Loading...

Trekking Pole Tent Guide: Best Ultralight Picks for Hikes

Gear and equipments | Rhiannon Wilson | Saturday, February 21st, 2026

A trekking pole tent is one of the essential items, especially when you do a long hike or backpacking. It helps provide shelter at the top of the mountain so you can rest comfortably and enjoy the view. Therefore, it is especially useful in windy conditions when stability and lightweight gear matter most.


For some of the beginner hikers, these kinds of items might still be strange and unfamiliar in your checklist. This is because Traditional tents are still more common in the market than trekking pole tents. You might need to know or prepare one in case things do not go smoothly when you set up your own tent in the middle of the hills.


Therefore, you do not need to worry anymore. This guide will help you understand why it can be a valuable part of your hiking gear. In this article, you will know what a trekking pole is, its function, and also the best recommendations for you to have on your adventurous hike. Below are the quick recommendations for the trekking pole tent you need to buy.


What is a trekking pole tent?


A trekking pole tent is a lightweight shelter that uses hiking poles instead of traditional tent poles. This design is particularly useful for backpackers who want to save weight and bulk, making it perfect for ultralight backpacking. The tents use trekking poles for structural support, making them efficient and simple without sacrificing stability and weather resistance.


These tents are also in high demand because of their ease of setup. They provide a simple and minimalist solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want functional shelter without having to carry extra gear. Since they have fewer parts, these tents save space in your backpack while still offering functional protection for sleeping, cooking, and resting.


Best three recommendations for a trekking pole tent


Using the correct trekking pole tent can be a game-changer for your backpacking adventures. These tents use gear you already carry instead of traditional trekking poles, making them perfect for backpackers who appreciate efficiency, versatility, and a minimalist approach without compromising the quality of their shelter. Bringing this kind of tent will let you plan more about what stuff you need to carry.


Most of these tents are non-freestanding, which means proper staking is essential to maintain shape and stability. In the following section, we’ll highlight the top three hiking pole tent that offer durability and lightweight performance. Having one of them can save significant space during long hikes.


Plex Solo tent


Lightweight and designed for solo backpackers, this trekking pole tent offers exceptional performance without adding extra weight. Weighing under 12oz, it is ideal for ultralight hikers who need a compact shelter. It can be pitched easily with a single trekking pole and fits even the smallest backcountry campsites. Durability and comfort are maintained with high-quality Dyneema® Composite Fabric.



  • Weight: Sub-12oz, ultra-light for solo hikers


  • Setup: Uses a single 52" trekking or tent pole


  • Footprint: Compact design fits small backcountry sites


  • Material Options: Two Dyneema® Composite Fabric weights



Altaplex tent


For backpackers who want more room without the hassle, this trekking pole tent is a great option for those who want more height and space. The tent can be set up using trekking poles or tent poles, depending on the preference of the user. The tent has been designed with features such as magnet toggles and storm zippers.



  1. Height: Adjustable 56"–58" for taller shelter


  2. Setup: Compatible with trekking poles or tent poles


  3. Interior Space: Extra head and foot room


  4. Features: Magnet toggles, zipper storm doors



X-Mid Pro 1


Ideal for ultralight backpackers, this trekking pole tent combines a weight-efficient design with durable Dyneema® fabrics. Its hybrid single-wall structure provides ample interior space while remaining easy to pitch with a single trekking pole. Despite its stormworthy build, it weighs under one pound, making it exceptionally portable and perfect for hikers who need both comfort and minimal pack weight on long treks.



  • Weight: Under 1 pound (15.5 oz / 440 g)


  • Design: Hybrid single-wall with X-Mid geometry


  • Interior Space: Spacious for one person


  • Durability: Dyneema® fabrics for storm resistance



Prepare your brand new tent to hike on with Rinjani Trekking Centre!


Here is the key information about a trekking pole tent, and the best recommendations for you to choose the best one for your hiking journey. This type of gear works best for experienced solo hikers, as it can feel compact for one person. But if you don’t, you could always get a good company for your hiking trip, especially in Indonesia.


Hiking Mount Rinjani is a great way to begin your next adventure. Therefore, the Rinjani Trekking Centre team is ready to accompany you throughout the trek while you use your own tent. Rinjani Trekking Centre has many package trip to the Mountain with various range of exploration. Book your hike now and make the best of your trip!

Share: