The One

Gossamer Gear's The One is built for thru-hikers and gram-counting backpackers who want full insect and weather protection without carrying dedicated tent poles. Supported by two standard trekking poles, this single-wall solo shelter prioritizes liveable volume over freestanding convenience. The dual-pole geometry creates a wide ceiling ridge, giving hikers genuine sitting headroom across the length of the interior rather than a cramped pyramid peak.

Construction relies on thin, waterproof sil/PU-coated nylon reinforced by factory-taped seams and an elevated bathtub floor. Because it is a single-wall shelter, interior condensation will collect during damp, windless nights, but generous perimeter mesh and an apex vent promote decent cross-ventilation when pitched into the breeze. Structural integrity relies entirely on staking tension; dialing in the pitch requires practice, especially when setting up over rocky or loose surfaces.

At roughly 18 ounces for the tent body, it occupies minimal volume inside a pack. The delicate fabrics necessitate care around prickly ground debris, making an ultralight groundsheet a sensible investment for desert or alpine camps. While it absorbs more moisture than premium Dyneema shelters, it packs significantly smaller and costs far less, making it one of the most practical entry points into sub-two-pound solo backpacking.