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Finest Ultralight Tents for Through Mountain climbing & Backpacking [2024]


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This can be a gear assessment about the perfect ultralight tents for backpacking and thru-hiking in 2024.

The Finest Backpacking tents of 2024 are getting higher, lighter, and extra compact. This 12 months a lot of the large corporations akin to NEMO, Huge Agnes, Zpacks, Six Moon Designs, and Hyperlite Mountain Gear have superior further gentle variations of their common backpacking ultralight tents.

In 2024 there isn’t any want to take a look at heavy tents until you intend on mountaineering or visiting the windy excessive latitudes, then you will want 4 Season Winter Tents.

Some ultralight hikers may even desire an Ultralight Tarp to chop their base weight down as little as doable. However for many hikers, a light-weight backpacking tent is the most suitable choice so I’ve additionally included the perfect backpacking tents.

In case you are available in the market for a brand new tent there are lots of choices. An excellent high quality tent might be a compromise on price, weight, sturdiness, and measurement however its major perform is to maintain you dry and cozy. I’ve narrowed down the selection of the perfect ultralight backpacking tents under.

I’ve been utilizing and testing a number of of the newly up to date ultralight tents in latest months and have been utilizing ultralight tents for a few years. I’ve used that information and expertise to hand-pick solely the perfect tents for ultralight hikers for 2024.


How We Examined

All of the Ultralight Backpacking Tents on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the skilled creator who has a few years of expertise in Through-Mountain climbing, Backpacking, and Mountain climbing. A few of the tents had been bought and a few had been provided by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in all types of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to provide you with the perfect ultralight tents for 2024. Learn the Overview Coverage for additional particulars.

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Finest Ultralight Backpacking Tents 2024

The Finest Ultralight Backpacking Tents in 2024 are:

Finest Ultralight 1P Tent – Total

ZPacks Plex Solo

Zpacks Plex Solo Ultralight 1P TentZpacks Plex Solo Ultralight 1P Tent

Weight: 13.9 oz / 395 grams
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Very small pack measurement
> Solely wants 1 trekking pole and 6 tent stakes to arrange
Cons:
> Not the most affordable
> You’ll want to buy tent stakes and a trekking pole individually

Solo ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers are a particular breed of individuals. And those that need to carry solely the necessities with the lightest doable weight have to look no additional. The Zpacks Plex Solo is the lightest tent in the marketplace. Not solely is it a light-weight tent, but it surely has good climate resistance and a small pack measurement.

The Zpacks Plex Solo trekking pole shelters solely wants one trekking pole to arrange. This works completely with the rising pattern amongst ultralight thru-hikers to solely carry one trekking pole. And it’s fast and simple to arrange while you arrive at camp.

For a 1 individual tent, there may be sufficient room inside however most of your gear will should be saved within the vestibule space. If this doesn’t be just right for you, then a 2 individual tent is perhaps a greater possibility, even when mountain climbing solo.

Made with Dyneema Composite Materials (formally generally known as Cuban Fiber) it has a number of benefits over nylon tents. It won’t sag when moist and could be very waterproof. Add to that the manufacturing facility seam sealing that comes with the tent and you’ve got a strong tent in dangerous climate.

Total, the Zpacks Plex Solo is the perfect ultralight 1P tent for 2024.

Finest Ultralight 2P Tent – Total

Zpacks Duplex Zip Trekking Pole Tent

Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent ReviewZpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

Weight: 20.4 oz / 577 grams
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Waterproof and seam sealed
> Good in dangerous climate
> Small pack measurement
> Good inside dimensions for two folks
Cons:
> Not low cost

The ZPacks Duplex Tent has been round for a number of years and has cemented itself as among the finest ultralight thru-hiking tents. The addition of zips on the vestibule has improved the stormproofing of the tent which provides it extra enchantment for these tenting in dangerous climate.

Like all Zpacks Tents, it’s made with Dyneema (Cuben Fiber) which isn’t solely light-weight however sturdy and has the added benefit of not sagging when it’s moist like nylon tents. The latest addition of the zips makes this tent superior in dangerous climate.

Once I examined this tent I appreciated the best way the underside of the zips are connected to the tent pegs through a wire and hooks system. This nicely thought out design just isn’t seen on too many different tents and means that you can hold the tent pitched solidly when the zips are closed, open, or with just one aspect of the vestibule open. It additionally permits the zips to be simply zipped all the best way to the underside with out problem. Whereas it’s fiddly to make use of the very first time, it’s a easy characteristic like this that units this tent other than many others within the area.

The Zpacks Duplex Zip tent is a non-freestanding tent. It wants trekking poles or poles from Zpacks that aren’t included in both the load or price of the tent 2.5 oz (71 grams).

