Naturehike Cloud Up UL 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent Review
Brand: Naturehike · Category: tent · Price: $119 - $169
Buy this if you're a solo adventurer or a weight-conscious pair of backpackers on a budget, looking for a truly ultralight tent that sets up fast. Skip it if you need luxurious space, easy two-person entry/exit, or supreme durability to abuse a tent without a second thought.
Specs
| Doors | 1 large front door |
|---|---|
| Poles | Yuksom® UL 8.5mm integrated aluminum alloy (single pole design) |
| Weight | 3.04 lbs |
| Rainfly | 15D ripstop fine-denier nylon, silicone-coated, PU1500mm+ waterproof |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Capacity | 2-person |
| Floor Area | 29.4 sq ft |
| Packed Size | 5.1" diameter × 15.7" length |
| Peak Height | 41.3 inches |
| Vestibules | 1 spacious vestibule (7.75 sq ft) |
| Fabric Denier | 15D ripstop nylon (fly), 20D nylon (floor) |
Strengths
- Exceptional ultralight weight at 2.6 lbs makes it ideal for thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers
- Freestanding design requires no stakes for basic setup, offering flexibility on hard/rocky terrain
- Integrated 8.5mm aluminum pole system simplifies setup to under 4 minutes with Y-pole hub structure
- Excellent waterproofing with PU3000mm+ floor and sealed seams; includes footprint for added protection
- Compact packed size (5.1" × 15.7") fits easily in 50L+ packs without bulk
- Dual ventilation windows and mesh panels reduce condensation in 3-season conditions
- Outstanding value-to-weight ratio compared to competitors (REI Half Dome, Big Agnes); typically $50–100 cheaper
- Durable 15D/20D silicone-coated nylon resists abrasion and maintains waterproofing across multiple seasons
Complaints
- Single front door creates bottleneck for 2-person use; one occupant must climb over the other to exit
- Minimal interior headroom (41.3" peak) feels cramped for taller users or sitting upright
- Vestibule space (7.75 sq ft) is tight for two full packs; gear storage requires creative packing
- 15D fly fabric, while ultralight, is more prone to punctures than 20D+ alternatives; footprint strongly recommended
- Limited color options (primarily golden/white or gray); no darker colorways for light-sensitive sleepers
- Integrated pole design means damage to single pole compromises entire structure; no backup pole option
- Condensation can accumulate in humid/cool conditions despite dual windows; requires active ventilation management
- Seam sealing quality varies by production batch; some users report minor leaks at stress points
Weight And Packed Size
At a mere 3 lbs, the Cloud Up UL 2 is exceptionally light, comparable to premium tents like Big Agnes's Fly Creek UL2 but for a fraction of the cost. This featherlight design means you'll barely notice it in your pack, which is exactly what ultralight and thru-hikers crave. Its packed size, a compact 5.1 inches by 15.7 inches, easily slips into backpacking packs 50 liters and up without gobbling up all your space.
Interior Space And Comfort
With a 29.4 sq ft floor area, the Cloud Up UL 2 can technically fit two people, but it's going to be cozy. Couples who don't mind snuggling will manage, but taller users might feel cramped by the 41.3-inch peak height, which is fine for lying down but makes sitting upright a bit of a neck-craning affair. The single front door is the biggest trade-off here; if one person needs to get out in the middle of the night, they'll be crawling over the other, which is just annoying. The 7.75 sq ft vestibule is decent for dirty boots but too tight for two full backpacks, so be prepared to bring some gear inside.
Ventilation And Condensation
Despite being a 3-season tent, condensation can be a real battle in the Cloud Up UL 2, especially in humid or cool conditions. While it has dual ventilation windows and mesh panels, these help, but they aren't a magic bullet. You'll need to actively manage airflow, possibly by keeping the vestibule slightly open to get cross-ventilation. This isn't unique to this tent, as many ultralight designs struggle with condensation, but it's something to be aware of if you're tenting in damp environments.
Setup And Freestanding Design
Setting up the Cloud Up UL 2 is a breeze thanks to its single, integrated 8.5mm aluminum alloy pole system and Y-pole hub. This means the poles are all connected, so no fumbling with individual segments – you can have this shelter pitched in under four minutes. The freestanding design is a massive bonus, especially if you're on rocky terrain or simply don't want to mess with stakes just to get the basic structure up. You'll still want to stake it out and guy line it in windy conditions for stability, of course.
Durability And Weather Resistance
The tent uses 15-denier (15D) ripstop nylon for the rainfly, which is super light but also pretty thin. Denier is a measure of fabric thickness, so 15D is on the lighter, less robust side. The floor is slightly more durable 20D nylon, which is smart since it takes more abuse. Both fabrics are silicone-coated and have impressive waterproof ratings (PU1500mm+ for the fly, PU3000mm+ for the floor), meaning they'll shed rain effectively, but that thin fly fabric will demand careful handling to avoid punctures. Naturehike even includes a footprint, which is a great value add and crucial for protecting the floor from abrasion.