Tents are fundamental gear for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. They provide protection from weather elements, insects, and offer a private space to rest. The ideal tent balances weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of setup and, of course, price. This is where Naturehike’s primary strength lies.
Naturehike is a relatively lesser known brand, that has grown tremendously in popularity the last few years (after COVID I guess..). Their tents fall into the category of lightweight budget tents designed for backpackers and campers who need reliable shelter without excess bulk or budget.
I’ve been testing outdoor gear for years and read forums often to get real user stories lately, and I’ve got to say: Naturehike really stands out as a budget-friendly alternative for gear like ultralight tents, sleeping pads, and backpacks. I often see users praising their Cloud Up and Mongar tents for compact weight and surprising durability: some even reporting use through extremely rainy, windy nights in the Rockies or in Europe with no leaks or tears. For the price, people say these tents hold up impressively well against premium brands like MSR, Hilleberg or Big Agnes.
They are known for using quality materials such as thin (sub 30D) ripstop nylon and aluminum (even carbon) poles, targeting users who value low weight and reliability with a lower price tag than larger brands.
Naturehike offers models ranging from single-person to multi-person tents, each with features suited for different outdoor conditions.
When choosing a Naturehike tent, important factors to consider include the tent’s weight, waterproof rating, ventilation options, and space inside. The durability of materials and the robustness of poles also affect long-term usability in varying environments. We tested multiple Naturehike tents to find the models that strike the best balance between comfort, protection, and packability.
Best Naturehike Tents
We have compiled a list of the best Naturehike tents based on durability, ease of setup, and overall value. These options suit a range of camping needs, from solo trips to group adventures. Browse our selections to find the right tent for your outdoor experience.
Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent
The Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent is perhaps the most popular of the Naturehike series, and it is also one of the oldest ones in their range.
Pros
- Sets up easily in under two minutes, even without prior experience
- Durable materials hold up well in heavy rain and wind
- Compact and light enough to fit comfortably in a backpack
Cons
- Only one door can limit access and ventilation options
- Interior space is sufficient but not generous for gear storage
- Some minor color inconsistencies in accessories noticed
The free-standing design of this tent impressed us most. It takes just moments to pitch, making it great for fast camp setups after a long day on the trail. The single aluminum pole and Y-shape frame work together to stabilize the tent without needing stakes.
Weather resistance is solid thanks to the PU4000mm waterproof nylon and taped seams. We stayed dry during a downpour, and the sturdy aluminum poles resisted strong gusts. Comfort inside felt spacious enough for two adults with room to sit up, though storage space in the vestibule is limited.
Overall, this tent balances light weight and durability well. It’s ideal if you want a hassle-free, packable shelter that performs consistently across varied conditions. Explore more details and current pricing at the Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Tent listing.
Naturehike Opalus Tent
This tent suits us well for three-person backpacking trips thanks to its solid waterproofing and roomy vestibule for gear and sitting.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for backpacking
- Spacious vestibule offers extra covered area
- Excellent waterproof fabric performs in bad weather
Cons
- Vestibule floor material feels less durable than the tent
- Tent height can feel a bit low for sitting comfortably
- Two people can feel cramped inside on longer trips
We found the Naturehike Opalus to be a reliable shelter on mixed weather hikes. The 20D silicone-coated nylon held up well against overnight rain, keeping us dry with no sign of leaks. The tunnel shape with three aluminum poles stayed stable even in wind gusts.
The large vestibule is a real advantage when rain keeps us inside. It’s roomy enough to sit up or store backpacks and cooking gear without crowding the sleeping area. That extra covered space helps keep mud and wet shoes out of the main tent.
Setup is straightforward, and the packed size is surprisingly small given the overall tent volume. The ventilation options helped reduce condensation, though the tent ceiling height felt a little tight at times during long sitting periods. The vestibule floor material could be more rugged for heavy use.
Overall, this tent combines comfort and durability well for a 3-person option and remains a practical choice to consider for multi-season backpacking.
Naturehike Mongar UL Tent
This tent is a solid choice for backpackers who want lightweight gear without sacrificing interior space or durability.
Pros
- Ultralight and packs down small for easy carrying
- Spacious interior with high ceiling and good ventilation
- Expandable awning adds extra shelter and weather protection
Cons
- Single door design can limit access and airflow options
- Water resistance is adequate but not for extreme storms
- Slightly heavier compared to some ultralight solo tents
We found the Mongar UL to be easy to set up after a couple tries. Its compact packed size made it very convenient to stash in our backpack for long treks. The lightweight 15D nylon fabric feels tough enough for most three-season adventures.
Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy with good headroom, which means we don’t feel cramped during longer stays. The dual storage pockets help keep gear organized and off the floor, which is a nice touch many tents lack.
One feature we appreciated was the expandable awning. It provides extra protection when cooking or relaxing outside without getting soaked or blocked from the view. Ventilation was effective, helping reduce condensation on damp nights.
That said, the tent’s single door means entry and exit can feel tight, especially when wet. We also noticed the waterproof rating is solid for typical rain but might struggle in heavy downpours. The tent is not the lightest on the market but offers a smart balance between weight, comfort, and durability.
Naturehike Cloud Up UL Tent
This ultralight tent is a newer and lighter version of the popular Cloud Up tent and is is an excellent choice for solo backpackers who need a compact and reliable shelter.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry
- Sturdy freestanding design holds up well in wind
- Good ventilation reduces condensation effectively
Cons
- Space is limited for anything beyond basics
- Zippers can feel a bit delicate
- Setup requires some patience for first timers
We found the tent’s ultralight nature ideal for long hikes and cycling trips. Packing down to a small size made it simple to fit in our backpacks without adding noticeable weight.
The dual “Y” aluminum poles give this tent a solid frame that stood firm during gusty weather. The design keeps air flowing well, so condensation inside was minimal on damp evenings.
Although the sleeping area fits a wide mat comfortably, gear storage inside requires some planning due to the compact interior. For anyone prioritizing weight and wind resistance, this model performs strongly.
For more details, visit the Naturehike Cloud Up UL Tent on Amazon.
Naturehike Star River 2 Person Tent
We recommend the Star River 2 for anyone needing a lightweight, reliable two-door tent that holds up well in wet, windy conditions.
Pros
- Easy to set up quickly without stakes
- Two spacious doors and a large vestibule for storage
- Waterproof fabric and sturdy aluminum poles handle bad weather
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some ultralight tents in its class
- Tent poles and mesh quality can feel uneven at times
- Packaging weight sometimes varies from advertised specs
This tent impressed us with its simple setup. The freestanding design means you can pitch it almost anywhere in 5 minutes, even if you’re new to camping. Having two doors made entering and exiting smooth for two people, which was a nice convenience during longer trips.
The interior feels surprisingly roomy for a 2-person tent. Sitting up inside at 43 inches tall isn’t cramped. The large vestibule area gave us extra space to stash gear and shoes out of the rain. Ventilation worked well; the mesh inner reduced condensation on damp nights.
On heavy rains and wind, the Star River kept us dry and stable without fuss. Its 210T polyester with taped seams and 3000mm waterproof rating lived up to the promise. The aluminum poles held strong under wind gusts, making it a solid choice for three-season use.
Weight-wise, it’s not the lightest ultralight but balances durability with packability nicely. The footprint included adds value by protecting the floor from rough ground. Some users report slight inconsistencies in pole and mesh quality, but we found these didn’t impact overall performance.
For a versatile, easy two-door backpacking tent with good weather resistance, the Naturehike Star River 2 is a practical option. Check it out here.
Buying Guide
When selecting a Naturehike tent, we should first consider the intended use. Are we camping in mild weather or facing harsh conditions? This helps us prioritize features like waterproofing, ventilation, and weight.
Next, we evaluate the capacity. Tents are usually rated by the number of people they accommodate, but we should allow extra space for gear and comfort. For solo trips, a two-person tent might be a better option.
Weight is critical, especially for backpacking. Ultralight tents reduce load but may sacrifice durability or space. We need to balance weight with sturdiness for our specific trips.
We should examine essential features:
| Feature | Importance | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Prevents leaks and dampness | Durable rainfly, sealed seams |
| Ventilation | Reduces condensation | Mesh panels, adjustable vents |
| Setup | Ease and speed of assembly | Color-coded poles, intuitive design |
| Durability | Long-term use and rough terrain | Quality fabric, strong poles |
We also assess the footprint or groundsheet, which protects the tent floor. Some tents include it; otherwise, we might need to buy one separately.
Finally, price should be aligned with our needs. Paying more can mean better materials and features, but we must ensure what we choose fits our specific camping style and frequency.