I used to be in a position to simply arrange this tent with 6 ultralight tent stakes, however 8 tent stakes will make the tent extra bombproof in windy climate.

The interior dimension of the Duplex is enough for 2 backpackers to sleep comfortably. However your backpack and kit will should be saved within the vestibule space. There are handly inside storage pockets which might be nice on your cellphone, PLB, and headlamp.

The Zip model is barely about $50 costlier and 1.4 oz / 38 grams heavier than the non-zip model, however in my view, it’s a significantly better possibility. The one caveat could be when you had been mountain climbing in areas that had been dry more often than not with solely occasional rain. PCT thru-hike could be an excellent instance of when the non-zip model could be higher as there might be a number of days of rain on the path.

Total, the Zpacks Duplex Zip is a well-designed ultralight 2-person tent. It’s best fitted to ultra-lightweight Through Hikers or backpackers wanting among the finest and lightest trekking pole shelters in the marketplace. The zips on the vestibule provide superior waterproof ranges from this already bombproof tent.

Finest Ultralight 3P Tent – Total

Zpacks Triplex Trekking Pole Tent

Zpacks Triplex reviewZpacks Triplex review

Weight: 21.6 oz / 612 grams
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Waterproof and seam sealed
> Good in dangerous climate
> Small pack measurement
Cons:
> A bit tight for 3 folks, however good for two folks
> Not low cost

With regards to ultralight 3-person tents or a 2-person tent with a beneficiant quantity of room then this might be for you. The tent is made with Dyneema to be as gentle and powerful as doable.

The Zpacks Triplex is available in each a zipper model and a normal (non-zip) model. The zip model is about $50 costlier and provides a few ounces. In case you are constantly trekking in areas with dangerous climate then this would be the most suitable choice for you. In case you are mountain climbing in areas with usually good climate then similar some cash and weight with the usual model.

I’ve extensively used and examined the non-zip model and discover it to be very roomy as a two-person tent and enough as a 3 individual tent. In actual fact, I believe this tent could be good for 2 folks with 1 youngster or perhaps a canine.

This can be a 3-person trekking pole tent so you will want a set of trekking poles or use the Zpacks Tent Poles. Additionally, you will want so as to add your individual tent stakes to arrange this tent as they don’t include the tent as customary. And like all trekking pole tents, after you have set it up a few occasions it is extremely straightforward and fast to arrange.

The Zpacks Triplex is a really sturdy tent and may final a number of years with care, or round 300 plus nights of use.

The Zpacks Triplex is the perfect ultralight 3-person tent and is likely one of the present editor’s alternative tents for 2024.

Finest Freestanding Ultralight Tent

Huge Agnes Fly Creek Carbon

Big Agnes Fly Creek Carbon Ultralight Tent ReviewBig Agnes Fly Creek Carbon Ultralight Tent Review

Weight: 1P 16 oz / 454 grams
Weight: 2P 18 oz / 510 grams
Execs:

> Semi-free standing
> Extraordinarily Light-weight
> Finest as a thru-hiking tent for hikers who’re very cautious with their gear
Cons:
> Prohibitively costly
> Extraordinarily Fragile
> Tunnel-style tent can really feel like crawling right into a cave

Take the design of the Fly Creek add Carbon Fibre Poles and marry that with Dyneema Composite Cloth and you’ve got the Huge Agnes Fly Creek Carbon.

The Fly Creek HV2 Carbon is a double wall tent that weighs solely 18 oz / 510 grams. The one individual model, the Fly Creek Carbon HV 1P weighs 18 oz / 510 grams.

Made out of Dyneema material (beforehand generally known as Cuban Fibre), this represents a quantum leap in light-weight free-standing tents. However let me make one factor very clear. These backpacking tents usually are not solely tremendous light-weight however way more delicate than different tents. Let me clarify.

The poles are produced from Carbon Fibre which isn’t solely very sturdy and light-weight. They’re stronger and costlier than different tent poles however like all tents, tent poles do break. When that occurs with carbon fiber, it can splinter and shatter.

Total, this tent is for the very area of interest ultralight thru-hiker who understands that this tent should be cared for and solely actually utilized by skilled folks. Whereas it’s a promising various to the ultralight Dyneema Tents from Hyperlight Mountain Gear and ZPacks I’m keen to attend some time to see how this tent evolves within the coming years.

Finest Light-weight 1P Tent – Total

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1P Tent

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1P tentHyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1P tent

Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz / 480 grams
Execs:

> Very Light-weight Tent
> Stormproof
> Small pack measurement
> Good guarantee and after gross sales service from HMG
Cons:
> Not the most affordable tent

The newly up to date Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultramid 1 individual tent is a really sturdy tent that may work very nicely in dangerous climate. It’s only a few grams heavier than the Zpacks Plex Solo and is a worthy light-weight tent for backpackers and thru-hikers.

