[2023 Edition] Recommended tents for mountain lovers with over 100 days of tents per year, and how to choose tents for climbing without regrets.

I've started discord

The journey changes as the tent changes. Choose the best tent that suits your needs

From mountain climbing, hiking, fast packing, stream climbing, alpine climbing, bike packing to auto camping, tents are necessary when spending night activities that are based on nature. Like many outdoor equipment, in recent years, this tent has become available to choose from a wide variety of options depending on the type of activity, as well as style, season, and number of people.

It's not easy to pick out the pinnacle you're looking for from among many similar tents. There are certainly a few safe tents that are beginner friendly and that no one will complain about, but in reality they may not be "optimal" for you. These orthodox tents will make you look at countless tents that are exactly the same as you on popular tent sites, and this will never raise your excitement.

It is not uncommon for outdoorsmen to use multiple tents and shelters according to the season or situation, but being able to choose the most suitable tent for their style and occasion will change the safety, comfort and most importantly, their love for traveling will change dramatically.

So this time, we have evaluated a wide range of mountain climbing tents, from new items this season to popular and classic models, from a variety of perspectives that only the operator of our website, who experiments with tents and sleeps at home, and have selected them as the best models for each purpose and type. In the second half, we will also summarize some useful views and points to know about in order to find the perfect tent for you, so if you have the time, please take a look.

[Best climbing tents of the season] The best mountaineering tents of the season

Best Solo Hiking (General) Division: Sea to Summit Alto TR Plus Tent/MSR Habahaba Shield

In this category, we chose a highly-finished, recommended single-person tent that combines all the elements required of a tent in a balanced manner, when we assume that it will be used mainly for hiking and climbing during the snowless season in Japan. To put it simply, it is the pinnacle of mild hikers, which can be recommended to anyone, from beginners to veterans, if they are not allowed to use it in the winter Alps.

The two selected models cover a wide range of seasons except for the Alps during the harsh winter, and despite their high weather resistance and durability, they are light enough to withstand severe wind and rain. Furthermore, the interior is spacious and comfortable living space with high ventilation, and the modern trends are fully incorporated. Both are easy to use and difficult to break down, and are both smart and easy to use, making them the benchmark for the latest tents that can be recommended to everyone, and if you are looking for a versatile backpacking tent, from beginners to experts, you will never regret choosing this one.

Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus Tent

Favorite points

• Amazing spacious interior space
• Excellent ventilation performance
• Easily crafted accessories such as light bars that provide plenty of indoor storage and comfortable brightness

MSR Habahaba Shield 1

Favorite points

• Weatherability, lightweight, livability, ease of setup, high level of perfection in all aspects
• The minimal mesh makes it easy to use even in mountains in Japan in a wide range of seasons

Best 2-person hiking (general) category: Arai Tent SL Dome

When I picked it up, I couldn't help but smile at the light weight of less than 1kg, which was apparently achieved after a thorough review of the material level (including the main body, fly and pole). Plus, it's surprisingly compact when folded, so depending on how you do it, it won't be difficult to stay in a tent with a 30L backpack. It is recommended to use the standard dedicated undersheet for this model. Although there are pros and cons, the freedom to choose and choose according to the situation is highly appreciated, at least for me. It is also impressive that while achieving this lightness, it has achieved a high level of performance requirements for mountain tents, including the water resistance of the fabric and the durability of the material. I also checked for some condensation that bothered me, but after one night, water droplets had just been stuck to the top of the fly sheet, and the inner layer looked smooth and casual.

The manufacturer says it took many years to arrive at this high-quality domestic fabric, and it took many trial and error. On the other hand, compared to traditional mountain tents, it does not sacrifice usability, maintaining minimal comfort and ease of use, and it is also important to keep an eye on the attitude that never rejects beginners. Even if lightness is the number one priority, our firm philosophy for manufacturing is still alive and well, with no sacrificing ease of use or quality. The introduction of the SL Dome, which not only is lightweight and compact, but also combines domestic reliability and a commitment to ease of use, will surely be good news for many outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine toughness and lightness, from fast and light climbing to long-term stream climbs.

Favorite points

• Amazingly lightweight and compact for two people
• Lightweight yet tough enough
• Ease of use as usual

Best Fast Packing Division: NEMO Hornet Ozmo/MSR Freelight

This category has selected the best model of a lightweight, easy-to-live, and easy-to-use tent that will allow you to swing the parameters into a lighter and lighter position while still not losing its overall balance.

