Mixing
Would a lightweight 2-person tent or medium weight 3-person tent be better for near freezing weather?
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I'm heading out this weekend, and the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, with a 20% chance of rain.
I have two tents, a lightweight 2-person, which I primarily use for backpacking,
and a medium weight 3-person, which I use for car, canoe and short trek camping.
I'm not concerned with weight, and have an appropriate sleeping bag and clothing.
Which tent would be warmer under these conditions? It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
tents cold-weather
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I'm heading out this weekend, and the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, with a 20% chance of rain.
I have two tents, a lightweight 2-person, which I primarily use for backpacking,
and a medium weight 3-person, which I use for car, canoe and short trek camping.
I'm not concerned with weight, and have an appropriate sleeping bag and clothing.
Which tent would be warmer under these conditions? It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
tents cold-weather
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I'm heading out this weekend, and the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, with a 20% chance of rain.
I have two tents, a lightweight 2-person, which I primarily use for backpacking,
and a medium weight 3-person, which I use for car, canoe and short trek camping.
I'm not concerned with weight, and have an appropriate sleeping bag and clothing.
Which tent would be warmer under these conditions? It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
tents cold-weather
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'm heading out this weekend, and the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, with a 20% chance of rain.
I have two tents, a lightweight 2-person, which I primarily use for backpacking,
and a medium weight 3-person, which I use for car, canoe and short trek camping.
I'm not concerned with weight, and have an appropriate sleeping bag and clothing.
Which tent would be warmer under these conditions? It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
tents cold-weather
tents cold-weather
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
edited 1 hour ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
41.6k14110237
41.6k14110237
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
asked 1 hour ago
Chris Cudmore
1134
1134
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago
add a comment |Â
2
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago
2
2
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
In my experience, different tents aren't incredibly warmer than others. As @paparazzo said in the comments, even winter tents aren't designed to keep warm, just shelter you from the elements.
Your last paragraph, which is how you're basing your choice, makes two questionable assumptions:
It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
Tents lose heat (or gain cold) from conduction. Sure the smaller volume translates to a smaller contact area but all other factors being equal, it won't make a noticeable difference at freezing temperatures. The heavier fabric won't have a big effect either.
The only real criteria you should look at is how good the tents are at blocking wind drafts. The tent which has the fly that goes the closest to the ground, and the tent that has the least amount of mesh will insure a "warmer" tent.
If there is also a chance of snow, take the sturdiest of the two.
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Freezing is not that cold. If it is a quality 2 person tent with a good rain fly then I might go that direction. Mine is mesh but the rain fly seals almost all the way down. I camp it all the way down to 20 but my other tent is a 4 season tent.
Is your lightweight considered a 3 season tent? Then I would go lightweight. Many lightweight tents are considered 3 season.
If the weight and size does not bother you then the medium weight tent is the safer bet (assuming similar quality).
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
In my experience, different tents aren't incredibly warmer than others. As @paparazzo said in the comments, even winter tents aren't designed to keep warm, just shelter you from the elements.
Your last paragraph, which is how you're basing your choice, makes two questionable assumptions:
It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
Tents lose heat (or gain cold) from conduction. Sure the smaller volume translates to a smaller contact area but all other factors being equal, it won't make a noticeable difference at freezing temperatures. The heavier fabric won't have a big effect either.
The only real criteria you should look at is how good the tents are at blocking wind drafts. The tent which has the fly that goes the closest to the ground, and the tent that has the least amount of mesh will insure a "warmer" tent.
If there is also a chance of snow, take the sturdiest of the two.
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
In my experience, different tents aren't incredibly warmer than others. As @paparazzo said in the comments, even winter tents aren't designed to keep warm, just shelter you from the elements.
Your last paragraph, which is how you're basing your choice, makes two questionable assumptions:
It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
Tents lose heat (or gain cold) from conduction. Sure the smaller volume translates to a smaller contact area but all other factors being equal, it won't make a noticeable difference at freezing temperatures. The heavier fabric won't have a big effect either.
