Review: Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Ultralight Tent

The first thing you notice about the Naturehike Cloud Up 2 tent is how small and light it is when packed, weighing only 1.5 kg (or 750 g per person). It fits squarely in the ultralight category which, by necessity, means a compact design and high-tech lightweight materials. The second thing you notice is the ultralight price — at only R1 799 (at the time of writing), the tent’s specifications punch far above its price category. Similar tents from European or North American brands will cost at least double.

Quick Specs

Size: 2-person
Weight: 1.44 kg (1.56 kg with footprint)
Waterproof rating: Flysheet – 4000 mm HH | Floor – 4000 mm HH
Structure: Y-pole design
Price: R1 799 (at time of writing)

3-season, 2-person ultralight tent

My first question was, “what’s the catch?”. The price seems almost too good to be true. Naturehike is a relatively new brand in South Africa (though the company was established in 2005) and is Chinese-owned and manufactured. On hiking forums, the Cloud Up 2 is often compared to similar designs from the specialist ultralight manufacturer Big Agnes.

What’s in the bag

Design

The Cloud Up 2 is a double-wall tent with an interlocking 1.5 Y-pole configuration. This single-cross design saves weight compared to a standard two-pole structure — a technique used by top ultralight manufacturers. It maintains good 3-season stability, though it should always be properly guyed out in strong winds.

Size

Official dimensions: 2.1 m × 1.25 m × 1 m (L × W × H). The vestibule adds roughly 0.6 m to the length. For context, I’m 1.9 m tall, and two people my size would not fit comfortably inside. As with most ultralight tents, it’s best suited to small- or medium-frame hikers.

Inner

The inner tent uses B3 ultralight, highly breathable mesh to keep insects out. The bathtub-style floor is made of 20D silicone-coated nylon (4000 mm HH) — strong yet light. A footprint is highly recommended to protect this thin material from punctures and abrasion.

Flysheet and seams

The 20D silicone-coated flysheet (4000 mm HH) is double-stitched, seam-sealed, and features guy-line attachment points. The light-grey colour allows soft ambient light inside and increases visibility in most environments.

Vestibule and entrance

The front vestibule is well-sized given the minimalist design. It’s adequate for storing packs and boots, and could serve as a sheltered cooking spot if seated inside the tent. Enlarging it would add weight and require extra poles — a sensible compromise for ultralight performance.

Poles

The 7001 aluminium poles are industry-standard for lightweight hiking tents. The interlocking Y-pole system is strong, well-machined, and easy to assemble.

In the field

Here’s what Naturehike users have said about its performance and durability:

Dusty: “I tested the lime-green 2-person tent over Easter at Injisuthi in the Drakensberg. We had heavy rain and it stood up like a champ — no leaks. For the price and weight, it’s an absolute bargain. I definitely recommend this tent for hiking.”

Robyn Owen (robynkime.wordpress.com): “Awesome to see Naturehike in SA! You can’t beat it for an affordable, lightweight second home. Ours has been durable — after a few years on rocky surfaces the floor’s lost waterproofing, but everything else is still 100%.”

Verdict

The Naturehike Cloud Up 2 is an exciting, budget-friendly option for fast-and-light hikers. It’s not built for car camping or severe alpine weather, but provides reliable, lightweight shelter for typical 3-season use. If you’re conscious of both grams and rands, this tent deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Learn more about Naturehike Africa on their website, or read our guide on what to look for when buying a hiking tent.