If you have ever spent an entire afternoon inside a tent waiting for a thunderstorm to pass, you know that a tent's value is about much more than its weight.
A good backpacking shelter needs to do several things at once. It has to protect you from rain, provide enough ventilation to manage condensation, pack efficiently, stand securely in wind, and—perhaps most importantly—give you somewhere reasonably comfortable to live after a long day on the trail.
That is exactly why the Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback remains an interesting tent to consider, even though it is no longer part of Marmot's mainstream current tent lineup.
The Hatchback was developed as an ultralight variation of Marmot's Tungsten platform, adding a distinctive extended rear/front porch-style vestibule with its own pole structure. The idea was simple but useful: instead of treating the vestibule as merely a place for muddy boots and a backpack, turn it into a genuinely usable covered outdoor living area.
The result is a tent that sits somewhere between a conventional lightweight backpacking tent and a more comfort-oriented shelter.
But there is a catch.
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback has been discontinued, so buying one today is a very different proposition from buying a current-production tent.
That makes the question "Is the Marmot Hatchback worth it?" particularly interesting.
In this review, we'll look at its design, weight, interior space, weather protection, ventilation, vestibule, pitching system, durability, backpacking performance, and—most importantly—whether it still makes sense to buy one today.
Marmot Hatchback Tent at a Glance
The name "Marmot Hatchback" generally refers to the Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback, which was produced in both 2-person and 3-person versions.
The following specifications are most relevant to the Tungsten UL Hatchback family:
| Feature | Tungsten UL Hatchback 2P | Tungsten UL Hatchback 3P |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 people | 3 people |
| Season | 3-season | 3-season |
| Structure | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Floor area | Approx. 32 sq. ft. | Approx. 42 sq. ft. |
| Peak height | Approx. 42 in. | Approx. 46 in. |
| Trail/minimum weight | Approx. 5 lb 9 oz | Approx. 6 lb 8 oz |
| Hatchback fly weight | Approx. 2 lb 12.5 oz | Approx. 2 lb 14.5 oz |
| Fly fabric | Polyester | Polyester |
| Pole material | DAC Featherlite NSL | DAC Featherlite NSL |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Vestibules | 2 | 2 |
| Construction | Double-wall | Double-wall |
| Fly | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Floor | Seam-taped | Seam-taped |
| Main purpose | Backpacking / bikepacking | Backpacking / camping |
Note: Exact specifications can vary by production year, package, and whether the standard Tungsten UL tent is being combined with the separate Hatchback fly. Because this is a discontinued product, always verify the actual components included with a used or old-stock tent.
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback is essentially a Tungsten UL tent with an unusually large extended vestibule system.
The "Hatchback" name comes from the shelter's extended fly configuration.
Instead of ending shortly beyond the tent doors, the fly extends outward and is supported by an additional pole. This creates a covered space that can function as:
a large gear-storage area
a sheltered sitting area
a cooking zone in appropriate conditions
a place to organize equipment
a protected entry area
a dry transition zone between the trail and sleeping area
That extra space is the defining characteristic of the tent.
Most backpacking tents ask you to choose between:
low weight or more usable shelter space.
The Hatchback took a different approach.
It tried to make the existing vestibule do more work.
And that idea is still highly relevant to modern backpacking.
This is where the name can be slightly misleading.
The Tungsten UL Hatchback was lightweight for its generation and feature set, but it is not an ultralight tent by today's strictest standards.
The 2-person version weighs around 5 lb 9 oz, while the 3-person version is roughly 6 lb 8 oz in commonly listed configurations.
For two people, that works out to approximately:
5 lb 9 oz ÷ 2 = about 2 lb 12.5 oz per person
if the weight is divided equally.
That is reasonable for a feature-rich three-season shelter, but today's ultralight backpacking market includes complete two-person tents that can weigh dramatically less.
So why carry the additional weight?
Because weight is only one part of shelter efficiency.
The Hatchback gives you a substantial amount of protected space.
This leads to a useful backpacking principle:
Don't compare tent weight without comparing what that weight buys you.
A 2.5-pound tent and a 3.5-pound tent aren't automatically different in quality.
The important question is whether the extra pound provides meaningful benefits for your style of camping.
This is the tent's main attraction.
The extended Hatchback fly can create a surprisingly large covered area.
The 2-person Hatchback fly itself weighs about 2 lb 12.5 oz, while the 3-person fly is around 2 lb 14.5 oz. The structure adds a dedicated pole and creates a much larger covered outdoor zone than a conventional compact vestibule.
