If you spend enough nights in the backcountry, you eventually learn that the best backpacking tent is not necessarily the lightest tent. A tent that saves a few hundred grams can look impressive on a spreadsheet, but if it is cramped, difficult to pitch, poorly ventilated, or frustrating in bad weather, those weight savings may not feel valuable after a long day on the trail.
The Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 takes a different approach. It is a relatively traditional two-person hiking tent, built around a practical double-wall design, aluminum poles, two entrances, dual vestibules, and fairly substantial waterproof fabrics. At around 2.4 kg (5.3 lb), it is certainly not an ultralight tent by modern thru-hiking standards. However, it offers a useful combination of weather protection, durability, storage, and livability at a price point that can make sense for budget-conscious backpackers.
So, is the Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 worth it?
For the right camper, yes. But it is important to understand what this tent is—and what it is not.
This detailed Spartan 2 tent review looks at its design, weight, materials, waterproofing, ventilation, interior space, setup, backpacking performance, weaknesses, and the type of camper who should consider buying one.
Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2: Quick Verdict
Overall verdict: A practical, feature-rich 2-person hiking tent that prioritizes functionality over ultralight weight.
The Spartan 2 is particularly appealing if you want a dependable shelter for weekend backpacking, hiking trips, motorcycle touring, camping adventures, and general three-season use without spending premium ultralight-tent money.
What we like
2.4 kg packed weight
Full double-wall construction
Two doors and two vestibules
4,000 mm waterhead-rated fly
5,000 mm waterhead-rated floor
Aluminum alloy poles
Color-coded frame and speed clips
Fine insect mesh
Useful storage options
Relatively generous floor area
Strong value for the specifications
Suitable for a wide variety of three-season conditions
What we don't like
Heavy compared with modern ultralight two-person tents
Not particularly compact for a lightweight backpacking shelter
Interior width is better for two people who know each other than two people who want lots of personal space
Vestibules are useful but not especially large
Traditional materials and hardware add weight
Quality control may not feel as refined as premium backpacking tents
Not the first choice for serious alpine or extreme-weather expeditions
Bottom line: The Spartan 2 makes the most sense when value, practicality, and weather protection matter more than chasing the lowest possible pack weight.
Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 Specifications
Here is the basic specification picture for the current version commonly sold under the Spartan 2 model.
| Specification | Spartan 2 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 people |
| Tent type | Double-wall hiking tent |
| Weight | Approx. 2.4 kg / 5.3 lb |
| Floor area | Approx. 2.7 m² / 29 sq ft |
| Dimensions | Approx. 2.45 × 2.20 m |
| Peak height | Approx. 1.15 m |
| Fly rating | 4,000 mm waterhead |
| Floor rating | 5,000 mm waterhead |
| Fly material | 75D polyester |
| Inner | 63D 190T breathable polyester |
| Floor | 150D Oxford polyester |
| Pole material | 7001 aluminum alloy |
| Doors | 2 |
| Vestibules | 2 |
| Packed size | Approx. 46 × 14 × 14 cm |
| Season | 3-season |
| Warranty | 2 years |
One important point when shopping for this tent: published weights have varied between different listings and possibly different production versions. Some older listings show figures around 2.7 kg, while more recent product specifications commonly state approximately 2.4 kg.
For backpacking, I recommend treating 2.4 kg as the nominal specification but weighing the actual tent, poles, pegs, guylines, and storage bags yourself before planning a long-distance trip.
That distinction matters because a "tent weight" and a "trail-ready shelter system weight" are not always the same thing.
The Spartan 2 uses a fairly conventional double-wall tent architecture.
That means you have:
An inner sleeping area
An external waterproof fly
Aluminum poles
Vestibule space outside the sleeping area
Pegs and guylines to stabilize the shelter
This design is not revolutionary, but there is a reason double-wall tents remain popular.
The separate inner and fly create a buffer between you and the outside environment. During humid nights, the inner mesh and breathable fabric can help manage condensation, while the fly provides the primary barrier against rain.
