Looking for lightweight tent

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good_old_shoes

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Picking out a tent is a bit like choosing footwear. You'll get lots of advice, but in the end it has to work for your feet, not someone else's. Same with tents. It also depends on how much money you are willing or able to pay, and how lightweight you want it to be. There are many brands and models that are reasonably lightweight, decent quality and not too expensive. Then you also have to think about whether you just want to sleep in it, or if it needs to be high enough to sit in, double or single wall tent, do you want to be able to pitch the outer before the inner, ect.

I do own four tents by now and have used three of them on Caminos. Mine are quite heavy for the ultralight crowd but light enough for me (1,5-2kg). My pack currently weighs about 8kg, and that includes half a litre of water, some emergency snacks and a sleeping bag that keeps me perfectly warm even at -10C.

Of course there are much more lightweight options depending on budget. I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-

David

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First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.
What is your maximum price and weight? - and then design type?
For me it would have to be a free standing tent that then can also be pegged out rather than the traditional type that only stand up when pegged out.
The reason for this is that a free-standing tent can be used where pegs can't be used, such as a refugio concrete or wood verandah - best of both worlds for me.
 

mishlove

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malingerer

samarkand
Jan 28, 2014
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Hilleberg tents will see you through pretty much anything the camino can throw at you weather wise n any season
agreed! I love them to bits BUT for 3/4 season my Laser Comp 1 will hack it and its lighter and cheaper BUT when I finish building my next hip-belt hiking trolley and weight is not a problem AND I've won the lottery it would be the HILLEBERG AKTO.

Good luck

and buen camino

Samarkand.
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Feb 9, 2020
78
117
London
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I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
I have no experience whatsoever with tents but for a few years I have been following several YouTube hikers of the long distance American trails.

What I have learned is that the Zpaks Duplex is very popular because it’s very lightweight and made of Dyneema (aka Cuban Fiber) which is a waterproof material that is very durable and lightweight. I think it’s an expensive material but a marvel that all backpacks should be made from if it wasn’t so expensive.

The Duplex is in theory big enough for 2 but Dixie on the Homemade Wunderlust channel says it has the advantage of being big enough to accommodate her and a backpack with breathing space. There is also a vestibule outside the tent for rainproof cooking.

Dixie buys all her own kit and I believe that her reviews are, in my opinion, entirely without bias.

The weight is brought down to about 500g as it has no frame. The support is provided by using your trekking poles. It’s about $650 USD.

I understand that the Big Agnes is also popular.

Best of luck. What an adventure and a very smart choice given how busy the Camino will be next year

Buen Camino!
 

mishlove

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I have no experience whatsoever with tents but for a few years I have been following several YouTube hikers of the long distance American trails.

What I have learned is that the Zpaks Duplex is very popular because it’s very lightweight and made of Dyneema (aka Cuban Fiber) which is a waterproof material that is very durable and lightweight. I think it’s an expensive material but a marvel that all backpacks should be made from if it wasn’t so expensive.

The Duplex is in theory big enough for 2 but Dixie on the Homemade Wunderlust channel says it has the advantage of being big enough to accommodate her and a backpack with breathing space. There is also a vestibule outside the tent for rainproof cooking.

Dixie buys all her own kit and I believe that her reviews are, in my opinion, entirely without bias.

The weight is brought down to about 500g as it has no frame. The support is provided by using your trekking poles. It’s about $650 USD.

I understand that the Big Agnes is also popular.

Best of luck. What an adventure and a very smart choice given how busy the Camino will be next year

Buen Camino!
I follow a Landscape photographer - Dave Morrow - that swears by it for his expeditions.
His gear video
 

MichelleElynHogan

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Jul 25, 2012
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Zpacks have been mentioned and though made with the lightest materials like Dyneema, they are inversely related when it comes to price, being at the higher end.

Consider looking into TarpTent. USA Made, made of Silnylon, usually and about half the price of a Dyneema tent but a bit heavier. I have a Contrail, which is not made any longer but may be picked up as used somewhere, like I did. It weighs a pound without pegs and uses one walking stick for support. There is a Youtube video on it. Barring this, look at the Tarptent lineup for something that suits.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: When packing a tent, do not use metal pegs. Try to find some short plastic pegs as metal ones will be confiscated by TSA.
 