For backpackers who spend a lot of time in camp, that changes the experience.
Imagine arriving at camp at 4 p.m. and discovering that the forecasted storm has arrived early.
With a normal backpacking tent, you might:
Crawl into the tent.
Put your wet backpack and rain jacket somewhere inside.
Sit awkwardly on your sleeping bag.
Wait for the storm.
With a Hatchback-style shelter, you have another option:
Enter the tent.
Keep your pack under the extended fly.
Leave muddy footwear outside.
Sit under the covered vestibule.
Organize your cooking equipment.
Wait for the rain without completely retreating into the sleeping compartment.
That is a major livability advantage.
This is an important concept when evaluating tents.
A vestibule doesn't have to be large just because its square footage is large.
What matters is usable volume.
A good vestibule should allow you to:
open your backpack
remove wet clothing
store boots
access gear
move in and out without crawling
maintain airflow
stay protected from rain
The Hatchback's extended fly makes this possible more effectively than many conventional backpacking vestibules.
In other words:
It turns some of the tent's external footprint into functional living space.
For multi-day trips, that can be worth considerably more than the raw measurements suggest.
The Tungsten platform is known for emphasizing usable interior volume through its Zone Pre-Bend Construction.
Instead of allowing the walls to slope sharply inward immediately above the floor, the pole architecture pushes sections of the tent outward.
This creates:
more vertical sidewalls
more shoulder room
better headroom
more usable floor space
a less claustrophobic interior
That is particularly important in a two-person tent.
A tent can have a respectable floor-area number but still feel cramped if the walls slope inward aggressively.
The Hatchback avoids some of that problem.
Why vertical walls matter
Suppose two tents have the same 32-square-foot floor.
Tent A has sharply angled walls.
Tent B has more upright walls.
On paper, both have 32 square feet.
Inside, Tent B may feel significantly larger because more of the floor is actually usable.
That's why experienced tent shoppers should pay attention to geometry, not just square footage.
The 2-person model provides roughly 42 inches of peak height, while the 3-person version is around 46 inches.
That is enough for:
sitting up
changing clothes
organizing gear
eating inside
using the tent as a comfortable sleeping shelter
But it isn't cabin-tent territory.
This is still a backpacking tent.
If you're 6 feet 4 inches tall, you should think carefully about where your head and shoulders fall relative to the highest point of the roof.
The practical test is simple:
Can you sit upright without your head touching the fly or inner canopy?
If yes, the tent's headroom is likely adequate for you.
Yes, and the extended fly is particularly useful in wet weather.
The Tungsten UL Hatchback uses a full-coverage, seam-taped rainfly, while the floor uses a seam-taped construction designed to keep water from entering through the base.
The fly fabric was also designed around Marmot's Rain-Shield polyester concept, which was intended to resist sagging and stretching when wet.
This matters because fabric movement can affect shelter tension.
A poorly tensioned fly can:
flap in wind
touch the inner tent
create water-contact points
increase noise
reduce effective ventilation
A stable fly helps maintain the designed separation between the weather shell and sleeping area.
This is one of those backpacking terms worth understanding.
The fabric panels of a tent are joined together with seams.
A needle creates tiny openings through the material.
Even if the fabric itself is highly water-resistant, those needle holes can become pathways for water.
Seam taping covers and seals those seams.
Think of it as waterproof reinforcement at the most vulnerable parts of the shelter.
This is why a tent's hydrostatic-head rating alone doesn't tell you whether it will keep you dry.
Waterproof performance depends on the complete system:
fabric
coating
seam construction
seam sealing
floor design
fly coverage
zipper design
pitching
campsite drainage
The tent's freestanding architecture and aluminum pole system give it a solid foundation for three-season camping.
But there is an important caveat:
A large vestibule is also a larger surface area for wind to push against.
This is basic aerodynamics.
Wind pressure increases rapidly as wind speed increases. In simplified terms, aerodynamic pressure is proportional to the square of wind velocity.
That means a doubling of wind speed can produce roughly four times the dynamic pressure.
So a shelter that feels completely stable in a gentle 10 mph breeze can experience dramatically higher forces in a 20 mph wind.
This is why you should use the guy lines when conditions become rough.
In windy weather:
Face the shelter appropriately relative to prevailing winds.
Stake all major corners.
Use available guy points.
Keep the fly properly tensioned.
Avoid completely exposed ridgelines.
Check stakes after the wind increases.
Don't rely on the word "freestanding" to mean "doesn't need stakes."
