The most important (and heavy) parts of your ultralight hiking gear are called “The Big Three.” They are your backpack, your sleep system (which includes a sleeping bag and pad), and your shelter. Getting rid of one or two pounds from each of these things can help you keep your base weight low. Ultralight tents are smaller, lighter, and easier to pack than regular backpacking tents.
All but one of the tents below weigh less than 3 pounds. They come in a wide range of styles, from high-end freestanding models from brands like Nemo, Big Agnes, and MSR to simple trekking pole shelters and floorless pyramids from well-known cottage brands. Here are the ultralight tents that we think are the best for camping in 2024. See the comparison table and buying tips below the picks for more information.
1. Tarptent Double Rainbow
The Tarptent Double Rainbow shows up just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about ultralight tents. The Tarptent, like the Zpacks and Gossamer Gear mentioned above, has a single-wall design that saves weight. It has a 30-denier silicone-coated fabric fly and floor, with mesh doors in the middle.
It, on the other hand, uses an arch pole to make a structure that is somewhat freestanding, like tents from Big Agnes and Nemo. You can also add trekking poles to the top and bottom to make it totally freestanding. Compared to other small tents on the market, the Tarptent Double Rainbow is one of a kind. It’s roomy, durable, and easy to set up, and it’s also less expensive.
The single-wall construction of the Double Rainbow makes it less breathable, just like the Zpacks Duplex and Gossamer Gear The Two. However, the Tarptent has vents at both the top and bottom to help air move. For an extra $45 you can add a hanging cover that keeps out cold and hot air, and it also soaks up condensation.
You could also choose the double-wall Double Rainbow DW, which costs only $90 more but adds about 2.9 ounces. The Double Rainbow is much cheaper than other semi-freestanding shelters like the Big Agnes Tiger Wall and the Nemo Hornet Elite (shown above), no matter which version you choose. This makes it a good choice for people on a budget who aren’t sure about trekking-pole shelters.
- Category: Semi-freestanding tent
- Packaged weight: 2 lb. 9.5 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 88 x 50 in.
- Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
2. Gossamer Gear The Two
Trekkers love Zpacks’ Duplex Zip because it’s made of durable Dyneema and isn’t too heavy, but Gossamer Gear’s The Two isn’t far behind. The Two, which costs $379 less, has a single-wall design that is very similar to The One, but the floor and fly are made of nylon instead of Dyneema. It sets up with two hiking poles. Also, the weight of the two shelters is pretty close when you look at the whole package (the Zpacks’ weight does not include the stakes).
Nylon isn’t as lightweight as Dyneema, and it tends to slide. It’s also not naturally waterproof (the waterproof coating will wear off over time), and it’s not as resistant to tears. However, tentmakers have been using it for decades, and it does the job. You should really check out the Gossamer Gear if you want to go as light as possible and also need to keep costs low.
Many backpackers on a budget will have to choose between The Two and Durston’s X-Mid 2, which are not the same in important ways. The Gossamer Gear’s main goal is to be as light as possible. The Durston, on the other hand, has a better weight-to-performance ratio. The Two has less durable zippers (#3 vs. #5) and fabrics (10D sil/PU nylon vs. 20D sil/PEU polyester).
It also has a smaller floor area, a more complicated setup (6 stakes vs. 4), and the seams aren’t sealed at the factory. In addition to letting more airflow, the X-Mid’s full double-wall construction lets you wear the inner separate from the fly (or vice versa), while The Two is known for collecting condensation. But the Gossamer Gear is by far the lighter choice for people who don’t mind making some sacrifices.
- Category: Trekking-pole shelter
- Packaged weight: 1 lb. 11.9 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 84 x 48/42 in.
- Capacities: 1P, 2P
3. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
If you liked the Nemo Hornet Elite above, you should also check out Big Agnes’ Tiger Wall UL2. The Tiger Wall UL2 is another one of our favorite ultralight tents. It has two doors and a shelter, and it’s built so that it can stand on its own, but you have to buy out the corners at the foot.
But the Tiger Wall isn’t as heavy as the Hornet Elite. It has a few more inches of floor space and a big ridge pole across the top that makes the legroom much better. The second-best tent from a well-known company is great if you’d rather keep $200 in your pocket than lose half a pound.
