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Ultralight tents are one of many nice engineering marvels: out of a sheet of wafer-thin material and a pair of trekking poles, you may make shelter appropriate to face up to wind, rain, bugs, and extra. Our solely actual criticism about ultralight tents is you could’t simply go to a giant field showroom and see all of them arrange aspect by aspect. Among the finest on the market are made by smaller cottage corporations that merely don’t have that type of attain. In order a part of Outside Life’s annual backpacking gear assessments, we’re taking the very best ultralight tents from corporations like Durston, TarpTents, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Search Outdoors, and extra out on America’s lengthy trails to see which is able to impress our tester group. For the parameters of this check, we’re defining ultralight as weighing lower than 2 kilos for a one-person tent or 2.5 kilos for a two-person tent.
↓ Jump to Semi-Freestanding Tents
How We Examined the Finest Ultralight Tents
Choice
Ultralight tents are chosen throughout a variety of producers, from huge names like MSR and Mountain {Hardware} to cottage corporations like Search Outdoors and Durston. We have a look at a variety of tent types — each freestanding and trekking pole — as a way to get a greater sense of which tents are acceptable for folks of varied sizes and with completely different expertise ranges.
Since this overview is by and for folks targeted on ultralight backpacking, weight is the largest precedence, adopted by person suggestions and, lastly, value. The place a few of our much less skilled backpackers struggled with setup, we’ll be aware {that a} explicit tent could require follow to arrange accurately. Non-necessary options, like a number of pockets, can be talked about however are usually not a rating issue.
Tents are divided into two classes:
- Semi-freestanding tents will be put up with out stakes, however can be lacking some actual property on the within. These tents ought to nonetheless be staked down throughout windy situations and to assist maximize the utility of the rainfly throughout downpours.
- Trekking pole tents should be staked into the bottom as a way to rise up. Some, however not all, gear producers present non-obligatory poles for people who don’t use trekking poles.
Testers
To check the very best backpacking tents, OL recruited a testing panel with a variety of expertise ranges, physique varieties, and preferences.
Ashley Thess
- Adam Tycaster — Over 4,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the PCT 2014 and CT 2017. Top: 6-foot-3.
- Alex Robinson — OL editor-in-chief; a backcountry huge recreation hunter and fair-weather path runner. Top: 6-foot-2.
- Ashley Thess — OL affiliate gear editor. Over 600 miles of backpacking expertise. Top: 5-foot-7.
- Diana Helmuth — Writer of How one can Endure Outdoors (Nationwide Outside E book Award winner). Over 1,500 miles of backpacking expertise. Top: 5-foot-11.
- Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell — Over 11,000 miles of backpacking expertise together with the PCT 2014, CDT 2016, AZT, 2017, and GET 2017. 5-foot-6.
- Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster — OL employees author. Over 4,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the PCT 2014 and CT 2017. 5-foot-5.
- Patrice “Regular” La Vigne — Gear reviewer, Denali information, and creator of Between Every Step. Over 7,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the AT 2011 and Te Araroa 2014-2015. 5-foot-5.
- Sven “Magic” Anderson — 1,350-mile LASH (PCT) 2022. Mountaineering with Parkinson’s illness. 6-foot-2.
Testing
Outside Life conducts an annual backpacking gear testing journey that focuses on modern light-weight and ultralight backpacking gear. These testing journeys happen on America’s nationwide scenic trails, together with three nights alongside the northernmost part of the Oregon Coast Path and 4 nights on a stretch of the Pacific Crest Path within the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Alex Robins
These journeys normally see the testing group masking 10 or extra miles every day, establishing camp in environments starting from the alpine to lowland coastal areas to deep forest. Testers obtain a brand new tent for testing every night, which they’re liable for establishing, sleeping in, taking down, and carrying to the subsequent camp. Small particulars, like a too-small door, a sticky zipper, or troublesome to make use of connection factors can begin to actually bounce once you examine this many tents aspect by aspect in a real-world atmosphere. The place potential (and affordable) testers arrange their tents in lower than ideally suited situations to see how they might fare within the parts.
Scoring
We independently weighed the tents as used within the area. This is a vital distinction, as a result of most producers solely present “packaged weight” (every thing that got here with the tent, together with the restore package) and “minimal weight” (simply the poles, essential physique, and rain fly). Some cottage corporations, which regularly promote their tents with out the mandatory stakes, don’t present a path weight in any respect. The weights offered beneath extra intently mirror how ultralight backpackers would use these tents: with stakes, and some guylines. For sure, the weights offered within the report card differ from manufacturer-provided weights.
Adam Tycaster
After taking copious notes within the area, the testing workforce then spends a day filling out scoring sheets for every merchandise within the check. When scoring tents, we arrange every tent once more in order that we may examine and distinction their relative deserves. We additionally talk about and examine with each other, which is useful for understanding how and why experiences with the identical gear can differ from individual to individual. Scores are then averaged among the many testers, with the highest scoring tents receiving prime honors.
- Ease of arrange: Tents have been arrange by a number of testers, permitting us to evaluate which have been appropriate for amateur ultralighters and which needs to be dealt with solely by skilled backpackers.
- Inside residing area: Most backpackers will spend eight or extra hours a day sleeping — that’s a 3rd or extra of your day trip on the path. A tent that feels claustrophobic or cramped will make for a worse outdoor expertise and probably negatively have an effect on your sleep at night time. We assessed the usable area in every tent, noting how the slope of pitch or vestibule measurement modified our expertise.
- Safety: Testers thought of whether or not the tents they slept in offered adequate safety from rain, wind, and condensation.
- Worth: The value of an ultralight tent can differ wildly, from a pair hundred {dollars} to upwards of $600 — the costliest ultralight tent we checked out prices properly over a thousand. We ranked every tent on whether or not the setup, weight, and liveability is merited by the value level.
