Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
The Lunar Solo is a long-standing, well-regarded one-person trekking pole tent that emphasizes livability, ventilation and value for three-season backpacking. Heavier and more affordable than the newest DCF single-wall entries like the Plex Solo and Aeon Li, it offers proven weather performance and easy pitching that make it a sensible, budget-friendly choice compared with higher-cost ultralight options; it also tends to be more forgiving in wet conditions than some of the lightest single-wall tents. For hikers who want a durable, practical solo shelter without chasing minimum grams, the Lunar Solo remains a market favorite.
Budget ultralight
Robust stormproofing
Budget ultralight
Robust stormproofing
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo for its simple, stable, and comfortable design and excellent value; it is often favored for wind performance despite being heavier than DCF ultralight shelters."
Vestibule party-ready
Proven, simple single-wall design pitched with a trekking pole that minimizes complexity and weight.
Vestibule party-ready
Proven, simple single-wall design pitched with a trekking pole that minimizes complexity and weight.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Lunar Solo is a long-standing, well-regarded one-person trekking pole tent that emphasizes livability, ventilation and value for three-season backpacking. Heavier and more affordable than the newest DCF single-wall entries like the Plex Solo and Aeon Li, it offers proven weather performance and easy pitching that make it a sensible, budget-friendly choice compared with higher-cost ultralight options; it also tends to be more forgiving in wet conditions than some of the lightest single-wall tents. For hikers who want a durable, practical solo shelter without chasing minimum grams, the Lunar Solo remains a market favorite.
Budget ultralight
Robust stormproofing
Vestibule party-ready
Proven, simple single-wall design pitched with a trekking pole that minimizes complexity and weight.
Silnylon fabric offers durable, cost-effective weather protection for three-season backpacking.
Budget ultralight
Robust stormproofing
Vestibule party-ready
Proven, simple single-wall design pitched with a trekking pole that minimizes complexity and weight.
Silnylon fabric offers durable, cost-effective weather protection for three-season backpacking.
$350-500 CAD
Durston X-Mid Pro 2
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 upgrades the X-Mid concept with Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) panels and refined detailing to shave ounces and improve long-term waterproofing and packstowage. It stands out technically by offering many of the low-weight and low-stretch advantages of full-DCF shelters at a slightly more accessible price than boutique DCF makers, making it lighter and less compressible than the standard X-Mid while still generally more affordable than the top-of-the-line Zpacks Duplex. For three-season trekking-pole users who value weight savings and durability without the absolute top-tier price, the X-Mid Pro 2 is a strong middle ground.
Featherweight fortress
Corner-reinforced
Featherweight fortress
Corner-reinforced
Review Summary
"Owners of the X-Mid Pro 2 highlight its substantially lower weight and upgraded fabric while retaining excellent weather resistance and livability; common criticisms are the premium price and the need for careful pitching to avoid issues in extreme use."
Ultra-compact pack
Upgraded fabrics and reinforced structure for enhanced durability in harsher conditions
Ultra-compact pack
Upgraded fabrics and reinforced structure for enhanced durability in harsher conditions
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 upgrades the X-Mid concept with Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) panels and refined detailing to shave ounces and improve long-term waterproofing and packstowage. It stands out technically by offering many of the low-weight and low-stretch advantages of full-DCF shelters at a slightly more accessible price than boutique DCF makers, making it lighter and less compressible than the standard X-Mid while still generally more affordable than the top-of-the-line Zpacks Duplex. For three-season trekking-pole users who value weight savings and durability without the absolute top-tier price, the X-Mid Pro 2 is a strong middle ground.
Featherweight fortress
Corner-reinforced
Ultra-compact pack
Upgraded fabrics and reinforced structure for enhanced durability in harsher conditions
Trekking-pole pitch system allows fast setup with excellent wind stability
Featherweight fortress
Corner-reinforced
Ultra-compact pack
Upgraded fabrics and reinforced structure for enhanced durability in harsher conditions
Trekking-pole pitch system allows fast setup with excellent wind stability
$650-800 CAD
The Durston X-Mid 2 is a roomy, near-vertical-sided mid-style tarp tent that excels for three-season trekking with a smart balance of livability and material choices. It stands out technically for its adaptable pitch options and strong sidewall geometry that yields more usable interior volume than many A-frame designs, while usually being more affordable than ultralight DCF shelters like the Zpacks Duplex. Durston's value comes from delivering a packable, weather-capable shelter that is heavier than the lightest entrants but offers better interior comfort and lower cost than high-end DCF options.
Adjustable pitch
Convertible layout
Adjustable pitch
Convertible layout
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the X‑Mid 2 for its excellent balance of livable interior space, durability, and reasonable weight; reviewers note it’s heavier and bulkier than Dyneema shelters but offers better value and ruggedness for extended use."
Storm-tamer design
Silnylon/silpoly options balance weight, durability, and cost.
Storm-tamer design
Silnylon/silpoly options balance weight, durability, and cost.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Durston X-Mid 2 is a roomy, near-vertical-sided mid-style tarp tent that excels for three-season trekking with a smart balance of livability and material choices. It stands out technically for its adaptable pitch options and strong sidewall geometry that yields more usable interior volume than many A-frame designs, while usually being more affordable than ultralight DCF shelters like the Zpacks Duplex. Durston's value comes from delivering a packable, weather-capable shelter that is heavier than the lightest entrants but offers better interior comfort and lower cost than high-end DCF options.
Adjustable pitch
Convertible layout
Storm-tamer design
Silnylon/silpoly options balance weight, durability, and cost.