When it comes to ultra-lightweight tents, crazier tents, weighing around 500 grams, are often talked about, but the reality is that they require accustomment and compromise in terms of durability, livability, and convenience. What's great about the two models selected this time is that they hardly need that kind of resolve (although not at all), and while they are as easy to build, livable, and feel safe against rain and wind, they are as light as regular tents. In that sense, it is perfect for greedy hikers who can't afford to compromise on either comfort or lightness.

NEMO Hornet Ozmo 1P

Favorite points

• Combining top-class lightness and comfortable living
• The latest fabric made from 100% recycled materials with excellent water repellency and excellent tension.

MSR Freelight 1

Favorite points

• Combining top-class lightness and comfortable living
• A simple structure that anyone can do quickly and neatly and easily set up

Best Winter & All Seasons category: Heritage Espers Maxim Nano (fry-only)

Winter mountains require a strong structure that can withstand strong winds, snowfall, and snowfall, and ease of use in situations unique to snowy mountains. Here are the best models we chose from this perspective. This is the latest all-season tent from Heritage, a domestic tent manufacturer whose predecessor is the long-established tent brand "Esper Stent", which has led Japan's brilliant mountaineering history.

The strong construction, backed by decades of accumulated track record and know-how, is most secure in harsh natural conditions (and yet it is never too heavy or difficult to use). Inner linings are available separately to improve heat retention, the entrance is a streaming system that prevents snow from entering, and ventilation is not likely to collapse even if snow accumulates, so it is well thought out for ease of use in winter mountains. There are also separate options available that are comfortable to use even in the summer, so it's great that it can be used all year round, not just in the winter.

Favorite points

• It is safe for high-speed climbing during high-altitude climbs during the harsh winter, yet maintains lightness.
• Ease of use with the aim of using it in snowy mountains down to the smallest details
• Optional parts for summer climbing

Best Single Wall Tent Division: HCS VB-22Z

Unlike a typical two-layer structure, this single-wall tent has a single-layer structure made from waterproof and breathable fabric, and is one of the most well-known tents that will fit you better depending on the setup conditions, the purpose and preferences. The HCS VB-12Z is ​​a model with a distinctive appeal among the single-wall tents that have been released recently.

First of all, this HCS is also a long-established mountain tent brand that Japan is proud of, and it is a manufacturer that has taken over Dunlop, which I had been so grateful to since my student days. In that sense, this tent is extremely reliable in harsh environments such as high altitudes and snowy seasons. On top of that, it's incredibly light and incorporates modern needs. And the entrance is on the long side, making it easy to enter and exit. What's even more, the "front room" is definitely the best. This has made it resistant to rain and has more luggage storage, which means significantly increasing comfort. Originally, this single-wall tent was well-known for its lightweight, compact size and ease of setup and removal, so it has a demon, a gold bar, a single wall, and an vestibule. However, this has made it a bit of a negative effect that it has become impossible to put on the necessary exteriors in the harsh winter mountains. However, if you are a type who prefers fast and light climbing throughout the year, it will surely be a satisfying move.

Favorite points

• Weatherproof and durable design
• lightweight
• Comfortable and convenient front room

Best Beginners Division: mont-bell Stella Ridge Tent (+Rainfly)/Arai Tent Trek Rise

The selection criteria for this category are the tents that we can most safely recommend to those who are climbing or hiking for the first time. Here, we chose two models that are synonymous with mountaineering tents in Japan.

Both have a simple, self-supporting and double-wall construction, making it easy for beginners to build. It also has a traditional dome-shaped shape that is resistant to wind, so you can rest assured even in unexpected bad weather. Furthermore, domestic manufacturers can handle repairs in the event of a breakdown, so you can rest assured even in the event of an emergency. In other words, in terms of security, it's no match for any tent.

The big difference between the two models is that the Stella Ridge is an all-season model that can be used even during snowy seasons by combining it with the optional snowfly ( by the way, the Arai Tent, the Air Rise series, which is a representative model, can also be used in winter). On the other hand, Trek Rise is not suitable for snowy mountains, but the entrance and exit are located on the long side, making it easy to enter and exit, and the vestibule is highly breathable, making it a wider front room, it lighter and more resident . That's why many Japanese climbers own these models, and both of them will likely see mountains of tents like them on large tent sites in the summer (especially Stella Ridge). Entry models for beginners have many options, and if they are specialized outdoor brands, it is unlikely that there will be a difference in performance, so that is also highly recommended.

 mont-bell Stella Ridge Tent Type 1 (including rainfly)

Favorite points

• Good balance between weatherability, weight and comfort
• Combined with options, it can be used all year round, including snowy mountains.

Arai Tent Trek Rise 0

Favorite points

• In addition to the basic balance, it is lighter and more comfortable
• Japanese manufacturers can handle repairs and other issues with peace of mind.

