Best one-person tents for 2025 | Tested and reviewed

A backpacking tent is your ticket to a magical wild camping experience. It’ll be your home away from home, keeping you safe, dry and comfortable in any weather. Here’s what to look out for.

Selection of one-person tents being tested by LFTO team with LFTO Tried and Tested award

by Matt Jones and James Forrest |
Updated on

Solo backpacking presents a unique mental and physical challenge, one that draws on all your hiking skills, knowledge and experience of spending a night in a one-person tent. After all, responsibility for every decision lies with a single person: you.

There’s no one else to blame if you get lost, cold, wet or hungry. Similarly, you’re responsible for carrying all your gear – including your one-person tent - for keeping yourself safe and for getting out of trouble if something goes wrong.

The portable and packable roof over your head, is arguably the most important. There's a lot to consider – namely, weight, size, durability, features, protection, interior space and price – and balancing these competing priorities can be tricky.

If protection is your number one consideration, opt for a bombproof tent with an aerodynamic profile, high hydrostatic head (HH) rating like 3,000mm+, bathtub-style floor and flush-to-the-ground flysheet. However, it'll be heavier, more expensive, and the tapered walls will feel cramped.

If space and comfort are more important to you, choose a tent with a skeletal pole structure, high walls, good headroom, well-sized vestibule and impressive dimensions – but it may not cope as well with torrential rain and high winds. You may even find that a two-person model may suit you better.

Inevitably, everything has a trade-off. Choosing the right tent can be a minefield – which is why we’ve tested a range of one-person backpacking tents and selected our favourites to help you tackle any trail this summer.

What are the best one-person tents of 2025?

Snow Peak Lago 1 and a nice wee dug
©LFTO

Best in Test: MSR Hubba NX Solo

Best Value: Alpkit Ultra 1

Best for liveability: Sea To Summit Alto TR1 Plus

Best for Sustainability: Exped Mira 1 HL

How we tested the best one-person tents

Exped Mira 1 HL tent pole system
©LFTO

We borrowed a test sample of all of the above brands for several weeks, mainly wild camping in the hills and mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). This included backpacking stretches of several classic long-distance trails such as the Snowdonia Slate Trail (Llwybr Llechi Eryri), the Cambrian Way (Taith Cambria) and the Snowdonia Way (High Route). We also put a few through their paces during some stormy solo wild camps in the Lakes.

Your reviewers are Matt Jones, and James Forrest two of Live For The Outdoors' and Trail magazine’s regular gear testers. Matt and James are both experienced wild campers, backpackers and long-distance walkers.

Between them, they've completed numerous trails end to end in the UK, including the Pennine Way, the Cambrian Way, the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way. Matt has also hiked extensively in the US, Spain, Scandinavia and New Zealand. While James prefers to disappear into the Swiss Alps for months at a time.

Best one-person tents reviewed:

Best in test

Expert rating:
4.5
LFTO

MSR are onto a winner here. The cleverly-designed skeletal pole has a wishbone shape at one end and a transverse pole at the central peak (known as an “overhead spreader bar”), with the inner clipping tightly to this frame. This creates near-vertical walls, maximum head room and excellent tension to the inner, ensuring a generous rectangular footprint.

You also get a decent-sized vestibule. Pitching is inner-first and the structure is semi-freestanding. The inner has lots of mesh for ventilation and clever zippers that always close to a single point. The hydrostatic heads aren’t particularly high (1,200mm for both the groundsheet and flysheet), but the high-tech tent materials are well-proven.

The flysheet features PU and silicone coatings and has a tight, high-density thread – an approach that guarantees waterproofing, according to MSR’s gear boffins. There are some flaws. A big worry is the flysheet cut-out – a weight-saving innovation that exposes the (albeit waterproof) inner and feels like a weak-spot that could fail in very wet conditions.

Furthermore the steep walls can “catch” the wind, the mesh inner is cold and draughty and the groundsheet is on the thin side. But, overall, this tent is a gram-saving revelation – so much comfort for 909g is quite remarkable.

Read our full MSR FreeLite 1 review here

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Excellent internal space
  • Effective ventilation
  • Taut structure

Cons

  • Underwhelming waterproofing stats
  • Not the most weather resistant
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort/Spaciousness
    5.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
RRP£450 / $435
Internal dimensions (LxW)221 x 84cm
Internal peak height100cm
Packed size50 x 12cm
Weight909g / 32oz

Best value

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO
Price: £169.99

alpkit.com

The superbly-priced Soloist XL is a favourite of budget-conscious, bargain-loving backpackers. You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck with this two-skin tent, which strikes a good balance between weight (1,383g), functionality and durability.

