The Different Tent Shapes
Looking for camping tents can be a bit overwhelming for some. There are so many types all with different features so picking the correct tent can be quite difficult. Hopefully we can shed some light on the different tent types and shapes available and help you understand the differences in the tent types. This should help you in choosing what tent shape is correct for your needs.
Tents are categorised into 4 main types and the different sizes and shapes effect how easily the tents are pitched and how stable they are and also effect the overall weight of the tent. The shape and type of tent is determined mainly by the configuration of how the poles are set up within the tent. The 4 tent shapes are listed below, the order is done in how many nodes the tents have in ascending order. A node is a point where a tent pole crosses:
- Tunnel Tents
- Dome Tents
- Semi Geodesic Tents
- Fully Geodesic Tents
In the list above the the top tents are generally the lighter tents and the last ones being the heavier tents. This scale is also reflected in the stability of the tents with the most stable tents being at the bottom of the list.
Tunnel Tents
The tunnel tent is mostly used for family or light backpacking tents. The tunnel tent is the quicker pitching tent of the 4 different shapes and also the lighter of the tent shapes. You will also find that with the tunnel tent you have a greater amount of headroom due to the maximum internal height of the tent is running straight down the middle.
The tunnel tent needs to be fully guyed out as it is the less stable of the tent types so make sure these tents are well held down. These tents have 0 nodes so poles do not cross over at all.
Dome Tents
The dome tents are a bit more stable than the tunnel tent but have less head room due to its design. What you will find though is that the dome tents use side poles to make extra rooms and bedrooms. The dome tent is best suited as a family or trekking tent.
The dome tent is quite aerodynamic and you will find them to be more stable than the tunnel tents. The dome tents are also free standing so you can easily pick up the tent in effect and pitch it in a different location with little effort. Dome tents have just 1 node ( 1 tent pole crossing).
Semi Geodesic Tents
With semi-geodesic tents you get again another boost in the stability of the tent but the tents are getting heavier up in this range and the pitching of the tent is not as quick as it can be quite complex. With semi geodesic tents you normally have about 2-4 nodes.
Fully Geodesic Tents
The fully-geodesic tents are the most stable type of tents with about 5+ nodes in the design. These tents are the most complex to put up and are also the most stable of the tents available.
The fully geodesic tents are suited to use as a mountaineering tent where you will be encountering harder terrains and climates. If you want your tent pitched up and it stay there for the duration of your stay then a fully geodesic tent will provide you with this.
The pole configurations are strong and will ensure the tent can handle any heavy rain or sown falls.
Tent Types Summary
Of all the outdoor camping supplies the camping tent can be the most difficult to choose and the decision must be made with sufficient knowledge available. Make sure you account for how easy your tent will be to pitch in terms of effort and time, how stable the tent is and the the weight of the tent.
Related posts:
- Lichfield Cherokee Tents
- Lichfield Cherokee 2 Tent
- Nemo Morpho AR Tent - No More Poles
- 12 Pitching your Tent Tips for Camping
- Gelert Quick Pitch Tents
