The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Shelters

Looking For A New Tent or Tarp Shelter For Your Next Backpacking Adventure?

Here is a list of every shelter I know of that weighs 4 lbs or less, organized by size (1 person and 2 person) and ranked in descending order by weight.

Each entry includes: a picture of the shelter, total weight, retail price (msrp), capacity, type and a link to online retailers where you can find more information and order it online.

If you have a question about choosing a shelter, or would like to suggest one that I forgot to include in this list, please post your comments at the bottom of the page.


Categories: 2-Person Shelters (4 lbs & under) | 1-Person Shelters (3 lbs & under)



Mountain Hardware Hylo 2
Weight: 4 lbs
MSRP: $299.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Lightning 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 15 oz
MSRP: $229.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


The North Face Tadpole 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 15 oz
MSRP: $309.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent Scarp 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 12 oz
MSRP: $369.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Vaude Hogan UL 2P
Weight: 3 lbs, 12 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Chinook 2P
Weight: 3 lbs, 11 oz
MSRP: $489.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Flash 2 FL
Weight: 3 lbs, 10 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO
Weight: 3 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Mountain Hardware Ghost Sky 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $429.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter
Weight: 3 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $160.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Sierra Designs Nightwatch 2 FL

Weight: 3 lbs, 8 oz
MSRP: $389.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


MSR Hubba Hubba NX
Weight: 3 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Nemo Dagger 2P
Weight: 3 lbs, 6 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Flashlight 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 6 oz
MSRP: $229.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


The North Face Triarch 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 6 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Mountain Hardware Direkt 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 5 oz
MSRP: $550.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent Double Moment
Weight: 3 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $349.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent Scarp 1
Weight: 3 lbs, 3 oz
MSRP: $359.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


REI Quarter Dome 2
Weight: 3 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $299.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Exped Spica II UL
Weight: 3 lbs
MSRP: $499.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2
Weight: 2 lbs, 15 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Marmot Force 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 15 oz
MSRP: $389.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Exped Mira II HL
Weight: 2 lbs, 14 oz
MSRP: $379.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Lightning 2 FL
Weight: 2 lbs, 14 oz
MSRP: $379.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent StratoSpire 2
Weight: 2 lbs, 14 oz
MSRP: $349.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $429.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Evolution 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $374.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Revolution 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $374.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Black Diamond Firstlight
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $369.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Marmot Amp 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $379.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


The North Face Fusion 2
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $429.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Marmot Starlight 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 12 oz
MSRP: $289.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


The North Face Mica FL2
Weight: 2 lbs, 11 oz
MSRP: $359.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Black Diamond Hilight
Weight: 2 lbs, 10 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 FL
Weight: 2 lbs, 10 oz
MSRP: $389.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Slater UL2+
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $389.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Soul X2
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $288.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Brooks Range Foray 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $424.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Mountain Hardware Ghost UL 2
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $449.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $310.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Tarptent Double Rainbow
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $289.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Mirage 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz
MSRP: $329.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Flashlight 2 FL
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz
MSRP: $379.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Brooks Range Tension 30
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $419.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Hilleberg Rajd
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $445.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Marmot Force UL 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $419.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


MSR Freelite 2
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $439.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 Elite
Weight: 2 lbs, 5 oz
MSRP: $489.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Bitter Springs UL2
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Lightheart Gear Duo
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $315.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Tarptent MoTrail
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $259.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Nemo Meta LE 2P
Weight: 2 lbs, 3 oz
MSRP: $329.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


MSR Twin Sisters
Weight: 2 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT
Weight: 2 lbs
MSRP: $129.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Nemo Blaze 2P
Weight: 2 lbs
MSRP: $449.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Nemo Hornet 2P
Weight: 2 lbs
MSRP: $369.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz
MSRP: $389.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


The North Face O2
Weight: 1 lb, 14 oz
MSRP: $299.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


MSR Carbon Reflex 2
Weight: 1 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $499.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2
Weight: 1 lb, 12 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


MSR Thru-hiker Mesh House 2 + 70 Wing Tarp
Weight: 1 lb, 10 oz
MSRP: $379.90
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum
Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz
MSRP: $549.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Hyperlight Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter
Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz
MSRP: $695.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


