A tent that weighs less than your sleeping bag

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October 2025

Wilderness sat down with Debra Howell from Kiwi Ultralight to talk about the launch of their latest release: the Moa Tent, now available in super-light but tough Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF).

Please tell our readers about the new Moa Tent DCF.

The new Moa 1 in DCF is the lightest, best version we’ve made. It weighs just 625g in total (fly, mesh inner and stuff sack) and the fly (275g) can be pitched by itself. DCF doesn’t absorb water like traditional fabrics, so you’re not carrying extra weight after a rainy night.

It’s designed for New Zealand terrain, with a small footprint for tight campsites but enough internal space to sit up, cook and ride out a storm in comfort. It’s 1m wide – closer to a two-person tent.

If you’re a tramper who counts grams but won’t compromise on function, this is the tent for you.

Is this an updated version of your original 2023 UltraTNT Moa?

That’s right. We launched our first real production model – the original Moa Tent made with UltraTNT fabric – in 2023. The response blew us away. Kiwi trampers were clearly hungry for gear built for their environment, rather than adapted, imported designs.

We had so much interest after the launch, and because we made every tent in-house, we couldn’t keep up with demand. Our son was around 18 months old at the time, and between that and the custom-quilt side of the business, we knew something had to change. So we shifted focus to refining our manufacturing process.

We explored every option to keep production in New Zealand, but couldn’t find both the expertise and the factory set up we needed locally. Drawing on our experience with international supply chains, we partnered with a trusted overseas manufacturer. This allowed us to scale up production while maintaining the high standards we’re known for.

We also used that time to test new materials – which is what led us to DCF at about half the weight of UltraTNT.

You’ve had Kiwis testing the new Moa. What has the feedback been like?

We’ve had all sorts taking the Moa 1 out – hunters, experienced ultralighters and novice trampers new to trekking pole-pitched tents. They love that it can go anywhere, pitches in just a couple of minutes, and has great ventilation by virtue of being double-walled plus having the new peak vents. We’ve also received some helpful design advice that has gone into the final version to increase longevity and ease of use.

Ultimately, this design is for everyone who wants high-performance gear that doesn’t weigh a tonne!

Where can readers find the Moa Tent?

It’s available for presale now, with delivery expected in October, via our website kiwiultralight.co.nz. We’re planning to bring in a two-person version in DCF and both tents in alternative fabrics to market in 2026, so there will be even more options available at different sizes and price points.

We’re proud of what we’ve built. This isn’t just an ultralight tent with huge living space; it’s gear made by trampers, for trampers in New Zealand. And we think Kiwis are going to love it.