Lightweight tents
Lightweight Tents for Hikers: Selection and Expert Advice
This type of tent is suitable for both weekend trips and multi-day treks. In our selection of bivvying tents classified as ultra-light, you’ll find dome tents (also known as igloo tents) and tunnel tents. All are easy to pitch and compatible with a variety of terrains. These ultralight backpacking tents are ideal for hiking while keeping pack weight to a minimum. Although designed to be exceptionally light, they remain practical and comfortable.
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Recommended price
£272.71
-20%
£218.15
The Camp Minima 2 SL Blue 2 person tent features a very lightweight construction for mountaineering and trekking. It offers a minimal footprint while being durable, waterproof and ventilated.
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Recommended price
£431.11
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£343.11
The Nemo Hornet Osmo 2P Birch Bud Goodnight Gray tent offers lightweight shelter for two, blending weather protection and practical features for multi-day trekking adventures.
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Recommended price
£413.51
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From £329.91
The Nemo Hornet Osmo tent is ultra-lightweight, sturdy and comfortable, with numerous practical features for optimal camping comfort.
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Recommended price
£510.31
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£356.31
The Alto Tr2 is a lightweight and durable 3 season dome tent designed by Sea to Summit with adventure enthusiasts in mind. It offers optimal comfort for your outdoor outings.
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Recommended price
£246.31
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£209.35
The Ferrino Piuma I Oil Blue is a lightweight, compact, and durable tent designed for solo outdoor adventures, offering excellent ventilation, insect protection, and waterproofness.
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£171.51
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£129.27
Hyper lightweight, the Ferrino Sling 1 tent is made from durable, waterproof polyester, featuring taped seams on the fly and groundsheet.
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Recommended price
£519.11
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£439.91
The Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Birch Bud tent offers lightweight, weatherproof shelter for two, ideal for multi-season trekking and backpacking adventures.
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Recommended price
£527.91
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£369.51
Designed for bikepacking, the Nemo Osmo Dragonfly Green is a lightweight tent that offers generous space, is rugged and has a small footprint when packed.
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Recommended price
£228.71
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£193.51
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Recommended price
£659.91
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£439.91
Lightweight and high-performance, the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P Light Grey Blue tent provides stability, comfort and practicality for two hikers in search of compact shelter.
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Recommended price
£290.31
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£246.31
The Ferrino Piuma II Oil Blue is a lightweight, robust two-person tunnel tent, perfect for hikers, offering excellent waterproofness, insect protection, ample space, and easy transport.
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Recommended price
£563.11
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£448.71
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo Bikepack 2P Dark Grey tent is the perfect choice for cycle touring enthusiasts.
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£131.91
Kampa's Kite Tarp Leadgray Gargoyle offers reliable and versatile protection to complete your camp for 2-season outings.
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Recommended price
£277.11
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£234.87
The Ferrino Blow 1 Oil Blue is a compact, lightweight dome tent, ideal for the solo camper, offering sturdiness, ventilation and storage space.
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Recommended price
£369.51
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£312.31
Designed for two-season use, the Ferrino Blow 3 Oil Blue three-person tent combines a silicone-coated ripstop nylon flysheet with a highly waterproof groundsheet.
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£528.00
With its freestanding design, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Lichen Green two-person tent delivers lightweight performance, stability, and smart interior organisation.
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£616.00
Spacious and designed for backpacking, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Lichen Green three-person tent combines lightweight DAC NFL aluminium poles with a simple, freestanding structure for easy setup.
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Recommended price
£439.91
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£351.91
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 1P Birch Bud tent offers a practical solo camping solution for three-season hiking adventures.
New colour
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Recommended price
£483.91
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£387.11
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P Birch Bud tent offers a maximised interior space thanks to its Precurve crossbar.
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Recommended price
£554.31
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£444.31
The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 3P Light Green tent offers the perfect balance of comfort, lightness, and practicality for three people.
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Trekking and Hiking Tents: The Right Balance Between Weight and Comfort
Weight is a key factor for trekking: the lighter the tent, the more enjoyable the hike. Ultralight models generally weigh under 2 kg, with some even under 1 kg. This weight depends on the fabric, the frame design (with or without poles), and the weather resistance. A good trekking tent must combine lightness, durability and waterproofing to withstand repeated pitching and changing conditions.
For backpacking, choose a compact tent that’s easy to carry and pitch, offering excellent waterproof performance and good wind resistance. The interior space should be sufficient to ensure a comfortable rest.
Trekking and Mountaineering Tents: Lightweight, Robust and Protective
Ultralight trekking tents are designed for adventurers seeking both minimal weight and reliability. Whether freestanding or not, they provide excellent protection against rain, snow, and draughts. A vestibule is recommended to store boots and rucksacks sheltered from moisture.
Ultralight Tents for 1, 2, 3 or 4 People
Ultralight tents come in one-, two-, three- or four-person versions. One-person models suit minimalist hikers and solo trekkers. Two- or three-person tents are ideal for couples or small groups, while lightweight four-person models cater to families or expeditions. Their design optimises the weight-to-space ratio and makes transport easier in a backpack. Some models are freestanding, while others require pegging out, the choice depends on terrain and expected weather conditions.
Staked Tents and Freestanding Tents
Staked Tents
Staked tents are pitched using pegs and guy lines. They provide excellent stability in wind and rain, ideal for soft ground. They require a bit more setup time but ensure outstanding stability even in challenging conditions.
Freestanding Tents
Freestanding tents can be erected quickly and stand without pegs. They can easily be moved once set up, making them perfect for rocky or uneven terrain. Their versatility and ease of assembly appeal to hikers looking for a fast and flexible setup.
Lightweight Tents for 2, 3 or 4 Seasons
2- or 3-Season Tents
A 2- or 3-season tent is perfect for summer hikes and fair-weather bivvying. Lightweight and breathable, it reduces pack weight while providing effective protection against light rain and wind.
4-Season Tents
4-season tents are built to withstand cold and harsh weather. They are suitable for mountain bivies or winter conditions, offering maximum protection from snow and strong winds.
Specialist Brands for Lightweight Tents
Brands such as Sea to Summit, Ferrino, Camp and Vaude offer high-performance ultralight tent ranges suited to all outdoor pursuits: hiking, trekking, mountaineering or bikepacking.
FAQ
What is the ideal weight for a lightweight one-person tent?
A lightweight one-person tent weighs between 800 g and 1.3 kg. The most minimalist models drop below one kilo, perfect for fast and light trekking.
Which lightweight tent should I choose for a trek?
Choose a tent suited to your needs: a one-person tent for solo use, a two-person for for two, and a 4-season model for high-altitude adventures. For summer bivvying, go for a light and compact 2- or 3-season tent. Freestanding models make pitching easier on all types of terrain. For more information, check out our dedicated guide: how to choose your hiking tent?
Which tents are the easiest to pitch?
Freestanding tents can be set up in just a few minutes. Their aluminium pole structure ensures stability and saves time during installation.
The Best Lightweight Tents Are at Glisshop
- Wide range of ultralight tents for every outdoor activity
- Fast delivery and easy returns
- Responsive customer service and expert advice
- Products tested and approved by mountain enthusiasts