← Gear database

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" vs Tarptent MesoSpire 2

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" is the lighter option — 766 g lighter than the Tarptent MesoSpire 2 (75% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
Spec Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" Tarptent MesoSpire 2
Weight 255 g · 0.255 kg · 0.56 lb 1,021 g · 1.021 kg · 2.25 lb
Brand Hyperlite Mountain Gear Tarptent
Category Shelter Shelter
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6"
255 g

Minimalist Dyneema Composite Fabric square tarp (8'6"x8'6"). Extremely packable, 100% waterproof. Versatile ultralight bivy shelter for experienced campers.

Check price Full details →
Tarptent MesoSpire 2
1,021 g

Lightweight single-wall two-person trekking-pole tent. Minimum weight 36oz using two pole sets; converts toward freestanding with included struts.

Check price Full details →

HikeLoad is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" vs Tarptent MesoSpire 2: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp 8'6" wins — at 255 g it is 766 g (75%) lighter than the Tarptent MesoSpire 2 (1,021 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.

More shelter comparisons