When you’re looking for a ultralight tent that you can use all year round by yourself, there are some important things to think about.
These include how heavy the tent is, how easy it is to pack up, how strong it is, how much space is inside, how well it can handle different weather conditions, and how easy it is to set up.
Count on our TOP 5 guide to assist you in making the right decision for your needs.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 3.1 ounces (541g)
Material: DCF
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Spacious
CONS
❌ Noisy in rain
The Hyperlite UltaMid 2 is a dependable 4-season 1-person tent made for adventurers who want comfort and protection.
Its pyramid-style design is simple to set up and gives you space while being really strong.
Even though it’s lightweight at only 1.3 lbs., it doesn’t lose toughness because of the waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric.
Still, we did notice that heavy rain can make noise inside the tent.
Key Specs
Weight: 2lb 8 ounces (1130 grams)
Material: 15D nylon
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Durable
✅ Easy to pitch
CONS
❌ Not for someone over 6′ 3″
The SlingFin Portal 1 stands out as a prime option within the Portal tent lineup. The tent retains all the fantastic qualities that ensure comfort, such as clever pockets and intricate details.
The design tackles the usual confined sensation of 1-person tents by employing an extended cross pole, crafting ample space and headroom.
The specialized fabric is both sturdy and quick to dry, while the zippers are constructed for durability.
Nevertheless, individuals taller than 6’3″ or 6’4″ might find it less accommodating in terms of space.
Key Specs
Weight: 3lb 3.2 ounces (1452 grams)
Material: 20D nylon ripstop
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Spacious
✅ Durable
CONS
❌ Relatively heavy
❌ Inner pitches first
The MSR Access 1 stands as an exceptional choice for solo winter adventures.
Tailored for year-round backpackers, its freestanding, wind-resistant, snow-shedding geodesic shape renders it suitable for all except the harshest winter conditions.
With ample space to comfortably accommodate both you and your gear, featuring generous headroom and a spacious porch, the Access 1 maintains a reasonable weight for a single person to carry.
Just keep in mind that the inner part of the tent should be set up first.
Key Specs
Weight: 1lb 8.3 ounces (690 grams)
Material: laminated DCF
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Easy to set up
✅ Features available materials
CONS
❌ Expensive
The Samaya RADICAL1 is an impressive 4-season 1-person tent. Developed in collaboration with alpinists and designed for alpine expeditions, it embodies a perfect fusion of advanced materials and minimalist design.
Crafted entirely from Dyneema, it maintains an incredibly low weight while meeting strict standards for waterproofing and breathability.
The tent’s dome structure with carbon poles ensures both lightness and strength. It’s an ideal choice for those in search of an ultralight solution without compromising performance.
Based on our experience, it’s easy to set up and store, making it an excellent companion for demanding trips.
Key Specs
Weight: 3lb 15.1 ounces (1790 grams)
Material: 30D polyester
Price: $
PROS
✅ Durable
✅ Relatively affordable
CONS
❌ Relatively heavy
The updated HiLight 2P tent is built for demanding conditions with its spacious, steep-sided design. The use of high tenacity 30D poly fabric ensures the tent remains sturdy in various conditions.
You need no longer worry about seam sealing as the tent comes with fully taped seams.
The design features a roomy single side-door entry for one or two occupants, and an optional vestibule for gear storage.
However, despite its lightweight and backpack-friendly design, condensation can be a minor concern due to the single-wall construction.
When choosing a 4-season backpacking tent for harsh weather, there are a few critical factors to keep in mind:
Considering these factors you can have a reliable shelter for a challenging 4-season backpacking trip. If you’re not sure whether to choose a 4-season tent or go for a 3-season one, take a look at our post here.