Simple ridge pole or trekking pole setup sheds wind and rain efficiently.
Adjustable pitch
Convertible layout
Storm-tamer design
Silnylon/silpoly options balance weight, durability, and cost.
Simple ridge pole or trekking pole setup sheds wind and rain efficiently.
$450-550 CAD
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2
The Hyperlite UltaMid 2 leverages Dyneema Composite Fabric to deliver class-leading weight-to-strength and waterproof performance for three-season pyramid trekking-pole setups, making it the technical flagship on this list. Its premium DCF construction yields minimal stretch, long-term durability, and exceptional packability, but that performance comes at a significantly higher purchase price than silnylon or silpoly alternatives like Black Diamond or Six Moon Designs. For users prioritizing absolute lowest weight and maintenance-free waterproofing on long, exposed routes, Hyperlite is the market leader despite the financial premium.
Dyneema strength (space-age)
Ultralight shelter (float)
Dyneema strength (space-age)
Ultralight shelter (float)
Review Summary
"Users rave about the Ultamid 2's ultralight strength and weatherproof Dyneema construction, appreciating its minimal weight-for-durability for two people. The most common criticisms are the steep price and single-wall condensation management."
Long-term durability (workhorse)
Dyneema Composite construction delivers exceptional strength-to-weight and reliable waterproofing.
Long-term durability (workhorse)
Dyneema Composite construction delivers exceptional strength-to-weight and reliable waterproofing.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Hyperlite UltaMid 2 leverages Dyneema Composite Fabric to deliver class-leading weight-to-strength and waterproof performance for three-season pyramid trekking-pole setups, making it the technical flagship on this list. Its premium DCF construction yields minimal stretch, long-term durability, and exceptional packability, but that performance comes at a significantly higher purchase price than silnylon or silpoly alternatives like Black Diamond or Six Moon Designs. For users prioritizing absolute lowest weight and maintenance-free waterproofing on long, exposed routes, Hyperlite is the market leader despite the financial premium.
Dyneema strength (space-age)
Ultralight shelter (float)
Long-term durability (workhorse)
Dyneema Composite construction delivers exceptional strength-to-weight and reliable waterproofing.
Optimized for two with a low-bulk pack size and straightforward trekking-pole pitching.
Dyneema strength (space-age)
Ultralight shelter (float)
Long-term durability (workhorse)
Dyneema Composite construction delivers exceptional strength-to-weight and reliable waterproofing.
Optimized for two with a low-bulk pack size and straightforward trekking-pole pitching.
$900-1300 CAD
The Zpacks Duplex is the market-leading ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) trekking-pole tarp tent, prized for its near-complete bug protection, roomy vestibules and high weather resistance—making it a top choice for three-season backpacking where durability and shelter performance matter. It commands a premium price but delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weatherproofing compared with single-wall tarp options like the Lunar Solo or TrailStar, and it offers a lighter, more waterproof alternative to fabric two-person designs such as the Durston X-Mid 2 and Gossamer Gear The Two.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Zpacks Duplex for being exceptionally lightweight, spacious for two, and highly weatherproof, though many note the high price and occasional concerns about long‑term abrasion durability and condensation management. Experienced ultralighters love its space‑to‑weight ratio but recommend careful pitching and seam care."
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Zpacks Duplex is the market-leading ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) trekking-pole tarp tent, prized for its near-complete bug protection, roomy vestibules and high weather resistance—making it a top choice for three-season backpacking where durability and shelter performance matter. It commands a premium price but delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weatherproofing compared with single-wall tarp options like the Lunar Solo or TrailStar, and it offers a lighter, more waterproof alternative to fabric two-person designs such as the Durston X-Mid 2 and Gossamer Gear The Two.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Two-person, two-door layout with optional floor and good ventilation for three-season use.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Two-person, two-door layout with optional floor and good ventilation for three-season use.
$700-900 CAD
Tarptent StratoSpire 2
The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 stands out as the freestanding-capable option tailored for three-season comfort, offering a more robust, two-pole structure and roomy vestibules that outperform tarp-style designs in sustained wind and mixed weather. Compared with trekking-pole-dependent shelters here it trades a bit more pack weight for true freestanding stability and live-in comfort, making it a technically superior and financially reasonable choice for backpackers who want a freestanding tent that still integrates with trekking poles when desired.
Cathedral headroom yay
All-weather fortress
Cathedral headroom yay
All-weather fortress
Review Summary
"Reviewers applaud the StratoSpire 2 for outstanding weather protection, headroom and livability in three-season use, while noting it’s pricier and a bit heavier than the very lightest shelters and takes practice to pitch optimally."
True freestanding design
High-volume interior and generous headroom for comfortable two-person use.
True freestanding design
High-volume interior and generous headroom for comfortable two-person use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Tarptent StratoSpire 2 stands out as the freestanding-capable option tailored for three-season comfort, offering a more robust, two-pole structure and roomy vestibules that outperform tarp-style designs in sustained wind and mixed weather. Compared with trekking-pole-dependent shelters here it trades a bit more pack weight for true freestanding stability and live-in comfort, making it a technically superior and financially reasonable choice for backpackers who want a freestanding tent that still integrates with trekking poles when desired.
Cathedral headroom yay
All-weather fortress
True freestanding design
High-volume interior and generous headroom for comfortable two-person use.
Pitches with trekking poles or optional poles and sheds wind and rain well.
Cathedral headroom yay
All-weather fortress
True freestanding design
High-volume interior and generous headroom for comfortable two-person use.
Pitches with trekking poles or optional poles and sheds wind and rain well.
$700-950 CAD