How to choose your backpacking tent?

Basic or high-end, tunnel or dome, 2 seasons or 3 seasons, today the market is flooded by multiple types of backpacking tents. Choosing a model of good quality with the right comfort/weight/performance ratio for your needs can be a daunting task. Read our guide to help you find THE tent that will become your trusted adventure companion.

What are the various types of tents?

At Glisshop, we classify hiking tents in two categories: dome tents and tunnel tents. To stargaze from your backyard or marvel at the midnight sun from Norwegian mountains, each of them can be adapted to the situation depending on the terrain on which you will be. During your buying process, it is important to evaluate your priorities, in order to make the choice that will best meet the needs of how you personally see backpacking.

Tunnel tents

Like their name suggests, these tents have a tunnel shape. Long and low, forget about standing up in the room area. However, this design provides great wind resistance and tunnel tents remain spacious nonetheless. They have the advantage of generally offering a nice front apsis to store your equipment and keep it sheltered from the elements and moisture. However, these tents require soft ground. As they are not free standing, they depend on the guy ropes and pegs to stay in place. Because they are light and compact, they are often the choice of adventurers looking for performance.

Dome tents (or igloo)

These tents are the most commonly seen in specialised stores. With their rounded shape, dome tents can be freestanding, as opposed to tunnel tents. As a consequence, they can adapt to any type of terrain. From the basic camping tent to the expedition tent, they can be found in all categories! More recently, the number of poles has increased on some igloo tents, as they are also called. This innovation improves their livability.

Comparison: Tunnel Tents vs Dome (or Igloo) Tents

Freestanding or not?

Freestanding tents

Freestanding tents (usually dome-shaped) can stand upright without guy lines or pegs once assembled. However, for better wind resistance, it is still advisable to secure them to the ground with pegs.

Pros:

• Can be moved easily without dismantling
• Usable on any type of surface without pegging
• Quick to pitch

Cons:

• Often more expensive
• Usually pitched starting with the inner mesh, less convenient in rainy weather

Non-freestanding tents

Non-freestanding tents (often tunnel designs) require pegs and guy lines to tension the poles and hold the structure in place. Contrary to popular belief, fixed-frame tents, when properly pitched, offer excellent wind resistance.

Pros:

• Good wind resistance
• Often more robust and durable
• More affordable

Cons:

• Not suitable for very hard ground
• More difficult to tension than freestanding models

Waterproof rating

To measure the waterproof level of a tent fabric, the hydrostatic head test, also known as the Schmerber index, is used. The fabric is placed under a column of water to determine at what height (in mm) it begins to let water through. The higher the column, the more waterproof the fabric. A tent is considered waterproof from 1200 mm hydrostatic head, which corresponds to the standard for 2- or 3-season tents. Be careful not to confuse waterproofing with water repellency. A water-repellent coating on the outer flysheet should only complement waterproofing, not replace it.

Liveability: 1, 2, 3-person or more?

Liveability is also a key factor when choosing a trekking tent. Some will prioritise comfort, while others will favour reduced weight over interior space. In any case, after a long day on the trail, it’s important for a hiker to feel comfortable inside their tent, regardless of the interior space. The tent type and shape—tunnel or dome—will influence the usable volume and head height.

Season rating

The season rating of a tent determines when it can be used throughout the year. There are:

• 2-season: designed for summer use in mild weather, ideal for bivvying from late spring to early autumn.
• 3-season: durable and weather-resistant, suitable for most treks outside winter conditions.
• 4-season: built for year-round use, these robust tents are intended for demanding high-altitude expeditions. They protect you from heavy rain, snowstorms and strong winds.

Note: regardless of its season rating, a tent does not provide warmth. However, a 4-season tent withstands harsh winter conditions far better than a 2- or 3-season model.

Dimensions and weight

When hiking, trekking or on a multi-day backpacking trip, the weight and packed size of the tent are crucial criteria. Unlike traditional camping, every gram and every litre of volume matters in your rucksack.

A pack that’s too heavy or poorly balanced leads to fatigue, discomfort and reduced endurance. Choosing a lightweight and compact tent helps conserve energy and optimise load distribution.

What is the ideal weight for a lightweight trekking tent?

We recommend not exceeding 1.5 kg per person, including the flysheet, poles and accessories. For example, a 2-person trekking tent weighing 3 kg meets this guideline and can be carried for several days without compromising walking comfort.

Packed dimensions: consider volume as well as length

The packed dimensions of the tent directly affect how much space it takes up in your rucksack. Compact or ultralight models use technical fabrics and shorter poles to reduce storage volume, sometimes at a higher cost.

