Zpacks Duplex
The Zpacks Duplex is the market-leading ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) trekking-pole tarp tent, prized for its near-complete bug protection, roomy vestibules and high weather resistance—making it a top choice for three-season backpacking where durability and shelter performance matter. It commands a premium price but delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weatherproofing compared with single-wall tarp options like the Lunar Solo or TrailStar, and it offers a lighter, more waterproof alternative to fabric two-person designs such as the Durston X-Mid 2 and Gossamer Gear The Two.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Zpacks Duplex for being exceptionally lightweight, spacious for two, and highly weatherproof, though many note the high price and occasional concerns about long‑term abrasion durability and condensation management. Experienced ultralighters love its space‑to‑weight ratio but recommend careful pitching and seam care."
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Zpacks Duplex is the market-leading ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) trekking-pole tarp tent, prized for its near-complete bug protection, roomy vestibules and high weather resistance—making it a top choice for three-season backpacking where durability and shelter performance matter. It commands a premium price but delivers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weatherproofing compared with single-wall tarp options like the Lunar Solo or TrailStar, and it offers a lighter, more waterproof alternative to fabric two-person designs such as the Durston X-Mid 2 and Gossamer Gear The Two.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Two-person, two-door layout with optional floor and good ventilation for three-season use.
Featherweight cuben
Spacious two-berth
Packable like origami
Constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio ideal for long treks.
Two-person, two-door layout with optional floor and good ventilation for three-season use.
$700-900 USD
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is a minimalist single-wall pyramid tarp shelter that uses one trekking pole for an exceptionally simple, lightweight three-season setup and represents excellent value for solo hikers prioritizing low weight and packability. It lacks the integrated mesh and broad vestibules of the Duplex or the structured two-person living space of tents like the Durston X-Mid 2 and The Two, but its affordability and straightforward pitches make it a practical, cost-effective choice for budget-minded backpackers.
Solo cocoon
Quick stake-up
Solo cocoon
Quick stake-up
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo for its simplicity, low weight, and reliable storm performance for a solo setup, while some report condensation and limited ventilation issues in humid conditions. Reviewers value its proven design and affordability relative to ultralight competitors."
Rainproof ninja
Single-wall, wedge-shaped shelter that uses one trekking pole for a fast, minimal pitch.
Rainproof ninja
Single-wall, wedge-shaped shelter that uses one trekking pole for a fast, minimal pitch.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is a minimalist single-wall pyramid tarp shelter that uses one trekking pole for an exceptionally simple, lightweight three-season setup and represents excellent value for solo hikers prioritizing low weight and packability. It lacks the integrated mesh and broad vestibules of the Duplex or the structured two-person living space of tents like the Durston X-Mid 2 and The Two, but its affordability and straightforward pitches make it a practical, cost-effective choice for budget-minded backpackers.
Solo cocoon
Quick stake-up
Rainproof ninja
Single-wall, wedge-shaped shelter that uses one trekking pole for a fast, minimal pitch.
Silnylon construction gives a good combination of low weight, durability, and water-shedding performance.
Solo cocoon
Quick stake-up
Rainproof ninja
Single-wall, wedge-shaped shelter that uses one trekking pole for a fast, minimal pitch.
Silnylon construction gives a good combination of low weight, durability, and water-shedding performance.
$300-450 USD
Gossamer Gear The Two
Gossamer Gear The Two is a practical, budget-minded two-person trekking-pole shelter that balances interior livability and low weight, giving more usable space than single-person tarps without the high cost of premium laminated shelters. It sacrifices some of the DCF durability and waterproof certainty of the Zpacks Duplex in exchange for a lower upfront cost and easier field repairs, positioning it as a sensible middle ground between ultralight solo tarps (Lunar Solo, TrailStar) and heavier, more storm-capable tents like the Durston X-Mid 2.
Two-person airy
Balanced ultralight
Two-person airy
Balanced ultralight
Review Summary
"The Gossamer Gear The Two is frequently highlighted for offering roomy two‑person shelter at a very competitive weight and price, though reviewers mention it can be less robust in sustained high winds and requires careful pitching and stakes. Overall users like the balance of space, packability and value."
Breezy setup
Two-person tarp-tent offering roomy interior and multiple pitch options at a competitive ultralight price.
Breezy setup
Two-person tarp-tent offering roomy interior and multiple pitch options at a competitive ultralight price.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Gossamer Gear The Two is a practical, budget-minded two-person trekking-pole shelter that balances interior livability and low weight, giving more usable space than single-person tarps without the high cost of premium laminated shelters. It sacrifices some of the DCF durability and waterproof certainty of the Zpacks Duplex in exchange for a lower upfront cost and easier field repairs, positioning it as a sensible middle ground between ultralight solo tarps (Lunar Solo, TrailStar) and heavier, more storm-capable tents like the Durston X-Mid 2.
