From full-blown thru-hikes to fast weekend missions, weve clocked some serious miles in a range of the best ultralight tents. Our ranks are flush with thru-hikers, and collectively, weve likely put down close to 10,000 miles of hiking across the U.S. and beyond. Along the way, weve become pretty particular about our shelter choices.

　　To pinpoint the best ultralight tents, we gathered sage advice from hikers who’ve tracked the toughest, longest miles with their gear. Whether you need do-it-all shelter to hike the PCT or AT with, like our top-pick the Zpacks Duplex Lite, or you want to dip your toe in with a more spend-wise option like the Gossamer Gear The One, theres something here for everyone — even semi-freestanding options like the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

　　When considering ultralight shelters, we considered material choice, interior space, footprint size, and, of course, the all-important weight. We got real nerdy and broke out the kitchen scales, ground-truthing given weights and measured packed sizes, and then set out to put as many miles on these tents as possible before rendering a verdict. Check out our top choices below.

　　Editors Note: We updated our Ultralight Tents guide on May 6, 2025, to add the new Hyperlight Mountain Design CrossPeak 2 — a freestanding DCF shelter that braved the worst of Patagonias weather, as well as our new UL freestanding award winner, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

　　The Best Ultralight Tents of 2025 Best Overall Ultralight Tent Zpacks Duplex Lite 9.0/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $669 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Zpacks Best Budget Ultralight Tent Gossamer Gear The One 8.0/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $255 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Gossamer Gear Best Single Trekking Pole Ultralight Tent Zpacks Plex Solo Tent 8.2/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $599 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Zpacks Best Freestanding Ultralight Tent Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 7.9/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at REI Best Ultralight Tarp Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp With Doors 7.8/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $379 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Zpacks Best Ultralight Pyramid Tent Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent 7.9/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $699 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear$699 at Backcountry See more picks Zpacks Duplex Lite $669 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Zpacks

　　9.0 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 14.9 oz. Packed size: 5 x 11 Peak height: 48 Floor space: 25 sq. ft. Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabric (0.55 oz./sq. yd. canopy, 0.75 floor) Vestibule area: 11 sq. ft. Doors: 2 Pros One of the most ultralight two-person shelters out there Very compact packed size Durable enough for an entire thru hike Small footprint for compact sites Doors can be closed individually Cons A tight squeeze for two hikers, or anyone tall sleeping on an inflatable Expensive Rainbow zippers degrade quicker than L-zip designs DCF can shrink with age Chris Carter Read Review: Zpacks Duplex Lite Tent Review: Cut Weight, Not Comfort — Unless Youre Over 6 Feet Tall The Duplex has been one of the de-facto tents for thru-hikers for years, but its often carried by solo hikers looking for a bit more livable space than pairs. The Zpacks Duplex Lite ($669) leans into this fact, and by trimming the margins just a bit more, it lands as one of the best ultralight shelters weve used to date.

　　While the Duplex Lite does shift to a lighter 0.75 oz./sq. yd Dyneema floor material, its mostly the slightly smaller profile that helps it hit a sub 1-pound weight. The slimmer 40 flood is just big enough to fit occasional tent mates, but otherwise hosts plenty of space for solo hikers. Zpacks tweaked a few other dials (including a move to thinner guylines), but otherwise, this is the same Duplex weve put thousands of miles on already.

　　The design is proven and sets up with two trekking poles quickly, given youre familiar with the quirks. A trekking pole set at 48 is just about ideal, and weve painted a little reminder on our poles to nail it every time. With two vestibules, youve got just enough space to store your pack and trail runners outside the shelter, and since the doors close independently, you can leave one open to help clear out condensation.

　　To be sure, this tent is a tighter squeeze for two hikers. The 40 width of the floor is the bare minimum needed to fit two regular 20 sleeping pads side by side, and you need to nail the pitch height to ensure you dont shortchange yourself in both canopy height and bathtub floor width. But for the way that most hikers will use this tent, we think its an excellent design.

　　Long-term users should also know that the lifespan of a shelter like this is billed at just about one thru-hike, or around 3,000 miles of use. The DCF material will begin to accumulate pinholes around the pitch peaks and corner tie-outs, and because the material will also shrink slightly over time, the doors will be harder to close entirely.

　　Even still, these are common areas of sacrifice in ultralight tents, and besides the price (which is quite high), we think the Duplex Lite is a killer option for most ultralight hikers. If that price is just a no-go for you, consider a silpoly design like the Gossamer Gear The One or Two — both very similar designs to the Duplex line, but at a slight weight ding.

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz. Packed Size: 5 x 10 Height: 45 in. Floor Space: (LxWxH) 84 x 33/21 (head slightly wider) Materials: Custom 10-denier nylon ripstop SIL/PU fabric Vestibule Area: 10 sq. ft. Doors: One Pros Super spacious floor space Solid strength-to-weight ratio Affordable pricing L-zipper doors dont drag in the dirt Silpoly canopy wont stretch as much as silnylon Cons Condensation tends to build up pretty easily Internal mesh pockets are placed a little awkwardly Silpoly material wont be as durable as silynylon Chris Carter Paul “Pie” Ingram is a thru-hiker based in Helsinki, Finland, and has checked off the AT, Annapurna Circuit, CDT, and more than 400 miles of the High Sierra Trail. Ingram’s favorite tent is the Gossamer Gear The One ($255) — a budget-friendly shelter that nails the design and keeps costs down by offering it in an affordable silpoly material.