For general backpacking, this is often more forgiving than extremely minimalist shelters.
2.4 kg: Is the Spartan 2 Really Lightweight?
This is one of the most important questions surrounding the Spartan 2.
The answer depends on your definition of lightweight.
At approximately 2.4 kg for two people, the tent weighs about:
1.2 kg per person
if the weight is divided equally between two hikers.
That's actually a useful way to look at it.
A solo backpacker carrying the entire tent gets a fairly substantial shelter. Two people sharing the load can divide the poles, fly, inner, and stakes between them and make the system much more manageable.
However, modern ultralight backpacking tents can be significantly lighter.
For comparison, an ultralight two-person shelter may aim for approximately 1.0–1.5 kg total, depending on construction, materials, pole architecture, and weather capability.
So the Spartan 2 should not be marketed in your mind as an ultralight tent.
It is better described as a reasonably lightweight traditional hiking tent.
Why does the Spartan 2 weigh more?
Several design decisions explain the difference:
Relatively robust polyester fabrics
A substantial floor
Aluminum pole structure
Two vestibules
Two doors
Traditional pole architecture
Full double-wall construction
Multiple accessories and hardware
The trade-off is straightforward:
More material and structure generally mean more weight—but they can also mean greater convenience and protection.
That's the central philosophy behind the Spartan 2.
The Spartan 2 has approximately 2.7 m² of floor area.
That sounds generous until you divide it between two people.
The practical sleeping area is approximately 2.45 × 2.20 m overall, with a relatively low peak height of around 1.15 m.
For sleeping, this is sufficient for two average-sized backpackers.
But there is an important distinction between "fits two people" and "feels spacious for two people."
The Spartan 2 is closer to the first category.
For two people
Two regular-width sleeping pads can fit inside, but you shouldn't expect palace-like elbow room. Once two sleeping bags, clothing, water bottles, electronics, and other personal items are inside, the usable living area becomes noticeably smaller.
The good news is that the Spartan 2 has two vestibules, which allow much of your gear to stay outside the sleeping compartment.
For one person
This is where the Spartan 2 becomes surprisingly interesting.
A solo backpacker can use the extra floor space for:
Wet clothing
Backpack organization
Changing clothes
Cooking preparation in appropriate conditions outside the inner tent
Storing boots
Keeping equipment organized
Of course, carrying a 2.4 kg tent alone isn't particularly weight-efficient.
For solo ultralight trips, there are better options.
For car-supported adventures, motorcycle touring, short hikes, or situations where comfort matters more than grams, however, the additional space can be valuable.
One of the Spartan 2's most useful design features is its dual-entry configuration.
Two doors sound like a small convenience until you spend several nights sharing a tent.
With a single door, one person often has to climb over the other person to get outside.
With two doors:
Each camper has independent access.
Nighttime bathroom trips are easier.
Ventilation can improve.
Gear can be divided between two sides.
Getting in and out during rain is less disruptive.
You don't have to wake your tent partner as easily.
The two vestibules also provide valuable gear storage.
This is a good example of why livability should be considered alongside weight when evaluating backpacking tents.
A 300-gram weight saving is difficult to appreciate when you're exhausted.
A second door that lets you exit the tent without climbing over your partner?
You notice that immediately.
The Spartan 2's waterproof specifications look impressive on paper:
Fly: 4,000 mm waterhead
Floor: 5,000 mm waterhead
But what does "waterhead" actually mean?
Waterhead is a laboratory-style measurement of hydrostatic pressure. In simplified terms, a 4,000 mm waterhead rating means the fabric can resist the pressure produced by a 4-meter column of water under the relevant testing conditions.
It does not mean that the tent can sit beneath four meters of water.
Nor does a higher number automatically mean a better tent.