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Rural1

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Apr 20, 2019
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Lanshan 1 or 2 tents weigh around a 1kg or less you will use your trekking poles as support also very reasonably priced around 120- 150 euros, naturehike tents also good and reasonably priced (have a cloud up 2tent and is great bang for buck) if that is what you are looking for compared to more expensive brands like mentioned above
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
May 20, 2021
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All great comments and suggestions above. I carried a Big Agnes UL2 from Hendaye to Gijon in 2013, then mailed it home without ever using it. Very few tent camping opportunities on the Caminos unless you are in a commercial campground -- squeezed in among the campervans. Legal restrictions abound. Where you could pitch a tent in seclusion would likely be far from water. Especially hot water for a shower. My daughter and her husband carried the UL2 from Irun to Bilbao just last week and decided albergues were warmer. In 2017 I slept in one of the albergue-provided tents behind the municipal albergue in Castro-Urdiales. It leaked badly and I shared it with a mouse or other creature that liked the food in my pack. I considered carrying my Big Agnes UL1 on the Via de la Plata in September but did an about face and walked on the delightfully uncrowded Frances instead -- sans tent. My pack and rain gear are now oh so ultralight from Zpacks. If I were to buy a new tent I would save up and consider one of the Zpack tents. (Ka ching!) But, come on, the camaraderie in the albergues really makes the Caminos special for me. Buen Camino
 

Mark L

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Jan 18, 2020
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Cajarc, France
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Done : Le Puy to SJPdP in 2020.
Planned : Saint Jean to Santiago in 2021
I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
Budget option is Nature Hike cloud up 1 or 2
when I say budget, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than Zpacks etc, heavier but not too much and works well

my real question is “is this for the Spain Camino“ ? If so, why take a tent because organised camping is sporadic and relatively expensive, wild camping isn’t doable really unless extreme stealth is used (in which case you are bivi bag level not tents) and tbh, the hostels are cheap enough with people too.

if in france, buy a tent and use it

just a thought.
 
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cbacino

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Apr 4, 2018
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I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
Beware of manufacturers weight description. Some do not include the weight of stake, guy lines, fly, stuff sack. I used a Tarptent Rainbow on the Appalachian Trail. Full weight- 2 lbs 4 oz. Single person tent with plenty of room for a backpack and more inside.
 
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Mar 1, 2017
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The Duplex is in theory big enough for 2 but Dixie on the Homemade Wunderlust channel says it has the advantage of being big enough to accommodate her and a backpack with breathing space.
We enjoyed watching Dixie of "Homemade Wanderlust" on the Camino and have since followed many of her long distance hikes in America.
The weight is brought down to about 500g as it has no frame. The support is provided by using your trekking poles.
My son purchased an ultralight tent for the Colorado Trail that used his hiking poles for support. After the first week or two he woke up one morning to find that a chipmunk or other small varmint had chewed and damaged the hand grips on his Leki hiking poles. Apparently they like to snack on the salty sweat from your hands.
 

Hiawatha

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Consider ease of setting the tent up each and every night when exhausted after a day's walk .
I currently use a Nature hike 2 up for one or two night walks and really like it . For use over many days I compromise a little extra weight and use a cheap silver dome tent . Two minute set up , rugged floor for rough areas , no pegs required , no need for kid gloves handling , packing or errecting . No wallet injury if torn or lost and they fold into a very pack friendly narrow cylinder shape suitable for side pockets .
My own is nine years old has been used numerous times on long bush walks, no need for repairs , original cost $19 Aus.
 
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domigee

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agreed! I love them to bits BUT for 3/4 season my Laser Comp 1 will hack it and its lighter and cheaper BUT when I finish building my next hip-belt hiking trolley and weight is not a problem AND I've won the lottery it would be the HILLEBERG AKTO.

Good luck

and buen camino

Samarkand.
Laser comp. for me too for the very light weight 🙂
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
Mar 1, 2017
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I currently use a Nature hike 2 up for one or two night walks and really like it .
I absolutely love my inexpensive Nature Hike sleeping bag for use on the Camino. I didn't realize they also made tents so looked online and see they have several types, of which none break the bank.
 
