The BEST Lightweight Tent for backpacking | Ultralight 4 season tent

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Finding the perfect backpacking tent is no easy feat. For years, I searched for a shelter that was lightweight, spacious, quick to set up, and durable enough for 4-season conditions. After countless trials with various tents—some too heavy, some too small, and others just not practical—I finally found a shelter that checks all the boxes: The Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid.

If you’re looking for a modular, ultralight, and highly packable 4-season tent, keep reading to see if this is the right fit for you.

My Requirements for the Perfect Backpacking Shelter

Before diving into the details of the Duomid, here’s what I needed in a shelter:

✔ Lightweight – Under 2 pounds to keep my pack weight low.

✔ Highly Packable – Compressible and takes up minimal space.

✔ Quick Setup – Must be pitchable in under 2 minutes.

✔ Spacious Interior – Large enough to fit both me and my gear comfortably.

✔ 4-Season Durability – Can handle wind, rain, and moderate snow.

After years of searching, The Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid meets all these requirements and more.

Why the Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid?

1. Ultralight & Packable

• Weighs just over 2 lbs with all components.

• Packs down small, leaving plenty of space in my pack for other essentials.

2. Fast & Simple Setup

• Pitches in under 2 minutes with just 4 stakes and 1 trekking pole (or a dedicated tent pole).

• Can be set up high or low to the ground, depending on weather conditions.

3. Modular & Versatile

• Can be used as a minimalist floorless shelter with just a ground cloth.

• Add a mesh inner tent for double-wall protection against bugs and condensation.

• I personally use the Solomid InnerNet, which adds bug protection without compromising weight savings.

4. Spacious Interior

• Offers 45 square feet of floor space and a 55+ inch peak height.

• I can sit, sleep, and even change clothes inside without touching the walls or peak.

• Provides enough space for me and all my gear—even in winter conditions.

5. Proven Performance in Harsh Conditions

I’ve already tested this tent in 18°F weather, moderate wind, and snow. It performed exceptionally well:

• Handles wind effortlessly.

• Sheds snow effectively without collapsing.

• Manages condensation with ease, especially with the InnerNet in place.

The One Downside: Lead Time

While the Duomid is an incredible shelter, it does come with one major drawback—availability. Mountain Laurel Designs is swamped with orders, and the estimated lead time can be 12 to 16 weeks or longer.

If you need a tent next weekend, this is NOT the shelter for you. But if you’re willing to wait, it’s absolutely worth it.

Is the Duomid Right for You?

The Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid is an ideal tent for backpackers who want:

• A lightweight 4-season shelter.

• A modular system adaptable for different conditions.

• A spacious tent that comfortably fits them and their gear.

However, if you need a shelter immediately or prefer a freestanding tent, you may want to look at other options.

For me, this is the best backpacking tent I’ve ever used, and I plan on putting it through even more adventures in the coming seasons.

Watch the Full Breakdown on YouTube

📺 Watch the full video breakdown here: 

If you’re considering an upgrade to your backpacking shelter, I highly recommend checking out this tent. Let me know in the comments what shelter you use and love!

Until next time, John 3:17.