Real-world waterproof performance also depends on:
Seam construction
Seam sealing
Fabric coating
Stitching
Ground conditions
Hydrostatic pressure from your body
Wind-driven rain
Aging and abrasion
Tent pitch
Drainage around the campsite
The floor having a 5,000 mm rating makes practical sense because tent floors experience considerably more localized pressure.
Imagine kneeling inside the tent on wet ground.
Your body weight is concentrated over a relatively small area. That produces much greater pressure than ordinary rainfall.
Does a 4,000 mm Fly Make the Spartan 2 Good in Heavy Rain?
For ordinary three-season backpacking, 4,000 mm is a substantial waterproof rating.
The more important issue is how you pitch the tent.
Even an excellent waterproof fabric can perform poorly if:
The fly is touching the inner
The seams are compromised
The tent is pitched in a depression
Water pools underneath the floor
Guy lines are loose
The fly is not tensioned properly
A useful backpacking skill: choose the campsite before pitching
When rain is expected, spend five minutes examining the ground.
Look for:
Slightly elevated ground
Natural drainage
Firm soil
No obvious water channels
No dead branches overhead
Protection from excessive wind
Avoid obvious low points.
The best waterproofing system is still a good campsite.
One of the most overlooked aspects of tent selection is condensation management.
A tent can be completely waterproof and still become wet inside.
Why?
Because you are a significant source of moisture.
A sleeping person exhales water vapor throughout the night. Add wet clothing, damp ground, humid air, and morning temperature drops, and condensation can accumulate rapidly.
This is why the Spartan 2's mesh doors and ventilation design matter.
Opening doors or vents strategically allows moist air to escape and reduces the likelihood of condensation collecting on the inside of the fly.
How to reduce condensation in the Spartan 2
Keep ventilation openings as open as weather permits.
Avoid drying soaking-wet clothes inside the sleeping compartment.
Don't press sleeping bags against the fly.
Choose a campsite with natural airflow.
Avoid pitching directly beside stagnant water.
Use both sides of the tent when conditions allow.
Wipe condensation from the fly in the morning before packing.
A common beginner mistake is closing every vent because they think it keeps the tent warmer.
It does—but it can also trap moisture.
Warm air isn't necessarily dry air.
The Spartan 2 is designed around a relatively straightforward pole-and-clip setup.
Its color-coded frame components and speed clips are particularly useful for beginners.
That matters because a tent that is easy to pitch is more valuable than it sounds.
Imagine arriving at camp at:
9:30 p.m.
In cold rain
With wet boots
After hiking 20 miles
With fading daylight
At that moment, complicated architecture is not your friend.
Basic setup sequence
Select and clear the campsite.
Lay out the inner tent.
Assemble the aluminum poles.
Match the color-coded components.
Attach the poles using the clips.
Secure the inner tent.
Position the fly over the frame.
Attach the fly and vestibules.
Stake the corners.
Tension the fly.
Add guylines when conditions require additional stability.
Practice once at home before your first trip.
This is one of the easiest ways to improve your camping experience.
Don't learn your tent for the first time during a thunderstorm.
The Spartan 2 isn't a dedicated mountaineering tent, so it should not be confused with a four-season alpine shelter.
Nevertheless, its aluminum poles, multiple attachment points, pegging system, and guy lines provide a reasonable structure for ordinary three-season conditions.
In moderate wind, correct pitching becomes much more important than many new campers realize.
In windy conditions:
Point the narrower end toward prevailing wind when possible.
Use all appropriate guy points.
Drive stakes at a sensible angle.
Keep the fly properly tensioned.
Avoid exposed ridgelines when you have safer alternatives.
Don't camp directly beneath dead trees.
The tent's design can help, but site selection remains one of the most important pieces of storm strategy.
The Spartan 2's specification sheet is attractive.
But specification sheets don't tell the entire story.
Premium backpacking tents often distinguish themselves through:
More refined stitching
Higher-end fabrics
Better zippers
Lighter hardware
More sophisticated pole systems
Better weight-to-strength ratios
More meticulous finishing
The Spartan 2 is more of a functional workhorse.