Best Cost Performance Division: MOBI GARDEN LIGHT WINGS 1 JPN

This category, which is presented to the most cost-effective tent, Mobi Garden shocked when I came across it at an outdoor exhibition in China.

This all-season, self-supporting double-wall mountain tent combines lightness, protection, ease of construction and comfort, and is highly functional and well-built, making it hard to imagine from this price, so anyone will be amazed at the quality once they have used it. We pursue authentic quality in every detail, including an inner and fly-integrated structure, high-quality fabrics, and poles, to achieve comfort and ease of use. Furthermore, it is also nice that it is not doing business because it is costly, such as making it a full fabric design for Japanese climbers. No matter how many times I look at it, I'm amazed at how wonderful and reasonable the price is, while equipped with a full set of 10 high-quality pegs, footprints, and Guylines as standard.

Favorite points

• Although it is a double wall, it can be set up in just 2-3 minutes.
• Durable enough for a lightweight tent
• A reasonable price setting even if you include all the pegs and footprints

Best Toughness & Luxury Division: HILLEBERG Souro

It's not just for heavy hiking, but rather wants to travel freely through the great outdoors using cars, motorcycles, canoes, etc. For such people, we recommend this tent, which is so sturdy that you don't have to worry about the weight, you don't have to worry about the seasons or the weather all year round, and is comfortable living space that won't tire you out on long trips.

Souro is a freestanding double-wall tent with all-around features, especially in the lineup of HILLEBERG, a supercar in the tent world that anyone who loves outdoors, is a dream come true. The strong pole and fly sheet that extends to the ground are resistant to heavy rain, strong winds and snowfall, and is completely resistant to weather resistance. The high ceiling and wide vestibule provide more than enough comfortable living space for one person. Furthermore, the tent and fly sheet are integrated into one action, making it easy to set up, and the high quality and perfection down to the smallest details. If you are someone who is prepared to be "heavy or high", you will definitely be the top ideal candidate.

Favorite points

• Excellent robustness and weather resistance that can be used without worrying about the seasons and weather
• Highly livable for relaxing
• Unique inner and fly structure makes it easy to set up

How to choose: 8 tips to choose a wise tent for mountain climbing and hiking

Point 1: Support season - The characteristics of the tent change depending on the season you specialize in

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a tent is that there are roughly three types of tents for mountain climbing: a "three-season tent" that is suitable for the snowless seasons of spring and autumn, and a "four-season (winter) tent" that is suitable for winter mountains during the snowy season, and more specifically, "three-season tents that can be expanded into four seasons using optional parts." Keep in mind that the types of tents vary greatly depending on whether they can be used on snowy mountains.

Of these, four seasons of tents are likely to be used for a longer season, so is it recommended? Of course, the story isn't that simple. If someone who has their own strengths and weaknesses and has little intention of doing snowy mountains chooses a tent for four seasons, they will surely feel a disappointment on a peaceful weekend hike.

It is clear that most hikers, especially those who are just starting out in the mountains, are less likely to make a choice for a tent for three seasons or an expandable three season plus tent (needless to say, the best thing to do is have multiple tents for the season).

In any case, knowing what characteristics differ between a 3-season tent and a 4-season tent is not a waste of time when climbing a tent, so here are some of the characteristics of each.

Features of the 3-season tent

If you are going to climb or hike in spring, summer or autumn, we recommend a tent for three seasons. This tent is lightweight, breathable and comfortable, and is generally well balanced to use during the snow-free season. It protects against insects, rain, light snow, wind, etc., and can be used in most seasons and weather except during the harsh winter. On the other hand, weather resistance, durability, and insulation that can surpass strong winds that can be blown by winter storms or snowy mountains in the middle of winter may not be sufficient depending on the weather, and therefore it is not very suitable for winter mountains.

Features of the 4-season tent

On the other hand, the tent for four seasons is designed to be comfortable in the snowy mountains in the middle of winter. It uses thicker, stronger fabrics, making the poles and parts stronger, making it sturdy, making it less likely for snow to accumulate and easy to escape, and snowfly stretches to the ground to prevent snow from blowing into the tent, all designed to withstand strong winds and heavy snow.

However, of course, the weight and volume increase. Furthermore, since the priority is to prevent warm air from escaping over ventilation, it has a high airtightness, and for this reason, it tends to be less breathable than in the three seasons.

Four season tents can be used in any season (in theory) but if you use them in the low mountains in August, you will instantly feel sweaty and uncomfortable. In other words, unless there is a great deal of time, it is safe to assume that this is a tent to use when going to the cold winter season, especially when going to the snowy mountains.

