The debate between Inner Pitch vs. Outer Pitch tents has divided the opinions of wild campers for years. Where some favour outer pitch for its ease of set up in harsh conditions, others appreciate the unique advantages of inner pitch tents with their taut inner sections contributing to stability and modular set up which allows for adjustable pitching. Both styles offer benefits suited to different camping conditions.
Despite these divided opinions, we are here to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of inner pitch first tents, as well as checking out some of our favourite styles and why they are a great addition to your wild camping setup.
Picking the Perfect Pitch
But first, you need to make sure you pick the perfect tent for you and the adventures you will be going on.
When it comes to purchasing your perfect tent, you must consider a series of variable before choosing your tent. For example: weight, how much weight are you comfortable carrying, pack size, durability and seasonality, the conditions you want to camp in. Once this has been decided, you can then begin to decide whether you want an inner pitch or outer pitch first tent. If you are going winter camping, you will want to opt for a 4-season model. You can check out our previous blog on 4-season tents here. We have a great selection of 3/4 season inner pitch first tents that are ideal for every type of adventure. From expedition tents like the Quasar or the Solar Photon 2 which is considerably lighter and more suitable for 3-season conditions.
Inner Pitch First
Let’s go back to inner pitch first tents. An inner pitch first tent refers to the setup of the tent where the inner (your sleeping compartment) is erected first before attaching the flysheet. Often, this pitch allows for maximised space inside your tent and a sturdier pitch.
Our inner-first pitching tents maximise internal space by tensioning the inner tent before the flysheet is added, meaning the inner tent is taught and excess fabric is not left to flap about in the wind, which is very noisy and not ideal after a long day of hiking.
Additionally, inner pitch designs generally feel roomier compared to outer pitch first. And even in harsh, expedition conditions, inner-pitch first models can offer several benefits. Inner pitch can ensure enhanced stability due to its precise tensioning. Both the inner and the fly has adjustable tension, whereas outer pitch tents only offer adjustability on the flysheet, with less or no option for adjustability on the flysheet. Therefore, an inner pitch which allows you to adjust the tensioning on both the inner and flysheet is important as it adds to the overall strength of the tents structure.
Another benefit of inner pitch first tents is their improved ventilation. This can be achieved because the inner can have its mesh panels exposed which allows for better airflow and reduced condensation. In the summer months, you also have the option to leave the flysheet at home, leaving the mesh panels completely exposed allowing for complete ventilation. Not only does this stop the midges getting in, but also can reduce your pack size for summer camps.
Inner tents can also be incredibly useful in emergencies, making them ideal for challenging environments as they serve as rapid, temporary shelters.
But what if it rains? Another question we get asked is how an inner pitch tent will fair in the rain. Whilst you wouldn’t use the inner tent without the flysheet in rainy conditions, it’s worth noting that our inner tent fabric is treated with a water repellent, so this will help water bead off and not absorb water immediately. Therefore, you can quickly get your pitch set up without the inner getting completely drenched!
When deciding on a tent for your next camping adventure, we highly recommend checking out inner pitch first models! They have plenty of benefits such as great ventilation, fully adjustable sections, larger sleeping compartments as well as having the option to reduce pack size in the warmer months, making them an ideal ‘home away from home’ for any upcoming camping adventures!
Check out our full range of tents for your next adventure.