Sep 4, 2018
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stephangiannini.com
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Best of luck. What an adventure and a very smart choice given how busy the Camino will be next year

Buen Camino!
A little of topic, but I wonder if that opinion is based on anything more than a gut feeling. Because I'm planning for next year. And I definitely don't want to bring a tent.
 

kelleymac

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I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
When I'm by myself, I use an llbean microlight one person tent. It weighs about 1 kg (37 oz ) and packs small. They cost about $300 new-- I got mine off eBay for about $50, and resealed the seams.

When I'm with someone I sometimes use a Sierra Designs Flashlight 2 tent. It weighs 1.5 kg (54 oz) when I use my trekking poles for the tent poles. I say sometimes because it is not self standing, it has to be staked out. So it's great for the woods, not so great on a hard surface somewhere.

I also have an Alps 3 person tent (but it's really a two person, plus dog tent), that weighs in at 2.41 kg-- but I use that for car camping mostly.
 
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MichelleElynHogan

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We enjoyed watching Dixie of "Homemade Wanderlust" on the Camino and have since followed many of her long distance hikes in America.

My son purchased an ultralight tent for the Colorado Trail that used his hiking poles for support. After the first week or two he woke up one morning to find that a chipmunk or other small varmint had chewed and damaged the hand grips on his Leki hiking poles. Apparently they like to snack on the salty sweat from your hands.
Personally, though I use rubber foot type pole tips, the hiking pole handle is always on top.protected by the Tent sleeve. But you are correct, all small animals and most of the big ones are always looking for salt.
 
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Mar 1, 2017
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Personally, though I use rubber foot type pole tips, the hiking pole handle is always on top.protected by the Tent sleeve.
The tent my son used required the metal tips to be slid in special holes...handle grips on the ground. I suppose all brands are different.
 
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cathal Ferris

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12th August 2015 Starting at Croagh Patrick Clew Bay to Downpatrick known as Camino Way of St Patrick
I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
I have a vango 100 very light and comfortable for1 sitting up if your quite tall can be difficult and room for your back back can be made between fly sheet and tent can be erected dry in wet weather which is handy
 
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jcat

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I have spent many nights camping (not on the Camino) in my 2-person Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL which is just at 2 pounds. A smaller one-person is obviously lighter, but I like the extra space. Great 3 season tent!
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

Lindsay53

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I think it may have already been said, but the rule of thumb is the lighter the tent, the more it costs. I have a Tarptent Moment which has served me well for several years. Weighs about 950g, easy to set up and plenty of room inside for a fairly large person like me.
 

davebugg

A Pilgrimage is time I spend praying with my feet
Feb 9, 2021
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I am looking for a 1-2P tent as well, and currently leaning towards the KIKILIVE 2 (and similar). Almost 500g lighter than this UL Tungsten depending on which specs you believe and even cheaper if you go through Ali Express.
I have some serious reservations about this tent, along with some suggestions to make it better, which will make it less likely to be a problem.

The Kikilive appears to be a Chinese knockoff of the 3F ULGear LanShan 2. There are some claims, based only on cited appearance similarities rather than direct inspection, that these are the same tent, only rebranded. I find that the few reviews and comments making those claims have all the earmarking's of 'fake' and paid submissions from interests directly benefitting from sales.

Fake reviews have become well documented as a problematic issue on sites like Amazon; they definitely make it difficult for consumers who are trying to figure out a product's quality with real-world usage

It also seems to me that there are deceitful mentions of the LanShan tent in Q&A and reviews about the Kikilive tent which are designed to create a false association in the minds of buyers.

From the little relevant info in the descriptions of the Kikilive product, there does seem to be some key differences between the two based on what I know and have read about the LanShan. You can find information that I posted earlier this year about the LanShan tent HERE

I will not rule out the possibility that the same factory is producing the same tent design, but under different brand names. My bet would be that IF such is the case, the Kikilive is a corner-cutting version of the LanShan branded model.

In terms of sheer durability and wet-weather resistance, a good comparison to the Kikilive is the TarpTent brand of silnylon tents; TarpTent is the standard-bearer for silnylon tents. An example is the 30d weight fabric instead of the 15d used by the Kikilive, and the double amount of impregnated waterproofing material in the fabric.

