Ultralight 2 Person Tents – The best of the best

Are you in the market for a new backpacking tent for you and your partner? Or are you a solo hiker wanting more space than your 1-person tent affords you? If you answer “yes” to either of those, then an ultralight 2 person tent is a great option! Not only does a 2 person tent give you more space, ultralight versions can reduce your base weight – not just by ounces, but by pounds!

There are a lot of great options available, and I am going to highlight 7 ultralight 2 person tents that I recommend above all others. They are:

1. Zpacks Duplex
2. Gossamer Gear The Two
3. Tarptent MoTrail
4. Nemo Hornet 2P
5. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2
6. Dan Durston X-Mid Tent 2P
7. Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo

As a bonus, at the end I will tell you about a lightweight tent that is extremely budget friendly and might suit your needs perfectly!

Please note, that these tents are intended for backpacking purposes. If you are interested in tents for camping, these can work but you might want to consider dedicated camping tents. If you are unsure of the difference, read about it in my backpacking vs camping tent article.

1.  Zpacks Duplex

Possibly the most popular choice among thru-hikers, the Zpacks Duplex is my top recommendation for an ultralight 2 person backpacking tent. Like most tents on this list, the Duplex uses two trekking poles for quick and easy setup. It is made with DCF (Dyneema Composite Frabric) making it lightweight and waterproof. Additionally, it offers a very high strength-to-weight ratio. However, this comes with a larger price tag.

The Duplex has 28.13 square feet of floor space which affords a solo hiker plenty of room for a gear explosion inside. It also offers several color options with higher strength DCF. And because it is made from DCF, you can get by without having to use a tent footprint.

Setup of the Zpacks Duplex is simple, and the tent can be pitched in only a matter of minutes. While it is quick and easy to pitch, it does require the use of 8 stakes. And because it is a single-wall tent, condensation is inevitable in certain conditions.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent the best

Among all the tents on this list, the Zpacks Duplex is the lightest. Because of this, thru-hikers love this tent and most are satisfied with its durability over the course of 2,000 plus miles. And at only 19oz and still being a 2-person tent, it is simply hard to beat, which is why the Duplex takes the top spot.

2. Gossamer Gear The Two

The Two from Gossamer Gear is another great ultralight 2 person tent, weighing only 23.5 ounces (minus stakes, stuff sack, and cordage). It is made from a ripstop nylon to prevent large tears in the tent body. But to keep this tent light, it is only 10D nylon, so it is rather thin. Plus, like the Duplex, it is a single wall tent, meaning condensation can be an issue.

A minimum of six stakes are required to set up The Two. However, it comes with eight stakes weighing 11 grams each. And because it is a 2 person tent, the Two offers plenty of space for your gear and yourself.

With the 10D nylon, a tent footprint is recommended, but there are some excellent ultralight options, like this polycro sheet from Six Moon Designs. And to top it off, The Two comes in at almost $300 cheaper than the Duplex, so the extra ounces might be worth the savings. And you still get a great, ultralight tent.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

Gossamer Gear’s The Two is great because it is ultralight at a more affordable price than the Duplex from Zpacks, plus it offers plenty of space (26.25 sq ft) for a solo hiker. There is plenty of head room and the setup of The Two is quick and easy. While the 10D fabric might be a little delicate, the rip-stop should prevent any large tears. The Two also includes 8 ultralight stakes, which do not come with the Duplex.

3. Tarptent MoTrail

The Tarptent MoTrail is the 2-person version of the ProTrail, the tent I personally use. Having used the ProTrail, I have come to realize I want more space. Enter the MoTrail.

The MoTrail only weighs 34 ounces, and that includes the stuff sack, stakes, guy lines, and a removable strut (for using dual poles at the entrance). It is made from a 30D silicone coated waterproof fabric, but the seams will require sealing. You can pay Tarptent for this or do it yourself. It’s pretty easy with this kit or you can purchase the kit from Tarptent.

The MoTrail offers enough space for one person (it is still a 2-person tent). However, the space is somewhat limited as there is only room for your feet at the tail end of the tent. Only near the entrance can an average height person sit up, plus there is only one door. And like most ultralight tents, the MoTrail is single walled, so expect condensation from time to time.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

Maneuverability inside the MoTrail is limited. However, it offers enough space for solo hikers. And being a tent that you can pitch in less than 2 minutes with only four stakes is hard to beat (though I do recommend using more). And what really helps boost the MoTrail’s favorability on this list, is that you get a spacious, ultralight, easy-to-set-up tent for only around $265!

4. Nemo Hornet 2P

Up until this point, all the tents mentioned have been trekking pole tents. The Nemo Hornet 2P is a semi-freestanding tent and uses a single, lightweight pole. With only one pole, the Hornet sets up very quickly and maintains an ultralight weight at only 38 ounces.

While the Hornet 2P is the heaviest tent thus far on the list, it is very comparable weight-wise to other ultralight tents, and that is with a tent pole. And if you want to save a few additional ounces, you can upgrade to the Hornet Elite 2P. Both versions are double wall tents, so condensation is less of an issue.

The Nemo Hornet 2P is made from 10D ripstop nylon on the sides and fly, and 15D ripstop nylon on the floor. The ripstop helps, but the material is still thin. However, this allows it to stay ultralight. A footprint is recommended for the Hornet, but again, ultralight (and cheap) options are available.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

Having an ultralight, double wall tent is perfect for someone who worries about condensation. That is what the Nemo Hornet 2P offers. Like the previous tents on the list, the Hornet is still spacious enough for one person and is easy to set up. Plus, you get a tent that is more structurally solid and for only around $370.

5. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2

Much like the Nemo Hornet, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 is an ultralight, semi-freestanding tent. It weighs slightly less than the Hornet 2P and costs around the same. It is also double walled, but it does have a more complex pole system, which may be a little more cumbersome to carry.

Big Agnes does not put a denier on their fabric, but rest assured it is something thin and they recommend using a footprint with it. And this tent only has one door, which is the main reason it falls behind the Nemo Hornet.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

Again, the Fly Creek is similar to the Nemo Hornet 2P. The double wall construction means condensation is going to be less of an issue and any tent that uses tent poles is going to be more structurally sound than a trekking pole tent. You have plenty of space in the Fly Creek, it’s still ultralight, and you can even minimize the weight by ditching the tent body and only using the fly since it can be set up independently.

If you want an even lighter version, check out the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Carbon.

6. Dan Durston X-Mid Tent 2P

The X-Mid Tent 2P is an Amazon special designed by Dan Durston and sold by Drop. Unlike so many of the no-name backpacking gear you find on Amazon, the Dan Durston X-Mid Tents are top notch.

The X-Mid Tent 2P is a 2-person trekking pole tent that sets up easily and only requires four stakes. It is made with 20D 420T 100-percent polyester fabric, which is stronger than most of the previous tents on the list, and it is double walled.

The only negative I see with the X-Mid is availability, which is why this tent is not higher on the list right now. The tent is so popular that it sells out fast, making it hard to get your hands on one. And do not be fooled by any 3^rd parties trying to sell this tent at marked-up prices, sometimes twice the actual price from the manufacturer. When these tents are available, expect to pay around $300.

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

The crowning feature if the X-Mid Tent 2P is you get a double wall trekking pole tent, so there is no need to worry about carrying unwieldly tent poles. The $300 normal price tag is very generous for an ultralight tent, especially when compared to other double wall tents of about the same weight. It might not be as lightweight as the Zpacks Duplex or the Gossamer Gear The Two, but condensation will be less of an issue.

7. Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer

The Lunar Duo Explorer from Six Moon Designs is made from a 30D silicone coated nylon and cost $375. Weighing in at 45 ounces, it is the heaviest backpacking tent on the list, but still under three pounds.

The Lunar Duo sets up easily, requiring six stakes and the use of two arched poles for an adequate pitch. Six Moon Designs does recommend using a footprint with this tent and you can easily add a polycro or Tyvek one for a low cost (the polycro is lighter).

What makes this ultralight 2 person tent great

The Lunar Duo Explorer is probably the most spacious of all the tents on this list, offering 34 square feet of floor space. The vestibules add an additional 12 square feet to help keep your gear sheltered from the elements.

Bonus – River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2

As promised, a budget friendly bonus tent, the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2!

The Trekker Tent 2.2 cost less than $60 and weighs 44 ounces. Plus, it offers enough space for a solo hiker. It is a trekking pole tent, so setup is simple and only takes a couple of minutes.