MSR Flylite 2P
Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Scout UL2
Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Sea to Summit Specialist Duo
Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz
MSRP: $498.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid XL (Silnylon)
Weight: 1 lb, 6 oz
MSRP: $365.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Equinox Myotis Tarp 10’x10′
Weight: 1 lb, 5 oz
MSRP: $159.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Zpacks Duplex Tent
Weight: 1 lb, 5 oz
MSRP: $599.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid (Silnylon)
Weight: 1 lb, 4 oz
MSRP: $260.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Black Diamond Beta Light
Weight: 1 lb, 3 oz
MSRP: $199.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Equinox Globe Skimmer Tarp 10’x12′
Weight: 1 lb, 3 oz
MSRP: $129.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Hyperlight Mountain Gear UltaMid 2
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz
MSRP: $695.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz
MSRP: $200.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Brooks Range Ultralite Quick Tent
Weight: 1 lb
MSRP: $170.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid XL (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 1 lb
MSRP: $680.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Patrol Duo (Silnylon)
Weight: 1 lb
MSRP: $205.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Equinox Globe Skimmer Tarp 8’x10′
Weight: 15 oz
MSRP: $92.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Brooks Range Ultralite Guide Tarp
Weight: 13 oz
MSRP: $160.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 13 oz
MSRP: $440.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


MSR Thru-hiker 70 Wing
Weight: 12 oz
MSRP: $179.95
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp (Large)
Weight: 12 oz
MSRP: $199.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Hyperlight Mountain Gear Echo II Tarp
Weight: 11 oz
MSRP: $320.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Hyperlight Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8’x10′
Weight: 11 oz
MSRP: $350.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Patrol Duo (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 11 oz
MSRP: $385.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp (Cuben)
Weight: 10 oz
MSRP: $475.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Zpacks Rectangular Tarp 8.5’x10′
Weight: 8 oz
MSRP: $275.00
Capacity: 2 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL1 mtnGLO
Weight: 3 lbs
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Exped Mira 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 14 oz
MSRP: $299.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Hilleberg Akto
Weight: 2 lbs, 13 oz
MSRP: $520.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Eureka Spitfire Solo
Weight: 2 lbs, 12 oz
MSRP: $139.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Hennesy Hammock Expedition
Weight: 2 lbs, 12 oz
MSRP: $159.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Hammock
More info…


Exped Vela 1 UL
Weight: 2 lbs, 10 oz
MSRP: $439.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Flashlight 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 9 oz
MSRP: $199.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


The North Face Triarch 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Revolution 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $329.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Hilleberg Enan
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $625.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Marmot Eos 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $249.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


MSR Hubba NX Solo
Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Marmot Force 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 5 oz
MSRP: $349.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs High Route 1 FL
Weight: 2 lbs, 5 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Slater UL1+
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $339.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Evolution 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent StratoSpire 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $309.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1
Weight: 2 lbs, 3 oz
MSRP: $379.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Exped Mira 1 HL
Weight: 2 lbs, 3 oz
MSRP: $329.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Mirage 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $309.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Hennesy Hammock Explorer Ultralight
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $269.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Hammock
More info…


REI Quarter Dome 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $229.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $125.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Tarptent Moment DW
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $295.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent Rainbow
Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz
MSRP: $259.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Mountain Hardware Ghost UL 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $349.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Nemo Veda 1P
Weight: 2 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $329.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Sierra Designs Tensegrity 1 FL
Weight: 2 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $319.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


The North Face Mica FL 1
Weight: 2 lbs, 1 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Soul
Weight: 2 lbs
MSRP: $271.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Freestanding
More info…


Hennesy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker
Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz
MSRP: $239.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Hammock
More info…


Lightheart Gear SoLong 6
Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz
MSRP: $298.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


MSR Freelite 1
Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz
MSRP: $369.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Sierra Designs Flashlight 1 FL
Weight: 1 lb, 14 oz
MSRP: $299.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo LE
Weight: 1 lb, 14 oz
MSRP: $180.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Big Agnes Bitter Springs UL1
Weight: 1 lb, 13 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Sierra Designs Tensegrity 1 Elite
Weight: 1 lb, 13 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Hennesy Hammock Hyperlite
Weight: 1 lb, 12 oz
MSRP: $279.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Hammock
More info…


