NEMO Equipment, Inc. Losi 3P

[alpine weight saver]

Problem: Single-wall tents shave ounces, but usually collect condensation. Solution: The Mojo’s effective single/double-wall hybrid construction, which combines mesh walls at the tent’s head end (protected by a partial fly) and single-wall technology at the foot. The result looks like something Batman would deploy, and it foiled moisture buildup in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

In challenging 8°F temperatures, frost accumulated only on the foot of our tester’s bag. The freestanding Mojo pitches lightning-fast, thanks to one hubbed pole that clips to the tent’s exterior. The stout geometry and taut pitch make it a bombshelter in strong winds; 35-mph assaults along the Colorado Trail didn’t budge it. And although there’s just one door, its large dimensions (opening to a 38-inch peak height) make for easy coming and going.

A pair of 6’1” testers deemed its 27 square feet and 84-inch length adequate for fast-and-light types; that means sleeping space is tight, and their feet brushed the tent walls. Weight-saving fabrics proved plenty durable over a 20-day thru-hike. Caveat: Storage space isn’t the Mojo’s strong suit—the seven-square-foot vestibule is too small for more than one pack. $400; 2 lbs. 11 oz.; sierradesigns.com

Winner of Backpacker’s Best All-Around 3 Person Tent as well as Gear of the Year from both Outside and Men’s Journal in 2009, Losi 3P is your home away from home. Looking for maximum space to weight? Losi 3P’s got it. The unique pole configuration provides exceptional strength and nearly vertical walls to increase interior space. Two doors and vestibules eliminate jostling for position and gear storage. Set Losi 3P up on the fly with just the footprint, fly and poles for an ultralight tent or sun shelter.