Choosing the best ultralight tent requires careful consideration. Weight, durability, weather resistance and easy setup all impact your outdoor experience.
If you want the lightest load possible, trekking pole tents are the way to go. But with so many options, making the wrong choice could lead to problems in the backcountry.
Not to worry, here we come in. This guide highlights the top five lightest 1-person and 2-person trekking pole tents.
Let’s get started.
Not sure about going pole-less? Our post on ultralight freestanding tents explores traditional options that remain light but set up independently.
Key Specs
Weight: 13.93 ounces (395 grams)
Material: DCF
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Spacious
CONS
❌ A bit noisy
The Zpacks Plex Solo is one of the top lightweight backpacking tents on the market. It uses trekking poles instead of internal poles, saving precious ounces without compromising coverage or features.
Setup is simple, requiring only a single pole adjusted to about 52 inches. The storm doors open individually for airflow control. In nice weather, leave doors open for views and ventilation.
Inside offers generous space at 7.5 feet long. The 8-inch floor keeps you above the elements. Tall campers can add headroom by adjusting guylines. An extended canopy sheds water away from doors to allow ventilation even in light precipitation. Mesh walls prevent condensation buildup.
Tipping the scales at under 14 ounces, this shelter compresses small to pack light. The durable fabric maintains privacy. It’s worth noting that the material can be noisy during inclement weather. Two years of coverage backs the high quality work.
Zpacks excels at powerful performance in a minimalist package. Whether testing your limits or simply gazing at stars, the Plex Solo empowers light adventures through versatility and comfort.
Overall, it’s easy to see why serious ultralight backpackers love this tent, despite the noise.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 1.6 ounces (499 grams)
Material: DCF
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Simple setup
✅ Storm resilient
CONS
❌ Storage pockets could be a bit better
The Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 stands out as an exceptional ultralight backpacking tent for solo adventurers. Weighing only 1 pound, it maximizes space and protection through an efficient design using Dyneema fabrics and trekking poles.
Setup is simple with just four stakes and two poles. Despite its lightweight nature, the X-Mid Pro 1 offers more interior room than most 1-person tents. Its geometry ensures comfortable dimensions whether sitting, lying down or moving gear inside.
Large covered vestibules on both sides provide ample storage. Waterproof zippers and peak vents enhance ventilation and weather-readiness. The full coverage fly blocks drafts in any conditions. Premium materials and construction deliver long-lasting performance.
While storage pockets are small and high up, the X-Mid Pro 1 truly shines through spaciousness, fast drying ability, simple pitch and robust stormworthiness.
Overall, its thoughtfully engineered design makes it a top contender for serious ultralight backpackers pushing limits in the backcountry.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 1.7 ounces (503 grams)
Material: 10D nylon ripstop SIL/PU
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Quiet
✅ High quality
CONS
❌ Not the biggest inside
❌ Some condensation
The Gossamer Gear One is an excellent choice for budget-conscious solo backpackers seeking a lightweight shelter. Weighing just over 1 pound, its focus on protection and ventilation delivers comfort.
Setup is simple thanks to thoughtful features like the catenary ridgeline and tensioners. Factory-taped seams and durable zippers keep rain and bugs out. Large vestibules and ample mesh provide cross-breezes to minimize condensation inside.
A potential drawback is the One runs small for taller users. While headroom is good, there may not be enough length for longer sleep kits. Condensation can also occur without airflow, but typically dries quickly.
Overall, the One performs well for its attractive price. Just be aware of potential size and condensation issues if you’re over 6 feet or expect wet conditions without wind.
Key Specs
Weight: 2lb 7 ounces (1110 grams)
Material: 20D nylon ripstop
Price: $
PROS
✅ Great warranty
✅ Small pack size
CONS
❌ Some condensation
The Sierra Designs High Side is a stellar choice for lightweight solo camping without trekking poles. Its unique tunnel shape maximizes interior space given compact footprint and weight.
