Single Wall Success or Regrets in the SE

Single walls are not my preference, so unless there’s a very compelling reason to go with one – note: weight is NOT a compelling reason in this particular situation – I would rather opt for double walls.  I’ve been in that area in a single-wall before; it was a  somewhat humid experience.

Exactly where are you in western NC?  Those mountains are far more varied in their microclimates than most people realize.

Thanks Bonzo.  I live in Asheville, NC & do or will do most of my backpacking in & around Pisgah, Panthertown Valley, GSMNP, AT sections around here, Roan Mtn, Linville Gorge, etc.  Mostly Shining Rock/Black Balsam/Art Loeb area.

Steve

I live in Virginia and do a lot of backpacking on the AT. I’ve used a Gatewood Cape, a MYOG pyramid tarp with inner, a Patrol Shelter, Trail star, Lunar Solo, Cricket, and Grace Duo. I’ve experienced condensation in all of them. Site selection and atmospheric conditions are responsible for the varying degrees I’ve experienced. I always pack a shamwow to wipe down the inside. The more open the tarp, the less condensation I’ve had. I’ve found that if I camp in the open with no tree cover, there is a very great chance of condensation to some degree- particularly if to there is a higher ridge above which tends to send a cloud of moisture down to mountain around dusk. Also camping in the open you’re almost guaranteed to get dew. So my preferred spots are under tree cover and not in the valleys or gaps.

I was in Asheville just a few weeks ago.

You’re hiking in some highly-variable areas as far as moisture is concerned, and that’s my main argument against the single-walled shelters: I’ve always been less-dry in them.  The wettest sleeping experience I’ve had in my entire life – barring outright submersion – was in Pisgah in a single-wall; that place can make Cambodia look like a desert when rain and moisture set in.  I’ve also seen air that’s so cold and dry up on Roan that I was getting nosebleeds just from my sinuses drying out, and a single-wall didn’t do anything to help trap moisture in that situation; that’s why I honestly think site selection does more for condensation than tent walls do. Thankfully you’re going to be using a one-person shelter, so you can squeeze it into most any campsite available and hopefully minimize any overnight moisture issues….but I would still opt for double-wall tents in that region, regardless.  However: I’m not a tarp person, so that has to be considered.  I like having my little fabric cocoon around me at night, and I like it to be as dry as possible because I’m a pansy.

Thanks for the feedback.

@bon-zo- given your experience in the areas I roam, do you think the conditions plenty favorable to accommodate a double-wall trekking pole tent or in your opinion would site selection favor free/semi-freestanding?  I think either would work fine – but would enjoy your take.  Thanks.  And yes, around here in these mountains we say if you don’t like the weather just wait a bit.  Steve

I agree with Jimmjam I think.  I’ve been backpacking in the mountains of TN and NC for 41 years and when conditions are right—mainly in cold temps with 3 day rainstorms/sleetstorms at 35F—you’ll get all sorts of condensation—and also ice crystals inside when temps plunge to 0F or -10F.

There’s no way I’ll rely on a single wall tent for my trips for various reasons.  A double wall offers more protection when the fly gets a small hole or a branch rips a hole.  Plus obviously any errant inner fly-surface water/condensation can drip on the inner SOLID canopy and allow this water to drain down the side—and not on you while you sleep.

But even a double tent can get terrible condensation when conditions are right—and so venting is vital.  In the worst conditions I can solve 90% of all condensation issues on my double wall tunnel tent by doing this on both end doors—

This creates a chimney effect on both ends and keeps out most falling rain.  The tent is colder inside of course due to ample ventilation but there’s very little inner condensation.

@tipiwalter – thanks for the advice.  The venting is precisely the reason I invested in a solid sleep system for warmth.  We always pack our rain shell & pants too. Always.  I’m pretty sure I’m sold on the DW for my area – now I just need to sort which DW (Hornet Elite – not sure about HH & cutaway fly; Tiger Wall UL1 – again HH at 1200 with thin materials; or a Notch Li – great HH but will I ALWAYS be able to find the right spot to pitch & tension).

Steve

Well there is 3 season weather and 4 season weather.

I’ve hiked in the SE in 3 season weather. If it isn’t going to rain, then no shelter for me. If it rains then I’m going to be setting up my single wall shelter fairly high above the ground and probably leave the entrance (if it has one) open to maximize ventilation. I just want to keep the rain off me and my gear, not sleep in a cocoon. How high off the ground or how open the entrance will depend on the conditions. This doesn’t work for some people.

Kids, dogs, and insects don’t like me, so I don’t need an inner. In heavy insect pressure, I just use a head net.

Other than some really old shelters, all of mine are single wall, except a 10-year old Scarp 1 that I only use in winter snow trips.

@ngatel – I wish insects didn’t like me. I think that’s why I’m invited on trips, as the bait. Except for winter, I need the inner. Don’t prefer a cacoon- I like to leave it open too – with the noseeum (nofeelum).

Steve, I see no problems at all with trekking-pole supported tents in this area… especially when you’re using a one-person shelter.  The footprint is usually very small in that class of tents and the ground in those mountains is rarely so rocky as to preclude getting stakes to hold solidly…and as Tipi Walter said, there are other reasons to go double-walled.

I appreciate everyone’s opinion!