10 Ultralight Trekking Tents for 1-2 People (Under ~1 kg)

Overview and Selection Criteria

Ultralight trekking tents offer weather protection at a minimal weight, but the best options balance weight with comfort, durability, and condensation management. Below is a curated list of 10 top tents (1-person or 2-person) around or under 1 kg (with a hard limit ~1.1 kg). All are 3-season shelters (some 4-season-capable) that are highly waterproof and handle wind well. We prioritized tents that are available from European retailers (to avoid import taxes) and incorporated user reviews from r/Ultralight, r/CampingandHiking, and trekking forums for real-world insights. Each tent entry notes its weight, design (double-wall or single-wall), setup style, and how it manages condensation and wind, along with any relevant pros/cons mentioned by users.

1. Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P

The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is a double-wall, semi-freestanding tent that packs a lot of performance into ~0.94 kg. It has two doors and two vestibules, which is rare at this weight, providing convenient access and gear storage for two. Users praise its easy hubbed-pole setup and stability in wind. Despite the ultralight fabrics, it’s fully waterproof and suitable for 3-season use. However, note that the interior is snug for two people – it’s best used as a roomy solo tent or for two smaller hikers. The Elite OSMO uses Nemo’s new OSMO fabric, which is said to be more water-resistant and stretch-resistant than standard silnylon, aiding in condensation management. In sum, the Hornet Elite offers the “performance and convenience of a traditional backpacking tent—for just 2 pounds” all-in, albeit at a high price for the weight.

Reviews: Backpackers find the Hornet Elite “fairly uncompromised” for its weight, appreciating its freestanding-like design and quality details (multiple interior pockets, volumizing clips). The main downsides are its premium cost and delicate materials, which require care, and the tight fit for two. Still, for those who want a truly ultralight double-wall with no trekking poles required, the Hornet Elite is a top choice in Europe (Nemo gear is widely sold through EU retailers).

2. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is a popular 2-person ultralight tent, known for its excellent space-to-weight ratio. It’s a semi-freestanding dome with a Y-shaped pole structure (two hubbed poles and a cross pole at the peak) that offers more headroom than some competitor tents. Weighing about 1.13 kg packed (≈0.99 kg trail weight), it hits the ~1 kg target while providing two side doors and vestibules for gear. This tent is a double-wall design (mesh inner + rainfly), which greatly helps with condensation management by promoting airflow between layers. The Tiger Wall UL2 is a true 2-person tent in footprint, but like most UL tents, it’s cozy for two; solo hikers often enjoy it for the palatial interior (2.6 m² floor, plus two 0.7 m² vestibules). Big Agnes used proprietary silicon-treated nylon in the fly and floor, achieving adequate waterproofing (1200 mm HH rating) while keeping fabric weight low.

Reviews: The Tiger Wall series is frequently recommended on ultralight forums as a step up in livability from tighter models like the Fly Creek. CleverHiker and others note that the UL2 is “one of the lightest around” and still reasonably easy to pitch. Users appreciate the two-door convenience (no crawling over a partner) and decent headroom for sitting up. In heavy rain and wind it performs well for a 3-season tent, though its thinner fabrics mean it’s not as durable long-term as heavier tents. It pitches inner-first (common for Big Agnes), so in foul weather some speed is needed to keep the inner dry. Overall, the Tiger Wall UL2 is a great ultralight choice, widely available in Europe (Big Agnes has an EU site and distribution), especially for those valuing a bit more comfort and dual entry.