Setup takes mere moments thanks to pre-bent aluminum poles requiring no bending. Extend the vestibule for extra storage or ventilation on rain-free evenings. When packing, the 12-inch poles easily stow between bike racks or in backpacks.
Inside offers generous headroom and comfort for most. However, taller users may not fit sitting fully upright. Also note that on humid nights, condensation can potentially drip inside from the mesh walls.
That said, the High Side remains a favorite of magazines for its practical design. It excels for bikepacking, fastpacking and short ultralight trips where space is tight but livable interiors are key.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 12.2 ounces (800 grams)
Material: 20D silnylon
Price: $
PROS
✅ Good starter tent
✅ Relatively affordable
CONS
❌ Requires seam sealing
The 3F UL Gear Lanshan Pro offers impressive qualities for its affordable price point. Weighing under 2 pounds, its robust 20D silnylon construction and reinforcement points provide durability suitable for challenging terrain.
Inside provides ample room even for taller campers. Simple pitch requires just one trekking pole, making setup a breeze. However, notes of caution – the non-coated floor risks moisture seepage on wet surfaces.
While not fully technical in terms of features, we find the Lanshan Pro holds up well to heavy rain and strong winds. For new lightweight backpackers working with a budget, it delivers the core shelter necessities with ample capacity.
It’s also important to note that the tent requires seam sealing upon receipt, which can be headache without experience. However, this service can be ordered from the manufacturer at extra cost.
Overall, this tent satisfies basic protection needs efficiently.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 2.51 ounces (525 grams)
Material: DCF
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ 100% waterproof
CONS
❌ Light condensation
The Zpacks Duplex is an excellent lightweight shelter for two backpackers. Weighing just over 2 pounds, its ultralight construction uses trekking poles and minimal stakes for quick and easy setup.
Inside provides plenty of room to comfortably fit gear alongside two campers lying head to foot. Independent storm doors allow versatile ventilation. However, condensation can potentially cause interior mesh walls to contact sleeping bags.
During trips with changing weather, the Duplex defenses wind and rain adeptly. Its symmetrical shape efficiently uses space and trekking poles for stability. While light condensation is possible, the single-wall design dries quickly between rainfalls.
Otherwise, this tent reliably protects lightweight backpackers facing variable conditions on the trail. Its livable interior space makes it an excellent ultralight shelter for two.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 7.9 ounces (680 grams)
Material: DCF
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Easy to pitch
✅ Small pack size
CONS
❌ Light condensation
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent exemplifies what makes an outstanding backcountry shelter – reliable protection, versatile space, and clever yet simple design. Used worldwide by experts in all conditions, it proves worthy as a durable home on the trail.
Setting up requires just two trekking poles, saving valuable grams. Its many thoughtful touches, like magnetic vestibule closures, show the thought put into livability. After a long day exploring, pitching this tent truly feels like coming home.
While compact when packed, inside provides surprisingly spacious room for two and gear. Setup is simple, even solo. Its only minor limitation is interior condensation lingering on humid mornings.
An investment that satisfies the wishes of experienced thru-hikers, this shelter prioritizes essentials over excess. Field-tested and proven, the Unbound 2P earns its keep as a go-to for true wilderness adventures.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 11.3 ounces (775 grams)
Material: 10D nylon ripstop SIL/PU
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Easy to pitch
✅ Spacious
CONS
❌ Condensation
The Gossamer Gear The Two provides a lightweight design ideal for ultralight backpackers seeking efficient shelter.
Constructed from durable SilNylon with an Ultra Tear Strength coating for enhanced weather resistance without extra weight, the pre-taped seams eliminate messy sealing tasks.
Inside offers generous capacity for two adults and their gear. Setup takes mere minutes using trekking poles or an included pole system.
Potential areas for improvement include better ventilation at peak height to reduce condensation buildup. However, for its attractive price, The Two delivers a roomy and sturdily built shelter to reliably fulfill basic protection needs on multi-day trips.
