Cloud Up UL 2

I’m in Australia and have the Cloud Up 2 UL, not the pro version, and it’s a hot tent in summer. There’s a lot of solid fabric and only one vent at the head end. On hot nights I have to keep the vestibule fly open and sleep with my head at that end.

I got the Lanshan 2 and just recently got the 2.6 lbs version of the Cloud Up 2, both for about the high end of your price range. I think these tents are consumables and not BIFL. Edit: some tarp or bivvy advice is probably better than mine.

> For the Cloud Up 2 UL with 15D nylon I couldn't find any reviews for this exact model. I found some for the Pro or the EXT versions but I'm not sure if it can be pitched fly first and if there are any other important features to know about. Why that model specifically? I got the EXT because of the weight. I don't think I can pitch it fly first by default, but I'm pretty sure I could using the footprint or very slightly modifying it.

I do actually. There is technically enough space for two people, but I don't think wide pads would fit. Two slightly-wider-than normal CCF pads fit and two wide mummy pads fit on top, but only if they're arranged head to toe. Totally possible that I'm wrong and just need to pitch it a little tighter to fit two wide pads. The vestibule is pretty small, but you can squeeze in two bags. Also, I'm not completely sure on the size difference between the two tents. It's possible there is a subtle difference that isn't clear from the specs.

I did a pretty serious hike with just Walmart gear, but I have since upgraded to mostly budget online / Chinese brands. Here's approximately what I have: Tent: Paria Outdoors Arches 2P Trekking Pole Tent / 3FULGEAR Lanshan 2 / Naturehike Cloud Up UL 2P / Naturehike Cloud Up EXT 2P. I have a Lanshan 2 with solid inner as well as the Cloud Up EXT. I think the Arches is a better trekking pole tent if you don't care about having a solid inner. Pad: Walmart CCF + OneTigris NobleJade sleeping pad. Bag: Paria Outdoors Thermodown 30 Down Quilt + I like having a sleeping bag liner for ease of washing. I actually have the 15 degree version. Backpack: Naturehike 60+5L backpack / 3FULGEAR Yue 55 / 3FULGEAR Tianshan. Cooking: Paria and Fire Maple have some good stuff. Trekking poles: I have some CMT ones and some BD ones.

I loved the Cloud Up 2, light, easy to pitch, roomy inside for 1 + gear and/or dog. I bought an OEX Phoxx 1, put it up on my lawn, took one look at it and gave it to my brother...its like a coffin...one step up from a bivvy! (personal opinion - other peoples my differ I know)

If youre getting a budget tent off of amazon I recommend [this one](https://a.co/d/an113eZ) . It’s a bit heavier than the one you selected but it is free-standing, double-walled (important for humidity control, and doesn’t require trekking poles. I can vouch that it’s a great first tent on a budget (I’ve used it on a few trips with no issue) I agree on the other comments about the multitool, first aid kit, and especially the sleeping bag needing to be re-thought. Miranda Goes Outside on YouTube has some videos on budget backpacking gear that helped me put together my first kit. I recommend checking them out

Naturehike makes the best affordable UL freestanding tents in the market, imho. Their Cloud Up models are their lightest, but also a bit tight/small. However, if you really want the lowest weight, a Cloud Up 2 UL is the way. Otherwise they have e.g. the Star River UL model, which is more spacious. Also, just order them from AliExpress. It's always going to be more expensive to buy them from a reseller in Europe, I've been there, done that, and it's just not worth it. Ordering from Aliexpress is cheaper and actually works pretty well.

PRO sucks. Look for UL version with 15D silnylon. Or better Star River EXT with 10D fly

Check out naturehike cloud up 2 UL. Very good price for quality and just under 4lbs. Includes a ground sheet too. Completely waterproof last summer when it rained for around 6 hours (also in Canadian Rockies).