A freestanding tent still benefits greatly from proper staking.
This is a common beginner misconception.
A freestanding tent can stand without every corner being staked.
That doesn't mean it should remain unstaked in bad weather.
Stakes provide:
lateral stability
fly tension
resistance to movement
better wind performance
improved vestibule geometry
In strong wind, staking is structural management, not just convenience.
Ventilation is another area where the Hatchback performs reasonably well.
The tent uses mesh-heavy inner construction to encourage airflow while keeping insects outside.
The rainfly also incorporates vents.
This creates a two-layer moisture-management system.
Why does this matter?
Every sleeping person produces moisture.
Breathing alone can add substantial water vapor to a small tent over an eight-hour night.
If that moisture reaches a cold surface and the air is at or below its dew point, water can condense.
That is why condensation is often unavoidable in:
cold weather
humid forests
calm nights
valleys
camps near lakes
wet grass
rainy conditions
A tent can't violate physics.
The goal is to manage condensation, not promise that it will never occur.
Use these techniques:
1. Keep vents open whenever conditions allow.
2. Don't dry soaking-wet clothing inside the sleeping compartment.
3. Avoid camping directly beside streams and ponds when alternatives exist.
4. Choose slightly elevated ground with natural airflow.
5. Keep your sleeping bag from touching the inner walls.
6. Don't bury the tent completely under a rainfly with every vent closed unless weather requires it.
7. Wipe condensation in the morning before packing if practical.
That final step can save weight too.
A wet tent can add several hundred grams of water.
You don't want to carry yesterday's humidity all the way to tonight's campsite.
One of the more interesting details is the removable front door on the extended vestibule.
This allows you to change how the shelter functions.
With the door closed, you have more protection from:
rain
wind
cold air
insects
With it removed or opened, the vestibule becomes more like an outdoor porch.
This is especially useful during:
mild summer evenings
dry weather
car camping
bikepacking
long base camps
It also improves visibility.
Instead of sitting inside a fully enclosed tent, you can open the porch and have a more direct connection with the surrounding landscape.
This is one of its strongest use cases.
The large vestibule can accommodate bulky equipment that doesn't fit comfortably inside a normal backpacking tent.
Depending on your setup and local regulations, the extended covered area can be useful for:
cycling shoes
panniers
bikepacking bags
helmets
wet rain gear
tools
packs
This doesn't mean you should automatically store a bicycle underneath the fly in every environment.
But the design clearly makes more sense for gear-heavy travel than many minimalist ultralight shelters.
If you're traveling by bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle, the additional shelter volume becomes much easier to justify.
Yes—but this depends on what you mean by backpacking.
If your definition is:
"I want the lightest possible shelter so I can move as quickly as possible."
Then the Hatchback probably isn't the ideal choice.
If your definition is:
"I want a reasonably lightweight shelter that gives me somewhere comfortable to organize myself after hiking all day."
Then the Hatchback becomes much more attractive.
This distinction is essential.
The Hatchback is best suited to:
weekend backpacking
moderate-distance trips
basecamp adventures
bikepacking
shoulder-season camping
wet-climate camping
hikers who value comfort
gear-heavy trips
campers who spend significant time in camp
Not by modern standards.
The "UL" designation made more sense in the context of its original product generation.
Today, experienced ultralight hikers may consider a 5+ pound two-person shelter heavy.
That's not necessarily a criticism of the tent.
It simply illustrates how quickly outdoor equipment evolves.
Modern tent designers can use:
thinner high-tenacity fabrics
advanced laminates
lighter pole systems
trekking-pole structures
simplified geometries
smaller vestibules
to produce dramatically lighter shelters.
But every gram removed has to come from somewhere.
The Hatchback's weight is partly paying for structure and usable space.
This is where an honest review matters.
The large vestibule is not free.
You carry:
additional fabric
additional pole structure
additional hardware
additional stakes
additional packed volume
So the Hatchback isn't a "free space upgrade."
It is a comfort-for-weight trade.
For someone hiking 15 miles per day with a strict ultralight philosophy, that trade may be poor.
For someone hiking 8–10 miles per day and spending several hours at camp, it may be excellent.
The tent uses Marmot's color-coded Easy Pitch system.
This makes setup easier than many complicated multi-pole shelters.
The general process is:
Lay out the tent body.
Assemble the main poles.
Attach the poles to the appropriate corners.
Clip the inner tent to the poles.
Attach the rainfly.
Align the color-coded connection points.
Stake the corners.
Install the Hatchback vestibule pole.
Stake the extended vestibule.