A smaller Alpkit Soloist is £20 cheaper and officially 118g lighter, but 20cm shorter in length (yet with the same width and height dimensions). The XL version is better suited to taller campers, therefore.

Pitching the tent is usually inner-first, with a single central pole – which forks into a wishbone Y shape at each end via a hub connector – creating a freestanding structure onto which the inner is suspended. Over this goes the 15-denier, silicone-coated, 3,000mm-rated flysheet, providing three-season weather protection.

The 20-denier, PU coated ripstop nylon groundsheet is 5,000mm rated. If we’re being fussy, the shape of the Soloist – a thin, wedge-like spine with a ridge-y profile – is a bit odd. The high side walls can “catch” the wind if you get a side-on gust, and the lack of a cross pole means the internal headroom is quite narrow.

Internal spaciousness is average, not palatial, and the door design may polarise opinion. But all in all, for £170 it’s a bargain with impressive performance.

Read our full Alpkit Soloist XL review here

Pros

  • Superb value for money
  • Lightweight
  • Good weatherproofing

Cons

  • Narrow and low inside
  • Poor door design
  • Weatherproofing
    5.0
  • Comfort/spaciousness
    3.0
  • Features
    3.0
  • Weight
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
RRP:£170 / $230
Internal dimensions (LxW):220 x 95cm
Internal peak height:95cm
Packed size:45 x 14cm
Weight:1,383g / 3lb 1oz

Best for ultra light backpackers

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO

This niche tent is only suitable for ultralight thru-hikers – it’s not designed for the mass market. But, if you’re a gram-counting, fast-hiking camper, Gossamer Gear’s The One – a single-skin shelter erected using trekking poles – is a total dream.

It’s outrageously lightweight (597g) with a surprisingly roomy, comfy and liveable interior and solid all-round levels of protection, stability and performance. I wild camped in this tent for 23 nights last summer while walking the 1,014km South West Coast Path and I loved it – it was perfect for my fast’n’light needs.

But other hillwalkers might despise the design. It’s certainly a polarising approach. The pros? The low weight is phenomenal, the porch is sizeable, the mesh-centric design offers excellent ventilation, and the trapezoidal shape (with widened horizontal peak) creates difficult-to-believe levels of head room and liveability.

The cons? In bad weather, the trekking pole set-up is less stable than “normal” tents, the high walls are vulnerable to side gusts, the mesh design can be cold and draughty, you only get one layer of protection from rain, and one side wall is particularly vulnerable to water ingress. But who cares when it’s this ultralight? For spring and summer hiking in fair weather, this tent is the one.

Read our full Gossamer Gear The One review here

Pros

  • Amazingly lightweight and packable
  • Surprisingly spacious
  • Ideal for ultralight enthusiasts

Cons

  • Suitable for mild weather only
  • Can be hard to avoid condensation
  • Weatherproofing
    3.0
  • Comfort/Spaciousness
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
RRP£300 / $255
Internal dimensions (LxW)213 x 84cm
Internal peak height114cm
Packed size30 x 12cm
Weight597g / 21oz

Best extra features

Expert rating:
4.5
LFTO

If you want a dome-shaped, high-walled tent with superb internal liveability at an ultralight weight, there are a few products out there that hit the brief – the MSR FreeLite 1, Sea to Summit’s Alto TR1 and this tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1. There’s little to choose between them, in all honesty, and their similarities are significant.

The differences? The FreeLite is the lightest and most minimalist, the Alto probably has the best headroom, but the Copper Spur is (perhaps) the best all-rounder. It’s a fully-featured, well-executed tent with loads of top-notch design features.

You get a sizeable porch, superb door set-up (including awning option), wonderfully taut structure, and excellent internal storage options (including a “floating”, off-the-floor “shelf”). It weighs just 1,117g and packs away to 46x12cm, yet delivers loads of internal space with great headroom and steep walls (although it’s not the widest).

It’s the same old downfalls: the mesh inner is cold and draughty, wind-resistance is ok but not great, and the hydrostatic head rating is only 1,500mm. But Big Agnes’ new eco-friendly HyperBead tent fabric certainly feels very premium – it’s 25% more waterproof and 6% lighter than previous versions, as well as PFAS-free, according to the American thru-hiking brand.

