In ultralight backpacking, “The Big Three” isn’t a boy band; it’s your heavy hitters—the backpack, sleep system, and shelter. Trim a pound or two from these, and you’re on your way to a lighter load. Ultralight tents, unlike your ex’s emotional baggage, are light and packable (all but one below weigh less than 3 pounds). From big names like Nemo and Big Agnes to stripped-down shelters from cottage brands, our top picks for 2023 are here to lighten your load. Check out the table and advice below for the nitty-gritty.
Best overall ultralight tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 stands out as a high-performance backpacking tent with dual doors, catering to individuals seeking increased space and comfort beyond the offerings of lighter models. Praised for its skillful design execution, this tent provides a roomy and lightweight shelter, making it a preferred choice for both weekend getaways and extended trips. Tipping the scales at just under three pounds, it features two expansive vestibules that transform into functional awnings, albeit with a touch of finickiness. Quick and hassle-free setup, robust performance in inclement weather, and a coveted spot on our favourite tents list underscore its appeal.
Ideal for solo or partnered backpacking ventures where weight management is paramount, the Copper Spur HV UL2 warrants serious consideration as a valuable addition to your gear collection. While it represents a noteworthy investment, particularly for avid backpackers, there are more budget-friendly alternatives for occasional car camping excursions. Nevertheless, the tent’s undeniable quality shines through, and if used consistently and maintained properly, the initial price tag is outweighed by the reduction in carried weight—an invaluable tradeoff for backpackers prioritising lightweight gear.
Best budget ultralight tent
Durston X-Mid
Meet the Durston X-Mid, the budget-friendly unicorn in the land of ultralight shelters. Clocking in at under 2.5 pounds, it’s got the whole trekking-pole shelter package—solid construction, storm resilience, and room to stretch out. But here’s the punchline: it’s just $280, making it the thrift-store find of ultralight tents.
On a trip through Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness, we marveled at the easy setup (only 4 stakes needed), the fly that stays perky (no saggy nylon here), and the cool double-wall design for breezy nights. Magnetic door keepers, AquaGuard zippers, and a funky parallelogram shape add extra charm. Bonus: you can shed weight by leaving either the inner body or the fly at home.
Now, the Durston magic trick? A slightly heftier weight than the Duplex and a polyester fly that plays it waterproof but might lose its groove over time. Thru-hikers obsessed with ounces might grumble. Still, for the budget-savvy, quality-loving hiker, the X-Mid is a steal. Just watch out for its slightly bigger footprint—it’s the SUV of 2P tents. Going solo? Grab the X-Mid 1 for an even thriftier $240.
Best Single Wall Ultralight Tent
Zpacks Duplex Flex Upgrade
The Zpacks Duplex Flex Upgrade: the VIP suite of ultralight living. It’s like glamping, but your back won’t hate you. Two vestibules make stormy cooking a breeze, and it stands tall in the face of wind tantrums. Bugs? Not invited, thanks to the built-in net. Dyneema fabric laughs at water, making rainy days a joke for this tent.
We’ve put it through Canadian fast-packing, desert climbing, and mountain lake hikes—five years strong and still a rock star. Sure, you need two poles, and the setup plays hard to get. Nighttime? It’s a see-through show. Humidity? Cue the condensation drama. Wallet feeling light? Yeah, this tent isn’t cheap. But if you’ve got the cash and a love for luxury in the wild, it’s the ultralight dream. Waterproof, durable, and as compact as your minimalist heart desires.
Best double wall ultralight tent
Tarptent StrasoSpire Li
The Tarptent StratoSpire Li: where rain and gloom meet their match. With two roomy vestibules, it’s your VIP lounge during stormy days. Need a dry spot for coffee brewing in a downpour? This tent’s got you covered, literally. Waterproof zippers and corner flaps add ounces but bring morning joy.
Sure, it’s a Dyneema diva, and your wallet might feel the burn. But for weather warriors who’d trade gold for a dry morning, it’s a penny well spent. Just pack trekking poles and stakes—this tent is picky about its setup spots. No poles? Tarptent sells ’em at a cost. If you’re weather-obsessed and love a good storm frolic, the StratoSpire Li is your guardian against the elements.
Best solo ultralight tent
Tarptent Aeon Li
Meet the Tarptent Aeon Li: the tent that’s lighter than your lunch. Bug-netting, headroom for a Sasquatch, and a vestibule big enough for your hopes and dreams—all under a pound! Thanks to its fancy carbon-fiber struts, it’s a one-person palace with a narrow footprint, standing tall even for the seven-foot-tall legends among us.
We scratched our heads at the struts, too, but Tarptent nailed it with bombproof stability. Yes, it’s pricey—ideal for the hardcore fast-packer, maybe not the occasional camper with commitment issues. And while it might not adapt to every terrain like a chameleon on a mission, if you’re in the market for the ultimate solo ultralight experience, the Aeon Li gets the green light. Just watch your wallet take a jog.
Best ultralight tent for couples
Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
No more tarp naps for ultralight cred—enter the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P, a tent that takes “lightweight” seriously at just over 2 pounds. It’s got the sleek design of a regular backpacking tent but sheds weight like it’s on a diet. Setting it up is as breezy as its structure, and with two doors and vestibules, you’ve got storage space to spare for you and your tent buddy. The Nemo’s finishes are top-notch, featuring pockets, a headlamp diffuser, and even a Flybar pole clip for more headroom without the guilt of added weight.
