trekking poles instead. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. bivy ounces winterial pounds
