Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
The Copper Spur HV UL1 is a best-in-class one-person backpacking tent because it balances ultralight performance with livable interior space and freestanding convenience, making it easier to pitch than many ultralight single-wall options. Compared with the lighter Nemo Hornet OSMO, it trades a few ounces for greater interior volume and multi-season versatility, and it often represents a strong value versus heavier, more rugged models like the MSR Hubba NX 1 when you want comfort on extended solo trips.
Ultralight champion
Living-room vibes
Ultralight champion
Living-room vibes
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Copper Spur HV UL1 for its excellent balance of ultralight weight and livable interior space, with a roomy vestibule and easy setup; common negatives are the premium price and occasional wear on fabrics/zippers over long-term use. Overall reviewers find it extremely comfortable for solo backpacking and worth the cost for frequent users."
Fast-pitch magic
High-volume pole geometry increases headroom and makes the interior more comfortable for solo use.
Fast-pitch magic
High-volume pole geometry increases headroom and makes the interior more comfortable for solo use.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Copper Spur HV UL1 is a best-in-class one-person backpacking tent because it balances ultralight performance with livable interior space and freestanding convenience, making it easier to pitch than many ultralight single-wall options. Compared with the lighter Nemo Hornet OSMO, it trades a few ounces for greater interior volume and multi-season versatility, and it often represents a strong value versus heavier, more rugged models like the MSR Hubba NX 1 when you want comfort on extended solo trips.
Ultralight champion
Living-room vibes
Fast-pitch magic
High-volume pole geometry increases headroom and makes the interior more comfortable for solo use.
Freestanding double-wall design with generous vestibule storage for pack and gear.
Ultralight champion
Living-room vibes
Fast-pitch magic
High-volume pole geometry increases headroom and makes the interior more comfortable for solo use.
Freestanding double-wall design with generous vestibule storage for pack and gear.
$450-650 CAD
MSR Hubba NX 1
The MSR Hubba NX 1 is the market leader for reliability and durable all-around performance, favored for its sturdy freestanding design, proven weather protection, and excellent customer support. It typically costs a bit more and carries more weight than ultralight alternatives such as the Nemo Hornet OSMO or the Sea to Summit Alto TR1, but that premium buys long-term durability and confidence in harsh conditions for thru-hikers and technical users.
Weather warrior
Freestanding ease
Weather warrior
Freestanding ease
Review Summary
"The MSR Hubba NX 1 is frequently lauded for its proven durability, reliable weather protection and straightforward freestanding design, though it's slightly heavier than the newest ultralight models. Long-term users appreciate its build quality and repairability, noting it as a dependable one-person shelter for varied conditions."
Storm-braving soul
Freestanding double-wall construction known for consistent weather protection and durability.
Storm-braving soul
Freestanding double-wall construction known for consistent weather protection and durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The MSR Hubba NX 1 is the market leader for reliability and durable all-around performance, favored for its sturdy freestanding design, proven weather protection, and excellent customer support. It typically costs a bit more and carries more weight than ultralight alternatives such as the Nemo Hornet OSMO or the Sea to Summit Alto TR1, but that premium buys long-term durability and confidence in harsh conditions for thru-hikers and technical users.
Weather warrior
Freestanding ease
Storm-braving soul
Freestanding double-wall construction known for consistent weather protection and durability.
Compact pack size and balanced weight suitable for long-distance solo hikes.
Weather warrior
Freestanding ease
Storm-braving soul
Freestanding double-wall construction known for consistent weather protection and durability.
Compact pack size and balanced weight suitable for long-distance solo hikes.
$400-550 CAD
Nemo Hornet OSMO 1P
The Nemo Hornet OSMO 1P stands out as the ultralight specialist on this list, delivering minimal pack weight and a streamlined setup ideal for fastpacking where every ounce matters. It undercuts more spacious freestanding tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur and MSR Hubba on weight and price for ultralight seekers, though it sacrifices a bit of internal volume and freestanding convenience in exchange for those technical weight savings.
Barely-there weight
OSMO floor-fortress
Barely-there weight
OSMO floor-fortress
Review Summary
"The Nemo Hornet OSMO 1P gets high marks for being extremely lightweight and having a durable waterproof floor (OSMO), but reviewers often cite a tighter interior, trickier staking, and some concerns about long-term durability of ultralight materials. It's favored by thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers who accept tradeoffs for low pack weight."
Vent-smart design
Exceptionally light and highly packable for trips where every gram matters.