3 seasons + tents that can be expanded to 4 seasons

Although it is a detailed classification, there are also tents that can be called "three seasons+" that have the basic characteristics of a three-season tent, and can also be used in the snowy season by combining optional parts at the same time. This type is the most standard models made by Japanese tent manufacturers, such as Montbell , Arai Tent , HCS (Dunlop) , and Heritage (Esper Stent)

These tents are stronger and more weather-resistant than pure three-season tents, and are rigid enough to accommodate pole strength and weather-resistant even in winter mountains. Additionally, by reducing the amount of mesh fabric on the sides (or creating a double structure that can be opened and closed), it provides high insulation even at low temperatures, and can withstand harsh weather such as strong winds and heavy snow, even if not as long as four seasons. The fly that covers the outside of the inner tent can be used for rainflies that are resistant to rain and well-ventilated during the snow-free season, and for snow-filled seasons, snowflies (or exterior hangers) that are sold separately, which are difficult to get in and have excellent ventilation and insulation, allowing them to be used in a suitable fit for each season throughout the year.

Its extremely versatile appeal is its smart choice for beginners who don't have much attention to detail yet, and are also considering snowy mountains.

Comparison of features of 3- and 4-season tents (3-season + tents are intermediate features)

type	3 season tent	4 season tent
Strong Points	The fabric is thin and light Good ventilation and highly breathable Highly livable and convenient There are many options	Highly rigid and durable fabric and materials Structure that can withstand strong winds, heavy rain, heavy snow, etc. Highly insulating (If you want to use it) Can be used all year round
Cons	Compared to the four seasons, the weather is less prone to storms, cold and snowstorms. Thin, lightweight fabric is relatively low in durability	heavy Because heat retention is prioritized, breathability is low It's hot when used in the summer because it's difficult to escape from heat The structure has a minimum required space, so it is not very livable.
Recommended uses	A wide range of styles of mountain climbing and hiking in seasons except midwinter, except for authentic snowy mountain climbing.	Perfect for those looking for a tent that can withstand snowy seasons in winter or rough weather.

Point 2: Size - Choose according to the number of people who use the tent and how comfortable you want to stay in.

You will notice numbers written behind the tent name, such as "Hornet Storm 1P" and "Alto TR2." These represent the number of people that the tent can accommodate, and the basic size of the tent is to choose the number of employees you expect and the number of people you expect.

However, it is important to note that in order to reduce the weight of the mountaineering tent, the size of the mountaineering tent is usually "a size that can be slept at just the right time," and in many cases it is not large enough for the number of people to live comfortably. You need to be prepared for models that claim to be ultra-lightweight.

For this reason, if you're bigger than average or want a little more space for comfort, one option is to choose a tent that is one person larger than you expect. Alternatively, you can choose a tent with a sizing, such as "1.5 person" or "1-2 person" made by some manufacturers, which have a wider width and length.

When hiking solo, you may want to choose a tent that is as light and compact as possible, but in cold seasons, you may want to keep all your luggage in the tent as much as possible. I'm more grateful than I imagined, with more space than I could have imagined. When it comes to tent sizes, consider not only the number of people, but also the actual size and the ease of use you want before considering the size.

Point 3: Structure/Type - Is it independent or non-independent, single wall or double wall? ~

Once you have decided on the season and size to use, the next thing you will need to consider is the "structure" and "wall construction" of the tent.

In addition to the differences between the seasons mentioned above, mountain tents are roughly different pole structures, such as "independent and non-independent" and the number of walls that separate the outside and inside, such as "single walls and double walls," and the two axes can be combined into four types: "independent single wall," "independent double wall," "independent single wall," "independent single wall," and "non-independent single wall," and "non-independent double wall." Knowing the differences in each feature is essential when choosing the best tent. Below, we will explain the differences in each of the features.

Is it independent or non-independent?

free-standing used by many commercially available tents in Japan is a method in which multiple poles are crossed to secure them in a grommet (hole at the end of the tent), and then the tent is raised along the pole, making it a typical design of a traditional mountain tent.

The advantage is even beginners can easily build it, as they do not need to use any pegs or other piles if they just build it . The absence of pegs also means that it can be set up smoothly even in hard rocks or soft sandy areas where stakes are difficult to drive in . However, in order to make it more stable, you need to secure it firmly on the ground using pegs and guy lines, so this does not mean that no pegs are needed.

Another " non-independent " tent is a tent that first stands up when the four or more corners of the tent are secured with pegs and tensioned from both ends onto a short pole passed through the center of the tent (photo below).