The only real criteria you should look at is how good the tents are at blocking wind drafts. The tent which has the fly that goes the closest to the ground, and the tent that has the least amount of mesh will insure a "warmer" tent.
If there is also a chance of snow, take the sturdiest of the two.
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
In my experience, different tents aren't incredibly warmer than others. As @paparazzo said in the comments, even winter tents aren't designed to keep warm, just shelter you from the elements.
Your last paragraph, which is how you're basing your choice, makes two questionable assumptions:
It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
Tents lose heat (or gain cold) from conduction. Sure the smaller volume translates to a smaller contact area but all other factors being equal, it won't make a noticeable difference at freezing temperatures. The heavier fabric won't have a big effect either.
The only real criteria you should look at is how good the tents are at blocking wind drafts. The tent which has the fly that goes the closest to the ground, and the tent that has the least amount of mesh will insure a "warmer" tent.
If there is also a chance of snow, take the sturdiest of the two.
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
In my experience, different tents aren't incredibly warmer than others. As @paparazzo said in the comments, even winter tents aren't designed to keep warm, just shelter you from the elements.
Your last paragraph, which is how you're basing your choice, makes two questionable assumptions:
It's a toss up between the smaller volume, which would heat up faster, and the heavier fabric which would retain heat better.
Tents lose heat (or gain cold) from conduction. Sure the smaller volume translates to a smaller contact area but all other factors being equal, it won't make a noticeable difference at freezing temperatures. The heavier fabric won't have a big effect either.
The only real criteria you should look at is how good the tents are at blocking wind drafts. The tent which has the fly that goes the closest to the ground, and the tent that has the least amount of mesh will insure a "warmer" tent.
If there is also a chance of snow, take the sturdiest of the two.
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
answered 32 mins ago
Gabriel C.
1,02417
1,02417
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Freezing is not that cold. If it is a quality 2 person tent with a good rain fly then I might go that direction. Mine is mesh but the rain fly seals almost all the way down. I camp it all the way down to 20 but my other tent is a 4 season tent.
Is your lightweight considered a 3 season tent? Then I would go lightweight. Many lightweight tents are considered 3 season.
If the weight and size does not bother you then the medium weight tent is the safer bet (assuming similar quality).
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Freezing is not that cold. If it is a quality 2 person tent with a good rain fly then I might go that direction. Mine is mesh but the rain fly seals almost all the way down. I camp it all the way down to 20 but my other tent is a 4 season tent.
Is your lightweight considered a 3 season tent? Then I would go lightweight. Many lightweight tents are considered 3 season.
If the weight and size does not bother you then the medium weight tent is the safer bet (assuming similar quality).
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Freezing is not that cold. If it is a quality 2 person tent with a good rain fly then I might go that direction. Mine is mesh but the rain fly seals almost all the way down. I camp it all the way down to 20 but my other tent is a 4 season tent.
Is your lightweight considered a 3 season tent? Then I would go lightweight. Many lightweight tents are considered 3 season.
If the weight and size does not bother you then the medium weight tent is the safer bet (assuming similar quality).
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
Freezing is not that cold. If it is a quality 2 person tent with a good rain fly then I might go that direction. Mine is mesh but the rain fly seals almost all the way down. I camp it all the way down to 20 but my other tent is a 4 season tent.
Is your lightweight considered a 3 season tent? Then I would go lightweight. Many lightweight tents are considered 3 season.
If the weight and size does not bother you then the medium weight tent is the safer bet (assuming similar quality).
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
answered 18 mins ago
paparazzo
6,5881933
6,5881933
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Chris Cudmore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2foutdoors.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f20796%2fwould-a-lightweight-2-person-tent-or-medium-weight-3-person-tent-be-better-for-n%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
2
A lot would depend on the quality of the two tents. A tent is more used to block wind, rain, and snow than insulation. If the lightweight is mesh ceiling (summer) with rain fly then probably no.
– paparazzo
44 mins ago