Review of lightweight backpacking tents
Why this review
One of the heaviest items in the average backpacker's backpack is a tent. Fortunately, almost no one goes around with canvas monsters weighing more than 10 kg, but there are still a lot of tourists with two-person arc tents weighing about 4 kg. That is already a thing of the past. A huge number of lightweight tents have appeared on the outdoor equipment market, weighing half as much (from 1.5 to 2 kg). This review is dedicated to them.
Hoop-frame tents
To begin with, we present summary tables so that you can compare tents according to the two most important parameters: price and weight. Separately, traditional "arc" tents and tents mounted on trekking poles are given. These two groups cannot yet compete on equal terms due to the poor distribution of trekking poles among domestic tourists.
| Name | Weight, kg | Internal dimensions: L/W/H (cm) | Price | Photo |
| Hannah LIGHTER III | 2,05 | 220/135/100 | $180 | |
| Camp Minima | 1,5 | 220/105/76 | $141 | |
| Bask Single 1 | 1,7 | 250/102/90 | $186 | |
| Ferrino Lightent 1 | 1,5 | 220/95/75 | $165les, | |
| Vaude Hogan | 1,49 | 220/105/95 | $340les, | |
| MSR Zoid 2 | 1,84 | 250/140/?? | $356les, |
Tents on trekking poles
| Name | Weight, kg | Internal dimensions: L/W/H (cm) | Price | Photo |
| Hannah Stash II | 1,7 | 220/100/90 | $134 | |
| Camp Bivak | 0,78 | 210/81/56 | $141 | |
| Alexika Solo | 0,9 | 200/120/115 | $187les | |
| NovaTour | 1,65 | 200/120/?? | $80 | |
| Red Fox Light Fox | 0,9 | 210/120/105 | $102les |
A necessary note.
In the tables I indicated data taken from the manufacturers' websites. But as practice has shown, one must be wary of manufacturers’ statements. The weight of the equipment indicated in the specification can easily be underestimated, and the flysheet specs overestimated. Trust, but verify.
Which tent to choose?
Unfortunately, there is not always a lot to choose from. Even in the capital, the range of tourist shops is very limited. There is no need to talk about the situation in the regions. The lightest things you can buy there are cheap Chinese tents. Usually 1.5 kg in weight, single-layer, from very dubious fabrics.
If you are lucky and have a choice, first of all, think about why you need a tent, for what trips.
Prioritize what is more important to you: weight, appearance, roominess, weather resistance, price. And decide.A couple more gear reviews can be found in this section
Kyrylo Yasko, May 28, 2008