Inside Area
A second check we pioneered throughout our overview of two-person ultralight tents is OL’s Two Dudes in a Tent. In our expertise, a “two particular person tent” can imply just a few various things. Typically it means it’s an ideal tent for {couples}. Typically it’s simply an additional giant tent for a single particular person. More often than not, it’s going to match two ladies fairly properly. And typically it’s going to really present sufficient area for 2 common sized males to sleep subsequent to one another with out issues getting awkward. This check consisted of two phases. Within the first, Alex Robinson and Sven “Magic” Anderson — each over 6-foot-2 — acquired into every tent and evaluated whether or not or not they might need to share it whereas backpacking. For these tents that failed this metric (and there have been loads of these), Ashley Thess and Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell examined to see which they might be keen to share with each other. One be aware on this check is that these outcomes are usually not presently obtainable for the tents coated in OL’s first spherical of backpacking gear testing, which targeted on one-person fashions.
Diana Helmuth
Lastly, many out of doors gear producers are engaged on eradicating PFAS, an almost ubiquitous eternally chemical, from their waterproof gear as we method the 2025 deadline set by California and New York. I queried producers to see the place they have been on this course of and have included that data beneath within the report card part. Typically, responses have been very encouraging. Producers have already made necessary strides in eradicating PFAS from the principle materials of their tents, and at the moment are engaged on getting it out of the trimmings (zippers is a giant one which retains developing). Nearly all had plans to be PFAS free by spring of 2025. A number of are already there.
Learn Subsequent: PFAS Explained: These Forever Chemicals Are Being Banned from a Variety of Outdoor Products. Now Gear Makers Are Scrambling
Comparability Desk
Under is a side-by-side have a look at the specs most necessary to ultralight backpackers (value, measurement, and weight) together with the common of our testers’ scores. The tent weights right here come from the producers; our measured weights will be present in the important thing options part beneath. Costs are present as of the date this text was final up to date. Tents are organized by pitch type and listed within the order through which we advocate them.
Semi-Freestanding Tent Specs & Tester Scores
| Tent | Worth | Marketed Weight | Size x Max Width (Min Width) | Setup | Inside Area | Safety | Worth | |
| MSR Freelite | 1P: $420 2P: $450 3P: $540 |
1P: 1 lb, 15 oz 2P: 2 lb, 5 oz 3P: 2 lb, 11 oz |
1P: 87” x 33” 2P: 84” x 50” 3P: 84” x 66” |
5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | |
| Zpacks Free Zip | 2P: $900 3P: $1000 |
2P: 1 lb, 15.6 oz* 3P: 2 lbs, 4.2 oz* |
2P: 86” x 44” 3P: 86” x 60” |
4.8 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 2.4 | |
| Mountain Hardwear Nimbus | 2P: $420 | 2P: 2 lb, 4.6 oz | 2P: 86” x 52” (42”) | 4.7 | 3 | 3.7 | 3.3 | |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek | 2P: $400 | 2P: 2 lb, 4oz | 2P: 86” x 52” (42”) | 4 | 2.3 | 3 | 4.3 | |
Trekking-Pole Tent Specs & Tester Scores
Finest Ultralight Tents: Semi-Freestanding
Finest Total: MSR Freelite
One-Individual Mannequin Examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Diana Helmuth and Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 5
- Inside Residing Area: 3.5
- Safety: 5
- Worth: 5
- Measured Weight of the 1-Individual Mannequin: 1 pound, 14.5 ounces (half an oz lower than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 39 inches (1P & 2P), 43 inches (3P)
- Doorways: One door (1P), two doorways (2P & 3P)
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon
- Guarantee: 3 years
- Worth: $420 (1P), $450 (2P)
Execs
- One of many lightest semi-freestanding tents we examined
- Size on the 1-person mannequin makes it an affordable alternative for people as much as six toes tall
- Straightforward to arrange
Cons
- Much less width than different tents we’ve checked out
When you’re kitting out your first ultralight setup, that is one to have in your radar. Our tester group was impressed with how simple and fast it was to arrange the MSR Freelite — one tester set it up in beneath two minutes with out having used it earlier than. The inside of the one-person mannequin, whereas not precisely spacious, was giant sufficient for the largest sleeping pad on our check (a full-size rectangular Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir Xlite NXT), with a backpack becoming handily into the vestibule. Testers reported that it felt bigger than it was, which is a vital element for those who get caught inside ready out a storm. The mesh and fly have been extraordinarily light-weight and many strong, with the grime falling proper off once we shook it out earlier than stuffing it away for the day. The poles have been even constituted of aluminum, versus splinter-prone carbon fiber. Our solely concern was with that 15D bathtub flooring — it could profit from a groundsheet on more difficult terrains — however this was strictly theoretical as we didn’t expertise any holes on our testing journey.
Whereas some ultralight backpackers want the load financial savings of a single-wall tent, the acute condensation of the Oregon Coast confirmed some great benefits of a double-wall setup. Whereas the remainder of our testing workforce was rigorously packing up for the day, avoiding the soaked sides of their single-walled tents lest they unleash a rainstorm on their sleep system, the tester within the MSR Freelite 1 may sit up, bump their head on the mesh on the prime of the tent, and keep dry.
There are just a few small quibbles with this tent. One is the door: It’s on the small aspect in comparison with the remainder of our area, forcing our tallest tester (5 toes, 10 inches) to pretzel her limbs greater than she would have appreciated when getting out. The included stakes (needle stakes) are additionally decrease high quality in comparison with different choices within the MSR arsenal. Take into account upgrading to both the light-weight MSR Carbon Cores or the MSR Groundhog Minis, which have nice holding energy.
