As the sun set behind a mountain ridge and storm clouds gathered, a hiker embarked on testing the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker Backpacking Tent under challenging conditions. Ascending a nearly 1,000-foot vertical trail, the hiker prepared to pitch the new tent for the first time amid an approaching rainstorm. Soon after setting up the tent by inverting trekking poles and inserting them into the hybrid double-walled structure, heavy rain began to fall. Despite the storm, the tent kept the hiker warm and dry through the night.
Designed specifically for tall ultralight backpackers, the Skyscape Trekker offers an 8-foot-long floor while weighing just 26 ounces. This makes it one of the lightest tents in its class, ideal for hikers who want to travel fast and light without sacrificing space. Although the tent is not spacious by typical standards, it accommodates tall frames comfortably and features a double-wall design with vestibules that can be rolled back for a panoramic 300-degree view of the night sky.
The minimalist design stands out with its ultra-lightweight materials. At 26 ounces—excluding stakes and trekking poles, which are not included with the purchase—the tent is among the lightest available. Only a few tents on GearJunkie’s Best Backpacking Tents list weigh less, highlighting the Skyscape Trekker’s impressive weight savings.
Initial setup proved slightly tricky, especially in fading light and worsening weather. The user first attempted to keep trekking poles upright outside the tent but quickly learned they must be inverted and placed inside the tent body to erect it properly. With practice, setting up the tent became quick and straightforward, aided by a built-in support bar and adjustable trekking poles. The vestibule guy lines can be staked out in poor weather or rolled back for open-air sleeping, depending on conditions.
For tall backpackers, space and comfort are paramount. Standing nearly 6’3”, the hiker found the Skyscape Trekker’s length generous, allowing ample room to stretch out after a long day on the trail. The tent design prioritizes headroom with 60% of the space dedicated to the upper body, enabling the user to sit up and change clothes comfortably. The two side entrances open into an 8-foot vestibule, perfect for stashing gear and boots during rain.
Despite its long floor, the tent remains narrow, about four feet at its widest, and the pointed head section limits space there. Rain and mud splashed onto the mesh during heavy downpours due to a six-inch gap left for airflow under the vestibule canopy. Nevertheless, the hybrid double-wall construction proved effective in keeping the wet canopy from dripping inside.
The Skyscape Trekker is constructed with a body of 100% silicone-coated polyester, a 20D polyester canopy, and a durable 40D floor. Even without a footprint, the floor held up well during the rain. The hybrid design—with 80% mesh canopy—offers excellent ventilation and protection in wet weather. When conditions are dry, the vestibule can be rolled back, converting the tent into a netted shelter with expansive views and airflow.
Two large doors on either side provide easy access for bigger hikers and ample space to move sleeping pads and bags inside. This tent suits tall thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers seeking a fast, lightweight shelter under two pounds. While the price tag, near $300, may deter casual campers, it is reasonable for serious trekkers who demand ultralight gear for many nights on the trail.
For those focused on speed and lightness during backcountry adventures, the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker earns a permanent place in their backpacking setup. Its combination of minimal weight, tailored dimensions for tall users, ease of setup, and weather protection make it a standout choice in the ultralight tent market.
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