Some users may notice rougher finishing, loose threads, or less refined details compared with expensive premium shelters.
That doesn't automatically make the tent unreliable.
It simply highlights the difference between value-oriented equipment and premium equipment.
Think of it this way:
A budget-friendly hiking tent can provide the protection you need without providing the same level of refinement as a shelter costing several times more.
For many campers, that is a perfectly reasonable trade.
The Spartan 2 uses relatively substantial fabrics, including a 150D Oxford polyester floor.
That is considerably different from the extremely thin fabrics used in some ultralight shelters.
The heavier construction has an advantage: you don't have to treat the tent like a fragile piece of laboratory equipment.
Still, durability depends heavily on how you use and maintain it.
To extend the life of your Spartan 2
Use a footprint when camping on abrasive ground.
Remove sharp rocks and sticks beneath the floor.
Don't drag the tent across the ground.
Dry it completely before long-term storage.
Store it loosely when possible rather than permanently compressed.
Clean dirt from zippers.
Don't yank stuck zippers.
Inspect pole sections after trips.
Check seams and attachment points periodically.
A tent is not disposable equipment.
Five minutes of maintenance can prevent a small problem from becoming a trip-ending problem.
The listed packed size is approximately 46 × 14 × 14 cm.
That's reasonably manageable, but again, the Spartan 2 isn't trying to compete with the smallest ultralight shelters.
For a conventional 50–65 liter backpack, the tent should be relatively straightforward to accommodate.
The smarter question is not simply:
"Can it fit in my backpack?"
Instead ask:
"Where should it go in my backpack?"
A practical packing strategy
If you're carrying the Spartan 2 with another person, divide the load.
For example:
Hiker A
Tent body
Footprint
Small accessories
Hiker B
Poles
Fly
Stakes
Pole sections are rigid and awkward, so keeping them vertically alongside the backpack can sometimes make more sense than stuffing everything into a single sack.
You can also avoid compressing the tent unnecessarily.
The Spartan 2 makes the most sense for several categories of outdoor users.
1. Beginner Backpackers
If you're entering backpacking and don't want to spend a fortune on your first tent, the Spartan 2 provides a useful introduction to traditional backpacking shelter design.
It teaches you about:
Double-wall tents
Vestibules
Tent pitching
Rain management
Condensation
Guy lines
Load sharing
That's valuable experience.
2. Weekend Hikers
For overnight and weekend trips, an extra few hundred grams may not matter nearly as much as it does on a 500-mile thru-hike.
If your typical trip involves:
5–15 miles per day
One to three nights
Moderate elevation
Three-season weather
the Spartan 2 can be a sensible choice.
3. Motorcycle and Adventure Travelers
The Spartan 2 also makes sense for travelers who have another method of transportation.
If the tent is riding on a motorcycle, in a vehicle, or in a larger expedition pack, the difference between 1.2 kg and 2.4 kg becomes less significant.
In that situation, comfort and durability can become more valuable than extreme weight savings.
4. Budget-Conscious Campers
This is arguably where the Spartan 2 is strongest.
You get a substantial collection of useful features without moving into premium-tent pricing.
It isn't trying to be the world's lightest shelter.
It's trying to be a practical shelter that does many things reasonably well.
There are also clear situations where another tent would make more sense.
Ultralight thru-hikers
If you're counting every gram, 2.4 kg is a lot for a two-person tent.
There are significantly lighter options available.
Alpine mountaineers
The Spartan 2 is a three-season hiking tent, not a dedicated four-season alpine shelter.
If your trips involve:
Severe snow loading
High-altitude storms
Winter mountaineering
Extreme exposed terrain
look for a purpose-built four-season design.
Tall campers
The relatively modest peak height and sleeping dimensions mean taller hikers should test the interior dimensions carefully.
If you're around or above 6 feet tall, sleeping length and usable head/foot space deserve particular attention.