Read our full Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 review here

Pros

  • Impressive tent fabric
  • Clever gear storage 'shelf'
  • Sizeable vestibule
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent liveability

Cons

  • Not as light as we'd hope for the price
  • Not the most weather resistant
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort/Spaciousness
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Weight
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
RRP:£450 / $450
Internal dimensions (LxW):224 x 97cm
Internal peak height:97cm
Packed size:46 x 12cm
Weight:1,117g / 2lb 7oz

Best sustainability credentials

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO

If you love Terra Nova’s approach but can’t afford its prices, then its sub-brand Wild Country – which offers simple, good value products utilising Terra Nova’s own design and quality standards – is exactly what you’re looking for.

We’re big fans. So much so, in fact, that the Zephyros Compact 1 was a former LFTO Best Value winner and the Helm Compact 1 won our prestigious Gear of the Year title.

And the brand is at it again with the new-for-2025 Halny Elite 1, which is replacing the now discontinued Zephyros. It’s a tunnel-shaped tent with a proven design: single central hooped pole and two strut poles at each end, creating a low-profile, aerodynamic, wind-resistant shelter.

The waterproofing qualities are similarly impressive, courtesy of the 20-denier, 4,000mm-rated flysheet and 70-denier, 5,000mm-rated groundsheet. Both are PFC-free and feature recycled materials, thus enhancing the environmental credentials. You get a good-sized porch and some innovative venting orientations, but it’s not a perfect tent.

Internally it feels a tad cramped, particularly compared to dome tents. There’s not amazing headroom, the suspended inner feels a bit droopy and enclosing, and the footprint has a substantial taper. But, overall, this is an excellent value tent with loads more positives than negatives.

Read our full Wild Country Halny Elite 1 review here

Pros

  • Recycled materials
  • Excellent weather resistance
  • Impressive value for money
  • Well-executed construction
  • Awning feature
  • Innovative venting options

Cons

  • Inner can fell a little droopy
  • Less spacious than dome tents
  • Weatherproofing
    5.0
  • Comfort/Spaciousness
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
RRP£270
Internal dimensions (LxW)220 x 98cm
Internal peak height96cm
Packed size40 x 15cm
Weight1371g / 48oz

Best for frequent campers

Expert rating:
3.5
LFTO

This is about as light as a three-season, one-person tent gets without having to pay silly prices. At just 1,250g the weight is really impressive for just £215, yet despite the ultra-light design liveability and weatherproofing are good too.

The flysheet has a solid 3,000mm hydrostatic head while the 70-denier groundsheet (with 10cm bathtub-style waterproof lip) is 6,000mm rated – reassuringly high stats that should guarantee a dry night even in heavy rain. Fully taped seams and all-as-one pitching further enhance the suitability for Britain’s wet climate.

The hybrid tunnel shape, constructed with one pre-bent central pole and one shorter pole at each end, is a reliable design and should brace against winds effectively. A partly-mesh inner door and further triangular mesh vents at each end help increase airflow and reduce the likelihood of condensation. The vestibule is rather thin, meaning a large rucksack will probably press against the outer and inner, and internal space isn’t the roomiest.

But overall comfort is comparable to most other one-person tents with similar designs – and for the weight, features and all-round performance, the F10 Helium UL1 is an inflation-defying bargain. In fact, it cost £260 in 2021 when we last reviewed it - it’s now £215!

Read our full Vango Helium F10 UL1 review here

Pros

  • Well priced
  • Superb price-to-weight ratio
  • Impressive HH ratings
  • Versatile and weatherproof
  • Outer first pitching

Cons

  • Narrow porch
  • A bit tight inside
  • Fiddly tension band system
  • Outer first pitching technique is awkward
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort/Spaciousness
    3.0
  • Features
    3.0
  • Weight
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
RRP£215 / $270
Internal dimensions (LxW)210 x 95cm
Internal peak height95cm
Packed size35 x 13cm
Weight1250g / 44oz

BEST IN TEST

Expert rating:
4.5
LFTO

It would be no exaggeration to say that when it comes to lightweight tents for solo backpacking and wild camping, MSR’s Hubba NX is a true modern classic. The freestanding design is impressively lightweight, with a compact packed size that’ll happily fit in most rucksacks. It’s easy to pitch and sturdy enough for 3-season camping, while the tent’s symmetrical geometry and non-tapered floor maximise interior space. All of which ensures it’s a pleasant and comfortable space to rest, recuperate and recover after a hard day’s adventuring, whether you’re walking a long-distance trail or wild camping in the hills and mountains.

