Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Tents | Outdoor Living

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a backpacking tent is freestanding versus non-freestanding. Freestanding means you don’t have to stake out the tent to take shelter inside. Non-freestanding tents use trekking poles or static poles to raise the tent, but they also rely on the tension of the stakes to stay upright.

Both types have pros and cons, and we’ve included the best tents from each category in our annual backpacking gear test this spring. Two of our favorites are the Zpacks FreeZip and Seek Outside Sunlight. This premium semi-freestanding shelter and US-made trekking pole tent highlight the best qualities of each category.

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Alpine and desert environments, where exposed rock and hard ground abound, are notoriously difficult to deploy. It’s a relief at the end of a long day to be able to set up your shelter without having to worry about finding a spot with stakes. When you’re more often than not setting up camp on either soft or hard surfaces, the peace of mind of a freestanding, or even semi-freestanding, tent cannot be overstated (semi-freestanding means you can pitch the tent without stakes, but you do lose space inside).

If you are using a non-freestanding tent on hard ground, you will need to be more creative. You can tie your guyline to a rock or stake your stake to a rock. It takes time to MacGyver your setup and it can be frustrating if your hiking partner is already cooking outside their freestanding tent.

However, if you typically camp on sand, dirt, or other terrain where poles can be secured, a tent with trekking poles is a great way to save weight and space.

Weight

Freestanding tents are heavier than pole tents because you have to carry poles instead of relying on the poles you already carry. Some non-freestanding tents offer the option of purchasing poles if you don’t always carry poles. Based on the average weight of freestanding tents versus non-freestanding tents in our backpacking gear test, a non-freestanding tent will save you about half a pound.

Structure

There are a few advantages to the structured design of a freestanding or semi-freestanding tent. You can pitch the tent and then decide on a location based on how it fits. Or if you need to move, it’s much easier. There’s also the ability to shake out your tent at the end of the night. Dumping debris from the inside of a non-freestanding tent is more difficult without poles holding the tent open.

Interior space

During testing, we found that the two-person trekking pole tents had an impressive amount of interior space thanks to their A-frame design. In contrast, some semi-freestanding tents taper to a single high point. Interior space varies greatly between individual tent designs, but it’s worth comparing dimensions.

Costs

Non-freestanding tents tend to cost less than freestanding tents because you don’t pay for poles. Assuming you already have trekking poles, this is a great way to save money.

Durability and weather resistance

The durability and weather resistance of your shelter depends more on the individual tent design than the structure category. In high winds, a freestanding structure can have an overall advantage, as a non-freestanding structure has more failure points. Although very sturdy, the whole thing can fall down more easily if a guyline snaps or comes loose on a trekking pole tent.

While it is more common to see freestanding double wall tents and non-freestanding single wall tents, this is not always the case. Double wall tents have the added weight and set up time of a rainfly, but also provide an extra layer of weather protection. Single wall tents require more ventilation to prevent condensation in your shelter, as there is only one layer of weatherproof material.

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Tents Field Test

Here’s a look at two of our favorite ultralight tents from Outdoor living‘s 2024 backpacking gear test to give you an idea of ​​how freestanding and non-freestanding tents perform in the field.

Freestanding tent: Zpacks FreeZip 2P

• Dyneema composite fabric
• Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.
• 44 x 86 x 43 inches
• Two doors
• Two year warranty
• Price: $900

One of the striking freestanding tents of Outdoor livingIn our 2024 backpacking gear test, the Zpacks FreeZip 2P won the Best Upgrade award in our ultralight tent test because it’s bombproof in high winds and weighs just 2 pounds.

The single wall, semi-freestanding design makes it quick and easy to set up and take down. This shelter is safe, homely and maximises a small footprint without the stress of finding a ground to stake. The single wall design invites condensation in damp or wet weather and the ultra-light materials come at an extremely high price.

Non-freestanding tent: Search outside for sunlight

• Ripstop silnylon
• Weight: 2 lbs. 15 oz.
• 99 x 60 x 50 inches
• Two doors
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Price: $450

There’s a learning curve to building non-freestanding tents, but the Sunlight’s easy setup and innovative door design made it stand out for us. Once you’ve got it set up properly, it’s impressively sturdy. In our testing, it outperformed a freestanding tent on a windy ridge where snagging stakes was a chore. If you’re new to pole tents, this is an easy tent to pick up. And it’s made in the USA. It just weighs more than most pole tents, and the optional poles aren’t as effective as poles.

Check out our field test of these freestanding and non-freestanding tents in our video: Top ultralight tents

Final thoughts

Backpackers will always debate the merits of freestanding versus non-freestanding tents, but the reality is that they’re both capable categories of shelter. If you’re the type of hiker who wants to cover as many miles as possible and spontaneously set up camp on the next flat spot you see, then a freestanding tent will make the most sense for you. On the other hand, if every ounce counts and you’re willing to be pickier with your locations to save a few pounds, opt for a non-freestanding design.