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You are here: Home / Gear Reviews / First Looks Reviews / Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)

Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)

by Ryan Jordan on March 29, 2019 First Looks Reviews, New Features

Introduction

The Tarptent Aeon Li is one of the lightest solo (1-person) ultralight backpacking tents available. Made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), the Aeon is a single-wall design featuring a zippered side-entry with a vestibule. The Aeon requires 4-7 stakes and is pitched with a single trekking pole.

aeon 7 footer lying

Photo: Tarptent. Subject is 7 feet tall.

See my review of the Tarptent Notch Li, which discusses some of the features that the Notch Li has in common with the Tarptent Aeon Li, including PitchLoc corners, Dyneema Composite Fabrics, and magnetic door closure tabs.

The following video provides an in-depth analysis of the Tarptent Aeon Li:

(note: due to some wind noise, keep your finger on your volume control if needed so you can hear the narration during wind gusts):

Features

  • Single trekking pole support, no pole in your living space
  • Front vestibule can be completely rolled back with no apex guyline required
  • Fits people up to 7 ft / 213 cm tall (claimed)
  • Generous vestibule for excellent gear storage space
  • Rollaway vestibule doors for ventilation, views, and moisture management
  • PitchLoc™ foldable carbon fiber strut corners on back wall with integrated line tighteners for taut pitch
  • Trekking pole handle can be pitched up or down
  • Reflective spectra cord guylines
  • Catenary ridgeline seams
  • MSRP $535

Specifications

  • Fabrics: Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) – 0.51 oz/yd2 (canopy), 1.0 oz/yd2 (floor); fully taped and waterproof to 8,000+ mm hydrostatic head pressure rating
  • Sleeps: 1 (floor area ~ 18.3 sq. ft.; vestibule area ~ 8.6 sq. ft.)
  • Seasons: 3+
  • Weight: 15.8 oz / 448 g tent body (includes guylines, struts, and stuff sacks) +  1.7 oz / 48 g stakes (included)
  • Interior Height: 47 in / 119 cm
  • Floor Width: 30 in / 76 cm
  • Floor Length: 88 in / 224 cm
  • Stakes: 6 x 6 in / 15 cm Easton Nanos (included)
  • Packed size: 14 in x 4 in / 36 cm x 10 cm
aeon comparison 1

Source: Tarptent

aeon dimensions

Source: Tarptent

Commentary

tarptent aeon review li tent vestibule open

Vestibule doors can be rolled up and secured out of the way with magnetic clips for expansive views and an open front porch. The apex guyline (shown) is optional but recommended for windy weather.

What’s Unique about the Tarptent Aeon Li?

The market for lightweight solo tents weighing less than two pounds is quite crowded, comprised of dozens of both single- and double-wall designs from both cottage and larger manufacturers.

While it’s tempting to use the metric of weight for delineating product categories, it’s probably more appropriate to look at functional metrics when comparing products to each other.

In that context, these features characterize the Tarptent Aeon Li:

  • 1-person capacity.
  • Trekking pole-supported structure.
  • Fully-enclosed shelter (i.e., includes integrated walls and floor).
  • External vestibule.

These features allow us to narrow the product category and  excludes shelters requiring shock-corded pole sets, 2+ person capacity shelters, and floorless shelters such as tarps and pyramids.

Other important criteria include:

  • Single-wall design.
  • Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) materials.

That leaves a limited number of shelters meeting these functional criteria, with the most obvious competitor being the ZPacks Plexamid.

So what makes the Tarptent Aeon Li unique among this field of competitors?

1. Carbon fiber support struts.

The two back corners of the tent are each supported by two carbon fiber struts in an inverted-V configuration (Tarptent calls this a “PitchLoc” corner). A third (vertical) strut along the midpoint of the back wall, combined with the PitchLoc corners, help create a vertical wall along the back of the tent.

tarptent aeon review li tent pitchlok corner

PitchLoc corners are comprised of two carbon fiber struts in an inverted “V” configuration that increases stability and living space. They are backed by a mesh screen (for ventilation) and a nylon panel (adjustable from the inside of the shelter).

