--- title: "Ultralight hiking tents – everything you need to know about them" description: "It's not easy to find your way around the world of ultralight tents. Is it worth investing in the lightest materials? Which construction and type should you choose? How do they hold up in a proper storm?" canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/ultralight-tents-everything-you-need-to-know" last_updated: "2021-09-01" --- # Ultralight hiking tents – everything you need to know about them Authors: David Czempka Date: 2021-09-01 It's not easy to find your way around the world of ultralight tents. Is it worth investing in the lightest materials? Which construction and type should you choose? How do they hold up in a proper storm? A portable roof over your head that fits into your backpack is a key part of the kit for anyone into longer treks and multi-day adventures. You really find out what a tent is worth when you finally lay your head down after a hard day and the heavens open. A heavy, robust tent, though, will punish you needlessly on long climbs. Fortunately the market offers more and more [lightweight and ultralight tents](/c/sleep/tents) that solve this with ease. A well-made, fully equipped ultralight tent gives you a sense of safety, offers shelter from bad weather and from the attacks of bloodthirsty insects, and at the same time won't needlessly weigh down your backpack. It's not that easy to find your way around the world of ultralight tents, though – is it worth **investing in the lightest materials?** What are the **pros and cons** of ultralight tents? **Which construction and type should you choose?** How do they hold up in a proper mountain storm? We'll take a thorough look at all of these questions in the lines that follow. ## **A word of caution before you go ultralight** Before we dive into the world of ultralight tents together, it's only right to set the record straight on one much-discussed aspect of sleeping out and [trekking with lightened gear](/blog/lightweight-hiking-benefits) – **the trade-off between functionality, durability and how much experience you have**. Ultralight tents are no exception. As the weight drops too far, compromises start to appear in durability, in space, or in how complicated the tent is to pitch. Unless you're a die-hard thru-hiker who counts every single gram, you don't have to pick the most extreme solution. Fortunately there are still plenty of comfortable, roomy, very light and sufficiently durable tents to choose from. Even ultralight tents can give you a safe roof over your head, and in a tiny, featherlight package. All it takes is a bit of care, basic experience with pitching and picking a suitable spot to sleep. As with all other gear – ultralight or not – the rule here is that you should **test your tent on some easier hikes before you take it out for real**. That's where you'll learn its quirks – how it pitches, which side handles wind better, whether you need extra [stakes or guy lines](/c/sleep/stakes-and-guy-lines) and so on. - [Sea To Summit Ground Control Guy Cords (4 pcs)](/p/sea-to-summit-ground-control-guy-cords-4pcs.md) - [Sea To Summit Ground Control Tent Peg](/p/sea-to-summit-ground-control-tent-peg.md) - [Sea To Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs (6 pcs)](/p/sea-to-summit-ground-control-light-tent-pegs-6pcs.md) - [MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes (6 pcs)](/p/msr-groundhog-tent-stakes-6pcs.md) - [Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 6”](/p/big-agnes-dirt-dagger-ul-6-tent-stake.md) - [Highlander Utility Cord 3 mm x 15 m](/p/highlander-utility-cord-3-mm-15-m.md) - [Liteway Pyraomm Plus Half Mesh](/p/liteway-pyraomm-plus-half-mesh.md) - [Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mesh Patches](/p/gear-aid-tenacious-tape-mesh-patches.md) ## **Single-wall vs. double-wall tents** One of the basic factors determining a tent's properties and weight is the number of walls. At the most basic level we split tents into single-wall and double-wall. Both types can then either have a dedicated pole structure (freestanding tents) or be pitched on [trekking poles](/c/gear/trekking-poles), branches, skis or poles (non-freestanding tents) – more on that below. ### Double-wall tents As the name suggests, **they consist of two completely separate layers – the inner tent**, which is made up of a floor and a mosquito net and is breathable, **and the rainfly, the waterproof outer layer**. The main benefit of this type is **better protection against the condensation that forms on the inside of the rainfly**. The inner layer forms a barrier between you and the wet fly. It's fair to say that for most users they're simply more comfortable and give a slightly greater sense of safety and solidity. Compared with single-wall tents, double-wall tents will naturally be **heavier and** **less packable**. *Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Red Outdoor* ### Single-wall tents In these tents you're separated from the outside world by **a single layer only – the waterproof rainfly**. Some single-wall tents have a mosquito net and floor built into the fly for better ventilation and protection from insects and the weather. With others, you're left with the fly alone. Removing the inner layer saves a lot of material and therefore weight. **The lightest and most packable tents in the world fall into exactly this category**. Once you get the hang of them, you can expect a faster and easier pitch than with double-wall tents. But you do have to reckon with **a greater chance that condensation forming on the inside of the fly ends up on your sleeping bag and other gear**. These tents can also be airier and therefore less warm (it depends on the