Gear中文
How to Choose a Tent: Types, Specs, and Weight
Dome, tunnel, pyramid, or ridge — pick the structure for your terrain, then hold the line on three specs: fly coating, floor rating, and weight.
In short
Pick the structure first — dome for general use, tunnel for alpine winds, pyramid if you hike with trekking poles and count grams, ridge for a balance of light weight and stability. Then check the specs: a rainfly rated 3,000 mm or higher, a floor rated 5,000 mm, weight under 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) solo or 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) for two, and at least four guy lines.
Types by Structure
- Dome: wind-resistant and quick to pitch; right for most situations.
- Tunnel: light and extremely wind-worthy; suited to high mountain terrain.
- Pyramid (tarp-tent): ultralight and pitched with trekking poles; for ultralight (UL) hikers.
- Ridge: splits the difference between dome and pyramid — lighter than a dome, more stable than a pyramid.
Types by Season
- Three-season: spring through fall; breathable and light.
- Four-season: stronger snow-load design; for winter and high mountains.
Specs to Check
- Rainfly waterproofing: a PU coating rated 3,000 mm hydrostatic head or higher is the baseline.
- Floor waterproofing: 5,000 mm or higher.
- Weight: under 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) for a solo shelter, under 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) for a two-person tent.
- Space: for a two-person tent, look for an actual floor width of 51 in (130 cm) or more.
- Guy lines: at least four.
Brands
- International: MSR, Big Agnes, Hilleberg, Tarptent.
- Chinese: 3F UL Gear (三峰), The Free Spirits (自由之魂), ASTAGEAR (静星).