Is an Ultralight Tent Worth It?
The ultralight philosophy prioritises carrying only the essentials, reducing weight to enhance efficiency and comfort. One of the biggest areas that backpackers can shave weight is their tent. Although ultralight tents often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional camping tents, they can provide significant benefits that justify the cost. The reduced weight makes hiking less strenuous, allowing you to cover greater distances with less fatigue. Additionally, investing in an ultralight tent from the likes of Zpacks, Durston Gear, Pretents or Bonfus early on can save money in the long run as you progress to longer and more challenging trails.
Why Consider an Ultralight Tent?
Ultralight tents are designed for backpackers who want to minimise weight without sacrificing shelter or comfort. They use advanced materials and innovative designs to achieve a weight of generally no more than 1.3kg per person, with shared setups reducing the weight further. Solo hikers will find these tents especially beneficial, offering a balance of functionality and ease of use. Key features to look for include protection from rain and bugs, ample headroom, good ventilation, and stability in high winds.
Which ultralight tent should I choose?
When choosing an ultralight tent or shelter, it's crucial to consider both the terrain and weather conditions you'll encounter. For instance, spacious tents with rigid shapes might be challenging to pitch in dense woods or uneven terrain. In these cases, a smaller, square, or rectangular tarp might be more effective. Similarly, a freestanding tent is ideal for surfaces like rock ledges or frozen ground where staking is not possible. If you often camp in areas with aggressive insects, opt for a tent with an inner mesh layer and a bathtub floor to keep bugs and moisture out.
For rainy conditions, consider a tent with a removable inner layer that can be hung inside the outer tent, keeping it dry if the outer layer gets wet. Tall campers might prefer long rectangular tents like the Zpacks Altaplex Lite, while those who dislike having hiking poles inside their living space should look for shelters with an external pole system.
Additionally, tents with vestibules or awnings are great for storing gear outside of the main living area, and double-walled tents are preferable for those who want to avoid a draught at night. For sunny days, a tent with good ventilation and opaque material will help keep the interior cool.
While the MSR Hubba Hubba range is not considered ultralight, they are extremely lightweight for the amount of weather proofing they provide. If you're going to encounter bad weather and want a more robust tent, these would be the lightest options that would be reliable in very windy or cold weather.
If you're unsure whether a particular ultralight tent is right for your trip, don't hesitate to contact our friendly support team for personalised advice. We're here to help you choose the perfect shelter for your adventure!
Benefits of Ultralight Tents for Solo Campers
An ultralight tent is an excellent choice for solo hikers seeking to reduce their load while enjoying a comfortable outdoor experience. With their lightweight design, durability, and compact size, these tents strike a perfect balance between functionality and convenience. If you're planning a solo thru-hike, consider investing in an ultralight tent to enhance your experience on the trail. Discover the best ultralight tents for solo thru-hikers in our blog, or explore our full range of ultralight tents and trekking pole tents.
When looking at an ultralight 1-person tent, you will want a shelter big enough to comfortably fit yourself and some gear without touching the walls and leaving room to move around inside.
Another thing to consider is how much headroom the shelter provides when you sit up. Always lying down might be fine for a night or two, but being able to comfortably sit up in your shelter will really aid in your enjoyment of the trip.
Some ultra-lighters will choose to use a 2 person shelter even if going solo. Why? A 1-person shelter will save space in the pack and maybe some weight off your back, but the luxury of having a palatial shelter is sometimes hard to beat.
In addition to the extra space to spread out your gear, other reasons to carry a 2 person shelter as a solo ultralight include: expectation to be spending extra time in your shelter due to lack of daylight or weather; the user is very tall and wants more space; hiking with a dog; or maybe the person just likes to enjoy more room!
Key Features to Look For
When selecting the best ultralight tent for backpacking, focus on essential features without adding unnecessary weight. An ideal ultralight 2-person tent should offer full protection from rain and bugs, ample headroom and shoulder room, a spacious vestibule, and easy side entry.
