* Camping season is coming
* Lightweight gear for overnight adventures
* Ideal for camping in Mediterranean latitudes and catching the California wildflower blooms
Camping season is about to be here again, and now that much of the west is, for the first time in years, not technically in a state of drought, it’s shaping up to be one of the most magnificent seasons in recent memory. Whether you’re heading to the high desert to see this year’s spectacular wildflower blooms, or going camping up in the lush coastal ranges, here are 10 of the best ultralight tents and tarps, letting you travel light and still keep the rain off your back.
1. Foxelli Rain Tarp
This tarp is super easy to carry and comes with its own stuff sack and a set of hardware. It keeps the rain off your gear and doubles as a UV blocking sunshade.
2. Survivalist Ultralight Mesh Tent
Keep the mosquitos off you and enjoy the nice weather with this super ultralight folding mesh tent.
3. Geertop Footprint Tarp
This tarp is fully watertight and folds up super compact for carrying. Also makes a great sun shade for UV protection.
4. Meir Ultralight Tent
This simple folding tent weighs only 1.7 pounds and folds into a small rectangle that can be stored in a backpack.
5. WEHE Hammock Tent
You can use it as a sunshade, a tarp, or set up this ultra-portable rain shelter hammock-style between a pair of trees to keep the rain off your gear.
6. Paria Breeze Mesh
This breeze mesh ultralight tent is waterproof and keeps bugs out, but is also extremely lightweight and offers multiple pitching options depending on the terrain you might find yourself in.
7. Sanctuary SilTarp
This lightweight, multipurpose tarp weighs only 16.5 ounces for the whole kit, and includes a stuff sack for easy carrying.
8. Hyke and Byke Backpacking Tent
A true one-pole tent, this one provides waterproof space and is easy to set up, yet also easy to carry around.
9. Vitchelo Ultralight Automatic Tent
Despite coming in an ultra compact form for easy carrying, this pop-up tent unfolds into a 9.5 x 6.5-footprint space.
10. Rain Fly with Survival Bracelet Kit
This waterproof tarp is more than just a tarp; it also includes handy survival gear including a nylon rip cord survival bracelet with compass, flint, and more.