Add guy lines when wind requires them.
The Hatchback configuration adds a few more steps than a conventional Tungsten UL setup.
But once you've practiced it, it becomes straightforward.
My advice
Set it up at home before your first trip.
Do not learn a new tent at 9:30 p.m. during a thunderstorm.
That is one of the oldest lessons in camping—and still one of the best.
A common mistake is waiting until rain begins before checking whether the fly is properly aligned.
Instead, after pitching:
walk around the tent
check every corner
look underneath the fly
make sure the fly isn't touching the inner
inspect the vents
check zipper operation
tension the vestibule
verify the drainage path around the tent
A five-minute inspection can prevent a miserable night.
Because the Hatchback is a discontinued lightweight design, durability needs to be evaluated differently from a new tent.
The tent uses lightweight materials and DAC aluminum poles, which were appropriate choices for backpacking.
But lightweight does not mean indestructible.
The biggest risks are usually:
UV exposure
abrasion
improper packing
sharp rocks
over-tensioning
wet storage
damaged zippers
coating deterioration
pole damage
A lightweight polyester fly may resist moisture-related dimensional changes well, but no tent fabric should be treated as immune to aging.
If buying used, inspect:
fly coating
seam tape
floor coating
pole shock cord
pole joints
zipper teeth
zipper sliders
mesh
corner webbing
guy points
grommets
mildew smell
discoloration
sticky or peeling fabric
If the fly feels unusually sticky, flaky, or chemically degraded, be cautious.
Many backpackers obsess over denier without understanding fabric behavior.
Polyester and nylon behave differently.
One major advantage of polyester in a rainfly is that it has much lower moisture-related stretch than nylon.
That's useful in wet weather.
A nylon fly can absorb moisture and become less taut.
Polyester generally maintains its dimensions more consistently when wet.
That can help preserve:
fly tension
clearance between fly and inner
overall geometry
The trade-off is that fabric performance depends on much more than fiber type.
Coating quality, weave, denier, UV exposure, and construction all matter.
Let's simplify the decision.
Conventional 2P backpacking tent
Advantages:
lighter
smaller packed size
simpler
usually cheaper
easier to carry
Disadvantages:
smaller vestibule
less sheltered living space
less room for gear
less comfortable during long storms
Tungsten UL Hatchback
Advantages:
large covered vestibule
excellent gear organization
more comfortable during rain
versatile front porch
good interior volume
freestanding structure
useful for bikepacking
Disadvantages:
heavier
larger packed size
more components
more setup complexity
discontinued
The decision is therefore relatively straightforward.
If you're optimizing for miles, choose lighter.
If you're optimizing for time spent comfortably at camp, the Hatchback makes more sense.
This is where the Hatchback's age becomes apparent.
Modern ultralight tents may offer:
significantly lower weight
smaller packed dimensions
advanced laminated fabrics
trekking-pole designs
lighter aluminum poles
more efficient floor plans
But many sacrifice something to get there.
Common sacrifices include:
smaller vestibules
lower headroom
fewer doors
thinner fabrics
less robust floors
less convenient pitching
single-wall construction
The Hatchback's design philosophy is almost the reverse.
It asks:
"How much usable shelter can we provide?"
rather than:
"How little can the shelter weigh?"
Neither approach is universally correct.
If you're buying a new tent rather than shopping for used or old stock, it is worth considering Marmot's current alternatives.
The Tungsten remains one of Marmot's better-known three-season backpacking platforms, while the Limelight UL moves much closer to modern lightweight backpacking expectations.
For example, the current Limelight UL 2P is listed at around 2 lb 16 oz minimum weight, with approximately 31.2 square feet of floor area, a 45.3-inch peak height, two doors, two vestibules, and DAC NFL aluminum poles.
That illustrates how much lighter the modern Marmot lineup can be compared with the older Hatchback concept.
However, the Limelight UL's vestibule arrangement is not the same as the Hatchback's large extended porch.
So the choice is not simply:
old vs. new.
It is:
large porch vs. lower weight.
The answer is surprisingly specific.
Buy one if:
1. You find a clean used example
A well-maintained Hatchback can still be a highly functional three-season shelter.
2. You value vestibule space
This is the tent's defining advantage.
3. You bikepack
The extra covered space is genuinely useful.
4. You frequently camp in wet weather
Having a sheltered transition area can make rainy evenings much more pleasant.
5. You spend significant time at camp
If you hike only to sleep, the extra space may be unnecessary.
If you spend four hours at camp every day, it becomes much more valuable.
