Lightweight 2-3 person tent

[dlee12]

Hi all,

I’m looking for recommendations for a lightweight <3lbs backpacking tent big enough for at least 2 with maybe a little room for gear. I’m getting the boy into backpacking and as a hammock camper carrying even the smallest dome tent takes up more weight/room than I’d like.

 

[concepthomes2]

Tarptent based on those requirements

HOME 2023

www.tarptent.com

 

[BBD280]

@chiefjason

 

[HK_fanboy]

I'm usually a hammock camper but when I had to use a tent during a recent Philmont trek, I used a NEMO Dragonfly 2. It's a great little tent. It's light weight, free-standing, and has two doors with two vestibules. It's my backpacking tent when I need a little extra room and can't use my hammock.

 

[Windini]

2-3 as in 2 adults plus a kid? Or 2 or 3 adult friends?

If camping with a small-ish child, a big 2-person might work for a while & save some weight.

If it's a group of buddies, or couple & friend, maybe individual bivvy sacks or 1 "cozy" 2-person + 1 bivvy for better weight distribution while backpacking.

 

[cubrock]

Tagged for interest.

 

[Dale Gribble]

It’s only two pounds over what you’re wanting, but the Kelty Gunnison 2 is a great tent.

 

[dlee12]

2-3 as in 2 adults plus a kid? Or 2 or 3 adult friends?

If camping with a small-ish child, a big 2-person might work for a while & save some weight.

If it's a group of buddies, or couple & friend, maybe individual bivvy sacks or 1 "cozy" 2-person + 1 bivvy for better weight distribution while backpacking.

Right now it’ll just be me and a squirmy 8 year old. Can;t quite get the wife sold on “roughing it” outside of a campground

 

[Windini]

Right now it’ll just be me and a squirmy 8 year old. Can;t quite get the wife sold on “roughing it” outside of a campground

In that case, go for 2 hammocks and sew his shut like a cocoon! Bring ear plugs...

Sounds like a fun Dad & kid adventure. (I mean camping, not cocooning)

 

[chiefjason]

Zpacks make some great ultralight gear. Just remember, the less it weighs the more you pay. My daughter has the Plexamid single person and loves it. Make sure you get a bathtub floor too. The "tent" is just a tarp and bug net really. So you need the floor added to it. You also use a hiking pole to set it up. Her tent, floor, bag, and stakes weighs about one pound.

FWIW, we both have Zpack backpacks too. Also great stuff. I'll be buying a slightly larger one since I bought one off ebay and it was a little small for a multi day trip.

Ultralight Tents & Shelters

Made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF), our award-winning ultralight shelters are among the lightest and most durable tents and tarps available.

zpacks.com

 

[dlee12]

Zpacks make some great ultralight gear. Just remember, the less it weighs the more you pay. My daughter has the Plexamid single person and loves it. Make sure you get a bathtub floor too. The "tent" is just a tarp and bug net really. So you need the floor added to it. You also use a hiking pole to set it up. Her tent, floor, bag, and stakes weighs about one pound.

FWIW, we both have Zpack backpacks too. Also great stuff. I'll be buying a slightly larger one since I bought one off ebay and it was a little small for a multi day trip.

Ultralight Tents & Shelters

Made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF), our award-winning ultralight shelters are among the lightest and most durable tents and tarps available.

zpacks.com

I really like the idea of a trekking pole tent!

 

[chiefjason]

I really like the idea of a trekking pole tent!

I already use them so it's a no brainer for me and my daughter. I still sleep in a hammock. But by the end of last trip she was setting up the tent herself. It takes some getting used to since its not freestanding. But it's not bad.

 

[dlee12]

I already use them so it's a no brainer for me and my daughter. I still sleep in a hammock. But by the end of last trip she was setting up the tent herself. It takes some getting used to since its not freestanding. But it's not bad.

I’m almost considering a couple hammocks and just stacking them inside a bug net and a tarp.

 

[chiefjason]

I’m almost considering a couple hammocks and just stacking them inside a bug net and a tarp.

I'm 6"1" and about 195 lbs. I have not found a suspension system that does not sag under my weight. Currently using tree straps and Amsteel whoopie slings. They still sag some, just less than others. Setting up stacked is not going to end well overnight IMO. I would need to set my one of the hammocks over my head to ensure one of us was not on the ground or in someone's lap.

Depending on area you can ditch the bug net. Tarp is a must though. But in my experience a hammock set up is heavier than that tent.

 

[dlee12]

Hmm, I’m pushing 300 and I’ve had good luck with the kammock python straps. Not a ton of stretch/sag. I know I can sleep in a hammock, dunno about the boy though. But, he wouldn’t be kickin me all night either!

 

[tobyscreams]

Most tents in my price range fall around double your stated weight. My bivy is still over 3. Exactly none of them have any room inside for gear for a two person. Usually they have a “vestibule” that in practice (for me) has proved mostly useless. I can keep my boots there or crocs for lightweight slip on midnight bathroom runs etc. We generally take the tent out of its bag for less weight and will split the poles and fabric between the two of us. Biggest concerns for us is the dew on the mountain and the wind. Designs will look very similar but little things make a big difference. Don’t know if this helps…