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MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp

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

Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp is the lighter option — 521 g lighter than the MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent (79% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
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Spec MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
Weight 660 g · 0.660 kg · 1.46 lb 139 g · 0.139 kg · 0.31 lb
Brand MEC Zpacks
Category Shelter Shelter
MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent
660 g

1-person ultralight freestanding tent part of MEC's 2-Kilo integrated system, 15D silicone-coated nylon ripstop

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Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
139 g

Minimalist DCF tarp shelter at 139g. Provides 7x9 ft coverage with 8 tie-out loops. Best for experienced tarpers in fair weather.

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MEC 2-Kilo Project Alpha UL 1-Person Tent vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp wins — at 139 g it is 521 g (79%) 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.

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