Samaya 2.0 Tent Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

Samaya is redefining ultralight, ultra-waterproof single-wall tents with the 2.0, a great option for alpine and mountaineering enthusiasts. While the Samaya 2.0 will be overkill for casual campers, it’s a dream come true for those tackling fast-and-light mountain ascents or technical treks. As the smallest tent in their ALPINE range, it’s engineered for efficiency and doesn’t compromise on protection.

This tent is the first completely waterproof single-wall four-season tent we’ve tested, and it’s impressive. Yes, it’s the priciest tent in our lineup, but the investment is justified for mountaineers and alpinists who rely on their shelter to keep them safe in extreme conditions. The cutting-edge materials and meticulous design make this tent an essential piece of gear when the weather turns harsh.

For other options, check out our guide to the best four-season tents for detailed reviews and expert picks.

How We Tested

We tested the Samaya 2.0 primarily in mid-winter conditions on multi-day ski tours across Colorado’s mountains, including the San Juans, Front Range, and Indian Peaks. While rain is rare this time of year in Colorado, we encountered plenty of snow and strong winds, especially above treeline, which gave us a great chance to see how this tent handles extreme conditions. To round things out, we also tested the 2.0 at lower elevations in the foothills to see how it performed in warmer weather.

Comfort

Lightweight and packable tents like the Samaya 2.0 inevitably come with trade-offs, and comfort is one of them. While it’s not uncomfortable, the Samaya 2.0 isn’t exactly spacious. Like most two-person mountaineering tents, it’s snug—our two testers found it a tight fit on a multi-night backcountry ski trip. If you’re a fast-and-light mountaineer who doesn’t mind close quarters, this tent works fine, but it’s much more comfortable as a roomy single-person setup. Without the optional vestibule (sold separately), you’ll likely need to stash gear outside, leaving it exposed to the elements.

The door design is both a pro and a con. It’s large, essentially spanning an entire sidewall, making entry and exit easy—unless you’re sharing the tent. With only one door, you’ll have to crawl over your tentmate, which can get old quickly. While the Samaya 2.0 isn’t about luxury, it provides just enough comfort for alpinists prioritizing weight and performance over spaciousness.

Weight & Packed Size

The Samaya 2.0 nails it when it comes to weight and packed size. This tent is built for ultralight adventurers who want minimal bulk. It comes in a canvas bag with the tent body, DAC FeatherLite NFL poles, plastic stakes, and a repair kit—great for staying organized off-trail. On the trail, the tent body has its own compact stuff sack that’s way more packable.

The DAC FeatherLite NFL poles are small, light, and pack down easily into tight spaces. The tent itself compresses down to about half the size of a “Z” style foam sleeping mat, making it convenient for anyone going fast and light.

If saving space and weight is your top priority, the Samaya 2.0 delivers big-time without cutting corners on durability. Just handle it with care—ultralight gear always needs a little extra love.

Weather Resistance

This is the first fully waterproof single-wall tent we’ve tested. Samaya pulls it off with some seriously high-end materials. Bear with us while we get a little technical here. Starting with the floor, Samaya uses Dyneema Composite Fabric with an incredible hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm. For context, most tents we’ve tested hover around 1,500 to 2,000mm. The tent walls, with a hydrostatic head rating of 10,000mm, are equally impressive. They feature a unique Nanovent membrane layered between an outer 70D MicroRipstop Nylon and an inner 10D Hydrophilic Nylon.

For those unfamiliar, a hydrostatic head rating measures waterproofness by showing how tall a water column (in millimeters) the fabric can resist before leaking. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.

While we haven’t yet tested the Samaya 2.0 in heavy rain, Colorado’s mid-winter conditions provided plenty of snow and fierce winds, especially above treeline. Unsurprisingly, the tent performed as you’d expect from a $1,100 shelter—flawlessly.

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Samaya 2.0 is quick—about two minutes solo—but it’s not entirely seamless. The tent uses grommets on two corners and dead-end pole sleeves on the other two. While the pole sleeves improve stability and storm-worthiness, they feel a bit clunky during setup. Extra care is needed with the lightweight poles and sleeves—they’re well-made but delicate, so handling them gently is key.

