Bivvy tents: ultralight tents for trekking and hiking

How to choose your bivouac tent?

A good backpacking tent always balances low weight, comfort and protection. Before comparing models, ask yourself three questions: how many people will sleep in it, what season and terrain are you heading into, and how much weight are you willing to carry?

Sleeping capacity

A one-person tent is the lightest and most compact option, ideal for solo hikers. A two-person tent gives you more room to store your rucksack inside, or lets two people share the carrying weight. Three-person tents are less common for backpacking: they suit families or pairs who want plenty of space. Check the floor width and headroom too, especially if you’re tall or expect to spend time inside during bad weather.

Weight and packed size

Along with your sleeping bag and rucksack, your tent is one of the three heaviest items in your kit: the Big Three. The lightest ultralight tents weigh under 1 kg (2.2 lb), thanks to very thin fabrics and trekking-pole pitching. Compare the minimum weight (tent only) with the total weight (including tent pegs, stuff sack and guylines), and check its packed size.

Season rating: 3-season or 4-season

A 3-season tent covers most trips from spring to autumn: it ventilates well and helps limit condensation. A 4-season tent is sturdier and more enclosed, withstanding strong winds and the weight of snow. It’s the choice for winter and high mountains, but weighs more.

Freestanding, semi-freestanding or non-freestanding

A freestanding tent stands on its poles without tent pegs. That makes it useful on hard, rocky or sandy ground and easy to move once pitched. A non-freestanding tent needs tent pegs to hold it taut and often uses trekking poles for support. It’s the lightest option, but needs ground that will hold the pegs. Semi-freestanding models also stand on their own, but need a few tent pegs to tension the fabric properly.

Single-wall or double-wall

Double-wall tents separate the inner tent, often made of mesh, from the waterproof flysheet. Condensation collects on the outer layer, helping you stay dry. Single-wall tents save weight and pitch faster, but need good ventilation to limit condensation.

Doors, vestibules and storage

One door or two? With two people, separate doors mean you won’t have to climb over each other at night. Vestibules—the sheltered spaces outside the doors—give you somewhere to keep shoes and a rucksack dry. Interior pockets and hooks for a head torch are small details that make life easier on a multi-day trip.

Types of backpacking tent

• Dome tent: crossing poles make it stable, easy to pitch and often freestanding. The most versatile design.
• Tunnel tent: parallel poles give an excellent space-to-weight ratio. It is very stable when pitched facing the wind, but must be secured with tent pegs.
• Trekking-pole tent: your trekking poles support the structure. These ultralight tents can weigh under 1 kg (2.2 lb).
• Tarp and hammock: for minimalists, a tarp replaces the tent with a very lightweight shelter. A hammock lets you sleep off the ground and is popular in forests and among bushcraft enthusiasts.

Ultralight backpacking tents: materials

Silicone-coated nylon or polyester fabrics offer an excellent balance of weight and strength. Dyneema (DCF) goes further: it’s very light, doesn’t absorb water or sag in the rain, but costs more and takes up more space when packed. Aluminium poles remain the benchmark for strength, while trekking-pole tents dispense with separate tent poles. These material choices explain the differences in weight and price between models.

Using and caring for your backpacking tent

• Choose your pitch: look for flat ground sheltered from the prevailing wind, and avoid hollows where cold air and moisture collect.
• Limit condensation: open the vents and leave a door slightly open when the weather allows.
• Protect the tent floor: a footprint helps extend the life of an ultrathin tent floor.
• Dry before storing: a tent packed away damp will eventually develop mould. Dry it as soon as you get home.
• Repair rather than replace: you can easily mend a small tear with suitable adhesive or a repair patch kept in your kit.

Complete your shelter: your sleep system

Your tent protects you from the weather, but it won’t keep you warm. That’s the job of your sleeping bag and your sleeping mat, which insulates you from the cold ground. A sleeping bag liner adds a little comfort and protects your sleeping bag. To keep your sleep system dry in your rucksack, pack it in a dry bag. Explore our full range of sleeping gear and all our backpacking equipment.

Our backpacking tent brands

We work with specialist lightweight hiking brands: MSR for its proven freestanding tents; Durston Gear, Zpacks, Six Moon Designs and Gossamer Gear for ultralight trekking-pole tents; and Big Agnes and NEMO for comfortable, lightweight tents. A quality tent, properly cared for, will serve you for years: it’s an investment. To explore our lightest picks, see our Top Ultralight Gear and our customers’ favourites in the Top Gear 2026.

Backpacking tent FAQs

Which tent should you choose for backpacking?

For most hikers, a lightweight, quick-to-pitch 3-season tent is the best choice. Pick a one-person tent if you’re going solo and want to save weight, or a two-person tent if you’re travelling as a pair or want more room. Choose a 4-season tent for winter or high-mountain trips.

How much should a backpacking tent weigh?

A lightweight backpacking tent generally weighs between 1 and 1.6 kg (2.2–3.5 lb). Ultralight trekking-pole models can weigh under 1 kg (2.2 lb). Use the weight filter to compare models, and always check the total weight, including accessories.

Freestanding or non-freestanding tent?

A freestanding tent is the most versatile: you can pitch it almost anywhere, even where tent pegs struggle to hold. A non-freestanding tent is lighter, especially if you already hike with poles, but takes a little more practice to pitch taut.

How can you prevent condensation in your tent?

Ventilate as much as possible: open the vents, leave a door slightly open, and avoid cooking inside or drying wet clothes in the tent. Choosing a pitch away from damp hollows also helps. A double-wall tent is less prone to condensation than a single-wall tent.

Can you use a camping tent for backpacking?

You can for a night near the car, but a camping tent is often too heavy and bulky to carry all day. On a multi-day hike, a trekking tent designed to fit in a rucksack makes walking much more comfortable.

A team ready to help

Torn between two models, or have a question about trekking-pole pitching or wind resistance? Contact us or visit our shop in Lorient. We’ll help you choose the right backpacking tent for your trips.