The advantage of this is that it has fewer poles, allowing you to create a lightweight and compact tent. Incidentally, it is not uncommon for extremely lightweight tents to use this pole as a trekking pole to further reduce weight.

However, this type requires a certain amount of skill and accustom to setting up the four corners in any place, and to get excited in the right direction, making it popular among experienced travelers and ultralight hikers.

In addition, recent models are often seen that can be called semi-independent These are Y-shaped poles that connect multiple poles by joints, and one side of the tent is supported by two poles and the other side is supported by one pole and two pegs, making it a balanced combination of ease of construction and lightness. In this way, the barriers of both types have become much more vague than before.

Single wall or double wall?

Both self-supporting and non-supporting tents come in two-layered " double wall " types, with inner walls and outer walls (fly) that separate the tent from the outside air, and " single walls " types, which have a single layer structure.

The double wall tent (photo below) can be used to divide the layers into an inner tent with excellent breathability and a rain fly with excellent waterproof properties, allowing for both high waterproofness and high breathability. This makes it easier to stay more comfortable in a variety of weather conditions with different temperatures and humidity (in some cases, you can stretch it without rainfly). makes it less likely that condensation occurs, where water droplets adhere to the inside of the tent . Due to its ease of use, most common three-season tents are double-walled. The disadvantage is that it tends to be heavier than a single-wall tent, but in reality it is not as fatal as ordinary hikers are concerned about it.

single wall tent is made up of a single piece of waterproof and breathable fabric (photo below). Naturally, it is lightweight and easy to make it compact, it can be set up more quickly However, the entrance is facing diagonally upward, making it easy to inflate heavy rain, and due to the nature of the fabric, it is likely to cause condensation on the inner wall of the tent, so it is inevitably less versatility than double walls. This makes it suitable for fast and light hikers and alpine climbers in drier seasons such as relatively arid areas and winter.

Comparing the characteristics of each type based on pole structure and wall type

kinds	Freestanding x Double Wall	Freestanding x Single Wall	Non-independent type x double wall	Non-independent type x single wall
image
Strength	Most tents are this type. Therefore, there are many options. Can be set up anywhere It's difficult for rain to blow into the tent Highly breathable and less condensation There is a rainfly vestibule, so it's convenient to place boots and packs. Overall, it is highly resident	Since there is no need for rainfly, it is often lighter than a double wall Can be built anywhere Easy to set up compared to double walls	Very light due to the lack of poles If you can secure it with pegs, it can withstand a considerable amount of wind It's difficult for rain to blow into the tent There is an vestibule, and the poles rise vertically, making it spacious and highly resident. Highly breathable and less condensation	There are few poles and the single layer structure makes it extremely lightweight, making it a common type of tent (shelter) If you can secure it with pegs, it can withstand a considerable amount of wind It also has a vestibule-like space, so it is also quite livable. It's difficult for rain to blow into the tent
weakness	It tends to be heavier than a single wall Setting up is more difficult than single wall	It is mainly intended for snow seasons, and is the minimum necessary habitability. There is no front room so it is easy to get rain or snow There's no perfect space for your boots, luggage, etc. It is not breathable and easily condenses inside the tent	It is difficult to set up in areas where pegs are difficult to hit, such as hard ground on ridges, soft sand, or ice. Set up requires some familiarity and skill	It's difficult to set up in places where pegs cannot be hit, such as on hard gravel or ice. Low breathability Condensation is prone to the inside of the tent Not comfortable in rainy seasons and areas
Recommended uses and styles	Beginners or those looking for a more general model If you want to spend a few days comfortably as a base camp	Backcountry skiing and winter alpine climbing, where weight and effort is emphasized	Fast packing and ultra-lightweight hiking Camping in forests and snow below the limit	Ultra-lightweight hiking

Point 4: Ease of construction - Excellent tents are easy to set up and take out, making them quick

If you're still in the breeze where there's plenty of time until darkness, you might want to relax and build a tent. However, when climbing, it is not uncommon to have to hurry up at a tent area where you finally reach the sunset, or to have to set up in strong winds or heavy rain. In such cases, how much would it be a relief to have a tent that can be easily set up and quickly set up? This should nod to anyone who has experienced a tough tent traverse. Here we will consider what characteristics of easy-to-built tents have.

In general, self-supporting tents can be set up quickly, but non-supporting tents cannot be set up properly unless the pegs and gut lines are properly positioned and orientation, so setting up requires effort and space, and practice is required to use them well in any situation.

In addition, models with "sleeve" poles even in self-supporting tents, such Heritage HI-REVO , can be said to be designed to be easier to build in a shorter time (photo below).

