The Anatomy of a Backpacking Tent: A Guide to the Parts That Keep You Dry and Protected

Learn the parts that make up different backpacking tents, like vestibules, bathtub floors, rainflys and more, so you can choose the perfect lightweight shelter for your next adventure.

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Josh Koop

I live with my wife and daughter in Katy, Texas and my local trail is the Lone Star Hiking Trail which is an amazing way to experience the Sam Houston National Park!

Nemo Elite and Gossamer Gear The Two on a grassy section of land.
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When you go backpacking, there are a few pieces of equipment that you need to bring with you. One of those items is a shelter, like a tent.

Using our tent anatomy guide below, you can learn each part and how they work together.

Today we will discuss the different parts of each type of tent, single wall, and double wall, to ensure you are fully prepared. So, what are the parts of tent?

Parts of a Single Wall Backpacking Tent

Gossamer Gear The Two single wall tent with points of interest noted for the below post content.

Single-wall tents are prevalent in lightweight or ultralightweight backpackers for simplicity and efficiency.

These backpacking tents have only one wall between you and the outside world, and these are highly specialized to make your base weight low but offer full protection.

The large downside to only a single layer is the condensation from breathing can build up inside if ventilation isn’t optimal.

Outer Parts of a Single Wall Tent

The outer tent body of a single-wall tent includes the wall, a mixed-use body and rainfly in one, and the vestibules or porch space.

Tent Body & Rain Fly (#1 Above)

A single wall means that the tent body and the rainfly are the same layers of fabric. This means it needs to repel water while also being constructed to allow some form of breathability.

This single layer is typically made from specialized fabric like cuben fiber, silicone-coated nylon, or polyurethane.

Vestibules / Porch Space (#7 Above)

The tent vestibule or porch is the space outside of your tent in which you can store your extra gear and wet items such as boots, cookware, and jackets.

This area should be covered to keep it dry and provide a space where you can access your items without entering the tent.

Preferentially this gear space isn’t available only in front of your tent door so that you can get in and out of your tent with the vestibule loaded with gear.

Tent Poles / Trekking Poles (#2 Above)

For most single-wall tents, you will have trekking poles as the support structure that keeps the tent body rigid and upright.

These poles, either tent poles or trekking poles, will often be made from aluminum or carbon fiber to reduce weight but also have a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Inner Parts of a Single Wall Tent

The inner parts make up your entrance and protection from the elements, along with any methods of storing and holding gear internally off the floor.

Inner Bug Netting (#3 Above)

On single-wall tents, the inner bug netting will hang from the ceiling and run down to the bathtub floor.

This netting will typically be lightweight and breathable, allowing air to circulate but not biting insects.

Mesh Doors (#4 Above)

Your tent door is what you will use most when entering and exiting your tent, preferentially this door should have a two-way zipper for easy entry and exit.

The zipper will typically feature some cord loop for an easy grip, and it can be made from many lightweight cordages.

Bathtub Tent Floor (#8 Above)

This is the layer beneath you that protects you from the ground and any possible water, and typically most backpackers will also add a tent footprint underneath it for additional protection on rough surfaces.

The bathtub floor should be made from waterproof material, and feature welded seams for added leak protection versus taped stitching.

Gear Storage Pockets (Depending on Model) (#6 Above)

The inside of your tent should include pockets, gear loft pouches, or hang loops where you can store small items off the floor, such as headlamps, wallets, or phones.

Having this additional storage space helps to keep your tent organized and clean.

Tent Stakes or Pegs

Your tent stakes anchor a semi-freestanding or trekking pole tent to the ground and secure them.

These should be lightweight, with aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber prevalent and strong enough to securely hold the tent down and not break.

Guy Lines (#5 Above)

Secure lines that help to hold your tent in place and stakes that will keep the guy lines in place are what you need to complete your single-wall shelter setup.

These often come with an adjustable tensioner so you can adjust it in windy conditions.

Tie Out Points (#5 Above)

Very important on single-wall tents, the tie-out points attach the tent wall to the ground and provide additional stability.

These are often placed around the tent perimeter, in addition to guy lines, for additional reinforcement.

For many trekking pole tents, you will have additional tie-out points on side walls and from the corners and peaks at a minimum to hold the shape.

Vents

Vital to airflow and to reduce overall condensation, vents are a place where the tent offers additional gaps to allow in the fresh air, which can help with the overall circulation and breathability of your tent.

Most tents feature at least one vent, but some may feature two, depending on what type you have.

This helps to reduce moisture build-up in the air inside your tent.

But note that many DCF or Dyneema Composite Fabric tents will have no vents in their walls, opting instead for lifting the tent walls more off the ground.

Parts of a Double Wall Backpacking Tent

Nemo Elite double wall tent with points of interest noted for the below post content.

Double wall tents are very similar but have different tent components to single wall tents. They focus on two layers of walls; the inner tent body and an additional outer rainfly.

