Choosing the best lightweight tents for your next outdoor adventure begins when you keep in mind that whatever you decide to use you will likely also have to carry by hand. While some tents are arguably high quality, if they are heavy, bulky, or awkward to carry or assemble, you may find yourself regretting your purchase decision. This is when it can be very helpful to take the guidance of camping experts as you aim to choose a lightweight tent that will best serve your camping needs. Learn about the best lightweight tents and select the one that best fits your budget and needs.
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3
At less than four pounds, this ultra-light lightweight tent is a great future-minded investment that will give you many years of camping enjoyment. The "SL3" designation stands for "superlight sleeps three". Featuring waterproof materials, seasonal durability for spring, summer, and fall, a spacious 36 square foot total area with eleven feet wide by four foot high interior space that can sleep three adults very comfortably, and tough, durable set-up poles, the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 is an unsurprising choice for best lightweight tents in its class. You can pick up a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 tent at REI for less than $400. You can also get a Big Agnes SL2 superlight tent that sleeps two people at REI for less than $350.
Black Diamond Mirage 2-Person 3-Season Tent
The Black Diamond Mirage 2-Person 3-Season tent is also extremely lightweight, at less than four pounds total weight. Coming in just three pieces, it is easy to assemble and disassemble. With all three poles interlocked together, the setup takes just a few moments, which makes it a great choice if you are trying to pitch your tent in inclement weather or reduced lighting conditions. The interior is accessible by a one-zipper mesh door that is nice and wide to allow easy entry and exit. The tent fits easily inside a backpack for carrying. You can get your own Black Diamond Mirage 2-Person 3-Season tent at BackCountry for less than $300. If you need more space, you can also pick up a Black Diamond Mirage 3-Person 3-Season tent at the same store for just a bit more.
Marmot Aura 2P
The Marmot Aura 2P weighs in at just over four pounds carrying weight, and was awarded an "Editor's Choice" award in 2008 from Backpacker Magazine for the efficiency of its design and use of space. This lightweight 3-season, 2-person tent offers excellent ventilation and easy access and exit, with two vestibules (storage or entry areas) and two doors, one on either side of the tent. The mesh design helps you to see the beautiful scenery outside even when you are safely ensconced inside, and the tent itself offers a spacious interior that features an upright wall design to keep the water out while you are inside. The set-up poles are also lightweight, and assembly is a snap with this well-designed ultra lightweight tent. You can pick one up for less than $300 on Amazon or at REI.