Made with sag-proof Dyneema materials which is tremendous waterproof. No want to fret when the climate turns dangerous as this 1-person tent has you lined. Whereas you wouldn’t need to be tentbound on this tent for a number of days it’s good to realize it won’t allow you to down in dangerous climate.

Total, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultramid 1P Tent could be very strong and greatest suited to somebody wanting one of many lightest 1-person tents with the utmost quantity of weatherproof potential.

Finest Light-weight Tent – Total

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent ReviewHyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent Review

Weight: 24 oz / 680 grams
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Very Waterproof
> Nice Waterproof Zips
> Excellent for Through-Mountain climbing
> 2 vestibules
Cons:
> Not the Least expensive
> You’ll want to use trekking poles
> Tent Stakes not included

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent is the most recent ultralight single-wall tent in the marketplace in 2024. This spectacular brand-new tent from HMG is certain to turn into one of many extra common thru-hiking tents on the paths this 12 months.

Made with among the finest supplies for ultralight tents, Dyneema Composite Fiber. Once I used and examined this tent I appreciated the very small pack measurement and ultralight weight. The tent just isn’t solely light-weight, however it’s sturdy and it is likely one of the greatest at school in relation to its waterproof potential.

I appreciated the two giant vestibules which might be sufficiently big to retailer your gear when within the backcountry. The waterproof zips on the vestibule are a pleasant contact, and so are the magnetic clips that you need to use to maintain the vestibule doorways open while you need extra air flow within the tent.

This 2-person tent has sufficient room for many backpackers. I’m not the tallest individual, however I used to be in a position to sleep within the tent and nonetheless have sufficient room to retailer my backpack at my ft. So, even tall hikers will match inside with out dealing with the problem of getting their heads or ft touching the ends of the tent.

The tent has comparable dimensions to the Zpack tent talked about above. I examined and used these tents collectively. They comply with the same design to many different ultralight trekking pole tents. The generous-sized vestibule and waterproof zips make this an enchancment on most of the types from different producers. Whereas this does add a little bit of weight, I imagine it’s value it for the advantage of having a totally enclosed tent, particularly in inclement climate.

Total, I’m struggling to search out too many damaging to say about this tent. The Newly Launched Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P tent is spectacular. It’s proper up there as the perfect ultralight backpacking tent, which is certain to be extraordinarily common on thru-hiking trails this 12 months.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultramid 2 Overview

Weight: 18.7 oz / 534 grams
Execs:

> Light-weight backpacking tent
> Is a real 4 season tent
> Spacious
> Sturdy and Resilient 
> Giant Vestibule
> Good guarantee and repair
Cons:
> Premium Product which is Costly
> Zippers Require Care

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultramid 2 is likely one of the greatest light-weight tents produced from ultra-light Dyneema Composite Fiber (Cuban Fibre) Tent.

It has a path weight of solely 18.85oz / 534grams. It’s extra spacious, lighter, and produced from a a lot stronger grade of cloth than Zpacks.

The upper grade Dyneema materials makes the tent costlier. It additionally wants the addition of a Waterproof Ground and Mosquito mesh, weighing 22.1 oz / 627 grams, if utilized in mosquito nation. That brings the entire tent weight together with the ground and mosquito web to

Additionally, the mesh insert is strong and doesn’t require using a floor sheet to guard the material. It’s powerful.

The Ultramid 2 is dear and also you additionally have to buy the Full Mesh Internal tent physique. That may be a large outlay for a light-weight tent. It’s good to know it’s lined by an excellent guarantee. However it’s costly. Is it definitely worth the worth? I requested a few seasoned adventurers. 

Bethany ‘Fidget’ Hughes and Lauren ‘Neon’ Reed used this backpacking tent in Patagonia on their epic journey thru-hiking the entire size of South America. We had been impressed with the inside house contained in the tent, as we each have tall torsos and like a good quantity of non-public house.

The double trekking pole/tent pole center created a straightforward marker as to whose aspect was which and had been in a position to sleep comfortably with our gear lining the sting of the tent.

We opted for the floorless mesh insert which offered safety from the biting flies. As with nearly all outside gear I’ve used, the very first thing to fail was the zipper, so upkeep and periodically lubricating the zipper is advisable.

The Dyneema material was sturdy, and extraordinarily gentle, and the vents on the high in addition to controlling the quantity of house between the bottom of the tent and the bottom allowed for good air flow and might be adjusted to prioritize heat.

It was fast to arrange and has good climate resistance, having the ability to stand up to gale drive winds, hail, snow, and driving rain. All in all, the perfect ultralight tent I’ve ever used.