This is because one end of the sleeve that passes through the pole (the thin tubular part on the outside of the tent) is closed, so if you pass it through the sleeve and push it in from the open side, it will stop at the tip, and once you push it through, you can set the pole by simply fastening it to the grommet near you. Since there is no need to move to the four corners of the tent and fasten it to each grommet, you can quickly set it up.

However, it is never particularly difficult to build non-sleeved types (hanging types). Recently evolved tents have easier connection clips and are less likely to come off, and poles are color-coded and pre-joined, making them easier to build than before. Until recently, it was clear that sleeve-type models were easier to build than hanging-type models, but now it can honestly be said to be a matter of preference.

There is another example that can still be clearly cited today as a construction of easy-to-built tents. It a Hillberg Souro or Act , pre-connected (photo below).

A normal double-wall tent requires two steps: setting up the inner tent, then covering the fly to secure it, but with this type of tent, the inner and fly are connected and integrated, so simply setting up the inner and fly can be set up in no time by simply setting the pole on the outer fly. Also, if you set it up using this method, it's a great system that doesn't require you to worry about your inner tent getting wet even when set up in the rain or snow.

In any case, no matter what tent you choose, you need to set it up at home and learn how to build it in advance. At least you must build the first tent you bought in your garden before you go to the mountains. This will help you set up calmly and without waste of time, preventing the worst case scenario.

Point 5: Comfort in the living space - The comfort of a tent does not only rely on the size of the floor area.

The size of the interior space

Living spaces refer to the entire space where you can sleep, eat, talk, and change clothes, and needless to say, it is an important factor that greatly influences how comfortable you can be in a tent.

The key to determining a comfortable living space is of course the size of the tent floor area, but the wide area does not immediately mean a "large" tent. This is because mountain tents tend to have a steep wall that rises from the ground to reduce weight and improve wind resistance, and even if the floor area is large enough, the head height space is narrow, and thanks to this, it is not necessarily possible to feel the "span" of your body.

However, advances in materials and design have greatly improved the problem, and there are more "wide" tents that are more open and comfortable. When choosing a tent, whether or not the design is designed to ensure a spacious living space is also a key factor when choosing a tent that you won't regret.

The quickest way to find out the size of your tent's living space is to actually set up a candidate tent at the store and then go inside. However, in reality, not all tents can do that. So, to imagine the interior space of a tent, it is a good idea to check the following three pieces of data based on specifications, etc.

• Floor area inside the tent: The indoor floor area is a major premise of how much living space the tent can provide, but this alone cannot determine the overall size of the tent.
• Height inside the tent: The height of the highest part inside the tent. The low level that hits the ceiling is out of the question, but as mentioned above, this spec alone cannot determine the overall size of the upper space.
• Side wall tilt: The more perpendicular the wall, the more open the upper space inside the tent. If you are checking the product image, check whether the wall angle is close to vertical towards the tent ceiling.

The size of the front room

Another factor that affects the size of the living space is the size of the vestibule. The vestibule refers to the space between the tent fly and the inner tent, and a tent that is large can be stored outside the tent, and many other tools such as backpacks, boots, cooking supplies, etc., making it possible to provide more valuable indoor space, resulting in a spacious living space (photo below).

Of course, the vestibule not only adds space, but also prevents the inside of the tent from getting soaked with wet tools on rainy days.

The vestibule is made between the fly and the inner layer, so it is not found in most single-wall tents (also in this respect, double walls are more livable). In addition, various manufacturers have made various efforts to secure the vestibule. There are a wide variety of sizes and mechanisms, including special poles that spread out the vestibule at the entrance and exit, and trekking poles and other parts that are made wider by protruding them out at the entrance and exit of the tent (photo below).

Number of entrances and exits

The number of entrances and exits also affects the size of the tent's living space. On the contrary, especially in tents other than two people, it is an important factor that can be said to affect the overall ease of living in a tent.

If you are camping with friends, models with two or more doors are clearly more convenient (photo below). If you have to overcome your friends and go whenever you go to the bathroom, it's hard to imagine the stress you both have. With doors for each, and vestibule space for each, you can live a more comfortable tent life.

Also, if you open the two doors fully, the ventilation will be better. Furthermore, when cooking near the entrance, the major advantage is that even if the wind direction changes, you can move the area to the leeward side.

However, of course, the more entrances the tent will also increase slightly (the weight of the zipper can't be fooled either). When choosing a tent, you must always be aware of weight and comfort priorities. For example, if you use it for solo hiking, the benefits will be reduced, so it is quite possible to think that it is better to have one entrance and exit lighter. Whether you want to reduce weight or go comfortably, there's a great choice for every hiker.

