Single fly or double fly tent: which one do you need?
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Every tent we make is either single fly or double fly. The difference decides how dry the tent stays, how warm it feels at night, how long it lasts, and what it costs. Here is what each one means and when to choose it.
What is a single fly tent?
A single fly tent has one layer of fabric between you and the weather. It is lighter, quicker to pitch and more affordable. The trade-off is condensation: on cold nights your breath collects on the inside of the fabric, and in heavy rain there is no second layer to stop water reaching you.
Choose single fly for: short stays in dry weather, shade and shelter in summer, and budget-sensitive bulk orders where many families need cover quickly.
What is a double fly tent?
A double fly tent has a waterproof outer fly over a separate inner tent, with an air gap in between. Rain is stopped by the outer layer, condensation stays on the fly instead of on you, and the trapped air adds warmth.
Choose double fly for: the monsoon, the northern areas, cold nights, and any stay longer than a few days.
Side by side
| Single fly | Double fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | One | Outer fly + inner tent |
| Rain | Fine in light rain | Better in heavy and long rain |
| Condensation | More | Much less |
| Warmth at night | Lower | Higher |
| Weight and pitching | Lighter, faster | Heavier, a few more minutes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
For relief agencies and NGOs
Our flood relief tents come in both versions and three footprints: 3×4 m, 4×4 m and 4×6 m. Single fly models suit fast, large-scale cover in dry spells; double fly models suit families who will live in the tent for weeks through rain and cold. For volume pricing and delivery to the affected district, request a bulk quote.
For campers
For trips to the northern areas or during the monsoon, choose a double fly tent from our camping tents or mountaineering tents. Not sure? Read our tent guide or ask us on WhatsApp.