　　“The One tent provides a huge amount of livable space for its weight compared to many similar tents on the market. It provides more protection from the elements than lighter options, such as a tarp and bivy. It’s not as light as some tents made with Dyneema Composite Fabric, but it’s cheaper and arguably more durable,” said Ingram.

　　This tent has accompanied him across more than 3,000 miles and more than 180 nights on trail. So far, the tent shows zero issues, abrasions, or holes. The tent body and floor are constructed from a custom 15-denier silpoly material, which wont stretch as much as silnylon, and is certainly cheaper than DCF.

　　Senior Editor Chris Carter is another die-hard fan of The One. He recently used it on a 5,000-mile back-to-back thru-hike of the CDT and AT, and he lauds The Ones ability to keep up with the best of the best. It may not boast all the bells and whistles of other ultralight brands — but it sure does punch well above its weight.

　　The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is another budget-wise shelter wed recommend checking out, and while its almost half a pound heavier, it does shrug off condensation a bit better. The single pole design of that tent will mean less headroom, and this is the main reason we lean on The One more often when recommending an ultralight shelter thats also lightweight on your wallet.

　　8.2 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 13.9 oz. Packed Size: 5 x 11 Height: 52 in. Floor Space: 20.6 sq. ft. Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabric (0.55 oz./sq. yd. canopy, 0.75 floor) Vestibule Area: 6.4 sq. ft. Doors: One Pros Extremely ultralight Well-ventilated Unique system of dealing with condensation buildup Only uses one trekking pole instead of two Cons Expensive Somewhat annoying not having a zipper on the vestibule Chris Carter A sub-14-ounce, fully enclosed tent using only one trekking pole? Oh yeah. How Zpacks keeps managing to crank out top-shelf, ridiculously durable gear catered for the gram-conscious backpacking crowd, we’ll never know. But the Zpacks Plex Solo ($599) carries the torch of the brands reputation.

　　Retaining the durability and function we have grown accustomed to with Zpack’s flagship models like the Duplex, the Plex Solo shaves ounces by using a single 132 cm trekking pole, and implementing a no-frills, simple design. They’ve also eliminated zippers from the vestibule doors by using a metal hook. This system pares down on weight, but we did find it a bit more finicky to use late at night.

　　The Plex Solo maximizes space with a series of guylines that pull the fabric outwards from the center pole. But even with that space, one of the things that plague single-wall, ultralight shelters the most is condensation buildup. The Plex Solo addresses this with one of the best designs we’ve seen in the industry, and we’ve been mega thankful for the lack of drips on our sleeping bags in the morning.

　　There is a screen between the bathtub floor and the tent walls, which can be sloped downward by an elastic cord that keeps the bathtub elevated. This allows the condensation to run down the wall and fall through the sloping screen, as opposed to onto the floor.

　　As one of the lightest, fully enclosed shelters you can buy, the Plex Solo is quickly becoming the gold standard for the ultralight and thru-hiking crowd. It’s just so hard to beat 13.9 ounces, with a design that doesn’t skimp on performance or comfort. If you’re staring down the barrel of a multi-month thru-hike, or just want an ultralight shelter for fast forays in the backcountry — look no further.

　　Best Freestanding Ultralight Tent Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Check Price at REI

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 2 lbs., 3 oz. Packed size: 5 x 18 Peak height: 39 Floor space: 25 sq. ft. Materials: HyperBead recycled 15-denier ripstop nylon fly and floor, polyester mesh canopy Vestibule area: 16 sq. ft. Doors: Two Pros New HyperBead fabric is 25% more waterproof and 6% lighter than previous version Two doors for easy entry and exit with two hikers Semi-freestanding shape sets up almost anywhere Canopy storage on the interior Cons Weight north of 2 pounds is trending out of UL territory Foot end of the tent is fairly low volume Floor dimensions are snug, and wont allow wide sleeping pads Chris Carter At just north of 2 pounds, the semi-freestanding Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 ($480) is just about the lightest non-trekking pole shelter youll ever get your mitts on. We think its the one to snag if you want the versatility of setting up nearly anywhere, or just dont hike with walking sticks.

　　The design saw a revision in early 2025, which introduced Big Agnes HyperBead fabric — a new 15-denier nylon material that the brand claims is 25% more waterproof and 6% lighter than the previous. Were big fans of trimming weight wherever possible on our UL shelters, and doing so on the entire fly and tent inner pays out some good dividends. The 2-person version of the Tiger Wall specs out at 2 pounds, 3 ounces, which is double what our top pick, Zpacks Duplex Lite, comes in at, but you do get some added versatility in being able to set up in more austere environments, such as on slickrock.

　　That new fabric is skinned onto an already-proven semi-freestanding design that uses a two-pole setup as its backbone. The larger of the two 8.7 mm DAC aluminum poles is a hubbed design that forks into two struts that form the head of the shelter and angle down fairly sharply to maximize the available headroom. The single cross pole at the peak of the tent gives you and your tent-mate space when sitting up, but we will note that the foot end of the Tiger Wall is a snug fit for most.

