The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 1 Tent has earned a cult following among ultralight backpackers, bikepackers, and minimalist trekkers worldwide. Known for its impressive weight-to-cost ratio, modular setup, and reliable performance across three seasons, the Lanshan 1 is often considered one of the best budget ultralight tents available. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its design, materials, setup, real-world usability, and how it compares to other solo shelters in the ultralight category.
Design and Build Quality
The Lanshan 1 is a single-person, double-wall tent that uses a trekking pole-supported pyramid structure. This design eliminates the need for traditional tent poles, saving weight and allowing for a more compact pack size. The tent is constructed from 15D Silnylon, a silicone-coated nylon fabric that offers a good balance of durability, water resistance, and weight savings.
The outer fly and inner mesh tent are separate, allowing for modular use. You can pitch the fly alone as a tarp shelter or combine both layers for full protection. The tent features a single front entry with a vestibule for gear storage, and the inner tent is suspended from the fly using adjustable toggles.
The stitching is reinforced at stress points, and guy-out loops are bar-tacked for durability. While the tent does not come seam-sealed from the factory, users are advised to apply silicone seam sealant to ensure full waterproofing—especially for extended trips or wet climates.
Weight and Packability
One of the Lanshan 1’s biggest selling points is its weight. The standard version weighs approximately 930g including stakes and stuff sack, while the Pro version (single-wall) drops to around 760g. This makes it competitive with premium ultralight tents costing two to three times more.
Packed dimensions are compact, typically around 35 x 12 cm, making it easy to fit into bikepacking bags, ultralight backpacks, or panniers. The tent includes lightweight aluminium stakes and a compression-style stuff sack, though many users opt to replace the stakes with titanium or carbon options to shave additional grams.
Setup and Pitching
Pitching the 3F UL Gear Lanshan 1 Tent is straightforward once you’ve practised a few times. It requires a single trekking pole (or a fixed pole around 120–125 cm) and six to eight stakes depending on conditions. The pyramid-style pitch offers excellent wind resistance and sheds rain effectively.
The inner tent clips to the outer fly, and the tension can be adjusted to ensure a taut pitch. The vestibule zips open to reveal the mesh door, which helps with ventilation and bug protection. The tent can be pitched fly-first in wet conditions to keep the inner dry—a major advantage over some traditional designs.
While not freestanding, the Lanshan 1 is stable when properly staked and guyed out. In windy conditions, additional guy lines can be added to reinforce the structure.
Interior Space and Comfort
The inner tent measures approximately 230 cm long, 80–100 cm wide, and 115 cm high, offering enough room for most solo hikers under 6’2″ (188 cm). The tapered design means the foot end is narrower, but there’s still space for a full-length sleeping pad and some gear.
The vestibule provides extra storage for a backpack, shoes, or cooking gear, though it’s not large enough for lounging or cooking in poor weather. Ventilation is decent thanks to the mesh inner and adjustable fly height, though condensation can still occur in humid or cold conditions—especially in the Pro version, which lacks a full inner mesh.
For taller users or those wanting more elbow room, the Lanshan 1 Plus offers a wider footprint and slightly more headroom.
Weather Resistance and Durability
The Lanshan 1 is rated as a three-season tent, suitable for spring, summer, and autumn use. The Silnylon fly offers good rain protection when seam-sealed, and the pyramid shape sheds wind and water effectively. The bathtub-style floor of the inner tent keeps ground moisture out, and the mesh walls help with airflow.
In heavy rain, the tent performs well if pitched correctly and sealed properly. However, in extreme conditions—such as snow loads or high alpine winds—it’s best to upgrade to a four-season shelter or the Lanshan 1 Pro with a more robust pitch.
Durability is solid for the weight class. The 15D Silnylon is thinner than traditional tent fabrics but holds up well with careful use. Users should avoid sharp rocks, over-tensioning, and prolonged UV exposure to maximise lifespan.
Use Cases and Versatility
The Lanshan 1 excels in a variety of scenarios:
- Thru-hiking: Ideal for long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail or Camino de Santiago.
- Bikepacking: Compact enough to fit in saddle bags or handlebar rolls.
- Wild camping: Low-profile and stealthy, perfect for discreet pitches.
- Minimalist travel: Lightweight and modular, great for fast-and-light missions.
Its modular design allows for tarp-only setups, inner-only bug shelters, or full double-wall protection depending on conditions. This flexibility makes it a favourite among ultralight enthusiasts who want to adapt their shelter to the terrain and weather.
Comparisons and Alternatives
Compared to other ultralight solo tents, the Lanshan 1 offers exceptional value:
| Tent Model | Weight | Price Range | Wall Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanshan 1 | ~930g | £90–£135 | Double-wall | Affordable, modular, compact | Requires seam sealing, not freestanding |
| Lanshan 1 Pro | ~760g | £110–£170 | Single-wall | Lighter, faster pitch | More condensation, less ventilation |
| Zpacks Plex Solo | ~440g | £500+ | Single-wall | Ultralight, premium materials | Expensive, less durable |
| Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo | ~710g | £250–£300 | Single-wall | Good ventilation, roomy | Slightly bulkier, higher cost |
| Durston X-Mid 1 | ~910g | £300–£350 | Double-wall | Excellent ventilation, freestanding feel | More complex pitch, higher price |
For budget-conscious adventurers, the Lanshan 1 remains one of the best entry points into ultralight camping. It’s not perfect, but its performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Ultralight and compact
- Excellent value for money
- Modular double-wall design
- Trekking pole pitch saves weight
- Good weather resistance with proper setup
- Ideal for solo backpacking and bikepacking
Cons:
- Requires seam sealing for full waterproofing
- Not freestanding (requires good ground for pitching)
- Condensation can be an issue in humid conditions
- Limited vestibule space
- Thin fabric requires careful handling
Final Verdict
The Lanshan 1 by 3F UL Gear is a standout ultralight tent for solo adventurers who want reliable shelter without breaking the bank. Its modular design, low weight, and compact pack size make it ideal for thru-hikers, bikepackers, and minimalist campers. While it requires some setup finesse and post-purchase seam sealing, the payoff is a shelter that performs well across varied terrain and conditions.
For those seeking a balance between affordability, weight savings, and real-world usability, the Lanshan 1 is a proven choice. It’s not just a budget tent—it’s a gateway to ultralight travel, offering the freedom to roam without the burden of excess gear.
