Lightweight tent: Tarptent SS2 or ZPacks Triplex or Big Sky Mirage 2P

I believe having the seams sealed is an extra option for Tarptents. Like an extra $25 or so. Need not factor into your decision.

Have you considered a Six Moons Designs Haven? Not as wide, but similar characteristics.

I'll just speak for the Mirage 2P — which I own. I like he fusion of a traditional, time-tested tent structure which provides a tons of space (esp. head room) — with modern, very light weight materials. This freestanding tent is so easy and quick to set up. As well, the bathtub floor perimeter rises almost straight up for the first foot or so — giving you more usable interior space. In contrast, a bathtub floor that curves inward rapidly as it rises will often be touching the two ends of your sleeping bag — potentially wetting them with condensation.

I've used quite a few single wall and hybrid single/double wall tents — and the Mirage 2P performs the best in the "condensation management" department. Having two doors and two vents plus a wide dome top all help tremendously.

A final unsolicited word of caution: whichever of these very lightweight shelters you pick — devote some care to your site selection — to minimize winds as much as practicable.

EDIT: Forgot to comment on the seam sealing — I don't know how Big Sky does it (Bob Molen won't tell) — but to my knowledge — theirs are the only silnylon tents with seams that come factory sealed. Totally rain proof. Not sure about the cuben versions — those are beyond my financial reach. :) Regardless, Big Sky makes top quality tents. The ONE CAVEAT is their potentially long wait time — if the tent you want isn't in stock.

Ben, are you able to keep the doors open in the rain with the Mirage 2P?

Another interesting new tent from Big Sky is the Fusion 2P.

The TT Stratospire in either 1 or 2 person size likely has the most headroom AND useable floorspace for the weight.

"Floorspace" is a tricky term. USEABLE floorspace should be what determines that decision when comparing tents. The SS 1 & 2 have steep sides and therefore a lot of useable floorspace.

Plus you can use the fly alone, if desired for some trips.

+1 regarding the Big Sky Mirage 2P and all Ben said…..and the quality of construction is superb.
The customer service has been very good as I have ordered two shelters over the past two years and received them quickly….especially if you select a configuration that is in stock.

@ John Harper:

No, best to keep doors closed in the rain, unless it's coming straight down — which is usually not the case. However, the vents can be kept open in all but the most wind-driven rains.

Thanks for all the insights… any comments/hints on the ZPacks Triplex option? Especially the bathtub design?
How would you compare the mentioned tents to the ZPack Hexamid Twin if on the go as a two person team?

regards
reto

I have the Zpacks triplex and it is a great tent for my wife and I. Although due to the bathtub design and her very large sleeping pad it only holds the two of us. If you have a normal ultra light sleeping pad(s) then you should be fine on space. The only other negative thing I can say about the tent is be very mindful of how you pitch the tent as it is a single wall and will develop a significant amount of condensation.

Aside from that the tent is great and the light weight cant be overstated. The tent is durable and great in every other respect. I prefer bivy sleeping myself but my wife actually loves this tent and sleeping in it is great as long as I pay attention to how i pitch it to avoid the condensation. Make sure you get the ground cloth!

Christopher, will you elaborate a bit on your comment about pitching the Triplex properly to avoid condensation? Is there more to it than keeping the tarp tight and ensuring that the narrow head and foot netting sections stay open? Do you have trouble getting a good pitch if you can't find a reasonably level spot for it? I'm also looking for a UL tent for my wife and me, plus our gear. We tried the Duplex and found it to be too narrow for us, so the Triplex is a serious contender.