Comparing Sizes: 2 Man Tent Or 3?

For anyone laboring to make a decision between a 3 man tent and a 2 man tent there are a number of aspects to consider. Aside from the obvious truth that one fits two people and the other three sizes, weight and function will all vary widely between these different styles. In fact, there are times when a two-man style will be better suited for three sleepers and vice versa. Knowing what conditions are beneficial for these stipulations could make the difference between a great camping trip and a minor disaster.

2 man tents are beneficial for backpacking trips. They are lighter weight and come in more geometrical varieties for low ceiling camping. There are also a larger variety of four-season coverings for smaller vessels, which makes winter camping much more comfortable. In addition to the four-season adaption, there is less airflow in the internal environment so sleepers can keep their winter refuge at higher temperatures for greater comfort.

Three-man setups work in nearly the opposite way from two-man ones. This is a benefit in the summer even if only one person is going camping. The larger heating area provides more circulation to keep the sleeper cool during the night.

Once campers have wandered into the larger three or four person sizes, the shelters are better for static use. Packing and toting anything larger than a two-person tent is heavy, cumbersome and time consuming to set up and tear down. Not to say that three person setups are not the proper usage for many situations, but rather, they are less applicable than smaller stations.

The wilderness is a tough opponent and a sweet companion at the same time. Being out in it, among it, requires planning, courage and a heart ready to be in awe. Traveling with the right tools keeps the competition between man and wild on even ground. The 2 man tent is nature’s greatest fear.