　　Unlike many trekking-pole supported tents, the Tiger Wall actually sports some interior organization options on the ceiling of the canopy, in the form of an overhead pocket for wrangling headlamps and such, and a foot end sleeve for other small kit. This is obviously a bit of a luxury, but it does get stuff up and off the floor, which is otherwise snug for two 20 wide sleeping pads.

　　Oddly, Big Agnes revised the packsack for the Tiger Wall as well, making it a more all-in-one stuff sack thats heavier than previously, while offering little sleeves for things like your tent stakes. Were not typically into systems like this in our UL shelters and often opt to free-stuff the tent into our packs to cut a few ounces.

　　Weve tested a handful of other freestanding-style UL shelters, including the NEMO Hornet Elite and Hyperlight Mountain Gear CrossPeak, but keep coming back to the Tiger Wall as the most well-rounded, livable, and affordable. Solo hikers are probably better served by the brands single-door Fly Creek HV UL1 tent, another semi-freestanding shelter that trims the second door (and half a pound), but one that can feel cramped when real weather comes in.

　　Best Ultralight Tarp Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp With Doors $379 at Garage Grown GearCheck Price at Zpacks

　　7.8 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 5.5 oz. Packed Size: 3 x 6 Height: 47 in. Floor Space: N/A Materials: .55 oz/sqyd Standard Dyneema Composite Fabric Vestibule Area: N/A Doors: One Pros Extremely lightweight and packable Excellent strength-to-weight ratio Versatile design that can be combined with mesh inners or bathtub floors Only requires one trekking pole — or a stick Linelocs make for easy adjustment Cons Not the most spacious interior A bit challenging to set up No protection from bugs or critters Chris Carter Matt Mason of Bozeman, Montana, is a thru-hiker and wildland firefighter. The long trail vet is also a Triple Crowner, meaning he’s completed the three major long-distance trails in the U.S., and among the many tents Mason has beat up, his all-time favorite shelter choice is the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp with Doors ($379).

　　“The Hexamid has an incredible weight-to-strength ratio — it’s 15 times the strength of quality steel per its weight. This fabric does not stretch, which can make pitching it tricky. But once it’s properly pitched, it does not start to sag like nylon shelters do. That means no adjusting is needed in the middle of a rainstorm,” said Mason.

　　The Hexamid’s weight is only 5.2 ounces, which is ideal for fast-packing. But a shelter’s weather-proofness is an even more important rule of thumb, said Mason. “By golly, the Hexamid keeps me dry! I’ve weathered high-alpine rain storms; wet, heavy snowfalls in the Southeast; and long, rainy nights in the Pacific Northwest.”

　　This one-person tarp sets up with one trekking pole or walking stick. The single-wall tarp doesn’t include a groundsheet, which can be bought separately. The tarp packs into a small stuff sack that’s 6.5 x 10 x 14 cm.

　　Mason has used this shelter for more than 300 nights, and it’s extremely durable. “I’m very impressed with how well it’s held up over the years. The tent body, tie-out points, seam sealing, and guylines are in good shape, considering this shelter has two trips from Mexico to Canada, he said. Solo tarp shelters wont be for everyone, but the Hexamid is a classic design for a reason.

　　Best Ultralight Pyramid Tent Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent $699 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear$699 at Backcountry

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz. Packed Size: 6 x 8.5 Height: 64 in. Floor Space: 63 sq. ft. Materials: 0.78 oz./sq. yd. Dyneema Composite Fabric Vestibule Area: N/A Doors: One Pros Strong 0.78 oz./sq. yd. Dyneema Composite Fabric is thicker than most Very easy to pitch in difficult spots Can be suspended from a tree limb and set up without a pole Many guy out points across the shelter from shoring up against wind Two way main zipper aids in ventilation Cons Expensive Requires two trekking poles to be lashed together to be set up Need space to set up guy lines Bulkier packed size Chris Carter Read Review: Pitch a Pyramid: Hyperlite UltaMid 2 Tent Review

　　The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 is incredible, but it’s also super expensive. So, while we do love this model for several reasons, it comes with a caveat of a $699 price tag, plus another $399 if you want the mesh insert to keep bugs away. For serious hikers, the hefty investment may be worth it, as it’s definitely one of the most versatile UL shelters available.

　　Pyramid shelters can be extremely storm-proof and very amenable to being pitched where other shelters might have difficulty. With only one pole to wrangle and no floor to work around roots and rocks, weve thrown the UltaMid up where other shelters simply wouldnt work, including on snow where weve dug out elaborate bench seating.

　　Hyperlite builds the UltaMid 2 with a 0.78 oz./sq. yd. Dyneema Composite Fabric, which makes it a good bit burlier than the 0.55 DCF canopies used on many other UL shelters. This does result in some added bulk, but this tent, which uses trekking poles for support, weighs in at just 1.2 pounds for the main tent body.

　　The only drawbacks are the price and the need for trekking poles. The center trekking poles need to reach a height of 190.5 cm, so you have to use trekking pole straps to lash two poles together. This isnt our favorite design, but it does afford a pretty gigantic interior area. You also are going to need space to guy out the lines, as it is not freestanding.

　　While expensive, the UltaMid 2 is a top-tier tent that will last a very long time. If you’re looking for an ultralight tent weve called a “wonder of engineering” that will give you many seasons of use, this one is worth considering.

