Tents

 

Single Skin Tents:

Single Skin tents are made from a single layer which is waterproof. They are often made from breathable fabrics to aid ventilation.

Pros:

- Often more Lightweight

 - More internal space for size/weight

- More Affordable

Cons:

- Harder to deal with condensation

- Provides less insulation

- Little protection from the elements if the skin is damaged

Double Skin Tents:

A double skin tent will have an inner tent that isn’t waterproof and usually made partially or entirely from mesh, and an outer tent, called a flysheet, that is waterproof. The outer tent protects the inner tent from the elements and provides a space between the two to help insulate and reduce condensation.

Tent Sizes (2 Man, 3 Man 6 Man…)

The size of a tent is generally described by the maximum number of people that can sleep inside, for example, you will see tents described as 2 men or people. To find the best tent for you, you must first consider the number of people in your party.

If there are two adults sharing a tent, space will be limited in a two man tent. A 3 or 4 man tent will allow you plenty of space to sleep comfortably and store your gear. For families, a 6 man tent and upwards will provide enough space so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping on top of each other (which can be testing with kids!). Bigger tents are likely to have separate ‘rooms’ so the kids can have their own space. It’s possible to get a 10 man tent or even a 12 berth if you have a big group. Remember though, the bigger the tent the harder it will be to put up and the more space it will take up in the car. If you will be walking to the campsite a bigger tent will also be heavier to carry! A one man tent is generally only suitable for single backpackers or hikers who need a lightweight tent and don’t have much kit with them.

Anatomy of a Typical Tent

Groundsheet

A groundsheet is essentially a waterproof barrier between you and the cold, wet ground (you’ll need an airbed or sleeping mat still if you want to keep warm). Unless you have a traditional A-frame tent chances are the groundsheet will be sewn onto the walls so there is no gap to let insects or drafts in. You may also choose to lay a separate groundsheet under your tent to protect the bottom from dirt and tears. These can be purchased individually. A separate groundsheet is also useful to lie in the living area of larger tents or between a group of smaller tents to make a communal living space.

Flysheet

If a tent is described as ‘double skin’, this will have an inner tent and an outer flysheet designed to protect the inner tent from getting wet. The flysheet is suspended over the inner tent but should not touch it, as this will cause condensation and rain to penetrate through to the interior.

Guy Ropes

Guy ropes are cords attached to the outer tent or flysheet which are pulled away from the tent and pegged in the ground to stabilize the tent. The guy lines should follow the seams of the tent and not overlap. There will be an adjuster on the cords so you can tighten and loosen the lines, as they get wet or dry they may shrink or slacken so you should check regularly. Inner Tent The inner is the main living and sleeping area of the tent.

Porch

Many tents will have a porch attached to the entrance. These can be very short, making a useful area is useful for storing kit you don’t want in the tent but want to keep dry, or quite large, allowing you space to cook. It’s also possible to buy separate porches (normally for larger tents) as well as canopies.

Tent Pegs

Tent pegs can be made from plastic, metal or wood. Most tents will come with basic steel hooked pegs which are fine for firm ground and fair weather. If pitching in soft mud you may wish to buy T-shaped heavy duty plastic pegs which will not twist around. V or X shaped pegs are recommended for sandy ground. Always check what the terrain will be like prior to camping to ensure you have the correct tent pegs.

Tent Poles

The poles are essentially the skeleton of the tent and provide structural support. In basic terms, there are two types of poles, bendy and rigid. Bendy poles are generally made from fiberglass or aluminum and are linked with elastic cord. They are flexible and lightweight. Rigid poles are sturdier and are more often used in traditional and trailer tents.

Air Vents

Breathing, wet clothing, and general humidity can all cause condensation to form inside your tent (try not to touch the tent fabric as this can also let water on the outside come through). Air vents are designed to help reduce condensation by letting vapor in the air escape. Doors and windows also offer ventilation, so it is best to keep these open when possible. Look for doors and windows with mesh insect nets to keep out midges even when open.