Top 10 · Compare
Compare Best Backpacking Tents head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
#7 on this list
Nims
Tarptent
The Tarptent Notch is a classic single-person, trekking pole shelter that has earned its keep in the ultralight community for years. It's a true minimalist's tent, designed for solo thru-hikers who want maximum protection for minimal weight. The Notch is unique in its double-wall hybrid design: a mesh inner tent (or solid for cold weather) is suspended inside a separate tarp fly. This allows for excellent ventilation, superior condensation management for a trekking pole tent, and the ability to pitch the fly first in the rain, keeping your inner tent dry. Setup requires two trekking poles (or optional vertical struts) and a moderate number of stakes. Once dialed in, the pitch is surprisingly stable in wind, and its low profile helps shed gales. The vestibules, accessed by folding back the fly, are small but sufficient for a pack and shoes. We’ve found its ability to handle persistent rain to be excellent. The silnylon fabric is durable for its weight, though it can absorb a small amount of water and sag slightly when thoroughly wet. For solo backpackers who are comfortable with non-freestanding shelters and prioritize ultimate weight savings without compromising too much on weather protection or condensation control, the Notch is an outstanding choice. It's a testament to efficient, functional design. **Highlights** * Extremely lightweight for a double-wall shelter * True double-wall design offers excellent condensation management * Pitches with two trekking poles * Fly-first pitch keeps inner tent dry during setup in rain * Available with mesh or solid inner for varied conditions **Watch-outs** * Requires trekking poles and practice to achieve a taut pitch * Vestibule space is minimal * Interior space is strictly for one person * Silnylon fabric stretches slightly when wet, requiring re-tensioning
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#8 on this list
Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
Nemo
The Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P pushes the boundaries of ultralight, aiming for maximum weight savings in a semi-freestanding package. This tent is for the gram-counters who still want a familiar pole structure and a double-wall design. At just over two pounds trail weight for a two-person tent, it's incredibly light. The key to its feathery weight is the proprietary Osmo fabric, which is a blend of nylon and polyethylene. Nemo claims it's more water repellent, stretches less when wet, and is more durable than traditional ultralight tent fabrics. While we appreciate the low weight, it is important to remember this is an *Elite* ultralight tent, meaning every bit of excess material has been stripped away. The interior space is notably snug for two, and the single main pole structure, while innovative, means the foot end has a significant taper and needs to be well-staked to achieve full volume. The dual doors and single large vestibule (with a small smaller one) are functional, but you'll be managing gear carefully. For soloists, it's a palace. For two, it's best for couples who are comfortable with close quarters and willing to deal with the tradeoffs for such an incredibly light pack weight. It's an impressive feat of engineering, but it demands a thoughtful user. **Highlights** * Extremely low trail weight for a semi-freestanding, double-wall tent * Proprietary Osmo fabric blends durability with lightweight performance * Packs down to an exceptionally small size * Semi-freestanding design for easier setup than pure trekking pole tents * Includes thoughtful details like a headlamp pocket **Watch-outs** * Interior space is very tight for two people * Semi-freestanding design and taper require careful staking for full volume * High premium price point * Fabrics are delicate; requires meticulous site selection and handling
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Nims | Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter Type | Trekking Pole Tent | — |
| Capacity | 1 Person | 2 Person |
| Minimum Weight | Around 25 oz (709g) | — |
| Material | 30D Silnylon | — |
| Pitch Type | Non-Freestanding | — |
| Inner Options | Mesh or Solid | — |
| Trail Weight | — | 2 lbs 0 oz |
| Design Type | — | Semi-Freestanding Double-Wall |
| Fabric | — | Osmo (Nylon/Polyethylene) |
| Packed Size | — | 19.5 x 6.5 in |
| MSRP | — | $599.95 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Nims
- Exceptional weight-to-protection ratio for a double-wall tent
- Superior condensation management due to double-wall hybrid design
- Ability to pitch fly first keeps inner dry in rain
- Very compact packed size, fits easily in any pack
- Reliable weather protection for its minimalist design
- Available with mesh or solid inner for varied conditions
- Requires trekking poles and practice for optimal pitch
- Limited interior space, strictly a solo shelter
- Vestibules are small
- Silnylon sags slightly when wet, requiring re-tensioning
Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P
- Extremely low trail weight for a double-wall tent
- Proprietary Osmo fabric offers excellent water repellency and low stretch
- Packs down exceptionally small, freeing up pack volume
- Semi-freestanding design simplifies setup compared to trekking pole tents
- Dual doors enhance access and convenience
- Interior space is very tight for two adults
- Tapered foot end requires careful staking for full volume
- High premium price point
- Delicate fabrics demand meticulous handling and site selection
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.