Ultralight tent

[Chupachupstho]

Hi, I currently use a super cheap 2 person tent from bcf that weighs 1.7kg. Looking to upgrade to a lighter tent. I don't understand the difference between single and double wall (in terms of functionality) - and would be grateful if someone could please explain. I'd like this to be a lightweight, all season tent. Not after just a tarp sheet as I like being able to zip up and feel safe from snakes/bugs/weirdos. Thanks for your help!

[ribuck]

Single wall is lighter, but if condensation forms inside your tent you will need to avoid touching it if you don't want your clothes or sleeping bag to get damp.

With a two wall tent, the condensation forms on the outer wall so you don't touch it.

[ChrisJHC]

Hi, I currently use a super cheap 2 person tent from bcf that weighs 1.7kg. Looking to upgrade to a lighter tent. I don't understand the difference between single and double wall (in terms of functionality) - and would be grateful if someone could please explain. I'd like this to be a lightweight, all season tent. Not after just a tarp sheet as I like being able to zip up and feel safe from snakes/bugs/weirdos. Thanks for your help!

Not sure that 1mm of polyester will provide much protection from weirdos!



Mind you, I sleep under a tarp while suspended a metre off the ground so what would I know.

[Al M]

Two wall means the outer rain proof sheet and the inner usually the insect screen mesh and floor that completely seals from insect entry. There are other several other designs that use a combination of no inner mesh, mesh only at the floor to wall junction, solid inner material usually for snow proofing. In terms of tent pole support there are ones making use of your hiking poles, which seem lighter and others with metal poles that are self supporting. The hiking pole support tents save weight and are around 600g plus the hiking poles (500g) so if you don’t use hiking poles or only one a self supporting tent with its own poles can be the same or lighter combined.

When you say all season tent this means 4 season and these tend to be a little heavier and are more snow spin drift proof (less or no mesh) for the inner wall so that it does not get blown inside. Unless you are doing a lot of serious snow camping, a good 3 season tent will do and the majority of people use these as they are cheaper and lighter and can also be used for light snow conditions. Tarp tents can also be used or come with with inner mesh and floor sealed for full insect proofing or a hybrid design of both.

To get a better idea have a look at many of the popular tents like Tarp Tent, Zpacks, Big Agnes, MSR, Wilderness Equipment etc.