Entrance and exit location

When it comes to building entrances and exits, what I personally like to focus on is the location. The tent with the entrance on the "long side" can open the entrance so much larger, making it a very comfortable feeling of freedom, breathability, and ease of entry and exit (photo below). On the other hand, with tents located on the "short side," the entrances and exits are relatively narrow, which reduces ventilation and livability, so I don't really like them. However, the fact that air is less likely to enter the tent means it improves wind resistance and insulation, making it a more secure tent in colder seasons and snow. For this reason, the short side entrance and exit type is mostly in tents that can accommodate harsh winters, making it a meaningful option if you place importance on dealing with more harsh environments.

Internal pockets, gear loft

In a tent, small items such as headlamps, tenugui, glasses and other items can be placed in an easy-to-understand location where you can quickly take them out, making them extremely comfortable. In response to these needs, there are models with side pockets and nets placed in the ceiling (photo below), and loops installed to allow thin drawers to pass through them. If you have the time, it's a good idea to check whether there are any such tips inside the tent.

Point 6: Breathability and ventilation (ventilation) - Good ventilation is important not only for comfort but also for safety

In addition to the spacious living space, breathability and good ventilation are also important in order to stay comfortable in a tent.

If you use a tent with poor ventilation in the middle of summer, it will feel like it's a sauna during the day, and at night, water droplets will wet your sleeping bags and clothing due to condensation caused by the temperature dropping at night, making it sad. Breathability and ventilation are important points to make the inside of the tent easier to cool against heat, and to reduce condensation against cold.

Breathability is advantageous in three seasons, double walls, and more mesh fabric.

The good and bad breathability of a tent depends on a number of factors, but considering its breathability alone, the best tent in all cases is a tent with a "3-season double wall, a lot of mesh." The inner fabric of double-wall tents is made of breathable fabric, so more air can pass through, and the thinner the product, the more breathable it becomes (that is, 3-season tent). Furthermore, if you use a lot of mesh panels, this will naturally lead to increased breathability. Conversely, single-wall tents' waterproof and breathable fabrics are less breathable than double walls, and when water droplets condense from the inside and rain from the outside, the breathability becomes even lower.

By the way, if there are more than two entrances and exits, or the entrance or ventilation openings are wide open, it goes without saying that air flows even better.

If there is no mesh panel, check the location, size, and efficiency of ventilation holes.

Although mesh fabric is convenient for breathability, it must be said that it is weak in terms of protection against rain and wind and insulation. For this reason, tents that are designed to be comfortable to use in areas where the weather changes rapidly, such as Japan, are most common in tents with little or no mesh fabric. In this case, there will usually be ventilation holes to maintain ventilation.

However, depending on how you install this ventilation, the quality and quality of the atmosphere will vary. Ideally, it should be placed as high as possible, and in a direction that does not resist the flow of air, it can enter and exit as much as possible, but it often remains a ventilation like a small, round tube (it is not airy and is not easy to use), so it is not easy to find an ideal vented tent. In any case, proper ventilation is a key point for comfort, not only helping to relieve the heat but also helping to reduce condensation and keep warm even in cold temperatures. If you're looking for a tent that's even a little more comfortable, make sure to check it out carefully.

Point 7: Toughness (wind, water resistance, durability, pole strength) - Not too strong or too weak, determine the best balance between weight and strength -

Tents must be extremely strong to withstand strong winds, heavy rain and blizzards that you would never encounter in everyday life, and should not be shaky against a variety of harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and wind. 

However, be careful as extremely cheap tents that are roughly just look good, in fact they may neglect weather resistance and durability (comfortable, light, and strong tents are inevitably expensive unless there is a special reason). It is never a waste to have minimal knowledge about the strength of your tent so that you don't get fooled by such suspicious tents.

By the way, in order to protect your tent against bad weather, it is important to pay attention to the shape and material of the tent, but it is also equally important to place the tent and the direction in which it is placed, and how to properly secure the pegs and the guy line. For this reason, you should understand the basics of safe tent setting up, and practice at the bottom to quickly and beautifully set up your tent until you are satisfied.

Fabric material and thickness

One of the easiest ways to think about your tent durability is to check the material and thickness of the fabric. Standard tents are made of nylon or polyester materials, and the thickness (denier) of the floor, side walls, and rainfly, the more durable (heavy) the tent will be. On the other hand, there are models that use higher quality fabrics such as Dyneema, Silnylon, and Tyvek, which are expensive but both lightweight and durable (photo below), so make sure to check the catalogue to make sure that this is important.

