Looking for the perfect lightweight shelter for your next hike or fastpacking trip? This guide brings you a curated selection of top-rated one- and two-person ultralight tents that reputable brands ship worldwide. I’ve sifted through trusted reviews and field tests to deliver the top performers—so buckle up for comfort, durability, and minimal carry weight. As mentioned in my ultimate guide – a good sleep system is required to have a good ultralight hiking experience.
The 10 Best Ultralight 1–2 Person Tents
| Tent | Weight | Capacity | Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zpacks Duplex | ~1 lb 3 oz (680 g) | 2P | ~$669 | Feather-light Dyneema canopy, trekking-pole setup, superb for thru-hikes Buy here |
| Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P | ~2 lb 1 oz | 2P | ~$650 | Premium OSMO fabric, two doors/vestibules, excellent livability Buy here. |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 | ~2 lb 11 oz | 2P | ~$530 | Freestanding, spacious, livable design praised in tests Buy here |
| MSR FreeLite 2 | ~2 lb (910 g) | 2P | ~$540 | Lightweight with hub-pole design, good storage, but non-freestanding Buy here |
| Durston X-Mid 1P | ~1 lb 14 oz | 1P | ~$235 | Budget-friendly, easy trekking-pole setup, solid storm protection Buy here |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 | ~2 lb 6 oz | 1P | ~$449 | Tall, roomy solo tent with Hyperbead fabric and vestibule Buy here |
| Zpacks Plex Solo | ~13.9 oz | 1P | ~$599 | Featherweight Dyneema, minimal yet functional Buy here |
| Hyperlite Ultamid 2 | ~1 lb 3 oz | 2P | ~$699 | Durable Dyneema pyramid, great in harsh conditions Buy here |
| Nemo Hornet 2P | ~2 lb 6 oz | 2P | ~$500 | Balance of weight and comfort with twin vestibules Buy here |
| REI Co-op Flash Air 2 | ~2 lb 1 oz | 2P | ~$420-550 | Ultralight with pop-top pole setup; excellent ventilation Buy here |
Why These Tents Stand Out
- Zpacks Duplex: Seen by iRunFar as the best ultralight tent overall—light, spacious, durable iRunFar.
- Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P: Switchback Travel’s “Best Overall Ultralight” for its convenience, lightweight structure, and thoughtfully designed interiors Switchback TravelUltralightGearPicker.
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: Celebrated for its living space and comfort-to-weight ratio in multiple reviews SFGATEcampinginstructor.com.
- MSR FreeLite 2: Wired praises its roomy feel and functionality in a riff-light, backpack-friendly package WIRED.
- Durston X-Mid 1P: Affordable option highlighted by CampingGearReviews for value and performance CampingGearReviewsGearJunkie.
- Hyperlite Ultamid 2: A rugged, lightweight pyramid shelter made for serious conditions CampingGearReviewsGearJunkie.
Winner: Best Value Meets Performance
Best Value Pick: Durston X-Mid 1P
Why it earns the top spot in value: it combines a lightweight, durable design (just under 2 lb), solid weatherproofing, simplicity, and an affordable price. For solo hikers looking for a reliable shelter that won’t break the bank—or the back—this tent tops
