Let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the crisp air of nature. But let’s be honest, sometimes that perfect camping experience can be a little…well, rough. A flimsy tent that leaks like a sieve, a cramped space that makes you feel like a sardine, and the constant worry about bugs and weather? Ugh, not my idea of a good time.
That’s why I’m here to share my insider knowledge on the best camping ultralight tents out there. I’ve been lucky enough to test out tents in some of the most stunning landscapes, from the snowy peaks of the Rockies to the sun-drenched beaches of the Pacific Coast. And trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a tent truly exceptional.
So, grab your backpack and your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the world of the best camping tents with me and nationalparkshops.com! Let’s go.
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: The North Face Wawona 6 (From $300 – $500 on Amazon)
- 2 Best Budget for 2 Person: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 (From $299.00 on Amazon)
- 3 MSR Habitude 4 for 4 Person (From $360 – $600)
- 4 Best Quality: NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent (From $599.96 on Amazon)
- 5 Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 (From $225)
- 6 Top – Rated: Coleman Skydome XL 8 (From $170 – $247)
- 7 Gazelle T4 Hub (From $300 – $350)
- 8 Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander (From $1,427)
- 9 NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 (From $375)
- 10 Samaya2.0 (From $1,100)
- 11 Conclusion
Best Overall: The North Face Wawona 6 (From $300 – $500 on Amazon)
- Sleeping Capacity: 6-person
- Minimum Trail Weight: 19 lbs. 4 oz.
- Packaged Weight: 20 lbs. 15 oz.
- Packed Size: 10 x 32 inches
- Floor Area: 86.11 square feet
- Peak Height: 76 inches
- Number of Doors: 2 doors
- Design Type: Freestanding
If you enjoy camping as a hobby, this tent is ideal for you. The North Face Wawona 6, which we have thoroughly tested and enjoyed over the years, serves as an excellent base camp for activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, or any adventure that involves carrying a lot of equipment that requires protection. The Wawona meets all your needs while being reasonably priced.
However, the spacious design can complicate certain aspects. Setting up the rainfly and garage in moderate winds may not be as straightforward as expected. This ultralight tent uses a pin-and-circle locking system that can be somewhat challenging to secure, and due to the tent’s height and length, guylines are necessary unless you want to risk your tent being blown away. Nevertheless, once it’s assembled, it is spacious and comfortable.
Best Budget for 2 Person: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 (From $299.00 on Amazon)
- Product Dimensions: 5.5″L x 6″W x 19.6″H
- Item Weight: 968 Grams
- Floor Width: 567 Centimeters
- Recommended Uses For Product: Camping & Hiking
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Included Components: Stakes, Pole, Guy lines
- Water Resistance Technology: 1500 Mm
- Special Feature: Ultralight, Waterproof, Tent Stakes, UVProtection, Rainfly
I think The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 Tent ($400) has always been dependable for me and my team. We have walked while testing numerous tents along our journey. My team appreciates the fact that the Fly Creek is a freestanding tent, allowing us to set it up anywhere, even on unsuitable ground for stakes. I found this feature particularly useful.
I also prefer that the ultralight tent structure is supported by tent poles instead of trekking poles. This design ensures that the tent remains stable and withstands strong winds, according to her observations.
The Fly Creek HV UL 1 comes with a single door and a vestibule designed for dry entry. The tent is made from ripstop nylon material. Its rainfly and floor are treated with a 1,200mm waterproof polyurethane coating, and the seams have waterproof polyurethane tape reinforcement. This one-person tent proved to be reliable for almost 200 days across three seasons, facing various conditions including desert, snow, wind, and rain.
MSR Habitude 4 for 4 Person (From $360 – $600)
- Sleeping Capacity: 4-person
- Minimum Trail Weight: 12 pounds
- Packaged Weight: 12 lbs. 10 oz.
