Tarptent Notch Li vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Single-person shelter weighing just 553g. Uses trekking poles for setup. Silnylon canopy, mesh inner. Excellent weather protection for thru-hikers.
Check price Full details →Minimalist DCF tarp shelter at 139g. Provides 7x9 ft coverage with 8 tie-out loops. Best for experienced tarpers in fair weather.
Check price Full details →Tarptent Notch Li 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 414 g (75%) lighter than the Tarptent Notch Li (553 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.