3. MSR FreeLite 2 (2022 Model)

The MSR FreeLite 2 is an ultralight 2-person tent redesigned in 2022 to cut weight down to ~1.06 kg packed (0.91 kg minimum). It’s a semi-freestanding double-wall tent featuring a true rectangular floor (no taper) and two doors/vestibules. Backpackers often highlight its livability: the FreeLite 2 has a generous 100 cm internal height and can fit two full-size sleeping pads side by side. In fact, one review notes it “weighs only around 1 kg” yet is a “luxurious – and highly portable – shelter for one”, meaning a solo hiker can spread out gear inside easily. MSR accomplished the low weight by using modern materials (15D ripstop nylon rainfly with MSR’s Xtreme Shield silicone/PU coating) and a hubbed pole with optimized architecture. It still achieves ~1200 mm waterproofness on fly and floor (MSR uses an American standard, so effectively ~2–3× higher by EU standards). The tent pitches fly-first (outer and inner together), which is very useful in wet conditions.

Reviews: The FreeLite 2 is often compared with the Nemo Hornet and Big Agnes tents. It tends to win on interior volume (true rectangular floor and near-vertical end walls make it less tapered and more usable) and ease of setup. Toby Archer (UKClimbing) found it “a two-person model weighing only ~1kg” that could double as a spacious solo tent. Users on forums report good ventilation for a small tent, thanks to large mesh panels and a kickstand vent on the fly. In strong winds, the FreeLite’s low profile and additional stake-out points help it stay stable, though as a lightweight tent it’s best to guy it out fully in stormy weather. MSR’s gear is readily available in Europe through retailers, making the FreeLite 2 a convenient choice for EU hikers seeking a light yet comfortable double-wall tent.

4. Nordisk Telemark 2 LW

The Nordisk Telemark 2 is a legendary ultralight tent from Denmark, offered in ULW and LW versions. The Telemark 2 LW (~0.95 kg packed weight) is a slightly more robust version than the ULW, using 20D silnylon fabrics instead of 10D, but still extraordinarily light for a double-wall tent. Its design is a single-hoop tunnel with short corner struts – a proven layout for minimizing weight while providing adequate stability. The Telemark pitches outer-first (or all-in-one) in just a couple of minutes, which is excellent for rainy climates. Once pitched, it’s “very light and roomy enough, just, for two people to lie down”, but in practice “better regarded as a one person tent” with gear inside. Indeed, it offers luxury space for one (the tent is long and has space beside your sleeping pad for clothes or a pack), but two people will have minimal gear room (one vestibule of moderate size). The headroom is asymmetric – the hoop is offset toward the head end to give more sitting height where you sleep. Ventilation is basic (a roof vent at the door plus mesh in the inner door), so condensation can occur on cool nights, but the mesh upper on the inner helps keep you dry (one user noted “inside of fly was moist but nothing dripped onto the inner”). For stormworthiness, the Telemark is decent for a 3-season tent: it only needs 4 pegs for a taut pitch, but additional guyline points are provided to secure it in strong winds. The included DAC NFL pole and DAC V-BY pegs are high quality and contribute to stability.

Reviews: TGO Magazine recognized the Telemark 2 as “one of the world’s lightest two-man tents”, praising its weight and noting the quick pitch and expandable porch feature for cooking. Bloggers and Redditors often mention that condensation management is a trade-off with such light fabrics – ventilation could be better, but it’s manageable if you leave the top of the door unzipped a bit and pitch in breezy spots. In practice, many owners use the Telemark 2 as a solo shelter for long trips, enjoying its blend of low weight and enough comfort (room to sit up at one end and store gear). At around €500, it’s expensive but within the budget and sold by multiple EU retailers. If interior space for one and an outer-first pitch are priorities, the Telemark 2 LW is a strong contender, with the only caveats being its snug fit for two and the need for strategic ventilation to minimize condensation.

5. Vango F10 Project Hydrogen 1

The Vango F10 Project Hydrogen is an innovative 1-person tent from the UK, notable for using an inflatable AirBeam® pole instead of traditional poles. This design yields an incredibly low weight of about 0.60 kg total while maintaining a twin-wall (double-skin) structure. In fact, Vango advertises it as “the world's lightest twin skin tent with AirBeam® technology”. The single inflatable arch forms the spine of this tunnel tent – you simply use a bike pump (or included tiny pump) to inflate it, eliminating the risk of pole breakage. Despite its featherweight build, the Hydrogen is engineered for foul weather: it has Dyneema cord guylines and a low aerodynamic profile to withstand strong winds. Vango claims the AirBeam structure is “super stable like no other” in wind because it flexes but doesn’t snap. The tent is not freestanding (it’s a hoop design that must be staked out) and has a single door with a small vestibule. Space-wise, it’s comfortable for one person (length 210 cm, width ~90 cm, height 100 cm) – on par with other light solo tents. The inner and fly are pitched together (or fly-first), which again is great in wet conditions. Waterproofing is achieved with a 7-denier double-silicone nylon fly (≈2000 mm HH) and a 20D nylon floor (6000 mm), so it will keep you dry in 3-season rain (though as always with UL tents, a bit of care in site selection is wise due to the thin floor). The pack size is astonishingly small (~20 × 10 cm, about a 1 liter volume).

Reviews: Bikepackers and fast-packers have shown a lot of interest in the Project Hydrogen. Early reviews highlight the ease of setup – it takes under 2 minutes to inflate and stake out – and the novelty of never worrying about pole segments. In the field, the tent has proven stable in wind (one description notes the tent’s Dyneema guys and flexible pole handle storms well). As expected for a tent with minimal venting beyond mesh door panels, condensation can build up on the single-wall sections if ventilation is poor; the key is to use the top vent and door toggled open when possible. Availability is somewhat limited (this was a small production run), but it can be found in Europe – for example, it’s listed around €630–€700 at some EU outdoor retailers during sales. If your priority is cutting edge low weight and you’re okay with a snug 1P tent, the Vango F10 Hydrogen Air offers an exciting blend of tech and function well within the sub-1 kg goal.

6. Durston X-Mid 2 (V2)

The Durston X-Mid 2 is a highly regarded ultralight tent designed by Dan Durston, offering a rare combination of trekking-pole support with a double-wall design. It weighs about 1.12 kg (including fly, inner, and stakes), which is a bit heavier than some single-wall Dyneema shelters, but it makes up for that with thoughtful engineering and a very affordable price. The X-Mid 2 is a 2-person tent (ample for two, truly palatial for one) that pitches with two trekking poles in an offset rectangular shape. Its popularity stems from smart features: fly-first pitch, no trekking pole in the doorway, dual large vestibules and doors, and interior livability (long length . It’s made of 20D polyester fabric for the fly, which has the advantage of zero stretch when wet (so it stays taut in rain without retensioning) and high waterproof coatings. The design includes peak vents and excellent airflow options, giving it “double-wall” condensation performance in a trekking pole tent. At ~$280 USD, it’s famous as a high-value shelter – often labeled the “best budget ultralight tent”. Importantly, Durston Gear now has European distribution: the X-Mid 2 is available from an EU retailer (Outdoorline in Slovakia) with local stock, so EU customers can get it without heavy import fees.

Reviews: In the UL community, the X-Mid 2 has a near-legendary status for its roomy interior and storm-worthiness at low weight. One Switchback Travel review notes it’s “highly engineered” and offers features rivals don’t. The main drawback mentioned is that the X-Mid (made of silpoly) may not have the multi-year waterproof longevity of Dyneema tents (the coating could wear, though this is true of any silpoly/nylon tent). Users on r/Ultralight who have taken it through rain and wind consistently report excellent performance – thanks to the full-coverage fly and solid structure, it can handle bad weather as well as heavier tents. The condensation management is noted as a strong point: unlike single-wall shelters, the mesh inner keeps you isolated from any moisture, and the venting is effective enough that many report minimal condensation as long as vents are open. For hikers in Europe, the X-Mid 2 (and its 1-person variant ~.72 kg) is a top ultralight pick, maximizing space, comfort, and weather protection for the weight.