Vent-smart design
Exceptionally light and highly packable for trips where every gram matters.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Nemo Hornet OSMO 1P stands out as the ultralight specialist on this list, delivering minimal pack weight and a streamlined setup ideal for fastpacking where every ounce matters. It undercuts more spacious freestanding tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur and MSR Hubba on weight and price for ultralight seekers, though it sacrifices a bit of internal volume and freestanding convenience in exchange for those technical weight savings.
Barely-there weight
OSMO floor-fortress
Vent-smart design
Exceptionally light and highly packable for trips where every gram matters.
Minimal footprint with efficient ventilation and Nemo's OSMO-treated floor for water resistance.
Barely-there weight
OSMO floor-fortress
Vent-smart design
Exceptionally light and highly packable for trips where every gram matters.
Minimal footprint with efficient ventilation and Nemo's OSMO-treated floor for water resistance.
$350-500 CAD
Sea to Summit Alto TR1
The Sea to Summit Alto TR1 is notable for its clever interior layout and roomy vestibule relative to its class, offering tall-hiker-friendly headroom and practical features that boost comfort on longer solo trips. While not the lightest option here, it provides a middle ground between the ultralight Nemo Hornet and the heavier, more bombproof MSR Hubba, making it an attractive financial and technical compromise for hikers who prioritize livability without stepping up to the top-tier price of some competitors.
Tall living space
Stand-up comfort
Tall living space
Stand-up comfort
Review Summary
"Sea to Summit's Alto TR1 is praised for its roomy, well-ventilated interior, solid build and good weather performance, with many reviewers calling it a comfortable, durable one-person tent; detractors mention a higher weight and price compared with ultralight competitors. Overall it is seen as a premium, reliable solo tent for three-season use."
Rapid stable pitch
Generous interior height and layout that increase comfort for a single camper and gear.
Rapid stable pitch
Generous interior height and layout that increase comfort for a single camper and gear.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Sea to Summit Alto TR1 is notable for its clever interior layout and roomy vestibule relative to its class, offering tall-hiker-friendly headroom and practical features that boost comfort on longer solo trips. While not the lightest option here, it provides a middle ground between the ultralight Nemo Hornet and the heavier, more bombproof MSR Hubba, making it an attractive financial and technical compromise for hikers who prioritize livability without stepping up to the top-tier price of some competitors.
Tall living space
Stand-up comfort
Rapid stable pitch
Generous interior height and layout that increase comfort for a single camper and gear.
Sturdy construction and materials offering solid performance in three-season conditions.
Tall living space
Stand-up comfort
Rapid stable pitch
Generous interior height and layout that increase comfort for a single camper and gear.
Sturdy construction and materials offering solid performance in three-season conditions.
$350-500 CAD
MEC Spark 1
The MEC Spark 1 is the budget-oriented choice for one-person backpacking, delivering respectable weather protection and user-friendly setup at a noticeably lower price point than premium competitors. It may be heavier and less refined in fabrics and packability than the Big Agnes or Nemo offerings, but its affordability and solid value make it a smart option for entry-level solo backpackers or those buying through MEC's Canadian distribution.
Budget-friendly fortress
Quick-pitch charm
Budget-friendly fortress
Quick-pitch charm
Review Summary
"The MEC Spark 1 is commonly described as a strong value—affordable, reasonably lightweight and functional for casual solo backpacking—but reviewers note compromises in seam/pole quality, livable space, and long-term durability compared with higher-end models. Buyers appreciate the price point but expect some limitations in heavy or extended use."
Reliable all-weather
Affordable one-person tent with a simple, freestanding setup ideal for casual backpacking.
Reliable all-weather
Affordable one-person tent with a simple, freestanding setup ideal for casual backpacking.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The MEC Spark 1 is the budget-oriented choice for one-person backpacking, delivering respectable weather protection and user-friendly setup at a noticeably lower price point than premium competitors. It may be heavier and less refined in fabrics and packability than the Big Agnes or Nemo offerings, but its affordability and solid value make it a smart option for entry-level solo backpackers or those buying through MEC's Canadian distribution.
Budget-friendly fortress
Quick-pitch charm
Reliable all-weather
Affordable one-person tent with a simple, freestanding setup ideal for casual backpacking.
Provides reasonable weather protection for summer and shoulder-season trips.
Budget-friendly fortress
Quick-pitch charm
Reliable all-weather
Affordable one-person tent with a simple, freestanding setup ideal for casual backpacking.
Provides reasonable weather protection for summer and shoulder-season trips.
$120-220 CAD