GoLite Shangri-La 5 Tent

[freestanding ultralight]

Here’s a rare find: a two-person tent at this price and weight that still delivers freestanding, double-wall performance. It’s a bit small—no surprise—but the ounce-saving dimensions (best for sleeping, not lounging) worked just fine for our long-distance-hiking testers, who used the Imogene during a 400-mile Appalachian Trail trek through Maine and New Hampshire. The shelter held firm in roaring rainstorms that forced hikers in lesser tents to flee for the lean-to, and the weight-saving, 10-denier fabrics (20-denier for the floor) survived the journey intact.

The Imogene packs down small—the size of a 1-liter bottle—and setup is speedy, using one hubbed pole. There’s just one door (at the head end), which requires careful exits to avoid disturbing a companion. The 39-inch peak height allows even 6’4” campers to sit upright. But the length and width proved “cramped for two big guys,” reports one tester, who calls the 30 square feet “just big enough for sleeping.” And we wished for better ventilation in humid conditions, when condensation collected. $300; 2 lbs. 7 oz.; golite.com

Ultra-light and simple to pitch, our Shangri-La 5 is a model of backcountry versatility. Light enough for backpacking & big enough for car camping. Sturdy center pole and pyramid shape shed weather brilliantly. Use fly or nest alone or use together tent-style.

-Floorless shelter system works alone, with Nest, or Floor, depending on conditions
-External peak loop allows shelter to be suspended without pole
-Two large peak vents optimize cross-ventilation
-Factory-taped seams
-Reflective guy points for stability and visibility
-Durable YKK® zippered door with snag-guard, Velcro® & snap closures
-High internal gear loops for clothes lines and hanging items
-Adjustable aluminum center pole
-No-See-Um Mesh body keeps the smallest bugs out and lets the air flow
-Durable 3000mm waterproof polyurethane-coated nylon bathtub style floor
-Abrasion resistant, heavy-duty center pole patch
-Side-hanging door with two-way zipper keeps the door clean
-Waterproof stuff sack
-Pitches with 4 stakes, packaged with 8

No-See-Um Mesh
Green Anodizing DAC®

15 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Silicone/PU 1200mm Waterproof Fire Retardant Coating
20 Denier Polyester No-See-Um Mesh
7001/6061 Alloy Aluminum Poles
7001 Alloy Aluminum Stakes
70 Denier 190T Nylon Taffeta
3000mm Waterproof, Fire Retardant Coating