The best one-person tents for 2024

We go into the area of solo tents in this detailed guide, exploring the top candidates built for the lone explorer. We scoured the market, taking into account variables such as weight, durability, price, weather resistance, and different features like snow skirts or mesh pockets, to show you a selection of the finest outdoor dwellings for solo campers. If you make an informed choice, your outdoor adventures will be safe and comfortable.

Best three seasons 1 person shelter: Sierra Designs High Route 1 3000

The High Route is a good choice for solo trekkers due to its compact size and low weight. It also provides a pleasant, open, and functional interior. That's because of its novel offset design, the sole drawback of which is that it's not quite as easy to pitch as some of its competitors. But as with anything else, practice makes perfect.

Even though the interior of this solo tent isn't the roomiest, you can still walk around freely and sit up straight. You get an uncommon '1.5' door arrangement. It means that there is the front entrance, which has a full-length zipper, and a smaller, rear door, which has a half-length zipper but still opens into a vestibule. This area is a convenient place to store bulky items like sleeping bags, stoves, and dirty shoes.

The only serious drawback of this model is that the canvas of this shelter is probably too thin to shield you when bad weather strikes hard. It can be too cold inside this model during sub-zero temperatures. This is especially true given that this model lacks a snow skirt. So if you intend to do some winter camping, you'll need another model designed specifically for camping in cold conditions.

The most affordable 1 person shelter: Wild Country Helm 1

Wild Country is a sub-brand of Terra Nova’s manufacturer, which in turn has a long history of designing, manufacturing, and selling the best lightweight outdoor equipment. Wild Country provides affordable products that adhere to Terra Nova's design and quality requirements.

The Helm 1 is an ample three-season freestanding model. It has a large porch and a tall profile that provides enough headroom, and enough inside space for campers.

Ventilation is provided by mesh panels along the top of the inner and a half midge-proof mesh inner door; protection from rain is provided by a Stormtex flysheet and a robust, long-lasting foundation is ensured by four guy ropes. The inner and outer poles of this solo tent work together to pitch the device rapidly, and its two-pole, freestanding design allows for simple, precise adjustments to your position and angle. The two huge mesh pockets, the ability to fully open the circular internal door to almost 360 degrees, and the color-coded pole sleeves are also excellent extras.

Best lightweight 1 person shelter: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1

The Big Agnes Tiger UL1 is ultralight (852g), roomy, waterproof, and filled with useful features like ceiling pockets for excellent storage capacity, a vent on the vestibule door, mini slats in the structured foot-end corners to create more usable space between your feet and the wall, and numerous interior loops for securing gear.

A silicone-treated ripstop nylon with a 1,200mm hydrostatic head rating was used to create the flysheet and groundsheet, while ripstop nylon with polyester mesh was used to create the breathable interior. The poles are made of DAC Featherlite, and all of the seams are taped with a waterproof, solvent-free PU covering.

For this model, Big Agnes uses solution-dyed fabric that decreases fading and consumes fewer resources in its production. Even after staking out the rear corners, the low bathtub flooring will still sag a little because this model is only semi-freestanding and has a single door. A wide mezzanine, multiple pockets in front of the mezzanine, and a pocket on the side provide ample storage space inside the shelter.

Best all-season 1 person shelter: All-Season Tent with Stove Jack "UP-2-mini"

If you're planning a solo trip, UP-2-mini is a viable choice to consider. This shelter provides all the comforts of home to make your camping trip stress-free and enjoyable. You won't find a more luxurious camping experience than with these 4 season tents.

The tent's interior will remain dry in even the heaviest downpours thanks to the special, water-resistant Oxford PU4000 material. In addition, a special water-repellent is applied to the inside layer. The interior will remain toasty and dry no matter how harsh the weather outside may be. Shelter’s ease of assembly is a further benefit. A single person can set up this tent in only two minutes on any surface thanks to the lightweight umbrella frame. This model is 106" in diameter and 71" in height.

In severe colds, you will have the opportunity to install a wood stove inside this shelter. It has a smoke pipe hole made from heat-resistant material capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2192°. Also this model has a snow skirt. Snow skirts are intended to provide a barrier between the tent's bottom and the ground. A snow skirt stops the wind from blowing under the tent in snowy situations, keeping the interior dry and toasty. By preventing cold air from entering the interior, a snow skirt helps maintain a more comfortable temperature inside. So you can keep a convenient internal temperature no matter the weather outside. This model allows you to keep a temperature of 85° F or higher inside while it is -22° F outside. On the other hand, to make using this shelter during hot seasons more convenient, it incorporates a ventilation system with 5-layer windows. This will allow airflow to circulate inside the shelter, keeping it cool. So you can use UP-2 mini for any weather.

The combination of these features makes this solo tent an excellent choice for solitary campers who don’t want to spend extra money on different shelters for different seasons.

Best 1 person bivy shelter: Big Sky Wisp Bivy

The word "super bivy" is the most accurate way to describe it. Big Sky has created a shelter that, at first glance, appears to offer all benefits of a bivy bag without any of the standard problems of bivy shelters. In its design, it is comparable to a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo because it has an extra small pole and it's a bit more lightweight, presumably since it doesn't have the mesh vents around the bottom.

Because of its extremely low weight and small size, it is ideally suited for use on extended hiking trips when the weight distribution of your equipment must be prioritized. In contrast to a bivy bag, this one has a room inside in which you are able to sit and rest, as well as a rather sizable porch in which you are able to store your equipment. Additionally, it is waterproof and windproof.

Best 1 person tarp shelter: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo

Its tarp design is comprised of a single skin of silicon-coated polyester top hanging from a trekking pole. The upper's edge and corners are pinned down to form a hexagonal shape around its base.