Tip: choose a tent where the poles can be separated from the flysheet to distribute components more evenly in your pack and improve load balance, especially on long treks.

Single or double-skin

• Single-skin: lighter and quicker to pitch, but more prone to condensation
• Double-skin: more versatile, better moisture management, more comfortable

Single-skin tent: lightweight and fast

The single-skin (single-wall) tent consists of a single layer of fabric. It mainly appeals to hikers and trekkers seeking maximum lightness and quick setup, particularly in variable weather.

However, while the fabrics used are durable, they are often less breathable, which increases condensation inside the tent. Moreover, the absence of a flysheet means there is no vestibule, so gear must be stored inside the sleeping area.

Best suited if:

• you want an ultra-light tent,
• you’re trekking for short durations,
• you’re comfortable with a more minimalist setup.

Double-skin tent: comfort and condensation control

The double-skin tent comprises an inner tent and an outer flysheet. This design allows for effective airflow, significantly reducing condensation, a key factor for trekking and backpacking.

Although generally a bit heavier and slower to pitch, it provides superior comfort, especially thanks to the vestibule, ideal for storing your pack, boots or cooking under shelter.

Best suited if:

• you’re on multi-day trips,
• you wild camp in damp or variable weather,
• you’re looking for greater overall comfort.

Comparison table: single-skin vs double-skin tents

Vestibule

The vestibule is the storage space located outside the sleeping compartment, most often at the front or side of the tent. It is particularly useful as it provides extra room to store your kit at the end of the day. You can leave your rucksack and boots with their 'changing room' aroma there, keeping only what you need for the night inside. The vestibule therefore helps you optimise your sleeping area, keeps unpleasant odours from damp socks away, and still ensures all your gear stays sheltered from the elements.

Which colour should you choose?

It may seem secondary, but beyond aesthetics, colour can play a role in certain situations. In summer, a dark-coloured tent will keep you shaded for longer, but it will also tend to absorb heat from the sun’s rays, making early mornings hot and uncomfortable.

Conversely, lighter-coloured tents are often preferred for expeditions as they keep the interior bright if bad weather forces you to stay inside all day. However, the downside is that they won’t let you enjoy a lie-in!

Groundsheet (footprint)

The footprint, also known as an additional groundsheet, is an extra protective layer placed between the tent and the ground, complementing the integrated floor. Designed to match the exact dimensions of the tent model, it effectively protects the tent floor from abrasion, moisture, mud, and sharp objects (stones, roots, vegetation). Using one helps extend the lifespan of the tent, a particularly important factor for lightweight backpacking tents, whose floors are thinner than those of traditional camping models. The footprint also improves insulation against ground moisture and makes cleaning easier, as it’s far simpler to wash than the entire tent.

The best tent for your activity: camping, trekking, bivvying

Occasional or static camping

For classic campsite use, weight and pack size are secondary considerations. Comfort, liveability, and ease of use take priority.
A spacious tent, usually double-skin, with generous headroom and a large vestibule, will be ideal for static use or when travelling by vehicle.

Priority: comfort and space rather than lightness.

Hiking with occasional camping

For a multi-day hike with occasional bivvying, over one or two nights in summer conditions, a 2-season tent is sufficient.

A lightweight single- or double-skin model, such as a freestanding dome, offers a good balance between weight, ease of pitching, and interior space. Lightness is appreciated, though not as critical as on a long-distance trek.

Priority: simplicity, versatility, and controlled budget.

Frequent wild camping and variable weather conditions

If you bivvy regularly in the wild or outside midsummer, it’s advisable to choose a 3-season tent.

A double-skin system becomes essential to reduce condensation, enhance airflow, and provide better protection against rain and wind. The vestibule also allows you to store gear outside the sleeping area.

Priority: weather protection, ventilation, and night-time comfort.

Trekking and mountaineering: long expeditions and harsh conditions

For trekking or mountaineering, the tent must be ultra-lightweight, compact, and reliable. Weight and pack volume become key factors for hiking comfort.

A 3-season, double-skin, freestanding tent is strongly recommended, allowing you to bivvy on all types of terrain, often unpredictable, while staying protected from adverse weather.

Priority: lightness, compactness, and adaptability to terrain.

The best mountain brands are available at Glisshop

On our online store, you’ll find trekking tents from the top outdoor brands as well as related accessories such as repair kits and groundsheets. One thing’s for sure, the hiking equipment you need is definitely available at Glisshop.