Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic Tents
What Is A Geodesic Tent?
These tents have all the advantages and are often confused with a Dome Tent. The biggest difference is its’ increased support and stability. The poles of these tents crisscross at various places around it to form triangles other geodesic shapes, giving the tent lots of stability. They are better than dome tents at holding up in heavy rain and bad weather.
The Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic structural designs are becoming more and more prevalent in modern day tents because of its stability. You can even notice these designs being used in backpacking tents, inflatables, pop-up, and multi-room tents.
Some Experience Necessary
These tents are for those who know what they want and have some experience setting up and taking down tents. With the extra structural tent poles and layouts, it helps to already be familiar with tent camping to understand how these are supposed to be set up. After a little practice though, they can be as easy as setting up an ‘A’ Frame tent.
Given the somewhat complicated design and structural layout of these tents, they do tend to be more of a challenge to pitch and can be more on the bulky side when packed away. To cut down on weight and size however, many of these tents use a polyester and nylon blend fabric, and hollowed, flexible, carbon fiber poles. The same materials used in Dome and Backpacking tents. Although this helps with the weight, the addition of more tent poles, guy lines, and stakes, makes the Geodesic tents a bit too big to backpack around and are usually categorized into the longer stay camping environments.
Stronger Than All The Rest
The Geodesic designs, though complicated looking, are by far the most stabile designs for tents. They can withstand much higher winds, rain and even snowfall if you find yourself caught in bad weather or are into extreme camping.
Another plus side for the Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic designs, other than overall tent stability, is this allows for additional storage areas to be incorporated onto the side walls and ceiling. Giving you more interior space to sleep and keep all of your belongings. Making them a little more comfortable for those longer duration camping trips.
If you find yourself drawn to this style of tent it is always encouraged to find a reputable dealer and take a look at some demo tents they have set up. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing because you’re going to want to get in there and take it for a test run.