The presence of the struts creates the effect of a raised canopy, thus minimizing the chance that your sleeping bag will contact the lower edges of the sidewalls. A conventional pyramid design achieves the same effect without the struts – it just requires a larger canopy and larger pitched footprint. Thus, the geometric benefit of the struts is their ability to allow the tent to pitch with a smaller footprint (i.e., stakes closer to the tent).

The most impactive benefit of the strut system (and specifically, the PitchLoc corners), is that the PitchLocs create triangular structural elements that make the tent more wind resistant and more resistant to deformation as a result of snow loading. The difference in wind resistance and snow loading capability between a conventional pyramid shelter and the Tarptent Aeon is noticeable. It makes me wonder why manufacturers of conventional tarps and floorless pyramids aren’t incorporating structural elements into their designs. Maybe we will someday see tarps and pyramids incorporating the PitchLoc elements brought to market by Tarptent.

2. Carbon fiber peak strut

A carbon fiber strut situated horizontally at the peak of the tent, when combined with the vertical support pole (e.g., a trekking pole), creates a “T”-shaped structural element. When tension forces from the front and rear corner guylines are exerted on the T, the T provides resistance to torsional motion that allows the tent to be supported without the need for a front guyline. This type of structure is in contrast to typical pyramid designs, which require the front corners to be situated well in front of the top of the support pole. You can thus pitch the Aeon with a wide, nearly-vertical front opening (when both sides of the vestibule are rolled away) for expansive views and no guyline tripwires.

tarptent aeon review li tent peak strut

Inside view of the carbon fiber peak strut.

3. Precision design, cut, and sew (treat each of these individually)

The Tarptent Aeon Li is designed by a talented engineer (Henry Shires) who has an acute understanding of material properties (including DCF) and structural design. As such, the cut-and-sew (and bonding) processes have already taken into consideration a careful analysis of force distribution and aesthetic quality, resulting in a finished product that not only looks beautiful (when pitched properly), but also remains surprisingly stable in response to high wind and snow loads (considering that this is a one pound shelter).

Strengths

  • Generous interior volume for sitting up, moving around, stowing gear, and avoiding sleeping bag contact with sidewalls of shelter.
  • Well-ventilated: includes perimeter mesh around bathtub floor, two large (adjustable) interior vents, full front mesh door, rollaway vestibules, and peak vent.
  • Resistant to wind and snow loading, owing to structural elements formed by carbon fiber struts (total of 6 throughout shelter), and adjustable height.
  • Resistant to heavy rain and moderate spindrift, due to adjustable pitch height, bathtub floor, and overlapping vestibule doors.
  • Magnetic loops that secure zippered door and overlapping vestibule doors are much easier to use than toggles or hook-and-loop straps.
  • Peak strut allows the tent to be pitched without a front guyline, so when the vestibule doors are rolled back there are unrestricted views and no guyline to trip over.
  • Vestibule peak provides several inches of overlap over vertical front mesh tent door, so rain doesn’t enter tent if vestibule is open/rolled away (unless there’s wind driving rain towards the inside of the tent).
  • The generous vestibule is large enough for an expedition pack and gear.
  • Downward sloping mesh from top of bathtub floor to bottom of shelter canopy keeps condensation droplets from gathering on the shelter floor.
  • PitchLoc structures at back corners reduce footprint size, so the tent can be pitched in more compact spaces that pyramids of similar interior usable volume.
  • Dyneema composite fabrics (DCF) fabrics are easy to repair, maintain tension in cold and wet conditions, and provide a high tear-strength-to-weight ratio.
  • DCF fabrics may be more condensation-resistant than nylon and polyester fabrics because of lower material emissivity.
  • Seam strength and strong, non-stretch fabrics combined with longer, stronger tent stakes, allow for staking the tent at extremely high levels of tension (20+ pounds per stake), which dramatically improves its wind resistance.
tarptent aeon review li tent condensation

There is a mesh perimeter screen sewn between the bathtub floor and the bottom edge of the canopy. The top of the bathtub floor sidewalls is higher than the bottom of the canopy, so the mesh panel slopes downward away from the shelter floor. The slope allows condensation dripping down the inside of the canopy to hit the mesh and stay off the floor.

tarptent aeon review li tent vents

The PitchLoc corners form mesh ventilation windows. The windows are adjustable from inside the tent by way of a nylon panel, and can be completely dropped for maximum ventilation.