The familiar hubbed pole system has an integrated spreader bar for improved interior headroom. It has a symmetrical rectangular footprint that feels inherently more stable than the tripod designs of rivals like the Sea to Summit Alto TR1, the EXPED Mira 1 HL or the NEMO Hornet. The MSR also has steep walls at both the head and foot ends, ensuring lots of liveable space. In terms of floor area, it measures 75cm wide by 215cm long. Headroom is just as generous, with an apex height of 92cm. That’s ample space to sit upright, even if you’re over six foot.

The tent is well-built, with first-rate materials and components. This includes reinforced webbing at all pegging points, with quick adjust buckles and anodised aluminium hardware. The flysheet provides good all-round coverage and the design feels robust and protective enough for three-season use in the UK, with four guy lines to keep it securely anchored.

The dark green colour of the flysheet makes the Hubba NX a sensible choice for inconspicuous wild camps, as it is stealthy and unobtrusive. Weight is competitive for a one-person tent, though it’s worth noting that the pack size is a little longer and chunkier than some rivals, which makes the tent a bit trickier to stash in smaller packs.

What you get for your money though is an excellent lightweight backpacking tent that delivers tried and tested performance for three-season UK use, along with perhaps the best balance of protection, liveability, weight and packed size on the market.

Read our full MSR Hubba NX review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quick and easy to pitch
  • Great interior space
  • Large vestibule

Cons

  • Some rival tents pack down a little smaller
  • Not the cheapest
  • Pitches inner first
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Weight
    4.5
  • Packed size
    4.5
  • Value
    4.0
  • Sustainability
    4.0
TypeFreestanding
Weight1.12kg
Packed size46 x 15cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
Inner20D ripstop nylon
FlyRipstop nylon w/ Durashield polyurethane (PU) and silicone coating, 1200mm HH
GroundsheetGroundsheet 30D ripstop nylon w/ DuraShield polyurethane and DWR, 3000mm HH
PolesDAC Featherlite NFL

Best price for carbon fibre poles

Expert rating:
4.5
LFTO
Price: £299.99

alpkit.com

The Alpkit Ultra 1 is exactly what its name suggests: an ultralight solo shelter. Designed for multi-day adventures, it’s a 3-season backpacking tent that ought to work well for wild camping weekends, backpacking trips or weight-conscious mountain marathons and adventure races. With its compact packed size, it would also fit easily on a bike frame, making it a viable option for bikepackers too.

Technologically advanced, it employs ultralight fabrics and a carbon fibre pole set. This ensures that it packs small and weighs an impressively svelte 900g. All that for a UK RRP of £300 – in classic Alpkit style, this new offering seems to provide plenty of bang for your buck.

The design is freestanding, which makes it easy to move the tent if you need to hunt around for the flattest piece of ground. It does need to be pitched inner first, which is less ideal if you’re setting up camp in the rain, but it goes up quickly and easily. The pole system has an unusual but effective offset integrated spreader bar, designed to offer slightly improved liveability and a wider door entry. Chunky pole clips and an intuitive colour-coding system ensure that setup is simple and straightforward.   

There’s a single internal storage pocket for essentials and a hanging hook for a tent lantern. The single vestibule is a good size. It’s roomy enough to stash boots and a pack, whilst still leaving space to cook if needed. The flysheet door also has a well-designed curved zipper that ensures easy entry/exit and rarely jams or snags. It’s an excellent feature.

The Ultra 1 is a technologically advanced tent with an impressive sub-1kg weight and small packed size. At around £200 cheaper than comparable carbon fibre poled tents, it’s arguably good value too. However, if you’re not a committed ultralighter, you might want to look elsewhere, since you can buy roomier, cheaper and more robust solo tents, albeit with an added weight penalty.

Read our full Alpkit Ultra 1 Tent review

Pros

  • Exceptionally lightweight
  • Quick and easy to pitch
  • Roomy vestibule

Cons

  • Not the toughest fabrics
  • Limited headroom
  • Pitches inner first
  • Weatherproofing
    5.0
  • Comfort
    3.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    5.0
  • Packed size
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Sustainability
    5.0
TypeFreestanding
Weight900g (plus optional 125g groundsheet)
Packed size42 x 12cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
Inner15D No-See-Um mosquito mesh, PFC-free, fire-retardant free
Fly10D Nylon coated ripstop nylon with PU backer, PFC-free, fire-retardant free
Groundsheet15D ripstop nylon PU (5000mm HH), PFC-free, fire-retardant free
PolesCarbon fibre

BEST 3-season 1-person tent

Expert rating:
4.0
Wild Country Helm Compact 1 best 1-person tent for hikingLFTO

This (relatively) bargain tent has many great advantages, and one major drawback. We’ll kick off with the good stuff…

With the general cost of living being high, spending money on a tent is not a priority. But even for those of us lucky enough to still be able to pursue our hobbies, money is tight. For would-be wild campers, then, the Helm Compact 1 is a godsend. It’s rare to find a tent for less than £300, let alone one that performs so superbly.

