How do you choose the most suitable two- or three-people tent?

Deciding to go camping or bivouacking for the first time with two (or three) people was the easy part. Now you need to choose a tent.

Deciding to go camping or bivouacking for the first time with two (or three) people was the easy part. Now you need to choose a tent... That’s where things get complicated. To make it easier to choose, we’ve prepared an article for you reviewing the various types of two- to three-people tents, so you can choose the most suitable one when you set off on your next excursion.

Summary

Camping versus Trekking: What tent should you choose for 2/3 people?
What tent structure is the best to go for?
What tent fabric should you choose?
Ground tent or rooftop tent?
How not to spend too much money on a two- to three-people tent

What is the best two-people tent for camping or bivouacking during a trek?

Are you going to go camping as a duo? It’s clear that you're going to need a two-people hiking tent (or even one for three people if you’re going to be sleeping with all of your belongings). But more important than the number of people going, the number of places, or the tent itself, it’s above all the type of activity you’re going to be doing that will determine your choice. Oh yes! If you’re travelling or if you pitch your tent and don't move during your entire stay, you will not choose the same tent design at all.

For trekking, opt for an ultra-light, compact tent

While you trek, you’re going to be carrying your own tent, sleeping bag, mattress, water, and your change of clothes as well as your food... in short, you’re going to be carrying absolutely everything! And even if two of you can share the weight of your equipment, a few hundred grams can make all the difference after dozens of kilometres and days of walking, especially if your route includes a steep slope. It’s clear... go for an ultra-light, two-people trekking tent. At Forclaz, the tent designs are lighter than those of the Quechua brand, which are designed for fixed-spot "camping".

For two people, you can opt for a hiking tent design with dome-shaped poles. But take note, there will only just be enough space for your mattress. So also check the size of this, as there are different designs on the market.

How to choose the most suitable two- or three-people tent

Always check that the tent comes with a compression bag, to take up as little space as possible in your bag and make it easier to store. At Forclaz, to make things quicker and simpler, we offer trekking dome tents with pre-assembled chambers and flysheet, like the MT500 Fresh & Black 2-seater trekking dome tent.

What's more, if you opt for a 2-seater tent, rather than a 3-seater, your gear will sleep outside. If you're sleeping out in the middle of nowhere, you won't have to worry too much about theft (well, not from humans, but watch out for nature's thieves...). But beware of the elements! It would be a shame to wake up with your bag and shoes soaking wet. So choose a 2-person tent with at least one large apse (at Decathlon, we prefer to give you two on the 2-person models, which makes sense). In other words, a small awning that adds storage space just outside the door.

If you’re a fan of adventure and nights spent under starry skies, but you like to sometimes be protected from the rain, Forclaz has come up with an ultra-light solution with a more environmentally-friendly design: half tent, half tarp, the MT900 v2 Minimal Editions Undyed allows you to set up your two-people shelter with your hiking poles, for a total weight of 1.3 kg (without the poles, of course). To give you a rough idea, the abovementioned MT500 dome tent weighs 3.1 kg.

Finally, just like for cars, check the number of doors on hiking tents! In fact, some trekking tents offer two doors. These are there to simplify life when you have an urgent bathroom call at night, without having to walk over your partner.

For camping and hiking during the day, opt for a comfortable tent with enough space

Do you only go camping once or twice a year and the sight of all those poles already triggers a panic attack the day before you hit the road? If you’re planning to stay put in the same spot for the duration of your trip, opt for ease and simplicity:

• The two- or three-place 2 Seconds tent for speed of set-up and dismounting. Oh yes! With the 2 Seconds Easy tent, there’s no more racking your brain on how to fold it up. The latest from the 2 Seconds range is inspired by the assembly system of baby travel cots, for folding as easy as unfolding. As seen above for trekking tents, opt for a three-people tent even if there are only two of you, so that you have enough space for your bag and boots.