Condensation management: the Tarptent Aeon offers multiple options for air intake – through the vestibule (left), under the sidewalls (center), and through the PitchLoc corner vents (right). A small peak vent allows warm, moist air to escape.

Limitations

  • Magnetic loops that secure doors could be extended with a pull-tab for easier one-handed operation, especially with cold-weather gloves or mittens.
  • Hook-and-loop patches on overlapping vestibule doors are not as easy to use as a zipper, but generous overlap and bottom clip (that clips both doors together) provide good wind and rain protection.
  • Setup and configuration are quite easy but requires some geometric adjustments if pitched on uneven ground (as do most pyramid-style designs) to maintain proper tension between the stake-out points and shelter peak.
  • Struts prevent the tent from being packed horizontally inside a backpack. Removing the struts is possible, but requires extra time when pitching and striking the tent.
  • Dyneema composite fabrics (DCF) fabric used in the canopy is a lighter weight fabric (0.51 osy) that is prone to puncture if the shelter is pitched near sharp twigs or poky desert plants.

Compared To

Tarptent Aeon vs. Floorless Pyramid

  • For similar interior volume, the Aeon requires a smaller footprint.
  • The Tarptent Aeon with the integrated single-wall inner tent is a lighter combination than a pyramid tarp with a separate inner tent.
  • A pyramid tarp with a separate mesh inner tent is better at managing condensation under most circumstances. A pyramid tarp with a separate fabric inner tent is better at managing cold winds and spindrift.
  • A pyramid tent is typically easier to pitch but requires more stakes than the Aeon to provide similar wind stability.
  • The Tarptent Aeon is better at managing heavy snow loads.
  • The Tarptent Aeon pitches with no support pole in the sleeping area.
locus gear khufu ctf b jordan

The 10 oz (284 g) Locus Gear Khufu DCF-B (and before that, the standard CTF model) has been my primary shelter for the past decade. The Tarptent Aeon Li is a compelling option for when I’d like a little extra bug protection.

Tarptent Aeon vs. Double-Wall Tent

  • Tarptent Aeon is lighter.
  • Tarptent Aeon is simpler to set up and take down.
  • Double-wall tents generally provide better condensation management.

For a double-wall tent that has a single side entrance, and single vestibule, check out the REI Quarter Dome SL 1, which I discuss in this video, or my review of the Tarptent Notch Li.

Tarptent Aeon vs. A Dual-Trekking Pole Supported Shelter

  • Tarptent Aeon may be simpler to pitch, and lighter since it’s built around just one support pole.
  • Tarptent Aeon may be the better option for users who do not use trekking poles, or who may only use one. If you’re not a trekking pole user, you can purchase a 4.2 oz pole (fixed length) from Tarptent, or an adjustable carbon fiber pole from Ruta Locura (I recommend a 3-section 0.450 pole with max length of 48-49 in). The max height you can pitch the Aeon is about 47 in (199.4 cm), but a slightly longer pole is useful if the ground is uneven.
  • A dual-trekking pole shelter may be more wind-stable than the Aeon, but this is highly dependent upon the shelter.
  • A dual-trekking pole shelter may offer better livability in terms of wider floor area, dual side entrances, and dual vestibules.

For a dual-trekking pole shelter, see my review of the Tarptent Notch Li.

