10 Best Lightweight 1 Person Tent For Backpacking 2026 in the United States

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 OneTigris Stella tent is a strong contender for solo backpackers looking for a reliable 4-season shelter that balances weight and durability. Weighing only about 3.8 pounds (1.74 kg), it’s light enough for most backpacking trips without sacrificing sturdiness, thanks to its 20D nylon fabric with a silicone coating. Its 3000mm waterproof rating means it can handle heavy rain, and the tent’s design includes a blackout outer layer and a mesh inner tent to boost airflow and reduce condensation during humid conditions.

Setup is straightforward with flexible fiberglass poles crossing at the top and anchoring at four points, making it beginner-friendly and quick to pitch. In terms of space, the tent measures roughly 6.9 feet long and 4.1 feet wide, which comfortably fits one person but may feel tight if you need extra room for gear inside. The floor is made of durable nylon, supporting extended use on rough terrain. One minor downside is the use of fiberglass poles, which are less durable than aluminum options found in higher-end models but help keep the weight down.

Ventilation is good thanks to the mesh panels, which help maintain comfort in warmer weather. The OneTigris Stella serves well for backpackers seeking a lightweight, weather-resistant tent with easy setup and solid protection across all seasons. However, those prioritizing more interior space or ultra-robust poles might want to explore other options.

The Night Cat Backpacking Tent is designed mainly for 1 to 2 people and is a solid choice for lightweight backpacking. Weighing about 5.5 pounds, it’s reasonably light but not the lightest on the market, which might matter if every ounce counts. Its packed size is compact (around 16.5 x 5 x 5 inches), making it easy to carry in a backpack. Setup is quick and straightforward, taking just 1 to 2 minutes with two fiberglass poles that come with protective sleeves to prevent injury during assembly.

In terms of weather resistance, the tent performs well. The waterproof polyester fabric with a 3000 mm rating and taped seams offer reliable protection even in heavy rainstorms. The single-layer design might mean less insulation in cold weather, but it’s rated for 4 seasons, so it should handle most conditions typical to backpacking. Ventilation is thoughtfully addressed with a mesh door and roof vent to keep air flowing and bugs out, which helps reduce condensation inside.

Interior space fits two people comfortably, with room to store gear like backpacks and shoes inside. The dome shape provides about 7 feet length and nearly 5 feet width, which is generous for a lightweight tent. Durability seems good with fiberglass poles and waterproof Oxford fabric, though the single-layer design might be less robust compared to double-wall tents. Some users might find the tent a bit heavy compared to ultra-light options, and the single door might be less convenient for two people. But for campers wanting an easy-to-set-up, weatherproof, and fairly roomy tent that balances weight and comfort, the Night Cat tent is a practical choice.