Best Lightweight and Compact Tents for Solo Travelers

Among the one-person tents on the market, the model from Grand Canyon is relatively inexpensive, making it an interesting choice for customers on a budget. Within the Richmond 1 lineup, it is also the lightest, although 1.7 kg is far from an ideal indicator for solo solutions. However, for hikers, there is another important bonus — compactness in the case — 28x13x13 cm: it will take up less than 5 liters in a backpack, which is indeed very little.

The tourist is offered a sleeping space with maximum dimensions on the floor of 250x90 cm. The shoulder width is 90 cm, tapering to 60 cm at the feet, which should not feel cramped. There is also a vestibule about 45 cm in length. For a one-person solution, this space will be enough for a backpack, wet outer clothes, and shoes.

The shortcomings of the model include the lack of internal pockets. However, the usual mosquito net and ventilation holes are complemented by reflective, noticeable in the dark guylines.

The tent's frame consists of two fiberglass poles of 8 mm diameter, placed parallel to each other. Increased wind resistance is guaranteed by the small overall height (75 cm), although the ceiling in the sleeping area is 70 cm — a downside: sitting inside is likely not possible.

The outer tent is made of polyester, and the floor is made of polyethylene. Both textile materials have sealed seams and a polyurethane coating. The latter ensures water resistance of 3000 and 4000 mm water column, which should be sufficient in moderate rainfall.

Grand Canyon Richmond 1 is a good one-person tent representing the entry-level price segment.

The Naturehike brand model can be attributed to solutions at the junction of the entry-level and mid-price segments. It is suitable for use in three warm seasons and is well prepared for various weather surprises. The tent received an aluminum frame and a hub structure, which improves wind resistance and reduces assembly labor.

The exterior tent of the Naturehike Cloud Up I Updated 20D is coated with a high-tech silicone impregnation that can withstand moderate duration and intensity precipitation (water resistance of 4000 mm water column). Besides the inner tent floor, the package includes a footprint — another floor that protects from dirt, sand, and soaking.

The model's bedroom is 110 cm wide, which is definitely enough for one tourist, and, if necessary, two can be accommodated here without much discomfort. Between the rest area and the street is a 65 cm long vestibule, which is more than enough for one: such entryway sizes are considered the norm for 2-person tents. For the comfort of a resting person, there is a mosquito net, an internal pocket, a lantern loop, and reflective elements.

The tent weighs a moderate 1.6 kg, which will not suit only the most demanding ultralighters. In the included cover, the product's dimensions are quite compact — 45x12x12 cm or 6.5 liters of volume.

The Naturehike Cloud Up I Updated 20D is a balanced trekking tent for one, with the potential for use as a 2-person model.

The Kelty brand tent is positioned as a solution that will not require much setup time from tourists. The model features a proprietary Quick Corner system for easy connection of the frame with the inner and outer tent in the corners, plus initially curved poles and pre-attached guylines, not to mention the usual color coding.

Another plus of Kelty Late Start 1 is the small occupied area — about 2 square meters. This means you won't have to search for a long time for a camping spot, even if you want to stop in the mountains or among dense forest.

The model's frame consists of two aluminum poles arranged in an X pattern. They provide a reliable and stable semi-spherical shape. The individual frame segments are not very long (less than 38 cm), which makes the bag more compact and adds convenience when transporting it on a bicycle or motorcycle rack. The product weighs 1.8 kg in full configuration, which is close to the upper acceptable trekking limit.

The one-person bedroom is complemented by a set of internal pockets and a mosquito net. The rest area is accessed through one entrance with a small vestibule where you can leave your main tourist gear. Both the floor and the outer tent are made of polyester with minimal water resistance — at 1200 mm water column. These figures are low for rainy weather, so additional water protection is recommended, such as purchasing a footprint.

Kelty Late Start 1 is an interesting tent for solo tourism and a truly great choice for hiking in the mountains or forest in dry weather.

Thanks to the aluminum frame and lightweight polyester fabrics, the Ferrino brand one-person tent is perfect for tourists who consider every gram of their gear. Without including stakes and cover, it weighs 850 g (and a total of 1.1 kg), making it one of the lightest solutions on the market.

In the complete carry case, the Ferrino Sintesi 1 is quite compact — 30x14x14 cm, meaning it will take up less than 6 liters of volume in a backpack. Moreover, it does not require much space for installation — a little over 2 square meters, which will simplify finding a place for a night stay.

The tunnel shape (also known as a semi-barrel) of the tent is given by one sturdy pole and a set of guylines with stakes to enhance stability. The tourist will find a sleeping area length of 235 cm and a shoulder width of about 100 cm, tapering at the feet and head. There is no full-fledged vestibule, which should be counted as a disadvantage of the model. Nonetheless, all other practical amenities are present — a ventilation flap, mosquito net, internal pocket, and lantern loop.

The floor has excellent water resistance of 8000 mm water column, which almost entirely excludes the possibility of leaks. The tent has a moisture protection of 3000 mm, which, along with reinforced corners and seam sealing, will protect against moderate precipitation.

The shortcomings of the model include a single-layer construction, which, with significant temperature fluctuations, does not exclude the abundant formation of condensation on the inner walls. Therefore, Ferrino Sintesi 1 will be the best choice for hiking and cycling trips in summer and relatively warm off-seasons.

The Sea To Summit tent features an original Tension Ridge layout: the semi-spherical dome is raised higher (ceilings up to 1.1 meters), and the walls are less sloped (almost vertical), increasing space at the shoulders and feet. At the same time, the strength and stability of the model are provided by a hub-structure with a central connector, very dense (thickness from 8.7 to 9.5 mm) aluminum poles, and a usual set of guylines and stakes for fixation.

Sea To Summit Alto TR1 provides a sleeping area width from 60 to 107 cm, as well as a fairly large vestibule (58 cm in length). Accordingly, the user won't feel cramped, and a backpack and outerwear can be left outside the sleep area. Thanks to lightweight nylon fabrics, the model is really light — 940 grams without the bag and 1.1 kg with it.

Special mention should be made of the FairShare storage system of three gear bags for load sharing. Their overall dimensions are very compact — 46x10x10 cm or 4.6 liters volume. When the tent is set up these bags are ready to act as internal pockets and lantern loops when fixed on special landing sites.

The inner tent is made of mesh, which on a clear night allows it to be used without an outer layer to admire the beauty of the starry sky. Also, this "breathable" fabric along with the ceiling flaps provides good ventilation.

Cons of the model — high price and weak water resistance of the tent and bottom (at the level of 1200 mm water column). Additional protection from rainfall is recommended. In any case, Sea To Summit Alto TR1 is a cool one-person tent combining strength, comfort, and lightness.