Marmot Starlight 1P
Weight: 1 lb, 12 oz
MSRP: $219.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Nemo Blaze 1P
Weight: 1 lb, 12 oz
MSRP: $369.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1
Weight: 1 lb, 11 oz
MSRP: $349.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Lightheart Gear Solo
Weight: 1 lb, 11 oz
MSRP: $245.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Nemo Hornet 1P
Weight: 1 lb, 11 oz
MSRP: $319.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Tarptent Notch
Weight: 1 lb, 11 oz
MSRP: $285.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Tarptent ProTrail
Weight: 1 lb, 10 oz
MSRP: $225.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz
MSRP: $215.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker
Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz
MSRP: $235.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Tent (Silnylon)
Weight: 1 lb, 7 oz
MSRP: $315.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


MSR Carbon Reflex 1
Weight: 1 lbs, 7 oz
MSRP: $399.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Agnes Fly Creek 1 Platinum
Weight: 1 lb, 6 oz
MSRP: $499.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Semi-Freestanding
More info…


Big Sky Wisp
Weight: 1 lb, 4 oz
MSRP: $199.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Gossamer Gear The One
Weight: 1 lbs, 4 oz
MSRP: $450.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Sea to Summit Specialist Solo
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz
MSRP: $428.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Zpacks Altaplex Tent
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz
MSRP: $585.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus Tent
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz
MSRP: $525.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Six Moon Designs Skyscape X
Weight: 1 lb, 1 oz
MSRP: $565.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Six Moon Designs Deschutes Plus
Weight: 1 lb
MSRP: $175.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Zpacks Solplex Tent
Weight: 1 lb
MSRP: $555.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Equinox Myotis Tarp 8’x8′
Weight: 15 oz
MSRP: $129.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Tent (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 15 oz
MSRP: $520.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid (Silnylon)
Weight: 15 oz
MSRP: $255.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Zpacks Hexamid Solo Tent
Weight: 15 oz
MSRP: $475.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Trekking-Pole
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Tarp (Silnylon)
Weight: 14 oz
MSRP: $185.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Six Moon Designs Deschutes
Weight: 13 oz
MSRP: $165.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Patrol Solo (Silnylon)
Weight: 12 oz
MSRP: $170.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape
Weight: 12 oz
MSRP: $135.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Poncho Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 11 oz
MSRP: $425.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Pyramid Tarp
More info…


Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp (Med)
Weight: 10 oz
MSRP: $169.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Equinox Globe Skimmmer Tarp 6’x8′
Weight: 9 oz
MSRP: $72.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp
Weight: 9 oz
MSRP: $229.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Equinox Terrapin Ultralite Poncho Tarp
Weight: 8 oz
MSRP: $69.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Poncho Tarp
More info…


Hyperlight Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 6’x8′
Weight: 8 oz
MSRP: $310.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Tarp (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 8 oz
MSRP: $330.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Tarp Poncho
Weight: 8 oz
MSRP: $99.95
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Mountain Laurel Designs Patrol Solo (Cuben Fiber)
Weight: 7 oz
MSRP: $325.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Six Moon Designs Deschutes CF
Weight: 7 oz
MSRP: $330.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…


Zpacks Rectangular Tarp 7’x9′
Weight: 6 oz
MSRP: $215.00
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Tarp
More info…

Know of a shelter I missed? Please let me know in the comments section below…

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20 Responses to “The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Shelters”

  1. James Reply

    Take a look at the My Trail Co tents (formerly GoLite). http://www.mytrailco.com

  2. Rodrigo Reply

    Awesome work… Very helpful. Thank you!

  3. Lee Reply

    Check out slingfin http://www.slingfin.com/ they have a 2 lbs 8 oz double walled tent

  4. WanderingVenturer Reply

    Good list, but you missed the Seek Outside tents. https://seekoutside.com/
    They have some really nice tarps and tipi tents!

  5. Chad Reply

    Missing the amazing shelters from Yama Mountain Gear (www.yamamountaingear.com).

  6. Ronda Reply

    I recently picked up this new entry. https://sierradesigns.com/high-route-1-fl/

  7. Erich Koeller Reply

    Yo Erik, It would be helpful to preface your list with an explanation of Minimum Trail Weight vs Packaged Weight, and a reasonable footprint weight. I want to know the true weight of what I’m buying and carrying. No deceptive numbers games. BTW I looove my Big Agnes Copper Spur 1

    • @Erich Koeller: Good point. Different manufacturers list weights differently, so it’s not always easy to make a direct comparison without looking at exactly what each manufacturer does and does not include in their advertised weights.

