Narrowing in on that elusive 5-pound base weight? Youre probably fastidiously scouring the web for the lightest ultralight tent, backpack, and sleeping bag, but beware — these flimsy, unassuming pieces of gear need to be chosen with care. The lightest model on the market may not be the best, or the safest, move. Theres a lot to consider when buying your core ultralight gear.

　　From full-blown thru-hikes to fast weekend missions, weve clocked some serious miles in a broad diversity of ultralight tents. We know the sinking feeling of mid-trip tent failures, and what to look for in a shelter that lasts for months of abuse. Author and Senior Editor Chris Carter has significant experience with various ultralight tents, having put around 10 different models to the test in the past year alone. An alumnus of each of the Triple Crown trails in the United States (PCT, CDT, and AT), Chris arguably sleeps better under a thin Dyneema sheet than a solid roof.

　　Thru-hikers going the distance are perhaps the best demographic to poll about featherlight gear. To pinpoint the best ultralight backpacking tents, we gathered sage advice from thru-hikers who’ve tracked the toughest, longest miles with their gear. These dedicated dirtbags haul their kit for thousands of miles through a spectrum of weather, terrain, wildlife, and obstacles.

　　At a trek’s end, gear is either a benediction or extraneous deadweight. In addition to our teams personal experience, we rummaged through our rolodex of long-distance backpackers, and picked their brains to find the best ultralight tents on the market.

　　Whether you’re establishing a lightweight backpacking setup or preparing for your inaugural thru-hike, this guide is for you. Our reviews below are a combination of interviews with die-hard thru-hikers, and our personal experience with a number of different models.

　　If you’re not sure where to start, hop down to our comparison chart, buyers guide, and FAQ at the bottom of the page before scrolling through our roundup.

　　Editors Note: We updated our Ultralight Tents guide on April 4, 2024 to include the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo — a budget-friendly shelter that still manages to only tip the scales at 1 pound, 10 ounces.

　　The Best Ultralight Tents of 2024 Best Overall Ultralight Tent: Zpacks Duplex Best Budget Ultralight Tent: Gossamer Gear The One Runner-Up Best Ultralight Tent: Zpacks Plex Solo Best Freestanding Ultralight Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Best Ultralight Tarp: Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp With Doors Best Ultralight Pyramid Tent: Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent Best Overall Ultralight Tent Zpacks Duplex Specs Weight 1 lb., 3.4 oz. Height 48 in. Floor Space 28.1 sq. ft. Materials Dyneema (0.55 oz./sq. yd.) Vestibule Area 11 sq. ft.

　　Pros Spacious Phenomenal weather protection Thoughtful construction Cons Expensive Set up takes time to master Requires large area, stakes, and guylines Chris Carter Thru-hiker and visual storyteller Elina Osborne trekked the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2019. The Zpacks Duplex Tent ($699) became Osborne’s top choice for shelter on her 4-month journey.

　　“The Duplex Tent is light (19.4 ounces), spacious, and sturdy. It’s the Taj Mahal of ultralight tents,” said Osborne, who lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

　　She purchased the two-person tent in Central California before she reached the High Sierra segment of the PCT. Then, she relied on the tent in every type of condition for months straight.

　　“This tent saw me through the High Sierra in a year of 200% snowpack at its peak. It stood through the dryness of Northern California, a mosquito-ridden Oregon, and the rainy state of Washington. As long as I set up the Duplex properly, it didn’t let me down,” said Osborne.

　　The Duplex Tent is constructed with Dyneema Composite Fabric, which has a high strength-to-weight ratio. The material is built to withstand high wind and remain stretch-free, so it won’t sag under moisture. The fabric is inherently waterproof and PFC-free.

　　Furthermore, the tent has watertight taped seams. A groundsheet is not required due to the floor’s durability. And the tent has a fully enclosed insect screen with super-tiny holes.

　　“When I acquired the Duplex Tent, the Zpacks Altaplex Tent ($675) had not yet been released. The Altaplex is also a top contender. It has a sturdy build and an edge on the Duplex Tent regarding weight. But the Duplex has extra space — there’s room for all of your gear and then some,” said Osborne.

