When some people hear that a tent has a single-wall, the first thing that comes to their mind is condensation. There is a good reason for this belief, as in the past, most single-wall tents had condensation problems. But recently, a number of vendors have come out with single-wall tents that are as good, if not better, when it comes to condensation than some double-wall tents. Will a single-wall tent have condensation? Sure, it will under some weather conditions, just as any double-wall tent will also have condensation problems under the right conditions.

So why the current trend toward single-wall tents? The main one is less weight. A single-wall tent will almost always weigh less than a double-wall tent of the same size. A single-wall tent will also take up less space in your pack, and generally speaking, they are easier and faster to erect.

One of the newest single-wall tents to be introduced is the Waypoint 2 from Mountain Hardwear. Here's why it is world class backpacking tent:

• Ultralightweight. Its average minimum weight is 3 pounds 1 ounce, and its average packed weight is 3 pounds 7 ounces.
  
   
• The Waypoint 2 is roomier than the average 2-person tent. The floor area has 32.5 square feet of space, most of which is usable. The floor dimensions are 114 x 76 inches, and the center peak is 41.5 inches high. There is more than enough room for two large adults and some gear, or a small child, or even a pet. Two people won't be able to sit up at the same time without hitting their head on the top, so you will have to take turns. In addition, the Waypoint 2 makes a great 1-person tent. You will feel like you are living in luxury with all the extra room.
  
   
• The Waypoint 2 is a three-season tent, and it should not be used in high winds (over 40 mph).
  
   
• This tent is not free-standing. This means that you must stake out the tent before you raise it with its pole. Virtually all ultralightweight tents are not-freestanding in order to keep their weight down. I found assembling the tent easy once you do it the first time.
  
  Essentially, the tent has a single hoop pole, that is used to support the tent. There is also an optional rear strut pole that is used to provide more ventilation. I highly recommend you use the strut. Extreme fastpackers may want to leave it at home to save an ounce or two.
  
   
• The fabric used for canopy of the tent is waterproof and not breathable. Vents provide the ventilation. The fabric is a nylon ripstop, with a silicone-coated outer surface and a polyurethane-coated outer surface. Welding technology is used to attach the floor material with the canopy, eliminating any possible chance of leaks in this area.
  
   
• The tent has two doors, which makes it easy for either party in the tent to get in and out without disturbing the other. These doors do not have a vestibule, which means when it is raining, that there is a chance you may get a little rain into the tent when entering or exiting the tent. Unlike many tents, there is no optional mesh door for the tent's doors. The only door is the tent fabric itself.
  
   
• Zippers are water-resistant and have flaps over them to prevent water from seeping in.
  
   
• There are two clear windows at the top of the tent to let in light and to you to see out.
  
   
• Although the above picture of the tent does not show it well, the Waypoint 2 has lots of built-in ventilation. Most of the ventilation comes from a several inch high mesh material surrounding the entire base of the tent. There is several inches between the mesh ventilation material and the floor of the tent to prevent water from coming in. You may ask how can you prevent wind-driven rain from coming through the mesh material? Rain can't get to the mesh because the bottom of the walls of the tent extend out past the mesh, preventing rain from entering, but at the same time, allowing air to circulate in the tent.
  
  At the narrow end of the tent is an additional mesh vent, that is also protected by the bottom part of the tent, allowing air to circulate.
  
  And in addition, there are two closeable vents at the front of the tent, and one at the back of the tent. During bad weather, these must be closed, otherwise, they can be opened for additional ventilation.
  
  Condensation was not any worse that most double-wall tents I have used. As long as their is a breeze, ventilation is very good.
  
   
• The quality of the material and construction is excellent, and the tent should last you a long time, assuming you take good care of it.
  
   
• The Waypoint 2 comes with a stuff bag, aluminum y-pegs, pole sack, peg sack, cord, and Seam Seal.

Besides the Waypoint 2, Mountain Hardwear also offers the Waypoint 1, designed for one person. Other than size and weight, these two tents are identical.

Using the Mountain Hardwear Waypoint 2 in the Real World

When I first opened up this tent and set it up, it took me a moment to figure out how it all went together. This was not because it is hard to setup, but because it is slightly different than other tents. But once I figured it out, it all made sense and subsequent setups went fast and smooth.

The first thing I noticed after getting into the tent was how roomy it was. Most two person tents barely hold two people, while the Waypoint 2 comfortable holds two large adults. Towards the end of the tent, were there is less space for people there is room for some of your gear, which comes in handy.

I like the doors on each side of the tent. Access in and out of the tent it easy. But if it is raining, you need to be quick in order to prevent rain from coming into the door, as there is no cover.

Mountain Hardwear includes a tube of Seam Sealer with the tent that can be used to seal any seams that may leak. I did not have any problems with leaks, but I have yet to use in during a hard-driving rain.

Condensation, like for just about any tent, can be a problem if there is no breeze and there is a lot of humidity in the air. But other than that, the Waypoint offers good ventilation, especially if there is a breeze.

To ensure good ventilation, you will want to use the optional strut, which holds up the tent material in the front of the tent, allowing air to circulate better. In addition, you will want to be sure that the guy cords are taunt, which ensures that air can flow under the tent's fabric into the mesh opening at the bottom of the tent. And last of all, unless it is raining, you will want to open the three vents. Vents must be opened from the outside, not the inside. This combination of vents at the bottom and top of the tent can provide superior ventilation when a breeze exists.

Recommendation

If you need a roomy, ultralightweight, 3-season, 2-person tent, you can't go wrong with the Waypoint 2 from Mountain Hardwear. Since many of the tent's features aren't illustrated by the above photo, you will want to check them out for yourself at a Mountain Hardwear dealer. This way, you will be able to see how the ventilation system works.

Product Notes

The Waypoint 2 comes in one color, Wasabi (a sort of light olive green). The MSRP is $250.00. If you want to travel even lighter, consider the 1-person Waypoint 1, with a MSRP of $195.00, and an average packed weight of 2 pounds 8 ounces.