What is the Best Type of Tent for Mountain Hiking?

A tent can make or break a great hike, so it’s important to choose the right one. There are several factors to consider, including weight, ease of setup, and features.

SPACE:

Ideally, your backpacking tent should offer enough space to comfortably fit everyone you’re hiking with. Depending on the model, you might also want to think about additional features like interior pockets or a gear loft.

Double-wall tents

If you’re going to spend any amount of time in the mountains, then you need a tent that can withstand a lot of harsh weather. Double-wall tents are the best type of tent for mountain hiking because they offer excellent rain protection, more ventilation to reduce condensation, and are comfortable to sleep in.

These tents also come with extra doors and vestibules that solo hikers can use to store their gear. This space is important for a tent’s comfort, and it can make all the difference on a long expedition or for those who share a tent.

However, double-wall tents are heavier than single-wall models and can take more time to dry out if they get wet. This can be a problem if you’re in a wet climate and you need to dry your tent quickly.

Single-wall tents

Many ultralight backpackers, climbers, and thru-hikers opt for single-wall tents due to their lightweight design and ability to pack down small. They also work well for camping in dry, cool regions where condensation is minimal.

These tents don’t typically have a separate rainfly, meaning they take fewer stakes to pitch than double-wall tents. This saves weight on the trail as you don’t have to carry extra stakes and pound them to stake out a rainfly.

Some single-wall tents are non-freestanding, which means they use trekking poles for support instead of tent poles. They still require the use of tensioned guy lines to stake out, but they take up less space in your backpack than free-standing double-wall tents.

It’s important to know how to pitch a single-wall tent properly. It’s a technical skill that will grow over time but once you master it, you’ll have an enjoyable trek with a single-wall tent. You’ll need to practice some trial setups before you take your first hike with a single-wall tent to ensure that you have the proper technique for speed and comfort.

Pyramid tents

Pyramid tents are a good choice for mountain hiking, as they are generally lightweight and offer excellent weather protection. They also offer a large floor area and can be set up high or low to suit your needs.

The NEMO Hornet 2 and NEMO Dragonfly 2 are two of the most roomy options, with both offering two doors and large vestibules. They also pack down to small size, which is great for solo hikers.

These tents can be built with modular add-ons, like bug netting or floors, that further strip away weight. These parts can be a bit more expensive, so it’s important to consider their impact on your packed trail weight.

Some of these tents are floorless, non-freestanding, and utilize a center pole (often two attached trekking poles) to create a taught, pyramid shape. This makes them extremely stable in moderate wind and shed driving rain and snowfall.

Budget tents

Your tent is a key piece of equipment for any mountain hiking trip. It provides protection against driving rain, brutal heat, and snowy whiteouts. It also should be lightweight enough to carry on rough terrain, small enough to fit into less-than-ideal campsites, and easy to set up.

The best tents for mountain hiking are crafted with materials that are durable and comfortable enough to handle all the conditions you’ll encounter in the backcountry. These include nylon, silnylon, polyester, and silpoly fabric.

If you’re looking for a lightweight shelter that can hold up to a heavy rain or strong wind, Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) is an excellent choice. DCF is an extremely light, completely waterproof fabric that doesn’t stretch or sag.

The Trekker 2.2 is an ideal choice for those seeking a lightweight and durable tent that won’t break the bank. So long as you take good care of it, it’ll provide comfort for backpacking and summer camping.