rafael amzallag's ultra

Transforming the realm of ultralight backpacking where each gram carried matters, Rafael Amzallag presents the game-changing Pantanal Ultralight Tent. As the lightest tent of its size in the world, Pantanal seeks to address the simple question: why carry around cumbersome tents when the essence of hiking lies in unfiltered exploration? The designer thus harnesses the ethos of ultralight backpackers who demand essentials only, reimagining the tent structure where conventional poles take a backseat, and instead detachable hiking poles form the foundational structure.

With its lightweight and compact form, the 3-season tent thus prioritizes optimal wind and rain resistance while maintaining airflow and ventilation to keep occupants comfortable during warm and rainy weather. Dual openings offer panoramic views, as mesh panels and vents enable air to circulate throughout while keeping insects out for a pleasant camping experience.

all images courtesy of Rafael Amzallag

Rafael Amzallag embarked on this project with the singular goal of transforming the traditional tent design that often involves carrying bulky poles, eliminating their need by looking to the mechanisms of hikers’ gear. With the hope of identifying components that could serve a dual-purpose foundation, the designer honed down on hiking poles — an indispensable companion for trekkers — which were utilized to form the tent’s fundamental base structure.

The Pantanal Ultralight Tent boasts two adjacent doors, providing expansive 180-degree panoramic views from two viewpoints. Additionally, this configuration ensures ample headroom on both sides, preventing the tent fabric from intruding on the occupants’ personal space. Measuring 1.45 meters in width, the tent poses an efficient and versatile camping solution. Compatible with its counterparts, the it can be interconnected to establish a collective shelter, extending its use beyond a standalone unit.

Following completion of use, it can be packed up with ease, folding down into a compact size resembling just a 1.5-liter bottle with a total weight of 872 grams, including stakes. This lightweight effect was achieved by Rafael Amzallah’s careful selection of materials. The rain cover, made from silk nylon ripstop with a 20-denier thickness weighs 27 grams per square meter, while the bathtub tent floor, constructed from silk nylon ripstop with a 40-denier thickness weighs 45 grams per square meter, enhancing durability against harsh terrain. Additionally, the lightweight mosquito net weighs 25 grams per square meter.

Rafael Amzallag conceives the world’s lightest tent of its size

traditional tent poles are traded for retractable hiking poles that form the foundation

Pantanal Ultralight Tent reimagines the conventional tent structure

the rain cover, made from silk nylon ripstop with a 20-denier thickness weighs 27 grams per square meter

the 3-season tent prioritizes optimal wind and rain resistance while maintaining airflow and ventilation

it folds in to the size of a 1.5 liter bottle for easier hiking and camping

project info:

name: Pantanal

designer: Rafael Amzallag

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom