129 days to Christmas · 5320 new picks today
GiftsFeed

UltaMid 1

  • UltaMid 1

  • waterproof

The 3-second version

  • Weighs under nine ounces and packs to water bottle size
  • Waterproof Dyneema composite fabric with taped seams
  • Pitches with a single trekking pole for fast setup
  • Needs trekking pole to pitch
  • No built-in floor or bug netting
  • Dyneema fabric punctures easier than ripstop nylon

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Ultralight pyramid tarp shelter under nine ounces

Most ultralight shelters ask you to choose between a freestanding tent that weighs a pound and a half or a tarp that leaves you exposed to bugs and splash. The UltaMid 1 splits that difference by offering a waterproof pyramid that pitches reliably with gear you already carry, then lets you add only the floor and bug protection the trip actually requires.

The pyramid geometry is the key: it pitches taut with one pole, sheds wind without flapping, and gives you enough center height to sit up and move around. For solo trips where pack weight decides how far you go, this shelter disappears into your load.

Good gift when

  • Solo backpackers counting every ounce on long trails
  • Minimalists who prefer modular shelter systems
  • Trekking pole users looking for ultralight weather protection
  • Three-season hikers who adapt gear to conditions

Skip it if Requires a trekking pole to pitch, and you need to buy a separate floor insert or bivy for bug and ground protection

Specs

Weight
Under 9 oz
Floor area
40 sq ft
Fabric
Dyneema Composite Fabrics
Waterproof
Yes
Setup
Single trekking pole required
Tie-outs
Six perimeter points
Seasons
Three-season
Capacity
Solo
Packed size
Approximately Nalgene bottle volume

What's included

  • UltaMid 1 tarp shelter
  • Stuff sack

If you're giving it

  • No sizing to guess

Ships in manufacturer packaging; may need separate floor insert for complete shelter system.

The details

The UltaMid 1 is a minimalist tarp shelter that weighs under nine ounces and compresses to roughly the volume of a standard water bottle. Built from waterproof Dyneema composite fabric, it sheds rain while covering forty square feet of floor space. The pyramid geometry pitches taut using a single trekking pole as the center support, and six perimeter tie-outs stake the edges.

This is a tarp, not a tent. You get weather protection overhead and modular compatibility with separate floor inserts or bivy sacks, sold separately. The open base means you can tailor bug and ground protection to the trip. The single-pole pyramid shape offers standing headroom at the center and stable geometry in wind.

Setup is straightforward: stake out the perimeter points, insert your trekking pole at the apex, adjust the tie-outs for tension. The fabric does not stretch, so once pitched it stays taut. The pyramid profile keeps fabric noise low compared to flat tarps that flap in gusts.

The UltaMid 1 suits solo trips where every ounce matters and you already carry a trekking pole. It works across three seasons when paired with appropriate ground protection. Pack volume is minimal, leaving room in your pack for other gear. The Dyneema fabric is durable against abrasion and UV exposure, though it requires care to avoid punctures from sharp objects.

Single-wall Dyneema tarp that pitches with one trekking pole and packs smaller than a water bottle

$450at hyperlitemountaingear.com

Ships and sold by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. About this merchant

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

Does this come with a floor or bug netting?
No. The UltaMid 1 is a tarp shelter only. You need to purchase a separate floor insert or bivy sack for ground and insect protection. The modular design lets you choose the level of protection based on conditions.
What do I need to set this up?
You need one trekking pole to serve as the center support, plus six stakes for the perimeter tie-outs. The shelter does not include stakes or a pole. Most users rely on a trekking pole they already carry for hiking.
How waterproof is the Dyneema fabric?
Dyneema Composite Fabrics are fully waterproof and do not absorb water. The seams are sealed, so the shelter provides reliable rain protection. The fabric does not require a DWR coating and maintains waterproofness over time.
Can I use this in winter?
The UltaMid 1 is designed for three-season use. It can handle wind and rain effectively, but the open base and single-wall design make it less suitable for deep snow or extreme cold without additional modifications and insulation.
How tall is the center peak?
Center height depends on your trekking pole length and how you pitch the shelter. Most trekking poles extend to around 50 inches, which provides enough headroom to sit up comfortably at the center. The pyramid tapers toward the edges.

No reviews yet.

The first one comes from someone who bought it here.

Boost this pick

More like this