7. Zpacks Duplex (DCF)

The Zpacks Duplex is an iconic ultralight tent, famous among thru-hikers. It’s a two-person trekking pole tent made of Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), and weighs only about 0.60 kg (595 g for the latest “Duplex Zip” version). Despite this astonishing weight, the Duplex provides a fully enclosed shelter with a bathtub floor, bug mesh, and two doors + two vestibules. Its A-frame shape pitches with two trekking poles and as few as 6 stakes, making it relatively straightforward to set up. The interior space is excellent for one (and comfortable for two in a pinch): “very roomy sleeping area” for its weight class, with 230 cm length and 114 cm width (enough for two mats) plus vestibules for gear. The DCF material is 100% waterproof and doesn’t sag when wet, which is great in rainstorms. However, the Duplex is a single-wall shelter – the rainfly and inner are one unit (walls are single-layer DCF with mesh doors). This means condensation management relies on ventilation: the Duplex has peak vents and you can leave vestibule doors partially open. Many users in humid climates add a removable liner or make sure to pitch in breezy spots to reduce condensation, since single-wall designs can get condensation inside. On the flip side, DCF’s low breathability is somewhat offset by the fact that the tent body is mostly mesh (the solid parts are the roof and bathtub), and the dual doors allow excellent cross-breeze when open. Zpacks tents are 4-season capable in terms of fabric (DCF is strong and the tent can handle some snow load), but in high winds the A-frame shape should be well guyed out to prevent any instability.

Reviews: The Duplex is often the benchmark for ultralight tents – “incredibly lightweight ... streamlined setup ... still provides a roomy space”. Thru-hikers love that it packs tiny and weighs next to nothing on trail, which is why you’ll see countless Duplexes on the PCT and other long trails. In terms of drawbacks, durability is one: the 0.55 oz/sqyd DCF can puncture if abused (a groundsheet is recommended to protect the floor), and the material is very expensive (around $700/€700). Also, as noted above, ventilation is limited compared to double-wall tents – sources like Switchback Travel and OutdoorGearLab mention that its “breathability suffers with the single-wall construction”, meaning you need to manage moisture by ventilation. Some tents like the Tarptent Double Rainbow Li include an optional liner to catch drips, but the Duplex does not have an inner layer. Overall, if your priority is minimal weight and you’re willing to trade a bit of comfort (and a lot of money) for it, the Zpacks Duplex is a top-tier choice. Availability in Europe is limited (Zpacks is a U.S. cottage company), so buying one will likely involve import fees; that said, the high price is partly due to DCF material costs and many European hikers do import Duplexes despite the expense.

8. Gossamer Gear The Two

The Two by Gossamer Gear is another ultralight trekking pole tent for 1-2 people, notable for being much more affordable than Dyneema options while still very light. It’s a single-wall, sil-nylon shelter that weighs only about 0.67 kg. Like the Duplex, it has an A-frame pitch with two trekking poles and features two doors and vestibules. The internal space is actually slightly larger than the Duplex, and it’s known as one of the more roomy and comfortable ultralight tents: “roomy enough for two people, bugproof, simple, and weighs less than two pounds”. Gossamer Gear achieves this with a clever design (catenary cut panels for a taut pitch) and by using a bit heavier fabric (20D silicone-coated nylon) which is still quite light but significantly cheaper than DCF. Condensation management for The Two relies on its ample mesh and multiple vents – the end walls have high vents, and you can prop the vestibule doors open with carbon fiber spreader bars or trekking poles to increase airflow. Many users pair it with an absorbent cloth to wipe the ceiling if needed, as it is still a single-wall tent. In wet weather, The Two will keep rain out no problem (fabric is rated ~1800 mm and the bathtub floor is durable), but one must be careful to not brush against the walls if condensation has formed. The tent is not freestanding and requires 6 stakes minimum. One advantage over some pyramid-style tents is that The Two’s pole placement and door orientation make it easier to get in and out without disturbing your tentmate or knocking into gear.

