Compared to traditional double-skinned tents, single-wall tents are lighter, quicker and easier to pitch, and provide more internal space for the same footprint. So why are they still such a rarity in the world of ultralight backpacking and wild camping? The age-old problem is condensation – which is basically a dealbreaker, because nobody wants to wake up with water dripping on to their face. Lightwave’s Sigma range of single-skin tents solves that problem thanks to the use of a breathable but highly waterproof X-tex fabric. It results in a flysheet that always feels dry to the touch. The overall design is similarly optimised for lightweight backpacking, with a large porch for storage and easy access. Inside, generous headroom makes for comfortable living. The tents are also virtually free-standing and require minimal pegging, saving valuable time and effort when pitching up. The tents in the Sigma range are the most weatherproof all-season ultralight tents out there, anywhere.
When New Zealander Carol McDermott first began designing outdoor gear, his main concern was creating lightweight, high-performing kit that would give him an edge in the mountains - you know, the kind of gear without bells and whistles that serious climbers and trekkers crave. So when he founded Lightwave, McDermott didn’t change a thing - and that’s why we love it.