It’s a well-proportioned, free-standing one-person dome tent that packs down to a compact size. Ultra-lighters may turn their nose up at the weight stats, but for most of us sub 2kg is a perfectly acceptable weight for a reliable one-person shelter.

And it’s tough – we’ve witnessed one of these withstand a wintery battering in north Wales, performing as well as the tent pitched next to it that had a price tag nearly 4x that of the Helm.

So what’s the bad news? These things are so popular that they’re currently rare as hen’s teeth. Which is frustrating, as there really are few alternatives to compete on this level. Still, keep your fingers crossed and your eyes open and you might just find one...

Read our full Wild Country Helm Compact 1 review

Pros

  • Free standing
  • Tough, durable construction
  • Good value

Cons

  • Not the lightest
  • Weatherproofing
    5.0
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    3.5
  • Packed size
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Sustainability
    3.5
TypeFreestanding
Weight1.99kg (plus optional 125g groundsheet)
Packed size35 x 17cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
Inner68D polyester
Fly68D ripstop poyester w/ PU cotaing (4000mm HH)
Groundsheet68D ripstop polyester w/ PU coating (5000mm HH)
Poles8.5mm WC Superflex Alloy

Best budget one-person tent

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO

The idea that you need to spend several hundred pounds in order to get a decent backpacking tent is now defunct thanks to the OLPRO Solo.

There have been budget tents before but none are that good, either too bulky, not tough enough, or both.

With an RRP of £125 the Solo is a true bargain. It's basic but it does the essential stuff well (weather protection, lightweight, and decent sleeping space) and that's what matters. At 1.8kg it's not the lightest tent of its type but it's still light enough and packs away reasonably small.

It pitches outer first or all-in-one and the flysheet has a good waterproof rating and extends almost all the way to the ground. The vestibule isn't huge, however. There's enough space for boots and a small or medium sized pack. But anything 50+ litres struggles to fit.

Read our full OLPRO Solo review

Pros

  • Arguably best value solo tent on the market
  • Pitches outer first or all-in-one
  • Good weatherproofing
  • Reasonably sustainable
  • Moderately spacious interior

Cons

  • Isn't as lightweight or compact as some more premium rivals
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Features
    3.5
  • Weight
    3.5
  • Packed size
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Sustainability
    4.0
TypeSingle hooped pole (non freestanding)
Weight1.8kg
Packed size45 x 14cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
InnerPolyester
FlyRecycled polyester (5000mm HH)
GroundsheetSewn-in bathtub style
PolesAluminium

Best for liveability

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO
Price: £472.49 (RRP £490)

www.alpinetrek.co.uk

The Alto TR1 Plus from Aussie outdoor brand Sea to Summit is a double-skinned solo tent designed for lightweight backpacking. It’s described as a ‘3+ season’ model, intended to enable use into the so-called ‘shoulder seasons’ of early spring and late autumn, thanks to more weatherproof fabrics. This is what distinguishes the ‘Plus’ version from the standard model. We’d say it’s worth the upgrade.

It is slightly more expensive, but features a full fabric inner, which is considerably warmer than mesh, plus upgraded waterproofing for the bathtub groundsheet (improved from 1200mm to 2500mm hydrostatic head). For UK use, it’s therefore much better suited to general wild camping and long-distance, as well as multi-day walks in the hills and mountains.

The Alto also strikes a good balance between low weight and liveable space. The major innovation in design terms is a wishbone-style spreader bar that the brand calls Tension Ridge architecture. This increases head height, creates more volume overall and improves airflow through the tent. It also helps to keep the tent walls taut, reducing bowing and buckling in breezy conditions.

The overall coverage of the flysheet is pretty good for a three-season tent. It also feels stable, and extra guy-out points made from sturdy reflective webbing tape enable you to add reinforcement in gusty conditions. Extra guy lines (x4) and pegs (x2) are supplied with the tent. You may well need these, since the design does have fairly steep walls, which can occasionally catch the wind in more exposed pitching locations. You also get a repair kit and a pole sleeve in case of emergency.