Tarptent Aeon Li (DCF) vs. Shelters Made with Other Fabrics

  • DCF may be more resistant to the formation of condensation over a wider temperature range due to DCF having a lower emissivity than nylon or polyester.
  • DCF doesn’t stretch as much as nylon or polyester and tends to be more wind-stable.
  • DCF’s lack of stretch allows it to maintain tension across a wide range of temperatures and moisture content than nylon or polyester, so once the tent is tensioned properly, it’s not likely to sag over the course of a cold, wet night.
  • DCF manufacturing requires high levels of precision in terms of engineering design, fabric cut and sew, and seam bonding, so mistakes in manufacturing are magnified in the form of uneven stress distribution across fabric panels and seams that can lead to flapping in the wind and structural failure.

Tarptent Aeon vs. ZPacks Plexamid

  • Learn more about the ZPacks Plexamid here.
Tarptent Aeon ZPacks Plexamid
Canopy material 0.51 osy DCF 0.51 osy DCF (customizable fabric options)
Floor material 1.0 osy DCF 1.0 osy DCF
Inner tent floor dimensions 30 in (76 cm) x 88 in (224 cm) 28-38 in (71-97 cm) x 90 in (230 cm)
Inside peak height 47 in (119 cm) 48 in (122 cm)
Vestibule area ~ 8.6 sq. ft. ~ 6.4 sq. ft.
Bathtub floor height 4 in (10 cm) 8 in (20 cm)
Downward sloping mesh perimeter screen for condensation management yes yes
Stakes required (recommended) 4 (7) 6 (10)
Guylines required to increase interior volume no yes
Vestibule door closure Hook-and-loop, metal clip at bottom Toggle, metal clip at bottom
Canopy overhangs bathtub floor inner screen door yes yes
Inner door zipper style J, door ties away at side Rainbow, door falls downward
Packed size 4 in (10 cm) x 14 in (36 cm) 6 in (15 cm) x 12 in (30 cm)
Weight (not including stakes) 15.8 oz (448 g) 14.8 oz (420 g)
Stakes included? yes no
MSRP $535 $549

Recommended For

Hikers who want the lightest possible shelter that also includes:

  • protection from biting insects
  • reasonable storm resistance
  • high quality engineering and manufacturing

Not Recommended For

Hikers who:

  • want to spend less money on a tent and don’t want an expensive, state-of-the-market leading model
  • are taller than 6′ 6″ and prefer as much interior length as possible
  • need a tent for very cold, snowy environments
  • need a tent for very humid environments

Where to Buy

  • Buy the TarpTent Aeon Li here.

Related Content

  • The Tarptent Notch Li shares many of the Aeon’s features, but sets up with two poles and sports two vestibules and two doors.
  • Want to learn more about DCF? Check out the BPL podcast: we do a deep dive into the fabric’s strengths, limitations, and best uses.

Product Review Disclosure

Updated September 15, 2018

  • How we acquired these products: Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by the author from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s).
  • We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
  • Affiliate links: Some (but not all) of the links in this review may be “affiliate” links, which means if you click on a link to one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently make a purchase with that retailer, we receive a small commission. This helps us fund our editorial projects, podcasts, instructional webinars, and more, and we appreciate it a lot! Thank you for supporting Backpacking Light!

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Comments

Home › Forums › Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)

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  • Author
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  • Mar 29, 2019 at 6:00 pm #3586105
    Ryan Jordan
    Admin

    @ryan

    Locale: Central Rockies

    Companion forum thread to: Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)

    The Tarptent Aeon Li is one of the lightest solo (1-person) backpacking tents available. Made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), the Aeon is a single-wall design featuring a zippered side-entry with a vestibule. The Aeon requires 4-7 stakes and is pitched with a single trekking pole.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 6:54 pm #3586113
    Rex Sanders
    BPL Member

    @rex

    Locale: Central California Coast

    Great review, including the video. Liked that you compared the Aeon point-by-point with the Plexamid. Also liked that you addressed several concerns (from people who’ve never used it) with “it’s just not that big of a deal.” Interesting that you found taller bathtubs aren’t always better.

    Thanks!

    — Rex

    Mar 29, 2019 at 7:26 pm #3586119
    Brad P
    BPL Member

    @brawndo

    Yes, thank you for this review.  It certainly covered the bases, with the noted exception being how it handles a significant rainstorm.  I’d like to hear from folks who have used it in a rainstorm.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 7:41 pm #3586122
    avi sito
    BPL Member

    @avisito

    Excellent review. Really thorough. Looks like a very compelling tent. Thanks!

