Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent Review

Bottom Line

The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is a roomy, no-frills backcountry tent for budget-conscious backpacking pairs. Thanks to the arched brow poles, which offer a generous amount of headroom, it’s one of the most spacious tents in our best backpacking tents guide. The expansive interior rivals much pricier models. 

CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Heather Eldridge, put the Lunar Duo through the wringer on multiple thru-hikes covering thousands of miles, and it continues to hold up like a champ. Its large vestibules, efficient ventilation, and low weight make it a no-brainer for backpackers on a budget.

Since it’s a non-freestanding tent, the Lunar Duo can be challenging to pitch and manage. The Duo lacks interior organization, with only two pockets, so its livability isn’t top-tier. But, if you’re looking for a roomy ultralight shelter to keep you feeling light on your feet during the day and comfy at night – all for a super affordable price – the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo might be exactly what you need to get into the backcountry for your next big adventure.

Comfort

In the Lunar Duo, elbow room isn’t a luxury – it’s a standard feature. With a massive 45-inch peak height, 7.5-foot length, and a 54-inch width that easily accommodates two wide sleeping pads, the duo has plenty of space for two people to move around inside simultaneously. This tent is a dream for taller hikers or those who like extra space. Two pre-bent, arched brow poles help to distribute the height evenly and prevent the tent from feeling cramped. 

Two large doors allow easy access for both campers, so you don’t have to crawl over each other during late-night bathroom breaks. The oversized vestibules make this tent even more comfortable, offering ample room to stash all your gear without cluttering the sleeping area. And the fully enclosed design with a built-in bathtub floor and attached mesh inner offers excellent protection from insects and critters.

However, the Lunar Duo falls into the same trap as most single-wall tents: when the weather is humid, chilly, and damp, condensation can build up on the tent’s interior, which can be uncomfortable and problematic. While it has good ventilation that minimizes this issue versus other single-wall designs, it’s something to consider depending on the climate and weather. 

The Duo also keeps its overall weight low by limiting its organizational features. In other words, it only has two small pockets, meaning much of your gear will be on the floor while you’re inside. That said, this is an ultralight shelter meant for sleeping, not necessarily for lounging, so for weight-conscious backpackers, none of these issues are deal breakers.

Weight & Packability

The Lunar Duo falls in the ultralight weight category of 2 pounds, 13 ounces, making it a strong contender for backpackers prioritizing a balance between weight and interior space.

This weight is exceptionally low for a 2-person, 2-door tent, especially given the spacious interior. Its minimalist design sheds unnecessary bulk, making it easy to pack and carry on long treks. The polyester fabric compresses into a small, manageable size that fits seamlessly into most backpacks. The non-freestanding saves weight by utilizing trekking poles rather than traditional tent poles for its structure. 

While the tent is compact, it’s not the most streamlined or smallest-packing option available, meaning it may take up more space than some of the most elite ultralight tents. Additionally, lighter alternatives made with Dyneema Composite Fabric offer significant weight reductions but at nearly double the cost. The Lunar Duo remains a great value if you’re willing to carry a bit more weight to save money. But for those who are ounce-counting, this tent might not be the top choice.

Weather Resistance

The Lunar Duo is reliable in wet and windy conditions. The rainfly is made from silnylon, known for its robust waterproofing in downpours. Hooded vents at the top of each door and along the lower perimeter of the tent allow for good airflow and help reduce condensation inside. The floating canopy design is versatile so that you can adjust the height for better ventilation or more protection depending on the weather. We’ve put the Lunar Duo through the wringer in the notoriously volatile Rocky Mountains, and it kept us dry and comfortable throughout heavy rains, hailstorms, and high winds.

The key—as with any non-freestanding tent—is to pitch it taut and secure it to the ground using all guy-out points. The non-freestanding design requires a bit of extra attention to set up, but when done correctly, it creates a solid barrier against harsh weather.