Observe their unbelievable Journey from the very southern tip of South America to the northern tip of North America. A multi-year journey of journey. https://her-odyssey.org/  –  Her Odyssey on FaceBook

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear is the perfect pyramid-design backpacking tent for 2024. The mixture of a lightweight tent weight, nice climate resistance, and a fairly giant flooring space make this the perfect 2-person backpacking tent in the mean time.

Finest Funds Ultralight Tent

Six Moon Designs Lunar Overview

Six Moon Design Lunar Solo ReviewSix Moon Design Lunar Solo Review

Weight: 26 oz / 740 grams
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Good sized vestibule which is sufficiently big for a backpack
> Solely wants 1 trekking pole to arrange
> Nice Value
Cons:
> 1P solely however there’s a 2P Duo is a superb possibility for two folks.

The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is an superior ultralight trekking pole-style tent. This tent is greatest suited to the ultralight solo hiker who desires a high quality tent constructed to resist a long-distance thru-hike.

In case you are planning to thru-hike then you’ll in all probability be utilizing ultralight trekking poles so they’ll turn out to be useful to arrange this tent and prevent some cash as you’ll not want to purchase the separate poles to arrange this tarp-style tent.

There’s loads of air flow on this tent which is able to make it nicely suited to damp trails, nonetheless, this could be an ideal tent for a solo hiker wanting the greatest finances ultralight tent for the PCT. It will probably’t compete with the Zpacks vary for weight however it’s fairly a bit cheaper.

Total, the is likely one of the greatest finances ultralight tents in the marketplace. Finest fitted to ultralight solo hikers on a finances.

Finest 2P Backpacking Tent

Nemo Hornet OSMO Overview

Nemo Hornet OSMO Tent ReviewNemo Hornet OSMO Tent Review

Weight – 1P 29 oz / 822 grams
Weight – 2P 33 oz / 948 grams
Weight – 3P 45 oz / 1280 grams
Execs:
> Good worth for cash
> Light-weight semi-freestanding tent
> Strong in dangerous climate
> Nice guarantee and after-sales service
Cons:
> The tent pegs bend simply when you use a rock on exhausting floor
> The within mesh is susceptible to ripping close to the pole connection loop

The upgraded Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P Tent is one in every of my favourite backpacking tents. I used the earlier mannequin of the Nemo Hornet for nicely over 500 nights. Nearly each element of the tent has been reviewed, upgraded, improved, or changed, making this an nearly model new mannequin of the tent from Nemo.

The Nemo Hornet is available in three sizes, particularly the 1P, 2P and 3P. I need to admit I desire the Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P model with the 2 doorways and two vestibules, even when mountain climbing solo. I think about it among the finest light-weight 2-person tents.

The Inside house of the Nemo Hornet OSMO 2-person tent is a decent squeeze for 2 folks. In actual fact, I’d say if you wish to use this tent for 2 folks then think about the marginally bigger Nemo Dagger or comparable.

The tent poles are the brand new featherlite NSL poles from DAC that are very gentle and really sturdy.

The newly up to date OSMO ripstop materials reduces sag when moist which has all the time been a difficulty with most tents. Whereas it reduces sag by a claimed 300% it’s but to match the tents produced from Dyneema which affords the perfect at school anti-sag materials.

The one subject is the within mesh close to the pole connection loop is susceptible to tearing over a protracted time period.

Total, it is likely one of the greatest light-weight mountain climbing tents in the marketplace. There’s a cause you will notice this tent on so many backpacking trails in the mean time. It’s a good strong alternative. I desire the light-weight 2 Individual tent which has extra inside house for gear storage and is my favourite alternative.

This must be the Finest Tent for the Appalachian Path.

Finest 1P Backpacking Tent

Nemo Hornet OSMO Elite Overview

Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO ReviewNemo Hornet Elite OSMO Review

Weight – 1P 23 oz / 657 grams
Weight
– 2P 27 oz / 879 grams
Execs:

> Probably the greatest light-weight semi-freestanding tent
> Strong in dangerous climate
> Extremely Light-weight Tent
> Nice guarantee and after-sales service
Cons:
> Not Low-cost
> In very heavy rain water can splash by way of the mesh

The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO is actually a lighter specification model of the Nemo Hornet. It makes use of lighter recycled Denier Cloth on the tent physique and it makes use of extra mesh than the common OSMO Hornet to scale back the packed weight by round 5oz. And the lighter tent flooring helps hold the load down too.

The result’s that this is likely one of the lightest semi-freestanding double wall tents. The 2P model has two doorways and two vestibules which might be fairly roomy.

The Nemo Hornet Elite is a little bit of a decent squeeze for 2 folks. There won’t be an excessive amount of room for backpacking gear contained in the tent.

The Nemo Hornet OSMO Elite is costlier than the traditional Nemo Hornet. Is it value the additional worth for this ultralight tent? In case you are going extremely gentle then I’d say sure.

