There’s a unique freedom in solo backpacking. It’s just you, your gear, and the trail ahead. But this freedom comes with a significant burden: you carry everything. Every ounce matters. I remember my first solo trek in the Sierras, lugging a “compact” two-person tent. It felt like a parachute in the wind and a bag of bricks on my back. I spent the trip dreaming of a shelter that was genuinely mine—one that didn’t penalize me with excess weight and bulk for space I’d never use. The search for the perfect solo tent is a classic backpacker’s quest, a delicate balance between finding a shelter light enough for long miles but spacious and durable enough to be a sanctuary from storms and bugs. Get it wrong, and you’re either exhausted from the weight or cramped and miserable when the weather turns. That very dilemma is what led me to test the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighing in at just 3 lbs 3 oz Trailweight, this tent is perfect for solo backpackers looking to minimize their load without...
- 1-PERSON: Enjoy the solitude and privacy of your own spacious 1-person tent, designed to provide a comfortable and cozy shelter for solo adventurers.
What to Consider Before Buying a Backpacking Tent
A backpacking tent is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for survival and comfort in the backcountry. It’s your mobile home, your shield against wind, rain, and insects. Its primary benefit is providing a safe, dry, and relatively comfortable space to rest and recover, enabling you to tackle multi-day adventures. Without a reliable tent, you’re exposed to the elements, risking hypothermia, exhaustion, and an all-around miserable experience. A good tent doesn’t just keep you dry; it offers peace of mind, allowing you to sleep soundly through a surprise midnight downpour or a windy night on an exposed ridge.
The ideal customer for a one-person backpacking tent like this is the solo adventurer, the thru-hiker counting every gram, or the weekend warrior who values solitude. They need a shelter that is quick to set up, packs down small, and won’t break their back or their budget. On the other hand, this type of product might not be suitable for those who camp with a partner, a dog, or simply prefer more palatial interior space. Car campers who don’t worry about weight, or families needing a large communal space, would be better served by larger, heavier, and often less expensive dome or cabin-style tents.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Weight & Packed Size: For backpacking, this is paramount. Look at the “minimum trail weight” (tent, fly, poles) and the “packed weight” (everything included). A true ultralight solo tent is often under 2.5 lbs, while a budget-friendly lightweight tent like the Obsidian sits around 3 lbs. Consider the packed dimensions—it needs to fit comfortably inside or strapped to your pack without being awkward.
- Interior Space & Livability: Check the floor dimensions (length and width) and the peak height. If you’re tall, ensure the length is adequate so your head and feet don’t press against the walls. Peak height determines if you can sit up comfortably, a huge plus for changing clothes or waiting out a storm. Also, consider the vestibule area, which is crucial for storing your pack and muddy boots outside the main sleeping area.
- Materials & Durability: Tent fabrics are measured in denier (D)—a higher number generally means a more durable, but heavier, fabric. Look for ripstop nylon or polyester. Waterproofing is measured by a hydrostatic head (HH) rating in millimeters (mm); a rating of 1500mm is considered waterproof, so the Obsidian’s 2000mm fly and 5000mm floor are excellent. Poles made from 7000-series aluminum offer a great blend of strength and low weight.
- Ease of Setup & Features: A freestanding or semi-freestanding design is much easier to pitch, especially on hard or rocky ground, than a non-freestanding tent that relies on stakes and guylines for its structure. Look for color-coded poles and clips, intuitive designs, and included extras. Small features like interior pockets, a gear loft, and reflective guylines significantly enhance the camping experience.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent stands out in several areas, particularly its balance of weight, features, and price. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the full feature list here.
While the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 2 PERSON TENT - This lightweight two-person small tent has enough space for you and a friend. This tent for camping is ideal for hiking, fishing, weekend...
- WeatherTec system's welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in
- 【Sturdy Folding Frame】The 10 X 10 pop up canopy frame is made of sturdy high-quality steel tube with rust-resistant power-coated, which is strong,...
First Impressions: A Complete System Ready for the Trail
Pulling the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent from its stuff sack, the first thing I noticed was the thoughtful, compact package. At a claimed 14″ x 4″, it slid easily into the side pocket of my 65L pack. Unrolling the contents, I was immediately impressed by what was included. In an era where top-tier brands often sell footprints and gear lofts as expensive add-ons, Featherstone includes them right in the bag. This isn’t just a tent; it’s a complete shelter system, which speaks volumes about the brand’s focus on value.