Sea to Summit’s overall sustainability report is mixed. It would be fair to say the company is ‘on a journey’. As such, it has estimated its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions in order to try and reduce its overall carbon footprint. However, it has not yet put steps in place to offset or limit these emissions.

In truth, there’s not much to choose between this and our 2024 best in test winner, the MSR Hubba NX. Which one to go for depends on your priorities. The Alto TR1 plus does have some unique and innovative features that the Hubba lacks. The Alto also has superior headroom. The weights are comparable, though the Alto TR1 Plus uses marginally less tough and less weatherproof fabrics.

Read our full Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quick and easy to pitch
  • Great interior space
  • Large vestibule

Cons

  • Some rival tents pack down a little smaller
  • Not the best value option
  • Pitches inner first
  • Weatherproofing
    4.0
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Weight
    4.5
  • Packed size
    4.5
  • Value
    3.0
  • Sustainability
    3.0
TypeSemi-freestanding
Weight1.23kg
Packed size46 x 10cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
Inner20D ripstop nylon
FlySilicone and Polyether Poly-Urethane (Sil-PeU) coated 15D fly fabric (1200mm HH)
Groundsheet20D ripstop nylon (2500mm HH)
PolesDAC Featherlite NFL TH72

Best ultralightweight one-person tent

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO
Price: £519.95 (RRP £550)

www.alpinetrek.co.uk

NEMO markets this model as ‘the ultimate ultralight tent for extreme minimalists.’ The specs certainly back this up. It has a minimum trail weight of just 657g (minimum weight includes the inner tent, rain fly, poles and tent pegs, but not the stuff sacks). Yep, you read that right. Even the packed weight is a mere 812g, about the same as a loaf of bread. Which is an impressive feat for a double-skinned design. In fact, on the scales it compares favourably to several ultralight single skin shelters.

This tent uses cutting-edge fabrics that are exclusive to NEMO, in the form of their proprietary OSMO nylon-polyester blend. It’s made from fully recycled fibres and is free from harmful chemicals such as PFC-based water repellent coatings or toxic flame retardants. Meanwhile, the inner tent canopy is made from ultrafine mesh and the pole set uses a hubbed DAC Featherlite NFL TH72 aluminium alloy.

As well as being light in weight, the flysheet fabric is also light in colour. This means that being inside this tent is an airy experience – you almost feel like you’re out in the elements, despite being under cover. However, NEMO claims that OSMO fabric has 3x less stretch than conventional nylon. It wouldn’t be difficult to puncture it though, and we’d say that use of the additional footprint groundsheet (sold separately) is pretty much an essential.

Though the Hornet Elite is described and marketed as a backpacking tent, in reality we’d be hesitant to take it on long-distance classics that involve a lot of upland stretches. If you were forced to pitch in more exposed locations or higher up the hillside, you’d be in for a testing night. It just isn’t designed for blustery, gusty weather.  

Dedicated ultralighters will be familiar with these compromises and prepared to accept them in exchange for the Hornet Elite’s exceptionally low trail weight. It’s one of the lightest double-skinned designs on the market, and this also makes it arguably more protective (and certainly better at managing condensation) than a single skin shelter. It’s also worth pointing out that the price tag, though high, is way less than DCF or carbon fibre ultralight tents.   

Read our full NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 1 review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quick and easy to pitch
  • Great interior space
  • Large vestibule

Cons

  • Some rival tents pack down a little smaller
  • Not the cheapest
  • Pitches inner first
  • Weatherproofing
    2.5
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    5.0
  • Packed size
    5.0
  • Value
    3.0
  • Sustainability
    4.5
TypeFreestanding
Weight812g packed
Packed size 48 x 10cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
InnerNo-See-Um Mesh
FlyOSMO nylon-polyester ripstop blend, 1200mm HH. Made from 100% recycled fibres, PFC-free and flame retardant-free
GroundsheetOSMO nylon-polyester ripstop blend, 1200mm HH. Made from 100% recycled fibres, PFC-free and flame retardant-free
PolesDAC Featherlite NFL 8.7 mm TH72M, green anodizing

Highly recommended

Expert rating:
4.0
LFTO
Price: £515.49 (RRP £580)

www.alpinetrek.co.uk

The Mira 1 HL (‘Hyperlite’) is a lightweight backpacking tent that Exped says is “perfect for short trips in moderate climates”. That suggests a design suitable for 2-to-3 season use, primarily for overnight wild camps or backpacking trips from a few days up to a couple of weeks in duration.
The latest model has a commendably light packed weight of 1.15kg (2.54lbs) but is also intended to offer a balanced combination of space, comfort and trail liveability.

