Patrik Orcutt 09.12.25
Funny as it might sound, I have never owned my own personal tent. Throughout all my years in the outdoors, I have always been able to borrow a tent from someone else or had one issued to me by the Army. Well, 2025 is the year the rubber meets the road, and I needed to get my own 1-person tent for a few planned trips this Summer / Fall. After scouring Amazon for the best option that would get to my house in time for a canoe trip, I was embarking on in just a few days, I landed on the Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent. The reason I chose it was mostly because it was on sale for $80 and was going to fit my needs. Let’s get into my initial impressions of this Chinese-made tent from NatureHike!
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Something I was looking for with this tent was for it to be lightweight, and that’s part of the reason the Cloud-Up 1 caught my eye. It tips the scales at just 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). For someone like me who loves backpacking and keeping my load minimal, less weght is always better as long as the tent is still built to last. It also packs down to a tidy 16” x 5.1” x 5.1”, and while that’s pretty small, its not the smallest option on the market, but again, the price is really the compelling part of this tent.
The Cloud-Up 1 is crafted from 20D nylon with a silicone coating, a combo I’ve learned is a staple in ultralight tents for its durability and waterproofing chops. With a waterproof rating of PU4000mm, this tent should keep me dry for a while in a rainstorm.
Taped seams and corners seal the deal, and the included footprint is a sweet bonus. It’s not very often you can get a tent like this with an included footprint, so that was also a selling point to me. I should shield the tent floor from rough ground, meaning this tent should stick with me for many adventures.
After setting up this tent once in the backyard yard I can admit it was pretty easy and straightforward. I definitely appreciated the instructions being printed on the inside of the included stuff sack; this is a cool idea.
Its free-standing design promises I’ll have it pitched in under 5 minutes and while that is probably possible, this was not the case on my first attempt. The aluminum alloy poles are light yet sturdy, snapping together with a hub system that sounds like a dream for quick assembly. After a long day on the trail, knowing I can pop this up fast does sound very appealing.
The design feels spot-on for solo use. A front door and vestibule give me extra room to stash my gear—like my backpack and muddy boots—keeping the inside neat. Inside, the dimensions (82.7″L x 43.3″W x 39.7″H) promise enough space for me to stretch out and sit up comfortably. There are even storage pockets for my phone or headlamp, and a hook for hanging a lantern. Little touches that make it feel like much homier. Sure, at 82.7 inches, taller folks might find it snug, but for me, at five foot, nine, it has more than enough space lengthwise.
Good airflow is a must, and the Cloud-Up 1 promises to deliver. Its double-layer setup fly over inner tent creates a buffer for better circulation, while mesh panels and adjustable vents let me tweak the breeze. I’m looking forward to waking up condensation-free, especially in humid spots.
Weather-wise, I’m optimistic. The waterproof fabric and solid poles should handle rain and gusts with ease. Some folks say it might falter in torrential downpours or fierce winds, but for my usual 3-season hikes. Here’s the biggest kicker for me about the Cloud-Up 1, its a steal compared to other ultralight tents. I love that I don’t have to break on this quick tent acquisition. Naturehike’s reputation for affordable, reliable outdoor kit does boosts my confidence and expectations for this piece of kit. The tent also comes with everything I need—aluminum stakes, guy lines, carry bag.
No tent’s flawless, but the quirks here feel manageable. The front entry might let in a drizzle when I zip it open, but I see it as a trade-off for keeping weight low. With the vestibule, I’ll stash gear outside anyway, and a little practice should keep me dry. Length-wise, I’m average height, so 82.7 inches suits me fine. Taller adventurers can angle themselves or upgrade to the Cloud-Up 2 for more room if needed.
Overall, I’m buzzing to test the Cloud-Up 1 on my next adventure coming up in a few days. Its lightweight build, speedy setup, clever design, and wallet-friendly price make it potentially a great deal for solo hikers. Knowing Naturehike’s got a solid rep does make me feel a lot better too. Stay tuned for a fun review coming later this year, and I’ll let you know if this tent was too good to be true.
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