We recently learned about Hyperlite Mountain Gear which manufacturers ultra lightweight shelters made from Cuben fiber, a non-woven material used as sail cloth. They offer packs as well as one and two-man shelters and tarps including their flagship ECHO I Ultralight Shelter System. Consisting of a Cuben fiber tarp, a detachable mesh tent insert for insect and ground water protection, and a detachable vestibule for wind and storm protection, the ECHO I weighs a scant 1.36 lbs (21.8 oz) with guy lines. Don’t let the photo with the white color turn you off. Cuben fiber can be dyed virtually any color. In fact, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a digital camo version.
