I recommend single-wall tents. The technology really HAS changed, and today you can get a single-wall that聮s light, storm-proof, has fewer condensation problems, and doesn聮t necessarily break the bank. I聮ve had Black Diamond聮s two-person Lighthouse ($379; bdel.com) out on three trips this summer and like it a lot. It聮s very light (under four pounds) and storm-proof. It uses Epic, a coated fabric that has just enough breathability to ease condensation issues, and has a design that encourages ventilation.
Mountain Hardwear Airjet 3
Airjet 3 TentBut as you note, you need something larger. The Lighthouse is a bit friendly for two, let alone three. Black Diamond聮s Skylight ($450) sits in that big-for-two-enough-for-three niche, and uses a combination of double-wall (for the front) and single-wall (for the back two-thirds) construction. Weight is around five pounds. Not cheap, I grant you.
I聮d also recommend Mountain Hardwear聮s Airjet 3 ($320; mountainhardwear.com). Mountain Hardwear uses a totally waterproof siliconized fabric and relies on ventilation to reduce condensation. In my experience it works pretty well, although on a still, chilly night, you聮re still apt to find some moisture in the tent. The Airjet also comes in at around five pounds and has plenty of room for two with sufficient space for three. And the price is a bonus.
Double-wall technology continues to improve, too, with lighter materials and better designs. Marmot聮s Aeolos 3P ($365; marmot.com) uses lightweight poles and fabrics to come up with a tent that holds three comfortably, and has bomb-proof canopy-and-fly construction. There still are advantages to such a design聴you can remove the fly for better ventilation, and when compared with single-wall tents, double-wall tents are warmer in cool weather and cooler when in the sun. The Aeolos weighs about seven pounds, which isn聮t bad for a three-pack tent.
You聮ve seen our picks for 2007 Gear of the Year, and now the entire
国产吃瓜黑料 Summer Buyer聮s Guide is online. Check out this year聮s more than 400 must-have gear items, including tents.