The 10 Best Trekking Pole Tents of 2025
Trekking pole tents are becoming increasingly popular among backpackers and campers who prioritize lightweight gear. These tents are unique because they use your trekking poles as support. This article will explore the best trekking pole tents on the market. We will consider factors like weight, durability, ease of setup, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, finding the right trekking pole tent can make a big difference in your outdoor adventures.
1. 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 Pro
- Weight: 2 lbs. 5.28 oz.
- Floor Area: 31.6 sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 49 in.
- Capacity: 2-person
The Lanshan 2 Pro is not the lightest tent we’ve tested. It weighs almost 39 ounces with everything included. You can’t separate the fly and inner tent. This means one person will carry most of the tent’s weight. The tent is made with good materials but is quite large. This extra fabric adds to the weight. Using lighter materials would make the tent more expensive or less durable. The tent packs down to a reasonable size. You don’t need to carry extra poles because you can use your hiking poles.
The Lanshan 2 Pro is very good at keeping you dry. The fly is made of strong material and does a great job of stopping rain. The tent also has a low hanging fly and a tall floor to keep water out. The solid walls help to keep the wind and snow out. The tent is also warm in cold weather because the solid walls help to trap heat.
Pros: Durable, spacious, and weather-resistant tent with a great price point.
Cons: Relatively heavy weight compared to other ultralight options.
2. KAMMOK Kuhli Shelter
- Weight: 10 oz.
- Floor Area: 80.7 sq. ft. (Area Covered)
- Peak Height: N/A
- Capacity: 1 person
The Kammok Kuhli Ultralight is a very light tarp for camping. It is very light, only weighing 10 ounces. It can be used on the ground or in the air. The tarp is shaped like a hexagon and is tapered. It has a special coating to protect it from rain and snow. The tarp is easy to set up because it does not have knots. It comes with ropes and stakes to help you tie it down. It also has strong points to hold the ropes. The tarp comes in a small bag to make it easy to carry.
I have used the Kammok Kuhli Ultralight tarp three times. I really like how light it is and how easy it is to set up. However, one time in the wind, one of the strong points ripped. This was disappointing because I expected the tarp to be very strong. Even though this happened, I still like the tarp and think it is a good choice for camping if you are careful with it.
Pros: Packs down incredibly small for its size.
Cons: Material quality seems to have declined.
3. Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Shelter
- Weight: 9.52 oz.
- Floor Area: 55.25 sq. ft. (Area Covered)
- Peak Height: Varies
- Capacity: 2 people
The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Shelter is a 3-season tarp ideal for two minimalist adventurers. The large size is 10 x 10 feet (3 x 3 meters) and weighs only 350g. When set up as an A-frame, it provides enough space for two people to sleep comfortably. The medium size is 6 ft. 6 in. x 8 ft. 6 in. (2 x 2.6 meters) and weighs just 270g. This smaller version is best pitched low to the ground for maximum rain protection. Both sizes are made from 15-denier Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, which is waterproof and durable. The tarp has eight hypalon tie-out points that work with trekking poles for multiple setup options. It also includes pre-attached reflective guylines and cord adjusters for easy adjustments in low light.
I recently used this tarp as my main shelter on a 7-day backpacking trip. I was hesitant to switch from a full tent to an ultralight tarp. Nights were near freezing, and five out of seven nights had strong gusty winds. On two nights, I had to lower the pitch to three feet for better wind resistance. Despite the tough conditions, the tarp performed exceptionally well and showed no visible wear. It has now become one of my essential ultralight gear items. I use it with Tyvek for ground cover and an insect net when needed. It also works as a tent awning or sun shelter. This tarp is an excellent multi-use piece of gear. I am completely satisfied with its performance.
Pros: Ultralight and compact design & versatile setup options
Cons: Not ideal for the extreme cold without extra insulation
4. MIER Lanshan
- Weight: 2 lbs. 3.2 oz.
- Floor Area: 26 sq. ft.
- Peak height: 49.21 in.
- Capacity: 2 people
The MIER Lanshan is a great choice for backpackers seeking a lightweight and compact tent. It’s incredibly easy to pack and carry, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. This tent is surprisingly sturdy, withstanding strong winds, hail, and rain. It’s designed for two people and offers enough space for comfortable sleeping. Setting up the Lanshan is quick and simple, although you’ll need to provide your own hiking poles. The tent is made from high-quality materials and is highly waterproof, keeping you dry in even the heaviest rain.