Now, the price tag is a jaw-dropper at $650. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Fly Creek HV UL2 will save you $250 and still clock in at a reasonable 2 lb. 5 oz. Alternatively, the Gossamer Gear The Two (1 lb. 8.9 oz.; $320) keeps it light and easy on the wallet. There are sturdier A-frame options out there, too. Sure, the Hornet Elite faces some tough competition, but if you’re willing to drop the cash, it’s the Goldilocks of tents—just right on weight and performance. Also, check out Nemo’s Hornet Osmo 2P, a mere 7 ounces heavier but a hefty $220 lighter on the wallet.
Best single-pole ultralight tent
Nemo OSMO Hornet 1P
In the realm of ultralight tents, where setups can be more complicated than assembling IKEA furniture, the Nemo OSMO Hornet 1P is a refreshing breeze. No need for a PhD in tent engineering—just slide in the wishbone pole, stake it out, and voilà! It’s like the tent version of “easy mode,” making it a friendly option for tent novices and backpackers transitioning from the world of conventional tents, craving a weight drop without the headache.
Now, while the Nemo Oslo won’t win a medal for flexibility, it compensates with simplicity. Forget about crafting your tent layout like a sculptor—this isn’t a tarp in an art studio. Ventilation adjustments? Not the Nemo’s forte. But hey, it does give you the option to ditch the rainfly for a night of stargazing.
The devil is in the details, and Nemo has some devilishly good ones. Cinch straps and their special nylon-polyester blend for the rainfly and tent body show that even in simplicity, they mean business. For the seasoned ultralighter tired of tent Tetris, the Nemo OSMO Hornet 1P deserves a serious nod. Just don’t expect it to moonlight as an origami masterpiece.
Best double-pole ultralight tent
Z-Packs Duplex Zip
If you’re strolling down the PCT, AT, or any long-distance trail in the US, you’ll spot the Zpacks Duplex more than your trail mix. It’s the featherweight champion at just 1 lb. 4.4 oz., using two trekking poles and six stakes for a speedy setup. Despite its weightlessness, it generously hosts two sleepyheads with dual doors and vestibules, and a waterproof prowess thanks to Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)—a fabric that’s pricier than a trailside burger but worth it for gear addicts and thru-hikers.
Sure, the Duplex Zip is lighter than the Hornet Elite, but it’s like introducing a smartphone to someone still using a flip phone—takes a bit to get used to. Pitching requires a bit of finesse (hello, secure stakes or big rocks), and without ventilation caution, it can feel like you’re camping in a swamp. Winds can make it wobbly, but hey, that’s ultralight life.
Competitors like Durston, Hyperlite, and Tarptent throw their DCF hats in the ring, but the Duplex Zip is the polymath. It comes in various sizes, has a non-Zip lighter version (1 lb. 2.5 oz.), and a Flex Kit that transforms it into a freestanding tent (for an extra $149 and 10.2 oz.). In the ultralight tent Olympics, the Duplex takes the gold, proving why it’s the MVP among serious thru-hikers.
Best ultralight tent for tall people
Tarptent Double rainbow Li
The Tarptent Double Rainbow stands out as a lightweight and adaptable backpacking tent suitable for solo or dual occupancy. Its noteworthy feature lies in its pitching versatility, accommodating both semi-freestanding and fully freestanding configurations with the inclusion of trekking poles. The tent impressively compresses into a small form factor and includes a well-rounded set of features. Nevertheless, certain drawbacks warrant consideration. While offering ample ventilation choices, the tent’s fly is inseparable from the structure, limiting modularity. Additionally, the floor’s low sides pose challenges in preventing dirt ingress.
Comfort-wise, the Double Rainbow excels in its size category, particularly favoring taller and slimmer occupants. The 7’3″ or 223cm length surpasses many sub-three-pound tents in this evaluation, offering a more generous space. The tent’s rectangular, non-tapered footprint ensures a uniform height from door to door, facilitating comfortable simultaneous sitting for two occupants. However, the optional condensation-resistant liner slightly compromises functional headroom by a few inches. Overall, the Tarptent Double Rainbow strikes a balance between durability and value, making it a commendable choice for tall people and can accommodate two if needed.
Best extreme conditions ultralight tent
Samaya 2.0
While most backpackers tend to be fair-weather enthusiasts (guilty as charged), if you refuse to let the elements dictate your adventures, a 4-season tent might be your ally. These tents boast freestanding, aerodynamic designs, robust poles, minimal mesh, and additional guy-out points—crafted to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. While many 4-season tents tip the scales at a hefty 10 pounds, ultralight options cater to weight-conscious climbers, mountaineers, and intrepid UL backpackers. Leading the pack is the Samaya 2.0, a featherweight at 3 pounds 5 ounces, delivering formidable protection against wind and precipitation.
Yes, the Samaya 2.0 is a financial commitment, but when battling fierce winds on a Cascades volcano or hunkering down in a Patagonian valley, your bank account won’t be top of mind. Unlike many lightweight 4-season tents, the 2.0 goes beyond water resistance—it’s downright waterproof, thanks to its Dyneema floor, roof, and door awning that stand firm against wetting out or sagging over time. Samaya’s choice of the 3-layer Nanovent fabric in the tent body enhances breathability during stormy tent-bound episodes. In essence, the 2.0 is a meticulously designed tent that justifies the investment for serious users. For those seeking an even lighter option, Samaya presents the all-Dyneema Assault2 Ultra, a mere 2 pounds 5 ounces of lightweight perfection, albeit with a staggering price tag of $2,100.
Summary
There are a lot of options on the market and it keeps growing year by year at a crazy pace! It’s really crucial for you to understand what you’ll be doing and your individual needs before committing to a tent that might not suit you.
That’s why we’ve created UltralightGearPicker – to help you quickly and easily find the best solution for you! Simply complete the 10-second quiz and we’ll create the absolute best gear setup for you.