The materials felt solid and reliable. The 20D Sil-nylon of the rainfly is lightweight yet has a reassuringly tough feel, and the bathtub floor material is noticeably thicker. The single 7001 aluminum pole system unfolds into a Y-shape hub design, a familiar and proven architecture that promises a quick pitch. The stakes are standard aluminum shepherd’s hooks—nothing fancy, but perfectly functional for most soil types. As one user noted, even a novice backpacker can have this tent up in minutes without glancing at the instructions (which are conveniently sewn into the stuff sack). It immediately gives the impression of a well-designed, no-fuss shelter built for the trail.
Key Benefits
- Excellent value proposition, includes footprint and gear loft
- Generous interior space and headroom for a one-person tent
- Robust waterproofing with high hydrostatic head ratings
- Intuitive and fast semi-freestanding setup
- Lightweight and highly compact for backpacking
Potential Drawbacks
- At 3 lbs 3 oz, it’s lightweight but not “ultralight” by purist standards
- Included stakes are basic and may need upgrading for rocky terrain
Deep Dive: Performance of the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 in the Field
A tent’s true character is revealed not in a backyard test but on a windy ridge or during a relentless downpour miles from the trailhead. I took the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent on several trips, from damp coastal forests to gusty subalpine meadows, to see if its on-paper specs translated into real-world reliability. It proved to be a steadfast companion, consistently punching well above its weight class.
Setup, Breakdown, and Trail Portability
The beauty of the Obsidian’s design lies in its simplicity. After the first setup, I could consistently get it pitched in under five minutes. The process is incredibly intuitive. You stake out the four corners of the included footprint, then the tent body on top. The single Y-hub pole system snaps together, and the ends insert into grommets at the corners. A series of clips attaches the tent body to the poles, creating the main structure in seconds. This semi-freestanding design means you can easily pick it up and move it to find the perfect spot before staking it out completely.
This ease of setup, echoed by numerous users who praised its straightforwardness, is a massive benefit at the end of a long day of hiking when energy is low and daylight is fading. The rainfly drapes over easily, and color-coded buckles clip it securely to the tent corners, ensuring a perfect, taut pitch every time. Breakdown is just as fast. The tent, fly, and footprint roll up neatly and, as one user was pleased to discover, it fits back into its stuff sack without a wrestling match—even when wet and dirty. On the trail, its packed size is a dream. It compresses down smaller than its initial packaged size and is light enough that you barely notice it, a critical factor for anyone looking to increase their mileage or simply enjoy the hike more.
Weather Resistance and All-Night Protection
A solo tent must be a fortress, and the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent is built to be one. I spent one particularly wet night with steady rain drumming down for hours. Inside, I remained completely dry. The 20D Sil-nylon rainfly, with its 2000mm hydrostatic head rating and fully taped seams, shed water flawlessly. Water beaded up and rolled right off without a hint of saturation. The bathtub floor, made of a tougher Sil-nylon with a massive 5000mm rating, extends several inches up the sides. This design is critical for preventing water from splashing or seeping in from the ground, and it provided total peace of mind as small puddles formed around the tent.
On another trip, I was camped in an exposed area and faced strong, persistent winds. Once fully guyed out using the included reflective lines, the tent was remarkably stable. The aerodynamic dome shape and solid pole architecture handled the gusts with minimal flapping or noise, a testament to its sturdy design. This experience aligns with reports from other users who have weathered thunderstorms and high winds without issue. The double-wall design, with the mesh inner tent and separate rainfly, is also exceptional at managing condensation. The ample space between the two walls allows for excellent airflow, virtually eliminating the damp interior that can plague single-wall shelters. Waking up dry on the inside, even on a cold and humid morning, is a luxury that cannot be overstated.
Livability: More Than Just a Coffin
Many solo tents sacrifice livability for weight savings, resulting in cramped, coffin-like spaces. The Obsidian bucks this trend. With 21.6 square feet of floor space, I found it surprisingly roomy. The floor dimensions (81″ L x ~38″ W) comfortably accommodated my 25-inch wide sleeping pad with plenty of space alongside it for organizing gear, my book, and electronics. One user confirmed this, noting that with a standard-width pad, there’s ample room for a pack and other gear inside. This is a huge advantage over narrower solo tents where your gear is relegated to the vestibule.
The peak height of 3.75 feet is another standout feature. I could comfortably sit straight up without my head touching the ceiling, making changing clothes, reading, or organizing my pack a comfortable, non-contortionist act. The single large D-shaped door makes getting in and out a breeze, unlike some tents that require a crawl. Inside, the organization is well-thought-out. The included mesh gear loft is perfect for stashing a headlamp, phone, or other small items, while corner pockets keep essentials within reach. The 7-square-foot vestibule provides a generous covered area to store a large backpack and muddy boots, keeping the inner sanctum clean and clutter-free. For the solo hiker, this combination of interior space and practical features makes the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent feel less like a minimalist shelter and more like a comfortable backcountry home. If you’re ready for a solo tent that doesn’t compromise on comfort, you can see for yourself why its design is so popular.
