Common questions
What is a trekking pole tent?
A trekking pole tent is a backpacking shelter that uses hiking poles instead of a dedicated tent-pole set. You stake the footprint, set your poles, and guy out the canopy. The same poles that stabilize you on the trail become the frame at camp, so you carry less dedicated shelter hardware. See our full explainer and the trekking pole tent shop.
Why use a trekking pole tent?
You already carry poles for balance and steep miles. Using them as the tent frame cuts packed weight and bulk — useful on long approaches and when every ounce of backpacking gear matters. Our pyramid, 2V, Palace, and numbered tents are built around that idea. Read why hikers switch.
What are the advantages of a trekking pole tent over a traditional freestanding tent?
A freestanding tent brings its own pole set, which adds weight and a longer packed length. A trekking pole tent skips that extra kit, often packs smaller, and can pitch with sticks or a branch if a pole fails. Freestanding tents can hover on rock slabs; a trekking pole tent wants stakes or rocks, and rewards a careful site. Compare the two styles.
How do I choose trekking poles for a trekking pole tent?
Pick poles that lock securely at the height your tent calls for, with tips you can cover so metal never touches fabric. Carbon saves weight; aluminum shrugs off more abuse. Folding poles pack shorter next to other backpacking gear. We sell an extension for taller pitches such as the Trekking Pole Tent 4. Read the pole guide.
How do I set up my trekking pole tent?
Stake the corners, insert poles into grommets or pockets (never metal tips on fabric), extend until taut, then guy out. See the booklet included with your tent or the product page videos.
How do I waterproof my tent?
Our tents are made to be waterproof. All seams come factory taped, and the fabric is PU and or silicone coated. We recommend that you set the tent up at home before your first trip, or turn the tent inside out and inspect the seam tape and make sure it is covering the seams. We recommend turning the corners of the tent inside out and using a small amount of Seam Grip WP+ in each corner right where the seam tape ends, or on any seam tape that is off center or is not covering the seam, or around the door pin-up loops where they are sewn into the tent. We have a one year warranty on our tents so if you have any issues with water getting inside the tent please let us know.
My tent has a lot of condensation. What helps?
Camp 50 feet from water, avoid living grass, prefer tree cover, vent toward the breeze, keep wet backpacking gear outside, and consider a light waterproofing spray. Single-layer tents such as the Trekking Pole Tent 2 have front and rear vents; if humidity is the main problem, the Trekking Pole Tent 2.2’s mesh sidewalls move more air.