A CLASSIC ULTRALIGHT
Thunder Dome? Perhaps something was lost in translation, because there’s nothing Mad Max–like about this tent from Japan-based MontBell. Despite the name, its earth-toned fly, two-pole design, and taut pitch are all rather traditional—in a good way. What’s not traditional is the exceptionally low weight for the protection. Plus it took us less than a minute to set up on the first try. Caution, tall dudes: I’m six-two and couldn’t stretch out without touching at both ends. For you there’s the Chronos Dome 2 (5.4 lbs; $230), which is six inches longer. 4 lbs; montbell.com
Bonus: Reflective guylines prevent midnight headers.
Bummer: You have to make do with a single door, and a slightly larger vestibule would be worth the small weight penalty.