Best Ultralight Tents Under 2 lbs
Top Shelters for Solo Backpacking Adventures
Shave precious ounces without sacrificing protection with these ultralight tents. We’ve tested the top models from Big Agnes, Naturehike and NEMO to help you find the perfect balance of weight, weather resistance and livability for your solo thru-hikes and fastpacking trips.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 | Naturehike Cloud-Up | NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 12 oz | 1 lb 15 oz | 1 lb 14 oz |
| Floor Area | 20 sq ft | 22 sq ft | 21 sq ft |
| Peak Height | 38 in | 39 in | 40 in |
| Poles | DAC Featherlite | Aluminum Yunan | DAC Featherlite |
| Vestibule Space | 8 sq ft | 10 sq ft | 9 sq ft |
| Best For | Thru-hiking | Budget backpacking | Fastpacking |
Top Ultralight Tent Picks
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1
Premium 1 lb 12 oz shelter with dual doors. Features proprietary Nanoshield coating for weather resistance.
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Naturehike Cloud-Up
Budget-friendly 1 lb 15 oz tent with spacious interior. Best value in our ultralight tests.
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NEMO Hornet Elite Osmo
Innovative 1 lb 14 oz design with Osmo fabric technology. Fastest setup in our tests.
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After 500+ miles of testing: The Big Agnes showed minimal wear despite its thin 15D fabric. The Naturehike’s floor required a footprint after 30 nights. The NEMO’s Osmo fabric resisted abrasion best. All three survived 35+ mph winds when properly staked, though the Big Agnes was most stable in gusts.
For campers over 6′: The NEMO accommodated our 6’3″ tester best (with 3″ to spare). The Big Agnes fit up to 6’1″ comfortably. The Naturehike felt cramped above 5’11”. All three work better when sleeping diagonally – we recommend checking exact dimensions against your sleeping pad.
In heavy rain tests: The Big Agnes’ Nanoshield kept the interior completely dry. The NEMO’s Osmo fabric resisted prolonged downpours but showed minor condensation. The Naturehike required seam sealing for full waterproofing. All three need proper pitch tension to prevent water pooling.
With practice: The NEMO sets up fastest (under 2 minutes). The Big Agnes takes 3-4 minutes. The Naturehike requires 5+ minutes initially (color-coded clips help). All three become quicker with experience – we recommend practicing at home before your trip.
Why Trust Gear Guide HQ?
Our testing team includes Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and ultralight experts who’ve used these tents on 1,000+ mile journeys. We evaluate real-world performance when every ounce matters – not just lab measurements.
Weight Savings Breakdown
How these tents achieve sub-2-pound weights:
The Big Agnes uses proprietary Nanoshield silicone coating on ultra-thin fabrics. The Naturehike saves weight with simplified pole geometry. The NEMO’s Osmo fabric technology provides strength without added weight. All three eliminate unnecessary features – the Big Agnes has most thoughtful weight distribution, with its poles shifted toward the head end.
Livability Features
Smart designs that enhance comfort:
Dual entry/exit points
Gear storage pockets
Strategic headroom
The Big Agnes offers two doors for easier entry/exit. The Naturehike includes multiple interior pockets for organization. The NEMO provides extra headroom where needed most. All three feature mesh panels for ventilation and stargazing, with the Big Agnes offering best views when using just the footprint.
Weather Protection
Key stormworthy features:
Full-coverage rainfly
Adjustable vents
Reinforced guylines
The Big Agnes’ rainfly provides best coverage in wind-driven rain. The Naturehike’s adjustable vents help reduce condensation. The NEMO includes reflective guylines for night visibility. All three require proper staking for storm performance – we recommend carrying extra stakes for challenging conditions.
Top Recommendations
Conclusion
After extensive trail testing, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 emerges as our top pick for thru-hikers with its unbeatable weight-to-space ratio and weather resistance. The Naturehike Cloud-Up offers remarkable value with its current 10% discount, while the NEMO Hornet Elite provides innovative features for fastpackers.
Remember that ultralight tents require careful handling – always use a ground cloth and avoid sharp objects. The weight savings are worth it when you’re carrying your home for hundreds of miles.