Two-person airy
Balanced ultralight
Breezy setup
Two-person tarp-tent offering roomy interior and multiple pitch options at a competitive ultralight price.
Available in lightweight fabrics (silnylon or Dyneema) with simple trekking-pole-supported geometry.
Two-person airy
Balanced ultralight
Breezy setup
Two-person tarp-tent offering roomy interior and multiple pitch options at a competitive ultralight price.
Available in lightweight fabrics (silnylon or Dyneema) with simple trekking-pole-supported geometry.
$450-650 USD
Durston X-Mid 2
The Durston X-Mid 2 is the hardier, weather-oriented two-person trekking-pole tent in this set, with reinforced pitches and generous vestibules that excel in exposed spring-to-fall conditions and sustained wet weather. Heavier than ultralight laminates like the Duplex and tarp hybrids like the TrailStar, it gives a technical advantage in storm resilience and often represents a better cost-per-durability trade-off for hikers who prioritize protection and reliability over absolute minimum weight.
Vertical walls
Storm-shedding
Vertical walls
Storm-shedding
Review Summary
"Hikers rate the Durston X‑Mid 2 highly for its stable mid‑style design, excellent ventilation, and quality construction; it performs well in wind and mixed weather. Some users find it heavier and pricier than minimalist tarps but appreciate the durability and livability for longer trips."
Robust pitch
Mid-pitch design with high peak and taut lines that resist wind and shed rain effectively.
Robust pitch
Mid-pitch design with high peak and taut lines that resist wind and shed rain effectively.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Durston X-Mid 2 is the hardier, weather-oriented two-person trekking-pole tent in this set, with reinforced pitches and generous vestibules that excel in exposed spring-to-fall conditions and sustained wet weather. Heavier than ultralight laminates like the Duplex and tarp hybrids like the TrailStar, it gives a technical advantage in storm resilience and often represents a better cost-per-durability trade-off for hikers who prioritize protection and reliability over absolute minimum weight.
Vertical walls
Storm-shedding
Robust pitch
Mid-pitch design with high peak and taut lines that resist wind and shed rain effectively.
Two doors and generous vestibules make it comfortable for cooking and gear storage in poor weather.
Vertical walls
Storm-shedding
Robust pitch
Mid-pitch design with high peak and taut lines that resist wind and shed rain effectively.
Two doors and generous vestibules make it comfortable for cooking and gear storage in poor weather.
$500-700 USD
MLD TrailStar
The MLD TrailStar is an extremely versatile tarp-tent hybrid built around trekking-pole pitching, offering multiple configurations, very low weight and strong value for three-season backpackers who want adaptability in the field. It typically undercuts premium laminated shelters on price and can weigh less than structured two-person tents, though it requires separate netting for full bug protection and does not match the Duplex's sealed laminate weatherproofing or the Durston's engineered storm robustness.
Chameleon tarp
Pitch-anywhere
Chameleon tarp
Pitch-anywhere
Review Summary
"The MLD TrailStar is lauded for its versatility, superb storm handling when properly pitched, and very light pack weight, though reviewers caution about the learning curve for optimal setups and the need for good stakes/guylines. Long‑term users praise its reliability and adaptability to many pitch styles."
Ultralight versatile
Simple A-frame tarp that excels with a single trekking pole and a variety of stake configurations.
Ultralight versatile
Simple A-frame tarp that excels with a single trekking pole and a variety of stake configurations.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The MLD TrailStar is an extremely versatile tarp-tent hybrid built around trekking-pole pitching, offering multiple configurations, very low weight and strong value for three-season backpackers who want adaptability in the field. It typically undercuts premium laminated shelters on price and can weigh less than structured two-person tents, though it requires separate netting for full bug protection and does not match the Duplex's sealed laminate weatherproofing or the Durston's engineered storm robustness.
Chameleon tarp
Pitch-anywhere
Ultralight versatile
Simple A-frame tarp that excels with a single trekking pole and a variety of stake configurations.
Very lightweight with numerous guy-out points to create sheltered vestibules and wind-resistant shapes.
Chameleon tarp
Pitch-anywhere
Ultralight versatile
Simple A-frame tarp that excels with a single trekking pole and a variety of stake configurations.
Very lightweight with numerous guy-out points to create sheltered vestibules and wind-resistant shapes.
$250-400 USD