Zpacks Plex Solo
The Zpacks Plex Solo is a market-leading ultra-light single-wall DCF trekking-pole tent prized for extreme weight savings and a compact packed size, making it ideal for fast, long-distance three-season backpacking. Its technical advantage is unmatched grams-per-cubic-inch efficiency compared with the heavier Durston models and the tried-and-true Six Moon Lunar Solo, but that comes at a high price and the usual single-wall trade-offs — more condensation management and less durability versus heavier double-wall or reinforced options. For hikers who prioritize minimum weight above all and accept a premium cost, the Plex Solo is a top choice.
Feels like air
Pole-compatible pitch
Feels like air
Pole-compatible pitch
Review Summary
"Reviewers love the Zpacks Plex Solo for its exceptional ultralight weight and packability and generally reliable performance, though many report single-wall condensation management challenges and cite the high cost and DCF repair considerations."
Minimal pack volume
Constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) for minimal pack weight and excellent waterproofing.
Minimal pack volume
Constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) for minimal pack weight and excellent waterproofing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Zpacks Plex Solo is a market-leading ultra-light single-wall DCF trekking-pole tent prized for extreme weight savings and a compact packed size, making it ideal for fast, long-distance three-season backpacking. Its technical advantage is unmatched grams-per-cubic-inch efficiency compared with the heavier Durston models and the tried-and-true Six Moon Lunar Solo, but that comes at a high price and the usual single-wall trade-offs — more condensation management and less durability versus heavier double-wall or reinforced options. For hikers who prioritize minimum weight above all and accept a premium cost, the Plex Solo is a top choice.
Feels like air
Pole-compatible pitch
Minimal pack volume
Constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) for minimal pack weight and excellent waterproofing.
Designed specifically for solo use with a single trekking pole and a low, aerodynamic pitch.
Feels like air
Pole-compatible pitch
Minimal pack volume
Constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) for minimal pack weight and excellent waterproofing.
Designed specifically for solo use with a single trekking pole and a low, aerodynamic pitch.
$700-900 USD
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 USD
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter is a well-balanced two-person trekking pole tent that targets three-season backpackers seeking roomy, reliable shelter without the highest ultralight price. It earns its place by combining generous interior space and multiple tie-outs for stable pitches, making it more livable than minimalist shelters while generally costing less than a DCF Duplex and offering better weather coverage than some budget tarp-style shelters. For those who want a comfortable two-person A-frame experience on a reasonable budget, the Lunar Duo Outfitter hits a middle ground between weight, cost, and comfort.
Featherweight pack
Sprawling interior
Featherweight pack
Sprawling interior
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Lunar Duo Outfitter for roomy interiors, robust construction, and dependable weather handling on long trips; common tradeoffs cited are higher weight compared with ultralight DCF options and a bit more bulk to carry."
Moon-ready ventilation
Single-wall silnylon construction offers durable waterproof protection.
Moon-ready ventilation
Single-wall silnylon construction offers durable waterproof protection.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter is a well-balanced two-person trekking pole tent that targets three-season backpackers seeking roomy, reliable shelter without the highest ultralight price. It earns its place by combining generous interior space and multiple tie-outs for stable pitches, making it more livable than minimalist shelters while generally costing less than a DCF Duplex and offering better weather coverage than some budget tarp-style shelters. For those who want a comfortable two-person A-frame experience on a reasonable budget, the Lunar Duo Outfitter hits a middle ground between weight, cost, and comfort.
Featherweight pack
Sprawling interior
Moon-ready ventilation
Single-wall silnylon construction offers durable waterproof protection.
Designed around trekking poles with dual doors for easy access.
Featherweight pack
Sprawling interior
Moon-ready ventilation
Single-wall silnylon construction offers durable waterproof protection.
Designed around trekking poles with dual doors for easy access.
$600-750 USD
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 USD
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 USD
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 USD