Interior Space in 2P Non-Trekking Pole UL-ish Shelters: A Quick Reference List
Hello fellow campers/hikers/backpackers! For the past year, I've been doing a real-life comparison of several legit lightweight 2P backpacking tents. I was looking for a freestanding or semi-freestanding tent under 3lbs (or so) that would fit two long/wide pads for two people around 6'0 tall. Below is a list of my findings. Just wanted to share my research, that's all!
Notes: 1) The list is only in reference to interior size and how well each tent fits two long/wide pads and two people around 6 feet tall. 2) Each tent on the list weighs 53oz or less. If I split the weight with my spouse on backpacking trips, it comes to around 26oz per person or less. I'm happy with that weight for a comfortable 2P tent. 3) I did check out two 3P tents and included them below. 4) I marked 2P tents that actually fit 2P with this: *****
- Big Agnes Copper Spur (2P) —2lbs 12oz
- Pad fit: Only two narrow pads.
- Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
- Big Agnes Tiger Wall (3P) — 2lbs 10oz
- Pad fit: two wide/long easily fit.
- Interior: Roomy. Huge footprint; floor felt very thin.
- Marmot Limelight UL (2P) ***** 3lbs, 2oz
- Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit.
- Interior: Roomy. Good floor space w/cubbies; vestibules are rather small.
- Nemo Hornet (2P) —2lbs 1oz
- Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
- Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
- Nemo Dragonfly (2P) — 2lbs 13oz
- Pad fit: Only two narrow pads fit
- Interior: Small. Very cramped inside.
- Marmot Tungsten UL (2P) ***** 2lbs, 15oz
- Pad fit: two long/wide pads fit
- Interior: Decent. Works well for two 6-foot people.
- MSR FreeLite (3P) — 2lbs, 10oz
- Pad fit: Two long/wide pads fit easily
- Interior: Decent. Only 84" long; sloped walls put feet/head near fabric.
- Mountain Hardwear Aspect (2P) — 3lbs, 1oz
- Pad fit: Two long/wide pads are a very tight fit
- Interior: Decent. Specs say 50" wide floor, but measures ~48"
- MSR Hubba Hubba LT (2P) ***** 3lbs, 3 oz
- Pad fit: Long/wide, easy.
- Interior: Roomy for an actual 2P tent.
All of the above tents are legit lightweight tents. However, my spouse and I settled on the Hubba Hubba LT (2P) because it has the most room of any other lightweight 2P tent I tried. We tested it out over the weekend, and I can confirm it fits two long/wide pads well with two people around 6'0 tall. Hope this helps someone. Feel free to add to this list. Happy trails!