　　The tent’s floor width measures 45 x 90 inches. The design features four storm doors and sets up with two trekking poles. This Duplex has a single-wall construction, which means that condensation is more prevalent, noted Osborne. (Zpacks offers tips to avoid condensation.)

　　The Duplex was fairly durable but it can’t withstand hard abuse. Osborne learned she needed to “be more gentle with this tent. There’s a small tear on the inner netting, which resulted purely from personal recklessness.”

　　Today, the Zpacks Duplex continues to accompany Osborne on trail adventures in New Zealand. “The Duplex is not exactly the most budget-friendly option. But if cutting weight is a priority and you want the luxury of being in your own space, then the Duplex is perfect. At the most desperate of times, you can also cram at least five in there too,” she added.

　　Check Price at Zpacks Best Budget Ultralight Tent Gossamer Gear The One Specs Weight 1 lb., 3 oz. Height 45 in. Floor Space (LxWxH) 84 x 33/21 (head slightly wider) x 43 in. Materials Custom 10-denier nylon ripstop SIL/PU fabric Vestibule Area 10 sq. ft.

　　Pros Super spacious Solid strength-to-weight ratio Affordable Cons Condensation tends to build up pretty easily Internal mesh pockets are placed a little awkwardly 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).

　　“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 nylon blend fabric. And the tent’s floor is 36 inches wide at the head, 24 inches wide at the foot, and 88 inches long. The 20.6-ounce shelter is set up with trekking poles, or the segmented poles can be purchased separately.

　　“When I’m hiking in good weather with zero bugs, a tarp is preferable due to its lower weight. But those conditions rarely last for long. So, on longer trips with varied conditions, The One shines,” Ingram said.

　　“Super-ultralight people may call it ‘too heavy,’ but for the features it offers, it’s hard to beat. This tent handles rain, wind, bugs, and light snow well. For consistent heavy snow, I would look at a freestanding four-season tent instead.”

　　GearJunkie Senior Editor Chris Carter is a Triple Crown thru-hiker and 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. One model lasted the entire trip, and shrugged off some serious torture along the way. From wind-whipped whiteouts in the San Juans, to weeks of endless rain in the White Mountains, it kept him cozy and safe through the entire spectrum of conditions.

　　For the aspiring dirtbag thru-hiker with no two pennies to rub together, The One is a godsend, Carter says. As I was saving up for my demanding eight-month thru-hike, the daunting $600+ price points of leading UL tents were enough to stifle my ambition and make me question the feasibility of such a trek. But the promise of top-shelf durability for under $300 kept my spirits afloat.

　　Carter lauds The Ones ability to go the distance and 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.

　　Check Price at Gossamer Gear Runner-Up Best Ultralight Tent Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Specs Weight 13.9 oz. (for the blue color scheme) Height 52 in. Floor Space 20.6 sq. ft. Materials Dyneema (0.75 oz./sq. yd.) Vestibule Area 6.4 sq. ft.

　　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 a zipper from the storm flap/vestibule, using metal hooks to keep it closed. This system pares down on weight, but we also found it to be a little less convenient than a zipper, primarily if you are trying to faff around with it late at night to go to the bathroom.

　　Using only one trekking pole, the Plex Solo maximizes space with a series of guylines all around the tent 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 for dedicated long-distance backpacking, the Zpacks 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.

　　Check Price at Zpacks Best Freestanding Ultralight Tent Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Specs Weight 2 lbs. Height 40 in. Floor Space 20 sq. ft. Materials Silicone treated nylon ripstop with a 1200 mm water-resistant, polyurethane coating and polyester mesh Vestibule Area 5 sq. ft.

　　Pros Freestanding but ultralight Affordable Cons One door/vestibule design limits usability Chris Carter “The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Tent ($400) has never failed me,” said Katharine Hill. This teacher and thru-hiker is based in Golden, Colorado. Hill has ambled both the PCT and the John Muir Trail and tested several tents along the way.

　　“The Fly Creek is a freestanding tent, so I can pitch it anywhere, even if the ground is not ideal for stakes. This characteristic was glorious in places like the High Sierra: I watched many friends spend up to 30 minutes trying to find a good pitch,” said Hill.

　　She likes that this shelter’s frame is established with tent poles rather than trekking poles. With tent poles, the shelter remains stable and doesn’t collapse under extreme gusts, she noted.