Some will argue that the price difference between the TarpTent (I like the MoTrail) and the Kikilive means more money in the pocket, but that is cold comfort at 2 a.m. when wakened by a stormy, wind-driven rain which has left one with a tent floor of water and a wet sleeping bag.

If I were to purchase the Kikilive, at the very least:
  • I would replace the rainfly with one made from at least a 20d fabric and with a better waterproof index rating. Myself, I would save some weight and use a polycro plastic film as a rainfly, replacing the fabric one altogether, which would also eliminate seam sealing issues with the fly.
  • I would always use a footprint/ground sheet under the tent. This plus the better rainfly will add a ew more ounces and some moderate expense but would make the tent a much better product and increase its durability.
  • I would also re-do all seams by painting them over with a liberal amount of seam sealer.
  • I would look at the quality of any included accessories. . guy lines and stakes, etc. These are inexpensive to replace - if needed - with counterparts that are ultralight and durable.
As a Camino tent with modifications, it has promise as a budget tent. As a backpacking tent or for multiple caminos I would view it as a disposable commodity, rather than as a long term piece of gear.
 
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trecile

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I have no intention to ever bring a tent on a Camino, but this discussion has made me somewhat obsessed with tents now! I have looked at all the links, compared weights, watched videos of the tents being set up, etc. 😄⛺
 
Mar 1, 2017
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I have no intention to ever bring a tent on a Camino, but this discussion has made me somewhat obsessed with tents now! I have looked at all the links, compared weights, watched videos of the tents being set up, etc. 😄⛺
@trecile, your interest level and enthusiasm in researching gear is just one of the things (of many) that makes you helpful in the planning process of both long-term forum members and newbies.
 
Feb 9, 2020
78
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London
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CF 2019. SJPdP 14 April 2022 to Finisterre
A little of topic, but I wonder if that opinion is based on anything more than a gut feeling. Because I'm planning for next year. And I definitely don't want to bring a tent.
Like you, I won’t be camping in my CF next year. You are right that it’s a gut feeling that it will be busy next year but from the limited research I have done it seems that a lot of accommodation which is bookable is already booked.

Personally, I like a busy trail. It’s such a joy to meet new pilgrims along the way.

Buen Camino!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.

trecile

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from the limited research I have done it seems that a lot of accommodation which is bookable is already booked.
If you are basing that on booking sites like booking.com be aware that many properties don't release their inventory to booking sites this far out. You are probably not getting a true picture of what accommodations will be like next year.
 

filly

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Dec 27, 2011
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Early on in this discussion, reference was made to a Swedish tentmaker, Hilleberg and the solo ‘Akto’ at 1.7 kgs. I purchased same about six years ago and the first time I used it at 2am at midsummer in Sweden, it was with ease that I put it up. It was not cheap, but National Trust membership accorded a 10 per cent reduction at Cotswold Outdoor (UK chain). It has paid its way many times over in Norway and Sweden - and impressed ‘locals’.

I was in Hamburg last week and spent a pleasant time in the wondrous hikers paradise of Globetrotter where I was delighted to learn that Hilleberg have shaved 500 grammes off the weight of the solo tent ( now 1.2 kgs ) and launched it as a pricier three-season ENAN. Definitely one for my Christmas list!
 
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davebugg

A Pilgrimage is time I spend praying with my feet
Feb 9, 2021
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I bought this tent and am loving it.
Have taken it on some multi-day hikes.
It packs down very small, weighs under 800 g.

The company is completely out of its tent inventory. In January, they will announce when they will take pre-orders for a May or June 2022 delivery date. Their production facilities are in Vietnam and COVID-19 has played the oft repeated role of disrupting he ability of that facility to obtain materials and limiting the number of workers.
 