Reviews: In head-to-head discussions, hikers often compare Gossamer Gear’s The Two with the Zpacks Duplex or Durston X-Mid. It frequently comes out as the value choice: one Redditor points out you get a very similar shelter to the Duplex “for a staggering $409 less” by swapping DCF for silnylon. The trade-off is that silnylon can sag a bit when wet (requiring retensioning overnight) and is slightly heavier, and The Two doesn’t quite match the bombproof nature of DCF in long constant rains (nylon can eventually absorb some moisture). That said, Bikepacking.com testers used The Two across a wide range of conditions (Pacific Northwest rain to Arizona desert) and found it performed admirably. They lauded its interior volume and comfort on bikepacking trips, appreciating not having to “choose between comfortable, lightweight, or packable” – The Two offers all three for those willing to carry ~150 g more than the priciest Dyneema tents. Another plus is durability: the 20D fabric and solid construction mean it can handle more wear and tear (and even a bit of snow) better than some ultralight fabrics. Availability in Europe is good; Gossamer Gear products can be bought through retailers like Outdoorline (Slovakia) and backpackinglight.dk in Denmark. For hikers on a ~€300 budget looking for a sub-700g tent, The Two is a compelling option, as long as you’re prepared to strategize against condensation as with any single-wall shelter.

9. Tarptent StratoSpire Li (2P)

The Tarptent StratoSpire Li is a two-person trekking pole tent made with Dyneema, combining ultralight weight with robust 4-season worthy design. It weighs about 0.74 kg total (≈737 g), which includes a mesh inner tent and a DCF rainfly – making it one of the lightest double-wall shelters available. What sets the StratoSpire Li apart is its shape: instead of a simple A-frame, it uses a twin-peak octagonal design – basically two trekking poles spread apart, supporting a hexagonal/tarptent shape. This yields more usable interior space and exceptional stability in wind. In fact, experienced users report it is “very good in the wind” and “stands rock solid against high winds and heavy precipitation.”. The geometry allows for 8 stake points and multiple guyouts, so when fully guyed it’s extremely sturdy for a tent under 1 kg (many owners have weathered alpine storms in it). It’s also roomy for two: 2.75 m² interior and dual vestibules around 0.9 m² each, enough for gear and cooking in shelter. Being a double-wall, it excels at condensation management – the mesh (or optional solid) inner keeps occupants away from any moisture, and there are peak vents plus the ability to raise the fly edges for airflow. The StratoSpire Li pitches fly and inner together, using two trekking poles and additional short corner struts (which are permanently attached, making set up easy). It is not freestanding, but only needs 4 stakes for a basic pitch (more for max stability). This tent is made by Tarptent, a U.S. cottage brand; currently, it may need to be imported to Europe (Tarptent does ship internationally, and a few UK retailers sometimes stock them).

Reviews: The Stratospire Li is often considered a step up from the Zpacks Duplex for folks who need more all-weather capability. One Backpacking Light review noted Tarptent’s design is “about $80 more expensive than the Duplex” but “has enough chops for year round use”. Users consistently praise its livability (two people can sit up simultaneously, and the rectangular floor fits wide pads) and confidence in bad weather – it’s one of the few sub-800g tents one might trust in a surprise snowfall or gale. The only downsides frequently mentioned are: the price (around $699, which could be ~€800+ after VAT) and a slightly larger footprint needed for the multi-sided pitch. Pitching takes a few more minutes than simpler designs, but once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward. Given the budget in this query, the StratoSpire Li squeaks in if bought without huge import fees. If you’re willing to invest for a long-term shelter, and possibly deal with importing, the StratoSpire Li delivers an ultralight yet bombproof tent solution. For those in Europe wanting something similar from a local cottage, one might consider Tipik Tentes or Bonfus shelters, but the Tarptent design is a proven performer noted for top-tier wind/rain resistance in an ultralight package.