Finest Improve: Zpacks Free Zip
Two-Individual Mannequin Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, Diana Helmuth, and Sven “Magic” Anderson with extra enter from Ashley Thess
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4.8
- Inside Residing Area: 2.8
- Safety: 3.4
- Worth: 2.4
- Measured Weight of the 2-Individual Mannequin: 2 lbs, 3.4 oz (3.8 oz heavier than marketed; marketed weight didn’t embrace stakes)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 43 inches (2P & 3P)
- Doorways: 2 (2P & 3P)
- Supplies: Dyneema
- Guarantee: 2 years
- Worth: $900 (2P), $1000 (3P)
Execs
- Very storm worthy
- Light-weight
Cons
- No vestibule
- Tight squeeze for 2 folks
- Costly
OL Affiliate editor Ashley Thess raved in regards to the tent she used on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and, after our testing workforce had the prospect to take a look at the Zpacks Free Zip, we are able to see why. Like all semi-freestanding ultralight tents, it takes little or no time to set this one up. In contrast to different semi-freestanding ultralight tents, you get a surprisingly bombproof pitch with little or no tweaking.
Credit score: Alex Robinson
Unusually for an ultralight tent, there are 4 separate pole sections, all the identical size. Two poles crisscross to type an X on both sides, creating the construction of the tent. All our testers discovered this to be easy and intuitive. Helmuth, who struggled mightily with the Zpacks Plex Solo, rated the Free Zip a 5 for setup; the truth is, it had practically good scores throughout the board.
In our expertise, whereas it’s potential to arrange the Zpacks Free Zip with out stakes, our testers aren’t recommending it. First off, the stress from the 2 opposing cross-pole sections needs to clamshell the tent, which is annoying. However even when you get inside it and pressure the tent form down along with your physique weight, you’re going to be lacking some flooring actual property. The stakes are additionally important in case you are planning to make use of this tent in uncovered or windy situations. However as soon as it was correctly staked out, testers have been impressed with its stormworthiness, with one noting that it “felt prefer it may face up to a hurricane.”
Ashley Thess
Whether or not or not you assume the Free Zip has sufficient inside area depends upon your expectations from an ultralight tent. Zpacks charges the smaller mannequin of this tent as being for one to 2 folks (and the bigger as being for 2 to a few). Our expertise helps this suggestion. Whereas two medium-sized ladies with ultralight kits have been capable of match into this tent collectively, this one didn’t move our Two Dudes in a Tent check. One other consideration with this tent is condensation. Like all single-wall tents, it’s susceptible to amassing moisture on the inside, however when totally zipped up it’s much more susceptible than most: it was one of many few tents on our Goat Rocks Wilderness trek to wrestle with condensation (on the second night time, whereas camped subsequent to a river). The dearth of vestibules makes this an extra problem.
Ashley Thess
The small measurement of the vestibules are maybe some of the noteworthy options of this tent. Their taut design is a part of what makes them so stormworthy; nonetheless, it additionally implies that you aren’t going to suit way more in there then your sneakers. Whether or not that’s a dealbreaker or a non-issue for you’ll depend upon the scale of your present package. Magic additionally famous that the low entrance to this tent was troublesome to get out and in for him, because of stiffness from Parkinson’s.
We are able to’t finish this overview with out mentioning the value. It’s very excessive (definitely partly because of the excessive price of Dyneema and carbon fiber), and certain out of attain for many ultralight backpackers.
Learn our full review of the Zpacks Free Zip Tent for extra data.
Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL
Two-person mannequin examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “Regular” La Vigne, Adam Tycaster, Ashley Thess with extra enter by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4.7
- Inside Residing Area: 3
- Safety: 3.7
- Worth: 3.3
- Measured Weight of the 2-Individual Mannequin: 2 kilos, 3.7 ounces (0.9 ounces lower than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 41 inches (2P)
- Doorways: One door (2P)
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime
- Worth: $420 (2P)
Execs
- One of many lightest non-trekking pole tents we’ve examined
- Straightforward to arrange
Cons
- Entrance entry was not fashionable with testers
- 2-person mannequin was not giant sufficient for 2 folks
I checked out the one-person model of this tent as a part of my scouting for the second annual OL backpacking gear check and got here away impressed. It arrange quick and was light-weight with a small packed measurement (important once you’re carrying the Palante Desert, one of many best ultralight backpacks). It wasn’t probably the most home-like tent I had ever used, but it surely felt protected and safe and, to be trustworthy, I don’t prefer to spend time in my tent, anyway.
Alex Robinson
The tester panel for the backpacking gear check used the two-person model of the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus. Let’s begin with the unhealthy: for a two particular person tent, they weren’t impressed by the inside area it offered, with a number of testers noting that it felt cramped and they might not need to share it with a second particular person. Once we ran our Two Dudes in a Tent check on this one, it was the one tent that our two gal testers advised us was too small to make use of. (Tycaster, our tallest tester, did just like the two-person for simply himself.) Testers have been equally nonplussed by the entrance entry door. Whereas it does present some weight financial savings, it cuts the variety of potential vestibules down from two to at least one. It additionally implies that you enter the tent on the prime of your sleeping space, which loads of folks discover awkward.
Alex Robinson
However testers did recognize how simple it was to arrange and take this down (no directions wanted for this group), particularly in comparison with the trekking pole and different non-freestanding tents we checked out. Regular talked about that, when attaching the rainfly to the principle physique, “the hooks have been so small, they have been somewhat troublesome to safe with out effort.” Thess reported that the tent, even when totally staked out, flapped round considerably in heavy winds. This one is a greater wager for backpackers keen to hike just a few miles previous that ridgeline to achieve the security of the timber.