Look for excellent ventilation with multiple doors to minimise condensation, a highly adjustable pitch, and interior conveniences like a clothesline and flashlight loop. Reflective tie-outs for stability in high winds and reflective zipper pulls for easier handling are also beneficial.
Additionally, ensure the tent has large mesh internal pockets for personal items and the ability to furl the vestibule for views when rain is not expected.
What to Look for in a Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Select the Right Lightweight Shelter Design
Different tent designs offer various pros and cons:
- Double-Wall Shelters: Traditional setup with a mesh inner tent and detachable rainfly. Freestanding and easy to manoeuvre but heavier due to the extra layers and dedicated poles.
The PreTents Lightrock 1 Person Backpacking Tent offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio with its high-quality 8.5mm DAC poles and a robust 2-pole, 2-crossing points structure, ensuring durability in mountainous conditions. Weighing only 1.25 kg at its minimum, this ultra-light solo tent provides ample interior space, reinforced wind resistance, and quick setup with its external poles. It features a breathable inner tent with a mesh door, large closable vents for excellent ventilation, and a spacious 120 cm width. Additional highlights include a vestibule for gear storage, an easy-access inverted U-shaped door with 4 zip heads for flexible venting and viewing, and 8 peg points reinforced with Dyneema X.
- Single-Wall Shelters: Ultralight standard with a single layer acting as both rainfly and inner tent. Set up with trekking poles for a lighter and more compact option. Requires staking and skill to manage condensation.
The Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 is the perfect single-walled tent, but only if you drop the inner tent out! The X-Mid Pro 1 is ideal for ultralight backpacking, weighing under 1 pound (440g for the lightest version) and offering exceptional space, simplicity, and stormworthiness. Its patented X-Mid geometry with twin offset poles ensures excellent headroom, living space, and ease of pitching. Made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF), this tent is extremely strong and highly waterproof. The premium hot bonded construction and pre-shrunk DCF ensure durable, well-pitched seams over time. Stress lines are reinforced to prevent material deterioration. The ultra-simple pitch requires just four stakes in an intuitive rectangle shape, with optional guyouts and up to 12 stakes for harsh conditions. The full coverage fly can be adjusted for ventilation or protection. The compact footprint, magnetic door toggles, dual zippered doorways, dual vestibules, adjustable peak vents, and interior pockets provide added convenience and functionality.
- Tarps: Minimalist and lightweight, offering modular protection without bug netting or floors. Best for experienced backpackers.
For those who meticulously count every gram, the Hexamid Pocket Tarp is Zpacks' lightest shaped tarp ever, coming in at 157g! Perfect for ultra-minimalist adventures, this tarp can serve as your primary shelter or be tucked into a pocket for unexpected thunderstorms. The Hexamid Pocket Tarp can be set up using a single trekking pole adjusted to around 52 inches, or a tent pole, and requires a minimum of six stakes, though ten are recommended for windy conditions. It includes bright yellow 1.3 mm Z-Line guy lines, which are lighter than the standard 2 mm lines. The tarp packs up tiny into a 5" x 6" stuff sack, perfect for ultralight backpacking. With overlapping storm doors that can be independently opened or closed using metal hooks, it provides versatile weather protection and ventilation without the risk of zipper failures. The design allows enough vestibule space for storing gear and ensures ample interior space for one person and their gear. Condensation runs down the walls and out of the tarp edges, while loops inside the tarp allow for easy attachment of optional groundsheets and hanging gear.
- Tarp-Tent Hybrids: Combines the benefits of tarps and tents, offering a lightweight, bug-proof option.
Experience featherweight, all-season protection for alpine missions with the MSR Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter. Ideal for parties of four, its compact design makes it barely noticeable in your pack, allowing for faster movement on alpine adventures and ski traverses. This ultra-simple, versatile shelter can also serve as a lightweight dining hall. Enhanced with Xtreme Shield™ coating, it offers long-term durability. Perfect for spring days or winter basecamps, the ultralight Front Range adds comfort to your expeditions.
