Trekking tents

Mountain trekking is an experience that combines exploration and endurance, where every piece of equipment must meet specific criteria of performance and reliability. Among the essential equipment, the tent is undoubtedly one of the most important, as it protects you from the elements while providing shelter after a long day of exertion. This guide is designed to help you choose the trekking tent best suited to your needs, with an emphasis on technical features for advanced athletes. See our best tents and other trekking equipment.

1. Understanding trekking tents

Double-walled tents: Double-walled tents are made up of two layers: a waterproof roof and an inner chamber in breathable fabric. This configuration offers excellent protection against rain and reduces condensation inside the tent, a considerable asset in humid climates or on treks at altitude where temperature variations can be significant.

Single-wall tents: Designed to be lighter than double-wall tents, single-wall tents use a single waterproof fabric that acts as both roof and walls. They are particularly popular for treks where weight is a critical factor. However, they may perform less well in terms of condensation management, requiring adequate ventilation.

Hybrid tents: Hybrid tents combine the features of single- and double-wall tents. They offer a good balance between weight and protection, and are suitable for a wide range of weather conditions.

2. Selection criteria for trekking tents

Weight and volume: For top-level trekkers, the weight and volume of the tent are crucial. A lightweight tent (generally between 1 and 3 kg) makes long walks easier and conserves energy. However, it's crucial not to sacrifice strength and durability for lightness. Check the materials used and make sure they offer a good compromise between weight and sturdiness.

Weather resistance: A tent must be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions: strong wind, driving rain or snow. Wind resistance is often enhanced by a sturdy structure with aerodynamic poles, while impermeability is measured in millimeters (mm). A water column of 3000 mm or more is generally sufficient to cope with typical trekking conditions.

Capacity and space: The capacity of a tent is generally measured by the number of occupants it can comfortably accommodate. For solo trekkers, a single-seater tent may be sufficient; however, opting for a two-seater tent gives you more space to store your gear without adding too much to the total weight carried.

Ease of pitching: After covering several kilometers in difficult terrain, there's nothing like setting up your tent quickly! Look for tents with simplified systems such as color-coding or easy clips, so you can spend less time setting up.

3. Choice of fabrics и materials

Nylon vs. polyester: The use of nylon in your equipment guarantees lightness while remaining resistant, which is why it remains very popular with regular trekkers! Polyester, on the other hand, stretches less when wet, but also offers good UV resistance - ideal if you're heading out for long periods in intense sunshine!

Coatings and treatments : The choice of coating also plays a crucial role in the final watertightness achieved with your finished product! Polyurethane (PU)-coated silicone is a common choice, as it performs well in the varied weather conditions encountered during extended expeditions! Some fabrics also benefit from a flame-retardant treatment, increasing the overall safety and longevity of the products purchased!

Opinions on some popular brands in this category

Various brands stand out on our site thanks to the exceptional quality offered, such as Vaude, Msr, and Samaya. Each offers models for different levels of practicality, from beginners to seasoned experts looking to maximize performance on nature outings!