6 Best affordable ultralight tents for hiking & Trekking

A backpacking tent is one of the heaviest thing to carry in your outdoor adventure. So to keep ultralight tent is extremely important. To save money without losing comfort, space, and durability for a compact and lightweight tent try to check out affordable ultralight tents list.

Among other affordable ultralight tents, UK manufacturer Terra Nova designed and marketed lightest tent in the world with just 450gm of backpacking tent weight.

Ultralight tent means a clear goal – to carry as light a load as possible while enjoying your back country adventures.

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Lightest tent in the world

From History: In 2004 Terra Nova Equipment set the benchmark for lightweight tent development when it launched the world’s first sub 1kg tent. A Guinness World Record marked the achievement of creating the lightest tent in the world.

The affordable ultralight tent on the market is currently the Laser Pulse Ultra 1 One person tent which not only has a minimum weight of just 450g but a tiny pack size of only 30cm x 9cm, making it extremely smallest packed tent. This can be considered best one man tent.

There are a lot of brands making lightweight tents like ZPacks. Made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric our award-winning ultralight shelters are designed for when you’re ready to take backpacking to the next level.

Related Post: World’s biggest camping tent

Before answering the question What is the lightest one person tent? or What is the best cheap tent? we need to go through what are the requirements of backpacking tent?

Ultralight Tents – How to Choose?

Tent Requirements for affordable ultralight tent

1. Capacity: 1-Person vs 2-Person Tent
2. Headspace: This must be considered as your backpacker’s height.
3. Clean Design: Backpacking tents with more complex designs are great for maximizing space, especially in those one-off corners and the ceiling. Simple designs are not only faster and easier to set up but are generally more durable.
4. Seasonality: Tent construction relative to expected weather conditions
5. Easy Entry and Exit: Some tents are shaped like a tee-pee pyramid, others more like half-spherical igloos, and some like rectangular prisms. Mostly a matter of personal preference.
6. Ultralight Weight: Weight carried vs. dollars spent
7. Livability: well-placed interior space, ease of access, ease of setup and more
8. Material: Silnylon and Dyneema are the most common types of materials used for backpacking tent. Do consider based on your requirements.

Best Affordable Ultralight Tents

Ultralight Tents Detailed Reviews

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent – Best Hiking Tent

Weatherproof, Lightweight, and Smallest packed tent

When we first introduced the Copper Spur tents in 2008, we wanted to make a series of packable, spacious, and ultralight tents with enough features and bomber materials to make you feel like you were living the high life, even if you hadn’t showered in a few days. The result is a tent design with nearly vertical walls, expansive interior volume, two-doors and vestibules, and a full-coverage rainfly for perfect weatherproofing—all in a compact, ultralight package.

Weight: 2 lb 1 oz 

Space Dimensions: 
86 in (l) x 38 in max (w) x 38 in max (h) – 20 sq foot floor

• AWARD-WINNING COMFORT: Based on the features of our best-selling, award-winning Copper Spur ultralight tents, the Copper Spur HV UL features a high volume pole architecture that creates steeper walls and a roomier living space, while maintaining all the strength and lightweight packability the Copper Spur series is famous for A BETTER SHELTER
• It’s not all about the volume; 1 large, dual-zipper door with discrete seams allows for easy entry and smooth closure while creating a clean, modern design; Single vestibule on 1P provides 9 sq ft of dry gear storage; All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape (No PVC or VOC’s); Fly and floor are ultra-durable with 1200mm waterproof rating
• ULTRALIGHT STRENGTH: 4-way, high-volume hub design increases strength by 25% and the useable interior volume by 20% compared to previous versions of the Copper Spur; Proprietary random rip-stop pattern nylon is 25% stronger, providing max durability; DAC Feather lite NFL and NSL pole system
• BELLS & WHISTLES: Storm flaps on vestibule zipper; Massive ceiling pocket provides loads of storage; 3 interior mesh pockets & 1 media pocket; 8 super light aluminum J stakes; Media pocket above sleeping area enables clean earbud cord routing; Easy grip zipper pulls; Two-tone mesh provides both privacy and star gazing transparency

Luxe Tempo 3.3LB 1 Person Backpacking Tent Solo with Free Footprint

Luxe Tempo 3.3LB 1 Person Backpacking Tent Solo with Free Footprint Minimalist Pitch Option

