I recently wrote a post about some must-have items for a tent camping adventure this summer. To go along with that post I wanted to do some research on the best tents for others, like me, that love going on camping trips but don’t always love the cramped accommodations… Or the back and shoulder aches that come along with trekking gear into the mountains. For those that fall into this category – welcome! This post will cover a few of the best lightweight and spacious tent options for 2-or-more people!
These top-rated 2-person (and larger) tents are both roomy and ultralight. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a solo adventure or bringing along a friend, these tents are designed to provide comfort and convenience without weighing you down. Recommended by experts and beloved by campers and backpackers alike, these tents are a must-have if you’re looking to upgrade your camping gear.
I’m keeping this list a little lighter than some of my other resource lists (see: 50 apps for your next road trip) at just 4 of the best tents based on what others much more experienced than me say. I hope this makes it a little less intimidating when you’re looking for the gear to start planning your next adventure!
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Tents included in this list:
- ZPacks Duplex
- Zpacks DupleXL
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Series
Best overall lightweight tent
ZPacks Duplex
Outdoorgearlab calls this the best overall choice among 15 of their lightweight tent choices. The Zpack Duplex tops TONS of recommendation lists for lightweight camping and backpacking tents. There are a few different versions of the Zpack tent, including a single-person version and the extra large version (included in this list) both of which come highly recommended by avid outdoors enthusiasts.
ZPacks Duplex Space Specs
Weight: 1.2lbs
Floorspace: 28.1sqft
Extra-Spacious Lightweight Tents
If space is your priority when looking for lightweight tent options, these options should top your list. Not only are they incredibly light, perfect for backpacking, hiking, or even bikepacking, but they’re also roomy enough for you, a friend, and your gear.
Zpacks DupleXL Tent
AdventureAlan considers this the best ultralight tent. It’s made to the same high-quality standards of the Zpacks Duplex, but has the added bonus of sleeping 2 tall campers (up to 7ft tall) comfortably.
Zpacks DupleXL Tent Space Specs
Weight: 1.3lbs
Floorspace: 29.3sqft
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2
Many tent reviews put this at the top of the pack, CleverHiker sticks this at the top of the list for space and weather readiness. It’s on this list because it consistently wows for the amount of space it provides in a tent that weighs just over 1lb. The pyramid shape gives you extra headroom and it holds up well to weather thanks to the waterproof fabric. It’s also a 4-season tent thanks to the fabric and design, which can handle elements like wind and snow.
If you’re interested in increasing your tent space you can also get this tent in the 4-person version. Here’s a video comparing the 2 sizes side-by-side:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Space Specs
Weight: 1.2lbs
Floorspace: 63sqft
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Series
This tent (or some version of the Big Agnes) is included in almost every list of great backpacking tents that you’ll find. BikeHikeSafari used this tent for a bikepacking trip (yes, bikepacking is a thing) and includes this as a great option for those who want a lightweight backpacking tent.
At just over 3lbs, you can think of carrying around the 2-person Big Agnes Copper Spur tent like carrying around a new Macbook Pro. It’s not the most lightweight tent on this list, but still pretty impressive.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (2-person) Space Specs:
Weight: 3.2lbs
Floorspace: 29sqft
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL series includes versions made for anywhere from 1-to-5 people. So if you’re looking for a lightweight, roomy tent you may want to choose a version of the Big Agnes that’s made for at least 1 extra person. For example, if you’re camp plans include 2 people, maybe go for the Big Agnes HV UL3 instead of the UL2.
If you really want to go for max space in a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent, check out the 5-person version which boasts 65ft of floor space! Just keep in mind you will be gaining some weight with that added spaciousness.
FAQS about lightweight tents
What is an ultralightweight tent?
Lightweight or ultralightweight tents are designed specifically with weight in mind. They use design and materials that prioritize dropping as much weight as possible while keeping quality intact.
How long do ultralight tents last?
There’s no good way to give a blanket statement for this. From what experienced backpackers have said you can generally expect your lightweight tent to last at least a couple of years, depending on what sort of grief you put it through in terms of terrain and weather. But there’s also no reason you couldn’t expect to get 10+ years out of a good quality tent if you don’t put it through the wringer regularly.
What is the best material for an ultralightweight tent?
Tent materials vary but you’ll see Dyneema Composite Fiber (DCF), RipStop Nylon, and polyester on many tents, including ultralight ones. Those materials lend to the tent’s durability, weather resistance, weight, and ventilation.
Weights for each tent in this review:
Q: How much does the Zpacks Duplex weigh?
A: 1.2lbs
Q: How much does the Zpacks DupleXL weigh?
A: 1.3lbs
Q: How much does the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 weigh?
A: 1.2lbs
Q: How much does the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 weigh?
A: 3.2lbs
Video: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Bought My First Tent
I hope this post helps you find your next adventure upgrade! If you want to keep up with
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