Unfortunately, the design lacks the additional corner struts that you get with some similar rival designs (like the Sea to Summit Alto TR1, for example). This means that the foot end slopes away more sharply, giving you a little less internal space. Despite that slight shortcoming, liveability is still decent. There is an impressive 105cm of headroom at the apex, while the footprint is a true rectangular shape with a total internal length of 215cm and a width of 70cm. There’s ample room for a six-footer to both sit upright and lie out straight. You also get a good-sized porch or vestibule, augmented by a small secondary vestibule at the back of the tent, which can be accessed via a reach-through zipper. This gives quick access to smaller items like water bottles. There are also two storage pockets at the head end and a handy gear hanging line, which comes pre-attached to the ceiling.

The brand is an acknowledged industry leader in sustainability. In fact, Exped calculates all climate emissions from the production and transportation of this product and finances certified climate protection projects through Myclimate to an equal extent. Overall, it scores well on sustainability, but is more of a US-style tent: great for less demanding weather but may not give you everything you need in the shoulder seasons of the UK.

**Read our full Exped Mira 1 HL review
**

Pros

  • Good headroom
  • Good flysheet coverage
  • Practical features including clever rear vestibule design

Cons

  • Not the toughest tent
  • Inner is fairly narrow
  • Steep rear wall can catch the wind
  • Weatherproofing
    3.0
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    4.5
  • Packed size
    4.5
  • Value
    3.0
  • Sustainability
    4.0
TypeFreestanding
Weight1.15kg
Packed size37 x 13cm
Doors1
Vestibules1
Inner15D ripstop nylon and 15D No-See-Um mosquito mesh, DWR C6, flame-retardant free
Fly10D ripstop nylon (silicone and PU coated), 1500mm HH, PFC-free and flame-retardant free
Groundsheet20D nylon (silicon and PU coated), 1200mm HH, PFC-free and flame-retardant free
PolesDAC Featherlite NFL 8.7 mm TH72M, green anodizing

Best backpacking hammock

Expert rating:
4.0

As a left field alternative to tents, there is the hammock. Normally seen in back yards and resorts, those produced by Bali-based company Ticket To The Moon are designed specifically for backpacking and outdoor adventures.

The TTTM model we tested in Scotland was the Pro Mat Hammock. It's a fully featured hammock with everything from a mosquito net to a bungee cord for your boots.

As far as sleeping comfort is concerned, the TTTM Pro Mat Hammock is superb. Suitable for one of two people, you can adjust the ridgeline to find the ideal amount of slack for you, and there is a slot underneath the hammock into which you can insert a sleeping mat for extra comfort if you wish.

It's a great setup for summer thanks to a a highly breathable material (which is also softer and less slippery than tent fabrics). However, TTTM does sell quilts that insulate its hammocks to make them suitable for cold weather use too.

People will of course have questions about weatherproofing. On its own the Pro Mat Hammock has none, but TTTM sells tarps that can be rigged over the top and provide effective rain protection.

At 920g plus straps and a tarp if you're taking one, you're looking at about 1-1.5kg total weight. This is one of TTTM's heavier tarps but it's still lightweight and because there are no poles, is easy to pack into a rucksack.

Other TTTM products used our testing: Lightest Tarp | Lightest Strap

Read our full Ticket To The Moon Pro Mat Hammock review

Pros

  • Adjustable and super comfy sleeping arrangement
  • Lightweight and packable
  • Responsibly made
  • Highly breathable fabric
  • Lots of accessories available
  • Can cater to one of two people

Cons

  • Not weatherproof without a tarp
  • Suspension straps not included
  • Weatherproofing
    2.0
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Weight
    4.5
  • Packed size
    4.5
  • Value
    4.0
  • Sustainability
    4.0
TypeHammock
Weight920g
Packed size44 x 17 x 13cm
Doors1
VestibulesN/A
InnerPFC-free 70D parachute nylon
FlyTarps available - we used Lightest Tarp (412g, 20D sil-nylon, 1500mm HH)
GroundsheetN/A
PolesN/A

What to look for in a one-person tent

Hiker making camp with their one person tent
©LFTO

How do I ensure the tent is waterproof?