Total, the Nemo Hornet OSMO Elite is likely one of the lightest semi-freestanding ultralight tents that will be the perfect backpacking tent for a solo hiker wanting extra inside house than a one-person tent in a single extremely gentle bundle.

Finest 3P Backpacking Tent

Huge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Overview

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Backpacking TentBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Backpacking Tent

Weight: 1P 34 oz /964 grams
Weight: 2P 43 oz / 1219 grams
Weight: 3P 3 lb. 8 oz / 1588 grams
Execs:

> Good worth for cash for the UL model
among the finest light-weight freestanding tent
> Strong in dangerous climate
> Light-weight, the platinum model is the perfect ultralight freestanding tent.
Cons:
> Slightly heavier than different tents on this assessment

I used Huge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 whereas mountain climbing elements of the Pacific Crest Path and Bikepacking by way of Mexico. I like this backpacking tent. However is the 3-person model that’s actually nice as a 3P Backpacking tent. Whereas it’s on the heavy aspect, there’s a lot to love

The Huge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 is likely one of the extra spacious ultralight tents. It has a big inside house for a 3-person light-weight backpacking tent. There are two doorways and two vestibules which might be sufficiently big to cook dinner in if the climate is dangerous.

Many individuals report that the tents are barely much less waterproof than Nemo however as I’ve used each I imagine they’re equal of their waterproofness.

Total this is likely one of the greatest freestanding backpacking tents, in truth, it’s the greatest 3P backpacking tent for 2024. An excellent steadiness between the inside measurement, price, and light-packed weight. Really helpful for a pair wanting further room or a beneficiant sized three-person backpacking tent.

Finest Backpacking Tunnel Tent

Huge Agnes Fly Creek HV UL

Big Agnes HV UL Solution Dye TentBig Agnes HV UL Solution Dye Tent

Weight: 1P 27 oz / 765 grams
Weight: 2P 31 oz / 878 grams
Execs:

> Semi-free standing
> Light-weight
> Affordable Value contemplating how gentle it’s
Cons:
> Tunnel-style tent can really feel like crawling right into a cave
> Not a lot room inside

The Huge Agnes Fly Creek backpacking tent is likely one of the hottest light-weight semi-freestanding tents on the long-distance mountain climbing trails of the world.

I thru-hiked half the Pacific Crest Path with this tent. It is rather straightforward to arrange and works fairly nicely at conserving the dangerous climate exterior.

I need to admit that I’m not the most important fan of tunnel-style tents. It seems like crawling right into a cave. I a lot desire aspect entry tents so whereas the type of the tent doesn’t work for me, all the things else works nice.

Having mentioned that, there are lots of followers of this tent for good cause. This is likely one of the lightest freestanding tents in the marketplace at 29oz /822 grams for the 1P and 32oz / 907 grams for the 2P.

If you need an ultralight freestanding tent this is perhaps your tent. Not too many dangerous issues to say about it, nicely, besides that it isn’t a aspect entry tent. With regards to an ultralight double walled tent, this is likely one of the higher ones on the market.


Testing the Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag Quilt and Zpacks Triplex Ultralight TentTesting the Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag Quilt and Zpacks Triplex Ultralight Tent
Testing the Zpacks Triplex close to the seaside

Better of the Relaxation

The next tents usually are not on the primary checklist however not as a result of they weren’t adequate however as a result of those above had been superior and a few of them I’ve not had an opportunity to check personally but.

  • Nemo Dagger OSMO – The Nemo Dagger OSMO is a freestanding model of the extremely popular Nemo Hornet. It has a greater pole configuration that offers a bit extra inside house for 2 folks sharing this backpacking tent.
  • Macpac Duolight – On the heavy aspect the Macpac Duolight is barely obtainable in Australia and New Zealand. The Macpac Duolight 2-person bushwalking / tramping tent has a bigger inside house than all the opposite tents on this assessment and is the one tent with a real bathtub flooring that’s extra waterproof than most rain jackets with a large 10000 hydrostatic head score! Going into actually moist areas and don’t thoughts your tent being twice as heavy then this might be the tent for you.
  • REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL – The REI Co-Op Quarter Dome is likely one of the greatest finances backpacking tents. It’s a good compromise between price, light-weight, and good performance. As a high quality finances possibility, it’s a worthy contender.
  • MSR Hubba Hubba NX – I beforehand owned the older MSR Hubba Hubba and cherished the inside house, twin doorways, and vestibules but it surely was a heavy tent compared to all of the others on this assessment. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is gentle however not ultralight, good however not nice however very useful. It’s a good selection for {couples} wanting an excellent high quality bigger 2-person tent at an inexpensive worth.
  • Tarptent Stratosphere Li – The Tarptent Stratosphere Li is likely one of the lightest Dyneema tents however very costly.
  • Tarptent Double Rainbow Li – One other light-weight tent possibility from Tarptent that can also be very gentle and costly.
  • Tarptent Aeon Li – Ultralight and weighs beneath a pound/half a kilo, and a robust one-person tent.
  • Durston X Mid – The Durston X Mid is one other light-weight backpacking tent possibility
  • 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 – The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 is a light-weight finances tent that performs nicely and is a fraction of the price of different tents.
  • Gossamer Gear The One – The Gossamer Gear The One is an efficient light-weight one-person tent.
  • Gossamer Gear The Two – The Gossamer Gear The Two is an efficient light-weight two-person tent.
Gear Testing tents under the starsGear Testing tents under the stars
Gear Testing the Nemo Hornet Tent beneath the celebs