While the MIER Lanshan is a fantastic option for many backpackers, it does have a few drawbacks. The tent doesn’t come with trekking poles, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the top vent doesn’t open fully, leading to potential humidity buildup inside. Despite these minor issues, the Lanshan is still an excellent value for the price. It’s durable, spacious, and has proven reliable in various weather conditions.
Pros: Lightweight and packable design ideal for backpacking.
Cons: Requires trekking poles (not included).
5. Underwood Aggregator 2
- Weight: 3 lbs. 3.2 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 30 sq. ft.
- Peak height: 59.05 in.
- Capacity: 2 people
The Underwood Aggregator tent is a great choice for backpackers seeking a lightweight and easy-to-pitch shelter. This two-person tent is unique because it can be set up using trekking poles or even sticks. However, it’s important to note that the tent does not come with poles. Despite this, it can be easily pitched between two trees. The tent is made from waterproof materials and has a double-layer design to keep campers dry in various weather conditions. It also features two doors and vestibules for convenient access and storage. The tent is spacious enough for two people and offers good ventilation to reduce condensation.
While the Underwood Aggregator tent offers several advantages, there are a few points to consider. The tent lacks guy-out anchors on the sidewalls, which can cause flapping in windy conditions. To address this, users may need to add additional guylines or seam seal the tent for extra protection. Despite this, the tent is well-built and offers good value for the price. It’s important to remember that while the tent can accommodate two people, it might feel slightly cramped for extended stays. The included storage sack, stakes, and ropes are convenient.
Pros: Lightweight and easy to set up.
Cons: Lacks guy-out anchors for stability in windy conditions.
6. Nature Link Altair
- Weight: 2 lbs. 11.2 oz.
- Floor dimensions: 30 sq. ft.
- Peak height: 47.24 in.
- Capacity: 2-person
The Nature Link Altair is a small, light tent perfect for backpacking. It’s very light, only weighing 2.7 pounds. The tent is made of strong material that keeps out water. It has two doors for easy in and out. The tent is big enough for two people and their gear. It has good ventilation to keep you cool and dry. Setting up the tent is easy. It comes with everything you need, like stakes and ropes.
I’ve tried many lightweight tents, but this one is really good. It’s much smaller than my old tent but still has plenty of space inside. The materials feel strong and the zippers work smoothly. The tent has withstood some wind and rain, and it stayed dry. It’s great that it comes with extra things like pockets and places to tie down the tent. For the price, this tent is a fantastic choice for people who like to backpack and carry light gear.
Pros: Excellent ventilation and headroom for comfortable camping.
Cons: Requires additional purchase of tent poles.
7. Underwood Aggregator 1
- Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
- Floor Area: 21.17 sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 37.4 in.
- Capacity: 1 person
The Underwood Aggregator 1 tent is very light and easy to carry. It’s great for people who want to travel with a small backpack. You can put it up without using tent poles, just use trekking poles or sticks. It’s also very quick to set up. The tent is waterproof and keeps you dry in bad weather. It has enough space for one person and some gear.
However, the tent has some problems. Many people say it has a lot of condensation inside, which can make you and your things wet. This happens even if you open the vents. The tent is also small, so taller people might find it uncomfortable. The zipper is not very good and can be hard to use. Overall, the tent is okay for short trips in good weather, but it might not be the best choice for longer or colder camping trips.
Pros: Ultra-lightweight and compact for backpacking.
Cons: Severe condensation build-up in various weather conditions.
8. Sierra Designs High Route
- Weight: 1 lbs. 3.25 oz.
- Floor Area: 36 sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 48 in.
- Capacity: 2 person
The Sierra Designs High Route 2 is a great ultralight tent for backpackers. It works for two people in three seasons and packs down small. The setup is simple, using your own trekking poles, making it easy to pitch fast. It has offset poles and vertical walls, giving it a spacious feel for a solo camper. The tent’s oversized volume makes it more comfortable than other lightweight tents. The garage door gear closet is a nice touch for extra storage. Ventilation is good, and the door flaps can be staked out for airflow. This helps reduce condensation and keeps the inside dry, even in bad weather. The large stuff sack makes packing and unpacking easy, which is a big plus.
