Selecting a lightweight shelter requires careful consideration of the types of conditions you typically encounter in your backcountry travels.
Read our article on Ultralight Tents for additional information on shelter systems.
When selecting a lightweight shelters consider your backcountry skills and your tolerance for dealing with a variety of conditions ranging from wind, rain and snow, to bugs and heat. Tarps are typically the most affordable and the lightest shelters available, but also require some skill and foresight to use effectively in more challenging conditions. Lightweight tents and hybrid shelters are heavier and more expensive than tarps, but they tend to offer better protection from the elements and require less skill and experience for competent use.