　　7.7 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 14.4 oz. Packed Size: 5 x 12 Height: 46 in. Floor Space: 46.5 sq. ft. (fly); 20 sq. ft. (insert) Materials: 20-denier polyester with 2,500 mm sil/PEU coating Vestibule Area: 20 sq. ft. (10 sq. ft. x 2) Doors: Two Pros Durable construction Unique, double-wall design Simple, four-stake pitch Affordable Cons On the heavy side for an ultralight tent Small internal storage pockets Guy lines are a bit difficult to adjust Chris Carter Read Review: Ultralight Tent to Weather Serious Storms: Durston X-Mid 1 Solid Review

　　With a unique geometric design, stellar weather resistance, and an approachable price point, the Durston X-Mid 1 ($234) is making a significant splash in the ultralight backpacking community. We decided we needed to get our hands on one of these after seeing a few on a recent overnight into the Grand Canyon. These things are blowing up — and for good reason.

　　First, it’s extremely intuitive to pitch, requiring under half the time as some other ultralight shelters we’ve tested. The tent can be pitched with a minimum of four stakes, and requires little guesswork on stake location. We aren’t aware of any other shelter using two trekking poles that boasts this ability.

　　This is due to its rectangular design with offset trekking pole locations between a diagonal sleeping area. This effectively maximizes sleeping and vestibule space, utilizing a shape that handles wild wind and snow like a champ. The X-Mid is also a double-wall shelter, and the removable mesh inner has a waterproof bathtub floor that easily clips into the tent or can be removed to shave weight.

　　We barely have any complaints about this lightweight phenomenon, but some slight cons stood out. The X-Mid is on the heavy side for an ultralight shelter (30.8 ounces), which is a turnoff for many in the ultralight community. We also found the guy lines to be a bit difficult to tighten, and we wish there were bigger storage pockets in the mesh insert.

　　These gripes aside, we think the X-Mid is one of the better trekking pole-style backpacking tents you can buy. Its thoughtful design and quality materials make this a reliable, spacious escape from the elements for rugged forays into the backcountry.

　　Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo $270 at AmazonCheck price at Six Moon Designs

　　6.8 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 10.1 oz. Packed Size: 4.5 x 11.5 Height: 49 in. Floor Space: 26.3 sq. ft. Materials: 20D and 40D silicone coated polyester Vestibule Area: 8.5 sq. ft. Doors: One Pros Affordable with a quality build Spacious Durable design Good ventilation Cons Heavier than most other single pole designs Setup takes some getting used to Not our favorite door clasp system Chris Carter For the penny-pinchin’ thru-hiker weary of astronomical Dyneema prices worth a month’s rent, the lightweight and spacious Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo ($260) may be the perfect pitch. It’s not the lightest, most packable UL tent on the market, but for that price, it offers incredible value.

　　Unlike many other traditional designs, the Lunar Solo’s canopy floats higher off the ground, which, paired with a gaping top vent, allows for 360 degrees of ventilation and fights off condensation calamities. The tent floor also floats, as it is fixed to the fly with elastic bands. These are helpful attributes, but make this a bit more difficult to set up for the first time.

　　After using this unique tent a couple of times, here’s what we like the most. First, the Lunar Solo boasts one of the more spacious internal volumes of single-pole-style shelters we’ve tested, at the cost of a smaller vestibule. We feel very comfortable sprawling out on our sleeping pad with a good chunk of our gear stashed away in the corner opposite the door. 

　　We also appreciate the durable construction, at the cost of a higher weight, and the minimal condensation buildup. This thing is breezy, but still fends off some serious weather. The free-floating nature of the bathtub floor seems to mold to rocky, uneven ground better than others, and does a solid job at resisting tears. 

　　A handful of drawbacks did surface for us: The overall weight is heavier than similar tents, and the package doesn’t come with stakes. The tent tensions well, but we aren’t huge fans of the door clasp system at the front. We think the Gossamer Gear The One is likely a better budget shelter for most, but if you only hike with one pole or camp in high humidity often, the Lunar Solo can be a great pivot.

　　Hyperlite Mountain Gear CrossPeak 2 Check Price at Hyperlite Mountain Gear

　　8.1 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 2 lbs., 2 oz. Packed Size: 6 x 11 Peak Height: 42 Floor Space: 28.5 sq. ft. Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabrics DCF5, DCF10, and 20D sil-nylon Vestibule Area: 15 sq. ft. Doors: 2 Pros Impressive weather-resistance for an UL shelter Ideal for terrain that doesnt take stakes well, or those who dont carry trekking poles Water-resistant door zippers and magnetic tie-back toggles Short DAC aluminum poles that pack away well Cons Not the lightest option out there due to the integrated poles Price is slightly eye-watering Will require more care than other shelters Chris Carter Read Review: Ultralight, Freestanding Tent Braves Extreme Weather: Hyperlite Mountain Gear CrossPeak 2 Review 2025 may well be the year of the ultralight freestanding shelter, and while tents from Durston, Tarptent, and Six Moon Designs impressed us, the Hyperlite Mountain Design CrossPeak 2 ($950) stood out the most. We used this shelter in Patagonia earlier this winter, where it shouldered the brunt of the weather without complaint. 

