Camping tents: All-mesh walls vs partially meshed walls. What are their pros and cons?

February 28th, 2010 | by admin |

I’m shopping for a 3 season camping tent that can stand up nicely against some western Washington state weather, which is wet and somewhat cold (50-60 degrees). I’ve noticed that some tents have fully mesh walls while others have nylon walls with mesh windows here and there. Could someone explain the benefits of one over the other? I would think that all mesh would be awesome against condensation, but does it provide protection against the cold? Plus, I would imagine that all mess walls are a bit less durable too. Am I wrong?

With all three season tents the key to success and dryness is ventilation in cold, freezing, wet weather you need the ventilation to keep the inside of your tent dry. For some the more is better. To me it is the design and whether the air has adequate ways to move through the tent without also being so breezy that the tent won’t hold in some heat. I prefer a tent that has some side wall going up from the floor and a full screen canopy through the top. And a complete rain fly with vestibule that allows cooking if need be in the vestibule and radiant heat from a stove into it. Never cook inside your tent as carbon monoxide build up can kill you and spilled food is a critter attractor. hence the reason for the vestibule.

Weight factors in as well, tents with full screens tend to be lighter and during those warm summer nights when all you really need is a bug screen so you can watch the meteors fall what could be better. You do sacrifice some durability with the full screen and that is why I prefer the half wall half screen.

So I wouldn’t say your wrong and I would recommend this tent,

http://www.rei.com/product/779212


  1. 5 Responses to “Camping tents: All-mesh walls vs partially meshed walls. What are their pros and cons?”

  2. By chris w on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    With all three season tents the key to success and dryness is ventilation in cold, freezing, wet weather you need the ventilation to keep the inside of your tent dry. For some the more is better. To me it is the design and whether the air has adequate ways to move through the tent without also being so breezy that the tent won’t hold in some heat. I prefer a tent that has some side wall going up from the floor and a full screen canopy through the top. And a complete rain fly with vestibule that allows cooking if need be in the vestibule and radiant heat from a stove into it. Never cook inside your tent as carbon monoxide build up can kill you and spilled food is a critter attractor. hence the reason for the vestibule.

    Weight factors in as well, tents with full screens tend to be lighter and during those warm summer nights when all you really need is a bug screen so you can watch the meteors fall what could be better. You do sacrifice some durability with the full screen and that is why I prefer the half wall half screen.

    So I wouldn’t say your wrong and I would recommend this tent,

    http://www.rei.com/product/779212
    References :
    been there done that

  3. By healthymind on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    I don’t like the mesh, though I have not had the other. Just got back from a camping weekend, and we have the 2 room with the no-see-um mesh on the top, of course covered on the outside. We take very good care of our camping equipment, so we knew we were all set in case of showers. but this mesh does not hold up. Needless to say, we packed up some wet gear today. I’d go with nylon.
    References :

  4. By wana bigger bike on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    i think an all mesh tent would be better for somewhere like so cal or even in the south but since you are in washington i would go with the half mesh half wall tent..just because it gives you good ventalation yes still is warm
    References :
    live in idaho but do camp in washington…and tent camped throughout montana…bad weather there

  5. By angelsmom10 on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    The ones with mainly all mesh walls are referred to as summer tents.. designed for the warm/hot temps…

    if you are looking for an all season, I would recommend going to the ones with more walls then mesh…

    try looking at d?icks (replace "?" with an "i") sporting goods … they have some really nice all season tents..

    also, when looking for a size… if you need to sleep 2 I would go for one that sleeps at least 4.. the sleeping they show, is people right on top of one another.. our old tent said it slept 6, but we figured it slept 3 comfortably (till you add gear, air matress,…. all needs to be considered.)

    if you seem to get condensation on the all season tent, just leave the zippers open on the windows a little bit (although we never had any issues with condensation)
    References :

  6. By BeachBum818 on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Go with the all mesh. If you seam seal the seams of the fly like you are supposed you shouldnt have any problems. Tents dont really provide warmth, think about it- its just a piece of nylon I`d rather have a well ventilated tent and not have puddles of condensation then to have solid walls and be swimming inside the tent. If you`re worried about being warm get a good sleeping bag. A tent just protects you from the elements, a sleeping bag and warm clothes protects you from the cold weather. Go with the mesh.
    References :
    Eagle Scout
    NY Backpacking Guide

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