We researched ultralight tents looking for the best backpacking option for two travelers sleeping within a fully enclosed shelter and not requiring the use of trekking poles for pitching since we are attempting to go ultralight. We know there are many options for the soloist or the minimalist such as tarp tents, bivy sacks, hammocks, or no tent at all, but our shelter requirements for this comparison were to provide accommodations for a cozy, warm, and dry night sleep for two with shelter from the elements for both the backpackers and the backpacks.

When traveling with a partner, equipment is generally distributed evenly among the two packs. Our goal has been to drive down the weight of our packs from the average 45 pounds down to somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 pounds. This is a major weight reduction. Lightening our loads will give us the ability to travel faster and further without as much fatigue.

Some travel components just can’t be reduced such as carrying water supply when traveling where water isn’t generally available. Water alone weighs 2 lbs per liter.  Thus, we must do what we can to reduce the weight elsewhere. The most obvious components are the backpack, tent, and cooking system.  Other components such as sleeping bag, water filtration, clothing, and so on also add up and will be reduced in size and weight on our journey to ultralight. There is a fine line between a comfortable spacious “indoor” sleeping experience and the performance and reduced weight of an ultralight tent. A balance must be struck and compromise becomes a significant factor.

In this comparison, we focus exclusively on the specifications of a select list of ultralight tents. Our extensive research turned up a good number of options but after much deliberation, we narrowed the list down to six ultralight shelters including three tents from Big Agnes: Fly Creek UL2, Fly Creek UL3, and Fly Creek 2 Platinum, one from Black Diamond: the HiLite 2 person, and two tents from Go Lite: UL2 and UL3. Believe it or not, technology is advancing enough to consider a three-person tent for two and still be considered ultralight, i.e. not compromising too much weight for the added space. However, a pound is a pound and this is the kind of weight difference we would be having to consider. Plus, with a bit larger tent you also have a bit larger pack size to contend with.

Our comparison covers strict specifications including pack weight, pack size, pitched size, number of seasons, footprint specifications, fly specifications, accessibility, setup complexity, and other features.  Considering all of these factors in a decision to put a tent on your back is, in my opinion, way more important to consider than one may expect. It isn’t until you are on a 30-mile pack trip over Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite National Park that you start really thinking about sacrificing comfort, space, and features for dropping the poundage. When traversing a few long, steep miles leaves you hanging your tongue out like a tired Labrador Retriever and you contemplate dropping your tent right then and there with the intention of leaving it for the Marmots… well, needless to say, weight becomes the center of your attention.

So here are the details for these stellar shelter options listed both in a chart for quick reference and in detail for each tent.  We are going to leave the final decision up to you as to which is ideal for your own purposes because each of these offers different benefits. These are not listed in any particular order.

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SHELTER 1: Black Diamond HiLite

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Specifications:

Seasons: 4
Capacity: 2 person
Doors: 1 (on one side of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] 82 in, [width at head] 50 in, [width at feet] 42 in
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: NA (single wall tent)
Pack Weight:  3 lb 2 oz*
Trail Weight: 2 lb 12 oz**
Pack Size: 6 x 9
Floor Surface Area: 27 sq ft
Interior Height: 40 in [peak height]
Fly Weight: None (single wall tent)
Optional Vestibule Area: 15 oz – 13 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 7.5 oz
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with two-and-a-half poles fastened internally
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: Tent $380.00; Vestibule $139.00; Ground Cloth $49.00

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions, and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

The Black Diamond HiLight Tent is a spacious one-person or cozy two-person assault-style tent. The Black Diamond HiLight is a larger version of the classic One-Shot tent and uses the same two-and-a-half pole design for steep, water-shedding walls and a wide, high ceiling.

Black Diamond HiLight tent is now made with NanoShield fabric, a new proprietary breathable single-layer fabric. NanoShield is extremely water-resistant: it has the highest water column rating of any breathable single-layer, single-wall fabric at 1700mm. Such an outstanding rating is the result of BD’s exclusive Silicone Nanocell coating. This coating has a much lower volume than typical water-resistant coatings, allowing the fabric to remain superlight, soft and packable.