One attribute of this tent that testers have been torn on was the white material. It tended to choose up grime simply, but in addition made the tent extra seen in low gentle situations.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL
Two-person mannequin examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson, Adam Tycaster, and Sven “Magic” Anderson
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4
- Inside Residing Area: 2.3
- Safety: 3
- Worth: 4.3
- Measured Weight of the Two-Individual Mannequin: 2 kilos, 4.7 ounces (.3 ounces lower than marketed)
- PFAS free in 2025
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 42 inches (2P)
- Doorways: One door (2P)
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime
- Worth: $400 (2P)
Execs
- Inexpensive than different tents on this record
Cons
- Heavier than different tents we checked out (though nonetheless very light-weight)
- Entrance entry will be extra awkward to get into
The Massive Agnes Fly Creek is an analogous design to the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus, and testers’ suggestions on this tent mirrored as such. The front-end entry was irritating, however setup and takedown was simple sufficient. Regardless of the tent coming in at a cheaper price level than the Nimbus, testers rated it much less favorably, together with the tester, Tycaster, that used each tents. He and Magic each famous that the vestibule was small and that the inside was oddly claustrophobic with the edges tending to sag. “The inside felt like a coffin,” mentioned Tycaster. Whereas he was our tallest tester, these are usually not the outcomes you need for a two particular person tent. It’s value noting that, in our Two Dudes in a Tent check, testers reported that two ladies can match into the two-person model simply advantageous.
Finest Ultralight Tents: Trekking Pole
Finest Total: Gossamer Gear The ONE and The TWO
One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Diana Helmuth and Ashley Thess
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4
- Inside Residing Area: 4.5
- Safety: 4
- Worth: 5
- Measured Weight of the One-Individual Mannequin: 1 pound, 6.6 ounces (1.4 ounces lower than marketed)
- PFAS free in 2025
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 45 inches (1P), 43 inches (2P)
- Doorways: One door (1P), two doorways (2P)
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon
- Guarantee: One 12 months
- Worth: $255 (1P), $320 (2P)
- Optional aluminum pole sets available (5.7 ounces for a pair)
Execs
- Straightforward to arrange
- Fairly priced
- Good sized inside that felt homey to our testers
Cons
- Technically a smaller footprint than comparable fashions
The Gossamer Gear The One is the overall bundle. It’s simple to arrange, even for first-time trekking-pole tent customers. It’s very gentle. It has sufficient head room to maneuver round comfortably within the morning. The vestibule match all our gear with room to spare. It packs up small. It even had an inside stow pocket for odds and ends like eyeglasses. Examine. Examine. Examine.
Learn Subsequent: The Best Trekking Poles
However that is the actual cause it received the highest slot: The Gossamer Gear The One, greater than another tent in our check, simply had that je ne sais quoi that we search for in our residence on the path. Our testers wished to be on this tent on the finish of the day and have been pleased to get up in it within the morning — even our tallest tester at 5 toes, 10 inches. There was extra wrangling to be the subsequent tester for this tent than of another we checked out.
Each testers who took this tent out reported that they have been in a position to determine how one can arrange the tent with out instructions (one thing that was decidedly not true for all of the trekking-pole tents in our check). Nonetheless, they each famous the shortage of instructions offered within the bundle — contemplate downloading these to your smartphone earlier than heading out into the sector.
The one draw back to this tent is that it requires two trekking poles to arrange, making it much less weight-conscious for backpackers who solely carry one for difficult stream crossings or steep talus.
Finest Worth: Durston X-Mid
One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell with enter by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster and Patrice “Regular” La Vigne
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4
- Inside Residing Area: 3.5
- Safety: 4
- Worth: 5
- Measured Weight of the One-Individual Mannequin: 2 kilos, 1 ounce (2.2 ounces heavier than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 46 inches (2P)
- Doorways: Two doorways (1P & 2P)
- Supplies: Polyester
- Guarantee: Two years
- Worth: $234 (1P), $270 (2P)
- Additionally obtainable as a one-pound DCF tent
- Optional carbon fiber poles available (6.2 ounces for a pair)
Execs
- Glorious geometry makes for a steady arrange
- Most vestibule area of something we checked out
- Very affordably priced
Cons
- Not as gentle as another ultralight tents in our check (DCF model is way more costly)
- You’ll need to seize some completely different stakes (included choices weren’t the very best)
When arrange accurately, the Durston X-Mid 1 had a few of the finest geometry of any tent our testers had ever tried. It’s totally taut and safe in opposition to wind and rain, not sagging within the slightest when critical moisture units in. Even when it wasn’t arrange completely (a unfastened stake popped on my first night time on this tent), it was shockingly steady: I didn’t even discover till morning.
Regardless that the rainfly was soaked from the unrelenting condensation of the Oregon Coast, I used to be utterly dry on this tent, because of its double-wall setup. What makes the Durston X-Mid 1’s double-wall design particularly distinctive is that it was designed to be pitched fly first — no extra groundsheet required. Our testers additionally observed that the pitch had steeper partitions than was typical, which maximizes livability — even when it doesn’t technically offer you extra flooring area.
The Durston X-Mid 1 even had two doorways and two vestibules, distinctive amongst one-person tents to our data. Regardless that it’s an analogous weight to the opposite double-wall ultralight tents we checked out, the Durston X-Mid 1 is (on the time of this overview) about $200 cheaper. Hiker trash: This one is a no brainer.
So what’s flawed with this tent? To start out: It’s not your lightest choice. For a similar weight because the Durston X-Mid 1, you might get a completely freestanding tent. (Durston does provide a 1-pound model of this tent in DCF, however the value level for that’s up there with a few of the pricier ultralight tents.) Its setup additionally proved difficult for testers accustomed to freestanding tents. If that is your first trekking pole tent, give your self a while and area to mess around with perfecting the setup.
