Backpacker's Review: Lightweight All Season Tents (2024 Edition)

1. MSR Hubba Hubba NX (Updated 2024)

Weight: ~1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: 3+ Season

 

✅ Pros:

Excellent ventilation with crossflow vents

 

Fast & easy setup

 

"Xtreme Shield" waterproof coating resists wear for longer

 

Dual vestibules for gear storage

 

❌ Cons:

Expensive

 

Floor requires a footprint in rocky terrain

 

Backpacker's Take: Great choice for long-distance backpackers and bikepackers requiring year-round performance in a packable package. Performs well with shoulder-season snow and stormy nights.

 

????️ 2. Hilleberg Nallo 2

Weight: ~2.4 kg (5.3 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: True 4-Season

 

✅ Pros:

Enduring legend and wind protection

 

Tunnel shape sheds snow and keeps cold air out

 

Roomy vestibule

 

Fully inner/outer connected setup (can set up in the rain without getting wet inside)

 

❌ Cons:

Heavy compared to others

 

High-end price point

 

Backpacker's Take: Designed for rugged alpine weather — this is the way to go for backcountry trips or winter trekking when weight isn't the only issue.

 

⛺ 3. Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 (Upgraded Version)

Weight: ~1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: 3+ Season

 

✅ Pros:

Extremely budget-friendly

 

Waterproof rating is quite impressive (fly: 4000 mm, floor: 3000 mm)

 

Lightweight and easy to pitch

 

❌ Cons:

Bespoke for two people with gear

 

Ventilation might become stuffy during wet weather

 

Backpacker's Take: Arguably the most value-packed, all-season two-person tent available for solo walkers or couples. Light enough to handle mountain trail use and rough enough for shoulder-season storms.

 

❄️ 4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Weight: ~1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: 3+ Season

 

✅ Pros:

High-end DAC Featherlite poles = strong + light

 

Double doors + roomy vestibules

 

Integrated gear lofts and generous interior storage

 

Excellent airflow management

 

❌ Cons:

Best not for heavy snowpack (add winter fly/footprint)

 

Backpacker's Take: Perhaps the ultimate ultralight shelter for 3-season-to-light-winter conditions. A treat for thru-hikers or overseas trekkers wanting to save weight without losing features.

 

???? 5. Four-Season Ultralight Choice: Samaya2.5 (High-Alpine)

Weight: ~1.3 kg (2.8 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: True 4-Season

 

✅ Pros:

Designed for extreme alpine + minimalist use

 

Waterproof Dyneema fabric (extremely strong + ultralight)

 

Fully snow-proof + windproof

 

❌ Cons:

Extremely pricey

 

No vestibule unless purchased separately

 

Backpacker's Take: This is top-end gear. If you're climbing or winter backpacking in serious cold or high winds, and ounces count, Samaya provides you with expedition-grade performance in your pack.

 

???? 6. REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2

Weight: ~1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)

Capacity: 2-person

Season Rating: 3+ Season

 

✅ Pros:

Well-balanced design: space + weight

 

Ideal for weekend warriors or thru-hikes

 

Easy pitch and clever pole architecture

 

❌ Cons:

Mid-range water resistance

 

Inner-first pitch isn't optimal for heavy rain

 

Backpacker's Take: Excellent balance for weekend excursions in all but the chilliest weather. Not quite alpine-capable, but extremely storm-worthy and remarkably light for the cost.

 

???? Key Features to Look for in Lightweight All-Season Tents

 

Feature                Why It Matters

Weight (≤ 2kg)  Crucial for comfort on multi-day treks

Double Wall      Aids condensation control throughout the year

High Hydrostatic Head (2000mm+)       Keeps you dry in prolonged rain

Cross Ventilation            Prevents condensation in humid or cold weather

Snow Load Support Required for alpine or winter conditions

Compact Pack Size Saves room in your backpacking pack

???? Backpacker Tip: Ultralight vs All-Season

Not all ultralight tents are all-season use. For real all-weather performance, you're better off selecting a 3+ or 4-season tent that:

 

Comes with a full-coverage rainfly

 

Boasts robust poles (DAC, aluminum over fiberglass)

 

Has vestibules to keep wet gear out of the sleeping compartment

 

???? Best by Category

 

Category Tent Best Overall Balance MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Best Budget ChoicetNaturehike Cloud-Up 2

Best Winter TrekkingtHilleberg Nallo 2

Lightest of Them AlltBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Alpine Beast ModetSamaya2.5