　　The Fly Creek HV UL 1 features a single door and a dry-entry vestibule. The tent’s fabric is ripstop nylon. The rainfly and floor have a 1,200 mm waterproof polyurethane coating, and the seams are reinforced with waterproof polyurethane tape. This one-person tent continued to be reliable for nearly 200 days and three seasons in the desert, snow, wind, and rain.

　　$370 at Backcountry$370 at Amazon Best Ultralight Tarp Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp With Doors Specs Weight 6.1 oz. Height 47 in. Floor Space N/A Materials .55 oz/sqyd Standard Dyneema Composite Fabric Vestibule Area N/A

　　Pros Extremely lightweight and packable Excellent strength-to-weight ratio Cons Not the most spacious interior A bit challenging to set up 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.

　　“Zippers on a shelter can be a potential point of failure — and this tarp doesn’t have any zippers,” said Mason. He applauded that it’s made in the U.S., and there are two storm doors and enough space to stow the hiker’s gear.

　　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 and plenty of week and weekend trips under its belt,” he said. (However, the stuff sack now has many patches on it.)

　　When using this tarp, Mason carries personal bug netting for buzzy sections of trail. After he completes those segments, he ships the netting home. Unfortunately, he shipped the netting home too early on the CDT.

　　“I used a mosquito head net and my baseball hat to keep the mosquitoes off my face while I slept. This system worked surprisingly well, and it saved a lot of weight compared to the full-length bug net,” said Mason.

　　This shelter is ideal for an arid climate — and for anyone under 6 feet tall. “On a long-term trip that’s extremely wet and damp, this tarp might not work as well, especially if you tend to toss and turn at night like I do,” said Mason.

　　“On a long hike, I prefer to be hiking — not hanging out in camp. This minimalist tarp allows me to minimize my base weight and maximize my miles per day.”

　　Check Price at Zpacks Best Ultralight Pyramid Tent Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Dyneema Tent Specs Weight 1 lb., 3 oz. Height 64 in. Floor Space 63 sq. ft. Materials Cuben fiber, your trekking poles Vestibule Area N/A

　　Pros Ultralight Very strong Cons Expensive Trekking pole tents aren’t for everyone Need space to set up guy lines Chris Carter 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 best backpacking tents available.

　　Hyperlite builds the UltaMid 2 with Dyneema fabric, an extraordinarily durable material that withstands tons of abuse yet remains incredibly light. This tent, which uses trekking poles for support, weighs in at just 1.2 pounds for the main tent body.

　　Add 1.3 pounds for a matched mesh insert, and it’s still super light. It provides a floor area of over 50 square feet, enough space for two hikers and packs.

　　The only drawbacks are the price and that you must have 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 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, this is a top-tier tent that will last a very long time. If you’re looking for an ultralight tent our tester called a “wonder of engineering” that will give you many seasons of use, this one is worth considering.

　　Read Review: Pitch a Pyramid: Hyperlite UltaMid 2 Tent Review

　　$699 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear$699 at Backcountry Best of the Rest Tarptent Stratospire Li Specs Weight 1 lb., 14 oz. Height 45 in. Floor Space 26.8 sq. ft. Materials Dyneema, 20D ripstop nylon, 15D nylon mesh Vestibule Area 24 sq. ft.

　　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 Dyneema 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.

　　First and foremost, this ultralight tent doesn’t feel like an ultralight tent once you’ve set it up. The floor space is a rectangular 45” x 86”, easily allowing for two pads without tapering down at the legs. Theres also a door and vestibule on either side, so there is plenty of dry storage space (~12 sq. ft.) for either occupant. Our tester spent 6 days in the Southern Sierra backcountry during an uncharacteristically snowy October and was grateful for a dry space to cook with plenty of room for his climbing gear.

　　If you’re carting off the whole shebang (the mesh interior, all the stakes, guylines, struts, and their storage sacks) you’re looking at 30.35 oz in your pack. For comparison, that’s about 6.5 oz 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. If you’re trekking into environments where the need to hunker down is a real possibility, the Stratospire Li should be at the top of your list.