Learn Subsequent: Best Tent Stakes
Lastly, you keep in mind I discussed a stake popped out the primary night time we used this tent? That stake had bent whereas being pushed into moderately delicate floor. I’d plan to interchange them with the most effective tent stakes, with an eye fixed towards MSR Groundhog minis or Massive Agnes Filth Daggers.
Learn our full overview, Durston X-Mid 1 Evaluate: A Beginner-Friendly Ultralight Shelter.
Lightest: Gossamer Gear Whisper
Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Diana Helmuth, Ashley Thess, and Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, with enter from Patrice “Regular” La Vigne
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 3.6
- Inside Residing Area: 3
- Safety: 2.6
- Worth: 2.6
- Measured Weight: 10.1 ounces (.1 ounce greater than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
Execs
- Ridiculously light-weight
- Stunning inside area
- Dialog starter
Cons
- No devoted flooring
- More durable setup than others on this record
- Comparative lack of privateness
The Gossamer Gear Whisper was some of the impossible-looking tents our testing group had ever seen. At its core, this tent is one thing like a cross between a tarp and a single-wall trekking pole tent. It has the weight-savings of the previous, however the setup is nearer to the latter. Gossamer Gear co-founder Glen Van Peski designed the Whisper for a particular journey he was headed out on, and solely 500 have been launched as an preliminary restricted run — maybe, at first look, it didn’t appear to be a tent with widespread enchantment. Nevertheless it flew off the cabinets, and Gossamer Gear ended up making it a everlasting a part of their choices.
Alex Robin
After sharing this tent with our testing workforce, I can see why it has such enchantment for a sure subset of ultralight backpackers. There have all the time been a pair limitations to the tarp setup. The primary is that you may be the entree on the buffet for any mosquitoes round. The Whisper solves this properly by having a mesh skirt alongside the underside of the tent. The second is that, for one thing seemingly so easy wanting, tarps are difficult and time-consuming to arrange. And that’s the place the Gossamer Gear Whisper actually shines. After I learn Glen’s stream-of-consciousness instructions on the Gossamer Gear web site under the FAQ (which I positively advocate), it took me lower than 10 minutes to arrange on my first try. The essential thought is to begin on the foot, staking out across the shorter trekking pole, after which pull it taut as you stake every successive loop in till you get to the aspect with the taller trekking pole. I think about with a little bit of follow, I may get this tent up about as shortly as another trekking pole tent.
Alex Robinson
Different testers had equally constructive experiences with the setup. Skilled thru-hiker Prime Shelf referred to as it a “fast, simple, and self-explanatory,” noting that the DCF makes it simpler to create a taut silhouette than you’d get with silnylon. Diana and Ashley additionally each acquired the tent up with out an excessive amount of bother after I offered a recap of the beneficial technique.
Testers’ emotions about really sleeping on this tent various dramatically. “It looks like my first tent,” mentioned Prime Shelf. “Simply sufficient of what you want and nothing you don’t.” Ashley didn’t have comparable heat fuzzies, stating that she wouldn’t belief this tent in any type of climate. And Diana opted to forgo sleeping in it in any respect, swapping with Regular on the third night time of our check. That turned out to be the windiest night time, with a number of testers arrange in additional uncovered areas reporting their tent construction being compromised. So it was notable that Regular, arrange with some tree safety, got here away impressed with the structural integrity of this tent, giving it a 4, the very best score of our testers.
“I felt the wind blowing in by means of the mesh backside half, however I wouldn’t have identified it was windy (perhaps 10 mph) as a result of the remainder of the tent physique was as tight as a trampoline,” she mentioned. “You might bounce a penny off it.”
Once I examined this tent on the ultimate night time of our journey, I had the prospect to expertise this firsthand. The tent appeared prefer it was standing up with pixie mud, which didn’t make me really feel as safe within it as I wished. However the precise construction was so inflexible and taut that irrespective of what number of instances I knocked into the middle pole, it didn’t transfer in any respect.
Gossamer Gear doesn’t opine on how many individuals this tent will match, however our take is that, whereas it simply barely match our two gal testers, it’s actually a roomy match for one. Whereas there’s technically area on each side of the middle pole for 2 sleeping pads, the logistics of cramming in any further gear or, heaven forbid, the particular person on the far aspect needing to make use of the restroom in the course of the night time, makes this a no-go.
Diana Helmut
Greater than another tent on this record, belief your intestine on this one. When you’re an outdated hand at trekking pole tents or tarp-curious, this might be simply what it’s essential actually drive that base weight down. But when the thought of forgoing a flooring and having the underside 4 inches of your tent be nothing however mesh offers you pause, then go together with one other decide on this record.
Finest for Tall Individuals: Tarptent ProTrail
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 2
- Inside Residing Area: 2.5
- Safety: 3
- Worth: 4
- Measured Weight: 1 pound, 8.2 ounces (.2 ounces heavier than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 45 inches
- Doorways: 1
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon flooring; ripstop polyester shell
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime
- Worth: $240
- Optional carbon fiber poles available (6.9 ounces per set)
Execs
- Usable size makes this an ideal choice for taller people
- Might match two folks in a pinch
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Tends to sag within the center in condensation-prone situations
- People with a shorter wingspan will wrestle with setup
Loads of folks over 6 toes tall received’t even have a look at a one-person ultralight tent. In spite of everything, the best manner for producers to save lots of weight and defend your UL bonafides is to easily make your tent smaller than the competitors. And, to be trustworthy, our all-women testing crew, which topped out at 5 foot 10, was principally advantageous with that. However there was one ultralight tent we tried that was clearly constructed with an over six-foot particular person in thoughts: the Tarptent ProtTrail.
Whereas loads of different ultralight tents declare an analogous 84-inch size, few even have that a lot usable area, because of the taper of the partitions. Not so within the Tarptent ProTrail, which has totally vertical sides on the prime and the underside of the tent. We expect that anybody as much as six foot 4 could be snug mendacity down inside this tent.
