Traveling light is one of the most important considerations on a backcountry adventure. These days, tents have evolved into clever, much lighter shelters that are more compact than the average tent for camping. In this way, campers can be assured that the tents are huddled together in a backpack without carrying a lot of extra weight.
Each kilo counts when you are backpacking and hiking. A tent may promise to give ample protection from the wind and the harsh sun, but it would not be practical if it is very cumbersome and heavy to carry.
Backpacking tents may differ in terms of the number of persons it can accommodate inside it. One can choose from solo tents, 2-man backpacking tents to more spacious, bigger tents that can accommodate groups of three or five. However, if you are an ultralight backpacker who needs just an ample amount of supplies, kept at a minimum weight, then light and ultralight tents can be a great choice for you.
Here are our top 5 choices for lightweight tents.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3 is known for its ultralight quality, features, and interior space. It has a minimum trail weight of 2 pounds and 12 oz. Its dimensions are 88 x 52/42 x 40 inches. It comes in sizes 1P (one person), 2P (two persons), 3P (three persons) and 4P (four persons).
Many people are using it for its ultralight, roomy interior, quick and easy to pitch structure and great pockets. It also has large doors and vestibules. All of its materials are of great quality, which is evident in the structure. However, this tent may slightly be less durable than other tents. It has rainfly zippers that can snap and can also be a bit pricy. It can be purchased on Amazon for $337.46.
The ZPacks Duplex & Triplex is best for its ultralight, long-distance thru-hiking. It has a trail weight of 1 pound and 5 oz. This weight does not include its poles. The tent's dimensions are 90 x 45 x 48 inches. The Triplex is made to provide a comfortable amount of space that can accommodate three hikers or two adults with a dog, a child or extra gear. Its two doors provide campers cross-ventilation, easy access for breathtaking views and ample entry space on both sides.
The ZPacks is one of the favorites among ultralight tents with its excellent amount of interior space, livability and weather protection. Its lightness is attributed to its DCF fabric which is also waterproof and durable. Its unique fabric is also the very reason why this could be quite expensive. But considering its efficiency and lightweight feature, the Zpacks is simply worth its price.
The MSR Hubba Hubba NXis known for its lightweight, livability, convenience, durability, and protection. It has a minimum trail weight of 3 pounds and 8 oz. Its dimensions are 84 x 50 x 39 inches. It has sizes that can fit in 1 person (1P), two persons (2P), three persons (3P) and four persons (4P)
This tent has maintained its name and reputation for years, thanks to its design, structure, and protection. Its symmetrical layout, near-vertical sidewalls resulted in good and roomy design with lots of interior space. Some hikers, however, complained that the Hubba Hubba may be slightly heavier. Its walls may also feel a bit closer to the face of campers while lying down. Nevertheless, it is famous for its dependable comfort and protection. The Hubba Hubba can be bought on Amazon for $299.95.
The REI Co-op Passage 2 strikes an exceptional balance between functionality and price. It is a very affordable, durable tent with large doors and vestibules that comply with its easy setup, along with its simple and effective design. It has strong zippers for guaranteed protection while camping. Backpackers and campers on a budget will love this product.
The REI Co-op has a minimum trail weight of 4 lbs and 13 oz. The tents' dimensions are 88 x 52 x 40 inches and it has variants for one person (1P), two persons (2P) and three persons (3P).
The SlingFin Portal is known for its ultralight quality, features, and interior space. It can accommodate up to two persons only and has dimensions of 85 x 51/42 x 44 inches making it wider at the head and narrower at its foot.
It's ultralight material can withstand even stormy conditions. Its roomy interior, great pockets, large doors, and vestibules make this tent more livable than the average ultralight 2-person backpacking tent. However, users would like to see some improvements in its fly-attachment system and vents. Previous users would also like to see a much-improved version of the SlingFin Portal that can accommodate three or more people with more interior space in the future.