The Naturehike Gilwing UL 1 is a lightweight, freestanding, single-person tent that's affordable and comfortable. It's a double-wall tent that requires two poles to set up. It has a single front door and two vestibules, including one accessed via a rear hatch inside the main compartment. The inner tent is moderately spacious for a one-person tent, providing a good balance between privacy and ventilation, with large internal storage pockets to keep valuables safe and off the floor.

• Price: $159
• Type: Freestanding, Double-wall
• Minimum Weight: 2lbs 10 oz
• People: 1
• Poles: 2
• Doors: 1
• Vestibules: 2
• Interior Pockets: 2
• Interior Dimensions (measured): L82″ x W32″ x H38″ (22″ wide at shoulders)
• Exterior Dimensions (measured): L96″ x W70″ x H43″
• Fly Fabric: 15D nylon with single-sided silicone coating, waterproof PU2000mm+
• Floor Fabric: 20D nylon ripstop with single-sided silicone coating, waterproof PU3000mm+
• Footprint and Stakes: Included

Freestanding Structure

The two poles slide into sleeves and are secured at the ends

The NatureHike Gilwing UL 1 is a freestanding double-wall tent, meaning it can be set up on surfaces that are often difficult to set up on, like wooden platforms, sandy beaches, or rocky outcroppings. It's still good to stake out the tent in these conditions, even if it means securing the guylines with a pile of rocks. But this process is infinitely easier if the tent “stands up” by itself.

Kickstand vents in the door and ceiling provide added ventilation

The tent has two collapsing poles that slot into sleeves and are secured at the ends, creating a dome-like structure with steep walls, a single front door, and two vestibules, one front and one rear. While the inner tent hangs from dowels inside the rainfly, you can't set up the rainfly unless you attach it to the floor corners. In practice, it's simplest to keep the two connected for setup and takedown. A separate footprint is also included, and you can use that as a floor instead of the inner tent. This is quite similar to the Fast-fly setup of Big Agnes and other US tent manufacturers.

The upper third of the inner tent is open mesh for ventilation

The rainfly and inner tent have side doors, which makes entry easier. You can roll up both rainfly doors for added ventilation, and there are additional kickstand vents in the door and ceiling. The inner tent has solid mesh at its base and open mesh at the top, so it's noticeably warmer than an inner tent with solid mesh walls. White tents are also warmer because they let more sunlight through the fabric.

The rear vestibule is reached through a hatch in the inner tent

The tent has only one door, so you access the rear vestibule through a hatch in the inner tent, making it a great place to put wet shoes or a water bottle so it doesn't spill inside. The front vestibule space is a bit narrow, but is wide enough to fit a backpack. Large pockets on either side of the door inside the inner tent help stash gear and keep it out of the entrance.

There is ample space in the interior

Space and Comfort

While the inner tent is spacious, the walls slope inward, reaching a width of 22″ at shoulder height. Still, there is ample room above the toes and plenty of width to use a wide sleeping pad. The 38″ height is also more than adequate for changing clothes.

Comparable lightweight tents under $300

Final Verdict

The Naturehike Gilwing UL 1 offers an impressive combination of low weight, practical design, and affordability. Its freestanding structure makes setup easier on challenging surfaces, while the double-wall construction, multiple ventilation options, and included footprint provide useful protection in a variety of conditions. The interior is comfortable for one person, with enough room for a wide sleeping pad, large storage pockets, and convenient front and rear vestibules.

The single-door layout and narrow front vestibule are its main limitations, and the rear vestibule is less convenient to access than a traditional second door. Even so, at $159 and weighing just 2 pounds 10 ounces, the Gilwing UL 1 is a strong choice for solo backpackers who want a comfortable, versatile tent without spending heavily or carrying extra weight.

SectionHiker never accepts payment for gear reviews or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, hiking and backpacking FAQs, and free hiking guides.