The better backpacking guide
In this four-part series with expert tentmaker Hilleberg, our equipment editor and long-distance walking legend Chris Townsend explains, demystifies and untangles key aspects of backpacking. In this first instalment, he looks at the sometimes-confusing array of tent types available PART ONE: HOW TO CHOOSE A TYPE OF TENT
BACKPACKING TENTS come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Which is best depends on where and when you’ll be using it, how many people will sleep in it, and what your personal preferences are. All lightweight tents are a compromise between space, weight and stability. Which is most important to you?
In this article I will go through the typical strengths and weaknesses of the main types of lightweight tent currently available, then Hilleberg will take us through what they offer in that category. RIDGE
Best for: pitching with trekking poles
This traditional design has seen a resurgence recently as trekking poles can be used with it. The ridge runs between two poles and may be horizontal or tapered. The stability of ridge tents depends on the number of guy lines and pegging points. If trekking poles are used the space-to-weight ratio is quite good. However, the angled walls mean that headroom can sometimes be low away from the centre. Ridge tents are easy to pitch.
easy pitching, lightweight less usable space
Options from Hilleberg: "The Hilleberg Yellow Label Anaris ridge tent is very light, strong, roomy and singularly versatile. Pitch it with trekking poles or by suspending the ridge ends. Peg it tight to the ground for bad weather or roll either or both vestibule doors to expose full mesh inner tent front walls. Roll either one or both outer tent walls away for maximum breeziness. Or use the outer tent on its own as a 640g super-tarp." PYRAMID
Best for: those who prefer minimalist shelter
Pyramid tents, often just called mids, only require a single central pole; though as with ridge tents, an A-pole can be used. Pyramids have good stability and a reasonable spaceto-weight ratio. Headroom can be excellent in larger models. They can be pitched with trekking poles.
good stability can be awkward to pitch
Options from Hilleberg: "Our answer to the pyramid is not a backpacking model but a group tent: the Yurt-inspired Altai, which has full sitting height around the walls and standing height at the centre. An excellent addition to any group trip, the Altai is remarkably light, can be pitched with trekking poles and a centre pole, sleeps six, and can comfortably accommodate many more as a gathering space for your party." TUNNEL
Best for: backpacking and other mobile journeys where you pitch and take down your tent often
Tunnel tents have two or more parallel curved poles. They have an excellent space-to-weight ratio and are easy to pitch. Stability is good as long as the rear is pitched into the wind; if pitched side-on to the wind, tunnel tents can shake significantly, especially if the poles are far apart, leaving large areas of unsupported fabric. Headroom is reasonable in two- or three-person tunnels but lacking in solo ones.
easy to pitch, stable with end into the wind can shake in side winds
Options from Hilleberg: "Hilleberg tunnel tents are all about optimising the space-to
weight-to-strength ratio. Our flagship Black Label two-vestibule Keron and single-vestibule Nammatj models are the de facto standard for polar use. Red Label Kaitum and Nallo models are lightweight all-season backpacking all-rounders, whilst the Yellow Label Helags and Anjan models offer an incredible blend of very light weight, strength and comfort for snow-free adventures."
SINGLE HOOP
Best for: solo use
Tents with a single hoop in the centre are ideal for solo use as they have a good space-toweight ratio and good headroom in the centre. Because the ends are low, good single hoop tents have short upright poles to increase the height here. With a good guying system single hoop tents can be surprisingly stable.
good space to weight ratio not the best for heavy snow
Options from Hilleberg: "The Hilleberg Red Label Akto, introduced in 1995, was one of the first true all-season solo tents with both liveable space and light weight. Since then, the Akto has been used with great success all over the world in all climates, including on North and South Pole expeditions. Its very light three-season sibling, the Yellow Label Enan, is an ideal snow-free backpacking solo tent."
DOME
Best for: tough pitching conditions
Dome tents have two or more flexible poles crossing each other at one or more points. In the simplest versions the poles cross at the apex of the tent. This gives excellent headroom but isn’t the most stable design as it leaves large unsupported panels of material. There are many types of domes with different pole configurations. Domes where the poles cross each other more than once can be very stable and stand up to high winds and heavy snow.
Because of their structure, many dome tents are free-standing – they don’t need pegs or guy lines to keep their shape. However, except in calm weather they should still be pegged out to stop them blowing away. Domes have good headroom and a reasonable space to weight ratio. They are usually easy to pitch.
headroom, easy to pitch, free-standing some types aren’t very stable
Options from Hilleberg: "Hilleberg’s Red Label Allak, for two or three, and the one-person Soulo models are perfect for nearly any adventure in any season. Fully free-standing with integrated vestibules, roomy and lightweight, these dome models have an ingenious, multi-crossing pole structure that provides geodesic-level strength. And the Black Label Soulo BL is perhaps the strongest solo tent out there."
GEODESIC DOME
Best for: basecamp use and heavy snowload conditions
Geodesic domes are complex designs in which three or more poles cross each other at several points so there are no large unsupported sections of material. Geodesics are very stable and can resist heavy snow loads, making them popular with mountaineers. The space-toweight ratio can be poor, however, and they’re not always as easy to pitch as other designs.
stability can be heavy
Options from Hilleberg: "The two-person
Red Label Jannu is a fine winter mountain backpacking tent: it fits onto knife edge ridges, is impressively light, and yet has proven itself on Himalayan big mountain climbs. The Black Label Tarra (two-person), Saivo (three-person), and Saitaris (four-person) are all superb basecamp tents and are equally capable on longer, demanding backpacking trips."