Cost effective lightweight shelter?

Go get a 'window insulation kit' from a hardware store. I use Frost King brand. You can find a 7'x9' sheet with tape for about $8. Also get some 1" gorilla glue tape for $2. Use the included tape to make a seam along each side. Then use the gorilla tape to make pull-outs on each corner and the center of each side. Ten bucks for a flippin' bad ass tarp that weighs maybe 4 ounces. Add some noseeum 'drapes' along the sides, and call it a day.

The Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout is a fully enclosed 1 person tent that costs $125. It's 34 oz so its not the lightest but it does tick all your other boxes.

Adam

I agree with the above. I really like my Scout. For the price, it's a good shelter. A lighter version of this tent is also available @ 24 oz., however, it's also $100 more.

Here's my review of the Scout…http://theshadedtrail.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-new-smd-skyscape-scout.html

I know it's a little over your budget, but you can make a .51 oz/yd2 Cuben Fiber, 9×7.5 ft tarp and combine that with a Sea To Summit NANO mosquito pyrmaid net, for around 200 dollars. The combo should weigh no more than 15 oz total, i think. (well, also add some polycryo for the bottom groundsheet too).

This what i'm thinking of doing myself. Except that i'm going to use the 1 oz/yd2 Cuben fiber for extra durability and waterproofness. It will cost a little more than the above.

Some say you only need to tape the cuben fiber fabric. I will be using both double sided and one sided tape for extra strength.

They are a little over your budget but the SMD Lunar Solo or Tarptent Contrail might be hard to beat for a budget lightweight shelter. Keep your eye on gearswap too.

I have been using a Six Moon Designs Gatewood cape as my goto solo shelter. I cut a little noseem net and attatched it ti the bottom with micro clips. I the use a layer of polycro with elastic tie outs. Used in all kinds of North cascades weather including snow. 12oz total.