Ultralight Tent Comparability Desk

Supply: Producers

Ultralight Tent Consumers Information


Value

With regards to Backpacking Tents worth is essential and also you don’t have to lay our a fortune on a tent. A lot of the tents on this assessment usually are not low cost, they’re all the perfect light-weight tents obtainable in the mean time. With that prime worth comes good high quality, an excellent guarantee, and lots of nights of use within the backcountry.

Total, in relation to worth for cash and a light-weight backpacking tent the cash is nicely spent and a tent might be thought-about one of many greatest purchases you’ll make.

Zpacks Duplex Zip interior and vestibuleZpacks Duplex Zip interior and vestibule
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is on the dear aspect however has sufficient room for two folks and tremendous light-weight

Packaged Weight vs. Path Weight

Packaged Weight refers back to the weight of the tent together with all of the tent pegs and tent baggage, Tent poles and pole baggage, man ropes, tent baggage, and restore package.

Path Weight is usually known as the minimal path weight and often refers back to the weight of the tent physique, fly, and poles solely. It not often contains issues akin to stuff sacks or tent pegs.


Bathtub Ground

A tub flooring refers back to the heavy-duty flooring that traces the beneath aspect of the inside tent. It’s waterproof and often covers sufficient of the ground earlier than it rises as much as the mesh part of the doorways. The bath flooring is tremendous essential in conserving the rain and moisture from coming into from beneath the ground of the tent.

Bathtub floor in snow and heavy rainBathtub floor in snow and heavy rain
Glad to have a bath flooring in snow and heavy rain

Finest Materials for Tents

The commonest materials utilized in tent building is Silnylon and Dyneema which is often known as Cuban Fiber.

Silnylon is an inexpensive and light-weight rip-stop nylon that’s impregnated with silicon and made to be waterproof. It’s made in several thicknesses that are sometimes called denier. 20 denier material is taken into account ultralight.

Dyneema Composite Fiber is tremendous costly however has superior power to weight. It additionally performs nicely as a tent materials because it won’t sag when it will get moist, not like Silnylon.

Best material for tents Silnylon and DyneemaBest material for tents Silnylon and Dyneema
Silnylon and Dyneema are two of the perfect materials for tents

Tunnel Tent vs Aspect Entry Tent

When Tunnel Tents Are Higher

Tunnel Tents have both one or two entry areas at both finish of the tent. When sleeping contained in the tent the top is on the entry of the tent. These tents usually have superior safety towards storms and powerful wind. They typically have significantly better climate safety.

On the draw back, it may possibly really feel just like the hiker is coming into and exiting a cave as they crawl inside and pivot round into the sleep place.

Why are Aspect Entry Tents Higher

Aspect entry tents are a lot simpler to stay with. The hiker can enter and exit the tent rather a lot simpler. There’s usually extra cupboard space within the vestibule of those tents. In dangerous climate, they’re often not as sturdy however could make cooking within the vestibule simpler on most of those types of tents.

Which is Higher a Tunnel Tent or a Aspect Entry Tent?

Having used and tents each types of those tents through the years I’ve a private choice for side-entry tents and imagine that the perfect backpacking tents are side-entry tents. They simply work higher for most individuals together with myself.

Tunnel Tent or Side entry tent in use in Yellowstone NP on the CDTTunnel Tent or Side entry tent in use in Yellowstone NP on the CDT
Tunnel Tent or Aspect entry tent in use in Yellowstone NP on the CDT

Inside House

Inside house is split into 3 sections, the inside flooring dimensions, the peak of the tent often known as the height top, and the slope of the tent.