    Mar 29, 2019 at 7:55 pm #3586125
    Brad P
    BPL Member

    @brawndo

    Any suggestions on a good, slightly larger stuff sack that people have used and like with the Aeon?

    Would the 7×15 version of this REI sack work well?  The mesh would give the tent a chance to dry.  Not for bushwhacking while carrying on the outside, but on established trails.

    Tarptent says the Aeon is 4×14 when packed.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 8:29 pm #3586132
    Richard Nisley
    BPL Member

    @richard295

    Locale: San Francisco Bay Area

    Great review Ryan… thanks.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 8:41 pm #3586134
    Philip Tschersich
    BPL Member

    @philip-ak

    Locale: Kodiak Alaska

    A lot of good info, thanks.

    But no discussion of the overlapping vestibule doors? How hard is it to access the whatever mechanism holds the bottom closed when you are inside? Can you close the doors halfway down but leave a gap at the bottom for air flow? When one side is open and the other closed, does that pitched free edge vibrate/hum in the wind?

    Door use and management is a critical part of a shelter. The stupid door on my Altaplex is the thing I like about it the least. A lot of the discussion surrounding TT Notch Li was directed at door complaints.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 9:36 pm #3586142
    Ken Larson
    BPL Member

    @kenlarson

    Locale: Western Michigan

    Very comprehensive review……Thanks!

    Mar 29, 2019 at 9:36 pm #3586143
    Franco Darioli
    Spectator

    @franco

    Locale: Gauche, CU.

    “The max height you can pitch the Aeon is about 47 in (199.4 cm), but a slightly longer pole is useful if the ground is uneven”.

    That should be 119.4 cm .

    However it can be pitched at 49″/125 cm (on the left)

     

    Mar 29, 2019 at 10:53 pm #3586154
    Franco Darioli
    Spectator

    @franco

    Locale: Gauche, CU.

    I like this shot, given that it isn’t sold as a 4 season tent

    In that video the folding and rolling of the tent was a bit too messy.

    I gave a demo a few days ago to an SS Li customer on how to do his. It fits easily into the stuff sack if done correctly.

    My way is to bring the PitchLoc ends together , then flick the tent up  up in the air (holding those struts) so it is stretched out, then go to the other end and fold the fabric in to the strut width, then roll up from the non Pitch Loc end. That way the fabric does not puff up with trapped air.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 10:54 pm #3586155
    Ryan Jordan
    Admin

    @ryan

    Locale: Central Rockies

    Franco – this is just a preliminary review and I don’t have extended experience with the shelter yet. I had some difficulty pitching it over 47” — does it require some restaking or other tricks? I wasn’t able to get the edges to stay taut like in your 49” photo, but granted, I didn’t spend much time trying to figure it out.

    Mar 29, 2019 at 11:37 pm #3586162
    Franco Darioli
    Spectator

    @franco

    Locale: Gauche, CU.

    You are way ahead of me. I haven’t had a play with the Aeon as yet, that photo is from the other TT branch, the one in Nevada City. (ask Henry)

    BTW, looks like your Kuksa cup is your comfort item. Nice.

    Mar 30, 2019 at 12:29 am #3586169
    jscott
    BPL Member

    @book

    Locale: Northern California

    From the ‘con’ section of the review:

    “Hook-and-loop patches on overlapping vestibule doors are not as easy to use as a zipper,”

    This may well be true. But zipper failure is a bummer. And given that we hike and pitch in dirt and sand and duff, I applaud efforts to minimize or eliminate zippers.

    edit: not zipper size!! I prefer a hefty #5.

    Mar 30, 2019 at 8:57 am #3586206
    Monte Masterson
    BPL Member

    @septimius

    Locale: Changes Often

    First rate video Ryan. Your YouTube following is getting ready to take off..

    More videos of shelters in windy conditions will be a surefire hit (Dirigo 2, SS Li, Duplex).