For an indication of how waterproof a tent really is, check the hydrostatic head of the flysheet and groundsheet. A good baseline is 3000mm. However, many other factors, including silicone or PU coatings, the tent's shape, sealed seams, and the tightness of a fabric's weave, affect waterproofing.

How much should a one-person tent weigh?

©LFTO

If you're carrying a tent up a mountain, you'll naturally want it to weigh as little as possible. But, the lighter a tent is, the more expensive it'll be. For a good quality, 3-season tent for UK use, 1kg or under is extremely light, 1.5kg is good, and 2kg is a tad on the heavy side.

Are flysheets all the same?

Sea to Summit Alto pitching flysheet
©LFTO

Flysheets vary in terms of waterproof ratings and coverage, which is why it's important your tent flysheet is right for the conditions you camp in. For maximum weatherproofing, a tent's flysheet – the waterproof outer – should peg out flush to the ground. It should also be easily adjustable via tension straps so that it's taut, stable and well-shaped. Some flysheets don't quite reach the ground, which aids ventilation but risks water ingress.

How do I ensure my tent is stable and wind resistant?

Exped Mira I HL tent main feature image
©LFTO

A good backpacking tent will allow wind to flow over it smoothly without buffeting and flapping like crazy. Tents with a low-to-the-ground, aerodynamic profile will 'shed' wind better than tents with higher, more vertical walls. Either way, pegging out guy lines will increase stability in high winds.

Which pitching system is best?

MSR Hubba NX flysheet

Some tents, particularly from US brands, are pitched inner first – which isn't ideal if it's raining (and let's face it, it probably will be!). Others are pitched outer first or all-as-one, enabling the inner to be kept dry while the flysheet is pegged out. Ease of pitching is another important consideration.

What gives a tent good ventilation?

Exped Mira 1 HL tent flap
©LFTO

Condensation can be difficult to avoid in humid and wet climates, so good ventilation is key. Mesh vents on the inner and vent windows on the flysheet will help increase airflow, as will mesh panels on the inner walls. Good clearance between the inner and outer is very important too.

What improves a tent's 'liveability'?

MSR Hubba NX inner vestibule space
©LFTO

The most comfortable tents have roomy interiors with vertical walls and ample head and shoulder room. It's not necessarily essential, but the ability to sit up and move around without touching the inner is desirable. Lower profile tents will have aggressively tapered walls for stability, but can feel cramped and claustrophobic.

How important is the groundsheet?

NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 1 pitching (2)
©LFTO

The groundsheet – the bottom of a tent's inner and the bit you lie on – needs to be strong, durable and waterproof because it's constantly in contact with the ground. 'Bathtub' groundsheets have waterproof material stretching a few inches up the walls, creating a 'tub' of protection around you.

What other features should I look for?

Exped Mira 1 HL tent porch
©LFTO

Other important features include: a good-sized porch for stashing your backpack and wet boots, a wide door for easy entry and exit, sufficient length and width for lying down (check carefully if you're 6ft+), a stormflap over the main zipper, internal pockets for gear organisation, an easy-to-fill carry bag, strong poles, good pegs, sturdy pegging out loops and robust guy lines.

How do I clean and repair a tent?

To maintain the performance and waterproofing of your product, you need to care for and clean your tent properly.

Tent cleaning and care is easy and primarily involves cleaning them after use with the correct cleaning products and making sure they're completely dry before storing them away.

If your tent needs repaired, this is usually possible. The brand itself should offer a repair service (which sometimes involves going through the retailer you bought the tent from), but there are specialist repair agents too, such as Lanchashire Sports Repairs.

You can also waterproof a tent yourself, including the seams and the fabric.

Best tent care kit

Grangers' effective and eco-friendly care kit for tents and outdoor gear such as packs. It even comes with a sponge to help apply the Cleaner solution. The Cleaner and Repel are available to buy individually too.

Pros

  • Water-based and PFC-free
  • Easy spray-on water repel
  • Good value

Cons

  • Reproofing spray needs applied quite regularly

Best tent care kit

Nikwax's tent and gear care kit. It's just as good as the Grangers kit and also water-based and PFC-free. SolarWash and SolarProof are available to buy individually.

Pros

  • Water-based and PFC-free
  • Dry bag included

Cons

  • Reproofing spray needs applied quite regularly

About the author

Matt Jones
©LFTO/Matt Jones

As the former editor of Walk magazine and Scouting magazine, Matt Jones is one of the most respected names in the UK outdoor industry.

Now a freelance journalist based in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, he’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis.

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