  • Inside Ground Dimensions are a compromise between having the biggest quantity of house for the minimal quantity of weight but making the design sturdy sufficient to resist dangerous climate. The tent needs to be giant sufficient for tall hikers and if it’s a 2-person backpacking tent there needs to be sufficient room for each hikers contained in the tent. However it’s a compromise, extra inside flooring space equals extra weight and for a tent to be ultralight it will likely be a decent squeeze for many {couples}. Typically {couples} desire a 3-person tent for the only real objective of getting extra inside flooring space.
  • Peak Peak is actually how tall the tent is. Most individuals need to have the ability to sit up contained in the tent with out their heads hitting the roof. Decrease tents provide higher climate resistance at the price of consolation. Like most individuals, I desire a tent I can sit in.
  • Slope refers the how steep of an angle the tent partitions are. Steep partitions imply the tent will shed water simpler however that comes at the price of the flexibility to offer good climate resistance in very windy climate.
Interior space of a tentInterior space of a tent
The inside house of a 1P tent is simply sufficiently big for 1 individual however not a lot gear

A footprint is a small layer of fabric that goes in between the bottom and the ground of the tent. The aim is to offer extra safety to the ground of the tent. Generally, this isn’t wanted and is a waste of cash, and solely provides further weight.

There are occasions when a footprint might be a good suggestion akin to when tenting in deserts or areas with sharp thorns or muddy situations when the additional layer of safety can help.

Most producers make their very own customized footprints however most are heavy and costly. A less expensive possibility is to come up with some Tyvek which is utilized in buildings for management of moisture. Ultralight floor sheets might be made through the use of Polycryo which is utilized by painters as a drop sheet.

Total, using a footprint might be as much as you. I’ve used them on quite a few events and personally, I don’t like them. However when mountain climbing by way of areas with sharp thorns and respect the added safety for an inflatable sleeping mat.


1P Tent vs 2P Tent vs 3P tent

A 2-person backpacking tent is extra common than a 1-person ultralight tent. A solo hiker can profit from the extra house and skill to hike with one other individual infrequently.

  • 1P Tent – A 1 individual tent is often ultralight however is a decent squeeze for the backpacker and their gear. With most of those small tents, the gear must be saved exterior the inside tent within the vestibule. They need to be lengthy sufficient and tall sufficient so even large hikers can match inside with out touching the partitions of the tent. Most 1 individual tents include just one vestibule and one door.
  • 2P Tent – 2-person tents are the most well-liked as each solo hikers and {couples} can match inside. However let’s be sincere most 2-person tents are a decent squeeze and there may be little room inside for 2 folks and definitely not their gear which should be saved exterior. Most two-person tents include two doorways and two vestibules.
  • 3P Tents – 3 Individual tents are the favorites of {couples} and associates who go backpacking collectively because of the further inside room. Some {couples} go mountain climbing with their canine and love the additional room of the three P tents. Typically the two doorways and vestibules usually are not wanted to retailer an excessive amount of gear as there may be sufficient inside. The three-person tent can also be loved by younger households desirous to take a younger youngster on brief in a single day backpacking journeys.

Doorways and Vestibules

The doorways and vestibules of tents are nearly as essential as different inside flooring house. Having 2 doorways and a pair of vestibules makes the residing preparations for folks sharing a tent so significantly better. Solo hikers solely want a single door and vestibule for all their gear and want it to be sufficiently big to stay comfortably in even the worst climate.

Like most individuals, I desire 2 doorways and vestibules however not for a similar cause as most individuals. An additional advantage of getting two vestibules and two doorways has extra to do with the climate. Whenever you arrange a tent at night time completely to have safety from the wind and rain solely to have it change path in a single day. The flexibility to make use of the opposite door and vestibule for cooking or getting out and in of the tent when it’s raining or very windy is an additional advantage.

Twin Door and Twin Vestibule Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Ultralight TentTwin Door and Twin Vestibule Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Ultralight Tent
Testing the HMG Unbound 2P whereas tenting close to the seaside

Single Wall vs Double Wall

Single wall tents are often a lot lighter and are often non-freestanding tents that require using trekking poles to arrange. When mixed with materials akin to Dyneema they make for a really light-weight backpacking tent.

Double wall tents often have an inside tent with numerous mesh for air flow and might usually be arrange with out the outer tent fly making this an ideal possibility for warm climate journey within the tropics or on these heat summer time nights. These tents are higher at coping with inside condensation because the inside tent has the flexibility to guard towards drips.

Testing the BA Copper Spur within the desert of Mexico. The inside tent provides to the air flow.

Tent Air flow

With the ability to scale back condensation on chilly moist nights is equally essential and permits the breeze to chill the within of the tent when it’s tremendous scorching. Double-walled tents are higher in relation to air flow and have the additional advantage of getting the inside part of the tent that may be pitched with out the fly.

When it’s arrange it will be significant that the tent is designed to have the ability to catch no matter cross breeze there may be to scale back the inner humidity and scale back condensation.

Well ventilated inner tentWell ventilated inner tent
Testing the air flow of the Nemo Hornet whereas tenting on the CDT in Wyoming.

