Lightweight tents: buyer’s guide

Camp, Camping, Gear — By Outdoor Adventure Guide on March 16, 2012 at 11:32 am

It’s lovely to feel the sun on your skin for the brief few weeks of British summer and get out exploring the hills, but the last thing you want weighing you down is a heavy tent. Here’s what to look for when buying a lightweight tent.

Semi-geodesic tents

are more compact and stable – they are less reliant on guy lines and pegs to keep them rigid, so they can be easier to pitch, especially on hard summer ground, are easier to move around, and it doesn’t matter which way round you pitch them.

Poles

Aluminium poles are generally considered better (and are more expensive) than fibreglass as they are more likely to simply bend rather than break.

Venting, doors and porches

Good venting options are important for airing your tent and keeping it condensation free. Porches make a great place to store gear and cook in shelter.

Size

The size of a two-man tent can vary greatly and, while it is obviously going to save weight to get a smaller tent as it will consist of less fabric, take into account how much time you are going to spend in it with your camping partner before prioritising small size over weight.

Tunnel tents

are generally lighter and roomier than similar-sized geodesic tents. They also require fewer poles and are simpler to put together. They need to be pitched head or tail into the wind and pegged out well.

Bath tub floor

Deep sides to prevent rain coming in if the ground gets waterlogged. An essential if you’re heading out in this rainy country!

A footprint

A piece of material that goes under your tent’s base to protect it from wear. Many manufacturers offer them as an add-on. Invest in one so you
don’t have to invest in a new tent too often!

Words: Sarah Stirling