Here is how these two tents compare on the numbers. The Mid 1 takes a modest overall edge, led by low weight, but the Aeon Li has its own case.
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 | Tarptent Aeon Li | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 82✓ | 80 |
| Capacity | 1 | 1 |
| Packed weight | 16.0 oz✓ | 16.9 oz |
| Floor area | 21 sq ft✓ | 18.3 sq ft |
| Space-to-weight | 21.0 /lb✓ | 17.4 /lb |
| Peak height | 54 in✓ | 47 in |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Vestibules | 1 | 1 |
| Price | $675 | $649✓ |
| Type | Ultralight | Ultralight |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Mid 1 in blue, Aeon Li in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full tent comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Hyperlite Mid 1 against the Tarptent Aeon Li is a study in priorities. The Mid 1 wins on low weight and floor space, and the Aeon Li pushes back on price.
The Mid 1 is 1 oz lighter, more floor area (21 vs 18.3 sq ft), and better space-to-weight. The Aeon Li is $26 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Mid 1 leads 82 to 80.
Pick the Mid 1 if you care most about low weight and floor space, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Aeon Li if price matter more to you, or you are focused on getting the most for your money.
The Hyperlite Mid 1. It is 1 oz lighter than the Aeon Li.
The Hyperlite Mid 1. It is more floor area (21 vs 18.3 sq ft) than the Aeon Li.
The Hyperlite Mid 1, 82 to 80 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Mid 1 for low weight, or the Aeon Li for price. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.