During testing in various conditions, the tent performed well in moderate rainfall. Prolonged exposure to heavy precipitation may lead to some leakage around the edges or seams as the fabric becomes fully saturated.
Overall, this efficiently designed shelter pairs excellent livability with a lightweight frame preferable for endeavors where every ounce is meaningful.
Key Specs
Weight: 2lb 1.96 ounces (936 grams)
Material: 20D silnylon
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Spacious
✅ Good quality
CONS
❌ Zippers are delicate
❌ A bit of wind noise
The Six Moon Designs Haven prioritizes ample space and protection through its clever dual-pole design. Weighing around 2 pounds for the tent and net tent bundle, its wide canopy provides exceptional headroom, making it well-suited for taller individuals.
Setup takes just a few minutes using trekking poles or the optional carbon fiber poles. The Haven NetTent enhances weatherproofing and comfort. Together they comprise a full enclosed and sturdy shelter system.
After a year of use, some weaknesses have surfaced. The silnylon fabric shows dirt easily and could benefit from a darker color. Zippers also prove delicate with long-term use.
Overall, the Haven offers versatile and reliable shelter suitable for varied outdoor trips. Its thoughtfully engineered dual-pole construction maximizes usable interior space.
Just be aware of potential dirt and zipper issues over extended use cycles. But for its attractive price, this shelters fulfills basic protection needs capably.
Key Specs
Weight: 2lb 5 ounces (1050 grams)
Material: 20D silnylon
Price: $
PROS
✅ Spacious
✅ Relatively affordable
CONS
❌ Requires seam sealing
❌ Condensation
The 3F UL GEAR Lanshan 2 Professional version is a step up from its predecessor, offering enhanced durability and extra room. This tent manages to strike a balance between weight and spaciousness.
While its lightweight design and roomier interior are impressive, there are a few downsides to consider. For instance, its design could lead to flapping in the wind and sagging when damp. Condensation also seems to be a challenge.
Despite these drawbacks, the Lanshan 2 Professional remains an attractive option for budget-conscious adventurers seeking an ultralight and practical solution for their outdoor journeys.
When it comes to choosing the right trekking pole tent, you can simplify the process by considering three key factors: seasonality, weight, and livability.
Seasonality
Weight
Livability
By thoroughly examining these factors, you’ll choose a shelter perfectly tailored to your body, routines and expectations on the trail.
If you want to learn more about tent materials, you can check out our detailed post here.
When selecting an ultralight backpacking tent, consider the seasons you hike in to determine if a 3-season, 3+ season or 4-season model best suits your needs, compare the packed weight, pole system weight and minimum trail weight to your base weight goals, and evaluate the interior room, vestibule storage, mesh construction and seam-taping to ensure ample space and effective ventilation for your height and gear while backpacking to find a shelter that offers the ideal balance of weather protection, weight savings and livability within your preferred carry limit.
While ultralight tents utilize thinner, lighter fabrics that trim unnecessary weight, modern materials like silnylon, hybrid nylon-mesh designs, and seam-taped construction make them surprisingly durable for their intended use on maintained trails, especially when promptly set up and taken down; however, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, abrasion from brush and scree, as well as inclement weather like heavy snow loads could potentially damage fragile components more quickly than heavier-duty models, so ulitybackpackers accept some increased risk of repair needs in exchange for maximized endurance on long-distance routes with minimal spare weight.
Backpackers can prevent moisture buildup inside their ultralight shelter, which is crucial for comfortable and dry sleep on trails, by employing portable condensation prevention methods like keeping all people and gear with high moisture content like wet clothing or cooking equipment outside of the livable space until fully dry, hanging a portable clothesline inside to circulate airflow, leaving vents or doors partly open on mild nights, and utilizing portable packs like Drying Loops or Dehumidifying Bags to wick moisture from the inner tent walls which is especially effective for ultralight silnylon designs with limited breathability that people rely on for extended backcountry trips.