With 1.2 meters in height and 2.4 square meters of sleeping space, this design provides a relatively substantial sleeping area. You also get a 0.8-square-meter porch, which gives you plenty of space to cook and organize your gear. However, in certain conditions, such as when it's chilly, damp, and not highly windy, this solo tent gets pretty wet inside.

Best double trekking pole: Gossamer Gear The One

Going on a solo adventure in the bosom of nature? Forget about bulky tents weighing down your backpack! Gossamer Gear The One is the best one-person tent for minimalist travelers. Weighing less than a kilogram, this 1P tent offers enough space for a comfortable sleep. The unique double-peak design provides vertical walls, creating a sense of space above your head, unlike the sloping ceilings of conventional single-bed models.

Requiring no complex framing elements, The One is quick to set up with your trekking poles. Its innovative design also takes ventilation into account. Exceptional ventilation ensures air circulation, preventing the accumulation of condensate, especially in challenging condition.

Made of strong but light sil-nylon material, this waterproof material with a special UTS (Ultra Tear Strength) coating guarantees tear resistance despite its thinness.

The floor plan of The One is thought out to the smallest detail. The width of 84 cm in the upper part allows comfortable accommodation even for tall people, and the narrowing to 53 cm in the legs makes the tent more compact. In this way, you get enough space to place a sleeping bag and also keep free space for storing things near your head.

Gossamer Gear The One is the best single person tents in terms of comfort, weight, and price. It will be your faithful companion on hikes, bike trips, or any other adventure where minimalism and lightness of equipment are key factors.

Best eco-friendly: NEMO Hornet OSMO

Gossamer Gear The One is an affordable tent that combines minimal weight, a spacious interior, and ease of use. This tent is an ideal choice for travelers looking for comfort and practicality without the burden of camping gear.

The One weighs just 1 lb 7 oz (659 g), making it one of the lightest single-person tents on the market. This makes it the best one-person tent for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities where every gram of weight counts.

Despite its lightweight, The One offers a spacious structure. The freestanding tent is 33 inches (84 cm) wide and 84 inches (213 cm) long, providing plenty of room for a comfortable sleep. The two tops of the tent provide more headroom.

The One is also very easy to install. tent body only requires two trekking poles and a few pegs, making it ideal for travelers looking for a quick and hassle-free setup.

The best one-person tent for vestibule space: MSR FreeLite 1

This double-walled tent with poles weighs less than a kilogram, making it the best 1 person tent for backpacking who are looking for a light and compact option. It impresses with its size and space, offering comfortable accommodation for one person.

The best one-person tents has a high ceiling and a rectangular shape, which provides a sense of space. roomy vestibule allows you to place all your gear without cluttering the interior space. The tent is also very easy to set up, making it convenient for travelers looking for a quick and hassle-free solution.

It is important to note that the fabric of the tent is delicate, so it should be handled with care. The back wall can be vulnerable during windy condition, so it is recommended to place the tent in sheltered areas. The awning does not provide the best all-around coverage, so water can seep through during heavy rain.

The best ultralight one-person tent: Terra Nova Laser Pulse Ultra 1

Gram-obsessed travelers, rejoice! The Terra Nova Laser Pulse Ultra 1 is the "world's lightest tent", weighing just 450g (490g with pack). This tunnel tent is a real find for those who want to minimize the weight of the backpack during multi-day mountain marathons.

This tent is not for those looking for a spacious palace in the mountains. It was created for travelers who seek to be at one with nature without excess baggage.

Despite its compactness, the tent provides comfort. The tunnel construction provides enough height to sit on, and durable materials guarantee protection from the elements. Laser Pulse Ultra 1 is best one-person tents, it is your faithful companion on your travels. He will share with you the beauty of mountain peaks, the whisper of forests, and the endless expanses of the sky.

Things to consider before choosing a one-person tent

Before choosing the best one-person tents, it is important to consider several key aspects that will significantly affect the comfort and pleasure of the trip. Let's look at four main factors to consider before buying a single tent: weight, size, construction type (freestanding or with trekking poles), and price.

Weight

Weight is one of the first and key aspects you should pay attention to when choosing the best solo tents, particularly backpacking tents. Especially for light hikers or long-distance travelers, a lightweight tent can significantly reduce back strain. However, care must be taken to ensure that lightness does not compromise the quality of materials and construction, as the tent must be reliable and withstand various weather conditions, including stormy conditions.

Size

Size is another crucial factor, particularly when venturing into environments with restricted space. Travelers who prioritize speed and ease of setup will appreciate the compactness and simplicity of assembly that a solo hot tent provides, ensuring a comfortable and efficient camping experience even in limited spaces. When choosing a tent, pay attention to the presence of compression straps. These straps allow you to effectively compress your tent, reducing its volume in the backpack. This helps to save space and provides convenient transport of your equipment.

Freestanding versus trekking poles

A freestanding tent or one with trekking pole support is another aspect to consider before purchasing. Freestanding tents can be set up on any surface without the need for pegs or trekking poles, making them easier to use. On the other hand, tents with trekking poles can be lighter because they use trekking poles for support. If you are already experienced users, then you can choose which one you like better, including the option of a 3-season tent which offers versatility across various conditions.

Price

Price is the last but not least important aspect of the best solo tents. The price for your best 1-person tents can vary significantly depending on the brand, materials, and additional features, including whether it is a summer tent or a winter tent. It's important to strike a balance between quality and price because you want a reliable tent, but you don't want to overpay for extra features you might not need. You can consider tents made of recycled materials, which can be cheaper. Taking into account all these factors, choose a tent that is included in your camping kit and corresponds to the specific weather conditions of your trip. This will allow you to enjoy every moment of your vacation, providing convenience and reliable protection in all conditions.