　　In typical Hyperlite style, the CrossPeak 2 is a full-tilt Dyneema Composite Fabric design that borrows a good bit from the brand’s trekking pole-supported Unbound 2 tent, but gets it standing on its own feet with a three-pole design. This structure was surprisingly strong in stiff winds and easy to set up solo.

　　The single-wall design aims to trim as many ounces as possible from the freestanding design, and at 34 ounces, the CrossPeak is among the lightest pole-supported shelters. Hyperlight didn’t lose sight of durability, though, and still made concessions to keep the tent tough, like using DAC 8.7 mm aluminum poles instead of carbon fiber (a negligible weight difference, but much trustier).

　　Used on the 4-day Huemul trek in Patagonia this February, the CrossPeak stood strong in surprisingly high winds. The DCF5 canopy is about standard weight in UL shelters, and paired with a DCF10 bathtub floor, it packs compactly into an 8-liter stuff sack. Setup is intuitive, with only three buckle adjustments to dial in once your poles are settled.

　　The doors need to be pinned out, but even these are dialed in to a tee, with water-resistant zippers and magnetic tie-backs for securing them. Livability is better than most UL shelters, with the pole-structure bumping out the end walls to a steeper angle that didn’t brush the foot boxes on our sleeping bags.

　　Price will certainly be a consideration here, but $950 isn’t out of the ballpark compared to the average of ultralight tents. We also would love to see a slightly more robust material used in the pole sleeves, because while the 20D silnylon used is strong when tensioned, it can be punctured with a pole if you aren’t careful.

　　Ultimately, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 edged out this tent for the freestanding award title simply for being more affordable, but if youre looking to make an investment, the CrossPeak is a solid new design.

　　Tarptent Stratospire Li Check Price at Tarptent

　　7.1 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 14 oz. Packed Size: 5 x 16.5 Height: 45 in. Floor Space: 26.8 sq. ft. Materials: 0.51 oz./sq. yd. Dyneema Composite Fabric, 20D ripstop nylon, 15D nylon mesh Vestibule Area: 24 sq. ft. Doors: Two Pros Tons of vestibule space Excellent venting Good balance of weight and durability Comfortable for two Cons Expensive Not freestanding Chris Carter While not the lightest DCF dwelling on our list, the Tarptent Stratospire Li ($659) earns a place in our kit thanks to its near-perfect balance of lightweight and livability. The mix of materials, interior dimensions, and two vestibules makes this tent a stellar option for two, and a palace for one.

　　This ultralight tent doesn’t feel that ultralight once you’ve set it up. The floor space is a rectangular 45” x 86”, easily allowing for two pads. There are also doors on either side, with plenty of dry storage space (~12 sq. feet) for either occupant. We spent 6 days in the Southern Sierra backcountry and were grateful for a dry space to cook with plenty of room for our climbing gear.

　　If you’re carting off the whole shebang, you’re looking at 30.35 ounces in your pack. For comparison, that’s about 6.5 ounces more than the Gossamer Gear Two and more than double the 1-person Zpacks Plex Solo. If you’re looking to cut weight above all else, then there are certainly lighter options, but not with 24 square feet of vestibule space.

　　In our experience, Dyneema is the most durable material for ultralight tents and is far tougher than nylon, and after several seasons, we’ve yet to find a rip or tear. The bathtub-style bottom is 20D ripstop sil-nylon, and the mesh interior is also vulnerable to puncturing, so you still need to be careful when packing and unpacking this tent, but its still much more durable than a tent like the NEMO Hornet.

　　The Stratospire Li is an expensive, “boutique” tent made by a small company of backpackers. Quality control is unparalleled, and you’ll never find these on sale at a big box retailer. But if you’re willing to shell out the cash, you’ll be rewarded with a tent that can go the distance and let you live in relative luxury when you get there.

　　Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent $699 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear$699 at Garage Grown Gear

　　7.2 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lbs., 8 oz. Packed Size: 8.5 x 6 Height: 48 in. Floor Space: 28 sq. ft. Materials: DCF5, DCF8, No-See-Um Mesh Vestibule Area: N/A Doors: Two Pros Ultralight Time-tested, simple design Stable in high wind Comparatively roomy Nice details like magnetic door ties and waterproof zippers Cons Pricey Hot when in direct sun Waterproof door zippers a bit difficult to close Vents dont stay open on their own Chris Carter If youre looking for a high-end DCF shelter with a similar configuration to The One and the Duplex, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P ($699) should be on your radar.

　　A sturdy two-pole build with a single wall, fully enclosed silhouette, constructed with that top-shelf HMG Dyneema magic we’ve grown to cherish — now that he can get behind. This is one of our favorite ultralight tent configurations, and the Unbound knocks it out of the park with thoughtful touches and features that aren’t present on similar, cheaper models.

　　Is it worth $700, though (pre $40 stake kit), when you can snag a similar design (GG’s The Two) for nearly half the price? Dyneema vs. Silnylon aside, it boasts more headspace than The Two and three more inches of width than its closest competitor, the Zpacks Duplex. Pile on deep vents on the vestibules, 3-D side walls, magnetic door closures, and waterproof zippers — and that’s why it’s tough on the wallet.