• The inflatable tent uses a set-up system that gives you both a sense of childhood memories (with its inflatable jumping castles) and camping in the style of true fans of outdoor luxury. With Quechua, the designs start with the four-people size, but as you’ll see a bit further down, this is actually a very smart choice if there are two or three of you! Especially if you’re setting off as a duo or "alone": no need to share the same bedroom (okay, even if the sound insulation isn’t exactly rock solid). This gives you the advantage of being able to get up and go to bed in your own time and turn around in your sleeping bag without the risk of rolling into your neighbour (especially if you usually get the cursed middle spot in tents with a single bedroom for three people).

If you're looking for enough space (really a lot of space), we’d advise the following:

• Still the inflatable tent! Yes, it combines set-up speed with a great deal of inside space. And you’re going as a duo and want a stay and a place to store all your belongings, this will be just perfect. Unlike the 2 Seconds tent that is like the "studio" of camping, inflatable tent designs have several rooms (we told you it would be like living in a castle... inflatable style).

Tents with poles, the great classic that never lets you down, even if long-term relationships are seriously put to the test during set-up. But as soon as you have gotten the hang of it, you will have a tent at an affordable price allowing you to enjoy your few days camping while expanding your activity budget!

A little tip for those who want some space is to choose a family tent and to "convert" one of the rooms into a "storage space" for your bag and all of your belongings, allowing you to enjoy a trip where you can actually stand up. Card games in the evening or sun salutations upon waking are all yours, even on rainy days.

To find out a bit more about how to choose a tent for camping or trekking, read this article that covers the topic.

To find out more about how to choose a tent for camping or trekking, read this article that covers the topic.

Which awning to choose depending on the weather?

There are different tent canvasses offering different levels of waterproofing and UV-resistance. But that’s not all!

If it’s hot and humid at a tropical destination

If you’re going to be trekking in exotic destinations, especially, you’ll need to choose a two-people tent that will protect you from mosquitoes. This is the case of the two-people self-supporting tropical tent designed by Forclaz for trekking.

If the sky above your camp or bivouac are clear at night

If you’re having a hard time deciding between open skies and the safety of a tent, choose a tent with a mesh bedroom and a detachable flysheet. This is the case of Forclaz’s MT500 Mesh two-place dome tent, which is kind of like the "convertible" of trekking.

If the sun is shining a little too brightly for your liking

Finally, if the sun is strong and you don’t want to turn your tent into a sauna, choose a tent with Fresh & Black technology which will block 99% of UV rays to keep you cool. As a bonus, you get to enjoy late lie-in mornings.

Stay dry in the two- to three-people tent if it rains

Whether it’s for one, two, three people or more, it’s essential to stay dry. That’s why all of our tents are tested in the laboratory and in the field. You’ll find their level of waterproofing on the product sheets, expressed as Schmerber. To find out more about the waterproofing levels of fabrics and entire tents, we’ve prepared this article for you..

If you like camping in comfort, at relatively mild latitudes

For an even cosier camp trip, opt for a tent in polycotton. Polycotton offers the best UV resistance and even better breathability than traditional polyester. It’s lighter than 100% cotton and has a longer life (take care to store your tent only when it’s completely dry!) Finally, it offers a living environment that’s friendlier from an acoustic point of view.

What’s the best structure for a two-place tent?

A classic tent with poles, "2 Seconds" or inflatable?

Let’s unpack the views: there’s no better tent structure. Although tents with poles, 2 Seconds tents and inflatable tents co-exist on the market, this is because they meet very different needs.

For trekking, forget about the 2 Seconds tent (Easy or First Generation). It’s super practical, but it’s also a fairly heavy and bulky tent model compared to its counterparts from Forclaz or other trekking brands. There can be several hundred grams’ worth of difference, or even up to whole kilos.

The 2 Seconds tent remains a must-have in a corner of your house or apartment (it fits everywhere). It’ll always help out kids who want to camp in the garden, adults who want to go to a festival or teens who want a separate room at the camp site.

