3 Lightweight Backpacking Tents Compared

Hey Friends! Today we're talking about tents. Specifically my three favorite tents when it comes to backpacking solo, with my dog, or with a partner. I hope you enjoy this video, and I hope some of what I share here helps inform your decision if you're considering buying one of these tents.

Features Overview

	LanShan	Fly Creek	Copper Spur
Weight (according to my scale)	2 lbs 8 oz (w/o trekking pole)	2 lbs 10 oz	3 lbs
Capacity (claimed)	1 person	2 person	2 person
Capacity (actual)	1 person (under 5'11)	1.5 person	2 person
Materials	Fly: 15D silicone and PU coated nylon Inner: 20D nylon mesh	Fly: Silicone-treated, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon Inner: ripstop nylon and polyester mesh	Fly: Silicone-treated, polyurethane coating ripstop nylon Inner: ripstop nylon and polyester mesh
Design	Non-free standing	Semi-free standing	Free standing
Doors / Vestibules	1	1	2
Internal Pockets	1	3	4

1. LanShan 1

This is my go-to tent for backpacking solo.

Pros:

• It's light weight at just 2lbs 8oz.

• Uses gear I'm already carrying (trekking poles) in the set up.

• The set up is easy, once you get the hang of it.

• It's compact! Doesn't take up much space in my pack or at camp.

• It's ideal for the minimalist. This tent has the perfect amount of room for just me. Not too much not too little

• Budget price point! $120-150

Cons:

• Not ideal for taller hikers.

• Probably not enough room for a wide sleeping pad.

• Condensation has been an issue.

2. Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2

Next on the list is my favorite tent for when I'm backpacking with one of my dogs.

Pros:

• Like the LanShan this is also a light weight option at 2lbs 10oz.

• Plenty of space for both our gear in the vestibule.

• 3 gear pockets.

• Enough room for us to sleep comfortably and reposition throughout the night without getting a paw to the face.

• Condensation hasn't really been a problem

Cons:

• Not enough room for two humans (in my experience)

• Higher price point $380

3. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2

Last but not least my favorite tent for backpacking with another person.

Pros:

• Once again fairly light weight at around 3lbs.

• Can be split between hikers to carry about 1.5lbs each.

• 4 gear pockets.

• Double doors and vestibules.

• Actually has enough room for two humans to sleep comfortably!

Cons:

• I'm not a fan of the tapered trapezoid shape which limits the ability to sleep on either end of the tent.

• Rectangular sleeping pads won't fit.

• Higher price point $450.