Outer Parts of a Double Wall Tent

The outer parts of the double wall tent differ as to what they provide. Adding a waterproof rain fly that is separate from the internal tent body.

Tent Body (#7 Above)

The tent body on a three-season tent is typically made of mostly mesh, allowing the warmer air to flow throughout the tent, helping keep it cool while also keeping the bugs out.

A four-season tent will feature a more solid tent body, meant to help keep the cold air from quickly blowing into the area where you are sleeping.

Rain Fly (#1 Above)

A rainfly will keep you and your gear dry; this part of the tent features a waterproof coating that helps to keep any moisture out and protect what’s inside the tent.

The rainfly also has tie-out points, guy lines, vents, and zippers, all of which will help secure the tent.

The benefit of a separate rainfly is the ability to remove it on good nights for a wide and expansive view of the sky and the stars, which shine brightly when the city’s light pollution is gone.

Vestibules / Porch Space (#2 Above)

Like the single-wall tents above, the tent vestibule or porch is the space outside of your tent in which you can store your extra gear and wet items such as boots, cookware, and jackets.

This area should be covered to keep it dry and provide a space where you can access your items without entering the tent.

You want this gear space not placed in front of your main tent door, so you can get in and out of your tent with the vestibule loaded with gear.

Inner Parts of a Double Wall Tent

The inner parts of a double wall tent will be very similar to that of a single wall, with the main difference being what is used as your bug netting instead of what’s used for your floor and walls.

Inner Wall (#5 Above)

The inner wall protects you from bugs, and it’s frequently made from a mesh material that allows air to flow but keeps the bug population out of your tent.

Various types of netting range from lightweight no-see-ums to heavier grade mesh, which will provide more protection while still allowing airflow through the tent.

Then if your hike will take you into winter conditions , you can choose a tent with a solid inner wall that will block out the cold air.

Mesh Doors (#6 Above)

The zippered mesh doors can help keep the bugs out while keeping a slight breeze going on warmer nights.

There are many door shapes and sizes, so look for a door that won’t open and drop onto the ground, as this adds dirt and grime to the zipper and can cause failure over time.

Bathtub Tent Floor (#7 Above)

As with a single-wall tent, the floor of your double wall will be waterproof and durable enough to keep what’s inside the tent dry while also handling what you bring in or out of the tent.

You should check to ensure that what is underneath the tent won’t cause a puncture or tear in the floor or choose to add a ground sheet or similar tent footprint.

Storage Pockets (Depending on Model)

These hold your gear, headlamp, toiletries, and other items you want to keep close by yet out of the way.

Some double-wall models feature pockets that are made of mesh fabric, offering breathability while still keeping your things safe.

In contrast, others have solid materials that provide additional protection for what is inside the pocket.

Tent Poles (#4 Above)

Most double-wall tents will come with poles built for the specific tent, providing the structure you need to make the tent stand up.

Poles will vary in what they are made of and what type of construction they use, so keep an eye out for what is included with your double wall tent before deciding what’s best for you.

Some options will use trekking poles, but these are more of an exception than the rule.

Tent Pole Clips & Sleeves (#4 Above)

The poles slide through sleeves or clip onto the tent poles. This is typically how the tent body anchors onto the poles and gives the tent its structure.

The clips and sleeves aim to make pitching your double-wall tent easier. Not every tent will have both, most will have one or the other, or they can have a mix.

Tent Pegs or Stakes (#3 Above)

As with above, your tent stakes anchor a semi-freestanding or trekking pole tent to the ground and secure them with a double wall tent.

This is frequently only the doors or possibly rain fly.

These should be lightweight, with aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber prevalent, but also strong enough to hold the tent down securely and not break.

Guy Lines (#3 Above)

Secure lines that help to hold your rain fly and pull the doors out to make space for the vestibule area.

These often come with an adjustable tensioner so you can adjust it in windy conditions or if the fabric stretches.

Tie Out Points (#3 Above)

Like with a single wall tent, tie-out points are what hold the tent body up and offer additional stability.

These should be placed around the perimeter of the inner tent and may have an additional point at each corner or peak, depending on what type you have.

Vents

Vents are essential to tents because they improve circulation and breathability by allowing fresh air in and reducing condensation.

Tents typically have either one or two vents, depending on the model. By doing this, it decreases moisture levels within the tent.

Additionally, many DCF or Dyneema Composite Fabric tents don’t contain any wall vents; instead, these types of tents elevate the walls off the ground slightly.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Different Parts of a Tent

I wanted to make sure you left with a better understating of the different parts of a tent, so you can make an informed decision when shopping for one.

Most tents have similar components, from poles and sleeves to groundsheets and vents – what changes are how they are constructed, what materials are used, and what features the tent has.

Take your time looking at what the different parts of a tent are and what the best choice for you might be.

I hope this article has helped help you understand what makes up the different components of a tent.

Good luck finding the perfect match to fit your needs and that works for you. I have a list of amazing shelters here!

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