The inflatable tent remains camping’s luxury tent, for fans of simplicity, speed and comfort. And unlike the 2 Seconds tent, it can accommodate up to eight people, while the 2 Seconds tent is limited to three people.

There is therefore no better structure in itself for a two- or three-people tent, they have their advantages and disadvantages. And above all, a particular structure may suit your romantic getaway next weekend, but not the upcoming week of family camping that you have planned this summer.

How to pitch, set up and fold a Quechua 2 Seconds tent ?

The 2 Seconds tent is one of the best known two- to three-people tent. However, its transportation, set up and folding can remain an enigma. How is it that your cousin is a pro at folding their 2 Seconds into "eight" when you struggle to finally get there after 10 minutes without really knowing how or why? Double good news: our designers have added a guided system to the iconic 2 Seconds tent, and we have created video tutorials for you to find in this article.

For the 2 Seconds Easy tent, we’ve also prepared some videos (you’ll see, it really is as easy as its name suggests).

A two-people ground tent or rooftop tent?

Let me say it again, it all depends on what you’re looking for! If you’ve always dreamed about going on a road trip and changing spots every evening, rent a rooftop tent and set off on an adventure, even if it’s just a few kilometres from home (change of scenery guaranteed). Rooftop tents are also ideal for two people. However, for more than two people, rather opt for a van, or remain on the ground.

What price should you pay for a two- or three-people tent?

In the two- or three-people tent market, there are entry-level prices going up to top-of-the-range ones. Not all brands are created equal either. You need to therefore take the price into account as well as customer reviews, options to repair the product yourself while on holiday in the event of an emergency and thereafter at a workshop on your return. Finally, trust the brands that offer an extended sales warranty (different from the legal guarantee of compliance).

Find out more about Decathlon tent warranties.

If you don’t want to invest in a tent that will only be taken out once a year (or even less), there are some solutions specially for you!

Want to hire a tent? Book your pitch at one of our partner campsites!

Discover all our partner campsites by region to book your pitch for your next family camping holiday. When you arrive, the tent and all the furniture are set up and ready to use: a 100% zen holiday for you and your family!
We have carefully selected our partner campsites to offer you rental packs on quality pitches. Our partner campsites are located throughout mainland France.

Think about going the second-hand route, but not from just anyone

Finally, second-hand gives the opportunity to make two people happy: the person selling and the person buying. In short, it’s a win-win situation... as long as the goods are really in good condition. And yes, tents are technical products which require full verification and a sharp eye to detect the slightest issue. Some people who sell their equipment know it well and have really taken care of it, others are sometimes less informed even if just as well-intentioned.

To be sure you’re not going to be conned or offered an item that has been unintentionally neglected, you can go through to Decathlon Second Life, which offers reconditioned products (and therefore verified) by professionals.

Finally, remember that your tastes can vary, there may not be the perfect model for you, but designs that are perfect for various versions of yourself: the adventurer, the sleeper, the trailblazer, the road trip addict, etc. Now you’re surely better informed on how to choose the two- to three-people tent that will house your next outdoor getaway. You can take full advantage of reconnecting with nature, with a living space that caters to your tastes and needs and especially those of your adventures.

Agathe

A mountain hiking enthusiast

THESE TIPS COULD BE OF INTEREST TO YOU

The 2 Seconds EASY tent: 25 years alongside you on your adventures

The 2 Seconds Easy is very quick to put up, and folds back away again at the simple touch of a button: technology serving simplicity.

How do I set up and fold down my tent?

2, 4, 6 people, with poles or inflatable beams, with 1 or 2 bedrooms, we explain everything you need to know on how to set up and fold down your tent. Nothing very complicated, just a few tips to remember... Follow the guide!

How to repair a tent canvas

Has your tent become damaged over the years? Discover all our tips to extend the life of your tent as much as possible!