Best Backpacking Tents · #7
Nims
Tarptent
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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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Best uses
- Solo thru-hiking
- Ultralight backpacking
- Multi-day alpine trekking
- Minimalist expeditions
Specifications
- Shelter Type
- Trekking Pole Tent
- Capacity
- 1 Person
- Minimum Weight
- Around 25 oz (709g)
- Material
- 30D Silnylon
- Pitch Type
- Non-Freestanding
- Inner Options
- Mesh or Solid
Pricing
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Best for
Solo thru-hiking, Ultralight backpacking, Multi-day alpine trekking, Minimalist expeditions
Where to buy the Nims
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The Tarptent Notch has carved out a permanent niche in the ultralight backpacking world, and for good reason. It’s not just a tent; it’s a masterclass in minimalist shelter design, purpose-built for solo adventurers who scrutinize every gram. This is the kind of shelter you reach for when a thru-hike is on the agenda, or any multi-day trip where shedding ounces without sacrificing critical weather protection is paramount. Its unique hybrid double-wall construction, where a mesh (or solid) inner tent hangs independently inside a tarp fly, is a standout feature. This thoughtful design directly addresses one of the most common complaints with single-wall trekking pole shelters: condensation. By providing a separation, it significantly improves airflow and condensation management, keeping your sleeping bag and gear drier. Setting up the Notch requires two trekking poles and a bit of practice to get a taut pitch, but once you’ve dialed it in, the stability is impressive for a shelter of its weight. Its low-profile silhouette is inherently wind-resistant, helping it stand up to blustery conditions. The option to pitch the fly first is a game-changer for staying dry during rainy setups, a feature often overlooked in lighter shelters. While it’s undeniably a solo-specific shelter with compact vestibules, it delivers an exceptional balance of low weight, robust weather protection, and smart ventilation. It's a testament to functional, efficient design, proving that you don't need excessive frills to stay comfortable and safe in the backcountry.
Who It's For
This tent is squarely aimed at the experienced solo backpacker who is comfortable with non-freestanding shelters and possesses a firm grasp of efficient pitching techniques. It’s an ideal choice for thru-hikers, fast-and-light weekend warriors, or anyone looking to drastically reduce their pack weight without resorting to a simple tarp. If you regularly use trekking poles, value excellent condensation management, and prioritize weight savings above all else, the Notch is built for you. It's less suited for beginners or those who prefer the simplicity and instant setup of a freestanding tent, as it demands a bit more finesse and familiarity with guylines and stakes to achieve its optimal performance.
Materials and Construction
The Notch is constructed primarily from 30D silnylon, a robust yet lightweight fabric that offers a good balance of tear strength and waterproofness for its weight class. The silicone impregnation makes it highly water-repellent, though it does exhibit the characteristic stretch of silnylon when thoroughly wet, potentially requiring re-tensioning. The poles are provided by your trekking poles, eliminating dedicated tent poles and saving significant weight. The inner tent comes in either a full mesh version for maximum ventilation in warm, buggy conditions, or a solid fabric version for increased warmth and wind protection in colder, dustier environments. All seams are factory-sealed, ensuring waterproof integrity right out of the box.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Notch punches above its weight in terms of weather protection. Its low, aerodynamic profile sheds wind remarkably well, and a taut pitch ensures it remains stable in surprisingly strong gusts. The double-wall design truly shines in humid conditions or cold mornings, effectively minimizing internal condensation, which is a common pitfall of many ultralight shelters. Rain performance is excellent; the silnylon fly sheds water, and the fly-first pitch capability keeps the inner dry during downpours. While the vestibules are minimal, they reliably protect a pack and trail shoes, proving sufficient for a solo user's needs. Overall, it's a dependable shelter that consistently delivers reliable protection.
Weight and Packability
At around 25 ounces for the shelter body, the Notch is genuinely ultralight. This figure includes the fly, inner tent, and stuff sacks, but notably excludes trekking poles and stakes, which you typically already carry. Without dedicated poles, the packed size is exceptionally small, easily fitting into the bottom of a pack or even a side pocket. Its low volume and minimal weight make it almost disappear in your pack, which is a significant advantage on long-distance treks where every gram and inch of space counts. This outstanding packability is one of its primary draws for the weight-conscious backpacker.
Durability and Trade-offs
For an ultralight shelter, the Notch offers solid durability. The 30D silnylon can withstand considerable abuse from normal trail use, though like all ultralight materials, care must be taken around sharp objects. The main trade-off is the non-freestanding design, which demands a site where stakes can be reliably driven and a user who is proficient in pitching. The limited interior space is another inherent compromise for weight savings; it’s strictly a one-person tent with just enough room for sleeping and organizing essential gear. The silnylon's tendency to sag when wet requires occasional re-tensioning, which is a minor inconvenience but one to be aware of in persistent rain.
Alternatives at this Price
At its price point, comparable alternatives often include other ultralight trekking pole shelters. The Durston X-Mid 1P offers a similar weight profile with a slightly roomier interior and a very intuitive dual-vestibule setup, though its geometry is different. Other contenders might be minimalist tarps paired with bivy sacks, which offer even lower weight but less protection from bugs and wind. Freestanding options in this weight class are considerably more expensive. The Notch stands out by providing a true double-wall experience and excellent condensation management in a package that rivals much lighter single-wall designs, making it a compelling option for its thoughtful balance of features and weight.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best backpacking tents that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge geometry and steel
- Grind, stock thickness, and how the steel behaves between sharpenings in real camp tasks.
- Storm worthiness and livability
- Pitch tension in wind, condensation management, and usable interior space for the weight.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
Nims — frequently asked questions
- Is the Nims worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Backpacking Tents. 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.
- What is the Nims best for?
- Best for solo thru-hiking, ultralight backpacking, multi-day alpine trekking and minimalist expeditions. Standouts: exceptional weight-to-protection ratio for a double-wall tent and superior condensation management due to double-wall hybrid design.
- What are the downsides of the Nims?
- Requires trekking poles and practice for optimal pitch, Limited interior space, strictly a solo shelter and Vestibules are small.
- What are the key specs of the Nims?
- Shelter Type: Trekking Pole Tent · Capacity: 1 Person · Minimum Weight: Around 25 oz (709g) · Material: 30D Silnylon · Pitch Type: Non-Freestanding
- Who It's For?
- This tent is squarely aimed at the experienced solo backpacker who is comfortable with non-freestanding shelters and possesses a firm grasp of efficient pitching techniques. It’s an ideal choice for thru-hikers, fast-and-light weekend warriors, or anyone looking to drastically reduce their pack weight without…
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Nims?
- The Notch is constructed primarily from 30D silnylon, a robust yet lightweight fabric that offers a good balance of tear strength and waterproofness for its weight class. The silicone impregnation makes it highly water-repellent, though it does exhibit the characteristic stretch of silnylon when thoroughly wet,…
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