April 2026: Our top ultralight backpacking tent overall is the Durston X-Mid Pro 1 for its one-pound weight, relative spaciousness, and storm-worthiness. Our ultralight value pick is the well-designed Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, which has a beginner-friendly pitch, excellent headroom, and an outstanding price. For 2026, we’ve updated pricing and availability for all our top picks.
For those who believe that less weight means more freedom in the backcountry, there’s never been a better time to be a hiker. Gone are the days when going ultralight meant you carried nothing more than a tarp; nowadays, the lightweight market offers not only convenience, but comfort, too. We tested dozens of ultralight shelters—everything from the stuff stocked on REI shelves to cottage-industry darlings with six-month lead times—to find the very best.
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