NEMO Spike 2P

Our take If you want to carry less than a pound each for a two-person tent, you have to ditch the floor. Like other floorless shelters, this one lacks bug protection, and you’ll want to be careful to pitch it away from pooling water. Unlike others, it solves one of our common complaints about going floorless: rain and snow splashing or blowing under the sides. Built-in skirts, up to 18 inches tall, around the perimeter prevent moisture from sneaking in and the 30-denier silnylon walls shrugged off rain and 20-mph winds without issue. A pair of trekking poles holds up the two 47-inch peak corners, while an optional second set can be used to prop up the vestibule door that doubles as an awning. The 41-square-foot interior is plenty big for two campers and their gear.

The details Six stake-out points make the Spike’s setup similar to a tarp’s, although testers reported a learning curve to find the proper angles with the guylines. Two vents help with airflow, but the shelter gathered some condensation when pitched on a snowfield during a chilly (high 30s) evening. Tip: Pop that awning up with trekking poles for ventilation or views.

Trail cred “This tent went through a lot with me: sharp rocks, a shower of glacial silt, and a High Wind Advisory with sustained winds in the 30s and gusts around 55 mph,” says our Alaska tester. “It still looks as good as new.”