Hiking gets better when you’re carrying less weight on your back. Ultralight shelters help you stay protected from rain, wind, and bugs without weighing you down. The newest shelters for 2025 use amazing materials like Dyneema and smart designs to keep you comfortable while saving precious ounces in your pack.
Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent (19 oz)
Imagine sleeping under the stars with just a whisper of fabric between you and nature. The Zpacks Duplex offers this magical experience at a mere 19 ounces!
Made from space-age Dyneema Composite Fabric, it shrugs off rain while providing ample room for two hikers or luxurious space for one. The dual vestibules keep gear dry during downpours.
Setup requires just two trekking poles, making it perfect for minimalist adventurers who count every gram.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 (2 lbs 3 oz)
Freestanding freedom meets featherweight design in the Tiger Wall UL2. This tent stands proud without staking, a blessing on rocky terrain where hammering stakes feels impossible.
Two doors eliminate the midnight crawl-over when nature calls. The color-coded pole system means even first-timers can pitch this shelter in minutes, not hours.
At just over 2 pounds, it’s heavier than some options but rewards you with foolproof setup and impressive durability.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 (19 oz)
Mountain storms bow to the Ultamid’s pyramid prowess. This shelter laughs at howling winds that would flatten lesser tents.
Simplicity defines its brilliance – one center pole creates a storm-worthy haven. The spacious interior accommodates two hikers plus gear, while the floorless design lets you adapt to any terrain.
Serious adventurers treasure the Ultamid for winter expeditions and exposed ridgelines where other shelters would fail. Its Dyneema construction ensures years of reliable protection.
Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P (2 lbs 6 oz)
Breathability champions will adore the Hornet OSMO’s ventilation system. Hot, sticky nights transform into comfortable slumber thanks to strategically placed mesh panels that create refreshing cross-breezes.
The eco-friendly OSMO fabric represents Nemo’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing without compromising performance. Dual doors and vestibules provide convenient access and storage.
Though slightly heavier than some competitors, the extra ounces bring thoughtful features like interior pockets and a built-in privacy panel.
Tarptent Aeon Li (15 oz)
Solo adventurers rejoice! The Aeon Li might be the perfect one-person shelter at an astonishing 15 ounces.
A single trekking pole creates a surprisingly roomy interior with a full bathtub floor keeping creepy crawlies at bay. The integrated pitch system means setup takes just minutes, even on challenging terrain.
Smart ventilation prevents condensation – that dreaded morning shower that plagues many ultralight shelters. The Aeon Li proves that going light doesn’t mean suffering through discomfort.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo (26 oz)
Budget-conscious backpackers have found their match in the Lunar Solo. Unlike many ultralight shelters with eye-watering price tags, this gem delivers impressive performance without emptying your wallet.
The hexagonal footprint creates surprising stability during gusty conditions. A generous 26 square feet of living space feels palatial for solo hikers who hate feeling cramped.
The silnylon construction offers an excellent balance between weight savings and durability, making this shelter perfect for those new to ultralight backpacking.
MSR Freelite 2 (2 lbs 4 oz)
MSR’s engineering excellence shines in the Freelite 2. The hub-and-pole system creates vertical walls that maximize usable space – no more sloped ceilings cramping your style!
Stargazers will appreciate the mesh canopy that offers unobstructed night sky views when the rainfly isn’t needed. The freestanding design means you can pick up and move your pitched tent to find the perfect sleeping spot.
Built to withstand years of adventure, the Freelite balances durability with weight savings through strategic material choices.
Durston X-Mid 1 (28 oz)
Geometry nerds created the X-Mid 1, and outdoor enthusiasts reap the benefits. The rectangular base and diagonal ridgeline create a storm-worthy structure using just two trekking poles.
Double-wall construction eliminates the condensation problems that plague many ultralight shelters. Two vestibules provide ample storage despite the compact footprint.
The thoughtful door placement allows entry without disturbing gear. Dan Durston’s design proves that innovation doesn’t require exotic materials – just clever engineering and real-world testing.
Black Diamond Beta Light Shelter (19 oz)
Minimalists gravitate toward the Beta Light’s no-nonsense approach. This floorless pyramid tarp creates a weather-resistant haven using just two trekking poles and a handful of stakes.
The open bottom allows for flexible site selection – pitch over grass, sand, or even snow. Many hikers pair it with a bug net or groundsheet based on conditions.
At 19 ounces, it offers tremendous weather protection for the weight. The Beta Light has protected adventurers on everything from desert treks to alpine traverses.
Gossamer Gear The One (17 oz)
Long-distance hikers swear by The One’s perfect balance of protection and weight. This shelter has logged thousands of miles on America’s most famous trails.
The asymmetrical design creates more headroom where you need it most. A full bathtub floor keeps water from seeping in during downpours, while strategic ventilation prevents the dreaded morning condensation.
Setup requires just one trekking pole – a bonus for hikers who use a single pole. The 17-ounce weight makes it a favorite among gram-counting thru-hikers.
