What Is a Double Wall Tent? – Everything Explained

Are you a regular traveler who frequently visits isolated areas? If this is the case, you’ll need a durable, all-in-one tent as a mate.

When you do a search for that, you’ll come across two names that stand out. The double-wall tent is one of them, but exactly “what is a double wall tent?”

To put it simply, double-walled tents are those that include a separate waterproof protective outer layer, a rainfly, and an inside layer.

The article explains what a double-walled tent is and why it’s different from the rest. If you want to learn more about the double-wall tent, check this article out.

What Is A Double Wall Tent?

When there are two separate layers on the sheet of the tent, the tent is known as a Double-wall tent.

Between the layers, the outer layer is waterproof to the prevention of rain outside camping, and the inner layer is more breathable. This unique pattern makes a double-wall tent both breathable and waterproof.

Bug netting, permeable fabric panels, or some mix of the two make up the majority of tent interiors. The inner wall will be entirely permeable for that reason.

However, the outer will be fully non-permeable to water and will give you a good camping experience without much disturbance. In addition, the tent’s inside layer is fortified with a waterproof bathtub bottom.

In a double-wall tent, both the walls are separable. Tent poles serve as a partition between the two levels. The tent poles hold the inner layer via connections that keep the tent upright.

There is an inner layer and poles attached before the rainfly is put on. There are poles and guy lines to keep the two levels of the wall apart.

The unique design of the double layer allows air circulation through the fabric. It is possible for air to circulate through the inside tent and beneath the rainfly.

The rainfly can collect moisture that has passed through the tent’s interior, which will give you great ventilation.

The tent has zippers to open the door and windows for more air and light entrance into the tent. The rainfly outer layer will create a pocket to keep your things there and keep them dry.

The majority of double-wall tents are standalone. Poles are what make a tent stand out. If you don’t want to anchor the tent down, you may move it around with ease for this feature.

Camping in a double-wall tent is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors while on the road. They are particularly handy in damp places where moisture might be a concern.

What Are The Perks Of A Double-Wall Tent?

A double-wall tent has significantly greater perks than any single-wall tent. Here are some of them.

#1. Great Wind Protection

A double-wall tent will give you greater wind protection than the sing walls tents. It is because the outer wall is not permeable to water and heavy wind.

Besides, the inner wall will reduce the flow rate of highly blowing wind that has passed the outer layer.

The inner wall also shelters you from much of the fury of the storm. The inner layer of a two-layer tent will not flap about, allowing you to sleep more peacefully and comfortably.

#2. Freestanding Tents

The majority of the double-walled tents are of the freestanding type, meaning that they do not need to be anchored to the ground in any way. They come with unique tent poles that support the tent’s structure by applying pressure on the tent material.

Moving around or pitching it any place is a great plus point for a freestanding tent as it won’t have to be anchored.

Pitching a freestanding tent is usually a convenience due to the uniformity of the setup. Trekking poles don’t require any adjusting with the tension.

#3. Minimum Moisture

Air can flow between the two layers of a double-wall tent because of a gap in the design. The absorbing action of this air keeps condensation from forming on the tent’s outer layer.

As rainwater condenses within the tent, stakes and tent poles help to separate the rainfly from the mesh. That helps maintain the mesh clean and dry.

Temperature is also not so different inside and outside of the tent as the inner layer contains heat. When the difference in temperature is less severe, condensation is less likely to develop.

#4. More Spacious And Warmer Inside

Usually, most double-wall tents have a spacious floor and a high ceiling which is recommended for tall people. It has enough space for the people and gears.

As a result, you’ll have extra room to store equipment and spread out inside. You can move around inside the tent easily, even if you are taller than average.

A large part of this is due to the design, which calls for a space between the surfaces to allow for airflow. In addition, this is due to the fact that they do not place as much attention on weight as they once did.

Due to better condensation management, double-wall tents need fewer vents. This decreases the cold tent air currents. There is a decrease in the wind chill.

Due to the tent’s ability to retain a large portion of your body heat, it should be a couple of degrees warmer than the ambient temperature.

Spring, winter, and late-autumn camping are all excellent times to use a double-wall tent.

#5. More Comfortable

Double-wall tents are more comfortable than all single-wall tents. It is because there is minimum condensation, more wind circulation, and enough space in the double-wall tent. These features ensure you, the campers, a great and sound sleep.

There are also storage advantages for the extra things. With a good double-walled tent, you can camp under almost any circumstance. Rainy, chilly, or hot and dry conditions, double-wall tents excel.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Double Wall Tent?

Like everything, double-wall tents also have a fair share of cons and lackings. You should also know them.

#1. Somewhat Heavier To Carry

Double-wall tents usually weigh more than a typical single-wall tent. The additional fabrics of the rainfly, additional anchors, and tent poles all contribute to the overall increased weight of the tent.

Although an extra pound isn’t a huge concern for short walks, bicycle tours, and car camping, the weight might be an issue if you’re moving with your tents by airplane or truck.

#2. Little Bit Expensive

Double-wall tents are a little bit more expensive than other types of tents. There are reasons for the high price. A double-wall tent uses high-end materials and more materials in the two layers.

There are also some significant features like tent poles and stakes that you can’t find in single-wall tents. This requires more money and time to produce a double-wall tent. That is why you pay more money for a double-wall Tent.

#3. Little Bulkier

The purchase of a double-walled tent typically includes numerous other items, such as a different rainfly, tent poles, and anchors. Because of this, it is somewhat more laborious in comparison.

In order to transport the contents of a double-walled tent bag, you will need a larger backpack. When trekking and hiking, this additional weight could potentially cause discomfort.

Difference Between Single Wall And Double Wall Tent

You have already known the highlighted pros and cons of a double-wall tent. We will discuss some significant differences between single wall and double wall tents here so that you can select accordingly.

As you know, the construction of the tents is the most significant difference. There is only one layer of nylon in a single-wall tent.

In a double-wall tent, there are two layers where the rain fly is detachable from the internal layer, which is typically a bug net.

Portability is a significant difference because double-wall tents are bulkier and heavier, thus hard to carry.

In addition, the single-wall tents are also simpler to transport and less expensive, making them perfect for hiking trips.

In order to better survive more severe weather, the double-wall tent is an excellent choice for longer camping trips.

When To Use A Double Wall Tent?

Extreme weather camping is best done in double-wall tents, which provide the most protection from the wind and rain. A double-wall tent is your best bet if you’re planning on camping in particularly damp or humid conditions.

Double-layer condensation ensures that you will remain dry. It’s safe to say that you can use it in just about every weather or climate. In addition, if your primary concern is comfort, this is the best choice for you.

Final Words

For a successful camping trip, you need to know all you can about your tent. Tents come in a wide variety of styles and materials.

More importantly, there are single-wall tents and double-wall tents. Each type has its own share of advantages and disadvantages.

Now that you know ‘what is a double wall tent’ and also the differences between double and single wall tents, you’ll be able to choose the best option for your needs.

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Fred Hoffman

Hey, I'm Fred Hoffman, founder of The True Wilderness. I've been exploring nature since I could walk, and my passion for it never ends. My mission is to show people that there's more to life than just the city. There's a whole world of beauty waiting for them out there, and I hope to inspire as many people as possible to get out and explore. I love to share the experience I've gathered throughout my life to make everyone's outdoor adventure smooth and enjoyable.

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