• This version of Luxe Tempo 1 person tent comes with a footprint which precisely matches the shape of tent floor for minimalist setup.
• It features loops for stake-out, webbings with grommet for poles,and buckles to connect with the fly.
• Campers can just use the footprint,fly poles and several stakes to pitch up an instant shelter on the trip which is a great weight reduction for ultralight backpacking or thru hiking trips.
• The footprint has a PU coating of 3000mm water proofness and it’s slightly smaller than the tent to ensure it’s totally under the protection of the fly when use in rain.
• However, This is just a backup function of this tent for solo campers,we still recommend you to use full setup with the inner tent which has a bathtub floor and mesh walls when you are camping in constant heavy rain or at campsite with biting insects.
• Comes with carry bag, footprint,stakes, guylines and tensioners
• Rainfly / Floor Material: 210T Ripstop Coated Polyester / 75-denier coated polyester taffeta
• Coating:PU
• Dimensions(L*W*H):88 *37.4*41.3 in./ 220*95*105 cm
• Vestibule:7.1 sq.ft /0.66㎡
• Trail weight:3lb/1.3kg
• Package weight: 3.3lb/ 1.5kg
• With Footprint:3.7 lb,Trail Weight 3.3LB

Pre-bent Pole Creates Steep Walls

• Pre-bent tent poles create steep walls for a taut pitch and greatly maximize the headroom
• Low slope roofing,maximize head space and prevent rain from puddling on top
• Included footprint helps protect the floor and extend the life of your tent
• Freestanding design with 1 easy-to-enter D-door and vestibule
• Color-coded Easy Pitch clips and poles with jingle-free nylon zipper pulls create a hassle-free setup

Vent near the head

• Adjustable vent is built over near the head to help evaporating humid and let air in to minimize condensation at hot summer nights.

Strong materials

• Waterproof polyester taffeta rainfly resists UV damage and can stay taut in windy conditions
• Seam-sealed floor and bathtub floor protect from splash and dirt

3. FLYTOP 3-4 Season 1-2-person Double Layer Backpacking Tent

Excellent 4 seasons tent: Snow Skirt enable for winter use. The mesh with small area in inner tent, enhances the thermal performance.

Easy set up: dome tent with simple structure. One person first using this tent is able to set up the tent quickly.

High quality: Waterproof, double stitching with tape sealed seams, anti-rain, aluminum poles, UV protection.

Portable backpacking tent, Total weight: 5.9 lbs / 2.7kg. package size: 6.3 x 6.3 x 18 inches / 16 x 16 x 46cm. Floor: (23+59+23)x 83inches / (60+150+60) x 210cm. Height: 45.28inches / 115cm.

4-season, 2-person tent. suitable for hiking, climbing, camping in spring summer autumn and winter. very stable, able to anti-wind, anti-rainstorm, anti-snow and anti-sediment.

Key Features:

• Freestanding design
• Two entrances provide maximum convenience as well as ventilation for warm summer nights, and two pop-up ventilation windows on the flysheet allow airflow in the rain.
• No-See-Um mesh wall panels, enhance the THERMAL PERFORMANCE, make the tent can be used in winter.
• Built in light hook and storage pockets for lights, phones or other small items.
• Triangle aluminum Tent Pegs will hold the tent firm. Reflective windproof Ropes help you don’t trip over them in the night.
• Two-sided zipper design allows you to open the tent doors from either side.

Going camping with this strong but light tent means that not only will you have a great night’s sleep in any weather, but you won’t be weighed down when trekking in and out! Try it out on your next trip.

Specifications:

• Number of poles: 2
• Pole type: Aluminum
• Stakes type: Aluminum
• Seasons: 3-4
• Inner tent material: 210T breathable polyester + high density fine nylon mesh.
• Floor material: 210D PU4000MM Oxford fabric, seam taped.
• Fly material: 210T PU3500MM anti-tear checkered polyester, seam taped.
• Floor Dimensions: 59 x 83 in / 150 x 210cm
• Height: 45.28 in / 115 cm
• Vestibule area: 8 ft2 + 8 ft2 / 0.6 m2 + 0.6 m2
• Packaged weight: 5.94 lb / 2.7 kg

FLYTOP 3-4 Season 1-2-person Double Layer Backpacking Tent Aluminum Rod Windproof Waterproof for Camping Hiking Travel Climbing – Easy Set Up.

Pros:

• Great design for 2 Person Tent
• Color of orange is nice to be honest
• Uutside mess area created by the rain tarp is a good size for shoes and maybe an extra duffle bag or small pack
• The tent DID hold up to very heavy rain, even when setting it up and noticing the rip, all gear stayed dry after at least 36 hours of letting it sit as well as sleeping in it
• The ceiling of the tent is a nice height to where a 6ft person like me cam sit up in the middle no problem.
• The base seems to be a slightly tougher material which I was pleased to see.
• No complaints about the tent fitting back in the bag!! Which if ANYTHING, deserves the star!

