Six Moon Designs - Skyscape Scout

I started out with a six moon designs trekking pole tent. Model was a scout, I think. They have a few other models as well. It held up very well in super windy conditions. Might be worth looking into if you already carry poles.

I started with a six moon designs scout and switched over to the xmid-1. Both have served me VERY WELL and I can't recommend them enough.

I think a 1p should be fine- a good rule of thumb when starting out is to go smaller than you think you need. Managing weight is usually the biggest challenge for new backpackers. I recommend a tent that sets up with trekking poles, because you should be using them anyways and it'll save you some weight without having to splurge on expensive technical fabrics. I started with the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout (40oz, $160) and used it for more than two years. As long as you seal the seams well, it's pretty bomber. If you're hiking somewhere with low/no bugs, you could consider a tarp to save significant weight. If your primary concern is rain, you might consider a shaped, enclosed tarp like the Yama Cirriform (13.5oz, $180). I've ridden out a ton of heavy rainstorms in mine without any problems. I don't recommend getting a separate bug net/bivy if bugs are indeed a concern- you're likely better off weight- and price-wise with a single-piece shelter in that case. There are definitely other shelters out there that will meet your needs; these are just two that I have experience with and can recommend. Generally, you're probably looking for a one person tent or tarp, made of silpoly or silnylon, that sets up with trekking poles. Lots of good information over on r/ultralight too. Happy shopping!

Six Moon Designs Scout Tent is ridiculously long, like over 8 feet as it tapers a long way at the foot end. Designed around trekking poles, but they have separate carbon fiber poles available. Needs main seem sealed throughly, like two or three coats, then set it up in the backyard and test it with a hose sprayer. It's a great tent at a good price. 

Yeah, it's definitely not freestanding. I'm I'm the NE US, so totally different ground surface here...

I have the Scout (Same tent, but cheaper and heavier) and I really like it...I got it super cheap because there was a "blemish". If I hadn't gotten the deal, I would have gotten the Trekker, but I don't regret my purchase at all. As others have said, it's great for taller folk (I'm 6'4") If I ever start doing longer trips, I will probably invest in a 2-person tent, but it's plenty big enough for me for now.

If you can stretch the budget, GG The One is basically the very lightest non-dcf full tent at 17oz w/o stakes (it can take up to 9 lol) 255 dollars already seam sealed. I grabbed one on sale as I’d been eyeing it for a while because of the weight:cost ratio. It has its own drawbacks but I could not resist the 17oz weight. I did a write up a while back on the skyscape trekker, which is the same as the scout, just using a lighter material: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/hHVbwZ93NM The Trekker is 32oz and the scout is 40oz (to freedom!!) Tarp could work. I just got a bunch of ticks so I’m saving the tarp for a different environment/elevation/weather. GG Twinn? Gatewood cape? Anyway, there is no one answer as you can see. A 40oz tent could still be part of a sub 5kilo base if you are careful. ETA in my shopping experience a tarp+bivy, (like full bug inner with floor) while awesome and versatile, is scantly less weight/expense than modern tents.

I brought my Six Moon Designs on a PCT thru hike and absolutely loved it. If you plan on backpacking and use trekking poles, it's a great choice. If you're doing more car camping, I have a cheap pop-up tent from Amazon for that and it sets up in about 1 minute. For car camping, the easier the better IMO.

I’ve got a Six Moons trekking pole tent I like. Not the lightest but won’t break the bank either.