　　The Unbound can’t evade the common complaints of single-wall trekking pole shelters: condensation, difficult setups on hard ground, and large footprint requirements. But these are to be expected and impact all tents in this category. We also loved the low-profile waterproof zippers — when they worked. Some of our team had a difficult time getting these to fully close, and were unsold on the longevity of using zippers at this junction.

　　If the tent isn’t pitched in the shade, we felt like the translucent white DCF lets a lot of light and heat into the tent, making it a toasty oven in desert climates. Also, while the vents help with condensation buildup, we wish they were held open by stays to allow more cross-breeze. Finally, we found it tough to pitch with our trekking poles pre-set to 125 cm. Once placed in the loops at the base of the tent, we were able to extend them to 125, but with some difficulty.

　　This is undeniably one of the best ultralight tents on the market and is a stellar shelter for pace-pushing thru-hikers or dedicated weekend warriors alike. There are a few quibbles that keep us from recommending this tent over the Zpacks Duplex — namely those door zippers — but its still an excellent option to consider.

　　NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent Check price at Amazon

　　7.5 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 2 lbs., 1 oz. Packed Size: 4 x 19 Height: 37 in. Floor Space: 27.3 sq. ft. Materials: OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric Vestibule Area: 12.4 sq. ft. Doors: Two Pros Semi-freestanding design Silpoly fabric doesnt sag Tent is easy to split up between two to carry Environmentally friendly OSMO fabrics Cons Expensive Fragile for car camping or sharp rocks Not much room in the foot end of the tent High-cut fly isnt the most storm-proof Chris Carter Read Review: An Ultralight Tent Without the Ultralight Tradeoffs: NEMO Hornet OSMO 3P Tent Review

　　With solid upgrades to the already legendary Hornet Elite 2 tent, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650) offers greater water resistance and less sag when wet than its predecessor with NEMO’s proprietary Osmo fabric. We love this tent. Mostly, we love how much this tent saves both weight and pack space.

　　The Hornet Elite Osmo weighs a scant 2 pounds, 1 ounce — respectable for a freestanding two-person shelter. And you can ditch some stakes and the stuff sack for a minimum trail weight of 1 pound, 11 ounces. For gram-counters, that makes it a contender on weight alone.

　　This tent is more than just light. It’s also a very legit abode in bad weather. On stormy nights on the trail, the Hornet Elite Osmo kept our team dry and comfortable. Inside, a 27.3-square-foot floor gives a small but acceptable space for two adults. This is certainly not a large footprint, and you will be shoulder-to-shoulder with your tentmate, but its serviceable.

　　Unlike many ultralight options, which depend on trekking poles, this is a freestanding tent. It uses a clever three-pole design with a small “Flybar” where they all connect to give it that extra bit of volume. It has a mesh interior and utilizes an integrated rainfly to keep out bugs, rain, and wind.

　　Fortunately, there is enough room under the two vestibules (serviced by two doors) for a large pack, shoes, and some other gear. We’ve used it many times in the rain, and it’s enough space to keep your kit dry, even in nasty weather.

　　Of course, at $650, the Hornet Elite Osmo is a significant investment. But we’ve used it for enough nights to be impressed with its durability. That said, this is a super light OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric tent. That means it won’t hold up to tons of abuse, and we don’t recommend it for car camping, as that would put wear and tear on a very expensive tent.

　　Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 $599 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear

　　7.1 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 2 oz. Packed Size: 5.5 x 8.5 Height: 54 in. Floor Space: 21 sq. ft. Materials: DCF5, DCF10, No-See-Um mesh Vestibule Area: N/A Doors: One Pros True half-mid design Very durable with reinforced peak Spacious vestibule Magnetic door toggles Slightly thicker DCF used in floor compared to like-shelters Cons Condensation in cold temps Proper setup requires practice No guyline in the front for tension when both door flaps are open Expensive for a solo shelter Chris Carter Minimalist, with a pinch of luxury — that about sums up Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Mid 1 ($599). Following a similar silhouette to the legendary Plex Solo, the Mid 1 is HMGs take on a classic ultralight layout. This one-pound, two-ounce half-pyramid shelter uses Dyneema fabric to provide a haven from the elements thats simultaneously strong and durable, while still extremely lightweight.

　　Besides using DCF, this tent cuts more weight by relying on a single trekking pole (and your own stakes). Beyond the scant ounces, the major selling point for the HMG Mid-1 is its surprising roominess — particularly in the vestibule. GearJunkie’s 6’3 tester could sit upright without touching the top of the mesh enclosure, and could easily lay down with room to spare at both head and feet.

　　Our testing did reveal a few noticeable downsides. First, you will need to supply your own trekking pole and stakes — and stakes (or anchors of some kind) are not optional. You could conceivably get away with 4 stakes, although you would have no vestibule and flapping sides. Six stakes are highly advisable, and extra guylines to create full tension in the rainfly are ideal.

　　The biggest ding we found lies in the door flap design. Both sides can roll back and are secured by a magnetic clasp, but there is no center guyline to keep tension on the tent if both are rolled away. This is a bummer because we love to sleep with doors open when the weather allows, maximizing ventilation and minimizing condensation. There are loops at the peak of the tent where you can attach your own guyline, but we wish one had been included for the price.

