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The ultralight philosophy certainly comes into play in choosing a shelter. Will it be a tent (3 pounds), bivy sack (2 pounds) or tarp (1 pound)? Perhaps a hammock (1 pound, 4 ounces) or a hybrid tarp/tent (1 pound, 12) from GoLite.

The Tarp
An ultralight backpacker will likely choose one of a growing number of tarps available on the market. Essentially, they are large pieces of high tech cloth made water-proof, that when properly staked and pitched with hiking poles or sticks provide good protection from wind and rain.

Pros: Lightweight and roomy.

Cons: No bug protection. You may need to carry one or two hiking poles to pitch it, adding weight to your load. Even when you’re in the wilderness, sticks may not be readily available, especially if you’re above the tree line.

The Tent
A tent is the traditional backpacker’s shelter. You can quickly narrow your choices by looking for those around 3 pounds. Look for a tent tall enough at one end to sit up while getting dressed or organizing gear. My Sierra Designs Light Year Tent has a peak of 38 inches, which allows me, at 5-feet 10-inches, maneuvering room.

A generous vestibule will give you covered space outside the tent for boots and other stuff. A side exit that stretches the length of the tent gives the best access. Try out several types.

Also, tents are often categorized into summer, three-season (spring, summer, fall) or four-season. Most lightweight tents will get you through three seasons. Some tarps are rated for four seasons. You may need a four-season stand-alone tent if you expect to face severe conditions such as snow and wind storms. Otherwise, it’s not worth the extra weight.

Pros: When closed up with fly, a tent will be warmer, keep out bugs, and be relatively lightweight.

Cons: Heavier than the tarp or bivy (although the gap is closing with new designs and materials).

The Bivy
Small, light and nearly impossible to move around inside, it’s one choice for those who want to sleep under the stars and have emergency shelter from rain, wind, snow or voracious mosquitoes. A tarp gives you all this except bug protection.

Pros: Small and lightweight.

Cons: Too small and claustrophobic for some.

The Hammock
This is just what you think it is: an old-fashioned snooze-in-the-backyard-in-the-summer-time hammock, streamlined to make it lighter with added net bug protection for the outdoors. They are lightweight, but I am not sure how small they fold up. Hennessy Hammocks makes ultralight models.

Pros: Lightweight.

Cons: You need two trees close together to secure it, which is not always possible.

In closing

Use good judgment and buy what is appropriate for the activity. Just don’t buy what isn’t necessary.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.

Other posts in this series:

• Lightweight backpacking for beginners
• Choosing a lightweight backpack
• Choosing a sleeping bag: How much is enough?
• Sleeping pads: The comfort factor
• Choosing a lightweight backpacking stove

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