design). ## Freestanding or non-freestanding? Another key property to focus on when choosing a tent is its construction and the way it's anchored. At the most basic level we can split tents into freestanding and non-freestanding. What are their particulars, their pros and cons and, in the end, which one suits you better? ### Non-freestanding tents Non-freestanding tents don't hold their shape without being staked out. Their supporting structure is most often made up of trekking poles. These tents offer **minimal weight and packed size** in exchange for a bit of comfort and livable space. They also demand a little more experience from their owner. The stability of a non-freestanding tent depends mainly on how well you manage to tension all the guy lines and anchor the stakes, and on choosing the right ground, which should be neither too hard nor too loose. **A properly pitched non-freestanding tent then handles a serious downpour and wind with ease**, just like a quality freestanding tent. On the other hand, **with poor or sloppy anchoring it can collapse on your head during the night**. - [Liteway Illusion Solo Tent](/p/liteway-illusion-solo-tent.md) - [Liteway Illusion Duo Tent (2024)](/p/liteway-illusion-duo-tent-2024.md) - [3F UL Gear Lanshan 1 (2026)](/p/3f-ul-gear-lanshan-1.md) - [3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 Pro (2026)](/p/3f-ul-gear-lanshan-2-pro.md) ### Freestanding tents Freestanding tents come with a solid pole structure that lets them hold their shape without being staked down. You can lift a pitched tent off the ground and carry it, say, ten meters further to a flatter surface. That doesn't mean you don't have to anchor the tent to the ground. Staking it out is always a good idea, of course – to create the vestibules, maximize the interior space and protect against wind and rain. A structure like this **stands out above all for its durability,** **easy pitching and generous livable** **space**. Naturally that comes with higher weight and worse packability. There's essentially a third category too, which some manufacturers lump in with freestanding tents. These are **"semi-freestanding" tents**, which have a pole structure just like freestanding tents, but part of the tent still has to be staked out to reach its full shape. This category includes, for example, the [Big Agnes Tiger Wall](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2) and [Big Agnes Fly Creek.](/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-ul2) - [NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P](/p/nemo-dragonfly-osmo-2p.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul1.md) - [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul2.md) - [NEMO Hornet OSMO 2P](/p/nemo-hornet-osmo-2p.md) - [NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P (2025)](/p/nemo-dagger-osmo-2p-2025.md) - [MSR Hubba Hubba NX](/p/msr-hubba-hubba-nx.md) - [MSR Mutha Hubba NX 3](/p/msr-mutha-hubba-nx-3.md) - [Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1](/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-ul1.md) - [Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2](/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-ul2.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul3.md) - [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul2-xl.md) The choice here depends mainly on your experience and on how much comfort you expect from your time in the tent. If you're not entirely confident about pitching a tent on [trekking poles](/c/gear/trekking-poles), or you plan to spend a lot of time inside, you'll probably appreciate the comfort and functionality of a double-wall freestanding tent. But if you want to go all in on lightening your gear and you're not afraid of a bit more direct contact with the elements and with nature in general, reach for a single-wall non-freestanding tent, which will always be a touch lighter and more packable. [Fizan Compact](/p/fizan-compact.md) ## Ultralight tent materials Especially when choosing online, where you can't look at the tent and touch it, it pays to have at least a basic knowledge of materials and to be able to [decipher their often complicated names](/blog/technical-glossary-of-outdoor-materials). In material descriptions you'll often come across the **denier** value, marked with the letter "D" – 68D, for example. It's a unit expressing the thickness of the individual fibers in the fabric. Materials made from thicker fibers (with a higher denier value) will be more durable, but you won't save as much weight with them. The ultralight ones, on the other hand, you'll have to treat a little more carefully. The point is to find the ideal compromise. If you're looking for a lightweight or ultralight tent that's still acceptably durable and reliable, **we recommend picking** a fly with a fiber thickness somewhere in the 15–30D range. We're not writing off tents made from ultra thin materials like 10D or 7D either, but there you have to expect extra care, much lower durability and probably a shorter lifespan too. The most commonly used materials for flies and inner tents are nylon and polyester. With ultralight tents, in **the vast majority of cases we come across nylon**, because **at a lower weight** (material thickness) **it offers better tear and abrasion resistance**. Its durability lies partly in its stretch. But that property has one downside too. Nylon exposed to damp conditions absorbs water, which increases its stretch further, and that can leave a beautifully tensioned fly more or less sagging after rain. Polyester, on the other hand, doesn't suffer from this ailment and also has better UV resistance. It's worse on durability, which is why it tends to be used in greater thicknesses on traditional tents where