Campers who prioritize luxury
If you want a tent where two people can sit upright comfortably, spread out their equipment, and spend hours inside during bad weather, you may want a larger shelter.
One of the biggest mistakes in tent reviews is comparing products only by their weight.
Instead, compare the entire system.
| Feature | Spartan 2 | Modern Ultralight 2P |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~2.4 kg | Often much lighter |
| Durability | Good for general use | Highly variable |
| Interior | Practical | Often optimized for weight |
| Vestibules | 2 | Varies |
| Doors | 2 | Common |
| Waterproofing | Strong specification | Highly variable |
| Packability | Moderate | Usually better |
| Price | Often budget-friendly | Can be expensive |
| Ease of use | Traditional/simple | Varies significantly |
| Best use | General backpacking | Weight-focused trips |
This comparison reveals the Spartan 2's real identity.
It isn't a lightweight racing machine.
It is more like a compact outdoor workhorse.
This is worth discussing because "lightweight" has become a major marketing term in backpacking.
Suppose you have two tents:
Tent A: 1.2 kg
Tent B: 2.4 kg
The difference is 1.2 kg.
That is meaningful.
But consider the entire backpack.
If your base weight is already 15 kg, reducing the tent by 1.2 kg can be valuable—but perhaps less important than removing unnecessary clothing, redundant cookware, excessive electronics, or oversized water capacity.
A better approach is to optimize your entire load, not obsess over one piece of equipment.
A useful backpacking rule
Before buying an ultralight tent, ask:
"What am I willing to give up to save this weight?"
Potential trade-offs include:
Durability
Interior space
Weather protection
Vestibule area
Ease of setup
Repairability
Price
Ultralight is not automatically better.
It is a design philosophy based on trade-offs.
If you already own a Spartan 2, there are several ways to improve its performance without replacing it.
Use a lightweight footprint
A footprint can reduce abrasion on the floor and make campsite cleanup easier.
Don't use an oversized, heavy tarp simply because it is available.
A footprint should generally be slightly smaller than the tent floor, so rain cannot collect on the exposed tarp and run underneath the tent.
This is a simple but surprisingly important camping technique.
Split the load between two hikers
Don't automatically give one person the entire tent.
Divide:
Poles
Fly
Inner
Stakes
Footprint
between both hikers.
The goal is to distribute functional weight, not simply divide the tent bag in half.
Keep wet gear organized
Use one vestibule for one person's equipment and the other vestibule for the second person's equipment.
This prevents the classic backpacking problem where both campers wake up surrounded by gear.
Organization isn't just about comfort.
It makes camp faster.
Yes, with an important qualification.
Its mesh doors and ventilation features make it reasonably suitable for warm-weather camping, but a full double-wall polyester tent will not feel as airy as an ultralight mesh shelter in extremely hot conditions.
For warm nights:
Maximize cross ventilation.
Open appropriate doors and vents.
Avoid low, stagnant campsites.
Pitch in shade when practical.
Don't unnecessarily seal every opening.
The tent's full-coverage fly becomes more valuable when the weather changes suddenly.
This is one of its stronger areas.
The 4,000 mm fly and 5,000 mm floor ratings, combined with a full-coverage double-wall design, give the tent a solid foundation for three-season wet-weather camping.
But remember:
Waterproof fabric doesn't eliminate the need for good technique.
Pitching, tensioning, campsite selection, seam condition, and ventilation all influence your experience.
A poorly pitched high-specification tent can perform worse than a properly pitched modestly specified tent.
Yes, but with realistic expectations.
Two adults can sleep inside comfortably enough, especially when their backpacks remain in the vestibules.
However, this is not a spacious basecamp tent.
For two hikers who are comfortable sharing close quarters, it works well.
For two people who want:
Large personal space
Lots of internal storage
Room to sit upright
Plenty of changing space
a larger tent will be more comfortable.
For one adult, the tent becomes significantly more spacious but also much less weight-efficient.
