An ultralight shelter with surprising storm chops—can it truly handle UK weather?
Overview
The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 (4-Season version) is a trekking-pole-supported, double-wall shelter that offers true ultralight performance on a shoestring budget. For hikers, bikepackers, and wild campers looking for a sub-£200 shelter that doesn’t skimp on protection, it’s become a cult classic.
We tested the Lanshan 2 across multiple UK mountain regions—from Peak District ridgelines to rainy Snowdonia trails—and came away seriously impressed. While not perfect out of the box, it delivers exceptional value for weight, weather resistance, and livability.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Tested | Lanshan 2 (4-Season Inner) |
| Structure | Double-wall trekking pole tent |
| Fly Material | 15D Silnylon (5000 mm HH) |
| Inner Tent | 20D fabric with solid side panels |
| Floor Material | 20D Silnylon (8000 mm HH) |
| Peak Height | 125 cm |
| Dimensions | 220 x 110 cm (L x W per person) |
| Weight | ~1150 g (excluding poles/pegs) |
| Packed Size | ~30 x 12 cm |
| MSRP | ~£170 / $200 (varies by vendor) |
Build & Materials
The Lanshan 2 4-Season uses a silicone-coated nylon fly (15D) and a durable 20D floor, giving it serious weather resistance without inflating weight. Its 5000 mm (fly) and 8000 mm (floor) hydrostatic head ratings are more than enough for UK storms or multi-day drizzles.
Unlike the Lanshan Pro, this version is double-wall, which pays dividends in both warmth and condensation control. The solid inner panels help shield from wind and cold air, while mesh apex vents promote airflow. All seams require user-applied seam sealing, which is standard for many ultralight tents in this price class.
Setup & Pitching
As a trekking pole tent, the Lanshan 2 requires two poles set to around 120 cm height. Once you get the hang of corner tensioning and fly drape, setup is under 5 minutes, even solo in light wind.
- 12 stake points for a rock-solid rectangular pitch
- Line-lok guylines offer easy tensioning
- Dual doors and vestibules for cross-ventilation and convenience
We highly recommend upgrading the pegs—the supplied ones are lightweight but bend easily in hard ground.
Interior Space & Livability
While the Lanshan 2 is technically a 2-person tent, it’s a tight fit with winter gear or wide mats. Still, for solo users, it’s positively palatial.
- Room for two 50 cm sleeping pads side by side
- Vestibules offer gear storage without cramping sleep space
- 125 cm peak height allows seated movement and gear shuffling
- Solid inner walls shield against wind and spindrift in shoulder-season conditions
Thanks to its double-wall design, it feels more comfortable and insulated than most single-wall ultralight shelters.
Weather Performance
Over three months of UK wild camping, we subjected the Lanshan 2 to:
- 40+ mph gusts in exposed ridgelines
- Continuous rain in the Lake District
- Cold dew-heavy nights in Snowdonia
It withstood all of it. Tensioned properly, the fly remains taut and silent, and internal condensation stays mostly on the fly—not dripping onto your bag.
The venting is adequate—not airy, but better than many solid-wall shelters. Wind resistance is strong when guyed out fully, and the structure remains stable if poles are firmly anchored.
Packability & Portability
With a packed size of approximately 30 x 12 cm, the Lanshan 2 fits easily into a frame bag, side pocket, or saddle roll for bikepackers. It’s light enough for:
- Thru-hiking
- Bikepacking
- Minimalist multi-day backpacking
And it compresses further with aftermarket dyneema or silnylon stuff sacks.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Genuine 4-season suitability for milder winter conditions
- Double-wall design helps with moisture and warmth
- Two doors and vestibules improve accessibility and ventilation
- Surprisingly stable in high winds
Cons
- Requires user seam sealing
- Tight fit for two people in full winter kit
- Flimsy stock pegs
- No included footprint (recommended for rocky terrain)
- Slightly fiddly pitch for first-time trekking pole users
Who It’s Best For
The Lanshan 2 4-Season is ideal for:
- UK wild campers seeking storm-ready ultralight shelters
- Budget-minded bikepackers and backpackers
- Solo hikers wanting a roomier pitch
- Beginner tarp-tent users ready to graduate from tarps or heavy domes
If you’re expecting deep snow loads, alpine expeditions, or heavy condensation in swampy environments, a semi-geodesic tent or double-skin with more venting might suit better.
Compared to Similar Tents
| Model | Lanshan 2 4-Season | Lanshan 2 Pro | Zpacks Duplex | Durston X-Mid 2P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (excl. poles) | ~1150 g | ~915 g | ~540 g | ~1100 g |
| Wall Type | Double-wall | Single-wall | Single-wall | Double-wall |
| Setup Complexity | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
| Price | £170 | £150 | £700+ | £350–£400 |
| Storm Resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
Verdict: The Lanshan 2 4-Season punches far above its weight and price, offering serious 3-season-plus performance at a fraction of the cost of premium cottages.
Final Verdict
The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 (4-Season) proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a lightweight, double-wall, storm-ready shelter. It’s not a mountaineering tent, but for UK wild camping, multi-day treks, or long-distance bikepacking, it delivers exceptional performance, comfort, and value in a sub-1200g package.
With a small learning curve and a couple of upgrades (seam seal, better pegs), it becomes a true 3+ season workhorse. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into ultralight, or want a second tent that won’t break the bank—this is one to watch.