      Traditional double-wall tents with poles are the worst offenders when it comes to weight-listing shenanigans. They usually list three different weights for each shelter:

      1) Packaged Weight: Shelter, fly, poles, stuff sacks, guylines, stakes, pole repair sleeve, instructions, etc.
      2) Minimum Weight or Trail Weight: Shelter, fly and poles.
      3) Fast-Fly Weight: Fly, poles and optional Footprint.

      For this list, I used the “minimum” or “trail weight” for those types of shelters. To get a true trail weight however, you will need to add the weight of stakes and guylines. I usually replace my stakes with ultralight titanium stakes and carry fewer stakes than come with the package (most shelters only need 4-6.) That usually adds 2-3 ounces to the manufacturer’s listed trail weight.

      Trekking-pole shelters sometimes include everything in their advertised weight (shelter, guylines, stakes and stuff sacks) and sometimes they leave out the stakes. Tarps usually only list the weight of the tarp itself, so you have to add the weight of stakes, guylines and a ground cloth to that. Both tarps and trekking pole shelters do not include the weight of poles in the advertised weight, since they are not included when you buy the shelter. Some manufacturers do offer optional aluminum poles to take the place of trekking poles for those who do not carry them.

  8. Thanks for the suggestions you guys. I went ahead and divided the 1-person and 2-person shelters into separate categories. I will be adding some of the new shelters mentioned in the comments to the list soon.

  9. Rick Thalhammer Reply

    Erik,
    Very nice work. Thank you for that. I saw some interesting shelters at the 2016 PCT Days in Cascade Locks, Oregon last month from an outfit called Locus Gear. Check them out.

  10. Chuck Reply

    Erik,

    Awesome list!! You’re done a great service to the community for putting this together.

    Well done and very much appreciated,
    Chuck

  11. Tree Pusher Reply

    Missing: L.L. Bean Microlight UL 2-Person Backpacking Tent 2 lb. 11 oz.

  12. Joe Reply

    Nice list. Might I recommend separating 1 person shelters from the 2 person shelters?

    • Dave Reply

      I would agree. Maybe within each existing group, segregate the one and two person tents. Also, in the under 2 lbs it would be nice to have tarps separated. I did notice that most of the tarps have dimensions, but some do not.
      Those of us going with Scouts will be interested in the tarps as group gear.

      Other than changing the list that would entail more work, this is really helpful. Thanks so much for putting in a ton of time on this.

  13. Wes Reply

    Yama Mountain Gear makes two interesting tents.

    http://www.yamamountaingear.com

  14. John Giesemann Reply

    You might also check out Etowah Outfitters. They have several tarps under 2 and 1 pounds for very reasonable prices.

  15. John Giesemann Reply

    Bear Paw Wilderness Designs has several tarps (Flat Tarps, Canopy, and La Garita) that are under 2 pounds with many models under 1 pound. The Canopy is similar to the MLD Patrol Tarp. The La Garita is a shaped tarp with a front closure.

    They also have several “tents” (netting attached) that are under the 2 pound limit, some under 1 pound. They have the Luna, Pyratent, HexaTent, Bear Den, Lair, Diamond Solo, and AT models.

    Most of the models come in both Silnylon and Cuben Fiber.

    You might check them out.

  16. Mike Tryon Reply

    Anyone venturing into lightweight backpacking with kids should check out the Kelty Salida 4. Its a traditional 2-pole dome with sides that are pretty vertical down low so the whole footprint is very usable and can honestly fit 4 adults as long as they are under 6 foot (very roomy for 2 adults + 2 young kids). 4.5 lbs without fly and 6.5 with, which doesn’t make it ultralite, by any means, but its been working well for 2 seasons for us with our under 8 yr old kids. At $185 it makes an affordable transition to when the kids can have their own 2-lb 2 person tent.

  17. James Reply

    I don’t see any of the offerings from My Trail Co, AKA The Return of GoLight.

    http://mytrailco.com/collections/tents

    • @James: Thanks for the heads up. I hadn’t heard of them yet. Glad to hear Golite is getting back in the game. Checking them out now…