Sadly, getting in is a special story. The Tarptent Protrail has head-in entry, which most testers discovered to be considerably uncomfortable and awkward to make use of, particularly after they have been drained after a protracted day of mountain climbing.
The 2 trekking poles used within the setup of the Tarptent ProTrail have been separated lengthwise, 84 inches from each other. That lengthy profile, with none extra assist or construction within the middle, meant that it sagged extra from the condensation than anything we checked out. We’d even have issues about this tent in critical wind situations if it was angled incorrectly or if wind was coming from a number of instructions.
It’s value noting that shorter folks will wrestle to arrange this tent, as certainly one of our testers found on the ultimate night time of our journey alongside the Oregon Coast Path. That’s as a result of the entrance trekking pole should be held upright similtaneously you stake out the far door: the wingspan of a shorter particular person simply can’t attain that far.
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 2
- Inside Residing Area: 2
- Safety: 3
- Worth: 3
- Measured Weight of the 1-Individual Mannequin: 15.9 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
- PFAS free
Key Options
Execs
- By far the lightest tent in our check
- Single pole arrange
Cons
- Costly
- Expertise wanted to realize the proper pitch
- Requires a taller trekking pole to pitch correctly
Our testers had extra blended emotions in regards to the Zpacks Plex Solo than anything we checked out. The burden of this tent spectacular; it’s additionally twice the value of our greatest general decide within the trekking-pole class. The Dyneema shell that helps give this tent its low weight was additionally surprisingly cozy, with our tester noting that it was simply 5 levels hotter inside than out. Nonetheless, if the pitch wasn’t simply so, it felt, within the phrases of 1 tester, like “sleeping within a moist trash bag.”
The wrong pitch was not for lack of attempting. Our tester, who described the offered directions as a few of the finest we checked out, spent a very long time attempting to get this one proper. However then she’d get into the tent and understand one thing wasn’t fairly proper with a number of of the ten stakes. After getting out to regulate the stakes and the guylines, she’d get in once more, and see that now one thing new was flawed. By morning, she was fairly annoyed, however different members of the testing journey who had used Zpacks earlier than merely nodded sagely. The pitch on these tents is hard to grasp.
We additionally had issues about its storm-readiness. In contrast to different ultralight tents, there is no such thing as a zipper on the door, simply clips on the corners of the 2 sides that safe to a stake. Meaning rain and wind can each push their manner by means of for those who haven’t protected your self by another means. Skilled thru-hikers will know if this can be a threat they’re keen to take. In spite of everything, some trails are unlikely to see situations that may make this a difficulty, and there’s all the time the choice to prop your backpack up within the door to supply some further safety. However we expect early-career ultralight backpackers ought to assume twice earlier than committing to a setup like this.
When you’re new to ultralight tents, particularly for those who’re new to trekking pole tents, we expect it is best to shelve this one in the intervening time and go for a barely heavier mannequin just like the Gossamer Gear THE ONE or Durston X-Mid-1. However for those who’ve been utilizing ultralight tents for a while, and are able to improve to that elusive sub-10 pound package, then this could completely be in your brief record.
Just like the Six Moons Lunar Solo, this one doesn’t include stakes — you’ll want to purchase these individually. Whereas our first suggestion is for the MSR Groundhog Minis, that’s going to push you up over the one pound mark. To maintain this beneath a pound in whole weight (and get all ten stakes — you’ll want them to take full benefit of the inside area), go for the MSR Carbon Core.
The final be aware is to test your present trekking poles. One of the best pitch is achieved with a pole set to 132 cm in size, however some poles don’t lengthen that far.
Seek Outside Sunlight
Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson, Adam Tycaster, Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, and Diana Helmuth
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4
- Inside Residing Area: 4.8
- Safety: 4.3
- Worth: 3.8
- Measured Weight: 2 kilos, 10.1 ounces (3.1 ounces heavier than marketed)
- PFAS free
Key Options
- Max Head Top: 50 inches (2P)
- Doorways: Two doorways (2P)
- Supplies: Ripstop nylon
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime (additionally supplies restore for a price)
- Worth: $450 (2P)
- Optional carbon fiber poles available (8.4 ounces for a set)
Execs
- Spacious
- High quality supplies
- Straightforward setup (for a trekking pole tent)
- Made within the USA
Cons
- Costly
- Heavy for an ultralight tent
- The non-obligatory carbon fiber poles have been heavy (8.4 ounces) and confused testers
The Search Outdoors Daylight was the one non-freestanding tent that was arrange within the uncovered alpine space on our third night time of testing within the Goat Rocks Wilderness (the opposite three trekking-pole tents have been arrange among the many timber). The tester, Prime Shelf, reported that it stayed up advantageous, though there have been some hiccups alongside the way in which given the lower than ideally suited staking-out scenario. “It felt homey, spacious, and tremendous storm-worthy,” she famous. Robinson, who examined it on the ultimate night time once we have been camped in muggy situations close to a pond, reported no condensation.
Alex Robinson
All of the testers for this tent have been effusive of their reward. “Best trekking pole tent to arrange I’ve ever skilled,” mentioned Helmuth. Whereas the Search Outdoors Daylight is noticeably costlier than the Gossamer Gear The Two, which has an analogous silhouette, there are a number of causes to decide on this model. First off, this tent has unbelievable inside area, by far probably the most of any two-person tent we checked out. Two giant and tall people will simply match inside this tent with out feeling overcrowded. It’s additionally constituted of 30D nylon, which ought to have an extended lifespan than the Gossamer Gear’s 10D. I additionally appreciated a singular function, the place a sliding toggle on the center edge of every vestibule allowed you to simply entry the zipped mesh door. “So easy and enjoyable,” famous Helmuth. “Why aren’t all tents like this?”
