Double tents: description, types and lineup
Double tents are considered a universal solution among lovers of hiking, fishing, outdoor activities and extreme tourism. Properly chosen temporary shelter can protect from the weather and, if necessary, can accommodate up to 4 people. The most comfortable models in use allow you to create an almost homely atmosphere inside, they have a vestibule or a canopy, several entrances, and a mosquito net. The light weight of such equipment makes it easy to make foot crossings over long distances.
But in order to choose a tent that is best suited for specific goals and objectives, you need to learn much more about it than listing the number of places.
Peculiarities
For a large person or a traveler who appreciates comfort, a double tent is a guarantee of well-being on a hike or trip. Inside this design, there is enough space for sleeping and for placing essentials. The double berth also determines the standard dimensions of light tents of this type. They usually have a width of 120 cm and a length of 200 cm, there are non-standard options with a size of 150 × 200 cm or 200 × 200 cm.
Canonical parameters are determined by the comfort of one person. It is generally accepted that the optimal width of the bed is 60 cm.The minimum allowable width of the tent for two is 90 cm, while the conditions inside will correspond to the tightness of the placement.
Double models of temporary "homes" for travel have a number of features that are worth knowing about. Such tents are much lighter than their massive multi-seat counterparts. That is why they prefer to take them on expeditions and serious trips. In addition, finding a free site for installing such a structure is much easier.
The versatility of double tents has gained fame even among fishermen and extreme sportsmen. One traveler is comfortable in it. It’s convenient for two, in an emergency you can shelter colleagues on vacation. Among these options, it is easy to find models weighing less than 3 kg with very compact dimensions.
A big plus is the constructive diversity - from the classics on the arcs to the fishing umbrella versions.
Varieties
All existing varieties of double tents can be classified according to a variety of indicators. The height of the item matters. As a rule, camping options or “cubes” have the maximum performance - an adult can stand in them. A low tent implies the possibility of sitting or lying down.
According to the material of manufacture
The classic canvas version is long gone - it does not have a sufficient level of moisture resistance, but it still remains relevant for summer trips. Among its advantages are hygroscopicity, natural materials, protection from UV rays. But carrying a wet canvas tent on your back is still a pleasure.
Synthetic modern materials for tents are divided into the following types:
- polyamide (kapron, nylon), which is lightweight, durable and inexpensive;
- polyester/polyester, able to protect well against UV rays, durable and wear-resistant.
The bottom should have a polyurethane impregnation or a silicone coating. Premium models for camping use are equipped with a bottom with polyethylene reinforcement.
According to the way of unfolding
The classic gable tent today is only suitable for a short picnic or parking in the forest. It has only two support posts, in open space this model is available to all winds. In addition, the design needs to be stretched. However, almost all options for temporary shelters for tourists are attached to stretch marks or other fixators. Models with arcs require additional fixation of the frame inside the case. This takes a lot of time, not very convenient if the halt is organized at night or requires an urgent deployment of the camp.
A modern self-folding model or a two-man automatic tent will be a much more convenient solution. Inside it are arcs that allow you to quickly disassemble the structure, giving it the desired shape. When folded, the automatic model takes up little space, is convenient for transportation, and weighs almost nothing.
By the presence and type of frame
Allocate frameless tents on racks - "house", tent and others, mainly expeditionary or intended for organizing long-term parking. They need additional braces if the installation takes place in the forest. On the plain, stakes are used. Frame models have an internal rigid structure made of wood, plastic, metal - these include half-barrel, hemisphere models.
They are stable, storm extensions are needed only on ice or in the mountains.
By appointment
When classifying tents by purpose, it should be remembered that many categories intersect in one way or another. For example, a 2-person tourist tent that is light in weight can be classified as a trekking tent. Alpine solutions are also distinguished - extreme. Assault vehicles are carried with them and installed as needed, they usually have a quick assembly design. Expedition options are used when organizing a base camp.
There are several types of tents for midlands and flat areas.
- Camping. Quite high and spacious, sleeping places are usually separated from the dining room or vestibule. Rarely found in doubles.
- Universal. These include most of the tents for hiking, cycling. The main requirements for them are moisture resistance, hygroscopicity, and durability of materials.
- Tracking. They have minimal weight, simple design, suitable for beginners.
- For recreation on the water with the organization of night halts, light summer tents of the half-barrel or hemisphere type are chosen.
- Beach. Protect from the sun, but not from the rain. Usually they look like a canopy with a light mosquito net instead of the front wall. Provide shade on the beach, comfortable for changing clothes, relaxing with children.
- Special. This includes fishing, military, winter tents, which are subject to the highest quality requirements.
By shape
The most common form of tourist tents of the past is a gable "house" with a floor. The triangle has a large windage, but is suitable for short-term parking. Modern manufacturers choose other design options. Among them:
- hemisphere based on two crossed arches, light and easy to install;
- half-barrel in the form of a longitudinally cut cylinder, roomy, with arcs arranged in parallel;
- tent - frameless version with one central rack, convenient on long trips;
- cube - It is used mainly for ice fishing, has low wind resistance.
Rating of the best models
In order to find a suitable two-person tent, you need to study offers from leading brands. Separately, it is worth considering automatic models, budget options and premium products.
Inexpensive
- "Canadian Camper Impala 2". Double tent of two-layer type in the form of a hemisphere. It has a size of 210 × 115 × 110 cm, weight 3.7 kg, high moisture resistance (6000 mm for the top awning, 4000 mm for the inner one). Fiberglass frame, complete with mosquito net, UV protection, fireproof impregnation.