I bought this tent four years ago as my first backpacking tent. I used it on a two-week thru-hike of the River to River Trail and a four-week trek on the Superior Hiking Trail. It held up well on shorter trips too. In cooler weather, I only carried the fly to save weight. I even took it on snowy and windy trips, and it performed great. Setup and takedown became second nature with practice. For the price, this tent is an excellent choice for beginner backpackers. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable ultralight shelter.
Pros: Packs down to about the size of a Nalgene bottle, great for ultralight backpacking.
Cons: It’s tight for two people; best as a roomy solo tent.
9. MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House
- Weight: 14 oz.
- Floor Area: 30 sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 38 in.
- Capacity: 2 person
The MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 2 is a lightweight shelter designed for backpackers who need bug protection and a durable floor. It weighs just 14 ounces when set up with trekking poles, making it ideal for ultralight hikers. The shelter has a strong Xtreme Shield™ waterproof floor that keeps moisture out. The micromesh canopy provides excellent ventilation and keeps bugs away. Its floor plan fits a large camping pad and extra gear, giving enough space for comfort. This tent is a great choice for warm weather when rain and wind protection aren’t needed. If extra protection is required, you can pair it with the Thru-Hiker 70 Wing or 100 Wing (sold separately). This allows hikers to create a more weatherproof setup without adding much weight.
The Thru-Hiker Mesh House 2 comes with stakes, guylines, a stuff sack, and setup instructions. It does not include trekking poles, so you must bring your own. Setting it up is simple, especially if you already use trekking poles for hiking. To extend the tent floor’s lifespan, MSR recommends using the Universal Footprint 2 (sold separately). This shelter is perfect for minimalist backpackers who prioritize weight savings. It works best in dry conditions where bug protection is the main concern. For those needing a simple, reliable, and airy shelter, this is a solid choice.
Pros: Micromesh canopy keeps mosquitoes and insects out.
Cons: Requires an additional Wing tarp for weather protection.
View at REI View 3P at AmazonENO HouseFly
10. Kammok Kuhli Pro Shelter
- Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.
- Floor Area: 108 sq. ft. (Area Covered)
- Peak Height: Variable
- Capacity: 4 person
The Kammok Kuhli Pro Shelter is a strong and lightweight tarp designed for tough weather. It covers over 108 square feet, providing plenty of protection. The Amphibiskin X fabric is 15-denier ripstop nylon with silicone, polyurethane, and DWR coatings. This makes it waterproof, windproof, and durable. The reflective interior helps keep heat inside, making it great for cold conditions. All seams are sealed with waterproof tape, preventing leaks. The shelter has 10 guyout points, giving you multiple ways to set it up. Modes include A-frame, hammock, storm, asymmetrical, and awning. You can also stake out the middle guyouts and fold in all four corners for full protection. Toggles let you attach and detach the corners quickly to create storm doors when needed.
Setup is simple and knot-free, thanks to built-in line-lock tensioners and cord hooks. Hypalon rubber reinforces all anchor points, ensuring strength in bad weather. Laser-cut holes with circle bar-tack stitching allow poles to fit securely. The reflective tracers on the 3mm cord make it easier to see at night. Mesh pockets at each anchor point help keep cords organized. The shelter packs down small and light, fitting easily in its Diamond Shell stuff sack. The DAC J-Stakes are strong but lightweight, giving solid ground hold. It’s a great piece of gear, especially for those who don’t want to carry heavy emergency shelters.
