Tarptent Aeon Li

Probably the lightest solo tent on the market, but definitely not light in its performance.

I've used this tent for the last three years on numerous backpacking trips and all seasons (save winter) and it's a winner!  

The Aeon Li is a single-wall solo tent constructed of Dyneema (.51 in the tent and 1.0 in the floor). It's a full feature tent (not tarp) that weighs just over a pound all in (19 oz including guy lines and states). This svelte tent packs a lot of punch into its light weight. Full bathtub floor, full mesh door (and mesh corners to further facilitate ventilation) making it bug proof, decent sized vestibule and storm worthiness.

The setup is quick after a few repetitions and doesn't need a lot of room to pitch. Once set up it offers a surprisingly amount of room for one. This is helped by innovative short carbon struts in the corners that increase living space.

I've had this tent in a lot a bad weather—rain, wind, and snow and while I wouldn't label it as "bomber", it's certainly sturdy! If bad weather is the forecast I replace the 6" Easton nail stakes with 8" ones for more holding ability, for just a slight weight penalty. If especially windy, I pile rocks on the stakes.

This is a single-wall shelter which means it can be more prone to condensation vs a double-walled shelter. I haven't had much in the way of problems with condensation. I do carry a small microfiber towel that I keep in the pocket of the tent. I've occasionally had to dab a few drops here and there. The entire perimeter above the bathtub fall has a small mesh strip and the rear corners are mesh as well. Ventilation is thus very good.

The vestibule is large enough for a pair of shoes and your pack, nothing more.  It can be rolled back and out of the way if the weather is nice.

The length of the shelter rolled up is ~ 15", so it makes it difficult to set in your pack horizontally. This is due to the carbon struts. The struts could be removed to facilitate a shorter package, but would be a pain. It still packs small; small enough it will fit in many pack's side pockets.

The shelter is spendy, close to $600 spendy.  

I've had plenty of buyer's remorse over the decades on expensive gear, this isn't one of them :). I've done the bivy thing, the tarp thing, etc, but with a one pound,  bug proof, weather proof shelter—I can't see myself ever going back. If traveling solo and putting on the miles, this shelter will fit the bill perfectly.

Background

I've used this tent extensively for the last three years in the summer and shoulder seasons.