Trekking tent: how to choose your shelter

Single skin or double skin

A single skin tent, like the Élémenterre Aster dome, has only one wall that is both waterproof and structural. It is lightweight, quick to set up, and economical, but condensation from breath can settle inside the fabric during cool nights. A double skin tent separates a breathable inner chamber from a waterproof flysheet: the steam passes through the chamber and condenses on the fly, outside, keeping the sleeping bag dry.

For trekking and nights in the mountains, the double skin is nearly essential. The single skin is suitable for summer nights, festivals, and occasional camping.

Dome, tunnel, and number of places

The dome tent, with crossed poles, stands alone and can be moved once set up: it easily sets up on hard ground. The tunnel tent, with parallel poles, offers more space for its weight but needs to be securely guyed and oriented face into the wind. Large family tents, like the Regatta Elkon or Malawi, add a covered living area for shelter and storing bags.

The announced number of places corresponds to mattresses placed side by side, with no space for luggage. To sleep comfortably with your belongings, it's best to plan one extra space than the number of sleepers.

Waterproofness, setup, and maintenance

The waterproofness of a fabric is measured in millimetres of water column, just like a jacket: the groundsheet, which bears the weight of the sleepers, requires a higher value than the flysheet. Taped seams enhance the protection. A trial setup at home before departure prevents unpleasant surprises at the campsite when night falls.

A tent should always be stored dry: if packed wet, it will mould in a few days. After a departure in the rain, unfold it to dry as soon as you return. Canopies like the VAUDE Drive Pavilion attach to a van or truck to expand the living space.

The rest of the trekking gear

Trekking continues with:

• Mattresses, self-inflating, inflatable, or foam.
• Sleeping bags, rated by their comfort temperature.
• Camping gear, stoves, pots, and lamps.
• Baby carriers for trekking, to take the little ones along.

All this is gathered on the trekking page.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a two-person tent sufficient for two hikers?

Just about: the announced number of places corresponds to mattresses placed side by side, with no space for bags. For two people sleeping with their belongings, a three-person tent is more comfortable, at the cost of a little extra weight.

Why is there condensation in a single skin tent?

Its single wall is both waterproof and structural: the steam from breath deposits inside during cool nights. The double skin separates a breathable chamber from a waterproof fabric, where the steam condenses outside, keeping the sleeping bag dry.

Dome tent or tunnel for camping?

The dome, with crossed poles, stands alone and sets up easily on hard ground. The tunnel offers more space for its weight but must be firmly guyed and oriented face into the wind.

What does the water column of a tent measure?

It expresses in millimetres the waterproofness of the fabric, just like a jacket. The groundsheet, which supports the weight of the sleepers, requires a higher value than the flysheet, and the taped seams enhance the protection.

How to prevent a tent from moulding?

Always store it dry: damp, it will mould in just a few days. After a departure in the rain, unfold it to dry as soon as you return. A trial setup at home also avoids unpleasant surprises at the campsite.