Pros: Strong and durable materials with reinforced anchor points
Cons: Can be expensive compared to basic tarps
Best Trekking Pole Tents: Comparison Table
| TENT | WEIGHT | FLOOR AREA | PEAK HEIGHT | CAPACITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 Pro | 2 lbs. 5.28 oz. | 31.6 sq. ft. | 49 in. | 2-person |
| KAMMOK Kuhli Shelter | 10 oz. | 80.7 sq. ft. | N/A | 1 person |
| Sea to Summit Escapist | 9.52 oz. | 55.25 sq. ft. | Varies | 2 people |
| MIER Lanshan | 2 lbs. 3.2 oz. | 26 sq. ft. | 49.21 in. | 2 people |
| Underwood Aggregator 2 | 3 lbs. 3.2 oz. | 30 sq. ft. | 59.05 inches | 2 people |
| Nature Link Altair | 2 lbs. 11.2 oz. | 30 sq. ft. | 47.24 in. | 2-person |
| Underwood Aggregator 1 | 2 lbs. 8 oz. | 21.17 sq. ft. | 37.4 in. | 1 person |
| Sierra Designs High Route | 1 lbs. 3.25 oz. | 36 sq. ft. | 48 in. | 2 person |
| MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House | 14 oz. | 30 sq. ft. | 38 in. | 2 person |
| Kammok Kuhli Pro Shelter | 1 lb. 10 oz. | 108 sq. ft. | Variable | 4 person |
How to Choose Trekking Pole Tents?
Trekking pole tents offer lightweight and versatile shelter options for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to be supported by trekking poles instead of traditional tent poles, these tents are favored for their weight-saving benefits and compactness. Choosing the right trekking pole tent involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.
Tent Capacity and Size
When selecting a trekking pole tent, start by considering how many people will typically use it. Tents are rated by their capacity, usually accommodating one, two, or three persons. It’s crucial to balance weight with comfort—opting for a slightly larger tent can provide more space but might add weight. Consider the dimensions, ensuring it provides enough length and width for sleeping comfortably.
Tent Weight and Packability
One of the primary advantages of trekking pole tents is their lightweight nature. When backpacking or trekking, every ounce counts. Look for tents made from lightweight materials like silnylon or cuben fiber, which offer durability without excess weight. Pay attention to the packed size as well; compact tents are easier to carry and fit better into backpacks.
Season and Weather Suitability
Evaluate the tent’s suitability for different seasons and weather conditions. Most trekking pole tents are designed for three-season use, offering protection against rain and moderate winds. For harsher conditions, consider tents with additional features like reinforced materials, stronger poles, and improved ventilation. Always check the tent’s waterproof rating (measured in millimeters of water column) to ensure it can withstand heavy rain.
Tent Design and Features
Trekking pole tents come in various designs, each catering to different preferences and needs:
A-Frame Tents
Traditional A-frame tents are simple to set up and generally lighter. They often require fewer stakes but may have less headroom compared to other designs.
Dome Tents
Dome tents offer more interior space and better wind resistance due to their rounded shape. They are typically freestanding or semi-freestanding, making them easier to pitch in various terrains.
Hybrid Tents
Hybrid designs combine features of A-frame and dome tents, offering a good balance between weight, space, and ease of setup. They often feature vestibules for gear storage and multiple doors for easier access.
Tent Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation buildup inside the tent, especially during colder nights or humid conditions. Look for tents with mesh panels and adjustable vents that allow for airflow without compromising protection from insects and weather.
Durability and Construction
The durability of a trekking pole tent depends on the materials used and its construction. High-denier fabrics and robust stitching contribute to longevity. Reinforced seams and waterproof coatings enhance weather resistance. Consider the strength of the trekking poles required—aluminum or carbon fiber poles are common choices for their balance of strength and weight.
Ease of Setup
The ease of pitching and dismantling a tent can significantly impact your camping experience, especially after a long day of trekking. Practice setting up your tent before your trip to familiarize yourself with the process. Look for tents with intuitive designs, color-coded clips, and clear setup instructions for quicker assembly.
Price and Budget Considerations
Trekking pole tents vary widely in price, depending on their features, materials, and brand. Set a budget based on your needs—higher-priced tents often offer lighter weight, better durability, and more advanced features. Consider your frequency of use and the importance of weight savings versus cost when making your decision.
User Reviews and Recommendations
Before purchasing a trekking pole tent, read user reviews and seek recommendations from experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Real-world feedback can provide insights into the tent’s performance, durability, and ease of use in different conditions. Websites and forums dedicated to hiking and backpacking are valuable resources for gathering opinions and comparing options.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trekking pole tent involves considering factors such as size, weight, weather resistance, design, and ease of setup. By assessing your specific needs and preferences against these criteria, you can select a tent that enhances your outdoor adventures. Remember, a well-chosen tent not only provides shelter but also contributes to a more enjoyable and comfortable outdoor experience.