Alex Robinson
One facet of this tent that stymied our testers was the non-obligatory carbon fiber poles, that are bought as an extra add-on. These got here in 4 separate sections, with no coloration coding or different indicators to indicate you the way finest to assemble them. Nearly everybody ultimately figured it out, however the consensus was that trekking poles have been a lot simpler to make use of. Whereas the Search Outdoors Daylight is on the heavy aspect for an ultralight tent, we expect it’s properly value your consideration for those who’ve been contemplating upgrading to a 3-person tent to get extra inside area.
Six Moons Lunar
One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 4
- Inside Residing Area: 3
- Safety: 4
- Worth: 4
- Measured Weight of the One-Individual Mannequin: 1 pound, 12.9 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
- PFAS free in 2025
Key Options
Execs
- Straightforward to arrange
- Potential to regulate the door guyline from contained in the tent
- Reasonably priced
- One particular person mannequin wants just one trekking pole
Cons
- Low partitions will be claustrophobic
Perhaps you’re like me: You don’t sometimes use trekking poles whereas mountain climbing, however you’ve been identified to toss one into your pack for gnarly river crossings or for further stability on steep, snowy terrain. However there’s no manner you’d carry two simply to make use of in a trekking pole setup — at that time you would possibly as properly simply use a freestanding mannequin.
The Six Moons Lunar Solo was one of many few ultralight tents in our check that used one trekking pole in its design reasonably than two. The outcome was a modified teepee construction that was surprisingly intuitive to arrange. Regardless of having by no means used this tent, I used to be capable of put it up in solely a few minutes with no instructions.
It additionally had just a few particulars I appreciated. The primary was a vent on the highest of the tent. It didn’t assist with the unrelenting fog of the Oregon Coast, however in drier climes it could scale back condensation buildup from exhaling inside your tent. It additionally had a pressure adjustment for the rainfly door contained in the tent, a considerate element that I hadn’t seen earlier than. This may assist you to do away with extra slack (sometimes attributable to wind or condensation) within the a part of the tent masking your gear with out having to get out of your tent.
Whereas the height top of this tent is adequate, I discovered it troublesome to keep away from bumping my head in opposition to the condensation-soaked tent partitions within the morning. This was partly because of my web site location: I used to be pitched on barely uneven floor, which made it troublesome to realize the steeply sloped partitions that may have been potential on flat floor.
Whereas this tent is affordably priced, be aware that the value doesn’t embrace stakes; you’ll must buy these individually.
Six Moon Designs Haven
Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “Regular” La Vigne, Sven “Magic” Anderson, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, and Diana Helmuth
Report Card
- Ease of Setup: 1.8
- Inside Residing Area: 4
- Safety: 3.8
- Worth: 4.3
- Measured Weight: 2 pound, 10.5 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
- PFAS free in 2025
Key Options
Execs
- Versatile setup
- Straightforward to separate the load between two folks
Cons
- Time-consuming preliminary setup
- A bigger stuff stuff sack is required to simplify subsequent setups
The Six Moon Designs Haven has a considerably distinctive setup that maximizes versatility whereas preserving the load down. Like with the Durston X-Mid, you pitch the rainfly first, after which cling the shelter beneath it. There are just a few benefits to this design. In unhealthy climate, it makes it a bit simpler to maintain the within of the tent dry when taking down the tent. (And, in contrast to single-wall tents, it fares a bit higher in opposition to condensation.) It additionally implies that for those who don’t anticipate to come across vital bugs, you possibly can merely go away the tent physique residence and select to sleep beneath the tarp alone.
Alex Robinson
In follow, clipping the mesh tent physique beneath the rainfly is a little bit of a ache. “I’ve all the time hated the entire ‘arrange the rainfly first’ as a result of then it’s a must to yoga pose beneath the rainfly to attach it to the tent physique,” famous Regular, our first tester. Magic, who’s mountain climbing with Parkinson’s, additionally famous that “the setup could be very troublesome,” rating it a 2, his lowest rating throughout our testing journey. Different testers expressed comparable frustration, particularly with accurately orienting the bug internet to the rainfly physique, which, no less than in our model of the tent, was not coloration coded. A few of this might need been minimized tester to tester by merely leaving the bug internet connected; nonetheless, as a result of the bug internet and the rain fly every have their very own devoted stuff sack, there wasn’t a simple solution to pack them away collectively. I’d advocate that anybody taking a look at this tent additionally buy a bigger stuff sack to simplify setup in these conditions the place you need to go away the 2 halves linked.
Adam Tycaster
All testers famous that the within of the tent was loads spacious (this one simply handed our Two Dudes in a Tent check), though two talked about that they wished the tub flooring had come up a bit larger. Helmuth additionally famous that the zippered doorways are each on the identical aspect of the inside bug internet, but the rainfly doorways open on reverse sides, which appeared odd.
The Remainder of the Discipline
The Outdoor Vitals Fortius was a new-to-us trekking pole tent which we had some blended emotions about. Our tester ended up needing to look at a video on how one can set it up as a way to crack it (it was considerably much less intuitive than the remainder of the trekking pole tents in our check), and even then the ultimate form appeared odd in comparison with the smooth magnificence of different ultralight tents.
Fortunately, the inside was spacious and the low value coupled with low weight make this tent one to contemplate.
We struggled with the Kuiu Summit Star, which simply had probably the most sophisticated setup. Our most skilled tester spent forty minutes getting the pitch proper on her first try, the longest she mentioned she had ever spent establishing a brand new tent.
However there have been particulars that stood out: an extremely spacious vestibule (this was successfully the most important one-person ultralight tent we examined by a large margin), nice breathability, lengthy size that may enchantment to taller people, an non-obligatory vestibule flooring. This may be the fitting alternative for an particularly affected person particular person on the lookout for an ultralight basecamp. And it does look awfully sharp as soon as it’s up.