　　Setup requires some practice to perfect. And even then, proper setup will require some fine-tuning and adjustments. And the biggest drawback to this otherwise outstanding tent is the price tag. $599 is a significant investment. For the same price, were more likely to get into the Zpacks Plex Solo — a lighter shelter overall.

　　Ultralight Tents Comparison Chart

　　Testing a number of different ultralight tents from Zpacks on a chilly, wind-blasted backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon; (photo/Chris Carter) How We Tested the Best Ultralight Tents Were frustratingly particular about the shelter we hunker down in each night on a long journey, and heavily scrutinize each candidate for this guide. Rest assured — only the most deserving, durable, functional tents earned any real estate on this roundup. Weve scoured online ultralight forums, bugged our broad swath of thru-hiking connections, and attended various gear shows to narrow in on the streamlined selection of 12 tents you see today.

　　We recognize that the ultralight tent market is organic and constantly evolving. We have therefore slotted this guide into an iterative update schedule and are constantly on the prowl, scoping out new models the moment they hit the market, and testing them to see if they deserve recognition.

　　Our Expert Testers From dedicated ultralight weekend warriors, to lightweight backcountry hunters and full-blown thru-hikers living in tents for months on end, the GearJunkie squad has spent countless nights cuddled up in ultralight shelters.

　　Author Chris Carter has paid his dues on hundreds of backpacking trips over just as many miles through all manner of conditions. Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail, and continues to backpack with an ultralight loadout all over the world.

　　Assisting in our ultralight tent testing is Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, a 2018 PCT thru hiker who has run his OG Zpacks Duplex into the ground and then some, with potentially more patches than original DCF at this point. His typical base weight hovers around 9 pounds, and he travels across the West testing everything from ultralight backpacks to hiking sandals.

　　The Hyperlite CrossPeak 2 is the first freestanding tent from the brand, and held up to everything Patagonia could throw at it; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds Weve trekked to some of the most far-flung, remote corners of the globe, and weathered gale-force winds, snowy whiteouts, and perfect star-speckled nights in all sorts of featherlight tent designs. Along the way, weve learned the importance of a shelter for comfort and safety on any backcountry mission, and wont settle for anything but the best.

　　Our testing leans heavily on field experience, and much of it occurs on section hikes of the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. Every ultralight tent we test is initially used without any instructions, giving us insight into the relative difficulty of setting it up. Then, we aim for the worst weather forecast we can find to test these shelters on their performance in harsh conditions.

　　Since this is ultralight equipment, we also rolled out the trusty kitchen scale to verify weights for ourselves, as well as compare compressed sizes when stuffed into the same compression sack, measure bathtub floor and peak heights, and even calculate the tent spaces needed for each set up. Combining these bench results from our field testing gives us the best possible understanding of these ultralight shelters, and when our recommendations come down to mere ounces, it all matters.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose an Ultralight Tent

　　Senior Editor Chris Carter slowly getting buried by snow in the San Juans on the CDT in 2021. Gossamer Gears The One somehow survived the onslaught; (photo/Chris Carter) Backpacking tents are typically built for three-season or four-season conditions. A three-season tent will suffice if you plan on using your tent across the spring, summer, and fall.

　　The infrastructure of a three-season tent can handle rain and light snow. Typically, these builds arenotideal for heavy snow, super-high winds, or vicious storms — like the harsh or blizzard conditions you might face while ski mountaineering. A four-season tent is a better choice for full-on winter, the weight of snow, and strong winds.

　　That said, ultralight shelters are designed with the demands of high-altitude stretches on long-distance trips like thru-hikes in mind. Our authors have weathered some seriously gnarly conditions in these flimsy shelters, including driving whiteouts in sub-zero temps.

　　Capacity Doors

　　The materials of ultralight tents need to be strong and waterproof enough to last thousands of miles, but light enough not to weigh you down; (photo/Elina Osborne) Ultralight, strong materials — like Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) — cost more than heavier-set fabrics. For instance, the two-personZpacks Duplex Liteweighs 14.9 ounces and costs $669. DCF has a phenomenal strength-to-weight ratio and is highly waterproof.

　　In contrast, the single-personBig Agnes Fly Creek HV UL($370) is constructed with ripstop nylon and weighs nearly 33 ounces. Their volume isn’t apples to apples, but the lighter material certainly comes at a premium.

　　Gossamer Gears The One features an interesting nylon ripstop SIL/PU fabric that sheds water well and crams down tiny, but stretches out at night after your initial setup — particularly in the rain. Well often have to adjust the guylines tension in tents like these soon after they are pitched. This fabric is not quite as premium as DCF, but gets the job done and has a phenomenal pack size.

　　The material used in tent construction is either inherently waterproof or treated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating to block precipitation. If the fabric is treated, it’ll eventually need a refresh, depending on the conditions faced, user care, and volume of use. A separate footprint, or groundsheet, isn’t required for an enclosed single-wall tent.

　　Ultralight materials are pretty durable, but they tend to break down if they’re roughly handled. Investing in an ultralightweight bundle means the hiker should be mindful with gear care.

　　Silpoly, or SIL/PU, fabrics can significantly cut the price on your UL shelter, but wont be quite as lightweight as DCF options; (photo/Jackson Sims-Myers) Minimalist Shelters Minimalist shelters, like theHexamid Pocket Tarp, are essentially rainflys that protect you from pouring elements — but not buzzing insects. The groundsheet is sold separately. Some designs have a zipper-free doorway that rolls up and can be clipped back. Campers can pair their superlight shelter with a personal bug net if the region is buggy.

