Yama Mountain Gear Cirriform SW 1

Protection: “A New Mexico storm buried me in a foot of snow overnight,” says our CDT tester. “This tent stood firm and kept me cozy and dry.” The non-freestanding design requires nine stakes, two trekking poles, and a little practice to pitch properly.

Livability: This shelter is low to the ground with a sloping, 41-inch to 26-inch height that limits move-around room, especially since the minimalist vestibule (2 square feet) means most of your gear resides inside the tent. Bring earplugs: One PCT tester found the fly to be noisy in high winds.

Ventilation: Plentiful mesh—on the triangular door, running down the sidewalls, and at the foot end—eliminates condensation in all conditions. And while the integrated fly means no stargazing, it also means the interior stays protected while setting up in the rain.

Durability:The Cuben Fiber fly and floor show no signs of wear after weeks of judicious treatment on the PCT and CDT. Tradeoff: price. Cuben Fiber is expensive, but in return you get a top strength-to-weight ratio and total waterproofness without the stretch of other fabrics, which means no
sagging in rain.

Overall: $546, 1 lb. 4 0z.; yamamountaingear.com