10. Hilleberg Enan

The Hilleberg Enan is a renowned solo tent from Sweden’s Hilleberg, known for durability and weather resistance. It’s the heaviest tent on this list, at 1.2 kg packed, but we include it because it meets the “slightly above” 1.1 kg allowance and offers exceptional strength and reliability for that weight. The Enan is essentially a lighter version of the famous Hilleberg Akto: a single-hoop tunnel tent with a full mesh inner and a Kerlon 1000 outer (20D nylon, silicone-coated both sides). It’s a double-wall tent with an outer that reaches all the way to the ground for protection. Pitching is all-in-one (outer and inner together), very quick and ideal for stormy conditions. Once pitched, the Enan is taut and stable – users have survived “40 mph winds on an exposed fell top” without issues. Being a Hilleberg Yellow-Label tent, it’s rated for 3-season use, but many have pushed it into mild winter conditions thanks to its strength. Interior space: it’s a 1-person tent with a floor area of ~1.7 m² (enough for a wide sleeping mat and some gear at your sides) and a vestibule of 0.8 m² for backpack/boots. It’s not as roomy as some ultralight 1P tents in height (about 93 cm at the peak, tapering to low ends), but it is long (far over 2 m in length) and has a decent width for one. The strength of the Enan lies in its build quality: every detail from the sealed seams to the oversized zippers is made for longevity. It also has good ventilation for a tunnel tent – there are mesh panels at both ends that can be covered with adjustable fabric panels, allowing you to control airflow without letting rain in.

Reviews: Owners of the Enan often comment that while it’s not as ultralight as silnylon or DCF cottages, it excels in bad conditions. One long-term review stated “I’d consider it fully capable of anything within [the 3-season] weather envelope”, meaning it can handle heavy rain and strong wind as long as you’re sensible (e.g., in 60 mph winds any solo tent will struggle, and the Enan has just one pole, so you’d seek a sheltered pitch in such extremes). Condensation in the Enan is reported to be on par with other tents of similar shape – in cool, still nights you’ll get some, but the two end vents and partial mesh inner help. A user compared it to their Terra Nova and Vango tents and found condensation was “comparable” under like conditions. Because the inner is all mesh (on newer models) and the fly can be lifted at the ends, you can get decent airflow. The selling point of the Enan is the confidence it gives: you can pitch it, double peg the guylines, and trust it through a storm. It is expensive (~€900) but it’s a tent that can last a decade or more of hard use. For trekkers who prioritize robustness and weather protection slightly over absolute weight, and want a tent readily available in Europe, the Hilleberg Enan is a top-tier choice. It’s an excellent option for solo hikers in Scandinavia or the UK where strong winds and sideways rain are common, but still light enough to carry on long backpacking trips where every gram counts.

Conclusion

When choosing an ultralight tent, consider how you will balance weight vs. comfort vs. cost. All the above options come in under ~1 kg while providing full weather protection for 3-season trekking. If you prioritize quick setup and double-wall condensation control, the freestanding/semi-freestanding tents (like the Nemo, Big Agnes, MSR) are excellent – they’re user-friendly and readily available in Europe, though they cost some weight for poles. If absolute weight savings or pack size is critical, trekking pole tents (like the Durston X-Mid, Zpacks Duplex, Gossamer The Two) offer big weight cuts and ample space, but you’ll need to manage condensation and possibly import the cottage-industry models. For harsh weather or long-term durability, tents like the Tarptent StratoSpire Li or Hilleberg Enan provide extra assurance in wind and rain (with the Enan built like a tank relative to its weight).

Ultimately, the “best” tent depends on your specific needs: A solo thru-hiker might lean toward the sub-600 g single-wall options, while someone expecting wet and windy Alpine conditions might accept ~200–300 g more for a sturdier double-wall shelter. The good news is that within a €700 budget there are several top-tier choices on the market. All the tents above have been used successfully by backpackers and come recommended in online communities. Consider the trade-offs each offers – interior space (for gear storage inside), ease of pitch (trekking pole vs. pole structure), and material (DCF vs silnylon vs polyester) – to find the tent that best fits your trekking style. Happy hiking and may your pack be light and your nights dry!