Tents can have multiple layers, but the most frequent are those with two layers. So here you can learn what a double walled or double layer tent is. Keep reading.
I have seen also the term double-skin tents sometimes used. The meaning is obviously the same as double-walled or double-layer tents.
So what is a double walled or double layer tent? The short answer is: this is a tent with two layers of fabric that separates you from the exterior space. Now, these layers can be of various materials. Obviously, the external shell is supposed to protect you from the rain so this is a waterproof fabric.
However, the inner layer can be just a mesh, and this is what you have in most of backpacking and hiking 3-season tents or tents for a warmer climate in general. Below is a typical example, the Sierra Designs Tabernash 6 Person Tent:
The tents that are built for a cooler environment may have an inner taffeta canopy with or without mesh sections for ventilation. Some of these mesh sections can have additional zippered panels, so such tents have three layers in some parts of the structure. This Big Agnes Mad House tent is one example:
One brand that is best known for its double-layer tents is Snow Peak, many of their tents are presented here in the site and you can see them here. They are always with two taffeta layers, but they are always generously ventilated and you can use them in any season and climate.
The number of layers depends on several factors that include the following (there may be more):
- The purpose.
- The type of fabric used in tent’s construction.
- The shape/type of the tent.
The purpose of the tent
There are mountaineering tents that are built as single-layer constructions, you can see this MSR H.U.B. tent as an example. But there are multilayer tents (with 3 layers in the walls and 4-5 layers in windows) built for extreme weather conditions. Need an example? See this Russian Bear tent.
But as mentioned above, most of the 1-3 season tents have two layers, or you have a hybrid single-double construction. This Coleman Tent Vail 4 Person is a typical example. Here you have an inner tent that is the sleeping area, and it is under the shell, so this is the double-wall part. But the front living room is a single-layer part under the shell:
The advantages and disadvantages of such constructions are discussed in detail in my separate text single wall vs double wall tents.
The type of fabric used in tent’s construction
So what I mean by this is that most cotton canvas tents are single-layer type. There are exceptions but those are rare. See this GEERTOP 4-6 Person Teepee Tent which is a true double-layer cotton canvas or poly-cotton tent:
On the other hand, most synthetic tents (polyester or nylon tents) on the market are double-walled tents.
The shape/type of the tent
Here is what I mean by this.
- Most cabin type tents are single layer type or a mix with some parts that are double layer and some single layer. So you have a partial coverage fly that covers mesh ceiling, and you also have such double-layer structures on windows and doors. The rest of the tent is a single layer. But there are exceptions of course. This KAZOO Family Camping Tent is a true double-layer cabin style tent:
KAZOO Family Camping Tent. - Tunnel-type tents are usually a hybrid single-double type construction. This means that they have one or more inner tents under the shell, plus a large living room which is a single-layer part.
- Full-coverage fly dome tents are usually true double-wall tents. But the so-called extended dome tents can also be hybrid single/double wall constructions. This NTK Explorer GT tent is an example:
Are double walled tents warmer
If this is about the true double-layer tent where the inner tent is a taffeta, then the answer should be yes. So if you know you will be camping in a cold environment, go for such a true double-layer tent.
But as you have seen above, the inner canopy can be a mesh, and this will not make much difference if it is cold outside. It is more important that all the openings can be closed to prevent cold drafts. In this sense, a single-layer but fully closable tent can be much warmer than a double layer tent with a mesh canopy.
All in all, if you want to be really warm in a tent, think about insulated tents, or install a wood-burning tent stove.
So I hope that you now have a clear idea of what a double walled tent is. As you realize, this term is the same as a double-layer tent. If you have questions, please use the comment box below. Bookmark this site and come again, I add texts here regularly and this will keep you informed. Thank you for reading.
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