A tent is your home outdoors, and the way it's built has much to do with your comfort and safety. Single Wall vs Double Wall Tents Explained ,The main distinction comes down to whether the tent incorporates one layer of material (single-wall) or two (double-wall) in order to create the interior space.
Single-Wall Tents:
Construction: True to the name, single-wall tents employ a single layer of fabric for the tent body as well as the waterproof/breathable outer layer (rainfly). They can have mesh panels for ventilation.
Weight: Typically lighter and more compact than double-wall tents, thus well-liked among ultralight backpackers and climbers where ounce-saving matters.
Setup: Usually easier and quicker to set up since there is only one layer to contend with. Most single-wall tents are non-freestanding and use trekking poles or stakes for support.
Ventilation: Is more likely to have condensation accumulate internally since moisture from breathing and body heat has only a single layer to vent. Ventilation tends to be provided through narrow vents and mesh panels, which may not be as efficient as a double-wall setup. Finding the balance of warmth and ventilation in cold temperatures can be difficult; increased ventilation decreases condensation but decreases warmth as well.
Durability: The fact that there's only one layer means that it must be both waterproof and allow for breathability, which tends to compromise on one aspect in favor of the other or take specialized (and usually more costly) materials.
Advantages of Single-Wall Tents:
Lighter weight and compact pack size.
Easier and quicker setup.
Fewer items to lose or break.
Occasionally more flexible to pitch into different configurations (particularly trekking pole tents).
Disadvantages of Single-Wall Tents:
More prone to internal condensation.
Ventilation may be less effective.
Can feel colder and draftier, particularly those with big mesh panels.
May provide less sheltered gear storage than double-wall tents with vestibules.
The single layer of fabric must serve several purposes, possibly at the expense of one or more.
Double-Wall Tents:
Construction: Double-wall tents consist of two distinct layers: an inner tent body (usually made of breathable nylon or polyester with mesh panels) and an outer rainfly that is waterproof and covers the inner tent.
Weight: Generally heavier and more bulky than single-wall tents based on the additional fabric and usually a more intricate pole system.
Setup: May take a bit more work as you must set up the inner tent first and then cover it with the rainfly. Many double-wall tents, however, are freestanding, which makes setup easier on different terrain. Some European designs permit "fly-first" setup, leaving the inner tent dry in wet setups.
Ventilation: The gap between the inner tent and the rainfly provides a gap through which air circulates freely, greatly enhancing ventilation and condensation reduction. Moisture vapor from within can travel through the ventilating inner tent and condense on cooler, non-ventilating rainfly, outside of you and your equipment. Vestibules from rainfly provide areas for gear storage out of the sleeping area in a protected fashion.
Durability: The rainfly and inner tent may be constructed from fabrics tailored to their particular function (water resistance, breathability, respectively), potentially resulting in increased overall durability and lifespan.
Benefits of Double-Wall Tents:
Better ventilation and much less condensation.
More protection from wind and rain with the distinct, waterproof rainfly.
More comfortable across a greater variety of conditions (cold, hot, wet).
Usually have vestibules for dry gear storage.
Less drafty.
Inner tent can be used by itself for stargazing and best ventilation on clear nights.
Drawbacks of Double-Wall Tents:
Heavier and bulkier.
May be more complicated to erect (although most are freestanding).
More pieces to carry.
May take longer to dry since there are two distinct parts.
Usually more costly.
Which to Use?
The best one depends on your particular needs and the conditions you anticipate:
For weight-aware backpackers and climbers in colder, drier climates or on short trips: Single-wall tents are a good choice if you are careful with ventilation and accept possible condensation.
For general backpacking, camping in mixed weather (rain and humidity), and more extended trips when there is an emphasis on comfort: Double-wall tents are typically the recommended choice because of their better ventilation and weather protection. The extra weight is generally well worth the increased comfort and flexibility.
In wet climates such as Bengaluru: Double-wall tents are well-suited as they can better withstand rain and cope with potentially high humidity levels, reducing condensation.
Summarily, whereas single-wall tents aim at saving weight and minimizing complexity, double-wall tents provide better performance across a broad set of conditions, especially as it relates to ventilation and protection from the elements, and so they are the more universal option for most campers and backpackers.