10 Best Lightweight 1 Person Tent For Backpacking 2025 in the United States

The NEMO Dragonfly OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent is a solid choice for solo backpackers looking for a lightweight and durable shelter. Weighing in at just about 1.18 kilograms and packing down to a compact 18 x 4 x 4 inches, it is easy to carry without adding much bulk to your pack. The tent features high-performance OSMO poly-nylon ripstop fabric which boasts superior water repellency and reduced stretch when wet, making it reliable in diverse weather conditions.

Additionally, the fabric is environmentally friendly, being made from 100% recycled yarns and free from harmful PFAS chemicals. The setup is straightforward, thanks to hubbed, pre-bent DAC Featherlite NSL poles which also maximize interior space at the head, peak, and foot ends, ensuring comfort despite the tent's compact size. Ventilation is well-designed with generous doors and asymmetrical vestibules, which also enhance ease of entry and exit.

However, while the tent's durability and weather resistance are commendable, its minimum trail weight of 948 grams might be slightly heavier compared to some ultralight alternatives. For users prioritizing ultralight gear, this could be a point to consider. Despite this, the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO provides an excellent balance of weight, durability, and comfort, making it suitable for most backpacking adventures.

The Camppal 1 Person Tent is designed to be lightweight and highly portable, making it an excellent choice for backpackers. Weighing just 3.75 pounds, it's easy to carry and doesn't add much weight to your pack. Its compact packed size ensures it won't take up much space, either. Setup is efficient, with a quick 3-minute assembly time, which is ideal for those who need to set up camp quickly after a long day of hiking.

The tent is built for 4-season use, boasting impressive weather resistance with a 3500 to 4000 mm water resistance rating, seam taping, and strong aluminum pole construction. These features help it withstand heavy rain and strong winds, keeping you dry and secure in challenging conditions. Ventilation in the tent is adequate, but with only one door, airflow might be somewhat limited. Interior space is decent, accommodating a taller person comfortably due to its extended length of 8.2 feet. However, the width of 2.95 feet may feel snug, especially with gear inside.

Durability is a strong point, with rip-stop fabric that prevents tearing, ensuring that the tent remains reliable over multiple trips. Fire retardant properties add an extra layer of safety. The tent comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind with your purchase. It's suitable for various outdoor activities including camping, hiking, trekking, hunting, and mountaineering. The limited interior space might be a drawback for those who prefer more room or have a lot of gear. This tent is a solid option for solo backpackers looking for a lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant shelter.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL is a thoughtfully designed 1-person backpacking tent that shines in several key areas. Weighing just 2.4 pounds, it’s very light, making it easy to carry on long hikes. Its compact packed size and included stuff sack add to convenience, and the tent's freestanding design means setup is straightforward and quick, helped by the innovative TipLok buckles that simplify pole attachment and tensioning. The tent's fabric uses HyperBead technology, making it more waterproof and durable than traditional materials while still breathable, so it stands up well against rain without trapping moisture inside. The tent’s ventilation options, including mesh panels and adjustable double zippers, help manage airflow to reduce condensation. Inside, the high-volume shape provides surprisingly good room considering its ultralight focus, with a generous vestibule to store gear outside the sleeping area. Storage pockets and door keepers add practical touches for organization. The DAC anodized aluminum poles offer strong support without extra weight, and reflective guylines improve visibility at night.

One potential downside is that ultralight tents like this often sacrifice some durability compared to heavier models, so it might require more careful handling and may not be ideal for very harsh or extended use in severe weather. Also, while the tent is designed for 3-season use, it may not be suited for winter conditions.

This tent represents an excellent choice for solo backpackers who prioritize light weight, easy setup, and good weather protection in mild to moderate conditions, while also providing decent interior space and ventilation.