Tents

Ultralight tents for backpacking and mountain hiking

Start with weather protection and season

Consider the terrain, weather and time of year. A light tent for sheltered summer trips may not suit an exposed campsite in the Scandinavian mountains. Assess construction, anchoring and ventilation alongside weight. A season label does not replace checking the intended use of the specific model.

Room for people and equipment

Compare the inner tent’s length, width and height with your needs. Tents with the same stated capacity can offer different usable space. Taller hikers should also consider sloping walls and clearance at the head and feet. Vestibule space, entrances and storage for wet equipment all matter on a long trip.

Construction and total packed weight

Options include freestanding tents, tunnel tents and trekking-pole shelters. Even a freestanding tent needs anchoring for the conditions. Check what the minimum weight includes and what else you need to carry: stakes, guylines, poles or trekking poles, and any additional groundsheet. This makes comparisons between models more useful.

Single wall, double wall or tarp

A double-wall tent has a separate inner that helps keep you away from condensation on the flysheet. A single-wall tent can save weight, but ventilation and clearance from the fabric matter. A tarp offers flexible shelter, while ground and insect protection need separate consideration. Practise pitching and anchoring before your trip, whichever construction you choose.

See which tents Gröna Bandet hikers used, their ratings and the response count behind each model.