- Talberg Explorer 2. Balanced hemisphere camping tent for summer tourism. It has a vestibule for things, a windproof visor. The frame made of fiberglass arches is quite reliable, the waterproof outer part can withstand up to 7000 mm of water column.
- Kingcamp Family 2+1. This model got into the top double tents for a reason. It is designed for two adults and one child. The dimensions of the hemisphere inside are 205 × 180 × 120 cm, two domes have low moisture resistance and can withstand 1000 and 2000 mm of water column. In general, this is a good solution for recreation and family tourism.
With automatic folding type
Among the double tents with an automatic type of unfolding, the following models can be distinguished.
- Maverick Bike. An ultra-light solution, the best option for fans of cycling or motorcycle tourism, as it installs in 30 seconds.On top of the inner tent, where the folding mechanism is located, an additional layer is thrown, there is a small vestibule, a windproof curtain. The dimensions of the tent are 2.1 × 2.05 m, weight 3.6 kg. She has one entrance, fiberglass racks, moisture resistance of the material is 5000/4000 mm.
- Best Camp Skippy. Lightweight, only 1.4 kg, single-layer tent for summer holidays. Unfolds instantly, well ventilated, 4 storm guy lines included.
- Greenell Cole 2. Lightweight summer tent with almost instant set up. Compact solution with mosquito net at the entrance. The frame is made of fiberglass, the weight of the product is 2.5 kg, the awning has a low moisture resistance - up to 2000 mm. Dimensions - 2.2 × 1.2 m.
Premium class
Among the premium products, the following models of double tents can be distinguished.
- Tent "Multidom 4 season" from Maverick. Two-seat model with a patented quick-assembly frame, versatile and all-weather. The hexagonal shape of the tent provides it with maximum stability. The two-layer frame allows you to vary the degree of protection and seasonality of use; there is a snow skirt along the side of the awning. There is a spacious vestibule for storing things, the total dimensions are 3 × 3x1.85 cm.
- "Alexica Storm 2". Extreme half-barrel tent with maximum protection and weighing only 3.8 kg. Each of the two tenants has its own entrance, between them there is a vestibule for storing things. High-quality air exchange and good thermal insulation will keep you comfortable in the most difficult conditions. Product dimensions - 2.4 × 2.15 × 0.9 m.
- "Husky Flame 2". Tent for extreme tourism with one entrance and a two-layer design. It has a low weight - only 2.8 kg, inside dimensions are 225 × 145 × 110 cm, the outer awning is 70 cm longer due to the vestibule.The model has a non-standard geometry, a snow skirt is available. The awning can withstand a water column of 6000 mm high.
Having studied the best tourist 2-person tents from leading manufacturers, you can easily find a model for a short trip or a long trip.
How to choose?
For experienced travelers, choosing a double tent is not difficult. But it can be quite difficult for a newcomer to the tourism industry to make the right decision. Among the most significant factors are the following.
- Ability to face external threats. Wind, rain, snow can seriously complicate the rest. For ordinary tourism, you need to choose models with water resistance of at least 3000 mm of water column. For extreme recreation, this figure will be even higher - from 5000 mm. The presence of a snow protection board along the contour or storm braces to increase stability in the wind are useful options that need to be selected according to the season.
- Comfort level. The "luxury" category includes two-layer waterproof tents with a vestibule and internal shelves. Budget models are not as well equipped, most often having only one layer. A compromise option can be considered inexpensive two-layer tents without unnecessary options, but quite comfortable.
- Dimensions and weight. For pedestrian crossings, the size of the load matters. A light double tent will weigh about 2 kg, when unfolded it will have dimensions from 120 × 200 cm. If you do not plan to increase the number of residents, this will be enough for a short overnight stay.
- Installation speed. The quick assembly design is a good advantage for organizing an emergency halt in the absence of shelters. Stretch models take much longer to place on the ground.
- Appointment. Extreme - the most compact, provide rapid deployment in any environment. For motorcycle trips and autotourism, camping options are suitable. Assault is suitable for mountain tourism or other difficult trips. Fishermen usually opt for double high options (cubes) for the winter to fit inside with a hole and all the equipment.
- Brand fame. Do not trust the offers of nameless Chinese manufacturers. In the best case, such a product is enough for one season. Experienced hikers prefer to buy products from trusted European, American, Canadian companies.
- Number of awning layers. A high-quality tent has two of them - the upper one, which protects from rain, and the inner or sleeping one, which provides good air exchange and removes condensate. Single-layer models freeze through in winter, easily get wet in summer. It is impossible to create an optimal microclimate inside them.
- Seasonality. Some models are intended only for summer or winter use. There are three-season and universal tents with a wider range of possibilities for use. They can be taken on long hikes and expeditions.
- The location of the bedrooms. In half-barrel tents with a vestibule in the middle, you can get two completely isolated resting places. This is convenient if the vacation involves the presence of tourists of different sexes or a trip with children.
- Budget. Having determined in advance the available amount of available funds, you can choose solutions in an affordable class and find really high-quality products. The main thing is to accurately calculate your capabilities and not save on quality.
Following these recommendations, you can easily choose a comfortable double tent for extreme and classic tourism, trips and travels.
In the next video, you will find the national TOP of double tents weighing less than 2 kg.