The hoop tent design consists of strong and flexible poles and can be
best described as combination of the best features of the ridge and dome
tents in a single design. These tents have a single hoop in the center
and are quite light in comparison to other tents with more than one
pole. They usually have a solo doorway and trade off internal room and
firmness for weight saving purpose. The main advantage of these tents is
that they offer less resistance to the wind, and have a better access
area to get in and out. The hoop tent is usually a small tent and is
used for lightweight camping and expedition work, and would normally
sleep from one to three people.This type of tent basically takes the A Frame design and rounds out the poles, providing a extraordinary increase in internal volume with a minimal increase in fabric and weight. These tents consist of either single or multiple hoops. The single hoop one is favored by the backpacker because of its lightweight, size and strength. The multiple hoop ones has, usually, three hoops and an entrance at both ends. Mountaineers prefer them for their high wind resistance and lightness. Hoop tents that are designed for winter use usually have additional poles in the middle to add strength and stability.
Various features of a quality hoop tent are:
- Hoop tents are based upon curved poles at each end with careful staking and guy-line, which retains the shape and stability of the tent.
- Their shape allows snow and water to whisk down their walls.
- Hoop tents generally incorporate three arched frame stays, which allow for nice, roomy doors and high ceilings.
- They are the lightest and smallest packing tents.
- Though these tents are not as strong in high winds, rain and snow as their counterparts, but their shape is highly efficient for both weight and floor space.
- The Hoop tent takes their strength of curved poles from the Dome tent with the lightweight of an A-frame.
- A hoop tent is surprisingly stable, providing the backbone of the tent is running with the prevailing wind.
- Having an excellent space to weight ratio makes this design ideal for trekking, hiking, bike campers, solo backpacking, etc
- They work well as a summer or three-season tent.
