SMALL FOOTPRINT, BIG PROTECTION
If high winds—or cramped tent sites—are in the cards, the aerodynamic Viperine is your very sturdy ace in the hole. Thanks to its compact, narrow footprint, we were able to pitch the Viperine in spots too tight for a traditional dome-shaped tent. And when the wind picked up, this tent, unlike many other sub-five-pounders, stayed as still as a Buckingham Palace guard. Interconnected poles make for a quick setup, and it has more headroom than others in its class, boasting a near-vertical entryway and a surprising 44-inch peak height. Just don’t expect as much room side-to-side—it just barely fits two full-size sleeping pads. 4.6 lbs; mountainhardwear.com
Bonus: A dual-entry rain fly makes the most of the single—but good-size—vestibule.
Bummer: During a wet, blustery night in the Northwest, water eventually pooled in the center of the rain fly, though it never leaked.