　　While setting up this tent is relatively easy and intuitive, it isn’t freestanding and requires 2 trekking poles, so you’ll always need to consider where you bed down, as you’ll need ground that will accept tent stakes, or rocks and trees to tie down to. Not a huge deal for hikers, but mountaineers will definitely need to look elsewhere.

　　Even though the angle of the tent isn’t the steepest, our tester found the tent held up well in rain, wind, and light snow when properly guyed out. The fully waterproof Dyneema kept everything dry, and the vents at both apexes and bottom corners of the tent ensured the tent stayed condensation-free. A clever carbon shunt design ensures the vents stay open and air can move freely.

　　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 Tarptent Stratospire Li is an expensive, “boutique” tent made by a small company of backpackers out of Nevada City, Calif. 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.

　　Check Price at Tarptent Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Specs Weight 1 lb., 10.1 oz. Height 49 in. Floor Space 26.3 sq. ft. Materials 20D and 40D silicone coated polyester Vestibule Area 8.5 sq. ft.

　　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 UL designs, the Lunar Solo’s canopy floats higher off the ground, which — paired with a gaping top vent — allows for 360° of ventilation and fights off condensation calamities. The tent floor also floats, as it is fixed to the fly with elastic bands, allowing it to resist tears since it isn’t strapped rigid to the side walls. These are helpful attributes, but make this a bit more difficult to set up for the first time. Thankfully, SMD has a helpful quick-start guide to lead you by the hand.

　　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, but in light of what you get for this price, they seem a bit trivial. The overall weight is heavier than similar tent models, and the package unfortunately doesn’t come with stakes. The tent tensions well, but we aren’t huge fans of the door clasp system at the front, which makes attaching the doors back to the main guyline a bit of a pain.

　　These quibbles aside, we’re genuinely impressed at the unique design of the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. It is one of the most ventilated single-pole shelters we’ve slept in and boasts an incredibly bomb-proof build for its weight and price. For the dedicated backpacker on a budget staring down the barrel of a long journey, you may have just found the Taj Mahal of your dreams. 

　　$270 at AmazonCheck price at Six Moon Designs Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent Specs Weight 1 lbs., 8 oz. Height 48 in. Floor Space 28 sq. ft. Materials DCF5, DCF8, No-See-Um Mesh Vestibule Area N/A

　　Pros Ultralight Time-tested, simple design Stable in high wind Comparatively roomy Cons Pricey Hot when in direct sun Waterproof zippers a bit difficult to close Chris Carter A new DCF player on the ultralight field is already impressing the difficult-to-sway thru-hiking crowd on a number of fronts — with the hefty price tag to accompany its fame. Premium material costs, though, and if youre looking for a high-end DCF shelter with a similar configuration to The One and the Duplex, HMG’s fresh-off-the-press Unbound 2P ($699) should be on your radar.

　　Dyneema Composite Fabrics are the crème de la crème of lightweight weatherproof materials, and at a scant 0.5 oz/yd2, DCF5 stands at the bleeding edge of the most premium ultralight tent fabrics on the market. Its performance-to-weight ratio is next to none. This makes up the bulk of the Unbound’s body, while the slightly heavier 0.8 oz/yd2 DCF8 is found in its floor, affording a smidge more durability where it counts.

　　Our tester was definitely giddy to get his hands on this new model. Quite frankly, the pyramid layouts, extra mesh inserts, and single pole designs of other HMG tents could never do it for him. 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 our tester’s favorite ultralight tent configuration, 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-stake kit), when you can snag a similar design (GG’s The Two) for nearly half the price? Dyneema vs. SilNylon aside, it boasts noticeably more headspace and living room than The Two with the same weight, and even three more inches of width than its closest competitor, the Zpacks Duplex. Pile on a power concoction of 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 calamities, difficult setups on hard ground, and large footprint requirements. But these are to be expected, and impact all tents in this category. The DCF5 canopy, fully taped seams, and generous bathtub floor keep all-day rain at bay, and we love the low-profile waterproof zippers. Though we did find them to be a bit difficult to close when the tent is taught.

　　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. If you only crawl into it in the evening this isn’t an issue, but it’s not a great refuge from the sun. 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.