- Packed Size: 9 x 23 inches
- Floor Area: 62.4 square feet
- Peak Height: 73 inches
- Number of Doors: 1 door
- Design Type: Freestanding
The MSR Habitude 4 is an excellent option. This ultralight tent compact, made of high-quality materials, and offers ample space with its tall design. Additionally, it includes special features like a porch light, a spacious vestibule, and effective ventilation.
Despite some drawbacks such as a single door that needs two zippers to open, a light without batteries, and a cumbersome bag, the Habitude 4 outperformed all other 4-person tents in its category.
Best Quality: NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent (From $599.96 on Amazon)
- Product Dimensions: 23.62″L x 7.87″W x 7.87″H
- Item Weight: 0.78 Kilograms
- Floor Width: 50 Inches
- Recommended Uses For Product: Camping & Hiking
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Included Components: Stakes, Pole, Rainfly
- Water Resistance Technology: 4000
- Shape: Rectangular
The NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo 2P tent features substantial enhancements over the already renowned Hornet Elite 2, providing improved water resistance and reduced sag when wet, thanks to Nemo’s unique Osmo fabric. We really appreciate this ultralight tent, especially for its ability to save both weight and packing space.
Weighing just 2 pounds, 1 ounce, the Hornet Elite Osmo is quite impressive for a freestanding tent designed for two people. By leaving behind some stakes and the stuff sack, you can achieve a minimum weight of 1 pound, 11 ounces, making it an appealing option for those focused on minimizing weight.
However, this tent offers more than just a lightweight design; it also serves as a reliable shelter in harsh weather conditions. During rainy and stormy nights, the Hornet Elite Osmo kept our team dry and comfortable on the trail.
In contrast to many ultralight alternatives that require trekking poles, this model stands independently. It incorporates a clever three-pole structure with a small “Flybar” at the connection point to enhance interior volume. The tent features a mesh interior along with an integrated rainfly to protect against insects, rain, and wind.
Inside, the tent provides a 27.3-square-foot floor, which is compact but adequate for two adults. While the space isn’t extensive, you will be close to your tentmate. Keep in mind that this is ultralight backpacking, so expect to cozy up.
Thankfully, there is sufficient room beneath the two vestibules, accessible via two doors, to store a large backpack, shoes, and additional gear. We’ve used the tent multiple times in rainy conditions, and it offers enough space to keep your belongings dry, even during severe weather.
Setting up and taking down the tent is straightforward. Once our testers became familiar with it, they could easily assemble it in under 5 minutes.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 (From $225)
- Sleeping Capacity: 3-person
- Minimum Trail Weight: 6 lbs. 1.7 oz.
- Packaged Weight: 7 lbs. 1.2 oz.
- Packed Size: 7 x 25 inches
- Floor Area: 42.5 square feet
- Peak Height: 48 inches
- Number of Doors: 2 doors
- Pole Material: DAC Pressfit
- Design Type: Freestanding
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is an excellent option for camping or short backpacking trips, and it also serves as a reliable backup that can be quickly packed into the car. This ultralight tent features a mesh construction for great views, and the fly can be adjusted in various ways for both scenery and quick weather protection.
With the added footprint, this well-built tent offers extra value. It is made of 40D polyester mesh, a 68D ripstop polyester tub floor, and DAC Pressfit aluminum poles. Despite its compact interior space, the dual vestibules help keep non-sleeping items organized. While lightweight, there is a trade-off with limited headroom. Overall, this ultralight tent may be small but it is powerful and a useful addition to any camper’s gear, depending on individual needs.
Top – Rated: Coleman Skydome XL 8 (From $170 – $247)
- Sleeping Capacity: 8+ people
- Minimum Trail Weight: 22 lbs. 0.3 oz.
- Packaged Weight: 25 lbs. 2.1 oz.
- Packed Size: 26.75 x 11.5 x 11.25 inches
- Floor Area: 112 square feet
- Peak Height: 72 inches
- Number of Doors: 1 doors
- Pole Material: PE Sheet
- Design Type: Freestanding
With a spacious interior of almost 115 square feet, the Coleman Skydome XL 8 is an enormous ultralight tent that is likely the largest we have ever reviewed. This tent’s roomy layout makes it ideal for families or large groups seeking a dependable shelter without spending a fortune.