Lightweight tents made from thin fabrics tend to always have holes or tear. The floor area in particular is also easily torn by rocks and trees with pointy rocks on the ground, so we recommend that you consider using a footprint for extremely thin tents that are below 25 denier.

pole

Poles specifically for tents are generally made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. In terms of lightness, it is carbon fiber, but personally I don't recommend it because it can break easily when strong force is applied to one point. On the other hand, aluminum alloy poles are lightweight, strong yet flexible, and have many advantages, such as affordable prices. Among them, top brands such as EASTON and DAC have produced many high-quality poles using their unique aluminum alloy technology that is thin, lightweight, yet strong and durable, and it can be said that these aluminum alloy poles are clearly superior in overall capabilities and ease of use. If possible, we recommend checking which brand of poles you are considering using and whether it is a reliable brand.

By the way, the elastic strings passing through the inside of the pole deteriorate year by year, and often stretch out so slowly that they lose their elasticity in 3-4 years, so be sure to replace them regularly.

Pegs (stakes)

The pegs (photo below), which are stakes that drive into the ground, are durable and lightweight, and the faster and stronger tents can be set up. The original pegs that come with most models are made in large numbers depending on the manufacturer, and some models from some manufacturers come with unfortunate aluminum pegs that are difficult to bite into the ground and will bend quickly if you drive them hard.

Also, when using Guyline in bad weather, the standard one often isn't enough. Therefore, there is a good option to replace a peg with a different product than the original one. Also, the pegs that can be used vary depending on whether the ground is soil or snow. So what kind of pegs are best? When we start talking about that, this space is far from enough (in fact, pegs are very profound tools when you come up with them). Just say you should choose one that is "light," "easy to stick into the ground," and "it's difficult to bending even when driven."

Footprint

A footprint is a sheet that is about the same size as the floor you place under the tent, and it helps to protect the floor from sharp pebbles and prevents flooding from the floor, extending the life of the tent (photo below). Some commercially available tents come with footprints as standard, while others do not come with a separate item.

I think the reality was that footprints were not a common item in the past, and that the tent floor fabric itself was thick and durable, so footprints were not necessary. In other words, footprints are not essential tools. The fact that the old-fashioned classic tents do not come with a footprint is probably due to the pride of being a long-established tent manufacturer.

However, many tents that have pursued thinner and lighter weight in recent years, have assumed that they use footprints to some extent, and in such cases, it is quite possible that holes in the tent floor will be drilled on a small uneven surface without the footprint. As I mentioned earlier, be careful if the floor fabric is below 25 denier. If such a thin tent does not come with a footprint as standard, you must either accept that it may tear and prepare for repairs, or be prepared for unnecessary expenses.

Point 8: Weight - Be careful of how to compare the weight display in the catalogue.

No matter what kind of luggage you are concerned about the weight. Of these, if you choose a tent that is the largest in terms of weight per piece, it is a very concerning thing that can greatly improve the weight depending on how you choose it.

It's best to actually hold all the tents and compare the weights, but in reality it's not the case. So you will inevitably have to check the catalog specifications. The thing to note here is whether the weight written there is "total weight" or "minimum weight (body weight)." The former refers to the weight of almost everything that comes with the tent when purchasing the tent, including the tent itself, rainfly, poles, pegs, guylines, stuff sacks, and footprints (if included). In the latter case, only the tent itself, rainfly, and poles are included. When comparing weights, you cannot accurately compare unless you have the contents. In our experience, every manufacturer often lists the minimum weight (body weight) at the very least, so when comparing tents, we recommend comparing the minimum weights.

Furthermore, as a guideline, for a mountain tent for one person, if the minimum weight is around 1,000 grams (or less than 1,300 grams for two people), the tent is considered to be in the lightest. Also, if it's around 1,500 grams, it's a balanced tent that's light and durable, and if it's around 2,000 grams, it's safe to say that it's a toughness tent that's safe even in winter.

In any case, tents often have a trade-off between weight and durability, so don't forget to consider the balance in comparison to your needs.

summary

This tent, which saves life in a harsh environment, is required to provide a lightweight and comfortable feel, and is an item that has been created using a number of advanced and complex technologies that are designed for a variety of occasions. To find the perfect tent for you, the wisest way is to decide and narrow down your own priorities from among the various complex and intertwined elements shown here.

However, of course, there's no need to worry if you can't do it from the start. When I first started climbing the mountains, I felt comfortable enough with the extremely orthodox aligned tent. However, as I went through various seasons and activities, I realized the fun of using a tent that is more suitable for the occasion, and now I've started to use multiple tents differently depending on the situation. In that sense, like other mountain tools, tents often start with orthodox things, and then gradually continue for a long time, adding new models as needed, so I hope you will use this article as a reference in that case.