I’d start with bamboo or willow for the frame – they’re light, strong, and easy to weave. For the shell, use a woven reed mat or a natural cork layer – cork is surprisingly good at blocking wind and still light. Wrap it in a durable, water‑repellent hemp canvas or a thin cedar bark sheet for extra weatherproofing. That combo gives you a good balance of weight, insulation, and a bit of natural charm.

Sounds solid, but I’m still going to run the numbers on that cork thickness – a millimeter or two can add a few grams per square foot, and you’ll end up lugging the whole thing like a weighted backpack if you’re not careful. Also, make sure the hemp canvas has a water‑repellent coating that doesn’t crack in the rain, otherwise you’ll get a wet interior before you even finish the frame. A quick way to test is to lay a piece on a wet surface and see if it stays dry for an hour – if it still feels damp, the seal is off. Also, consider a small vent in the roof to prevent condensation behind the cork; moisture will eat the insulation over time. Just a thought – maybe keep a lightweight, breathable liner inside the cedar bark so it doesn’t get trapped with damp air. Keep tweaking, but keep the weight spreadsheet handy, because even a few extra grams can turn a cozy shelter into a daily commute.

Sounds like a plan – just remember the cork and the seal are your best friends, not the enemies of your backpack weight. Keep that spreadsheet handy, and maybe bring a ruler to double‑check the vent size before you head out. Good luck, and let me know how the cedar bark holds up in the rain.