At VIAM Outdoors, we strive to provide quality gear outdoor lightweight shelters that are affordable. These shelters are great for ice fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking, and more. You can find a variety of tents and tarps for any budget!

Lightweight floorless shelters are becoming increasingly popular in the backcountry. These non-freestanding tents are often shaped like teepees, and they do very well in wind and snow loads when pitched properly. They also tend to have a lower weight than freestanding tents and can offer significantly more interior space for two sleepers.

The primary downside of these tents is that they do not have a built-in groundsheet or floor, so you will need to bring along a bivy sack for added weather protection. They may also require a ground cloth for sleeping on and extra stakes to keep them anchored, which can increase the overall cost and weight of your shelter system.

For many backpackers, the main drawback of these floorless shelters is that they are often less livable than freestanding tents. They don’t provide as much privacy or warmth, and they can have issues with water pooling under the structure, unless you carefully select a spot that is elevated and well-draining. Fortunately, these issues are relatively easy to avoid with the right planning and preparation.

Some of the most popular floorless shelters in the market are designed to be used in conjunction with a sleeping bag or bivy sack, which can greatly improve comfort and livability. The Black Diamond Distance tent, for example, combines a simple design with high-quality materials to create an incredibly lightweight and rugged four-season shelter. Its sag-resistant, single-wall build features minimal mesh and is very stable, even when set up on small bivy ledges.

Other options for lightweight floorless shelters include the MLD DuoMid and the SlingFin SplitWing, both of which can be paired with one or more of MLD’s InnerNets to form double-wall bug-free havens. They have a few other unique features that make them stand out from other trekking-pole shelters, including an innovative vestibule configuration and the ability to be set up without removing any of the poles.

In general, trekking-pole shelters are more streamlined and easier to set up than freestanding models. This makes them an excellent choice for backpackers who are new to ultralight shelters or those who want to cut their pack weight down without sacrificing safety or durability. However, they can be vulnerable to heavy rain and wind if you don’t select an elevated, well-draining site.

The lightweight UL tents we’ve reviewed here are all capable of withstanding rain, wind, and some light snowfall, although you will likely need a groundcloth for sleeping on and additional stakes to keep the shelter anchored. If you’re willing to compromise on these factors, we recommend checking out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 or the REI Flash Air 2. Both offer a solid balance of comfort, livability, and weight for the price.