1P Shelter options
I'm looking at getting a single person shelter for myself. Priority of attributes are as below:
- Size - I want to take this multi-day off track hiking and often I won't know whether I can find somewhere to fit a full tent.
- Durability - it'd be nice if its not a complete load of crap materials. There is possibility to pair it with a tarp or the like, and to begin with I'd be using it in sheltered location. But if I ever get into more alpine conditions it would be good if it could tolerate some snow or wind.
- Cost - I can't lie, not looking to spend too much money. I do subscribe to the philosophy of buy well buy once though (and the n+1 rule...).
- Weight - Ideally it'd be lighter than a regular tent, and I will be carrying it for multiple days.
- Room - somewhere in between a bivy and a 1P tent? I don't need to be able to sit up and move around too much inside, its just for sleeping. Don't mind putting my pack outside in a 90L dry bag or something.
So far I have looked at:
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Mountain Designs Burrow Bivy - its super cheap but I'm not convinced of what the quality will be like.
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Rab Ridge Raider - seems more technical and suitable for snow and harsh conditions. expensive though, and might be a bit overkill
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OR Helium - honestly I've heard a lot of terrible things about this, but somehow it tops gearlab's rankings? not sure if it's because people hate bivys or because its a bad option.
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Hammock - I don't always know if there will be suitable trees so I don't think this is a good option
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Bug Bivy with tarp - It's versatile, which I like, but again not sure if there will always be suitable trees? I'm worried it won't provide enough protection as well
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Alton Swag - looks pretty good. is it capable in rough weather?
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1P tent - worried this will take up too much space. really not expecting much space on the trip i'm planning
Thoughts would be much appeciated!! Very tempted to try the MD Bivy and partner it with a tarp for extra weather protection.
Posted Jun 30, 2026, 2:51 AM UTC