The Samaya Opti 1.5 is one which we wished to like. In spite of everything, that is the model that introduced us the Radical1, one of many best 4-season tents that weighs lower than a pound and a half. And so they have been taking a special method to the trekking pole setup right here (exterior A-frame with a aspect entrance, simpler to get out and in), which is all the time enjoyable to mess around with. Effectively, mess around we did, however we simply couldn’t get this tent to look proper. We significantly struggled with the guyline on the again of the tent, which when pulled taut really decreases the inside area of the tent. Absolutely an angle exists the place this wouldn’t occur, however we didn’t discover it throughout our check.
There have been different issues too. The included stakes, the identical as with the Radical1 that labored so properly in snow, had poor maintain in delicate floor and bent after they hit onerous floor. Adjusting the pitch of the trekking poles alongside the A-frame was additionally difficult, as pulling the guylines alongside the aspect taut tended to have an effect on the angle and make the entire setup unstable. And whereas the vestibule was a powerful measurement, the marketed entrance porch choice requires a second set of trekking poles — which you’d solely have for those who have been sharing this tent with one other particular person. For us, this ultralight tent didn’t hit the mark (particularly at this value level), however we’ll be watching to see what the modern Samaya model comes out with sooner or later.
How one can Select the Finest Ultralight Tents
Semi-Freestanding versus Trekking Poles
For the uninitiated, semi-freestanding tents can keep up with simply the poles inserted, no must stake into the bottom until you need to maximize your flooring area (or rain is within the forecast). Trekking-pole tents, alternatively, should be staked out as a way to rise up. For years, skilled backpackers would have a tendency towards trekking-pole tents for the load financial savings. Novice backpackers, alternatively, would gravitate towards the simplicity and safety of a semi-freestanding tent, that are simpler to good the setup of.
In recent times, nonetheless, the distinction in weight and ease of setup between freestanding and non-freestanding tents has began to shrink. Our decide for the very best semi-freestanding tent, the MSR Freelite, weighed lower than a number of trekking pole designs we checked out, whereas the only trekking pole design of the Six Moons Lunar Solo was practically as simple to place up as a typical cross-pole development.
Trekking Poles
When you presently use trekking poles, then switching to a tent that comes with them into the design generally is a main weight financial savings. (If you don’t, then you definately’ll need to incorporate the load of the trekking poles or the substitute tent poles into your calculations earlier than making a ultimate choice). When selecting an ultralight tent, test that your trekking poles lengthen as much as the beneficial top — our check of the very best ultralight tents was paired with our check of the best trekking poles, and we have been shocked at how typically the trekking poles we have been utilizing have been too brief for the tents.
Ease of Setup
There may be lots of variation in how simple or troublesome ultralight tents are to arrange. Some tents, particularly freestanding tents, are so easy to arrange that you simply don’t even want instructions. Others appear to require limitless fiddling to realize the perfect setup, particularly the primary few instances you employ them. When you repeatedly hike till nightfall or are heading into part of the nation the place snap storms are the norm, selecting a tent the place you possibly can obtain an ideal setup lightning quick is crucial.
Single versus Double Wall
Most tents are double wall tents, the place the inside mesh physique and outer rainfly are two items separated by an inch or so when arrange accurately. This helps to forestall condensation — the moisture that collects as we exhale through the night time — from getting our gear moist once we brush up in opposition to the tent partitions. Nonetheless, further materials means further weight, and ultralight purists sometimes go for single wall tents that emphasize air flow. Nonetheless, as our further condensation-prone backpacking gear check alongside the Oregon Coast confirmed, typically no quantity of air flow will forestall speedy condensation construct up. So that you’ll should resolve which is extra necessary: safety from condensation or a decrease weight.
Vestibule Measurement
For this check, we appeared solely at one particular person tents, which typically lack the inside flooring area for greater than one of many best backpacking sleeping pads. With these tents, a wholesome measurement vestibule is necessary in case you are carrying greater than the naked minimal of drugs.
Seam Sealing
Seam sealing is crucial to waterproofing the seams of a tent. Not all ultralight tents seam seal their tents robotically — some provide their tents at a cheaper price with the understanding that the buyer will seam seal it themselves. If you do not need to seam seal your individual tent, double test whether or not that is offered robotically or as a separate service earlier than buying.
Stakes
Light-weight stakes with wonderful holding energy are important for non-freestanding tents. Nonetheless, not all ultralight tents include stakes on the level of buy. Others don’t include stakes which can be acceptable for difficult terrains or situations. I’ve famous within the above evaluations the place stakes will should be bought individually and when it is best to contemplate swapping out the offered stakes for one of many best tent stakes.
FAQs
Ultralight tents sometimes weigh between 1 and a couple of kilos for a one-person mannequin. A two-person ultralight tent will sometimes weigh a few pound greater than their single particular person counterparts.
Ultralight tents are sometimes constituted of DCF (Dyneema Composite Material), silnylon, or silpolyester. Poles and stakes are typically constituted of light-weight aluminum (look for top of the range poles, like these from DAC) or typically carbon fiber.
When you’re new to ultralight backpacking, it’s finest to begin with an ultralight tent. Whereas tarps are a wonderful ultralight choice, their capacity to deal with sure climate situations is proscribed they usually require considerably extra expertise to realize a weather-ready setup.
Ultimate Ideas
There has by no means been a greater time to improve your backpacking tent to an ultralight mannequin. The ingenuity and variety of design and development implies that it’s simple to discover a tent that matches your wants, present package, and expertise stage. After testing these tents first-hand within the area, we’re assured that they’ll shave ounces (and even kilos) off your base weight whereas nonetheless offering the standard sleep it’s essential benefit from your subsequent out of doors journey.
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