Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" vs MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Minimalist Dyneema Composite Fabric square tarp (8'6"x8'6"). Extremely packable, 100% waterproof. Versatile ultralight bivy shelter for experienced campers.
Full details →1-person ultralight freestanding tent part of MEC's 2-Kilo integrated system, 15D silicone-coated nylon ripstop
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" vs MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" wins — at 255 g it is 405 g (61%) lighter than the MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent (660 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest shelter page, or browse the full gear weight database.