Cons:

• Very low durability.
• Stakes that bend very easy, even for not that hard or ground.
• Tent does not breath very well (however worked well in the rain for me and my brother to keep warm)
• Vents are supported by foam that will undoubtedly ware out after 3 months of avid use. like I would use it.
• Ripped either before I used it or day 1 while setting it up since that was when I noticed it.(picture included) I believe it was before I used it since I treat my gear like royalty.
• probably is related to the rip, but several places the stitches seemed less than good instructions and info not in English. (Usually spells cheap after seeing that 🙁
• logo was partially rubbed off when I got it, making me think this item may have been previously returned.
• (this us usual but still deserved a mention) description says 3-4 man. Mine is definitely a 2 man, maybe they sent me the wrong one, but I doubt it. It would be hard to even FIT 3 sleeping bags without people. FORGET the gear.

4. NEMO Hornet Elite Backpacking Tent

Weight: 1 lb 14 oz

Space Dimensions: 87.1 in (l) x 40.2 in max (w) x 36.6 in (h) – 21.8 sq ft floor

Hornet Elite is the ultralight tent of choice for extreme minimalists wanting the best in technical materials and design. Top shelf fabrics and a minimal pole structure shave every ounce possible, while our latest updates and new patent-pending Flybar volumizing clip adds even more room without adding any weight. At a mere 1 pound and 11 ounces, this premium technical, ultralight 2-Person shelter provides maximum livable space and large doors and vestibules.

The 1-Person sheds a few more ounces to make its mark as one of the lightest, most advanced semi-freestanding tents in the NEMO line-up. Split the load with a partner using the unique Divvy dual-stage stuff sack to further lighten your pack.

• Ultra-fine 7D Nylon Ripstop fly with silicone water repellent is extremely light and technical
• Generous doors and vestibules for each person provide more coverage in the rain
• Unique Divvy dual stage stuff sack makes it easy to divide the load with a partner
• Patent-pending Flybar volumizing pole clip adds more room at the head and distributes fly tension evenly
• Minimum Weight: 1lb 11oz; Floor Dimensions: 85 x 50/42 inches

5. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent Backpacking Dome Tent for Camping

Weight: 1 lb 14 oz

Space Dimensions: 82″ x 32″ x 39.5″ (208cm x 81cm x 100cm)

Features

Stay Dry and Keep Cool

The Mountain Ultra Tent will keep you dry and cool. The waterproof rainfly has built-in vents for optimal air flow that allows a cool, comfortable night’s sleep. The deep, tub-like tent floor keeps moisture out.

Room with a View

Get away from the city lights and enjoy a full view of the Milky Way. The full mesh top allows for a perfect stargazing experience!

Easy to Set Up

This lightweight tent packs down tight for backpacking and camping; The micro-mesh inner tent comes with a perfect-fitting, waterproof rainfly.

• STAY DRY Waterproof rainfly with a 360degree ventilation system for optimal air flow that allows a cool, comfortable night’s sleep; 1 to 4 person camping tents available
• ROOM WITH A VIEW Get away from the city lights and enjoy a full view of the Milky Way; Full dome mesh top allows for an amazing stargazing experience
• EASY TO SET UP Lightweight tent packs down tight for backpacking hiking and camping; Micro mesh inner tent with perfect fitting waterproof rainfly
• PACKS UP EASILY When it’s time to head home the Mountain Ultra Tent is a quick hassle free take down

MSR Flylite Tent with Canopy Style Rainfly

Weight: 1.8 lb

Space Dimensions: 3 x 11 x 15 inches ; 1.57 pounds

The MSR FlyLite minimalist backpacking tent builds upon MSR weight-saving technologies and livable features to offer ounce-counters the lightest possible full-protection shelter available. Weighing just .71 kg (1 lb 9 oz), the 2-person trekking pole tent trims pack weight, so you can ramp up the daily mileage on your PCT thru-hike or fast-packing trip through the Sierras.

• Ultralight: Pitches quickly with two standard trekking poles
• Livable: Greatest volume-to-weight ratio of all MSR tents, with vertical walls and ample head and elbow room; large vented door with covered entry
• Protection: Strong, coated fabric, taped seams and reinforced stress points offer lasting protection
• Standard trekking pole compatibility
• Reinforced corner and peak patches

Final words for affordable ultralight tents

We find them all tents great when it comes to utility, comfort and space. Among other ultralight tents you can consider NEMO Hornet Elite Backpacking Tent a better choice.

Check out our other related blogs

• World’s Biggest Camping Tent
• Best tents for heavy rain
• Top rated tents for families
• Best budget 4 season tents