low weight doesn't matter. The properties of both materials, though, are very often **changed and improved by applying** **waterproof coatings**. The poles on most lightweight and ultralight tents are built from aluminum and its alloys. Aluminum hits the ideal balance between low weight, durability and flexibility. Only insanely ultralight tents, such as the MSR Carbon Reflex range or Big Agnes Carbon, bet on a carbon pole structure, which is lighter still. Comparing poles of the same diameter, carbon comes out better on durability. But carbon's higher purchase price shows up significantly in the price of the tent. Unlike aluminum, which bends under too much load, carbon snaps without warning. Among the most proven pole makers are the legendary Korean [manufacturer DAC](https://www.dacpole.com/) and the American [Easton](https://eastonarchery.com/tubing/). ## Tent floor and footprint On practically every lightened tent you'll find a much thinner floor than on traditional ones. They're light and pack down better, but they're also markedly less durable, which makes them one of the fundamental weak points of ultralight tents. For that reason, the key accessory for your tent should be an additional [footprint](/c/sleep/footprints). A cheaper alternative is a custom-cut piece of [Tyvek](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm) that you lay under the thinner floor of the inner tent to **protect it from unnecessary wear**. The added layer also boosts the floor's waterproofing. Compared with Tyvek, a dedicated footprint has the advantage of already being cut to match the outer tent's shape. It also lets you leave the inner tent at home on minimalist trips and pitch just the fly in what's called fast fly mode. The advantage of this setup is **that you can pitch the fly first and the inner tent afterward, which you'll definitely appreciate in the rain**. - [3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 Footprint](/p/3f-ul-gear-lanshan-2-footprint.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint (2025)](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-footprint-2025.md) - [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Footprint (2025)](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul1-footprint-2025.md) - [NEMO Dragonfly 2P Footprint](/p/nemo-dragonfly-2p-footprint.md) - [Tyvek 75x230 cm (for 1 person)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-230-x-75-cm.md) - [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md) - [Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Footprint](/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul2-bikepack-footprint.md) - [Big Agnes Salt Creek SL3 Footprint](/p/big-agnes-salt-creek-sl3-footprint.md) - [NEMO Hornet 2P Footprint](/p/nemo-hornet-2p-footprint.md) ## Water column and overall waterproofing Waterproofing in outdoor gear is most often measured using what's called the water column. You can picture it as an imaginary narrow cylinder filled with water, pressing down with its weight on the fabric beneath it. The water column is measured in millimeters (mm) and tells you **how much water pressure has to be applied to the fabric before water starts to soak through and drip**. But is the water column the most important thing, and does the higher-the-better rule really apply? Owners of traditional robust tents may tell you that water column figures have to run into the high thousands. In reality, much lower values are enough for full waterproofing. MSR gives a nice example: they [put an ordinary umbrella through a waterproofing test](https://www.msrgear.com/blog/tent-fabrics-part-2-waterproof-ratings/) and measured a water column of just 420 mm on it. That shows water column figures don't have to run into the thousands. Proven ultralight three-season tents from most global brands, such as [Big Agnes](/b/big-agnes) and [MSR](/b/msr), have outer fly water columns somewhere in the 1 200 – 2 000 mm range. From our own experience we know that's enough even for a proper storm. **A higher water column does mean better waterproofing, but on its own it's no silver bullet and it doesn't decide the tent's overall waterproofing**. The overall design, build quality and above all the seams play an important role too – the needle holes left in the material, which have to be properly taped with waterproof tape or sealed with a coating. Waterproofing in tent fabrics is achieved by applying one or more layers of waterproof coating. The most widely used are silicone (Sil), polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene (PE/PeU). Each coating has its own particulars, pros and cons, but that's a topic for another time ([if you want to dig deeper into this, we'll point you here](https://www.slingfin.com/blogs/the-beta/fabric-coatings-101-pu-vs-pe-vs-silicone)). Tent manufacturers reach higher water columns only through thicker layers of coating. Unfortunately, those bring significant downsides with them. **Besides added weight and worse packability, the fabric also loses flexibility and tear resistance**. Water, of course, isn't the only element tents have to face outdoors. It makes no sense to apply too thick a coating to ultra thin fabric, because the fabric would lose its flexibility and could tear in strong wind. That's why you won't find water column figures on ultralight tents as high as on traditional tents made from more robust fabrics. The tent floor, on the other hand, which is under greater pressure and in direct contact with the ground, damp and water, benefits from slightly thicker materials with a higher water column. Last but not least, don't forget that you'll never be pitching your tent in a laboratory. When it comes to resistance to wind and rain, where you place the