When you’re miles deep into the wilderness, carrying less means moving faster, freer, and with more clarity. These ultralight tarp setups have earned their place in my pack through storms, heatwaves, and alpine dawns. They strike the balance between simplicity and shelter, offering protection without the burden. Whether you’re chasing summits or stargazing solo, these are the shelters I trust when space is tight and every ounce matters.

1. REI Co-op Trailmade 1 Tent with Footprint

The REI Co-op Trailmade 1 is a solo tent tailored for lightweight backpackers. It includes a pre-attached footprint and a freestanding dome design that simplifies setup in varied environments.

Weighing under 4 lbs, it provides decent interior space for one person and gear. The full-coverage rainfly ensures protection against rain and wind without compromising portability.

Pros:

• Comes with footprint

• Simple, freestanding setup

• Weather-protective fly

• Budget-friendly option

• Color-coded poles

Cons:

• Slightly heavy for ultralight category

• Single-door access

• Limited vestibule space

• Narrow peak height

• Basic ventilation features

Price: $179.00

2. Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 Tent

The Nimbus UL 1 is designed for minimalist solo backpackers who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing storm performance. Its proprietary ripstop fly is made from solution-dyed recycled materials for sustainability.

The compact footprint and single-hub pole structure help reduce weight while maintaining a stable geometry in windy conditions. The tent weighs just 2 lbs. 1 oz.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight

• Sustainable materials

• Stable pole structure

• Easy to pack down

• Rainfly offers full coverage

Cons:

• Tight interior space

• One-door access

• Vestibule could be larger

• Condensation management limited

• Not freestanding

Price: $400.00

3. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent

The Copper Spur UL1 offers high-volume architecture for solo travelers seeking comfort in a lightweight package. Double doors and vestibules, rare in solo tents, enhance livability.

Crafted with ultralight yet durable materials, it includes functional features like gear loft loops, storm flaps, and a hubbed pole design. It’s well-suited for long-distance backpacking.

Pros:

• Dual doors and vestibules

• Spacious for 1P tent

• Lightweight but durable

• Easy freestanding design

• Good gear organization

Cons:

• Higher price point

• Fabric requires gentle handling

• Vestibule zippers can snag

• May need extra guy lines in wind

• Small stake-out space required

Price: $449.95 

4. NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 1P Tent

Pros:

• Water-repellent OSMO fabric

• Generous vestibule space

• Lightweight and compact

• Good wind resistance

• Excellent interior organization

Cons:

• Premium pricing

• Slight learning curve for setup

• Fabric may stain easily

• No footprint included

• Tight for taller users

Price: $449.95

5. MSR Elixir 1 Tent with Footprint

The MSR Elixir 1 includes a footprint and offers excellent durability with Xtreme Shield waterproof coating. It features a freestanding design, ample headroom, and a large side door.

Although slightly heavier than some ultralight models, it makes up for it with comfort, weather protection, and durability, suitable for multi-season trips.

Pros:

• Comes with footprint

• Roomy head and foot space

• Freestanding for easy setup

• Strong materials

• Full-coverage rainfly

Cons:

• Heavier than other ultralights

• Limited ventilation

• Only one vestibule

• Slight bulk when packed

• Smaller interior pockets

Price: $269.95

6. Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 Tent

Pros:

• Tension Ridge maximizes airflow

• Spacious headroom

• Excellent ventilation options

• Durable yet lightweight materials

• Packs small

Cons:

• Semi-freestanding limits pitch options

• Footprint not included

• One-door access

• Smaller vestibule space

• Premium price

Price: $375.00

7. The North Face Trail Lite 2 Tent

The Trail Lite 2 is a two-person freestanding tent that balances interior space with a weight-conscious build. Its symmetrical design and hubbed poles offer quick setup and efficient use of interior volume.

Despite its low weight, it includes large vestibules for gear storage and multiple mesh panels for improved airflow, making it suitable for 3-season use.

Pros:

• Generous space for two

• Dual doors and vestibules

• Efficient pole architecture

• Good weather resistance

• Reasonable weight for capacity

Cons:

• A bit heavier than 1P tarps

• Interior mesh not fully enclosed

• No included footprint

• Vestibule stakes needed for full protection

• Not for harsh winter use

Price: $325.00

8. Mountainsmith Morrison Evo 2 Tent with Footprint

The Morrison Evo 2 is a two-person tent with a strong value proposition. It includes a footprint and gear loft, with a freestanding dome design that performs well in wind and moderate rain.

Color-coded poles and clips simplify pitching, while the double-door layout improves access. It weighs more than minimalist options but offers dependable comfort and space.

Pros:

• Includes footprint and gear loft

• Dual doors and vestibules

• Easy freestanding setup

• Great value for features

• Durable fabrics

Cons:

• Heavier than ultralight norms

• Bulkier packed size

• Not ideal for long-distance trips

• Basic ventilation features

• Limited vertical wall area

Price: $229.95

9. Kammok Sunda 2.0 Tent with Footprint

The Kammok Sunda 2.0 is a hybrid tent-hammock system built for versatility. It functions as a standalone tent, an ultralight tarp shelter, or a suspended hammock shelter, depending on terrain.

With multiple configuration options and waterproof, seam-taped fabrics, it’s ideal for explorers who need flexibility without carrying separate gear systems.

Pros:

• Converts between tent and hammock

• Integrated rainfly and footprint

• High versatility in terrain use

• Waterproof and seam-sealed

• Ample interior space

Cons:

• Complex setup for beginners

• Heavy compared to single-mode tents

• Bulky when packed

• Limited market availability

• Learning curve for hammock mode

Price: $429.95 

10. Marmot Limelight Ultralight 2-Person Tent

The Marmot Limelight Ultralight 2P offers a lightweight version of its classic model, redesigned for minimalist backpackers. With pre-bent poles and vertical walls, it maximizes livable space.

The full-coverage rainfly and footprint (included) ensure solid protection in stormy weather. It’s a durable, compact shelter suitable for hikers wanting two-person comfort in a lighter build.

Pros:

• Included footprint

• Tall walls increase space

• Easy setup with color-coded clips

• Full rainfly for protection

• Roomy vestibules

Cons:

• Bulkier than solo ultralights

• Higher cost for 2P capacity

• Ventilation may be limited in rain

• Zippers can snag under tension

• Heavier than minimalist designs

Price: $479.00