6. You don't obsess over ultralight weight
If an additional pound doesn't materially change your hiking experience, the Hatchback's livability can be a good trade.
You should probably look elsewhere if:
You want a sub-3-pound two-person shelter
You are counting every gram
You need a very small packed size
You prefer the latest materials and designs
You need a current manufacturer-supported model
You regularly hike above treeline in severe weather
You don't use vestibules much
You primarily camp in dry climates
You only need a tent for occasional backyard camping
The biggest problem isn't that the Hatchback is a bad tent.
It is that modern alternatives have changed the value equation.
If you're seriously considering one today, don't buy based on appearance alone.
Use this checklist.
Fabric
Check for:
peeling coating
sticky surfaces
pinholes
UV fading
abrasion
mildew
seam separation
Poles
Check every section for:
bends
cracks
damaged ferrules
stretched shock cord
corrosion
missing sections
Zippers
Operate every zipper completely.
Look for:
skipped teeth
broken sliders
fabric caught in the track
corrosion
separation
Floor
Inspect the floor carefully.
Look for:
holes
worn corners
delamination
damaged seam tape
Vestibule
The Hatchback's extra pole and fly are critical.
Make sure:
the additional pole is included
the fly is the correct model
the front door works
all attachment points are intact
guy points aren't torn
Accessories
Confirm whether the seller includes:
tent body
standard rainfly
Hatchback fly
Hatchback pole
main poles
stakes
guylines
stuff sacks
footprint, if applicable
A cheap tent missing half its components isn't necessarily a bargain.
Tent longevity depends heavily on storage.
After every trip:
Shake out dirt and debris.
Let the tent dry completely.
Dry the fly separately if necessary.
Clean mud from the floor.
Inspect the poles.
Loosely fold or stuff according to the manufacturer's guidance.
Store in a cool, dry location.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Never store a tent wet for weeks.
Even a high-quality shelter can develop mildew and fabric degradation if stored damp.
It matters more than many first-time backpackers realize.
Suppose two hikers sleep in a small enclosed tent overnight.
Their combined respiration and perspiration can add a substantial quantity of water vapor to the shelter environment.
When the tent cools overnight, that vapor may condense on colder surfaces.
This explains why you can wake up with a wet fly even when it never rained.
It also explains why simply buying a tent with a "more waterproof" fly doesn't necessarily solve condensation.
Waterproofing and ventilation solve different problems.
Waterproofing prevents external water from entering.
Ventilation helps internal water vapor leave.
A good tent needs both.
One of my favorite ways to evaluate a tent is to think about shelter efficiency.
Instead of asking only:
"How much does it weigh?"
Ask:
"How much useful shelter do I get for the weight?"
This includes:
sleeping area
headroom
vestibule
storage
weather protection
ventilation
ease of setup
durability
versatility
By this measure, the Hatchback is much more competitive than its raw weight suggests.
Its weakness is not poor design.
Its weakness is that the modern market has become obsessed with minimizing shelter weight, making older "comfortable lightweight" tents appear heavy.
For Backpacking: 7.5/10
The tent remains capable, comfortable, and weather-ready.
But it is heavier than modern ultralight options.
For Bikepacking: 9/10
The large vestibule makes considerably more sense when you have bulky equipment.
For Wet-Weather Camping: 9/10
The extended covered area is genuinely useful when rain keeps you in camp.
For Ultralight Hiking: 5/10
There are simply much lighter options today.
For Basecamp Camping: 9/10
The extra space becomes an advantage rather than a liability.
For Occasional Car Camping: 8/10
It provides excellent shelter, although you may not need a backpacking-oriented design.
Yes—but only if you understand what you're buying.
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback is not the tent I would recommend to someone whose number-one goal is achieving the lowest possible base weight.
Modern ultralight shelters have moved the industry forward.
But that doesn't make the Hatchback obsolete.
Its defining idea remains valuable:
A tent should provide somewhere to live, not simply somewhere to sleep.
The large covered vestibule is the reason to buy this tent.
It gives you room to organize gear, protect equipment, sit outside the sleeping compartment, and stay relatively comfortable when rain makes the campsite miserable.
The Tungsten platform also provides a sensible combination of freestanding construction, useful interior volume, mesh ventilation, aluminum poles, and full-coverage weather protection.
Its disadvantages are straightforward:
it is relatively heavy by today's ultralight standards
it takes more space in your pack
it has more components than minimalist shelters
it is discontinued
replacement parts and warranty support may be less straightforward than with a current model
So my recommendation is simple:
If you find a well-maintained Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback at a reasonable price, and you value livability more than absolute minimum weight, it can still be an excellent shelter.