What Other Users Are Saying
After my own extensive testing, I delved into community feedback to see if my experiences were unique. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently praising the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent for its incredible value and solid performance. One beginner backpacker called it a “fantastic single person tent” and the perfect “good option on a budget” for those just starting out, highlighting the easy setup and great interior organization.
Another experienced hiker, who has used the tent dozens of times, confirmed its durability, stating, “it’s held up very well. I haven’t had any trouble with leaks in either prolonged rains or a thunderstorm I was caught in.” This sentiment is common, cementing its reputation as a reliable shelter. Many users compare it favorably to tents from premium brands like MSR or Nemo, which can cost three to four times as much. One noted, “This is the same EXACT tent as the MSR Hubba… the main difference is the cost.”
Criticisms are few and generally minor. A recurring theme is that while it’s “lightweight,” it doesn’t quite meet the strict definition of “ultralight” for purists counting every single gram. The most specific design critique came from a user who noted the fly’s cross-pole design could be improved, but this was an isolated comment. Overall, the user community views this tent as a category leader in the budget-to-mid-range backpacking market, offering features and reliability that far exceed its price tag.
How Does the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent Compare to Alternatives?
While the Obsidian is a phenomenal choice for the solo backpacker, it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market. Different adventures call for different shelters, and comparing it to its competitors helps clarify who it’s truly for.
1. Coleman Sundome Dark Room 4/6 Person Tent
- Dark Room technology blocks 90% of sunlight so you can sleep in after sunrise
- WeatherTec system keeps water out with patented welded floors and protected seams
The Coleman Sundome is in a completely different category. This is a classic car-camping tent designed for families or groups who prioritize space, comfort, and features like “dark room” technology over weight and packability. Compared to the hyper-light, compact Obsidian, the Sundome is a behemoth. However, for a family setting up a base camp next to their vehicle, its spacious interior and weather protection are ideal. If you’re a backpacker, the Sundome is a non-starter; if you’re a car camper, the Obsidian is far too small and specialized. The choice here depends entirely on your style of camping.
2. Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent
- Enhanced Ventilation and Spacious Design: The upgraded Cloud Up Pro backpacking tent features a ventilation window above the front door, minimizing...
- Compact and Lightweight Backpacking Tent: At only 3.57 lbs, this 1-person tent is made from lightweight and durable 20D nylon, packing down to just 15.3”...
The Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 is the most direct competitor to the Featherstone Obsidian. Both are budget-friendly, lightweight, one-person backpacking tents with similar designs and target audiences. The Cloud-Up is often slightly lighter, pushing it closer to the “ultralight” category, which may appeal to gram-counters. However, the Obsidian generally offers more interior floor space and greater peak height, making it feel more livable. The Obsidian also includes the footprint as standard, which is often an extra purchase for the Cloud-Up. Your choice may come down to prioritizing the absolute lowest weight (Cloud-Up) versus more interior comfort and an all-inclusive package (Obsidian).
3. Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Camping Tent
- WeatherTec system's welded corners and inverted seams keep water from getting in
- Tub floor with patented corner welds, protected seams, and a covered zipper help keep water out
Similar to the Sundome, the Coleman WeatherMaster is built for large-group car camping, not backpacking. This massive tent can sleep up to 10 people and features room dividers and hinged doors, functioning more like a portable cabin. It’s designed for comfort and capacity when weight is no object. Comparing it to the Obsidian is like comparing a bus to a motorcycle. The WeatherMaster is the right tool for a scout troop or a large family outing at a designated campground. The Obsidian is the precision tool for the solo adventurer moving fast and light through the wilderness.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Worth It?
After miles on the trail and nights spent under the stars, my conclusion is clear: the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent is one of the best values in the entire outdoor industry. It masterfully balances weight, durability, livability, and cost in a way that very few competitors can match. It provides a reliable, comfortable, and weatherproof shelter that is light enough for serious backpacking without the intimidating price tag of premium ultralight gear.
While it may not be the absolute lightest option available, the small weight penalty is more than compensated for by its generous interior space, robust construction, and the incredible value of including a footprint and gear loft. We wholeheartedly recommend it for solo backpackers of all experience levels, from beginners looking for their first reliable tent to seasoned hikers who want a dependable shelter that won’t drain their bank account. It’s a smart, practical, and trail-proven choice.
If you’ve decided the Featherstone UL Obsidian 1 Person Backpacking Tent is the right fit for your solo adventures, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API