A 2 person tent that has the label "ultralight" doesn't always mean that it is especially when it weighs more than four pounds. The problem is, people don't know what "lightweight" really means for a tent and so assume what the manufacturer says is true. For a long time they've been lightening up their tents a little bit and calling them "lightweight" or even worse "ultra-lightweight". Some even win awards from outdoor magazines.
The truth is, only a few of them can really be called lightweight. A lot are not suitable for lightweight backpacking. The reason for this is probably because big tent manufacturers don't regard ultralight gear as having a big enough market and so focus less in that area. But all that is changing because of the increasing trend in ultralight backpacking.
The standard for "lightweight" vary whether it is double-walled, single-walled or floorless. Here I'm just going to cover three-season tents because in my opinion the extra weight that comes with four-season tents are almost always unnecessary. Lightweight two person tents can weigh as little as two pounds, some even less. When I say "weight", I mean the whole weight of the tent including the poles and stakes. The "trail weight" you see on the labels usually don't include at least the stakes.
Double-Wall Tents
The maximum weight for a lightweight, double-wall two person tent is currently 4 pounds for it to be considered as lightweight. If you want the lightest, there are tents in this category that weigh just a bit above two pounds (as light as some "lightweight" bivy sacks). The bulk of the weight saving, like in most tents, is from the fabric and design. Lightweight poles (and less number of poles) and stakes also helps. Most ultralight tents employ a one pole design.
"Lighter" almost always mean smaller and the lightest 2 person tents are small indeed. Even though a person taller than 6 feet can often fit inside, there won't be much space inside and condensation, like in bivy sacks, is very likely. This problem is addressed by improved ventilation (that flows through the tent) like in some quality tents.
Quality and lightweight, of course, means a higher price.
Single-Wall Tents
The single-wall tent is one of the most recommended tent for lightweight backpacking. Now they're even lighter and fits well in the ultra-light category. The maximum weight for a lightweight single-wall 2 person tent is 3 pounds. Currently the lightest in this category only weigh around 18 ounces. They're lighter than most one person tents and even tarps. A tent like this would use a very thin fabric so special care might be a requirement.
Floorless Tents
This can be both double-walled and single walled tents. The absence of a floor reduces the weight of a tent significantly. The maximum weight for these tents to be considered lightweight is two pounds for a 2 person tent. As a substitute for the floor most ultralight hikers use a ground sheet which only weigh about 1 or 2 ounces and can be cut according to size. If you really want to backpack as light as possible, this is one of the best way to go.
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