NEMO Equipment, Inc. Tenshi

[most versatile]

At a tick under five pounds, this freestanding dome is already lighter than most three-person tents. And the removable, 15-square-foot vestibule lets hikers go even lighter by leaving three ounces at home: Just zip off the vesti and zip in the waterproof door panel (included) when rain is unlikely or mileage high. Or turn the entrance into a full-blown front porch with the optional Trekking Pole Vestibule ($130, 1 lb.), which uses a staff to support the ceiling of a 24-square-foot vestibule that’s big enough to seat four people or stash a pair of bikes (with front wheels removed).

Setup is straightforward: “The color coding made it easy to pitch, even in blowing, miserable sleet,” reports one tester. Hammered by rain and snowstorms in Colorado’s Gore Range, the three-season Espri held firm—and stayed quiet, reports our tester. “We slept soundly as others were kept awake by rattling tents,” she notes.

Ventilation is better than most, thanks to big mesh panels and a rear fly vent that enhances airflow: Testers only saw condensation in subfreezing temps when seven people lounged inside. The 89-inch length and 40-inch height made it comfy for campers up to 6’1”, the width accommodates three sleepers, and the large door provides easy exits from anywhere in the tent. $390; 4 lbs. 15 oz.; nemoequipment.comAlpine-style ascents require your gear to be as versatile as your abilities. Use Tenshi at base camp with all the comfortable features, and cache them as you move up the mountain. Start with a cavernous vestibule and a condensation curtain, and reach high camp with a 4 lb. shelter that fits on the smallest of ledges. Beefed up guy points, reinforced pole pockets, and DAC Featherlite poles make Tenshi all but indestructible. The recipient of several awards, including Editors’ Choice from Backcountry and Climbing, and Best In Gear from Rock and Ice, Tenshi is the clear choice for high altitude adventure.