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alipilgrim

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I've used Gossamer Gear's The One tent backpacking last year, 20 oz and sets up with your hiking poles. It's a tent I'd consider bringing on a camino as the weight is so low, but don't forget when camping you'll need an air mattress too which will add to your weight....
 

gittiharre

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The company is completely out of its tent inventory. In January, they will announce when they will take pre-orders for a May or June 2022 delivery date. Their production facilities are in Vietnam and COVID-19 has played the oft repeated role of disrupting he ability of that facility to obtain materials and limiting the number of workers.
Oh dear...shame.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

gittiharre

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Oh dear...shame.
Cousins of mine bought a double, May possibly be looking to sell it. Used once or twice.
They don't use hiking poles, so find it a pain.
I use hiking poles, so love it.
Let me know, if you want me to ask them about it...
 
Feb 9, 2020
78
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London
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CF 2019. SJPdP 14 April 2022 to Finisterre
If you are basing that on booking sites like booking.com be aware that many properties don't release their inventory to booking sites this far out. You are probably not getting a true picture of what accommodations will be like next year.
I hadn’t thought about that, so thanks for the idea trecile.
 
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May 20, 2021
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Often true, but when I was in high school I read somewhere, maybe in the Mark Trail comic strip, something like: "Every night you sleep in a tent does not count against your time on earth." I've tried to follow that advice as often as possible -- except on the Camino. I'm a contented 77. Buen Camino
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

koknesis

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I am looking for a very lightweight tent for upcoming Caminos and/or other pilgrimages.

I'm one person and would prefer to keep my backpack in the tent with me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
I think for an occasional camping a tarp would suffice. Or a hammock then. I am happy with Vaude Hogan 4 season tent being used from -15C to +30C, but not on Caminos obviously.
 

WildPlace

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Nov 6, 2012
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I own both the Zpacks Duplex and the Hilleberg Akto, i've used them extensively in Scotland in all seasons and like them both. I haven't used them on camino but if doing so I would use the Zpacks rather than the Hilleberg. The Hilleberg is better in windy weather but heavier than the Zpacks, and i now usually only use it if i'm doing cycling trips. The Zpacks can get quite condensated in humid/cold weather, as does the Hilleberg but the good thing about the Zpacks is that I can wipe the inside of the tent dry (it's single-walled) before packing the tent up. The Hilleberg gets even heavier when it's wet and it's very unpleasant to put it up still wet at the end of the day, at least the Zpacks i can give it a good dry out with my absorbent cloth.

My favourite YouTuber is John, Hounds of Howgate https://www.youtube.com/c/HoundsofHowgate who has used his Zpacks Duplex extensively, including the Cape Wrath Trail in very harsh conditions.

The biggest downside of the Zpacks for UK folks are the added costs of VAT and import duties. Zpacks as a company were excellent to deal with and i'll definitely carrying my Zpacks rucksack in April on the VdlP but not the tent as I'm walking with a friend and we're budgeting for albergues and private accommodations.

Hope this helps, as another poster remarked, there is lots of advice but at the end of the day down to personal choice!
 
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gittiharre

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2022 Camino Portuguese and Primitivo
I own both the Zpacks Duplex and the Hilleberg Akto, i've used them extensively in Scotland in all seasons and like them both. I haven't used them on camino but if doing so I would use the Zpacks rather than the Hilleberg. The Hilleberg is better in windy weather but heavier than the Zpacks, and i now usually only use it if i'm doing cycling trips. The Zpacks can get quite condensated in humid/cold weather, as does the Hilleberg but the good thing about the Zpacks is that I can wipe the inside of the tent dry (it's single-walled) before packing the tent up. The Hilleberg gets even heavier when it's wet and it's very unpleasant to put it up still wet at the end of the day, at least the Zpacks i can give it a good dry out with my absorbent cloth.

My favourite YouTuber is John, Hounds of Howgate https://www.youtube.com/c/HoundsofHowgate who has used his Zpacks Duplex extensively, including the Cape Wrath Trail in very harsh conditions.

The biggest downside of the Zpacks for UK folks are the added costs of VAT and import duties. Zpacks as a company were excellent to deal with and i'll definitely carrying my Zpacks rucksack in April on the VdlP but not the tent as I'm walking with a friend and we're budgeting for albergues and private accommodations.

Hope this helps, as another poster remarked, there is lots of advice but at the end of the day down to personal choice!
The beauty of the Dan Durston tent is, that it is double walled and still only weights 810 grams. It has a vestibule on each side.
I couldn't imagine a better tent for 1 person.
 
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