For extra protection during muddy or mosquito-heavy seasons, an optional Bug/Floor Insert is available. This ultralight shelter accommodates four people, with a 5’ 4” peak height for easy gear management. Its frameless, floorless design pitches with ski or trekking poles (sold separately), and ski straps are included for quick setup. The zippered door rolls back on both sides for wide views and easy entry. Additionally, the steep canopy effectively sheds snow and water, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Understand Available Lightweight Shelter Fabrics
Advancements in technology and new materials have transformed tent design, leading to greater innovation and versatility. Traditional tents, once made with heavy steel poles and oiled canvases, have been replaced by lighter alternatives. Modern tents now feature flexible fibreglass poles and durable synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. Discover more about the evolution of tent design here.
Selecting the right fabric involves balancing weight, price, durability, and water resistance. By way of brief overview:
- 10D Fabric: Extremely lightweight.
- Nylon: Strong, durable, and compressible but may sag when wet.
- SIL/UTS/PU Coatings: Enhance tear strength and waterproofing.
- DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric): Lightweight, waterproof, and strong but expensive.
- Silnylon and SilPoly: Popular for their balance of weight and durability.
Spotlight on DCF
Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) revolutionised backpacking gear in the 2000s. Originally developed for sailboats, this innovative material allowed hikers to reduce tent weight by 50% almost overnight. At a time when base weights commonly exceeded 20 pounds, DCF made 15- and even 10-pound base weights achievable. Today, DCF is widely used in various backpacking applications, from first aid and repair kits to packing cubes and rain jackets.
Gear makers quickly hailed DCF as a versatile, no-compromise fabric. It is 15 times stronger per pound than steel, completely waterproof, and can make tents 40% lighter.
Key Benefits of DCF:
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High Tensile Strength: Its strength-to-weight ratio means that even small amounts of DCF are sufficient for tension applications, such as in pyramid tents and cordage.
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Exceptional Waterproofing: Lab tests show DCF can withstand over 10,000mm of hydrostatic head, meaning it can handle a column of water 32 feet tall before leaking. This durability is due to its laminate construction, which consists of two solid layers reinforced by Dyneema fibres. In contrast, woven and coated fabrics like silpoly often have lower waterproof ratings because their threads can separate more easily.
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Lightweight: DCF is available in weights of 0.34, 0.51, and 1.0 oz/yd². For comparison, nylon and polyester fabrics typically start at 1.0 oz/yd² and can exceed 2.0 oz/yd². DCF can reduce overall product weight by 25 to 50% compared to these traditional materials.
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Low Stretch and Sag: Dyneema fibres have very low elasticity, meaning they don’t stretch when wet (and they absorb very little water). This ensures that a tent made with DCF will maintain its shape and tension once pitched, even in wet conditions.
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Does Not Retain Water: With minimal absorbency, DCF fabrics are easy to shake dry and do not become waterlogged after heavy rain, unlike silnylon.
- Easy to Repair: The smooth plastic layers on both sides of DCF make it easy to apply repair tape, providing a strong, permanent, and waterproof fix.
In summary, DCF offers significant benefits in terms of strength, weight, and waterproofing, making it a popular choice for ultralight backpacking gear.
Zpacks specialises in creating ultralight outdoor gear for backpacking, hiking, and other thru-hiking. Founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, an experienced thru-hiker with over 9,700 long-distance miles under his belt, the company is renowned for its innovative and lightweight yet durable equipment.
The hallmark of Zpacks products is their emphasis on reducing weight while maintaining functionality and quality. This is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts who want to minimise the weight they carry, allowing them to move faster and more comfortably across various terrains.
Explore our full range of Zpack shelters, including the AltaPlex Classic and AltaPlex Lite, Duplex Classic and Duplex Lite, Hexamid Pocket Tarp, Plex Solo Classic, and Plex Solo Lite.
Packing an Ultralight Tent
Ultralight tents offer more than just a weight advantage—they excel in packability. Some fabrics compress better than others, making them easier to fit into your backpack. For instance, sil-nylon and sil-poly fabrics are among the most compressible. Many modern ultralight tents can be packed down to roughly the size of a 32-ounce wide-mouth water bottle.