Climate Resistance

A lot of the tents on this assessment will stand up to the kind of parts that the setting will throw at you throughout 3 season backpacking journeys. They’ll stand up to an excellent quantity of wind, gentle dustings of snow, and heavy rain. They’ll all work nicely within the tropics as they’ve good air flow and can insulate in all however the coldest temperatures under freezing.

Weather protection of tents during a light dusting of snow.Weather protection of tents during a light dusting of snow.
Testing the Huge Agnes Copper Spur for climate resistant in snow on the PCT.

Tent Pegs and Poles

Tent pegs are available in all shapes, sizes, and weights.

  • Tent Pegs – The ultralight hiker will desire to pay for some tremendous light-weight pegs produced from titanium. These are sturdy, gentle, and costly however for the gram-counting thru-hiker, they’re definitely worth the cash. Most of us might be glad with the aluminum tent pegs offered by the producer. If you wish to improve, check out The Finest Tent Stakes Overview.
  • Tent Poles – Tents poles are so significantly better now than they had been 20 years in the past. The sunshine aluminum poles stand up to sturdy wind earlier than they break. All producers can ship out sections of poles in the event that they break. the commonest method of breaking a pole just isn’t having the female and male sections of the pole seated collectively appropriately. Some tents require using Trekking Poles to carry the tent up.
  • Carbon Fiber Tent Poles – Carbon Fiber tent poles are the most recent improvement within the effort to avoid wasting weight. These poles are nonetheless of their first years of use and will definitely get higher with time. Simply notice that carbon poles have a horrible aspect impact of shattering once they break. So is the additional weight saving value it simply but!
Tent pegs and poles being tested with ultralight tentsTent pegs and poles being tested with ultralight tents
Tent pegs from most producers are nice however Titanium is lighter, stronger, and costlier.

Adaptability

When trying to purchase a tent you will need to know precisely what the meant use might be. Some folks will need the perfect tent for thru-hiking, others will need the tent for automotive tenting, others like to go canoeing and a few will need the tent for use for Bikepacking, bicycle touring, or every other outside exercise. When looking for a tent attempt to have the tip person in thoughts and discover a tent that may adapt to no matter use you propose.

Using a tent that is adaptable for hiking and bicycle touring Using a tent that is adaptable for hiking and bicycle touring
Bike Touring with the Nemo Hornet at excessive altitude over 4000 meters in Ecuador.

Tent Care and Repairing Zips

Tents should be washed recurrently and zippers should be clear and recurrently maintained. With just a little bit of normal upkeep, your tent will final for 100s if not 1000s of nights earlier than needing to get replaced.

Cleansing a Tent

A tent needs to be washed in gentle cleaning soap when wanted and solely ever saved when it’s fully dry. Failure to retailer a tent when it’s dry will trigger mould and different nasties to destroy the tent material.

Taking care of Zips

Zips are an element that may ultimately put on out. Maintain the enamel of the zipper clear and lubricate infrequently with a dry lubricant solely. My choice is to run a candle alongside the enamel to permit the wax to sit down on the enamel and act as a dry lubricant.

Find out how to Repair Zipper Slides

Zipper slides will ultimately put on out and should be changed. Often, the entire tent has been used and abused by then and is totally worn out and must be changed. If a zipper slide fails to shut the tent as within the photograph above it may be simply solved through the use of pliers to crimp the sides of the slider ever so barely so the slide grips the enamel higher. Don’t overdo this otherwise you won’t be able to open or shut the tent.

Zipper slides are simply mounted once they fail to shut the enamel of the zips.

Conclusion

Listed here are the perfect ultra-lightweight tents for thru-hiking and backpacking in 2024.

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Ceaselessly Requested Questions

How a lot does an ultralight tent weigh?

An ultralight backpacking tent will weigh lower than 2 lb / 900 grams and never solely be light-weight however compact and in a position to stand up to reasonably sturdy wind.

Are Ultralight tents value it?

Ultralight tents will often be a bit costlier than light-weight mountain climbing and backpacking tent. Often, the fabric is lighter, not as sturdy, and never as waterproof as heavier tents. In some circumstances, ultralight tents use supplies akin to Dyneema which isn’t solely sturdy and lightweight but additionally costly.

How lengthy do ultralight tents final?

Ultralight tents usually are not as sturdy as most different tents thus often will final between 300-600 nights of use. For most individuals, sturdy ultralight tents might be a few years of use.

BikeHikeSafari Gear Overview Course of

The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari just isn’t half of a big weblog community and is proudly impartial. All evaluations on this website are impartial and sincere gear evaluations of outside merchandise by the creator.

The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an outside retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s essential when utilizing and testing gear for evaluations like this.

BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for evaluations and they don’t settle for sponsored evaluations on this web site. All of the feedback concerning the gear evaluations are from the creator primarily based on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial assessment was useful for you.

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