The Trekker Tent 2.2 is on the heavier side and it is single walled so, once again, condensation will rear its ugly head at some point. The tent only has one door, and there is no vestibule, or at least not a considerable one. But for such a low price, the RCP Trekker Tent 2.2 is a steal!

If you are new to backpacking and just want to test the waters, or you have a tight budget, the RCP Trekker Tent 2.2 might be the right tent for you! Also check out my article on beginner backpacking gear for under $200 if you are looking to get your feet wet on a budget.

How to choose an ultralight 2 person tent

The tents listed above are all great options, so how do you know which is the best for you? I recommend considering the following:

Some of these factors are more important than others, but it depends on your preferences to determine what those are. Let us briefly discuss the significance of each.

Floor space

For a solo hiker using an ultralight 2 person tent, you should have plenty of space. However, for people sharing a tent, more square footage is likely desired. Note that most tents have angled walls, so some floor area is lost due to a low ceiling against those walls. You can pack your gear into these crannies though, so it does not have to be wasted space.

If you are interested in the smallest, lightest tents available, check out my article on the smallest 2-person tents.

Weight

Many of us are willing to sacrifice space or durability for some weight savings. Some are not. Regardless, minding how much a tent weighs is important. Do you want to carry a 5-lb 2-person tent, or would you prefer to carry something 2-lbs or less, even if it does cost more and is less durable?

Headroom

Most tents provide enough headroom for an average height person to sit up, but if you are tall, pay extra attention to this spec. Ultimately, you need to be comfortable in your tent and not having enough headroom may be the deciding factor of if a tent is right for you.

Number of entry doors

The number of doors in a tent might not be a big issue for solo hikers. However, when sharing a tent, each person having their own door to crawl in and out of is ideal. This prevents you from crawling over your partner and disturbing them. One entry door may suffice for 2 people if it is at your head or foot end rather than a side. This allows you to shimmy your way out, but it is still more work.

Double wall vs single wall

Double wall tents have less condensation issues because the inner wall is breathable which allows the fly to be waterproof. Single wall tents consist of one non-breathing, waterproof wall prone to condensation. There are ways you can set up your tent to reduce the risk, but sometimes condensation is unavoidable with single wall tents. If you are concerned about your down sleeping bag getting wet, a double wall tent is the better option.

Freestanding vs semi-freestanding vs non-freestanding

A freestanding tent relies completely on its poles to stay upright. A semi-freestanding tent also relies on its pole(s), but still requires staking for complete support and maximum space. Non-freestanding tents, like the majority on the list above, require staking and trekking poles (or specialized poles) for setup, and maybe even guy lines. These are the lightest options, followed by semi-freestanding tents, like the Nemo Hornet and the BA Fly Creek.

Vestibules

Vestibules are sheltered areas outside of your tent inner body. They are used for storing gear that you do not want inside your inner tent. A solo hiker using a 2 person tent will have plenty of space inside for all their gear, but keeping dirty shoes or soaked clothing within the vestibule is beneficial.

When sharing a 2 person tent, a vestibule, in my opinion, is a necessity. This is because space will be very limited inside your tent and it will get tight once gear starts coming out of your packs. Having a vestibule allows for your packs and gear to be outside of the inner body, but still be sheltered from the elements, thus opening up space for you and your partner.

Tent poles

Tent poles are used to support tents. Freestanding and semi-freestanding tents will use them while non-freestanding tents do not. Keep in mind that tent poles may require special accommodations inside or outside of your pack due to their lengths. Also consider how many tent poles are required to set up a tent. The semi-freestanding tents on this list only use one pole each, but other tents can use 2 or 3 or more.

Price

Last, consider the price of your potential ultralight 2 person backpacking tent. You know what you can afford. The Zpacks Duplex is an awesome tent, but if you don’t have $650 to spend, the Two from Gossamer Gear or the Tarptent MoTrail are excellent options.

Ultralight 2 Person Tent Final Comparison

For your convenience, the table below shows how all these top ultralight 2 person tents stack up against each other.

*weight includes stakes, stuff sack, guylines, patches (if applicable)

There you have it! If you are in the market for a new, ultralight 2 person tent for backpacking, and are looking for the best option, hopefully this list helps you out. It’s not easy deciding to drop a few hundred dollars, so when we do, we want to make sure we get it right. Every ultralight backpacking tent listed above is a quality tent in some fashion and I doubt you can go wrong with any of them. However, make sure to do further research if you are still undecided.