tent and how well you tension it often play the key role – even the best and most technical expedition piece may not hold up on a badly chosen campsite. *MSR Front Range 4 Person Ultralight Tarp Shelter outdoor* ## What tent size do you need? The number in a tent's name usually tells you how many people it's designed for – the [Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul3), for example, is designed for 3 people. Ultralight tents often save weight on livable space too, so **if you want more comfort and extra room, it's sensible to reach for a tent with a higher capacity** – a two-person tent for solo trips; a three-person tent for a couple. The weight penalty for the extra space usually isn't that critical here. But if your **priorities are low weight and the best possible packability** and you want to be [light as a feather](/blog/how-to-lighten-your-backpack-7-tips) on the trail, you can of course **follow the manufacturer's recommendation.** If you stand out from the crowd, and we mean literally, it pays to check the tent's length. **If the tent is too short for you,** **your sleeping bag will stick to the wet** **rainfly** and get needlessly damp. It's good to have some margin on all sides. If you're already dealing with this on your current tent, you can put an empty backpack or anything else at your feet to create a barrier between you and the fly. Another deciding factor when choosing a tent can be the number of vestibules and where they sit. Again and again, you need to be clear about your priorities. With a single vestibule you save weight on fabric and zippers. With two vestibules on a two-person tent, both sleepers get their own space for gear and don't have to disturb each other every time they get in and out – that raises comfort significantly. [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul2.md) *Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye* *Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3* ## Features and details If you're wavering on the final decision, watch the small details. Poor-quality zippers, for instance, can be the weak point of an otherwise well-built tent. Manufacturers who aren't trying to cut production costs at any price therefore often bet on **proven suppliers such as YKK**. To get ahead of the competition and win the customer's attention, most manufacturers are forced to innovate and come up with something new. Here we have to single out tents from Big Agnes. On their bestselling [Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul2), for example, whose interior is packed with storage space, you can pitch the fly into an awning over the vestibule. Or take the whole [Big Agnes Bikepack](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-bikepack) range, which has shorter folded poles and a special stuff sack so you can strap the tent to your handlebars. - [Big Agnes Gear Loft Square](/p/big-agnes-gear-loft-square.md) - [Big Agnes mtnGLO Gear Loft Wall](/p/big-agnes-mtnglo-gear-loft-wall.md) - [Sea To Summit Ultralight Aeros Pillow](/p/sea-to-summit-ultralight-aeros-pillow.md) - [Sea To Summit Ground Control Guy Cords (4 pcs)](/p/sea-to-summit-ground-control-guy-cords-4pcs.md) - [Nitecore NU25 MCT UL](/p/nitecore-nu25-mct-ul.md) - [Liteway Sleeping Pad Cover](/p/liteway-sleeping-pad-cover.md) - [Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On 300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-spray-on-300-ml.md) - [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md) - [Liteway Biggie Tarp](/p/liteway-biggie-tarp.md) - [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Footprint (2025)](/p/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul1-footprint-2025.md) - [Liteway Tent Carbon Pole](/p/liteway-tent-carbon-pole.md) - [NEMO Switchback](/p/nemo-switchback.md) - [NEMO Fillo Elite](/p/nemo-fillo-elite.md) - [NEMO Airpin Stakes (4 pcs)](/p/nemo-airpin-stakes-4pcs.md) Beyond that, you can look at details like extra anchor points, the stuff sack, a brand's own improved waterproof coatings, the stakes and how many of them there are, and other accessories. ## So which tent should you choose? If you've already looked at our range of [ultralight tents](/c/sleep/tents) and your head is spinning at how much there is to pick from, don't despair. Start by asking yourself what your priorities are and in what conditions you plan to use the tent. And don't forget how much space you need for yourself and your travel partner. Tents come in all shapes and sizes, and a different one suits every adventure best. If you've read this far, we trust the topic of ultralight tents is no longer all Greek to you. And if it still is, you can always come to us with follow-up questions, for advice or for help with choosing. 🙂 - [Cumulus Panyam 450](/p/cumulus-panyam-450.md) - [Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol](/p/therm-a-rest-z-lite-sol.md) - [Liteway Lite Pocket](/p/liteway-lite-pocket.md) - [Sea To Summit Pocket Trowel](/p/sea-to-summit-pocket-trowel.md) - [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md) - [Gramino SagiFlow](/p/gramino-sagiflow-ultralight-bidet.md) - [Tyvek 75x230 cm (for 1 person)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-230-x-75-cm.md) - [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 15D Nano Tarp Poncho](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil15d-nano-tarp-poncho.md) - [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag.md) - [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag-first-aid.md) - [REAL Turmat Kebab Stew](/p/real-turmat-kebab-stew.md) This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/ultralight-tents-everything-you-need-to-know). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.