By Layers

What the layers on a tent are

A tent's layers are the skins between you and the weather. A single-layer tent is one waterproof skin. A double-layer tent has a breathable inner tent, where you sleep, under a waterproof flysheet that sheds the rain. A triple-layer tent adds an insulating layer for the cold, and in this shop they are padded cotton winter tents. Each tent is filed by its own description: single layer, single wall or single skin; double layer, or an inner tent with a flysheet or rainfly; or three layers or thickened cotton walls.

The ranges By Layers

• Single layer tents are light and quick to pitch, for summer, the beach and fair-weather trips. See single layer tents.
• Double layer tents run from ultralight backpacking tents to two-room family tents and hot tents. See double layer tents.
• Triple layer tents are thickened cotton tents for winter fishing and the coldest nights. See triple layer tents.

Condensation: why the layers matter

Every night you breathe out moisture. In a double-layer tent it passes through the inner tent and settles on the inside of the flysheet, then runs down outside the inner. In a single-layer tent it settles on the one skin you are sleeping under, so on a cold, still night the walls get wet and drip if you brush them. That is not a leak, and it is why a double layer is the safer choice for spring, autumn and anywhere damp. A single layer saves weight and pitching time, and on a warm, breezy night the difference hardly shows. A padded triple layer is warmer again, but heavy: the quick-open cotton ice fishing tent here weighs about 13kg.

How to choose between them

Carrying it far in summer: single layer. Camping most of the year in Britain, on foot or by car: double layer. Sitting out a winter day by the water: triple layer. If you are unsure, buy double layer. It is the most forgiving in bad weather.

Questions people ask about tent layers

Is a double-layer tent much heavier?

A little, because the inner tent adds weight, but not much: the lightest double-layer backpacking tents here have a minimum weight under a kilo.

Can I pitch the inner tent on its own?

On some tents, yes, and a mesh inner on its own makes a cool, bug-proof shelter on a dry night. On others the inner hangs from the flysheet and cannot stand alone, so check each product page.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Tents by season
• Tents by fabric
• Tents by waterproof rating
• Tents by poles
• Backpacking and trekking tents
• Groundsheets and footprints
• Guide: Single, double and triple layer tents