　　Don’t let these quibbles or the sticker shock dissuade you though. 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. Its bomber construction, simple setup, and sleek design make this a standard bearer in the backpacking community.

　　$699 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear Durston X-Mid 1 Tent Specs Weight 1 lb., 14.4 oz. 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)

　　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 With a unique geometric design, stellar weather resistance, and an approachable price point, the Durston X-Mid 1 ($240) is making a significant splash in the ultralight backpacking community. Our author decided we needed to get our hands on one of these to test after seeing over seven of them pitched in various campsites on a recent overnight trip into the Grand Canyon. These things are blowing up — and for good reason.

　　We set it up in our front yard soon after receiving it in the mail, and immediately got an idea of why these are flying off the shelves. It’s now one of our favorite ultralight shelters for trips where featherweight minimalism isn’t our biggest concern.

　　First, it’s extremely intuitive to pitch, requiring under half the time as some other ultralight shelters we’ve tested. The tent can miraculously be pitched with a minimum of four stakes, and requires little to no 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. Without getting too much into the weeds of this mathematical layout, 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. Anyone who’s dealt with the condensation calamities of single-wall tents can appreciate the value of this. The removable mesh inner has a waterproof bathtub floor, and easily clips into the tent, or can be removed to shave weight.

　　We also love the 2,500 mm sil/PEU coated polyester used as the waterproof fabric, as it doesn’t sag when wet, and holds up longer to UV exposure than other fabrics that are commonly used. This adds some weight, but boosts durability, and our tester was pleased that he didn’t have to worry about tightening up stakeout points mid-rainstorm late at night.

　　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 Durston 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.

　　Check Price at Durston NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent Specs Weight 2 lbs., 1 oz. Height 37 in. Floor Space 27.3 sq. ft. Materials OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric Vestibule Area 12.4 sq. ft.

　　Pros Ultralight Packs small Withstands weather Cons Expensive Fragile for car camping or sharp rocks Chris Carter 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 rainy, stormy nights on the trail, the Hornet Elite Osmo kept our team dry and comfortable.

　　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.

　　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. Remember, we’re ultralight backpacking here, so snuggle up.

　　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.

　　Setup and takedown are also easy. Once familiar with the tent, our testers were able to set it up easily in less than 5 minutes.

　　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.

　　For those who want a lightweight tent to carry over big miles, the NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo is one of our favorite ultralight backpacking tents on the market right now.

　　$430 at Backcountry$650 at Amazon Black Diamond Distance Tent Specs Weight 1 lb., 10 oz. Height 41 in. Floor Space 26 sq. ft. Materials High Tenacity 30D poly fabric Vestibule Area N/A

　　Pros Simple design Easy to set up Fairs well in strong winds Very waterproof Cons No vestibule Blue interior color is a bit harsh in the sun Bad condensation buildup Water can sneak into mesh vent Chris Carter Lil Blue is the moniker weve adopted for this streamlined one-person shelter, not only for the loud fabric color, but the bright effervescent blue glow youre bathed in during daylight. If were honest — its a tad overwhelming. But snuggle up in this lightweight, bombproof tent at night and it wont bother you a bit. A quick unique construction, durable build, and strong wind resistance allowed the Black Diamond Distance Tent ($300) to snag some real estate in this roundup. Not to mention, it tickles the affordable fringe of the spectrum.

　　Weve been itching to get our hands on this model for a while, because frankly — it looks awesome. We havent seen a layout like it in any other UL tent on the market, and it has a spaceship vibe that seems prepped to take on the gnarliest gusts nature has to offer. While it wont hold up to conditions that four-season tents can handle, this tent tackled strong wind better than most on this list. It has one of the more confidence-inducing builds of any trekking-pole-style shelter weve taken into the wild.

　　The tents construction is quick and easy — with a caveat. It only requires four stakes to hold the tent in place, but prepping the trekking poles takes a few minutes. The Distance comes with a small (but chunky) adapter that connects your two trekking poles at the peak of the tent, allowing them to run diagonally up the sides of the tent. Cross-pole housings strap onto the trekking poles grips with velcro, and a short cross-pole spans between the grips above the tent. This gives the tent more headroom, but all of the elements of this adapter add significant weight and bulk.