The Skydome can accommodate eight people comfortably if they are using smaller sleeping pads or foam mattresses. Even with fewer campers, there is enough space for three queen-sized air mattresses. It is easy to clean and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of children and pets. Additionally, this ultralight tent features a fantastic mesh roof, effective vents, storage pockets, an electrical port, and fun string lighting that hangs from the ceiling.
Despite its impressive size and features, the Skydome is bulky and challenging to set up. Its large footprint can make it somewhat unstable, requiring a substantial number of stakes and guylines to secure it, especially in windy conditions.
Gazelle T4 Hub (From $300 – $350)
- Sleeping Capacity: 4-person
- Packaged Weight: 30 pounds
- Packed Size: 8.6 x 67.5 inches
- Floor Area: 61 square feet
- Peak Height: 78 inches
- Number of Doors: 2 doors
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Design Type: Freestanding
The Gazelle T4 Hub can be easily set up without the need for assembly. It is stable, weatherproof, and convenient. This tent is self-contained, eliminating the hassle of dealing with aluminum poles. Setting it up is a breeze – simply place it on the ground, pull on the handles, and lock in the rooftop.
However, there are some downsides to this tent. It is heavier and larger due to thicker fabrics and fiberglass poles. The packed size is nearly six feet long, and it does not have a vestibule feature. Additionally, it can be challenging to pack it back into its duffel bag.
Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander (From $1,427)
- Weight: 69.9 kg | 154 lbs
- Seasons: 3
- Max Inside Height: 130 cm | 51 in
- Pockets: 5
- Windows: 3 side, 2 roof
The Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander is an improved version of the first generation, with upgrades like a telescoping ladder for easier installation and better adaptability on uneven terrain. The improved rainfly provides more weather resistance and visibility. It offers comfort, space, and convenience with features like an LED light strip, hanging boot bag, and ample headroom.
The sturdy ladder can easily accommodate gear, kids, or pets. Despite its lower price, the tent is made of durable material to withstand harsh weather conditions. The latest model is larger, sturdier, and includes additional features like a second door, more storage, and an LED light.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 6 (From $375)
- Sleeping Capacity: 6-person
- Minimum Trail Weight: 13 lbs. 14 oz.
- Packaged Weight: 18 lbs. 14 oz.
- Packed Size: 9.5 x 26 inches
- Floor Area: 83 square feet
- Peak Height: 77 inches
- Number of Doors: 2 doors
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Design Type: Freestanding
The Nemo Aurora Highrise 6 tent offers plenty of space and features in a practical and attractive design. It can accommodate a twin mattress and two single mattresses comfortably, with extra room to spare. With a maximum height of 6.5 feet, you’ll have enough space to do jumping jacks in the morning. Additionally, it has dual vestibules, an oversized front door, excellent privacy options, and a unique floor design, making it difficult to find a tent that combines style and functionality as well as this one.
Samaya2.0 (From $1,100)
- Floor Dimensions: 87 x 43 in
- Minimum Weight: 1.33 kg | 2.94 lbs
- Peak Height: 99.1 cm | 39 in
- Measured weight: 1.64 kg | 3.61 lbs
- Type: Single wall
The Samaya20 is a state-of-the-art tent that stands out as one of the lightest 4-season tents available and is completely waterproof. Unlike traditional single-wall tents known for their poor performance in rain, the Samaya20 excels in wet conditions due to its impressive construction, smart design, and high-quality materials. It performs exceptionally well in various weather conditions and is ideal for those looking for a compact shelter.
Although the Samaya20 may feel cramped for two people and comes with a higher price tag, it is worth the investment for its top-notch quality and excellent protection. The Samaya is a highly recommended option if you need a smaller shelter for your next outdoor adventure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camping tent can significantly enhance your outdoor adventures. By considering your specific needs and the features of each tent, you can find the ideal match to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Investing in one of the best ultralight tents for camping will not only provide shelter but also elevate your overall camping experience.