Despite its thin profile, Silicone Nanocell is highly durable with impressive tear strength, making it perfect for high winds and abrasion resistance when guying-out to nearby rocks, ice or trees. It loses nothing in breathability to less weatherproof fabrics, boasting a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of 4300.

Product Photos:

 

 

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SHELTER 2: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2

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Specifications:

Seasons: 3
Capacity: 2 person
Doors: 1 (at end of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] 86 in, [width at head] 52 in, [width at feet] 42 in
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
Pack Weight: 2 lb 10 oz*
Trail Weight: 2 lb 2 oz**
Pack Size: 6 x 19
Floor Surface Area: 28 sq ft
Interior Height: 38 in [head]; 24 in [foot]
Fly Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
Fly Vestibule Area: 7 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 5 oz
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with 1 Featherlite aluminum pole mounted with clips
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: $369.00 tent; $60.00 footprint

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions, and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 is an ultralight, 3-season tent for 2 that weighs in at a scant 2 lbs. 2 oz. You get full-on bug protection at a weight that one person can easily carry alone. Backpacker 2010 Editors’ Choice Award winner: “At barely more than 2 lbs., Fly Creek stomps on bivy-sack turf when it comes to weight and bulk!” Further, Backpacker editors said, “What’s remarkable is Fly Creek’s livability-per-ounce; it’s merely compact, not coffin tight!” Fly Creek UL2 offers 2 campers a compact, yet completely comfortable living space.

• Three seasons, free-standing, ultralight backpacking tent
• DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors and lightweight hubs – featuring eco-friendly anodizing
• All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
• Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• The floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• Tent body is ultralight breathable nylon rip-stop and polyester mesh
• Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
• Single hub/pole design makes set up easy
• DAC Twist clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy setup
• Single door and vestibule
• Three side mesh pockets included
• Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
• All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
• Gear loft loops included: Fits Big Agnes TRIANGLE gear loft – sold separately
• 11 Superlight aluminum J stakes – featuring eco-friendly anodizing – included
• Footprint sold separately
• Color: Cool Grey/Gold
• Note: We list several weights for our tents to aid your product research.
  Trail weight refers to poles, fly and tent body.
  Packed weight includes poles, fly, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, instructions, and packaging.
  Fast Fly weight refers to the poles, tent fly and accessory Fast Fly footprint.

Product Photos

 

 

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SHELTER 3: Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum

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Specifications:

Seasons: 3
Capacity: 2 person
Doors: 1 (at end of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] 86 in, [width at head] 52 in, [width at feet] 42 in
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: 1 lb 7 oz
Pack Weight: 2 lb 3 oz*
Trail Weight: 1 lb 13 oz**
Pack Size: 5 x 19
Floor Surface Area: 28 sq ft
Interior Height: 38 in [head]; 24 in [foot]
Fly Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
Fly Vestibule Area: 7 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 5 oz (Uses the Fly Creek UL2 footprint)
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with 1 Featherlite aluminum pole mounted with clips
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: $499.95 tent; $60.00 footprint

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions, and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

Why build an even lighter Fly Creek UL tent? Why climb mountains, explore new territory, cycle the length of the North American West Coast or paddle the Grand Canyon? Because we can. The Fly Creek Platinum Series is a sign of our commitment to being lighter, faster and better prepared for whatever nature throws your way. If you want the lightest freestanding double-walled tent available, then look no further.

• Three seasons, free-standing, ultralight backpacking tent
• DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors and lightweight hubs – featuring eco-friendly anodizing
• All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
• Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• The floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• Tent body is ultralight breathable nylon rip-stop and polyester mesh
• Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
• Single hub/pole design makes set up easy
• DAC Twist clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy setup
• Single door and vestibule
• Three side mesh pockets included
• Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
• All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
• Gear loft loops included: Fits Big Agnes TRIANGLE gear loft – sold separately
• 11 Superlight aluminum J stakes – featuring eco-friendly anodizing – included
• Uses Fly Creek UL 2 footprint – Footprint sold separately
• Color: Black and Gray
• Note: We list several weights for our tents to aid your product research.
  Trail weight refers to poles, fly and tent body.
  Packed weight includes poles, fly, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, instructions, and packaging.
  Fast Fly weight refers to the poles, tent fly and accessory Fast Fly footprint.