    Also Ryan, I appreciate your willingness to endorse the Aeon over the Plexamid. It took some courage, but people who are getting ready to cough up $535 plus for a 1P tent need a good honest review. I really do wish TT would offer the .74 and camo option though.

     

    Mar 30, 2019 at 10:02 am #3586211
    James Marco
    BPL Member

    @jamesdmarco

    Locale: Finger Lakes

    Excellent review! Thanks, Ryan.

    Mar 30, 2019 at 1:02 pm #3586217
    RVP
    BPL Member

    @tunaboy999-2

    Locale: Mid Atlantic

    The Aeon is 2.5 ounces lighter and $65 cheaper than the Notch Li. Notch has double wall, double door. Are there any other advantages of the Aeon over the Notch?   i.e livable space, storm worthiness, accommodating a dog, etc.

    Mar 30, 2019 at 5:03 pm #3586255
    Dan Durston
    BPL Member

    @dandydan

    Locale: Canadian Rockies

    The Notch Li is a double wall tent, so it’s heavier but also has the modular and condensation management benefits of a double wall.

    Ryan: How are you pitching this with 4 stakes? Not staking the strut at the back center presumably?

    Mar 30, 2019 at 5:51 pm #3586258
    Ryan Jordan
    Admin

    @ryan

    Locale: Central Rockies

    Staking the center back wall strut is not necessary if you’re in still conditions if you really crank down on the back corners. However, even in slight wind, it helps a lot.

    I tend to stake everything all the time, however – it creates a more taut structure that provides smooth surfaces for condensation to drip down.

    Apr 1, 2019 at 5:52 am #3586459
    Bill in Roswell
    BPL Member

    @roadscrape88

    Locale: Roswell, GA, USA

    Hi Franco. Does Henry have a date of arrival estimate for the next batch of the Aeon Li. Run an auction for them for all I care. Just as long as I have a Fair Shot at getting one on this round 1.

    Cheers,
    Bill in Roswell, GA

     

    Apr 1, 2019 at 2:35 pm #3586502
    Henry S
    BPL Member

    @07100

    Bill, we will have a lot of them in production over the next 6-7 weeks and we expect to open ordering in mid April.  Do sign up for the Aeon Li notification list, if you haven’t already, as that way you’ll have first crack at ordering and receiving.

    -H

    Apr 1, 2019 at 7:13 pm #3586552
    Bill in Roswell
    BPL Member

    @roadscrape88

    Locale: Roswell, GA, USA

    Thanks, Henry! Yup, I am signed up. I’m sure demand will be through the roof!

    Apr 2, 2019 at 4:47 pm #3586690
    John Macri
    BPL Member

    @jpmac55

    I’m signed up, too.

    Apr 6, 2019 at 8:31 pm #3587383
    Eric Blumensaadt
    BPL Member

    @danepacker

    Locale: Mojave Desert

    Ryan,

    Thanks for that excellent review. I keep going back to the video and seem to learn something new each time I view it. And then I look at Youtube reviews of other Dyneema ‘mid tents for comparison and it reinforces your verdict on the AEON.

    Henry Shires’ clever re-design of the genre has once again shown what was needed for improving a basic design. It’s one thing to improve just one area such as venting. But to also improve interior space, better open door protection and all with fewer stakes needed is impressive.

    Apr 11, 2019 at 11:47 pm #3588379
    peter t
    BPL Member

    @petersonallen

    to Ryan, rehashing a more general question : almost all mids – including your Locus Gear – use the beefier .75 oz sq yd DCF. Do you have any concerns whatsoever with TarpTent’s option to only offer their DCF tents in 0.5 oz DCF? I do know that while ZPacks offers versions in both weights, Joe does remark that’s the .75 oz is not really needed… agree? Thx

    Apr 12, 2019 at 12:17 am #3588383
    rubmybelly!
    BPL Member

    @sleeping

    Locale: The Cascades

    When looked at loosely, it’s, you know, the middle of April. Just sayin’…. :-)

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