To be fully waterproof, the tent must be seam-sealed before use, which either costs extra or requires time and effort. The single-wall design means there’s no mesh barrier between you and the rainfly, which directly exposes you to condensation. We highly recommend bringing a small absorbent cloth on cold, damp nights to wipe down the tent’s interior.

Ease of Setup

Although the non-freestanding design and multiple moving parts of the Lunar Duo require a learning curve for a good pitch, it’s not too bad once you get the hang of it. 

One of the standout features of the Lunar Duo is the ability to re-tension the main guylines from inside the tent, so you can tighten your shelter without leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag. This feature is one of our favorite things about the Duo – it’s a lifesaver when silnylon sags in cold or wet conditions. The tent either uses trekking poles or lightweight tent poles to pitch, and the Lunar Duo only needs eight tent stakes, making it straightforward to secure.

The Lunar Duo’s non-freestanding design can be especially challenging in certain environments, like when the ground is too hard or soft for stakes to hold well. Keep in mind that tent stakes and poles aren’t included. When setting up the duo in less-than-ideal spots, you may need to get creative, like using logs or rocks, to secure the tent properly. The tent requires a larger area to pitch, which can limit where you camp. Generally, the setup process for non-freestanding tents is manageable, but it is never as quick or easy as with a freestanding tent, which might not suit everyone.

Durability

Among ultralight non-freestanding tents, the Lunar Duo is one of the most durable. It uses a robust 30-denier floor and thick canopy material, making it notably tougher than many other tents that use lighter fabrics, like 20 or 15-denier. The durability of the Lunar Duo means it can handle more rugged conditions, making it a solid choice for hikers with dogs or folks who are hard on their gear. 

The stronger material also means that using a footprint (sold separately) isn’t always necessary, so you can keep your pack lighter and more streamlined. This tent’s durability is especially reassuring on long treks, where reliable gear is crucial.

The durability of the Lunar Duo’s 30-denier fabric means it’s notably heavier compared to other ultralight tents, but at this price point, we think the Lunar Duo is an outstanding deal for several seasons of backpacking in tough conditions.

Should You Buy the Six Moons Designs Lunar Duo?

If you’re looking for a roomy, ultralight shelter at an affordable price, few tents compare to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo. This tent is a slam dunk for adventure seekers and pairs who want lots of space to move around without sacrificing durability. 

With its unique pre-bent brow poles that create plenty of headroom for two, expansive vestibules for storing bulky and wet gear, and a relatively simple setup, the Lunar Duo turns the trail into your home away from home. This tent can handle countless miles on tough thru-hikes and is a reliable solution for almost any 3-season backpacking adventure. 

On the flip side, if you’re inclined toward freestanding designs or need a more compact shelter, the Lunar Duo might not be the best choice. Its non-freestanding structure demands a precise setup, and the design of a single-wall tent like this is prone to condensation. And, while durable, it’s a bit heftier than some ultralight models, which may not suit solo trekkers who want the lightest load.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?

For all of our favorite freestanding, non-freestanding, and semi-freestanding options, check out our guide to the best backpacking tents.

Durston X-Mid 2 Review: Similar in size to the Lunar Duo, the Durston X-Mid 2 is a non-freestanding design with decent water resistance, durability, and a double-wall design. Though it has a bit less headroom, the X-Mid 2 is significantly lighter and more affordable.

Zpacks Duplex Review: The Zpacks Duplex offers interior space and minimal features in a non-freestanding design, much like the Lunar Duo. However, it’s over a pound lighter and has superior weather resistance – although you’ll pay nearly twice the price for the weight savings.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Review: The Tiger Wall UL2 shares the Lunar Duo’s durability and comfort, making it a solid option for solo hikers or pairs with similar needs. It’s slightly lighter, easier to set up, and has similar weather resistance, but at the cost of a smaller interior and a higher price tag. We also love the Tiger Wall UL3, which is even roomier for hiking pairs.