Yes—if your priorities look like this:
✔ Reasonable price
✔ Full weather protection
✔ Two-person functionality
✔ Two doors
✔ Two vestibules
✔ Durable traditional construction
✔ Straightforward setup
✔ General three-season backpacking
✔ Weekend and short-distance adventures
Maybe not—if your priorities look like this:
✘ Minimum possible weight
✘ Maximum packed efficiency
✘ Serious alpine use
✘ Luxury interior space
✘ Premium ultralight materials
✘ Long-distance thru-hiking where every gram matters
Pros
Excellent feature-to-price ratio
Full double-wall protection
Two entrances
Two vestibules
Strong waterproof ratings
Aluminum poles
Useful ventilation
Practical interior dimensions
Suitable for a broad range of three-season adventures
Relatively easy setup
Good option for beginners
Can be shared between two backpackers
Cons
Heavy by modern ultralight standards
Not ideal for serious thru-hiking
Interior isn't luxurious for two
Vestibules are functional rather than enormous
Materials and finishing aren't at premium-tent level
Not designed as an extreme winter or alpine shelter
If we evaluate the tent according to its intended purpose rather than comparing it unfairly with $1,000+ ultralight shelters, the picture becomes much more positive.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Weather protection | 4.5/5 |
| Livability | 4/5 |
| Ventilation | 4/5 |
| Setup | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Packability | 3/5 |
| Weight efficiency | 3/5 |
| Value | 4.5/5 |
| Overall | 4/5 |
The most important thing to understand is that the Spartan 2 is not trying to win the ultralight weight competition.
Its appeal comes from balance.
You receive a complete shelter with a robust floor, waterproof fly, aluminum poles, two doors, two vestibules, storage features, and a conventional design that is relatively easy to understand and maintain.
That makes it a compelling choice for campers who want to spend more time outside without turning every equipment decision into a gram-counting exercise.
The Explore Planet Earth Spartan 2 is worth considering if you want a practical, affordable, three-season backpacking tent and aren't obsessed with ultralight weight.
At approximately 2.4 kg, it is too heavy to be considered a true ultralight shelter by current backpacking standards. But weight is only one part of the equation.
The Spartan 2 provides several features that become genuinely useful after dark: two independent entrances, two vestibules, substantial waterproofing, decent ventilation, a robust floor, and enough space for two people to sleep without turning the tent into a gear pile.
For a first backpacking tent, weekend adventures, motorcycle touring, general hiking, and budget-conscious outdoor travel, those characteristics make a lot of sense.
The biggest question isn't:
"Is the Spartan 2 the lightest tent?"
It isn't.
The better question is:
"Does the Spartan 2 give me enough protection, space, and convenience for the weight I'm willing to carry?"
For many recreational backpackers, the answer is yes.
And that is ultimately why the Spartan 2 remains an interesting tent: it demonstrates that backpacking equipment doesn't always have to chase the lowest number on the scale. Sometimes, a little extra weight can buy a more comfortable place to live once you've finished walking for the day.
About HillZero
HillZero is a premium outdoor design brand focused on Livable Backpacking Tents. The brand believes backpacking should not be defined only by how far you can walk or how few grams you can carry. Its design philosophy, Livable Backpacking, looks at the complete experience—from walking and arriving to resting, organizing gear, waiting out rain, observing nature, and spending meaningful time at camp.
HillZero's core question is simple: “How can a backpacking tent be easier to carry, without making it harder to live in?”
The answer is a deliberate balance between lightweight efficiency and real-world livability. Rather than pursuing the absolute lightest shelter at any cost, HillZero focuses on keeping the functions that matter when you're actually living inside a tent: usable space, ventilation, access, privacy, organization, and comfort during longer stays.
With Livable Backpacking Tents at the center of its product direction, HillZero begins with the Scott 2P and a broader design philosophy built around Carry Less. Live Better.
HillZero — Livable Backpacking Tents.
Light enough to carry. Livable enough to stay.
Rethinking Backpacking. Beyond the Miles.