Product Photos

 

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SHELTER 4: Go Lite Imogene UL2

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Specifications:

Seasons: 3
Capacity: 2 person
Doors: 1 (at end of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] 87 in, [width at head] 55 in, [width at feet] 43 in
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: 1 lb 3 oz (approx) with third party kit. (Sierra Designs FastPack Kit)
Pack Weight:  2 lb 11 oz*
Trail Weight: 2 lb 6 oz**
Pack Size: 4 x 19
Floor Surface Area: 29.6 sq ft
Interior Height: 39 in [head]; ?? in [foot]
Fly Weight: 12 oz
Fly Vestibule Area: 5.7 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 5 oz
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with lightweight aluminum poles
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: $249.99 tent; $29.99 footprint

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

Go Lite’s lightest weight free-standing tent ever. Roomy enough for two, light enough for one. Setting the standard for ultra-lightweight livable space. Rated 2013 Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide Pick for Best Freestanding Ultralight tent.

Product Photos:

 

 

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SHELTER 5: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3

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Specifications:

Seasons: 3
Capacity: 3 person
Doors: 1 (at end of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] 90 in, [width at head] 66 in, [width at feet] 60 in
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: 2 lb 7 oz
Pack Weight: 3 lb 10 oz*
Trail Weight: 3 lb 3 oz**
Pack Size: 6 x 19
Floor Surface Area: 39 sq ft
Interior Height: [head] 42 in, [foot] 22 in
Fly Weight: 12 oz
Fly Vestibule Area: 12.5 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 6.5 oz
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with 1 Featherlite aluminum pole mounted with clips
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: $449.95 tent; $29.99 footprint

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

Fly Creek UL series tents are built and designed to be a lightweight alternative to the average bivy sack. Available in solo and multi-occupancy options, these tents are ideal for lightweight devotees who want a freestanding structure but aren’t willing to commit a ton of space in their pack. They are efficient, fast and adventurous, just like those who carry the tent.

• Three seasons, free-standing, ultralight backpacking tent.
• DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors and lightweight hubs – featuring eco-friendly anodizing
• All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
• Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• The floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• Tent body is ultralight breathable nylon rip-stop and polyester mesh
• Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
• Hub/pole design makes set up easy
• DAC Twist clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy setup
• Single door and vestibule
• Four side mesh pockets included
• Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
• All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
• 13 Superlight aluminum J stakes – featuring eco-friendly anodizing – included
• Gear loft loops included: Fits both Big Agnes Large Trapezoid gear loft and Wall Gear loft – sold separately
• Footprint sold separately
• Color: Cool Grey/Gold
• Note: We list several weights for our tents to aid your product research.
• Trail weight refers to poles, fly and tent body.
• Packed weight includes poles, fly, tent body, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, instructions, and packaging.
• Fast Fly weight refers to the poles, tent fly and accessory Fast Fly footprint.

Product Photos:

 

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SHELTER 6: Go Lite Imogene UL3

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Specifications:

Seasons: 3
Capacity: 3 person
Doors: 1 (at end of tent)
Floor Dimensions: [length] ?
Fast-Pitch Option Weight: 1 lb 3 oz (approx) with third party kit. (Sierra Designs FastPack Kit)
Pack Weight: 3 lb 6 oz*
Trail Weight: 3 lb 1 oz**
Pack Size: 5 x 19
Floor Surface Area: 38 sq ft
Interior Height: 44 in [head]; 25.5 in [foot]
Fly Weight: 15 oz
Fly Vestibule Area: 8.2 sq ft
Footprint Weight: 7 oz
Pitch Architecture: Freestanding with lightweight aluminum poles
Stability: Durable in most weather conditions. Sturdy.
Average Retail Price: $299.99 tent; $34.99 footprint

* generally includes fly/vestibule, poles, tent, stakes, guylines, stuff sack, instructions and packaging
** generally no stuff sack, stakes, or footprint

Description:

Go Lite’s lightest weight free-standing tent ever. Roomy enough for three, light enough for two. Setting the standard for ultra-lightweight livable space.

Product Photos: