There are two forms of backpacking and tenting tents: single-wall tents, that are in style as a result of they’re light-weight, and double-wall tents that are heavier however present extra safety for his or her occupants. One of the best ways to explain the professionals and cons of a single-wall tent is to distinction it with a double-wall tent, which we do beneath.
Single Wall Tents
Single-wall tents are lighter weight than double-wall tents as a result of they don’t have a separate internal tent and rainfly. They typically use trekking poles as a substitute of tent poles for structural assist and to get rid of the added weight of carrying tent poles, though they’re single-wall tents that do require the usage of tent poles, such because the freestanding Black Diamond FirstLight or the MSR Advance Professional, that are mountaineering tents the place light-weight gear is vital.
Single-wall trekking pole tent tents are additionally generally utilized by ultralight and light-weight backpackers as a result of they’re so light-weight. One attribute shared by all single-wall tents, and I’ve used dozens, is that occupants can get moist from the interior condensation that tends to gather on the tent ceiling, both by rubbing towards or if the condensation drips onto you. Whereas there are methods to mitigate inner condensation (Tips on how to Stop Tent Condensation) you’ll typically expertise it in a single-wall tent regardless of your greatest efforts. Convey a towel and wipe down the ceiling periodically. It’s the simplest method to fight it.
Since single-wall backpacking tents are often utilized in hotter climate they often have mesh partitions or doorways for insect safety. These are sometimes protected against rain by exterior material that creates a vestibule or awning that can be utilized for lined gear storage. This doesn’t make them double-wall tents since they’re nonetheless arrange as a single unit they usually have a ceiling that occupants can are available direct contact with. Watch out for tent producers who declare they’ve invented hybrid single-wall/double-wall tents – that is simply advertising BS to obscure the truth that you will get moist from inner condensation gathering on the ceiling.
Double-Wall Tents
Double-wall tents are so-called as a result of they’ve an exterior rainfly and a separate internal tent, with its personal ground, partitions, and ceiling. The ground of the internal tent is made with a stable waterproof material and the partitions and ceiling might be made with insect netting or they are often stable, which is often hotter and extra windproof.
Double-wall tents are sometimes heavier than single-wall tents as a result of extra material is required to make them. They’re additionally hotter and extra weather-proof as a result of there are extra layers between you and the outside and vestibule doorways typically attain to the bottom. However one in all their greatest benefits is that they shield occupants from the interior condensation that collects on the underside of the rainfly and drips onto the internal tent, as a substitute of onto the occupants. Folks with double-wall tents not often get moist from inner condensation.
Ten years in the past, double-wall tents have been a lot heavier than single-wall tents and have been a lot much less in style with ultralight and light-weight backpackers. However advances in ultralight supplies have ushered in a brand new breed of ultralight double wall tents which might be fairly aggressive weightwise to single wall fashions. See our Ultralight Backpacking Double Wall Tent Gear Information for particulars. You actually don’t must compromise a lot by way of gear weight anymore should you’d reasonably use a double-wall tent as a substitute of a single-wall one.
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