With a 15-denier floor and fly, the Tiger Wall isn’t very sturdy, so be careful around sharp rocks and twigs. Still, it’s a bit more durable than the Hornet Elite, which is very thin, and we like that the Nemo’s rain fly is longer (the Nemo’s is shorter at the head to save weight). If you like classic tents, the Tiger Wall is a great deal. Just be aware that it will be tight for two people.
If you need more space, Big Agnes also makes the Copper Spur HV UL2, which costs $550 and weighs 3 pounds 2 ounces. It’s also worth looking into Big Agnes’ Platinum and Carbon lines, though they are hard to find at the time of publication. In particular, the Carbon line tents have a Dyneema fly and floor, as well as carbon fiber poles.
- Category: Semi-freestanding tent
- Packaged weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 86 x 52/42 in.
- Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
4. Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid
Backpackers who are used to the safety of a tent that stands alone might not like the idea of a pyramid shelter with no floor, but the Mountain Laurel DuoMid is a good option. There are many great things about DuoMid. It can be used by itself, strung between trees, or with one of MLD’s InnerNets to make a double-walled bug-free space.
Second, weather protection—the pyramid is surprisingly stable in snow and high winds, and the fact that it doesn’t have a floor makes it very useful—you can use it to make a sitting area in the snow or cook inside when the weather is bad. One last benefit is that it’s light: The DuoMid is incredibly light for being all-season, weighing only 1 pound 2 ounces (or up to 2 pounds with an extension).
We really like the Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) DuoMid for people who go hiking in different seasons and want to be able to change their gear as needed. This is especially true if you add the SoloMid XL ($180) or DuoMid ($195) InnerNets. The MLD is a simple shelter that needs some care to set up properly. Also, the floorless design doesn’t provide the same level of protection from the weather as a full-fledged tent when used by itself.
The type shown here is made of 20-denier silicone-treated nylon, which is a high-end material that is waterproof and doesn’t stretch easily. You can also get the DuoMid and InnerNets in 0.75 oz/sqyd DCF versions, but they get more expensive (the DuoMid and DuoMid InnerNet will cost you $860 altogether).
- Category: Floorless shelter
- Packaged weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 110 x 68 in.
- Capacities: 1+P, 2P, 2+P, 4P
5. Samaya 2.0
We’re fair-weather campers, but if you don’t let bad weather stop you, you might want to think about getting a 4-season tent. These shelters are made to withstand any weather Mother Nature throws at them. They have a freestanding, aerodynamic frame, strong poles, strong fabrics (with very little mesh), and extra guy-out points.
Many four-season tents weigh up to 10 pounds, but there are some very light choices for climbers, mountaineers, and brave UL backpackers who want to save weight. When it comes to protection from wind and rain, the Samaya 2.0 is miles ahead of the rest. It weighs only 3 pounds 5 ounces but does a great job.
The Samaya 2.0 is definitely pricey, but you won’t care about money when you’re facing strong winds on top of a Cascades volcano or in the middle of a Patagonian plain. The 2.0 is waterproof, while most lightweight 4-season tents are only water-resistant (like the Black Diamond HiLight). It has a Dyneema floor, roof, and door awning that won’t get wet or shrink over time.
Samaya also chose their 3-layer Nanovent fabric for the body of the tent. This fabric breathes better than Dyneema, which is great for when you’re stuck in your tent during a storm. All in all, the 2.0 is a beautifully made tent that serious users will be happy to pay for. Those who want something even smaller can choose the all-Dyneema Assaut2 Ultra from Samaya. It weighs only 2 pounds 5 ounces but costs an amazing $2,100.
- Category: Freestanding tent
- Packaged weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 87 x 43 in.
- Capacities: 2P, 2.5P
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes ultralight tents different from traditional tents?
Ultralight tents use new designs and materials that are very light to make the tent much lighter, which makes them perfect for backpackers and campers who don't want to bring a lot of gear.
Q2. Are ultralight tents durable and suitable for various weather conditions?
Yes, most high-quality ultralight tents are made with long-lasting materials and are made to handle all kinds of weather, like wind and rain. Always look at the specs and read reviews from other customers to make sure it will work for what you want it to do.
Q3. What is the average setup time for these ultralight tents?
Most ultralight tents are made to be set up quickly and easily. Many types have easy-to-understand layouts and color-coded parts that make setting up the tent quick and easy.
