Sierra Designs High Route 3000 £285

This unusual tent also lacks conventional poles, instead using a pair of trekking poles, placed at opposite corners, to create the structure. Again, this makes for a very light and packable design. It does require a little practice to get a consistent pitch, since the asymmetric offset configuration is a bit of a headscratcher on initial set-up. But despite the strange looks, it is both practical and versatile – you can pitch it outer first, all-in-one or just use the inner as a bug shelter.

Inside, headroom is an impressive 95cm – plenty of room to sit up. The rectangular inner isn’t the widest but offers generous length. There’s one small mesh storage pocket, plus hanging tabs for a gear line or tent lantern. Two porches provide loads of space to stash gear, with a full-size zippered door as the entrance. A halflength zippered door on the other side of the tent, which Sierra Designs call a ‘gear garage’, gives quick access to rucksack or boots.

A strutted vent improves airflow and reduces condensation build-up, as does the large gap between the flysheet and mesh inner. This version of the High Route also boasts a flysheet with upgraded waterproofing of 3000mm HH, making it well suited to wet weather.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

This tent has an unusual design, so practice setting it up before you head out. Secure peg placements are also vital to ensure a taut pitch, so look for solid ground when selecting a campsite.

■ PACKED SIZE 40x16cm ■ TRAIL WEIGHT 1.08kg ■ DOORS 1.5 ■ PORCHES 2 ■ DESIGN TYPE Offset trekking pole (non-freestanding)

■ MATERIALS 20D Sil-Nylon

Ripstop fly (3000mm HH), 30D nylon ripstop sewn-in groundsheet (3000mm HH), 20D nylon ripstop/15D Nylon NoSee-Um mesh inner

Verdict

Light and packable yet also practical and versatile, this spacious and airy trekking pole tent has plenty of upsides. It does need more careful pitching compared to simpler designs though.

“Practical and versatile”

This hybrid design is halfway between a single-skin shelter and a conventional doublewall tent. Like many ultralight shelters it uses trekking poles instead of standard tent poles, but unlike most it is very easy to pitch.

The weight and pack size are both impressive, but when set up it is exceptionally roomy. An integrated spreader bar adds headroom, ensuring even the tallest backpackers will be able to sit upright, and length and width are both generous too.

The twin porches on either side of the tent are also a good size, while two big doors make for easy entry and exit as well as offering some superb ventilation. That’s just as well, since like all single-skin designs this tent can suffer from condensation, though it only affects one fabric panel overhead. It is manageable though, particularly as the flysheet and mesh inner work together to deliver consistent airflow. Ample coverage reaching to either end of the tent ensures you’re still well protected from the rain.

It’s also very stable, made from a sil-poly fabric that doesn’t sag, with a wedge-shaped profile that sheds wind well.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

The single skin panels of the tent can cause condensation if the inner is insufficiently ventilated, or if you are camping in cold, wet weather.

■ PACKED SIZE 38x13cm

■ TRAIL WEIGHT 0.91kg

■ DOORS 2

■ PORCHES 2

■ DESIGN TYPE Trekking pole (non-freestanding)

■ MATERIALS 20D silicone polyester (3000mm HH), 40D silicon polyester sewn-in groundsheet, 20D mesh inner

Verdict

Originally developed for US ‘thru-hiking’, this tent is roomy, packable and light – but it can be a bit drippy and draughty on cold, wet nights.

“Weight and pack size are impressive”