　　That said, the overall streamlined design affords the tent incredible stability in strong winds. It shirks blasts of wind like a champ, and you feel almost invincible inside its sturdy high-tenacity 30-denier poly fabric — a brilliant blend of polyurethane and silicone. Its also incredibly waterproof. Unfortunately, such thick fabric (coupled with the adapter) plunks this model into the heavier, bulkier realm.

　　Additionally, its not very breathable. Moisture builds up rapidly on the tent walls and is more prolific than other models weve tested. The thin vents at the peak and foot of the tent are but weary footsoldiers against the cavalry of condensation.

　　While the simple silhouette bears a discrete allure, we pine for even a small vestibule every time we use this. We understand the need to eschew vestibules on four-season tents, but wed love all of our three-season options to have them. The Distance isnt the most spacious one-person model to begin with, and when you add a backpack and all of your gear to the mix, its quite cramped. The inability to keep your pack and stinky shoes in a vestibule separate from your sleeping space is perhaps our biggest ding on this design.

　　Despite that, while its a bit of a clunky solution, weve been stashing our smelly shoes under the small flaps outside the base of the tent each night. It serves as a mini vestibule and doesnt choke us out, while still keeping our shoes dry.

　　Aside from those quibbles — and the somewhat intense blue glow youre in once the sun hits the tent — weve actually been really digging this shelter for its battle-ready design and quick, easy setup. Its not the lightest, most packable pick on this list, but comes at a respectable price, and serves its purpose well. If youre fine with a few more ounces, and need a bump in durability and weather protection, The Distance is worth a shot.

　　$300 at Black Diamond Equipment$300 at Amazon Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 Specs Weight 1 lb., 2 oz. Height 54 in. Floor Space 21 sq. ft. Materials DCF5, DCF10, No-See-Um mesh Vestibule Area N/A

　　Pros Extremely lightweight Very durable Spacious vestibule Cons Condensation in cold temps Proper setup requires practice No guyline in the front for tension when both door flaps are open 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 that is simultaneously strong and durable, while still extremely lightweight.

　　The Mid 1 incorporates a noseeum mesh enclosure with Dyneema bathtub floor, suspended within the rainfly. So for a few extra ounces, this tent provides more than just shelter from the weather, but bugs as well.

　　In addition to ultralight materials, HMG further achieves weight savings by utilizing no bespoke pole architecture; instead 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 of the door can roll back and are secured by a magnetic clasp, but there is no center guyline to keep tension on the tent if both flaps are rolled away (and no extra guyline is provided). Clips at the base of each flap attach to the stake in the ground, and the tent stays properly tensioned if at least one flap is clipped to the ground. But the tent becomes very floppy if both flaps are tucked to the side. A strong wind could blow it over, and the opposite wall loses its tension, sagging significantly.

　　This is a bummer because we love to sleep with both doors open when the weather allows in order to maximize ventilation and minimize condensation buildup. There are loops at the peak of the tent where you can attach your own guyline to eliminate this issue, but we wish HMG provided this with the package.

　　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. So only shop this tent if you are an experienced hiker/camper and know the benefits and drawbacks of going ultralight.

　　It’s also worth noting that some reviews on Hyperlite’s site found issues with above-average condensation buildup in cold environments. We did not experience this in preliminary testing, but will continue to monitor as weather conditions change.

　　$599 at Hyperlite Mountain Gear 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 Ultralight Tents 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. Theyve trekked to some of the most far-flung, remote corners of the globe, and weathered galeforce winds, snowy whiteouts, and perfect star-speckled nights in all sorts of featherlight tent designs. They know the importance of a shelter for comfort and safety on any backcountry mission, and wont settle for anything but the best.

　　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.

　　Hes frustratingly particular about the shelter he hunkers down in each night on a long journey, and heavily scrutinized each candidate for this guide. Rest assured — only the most deserving, durable, functional tents earned any real estate on this roundup. He scoured online ultralight forums, bugged his 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.

　　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 to not weigh you down; (photo/Elina Osborne) Ultralight, strong materials — like the Zpacks Duplex Tent’s Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) — cost more than heavier-set fabrics. For instance, the two-personZpacks Duplexweighs 19.4 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.

　　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.

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　　The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024 Whats the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.