There are lots of different types of tents out there, and there are even more different manufacturers. From 3 and 4-season tents, to geodesic domes, there are lots of options to consider, and comfort is a key factor. One interesting type of tent is the Tentsile tree tent.
Tentsile tree tents do give you a good night’s sleep. They offer a warm, bug-free, dry, and unique tenting experience. Tree tents have gained popularity over the last few years, especially in wet climates. However, they are only really suitable for spring, summer and fall camping.
When choosing any tent for your camping or backpacking trip, there are lots of factors to consider. Comfort is clearly a driving factor, but comfort itself is made up of several sub factors. Below, we look at these in more detail, so you can find out if Tentsile tree tents are right for you.
Table of Contents
Do Tentsile Tents Keep You Warm?
Tentsile tents can keep you warm in the right conditions, such as in spring and summer. But because the bottom of the tent is above the ground, it can radiate heat away into the air. However, you can implement a sleeping pad between the double walls of the floor, to limit this heat loss.
To understand how to stay warm in a tree tent, you must consider several things. Does the tent bottom radiate heat away from the tent, leaving the tent bottom cold? During cool windy days, the bottom of tree tents can lose substantial amounts of heat.
However, many manufacturers have created nifty ways to keep the heat in. For example, the Tentsile tree tents come with a double-walled floor where you can slide a sleeping pad. This provides extra warmth via heat conduction returning body heat to the camper.
Tree tents do well during the spring, summer, and fall months. However, cold and windy conditions might prove their downfall.
How Good Are Tentsile Tents In Bad Weather?
Tentsile tents are reasonable in bad weather. The rainflys from Tentsile have a 2,500 mm hydrostatic head rating. Hydrostatic head is a measurement of how water resistant a tent is. A rating of 2,500 mm means Tentsile tents are very water resistant. However, tree tents aren’t ideal in windy weather.
The tent is completely enclosed when the rainfly is set up properly. Also, the rainfly on Tentsile tents extends past the tent, providing a larger dry area below the tent. A dry area beneath the tent is good for storing gear, without using up space inside the tent.
After a rainy night, the tent can also dry quickly in the tree before dismantling it and putting it back in your pack.
Do Tentsile Tents Keep Out Insects?
Tentsile tents do keep out insects. The mesh on tree tents is the same as that of traditional tents. This mesh protects you from biting and stinging insects while you sleep. The bottom of the tent is also too thick for mosquitos to penetrate.
Other animals, such as snakes, scorpions, and spiders won’t get into your tent either. For the most part, they will not even know you are perched in a tent above them as they snoop around at night! This is one of the main attractions for tree tents in general, especially for those setting up camp in areas where these animals are known to live.
Are Tentsile Tents Easy To Get Into?
Tentsile tents are easy to get into. The standard for setting up a tree tent is 4 feet from the ground, which isn’t too high. As you push down on the tent, the tent also lowers down to you. Once you are sitting in your tent just lean back, bring up your knees, and swing around to lay down.
One nice thing about tree tents is that each side has fully opening windows. This means you don’t have to crawl over your bunkmate to get to your spot in the tent. Some tents even have an opening in the center of the tent. So, entering the middle of the tent is possible. Some tree tents even come with rope ladders to make it even easier to get into.
Are Tentsile Tents Easy To Set Up?
Tentsile tents are easy to set up. Tentsile tree tents come with industrial-grade ratchet tensioners. This makes setup very easy, and you can be sure that your tent is secure. However, these ratchet tensioners can be quite heavy, which is worth considering for the trek to and from the campsite.
Finding the right situation for your tree tent is paramount to getting a good night’s sleep. We recommend that you find trees that are about 15 feet apart and at least 10 inches in diameter. These specifications provide the easiest and safest setup, as they ensure the trees are strong enough to hold your weight.
Also, keeping the tent 4 to 5 feet off the ground is optimal. Only raise your tent to a height from which you are willing to fall or jump. Raising your tent higher than 5 feet off the ground is dangerous. Thin tree trunks lose strength and stability, and they get thinner the higher you go, making it less secure.
Downsides Of Tentsile Tents
Heat Loss
The first downside of Tentsile tents is that the bottom of the tent tends to cool off at night. As we mentioned earlier, it is a good idea to use a sleeping pad to reduce heat loss.
Finding The Right Spot
Another drawback of Tentsile tree tents is that you need trees and open space. You need to find trees that are the right distance apart, and strong enough to hold the weight of the tent. This can prove to be a problem if you’re camping somewhere new, and you don’t already have a spot in mind before you set off.
They Can Be Heavy
Because of the industrial-grade ratchet tensioners, Tentsile tree tents can be a bit heavy. So, while great for car camping, they’re not so good if you’re embarking on a week-long adventure.
They’re Expensive
Finally, Tentsile tree tents are a bit on the pricey side. They are made from premium quality materials, and they provide a very comfortable camping experience. So, it’s a case of getting what you pay for, and if you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of Tentsile tents for your specific situation, it may be worth the higher price.
Final Thoughts
Tentsile tree tents provide a comfortable camping experience and can give you a good night’s sleep. They are a little expensive, but they’re strong, weather resistant, and provide a truly unique camping experience. They’re ideal for car camping and short backpacking trips.