Bad weather? No problem. The waterproof single-wall design allows you to set up the tent without worrying about getting the interior wet, which is a huge bonus in harsh conditions. We pitched the Samaya 2.0 in moderate snow and gusty winds at just over 11,000 feet, right at the tree line. The difference between crawling into a warm, dry tent versus a soggy one was a game-changer in those conditions.

A unique feature of this tent is the plastic Swiss Piranha pegs that are included. These worked well in snowy conditions when weighted down with rocks, but we should’ve followed Samaya’s tutorial and used a deadweight anchor for better security. The stakes were less effective in Colorado’s rocky soil. While not perfect, they’re surprisingly functional in the right environment.

Durability

It’s not all ultralight smiles and waterproof perfection with the Samaya 2.0—there’s a trade-off, and that’s durability. Let’s start by saying we haven’t encountered any issues during testing, and the tent feels like it will last for years with proper care. That said, the materials are undeniably thin and delicate, which is the price you pay for such impressive weight savings and packability.

This tent isn’t made to take a beating. While it can handle the elements—snow, wind, and cold well—you must treat it carefully. The fabrics and poles are designed for performance, not abuse. If you’re rough with your gear, this might not be the tent for you. But if you respect and handle the materials gently, the Samaya 2.0 is a reliable, lightweight companion that can hold its own in severe backcountry conditions.

Versatility

Single-wall four-season tents are rarely as versatile as you’d like, but the Samaya 2.0 manages to hold its own among the tents we tested. It breathes surprisingly well for a single-wall design, making it more usable in warmer weather than expected. We did find it got uncomfortably warm in temperatures around the low 60s when fully zipped up. While it’s clearly built with mountaineers and alpinists in mind, the Samaya 2.0 proves to be a capable companion for any adventure where weight savings is a priority.

Whether you’re embarking on a lightweight backpacking trip, a climbing expedition, or a ski-touring adventure, this tent fits the bill. Its versatility may not extend into all seasons comfortably, but for those focused on ultralight and high-performance gear, the Samaya 2.0 is a solid option.

Should You Buy the Samaya 2.0?

The Samaya 2.0 is a niche product designed for adventurers who prioritize ultralight performance and weatherproofing above all else. Its completely waterproof single-wall design and cutting-edge materials make it an excellent choice for mountaineers, alpinists, and ultralight enthusiasts tackling high-altitude or backcountry pursuits where weight savings and storm protection are paramount. The tent excels in harsh winter conditions, providing reliable shelter in wind, snow, and wet environments while packing down small and keeping your load light.

That said, this tent isn’t for everyone. It’s not ideal for those who prioritize durability over weight or need a more versatile, all-season solution. The thin materials demand care, and the tent can get uncomfortably warm in mild weather. Additionally, the price point places it firmly in the premium category, making it best suited for those who demand top-tier performance in extreme conditions.

For serious adventurers, the Samaya 2.0 is an investment in a cutting-edge, lightweight shelter.

What Other Four-Season Tents Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the Samaya 2.0, here are a few other excellent four-season tents worth exploring. To see how Samaya 2.0 compares to other top-tier options, check out our guide to the best four-season tents.

MSR Advance Pro 2 Review: This ultralight two-person tent is designed for serious mountaineering and alpine missions, offering exceptional protection against snow and wind. Like the Samaya 2.0, it’s compact and built for efficiency but features a more straightforward pole design and less breathability. It’s $300 cheaper than the Samaya 2.0. 

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition Review: The Copper Spur HV3 is a solid choice for those needing more interior space and versatility. It’s heavier than the Samaya but has a double-wall design with excellent ventilation, making it more comfortable for multi-day trips or warmer conditions. The spacious interior and dual vestibules provide more room for gear and occupants.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Review: The Ultamid 2 is incredibly lightweight and versatile. When paired with its insert, it excels in alpine conditions. While it requires trekking poles for setup and has a learning curve, it has unparalleled packability, making it a strong contender for ultralight enthusiasts.