If you're buying new and want the latest technology, lower weight, and current manufacturer support, I'd look at modern alternatives instead.
There's an important lesson hidden in the Hatchback's design.
Backpacking isn't a competition to see who can carry the fewest grams.
Weight matters.
But what you do with those grams matters too.
Saving 500 grams is valuable if it allows you to hike farther without fatigue.
But carrying an additional 500 grams may also be worthwhile if it gives you:
better sleep
more weather protection
more storage
easier organization
more usable living space
greater versatility
The right answer depends on your priorities.
For one hiker, a 2-pound tarp is freedom.
For another, a 5-pound tent with a large covered porch is freedom.
Both can be correct.
Is the Marmot Hatchback still available?
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback has been discontinued as a regular production product. You may still encounter used units, old stock, or the separate Hatchback fly accessory.
What is the Marmot Hatchback tent?
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback is a freestanding three-season backpacking tent based on the Tungsten UL platform, distinguished by an extended, pole-supported vestibule.
Is the Marmot Hatchback waterproof?
The shelter uses a full-coverage, seam-taped rainfly and seam-taped floor. Like any three-season tent, waterproof performance also depends on correct pitching, campsite drainage, and fabric condition.
Is the Hatchback good for backpacking?
Yes, particularly for backpackers who value comfort and vestibule space. It is less attractive for modern ultralight hikers who prioritize a very low base weight.
Is the Marmot Hatchback good for bikepacking?
Yes. The large covered vestibule can be particularly useful for storing bikepacking equipment and creating a sheltered transition area.
Is the Marmot Hatchback a four-season tent?
No. It is a three-season shelter and should not be treated as a dedicated winter or mountaineering tent.
Does the Hatchback have good ventilation?
Yes. The mesh-heavy inner and fly vents help promote airflow, although condensation can still occur in cold, humid, or windless conditions.
Is a used Marmot Hatchback worth buying?
It can be. The condition of the fly coating, floor, seam tape, poles, zippers, mesh, and Hatchback vestibule components is much more important than the tent's age alone.
Is the Marmot Hatchback better than a modern ultralight tent?
Not universally. Modern ultralight tents are generally much lighter, while the Hatchback offers a more substantial covered living and storage area. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize carrying less or living more comfortably at camp.
The Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback is an unusual backpacking tent because its most valuable feature isn't its weight—it's what happens after you stop hiking.
The extended vestibule creates a genuine covered outdoor room, making the tent particularly appealing for wet-weather camping, bikepacking, basecamp trips, and backpackers who spend meaningful time at camp.
It is no longer a cutting-edge ultralight shelter, and its discontinued status means buyers need to pay close attention to condition and included components.
But judged by a different standard—usable space per trip, comfort during bad weather, and the quality of the time you spend after arriving at camp—the Hatchback still has a compelling design philosophy.
The best tent isn't necessarily the one that disappears from your backpack.
Sometimes, the better tent is the one you are genuinely happy to come back to after a long day outside.
About HillZero
HillZero is a premium outdoor design brand focused on Livable Backpacking Tents. Its design philosophy is built around “Carry Less. Live Better.”—reducing unnecessary weight while preserving the comfort, functionality, and quality of experience that matter once you arrive at camp.
HillZero believes backpacking is more than moving from one point to another, and a tent is more than a lightweight place to sleep. A backpacking shelter should support the complete experience of being outdoors: walking, arriving, resting, organizing gear, staying dry, cooking, observing nature, and spending meaningful time in the wilderness.
At the center of HillZero's design approach is a simple question:
“How can a backpacking tent be easier to carry, without making it harder to live in?”
This question shapes the brand's Livable Backpacking approach, which considers real-world factors such as space utilization, ventilation, entry and exit, movement, privacy, organization, and long-term comfort. Rather than pursuing the lowest possible weight at any cost—or simply adding weight to create more space—HillZero looks for a more thoughtful balance between carrying efficiency and livability.
With Livable Backpacking Tents as its core product direction, HillZero begins turning this philosophy into practical shelter design with the Scott 2P.
The goal is straightforward: to make backpacking more livable—so hikers can maintain the freedom and efficiency of lightweight travel while enjoying the time they spend at camp.
HillZero — Livable Backpacking Tents.
Carry Less. Live Better.
Light enough to carry. Livable enough to stay.
Rethinking Backpacking. Beyond the Miles.