Where you carry your shelter depends on personal preference. Valley and Peak staff recommend placing the tent at the top of your backpack, inside the pack. This keeps it protected during the hike and makes it easily accessible when you set up camp.
For bikepacking, the two most popular spots for carrying a shelter are under the seat or strapped to the handlebars. Both locations provide convenient, out-of-the-way options. If you choose to attach the shelter to your handlebars, use a set of straps for a secure fit. This setup is also ideal for securing your tent pole. View our full range of bikepacking gear here, including pannier, bar and seat storage bags.
Top Tips
Learn How to Pitch Your Tent or Shelter: Some ultralight shelters can be tricky to set up and may take time to master. Practice setting up your tent efficiently and securely to avoid frustration during your trips. Check out our blog post on how to pitch your tent in the wind.
Adapt to Different Weather Conditions: Many ultralight shelters offer various pitching options to suit different weather. For instance, when using a pyramid tarp, you might pitch it with a large air gap in good weather but lower the outer skin to the ground during heavy rain to prevent splashing.
Choose the Right Site: The performance of your shelter can vary based on location. For hard-packed ground, select a shelter with a waterproof floor and high bathtub walls to prevent flooding. In windy areas, find a sheltered spot behind trees or a hill. For floorless shelters, avoid low areas where rainwater could collect.
Reduce Internal Condensation: To minimise condensation in single-wall shelters or tarps, ensure good ventilation and allow a breeze to flow through at night. Adjusting to this may take some time if you’re used to more enclosed shelters.
Final Thoughts
A tent is one of the heaviest items you’ll carry besides your sleeping bag or quilt, backpack, and sleeping pad, so reducing your shelter's weight lowers your pack’s overall base weight, enabling a faster, easier, and more enjoyable hike. If you’re considering transitioning to a lighter setup, we stock a variety of ultralight tents from renowned brands such as Zpacks, Durston Gear, Pretents and Bonfus.
By understanding your unique needs and preferences and the available options, you can find an ultralight tent that enhances your thru-hike without compromising on comfort or safety. With the right choice, an ultralight tent is undoubtedly worth the investment!
FAQ on Ultralight Tents
What is an Ultralight Tent?
Ultralight tents are designed to be extremely lightweight, making them ideal for activities where every ounce counts, such as backpacking, bikepacking, or canoeing. These tents typically weigh less than 2 pounds per person, with one-person shelters around 2 pounds and two-person shelters around 4 pounds. They feature essential components like a roof, floor, door, and often insect netting. Most ultralight tents are non-freestanding, using trekking poles for support to save weight compared to traditional pole systems.
Why Do Ultralight Tents Use Thinner Fabrics?
To reduce weight, ultralight tents often use thinner, lower-denier fabrics (like 7D or 10D). While these fabrics are lighter, they may be less durable and less waterproof. If you prefer not to use a tent footprint or frequently camp on poorly drained sites, you might want to avoid very thin fabrics, unless they are made from Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), which are highly waterproof and durable.
Do Ultralight Tents Come in Different Shapes?
Yes, ultralight tents come in various designs, including single-wall and double-wall shelters, pyramid (mid), A-frame, and hoop styles. Each design aims to provide protection from the elements while maintaining minimal weight.
What is Hydrostatic Head?
Hydrostatic head (HH) measures a material’s waterproofness by testing how much water pressure it can withstand before leaking. Ratings range from 0 mm to 10,000 mm, with anything above 1,500 mm generally considered waterproof. A rating of 3,000 mm is very watertight.
Tarps vs. Tents
The debate between tarps and tents centres on their advantages and suitability for different conditions. Tarps offer a lightweight, high-coverage option but require skill to set up effectively. They can be used with additional gear like an inner net tent or bivy for added protection against insects and weather.
Tents, on the other hand, provide more comprehensive weather protection and are easier to set up. They are particularly advantageous during peak bug seasons or in cold, wet conditions. While tents can be warmer and offer better protection, they tend to be heavier compared to tarps.
Happy trails!
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