　　To trim grams, some campers opt to leave behind the primary compartment of their double-wall tent kit. Instead, they solely use the footprint, poles, and rainfly.

　　Another option is a hammock tent: a hammock with a protective mesh enclosure and an optional rainfly, which is key if there are bothersome insects around like scorpions or ticks.

　　Weight and Packed Size

　　Putting the Gossamer Gear The One through its paces on a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail; (photo/Chris Carter) The lightest tents and shelters are non-freestanding, meaning they don’t include tent poles to be hoisted up. Instead, one or two trekking poles plus stakes are used to elevate the tent. The tent is held upright by tensioning the tent fabric between the trekking poles and stakes firmly planted in the ground.

　　Some light designs, like theBig Agnes Fly Creek UV UL 1, are freestanding and fast to pick up and adjust location — they just weigh a bit more. Most of the designs we tested for this guide use trekking poles as the backbone of their structure.

　　Compared to a freestanding tent, this type of skeleton takes more time to assemble, because the ground needs to offset the stake just right — especially if it’s windy or rainy out. This can be difficult, particularly in the alpine where it may be too rocky to drive stakes in at the perfect locations.

　　An all-around shelter like the Zpacks Duplex will run you around $650+, but can last multiple thousand miles. This shelter has been used for over 2,700 miles; (photo/Erika Courtney) Premium It could be argued that all ultralight tents are premium, but there is an upper crust even here, with full DCF two-person shelters running upward of $700. These tents make use of a lot of Dyneema, which helps explain their lofty price tags, but quality design also weighs heavy here. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P ($699) and Zpacks Duplex ($699) are very similar tents, and both implement a design that has been refined over many years of testing on long trails.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is the best ultralight tent? The best ultralight tent is one that keeps you comfortable in the terrain where you venture and one that alleviates the weight on your back. However, you could sacrifice comfort and durability if you choose an ultralight tent that’s too lightweight.

　　Some experienced thru-hikers and adventurers prefer to drop as much weight as possible to help them boost mileage. And they don’t mind the caveat of being more vulnerable to the surrounding habitat and inclement weather.

　　Are ultralight tents durable? Ultralight tents are fairly durable against the weather but are also more sensitive to abrasion and rough handling than heftier tent designs. The lower the ounces, the more conscious the tent’s user needs to be.

　　How much do ultralight tents weigh? There’s no universal guideline that defines the ultralightweight tent category. Generally, ultralight tents weigh less than 48 ounces. The shelters recommended in this guide range from 5.2 to 33 ounces, and this list isn’t comprehensive of all the best ultralight options.

　　Are ultralight tents worth the cost? An ultralight tent is a stellar investment for long-distance or high-volume trekkers seeking to move faster and more nimbly. Also, if an outdoor traveler is seeking to pare down their entire overnight kit, cutting the den weight is a good avenue.

　　Some hikers need to lessen the burden on their bodies for health reasons and overall longevity, and the extra cost is worthwhile.

　　How long do backpacking tents last? Backpacking tents degrade over time due to exposure to the elements. Those variables include rain and direct sunlight, contact with the terrain, overall handling, care, and storage conditions.

　　As with any outdoor equipment, tents reflect wear and tear with time. They will last longer if they’re well maintained.

　　To give you an idea, theZpacks Duplex Tentclaims it will last a minimum of 2,500 miles straight or several years of casual use. Thru-hiker Elina Osborne confirmed the tent tackled her 2,653-mile journey along the PCT and counting.

　　At print, theBig Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1handled 200 days of use. TheZpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp with Doorswithstood more than 300 nights. And theGossamer Gear The Onebreezed through more than 3,000 miles, all according to our expert crew of thru-hikers. Each of those tents isn’t in mint condition but they’re all still workable, protective, and in the field.

　　How do I make my backpacking tent last longer? You can integrate a few simple routines to extend the life of your tent. During a trip, shake out the tent before you pack it away, to relinquish loose debris that could scrape the fabric.

　　After heavy use, your shelter can be soaked in soapy water, rinsed, and hung or put up outside in the shade to completely dry. When it’s ready to be stashed, make sure the tent is in a dry, fairly cool place and not wound up tight.

　　You can make simple repairs too. Tent seams are taped to prevent water from entering the tent but can degrade. They can be restrengthened with seam sealer.

　　A waterproof coating can be reapplied, as well. Be sure to check with your tent’s manufacturer about which aftermarket products are compatible with the materials.

　　How do I know when to replace my backpacking tent? If the interior material itself is falling apart — as in, the waterproof coating is peeling off — that’s a clear sign the tent is worn out, and it’s near time for a replacement.If there are large holes (like from a campfire spark) that can’t be dependably patched, it’s a fair segue to a new purchase.

　　Furthermore, as moreoutdoor industry brands remove chemical treatments from their tent products, you might opt to purchase a tent that is more environmentally friendly and aligns with your health needs.

　　Basking in the glory of one of the most magical sunsets author Chris Carter saw on the Continental Divide Trail next to his trusty GG The One; (photo/Chris Carter)

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