What is a Geodesic Tent? With Examples!

In Beginners Guide, Buyers Guide, Tents by J. PenneyLeave a Comment

  • Did you hear about a Geodesic Tent today or some other time?
  • Now wondering what is a geodesic tent?
  • Well, you came to the right place, let’s find out!

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What is a geodesic tent?

A geodesic tent was created from the geodesic dome structure. For a tent, it is when we add crisscrossing poles which creates either triangles, pentagons, or hexagons. Since these shapes are known to have a higher capacity for strength, this design was made. The geodesic tent is able to withstand heavy winds, snow, and even bad rain storms.

Geodesic tents are available in many different sizes, with various geodesic designs. They are certainly unique tents, and range in a variety of prices.

What does geodesic mean?

Basically, by definition, it means the shortest line between two points on a round or spherical shape. I’m sure most of us would be more familiar with the geodesic dome. You may have played on one in a playground as a kid, or saw one in your parents garden. Many different ideas are created through the use of the geodesic dome. The reason for this is that it is known to be one of the strongest structures known to man.

geodesic structure

Just think, the geodesic dome consists of multiple triangles. Triangles are the strongest shape, they do not give when pressure or weight is applied. Compare it to a square, because when you apply weight/pressure to a square it will squish.

Furthermore not all geodesic domes are made of triangles. They can be made with pentagons and hexagons. However, if you did not know a pentagon is made up of isosceles triangles, while a hexagon is constructed of equilateral triangles.





Geodesic Tent Design

The geodesic tent design is basically a geodesic dome constructed into a tent. It is similar to a dome tent, however, it has a stronger and more durable structure. There are many more poles involved, leaving the shape slightly different. The poles create multiple triangles, pentagons, or hexagons and this is why it is so strong. Like mentioned earlier, “triangles are the strongest shape”.

What is a semi-geodesic tent?

A semi-geodesic tent is from the same tent family. It is a geodesic tent just made lighter and has fewer pole structuring.

Geodesic Tent Advantages

  • Stays strong and sturdy against heavy winds because of geodesic pole design
  • Perfect for mountaineering and intense weather camping
  • Can handle harsh weather conditions, even snow
  • Saves money over time because tent lasts longer
  • Dome Shape provides plenty of internal space

Geodesic Tent Disadvantages

  • Most geodesic tents are very expensive
  • Geodesic tents are known to be heavy because of extra poles
  • With extra poles, it takes more time to setup
  • Less variety of choice when buying geodesic tents – However below we help geodesic tent buyers by forming a huge list!

 


The History Behind The Geodesic Tent

From a 1979 Magazine called Backpacker 33, that is actually available on Amazon –Click here to see-, they say that the first geodesic dome structure was patented by “Bucky” Fuller in 1945, Fuller was an architect. However, not until 1975 that The North Face had built an oval styled geodesic tent called “Oval Intention”. This started the revolution of the geodesic tent and The North Face created multiple different styles after that. They made a backpacking tent called the “VE 23” and “VE 24” in 1978, they were 3 season and 4 season tents. In 1979 the “North Star” was introduced. This tent was a larger family sized geodesic tent, where the floor interior was 58.25 Sq. Ft. These tents started to become popular, except the only downfall was that they cost more than the average dome tent.  (Partial Information from Backpacker 33 magazine)





Geodesic Tents Example List

Table of Contents

Best Geodesic Tents

Inflatable Geodesic Tents

Other Geodesic Domes and Tents


Best Geodesic Tents

Mountain Hardwear Stronghold 10 Person Tent

The Mountain Hardwear Stronghold 10 Person Tent uses the best poles in the tenting industry, DAC press-fit poles. The set up of this tent may seem difficult at the start, however, after a few tries it gets easier and easier! The Tent offers a larger interior, 2 doors, SVX windows for better visibility, and even more.

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Eureka K-2 XT Tent: 3-Person 4-Season

Eureka K-2 XT Tent: 3-Person 4-Season tent is a more affordable geodesic tent. However, there is no quality lost which leaves the Eureka K-2 XT a great geodesic tent choice.  It easily stays strong against wind and snow. It stands tall at 48 inches and weighs 11lbs and 6 ounces.

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The North Face Summit Series VE 25 3-Person Tent

The North Face Summit Series VE 25 3-Person Tent is a perfect 4 season geodesic tent. The material can withstand tough weather conditions. Also, the outside has a 1500 mm PU coating and water-resistant finish, it is pretty important to keep dry when camping. The North Face provides some amazing quality tents, just the prices can get pretty high.

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The North Face 2 Meter Dome

The North Face 2 Meter Dome is a very strong geodesic tent. The size is unbelievable, it can hold up to 8 people with room still left over. There are multiple windows and air vents making condensation no problem. When this tent is properly set up and staked, you will be in one of the strongest tents made.  

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Everest1953 Geodesic Expedition Tent

The Everest1953 Geodesic Expedition Tent is underrated. This tent provides quality and will keep you safe in some terrible weather. The tent is just over 10lbs, which is not to bad for a 3 person geodesic tent. Two entrances make for an easy entry and exit. In addition, the tent is ready for all 4 seasons!

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Nemo Equipment Chogori Tent

 The Nemo Equipment Chogori Tent is a new 2018 geodesic tent on the market. It will keep strong through all 4 seasons of the year. The unique feature this tent has to offer is that when you have two Chogori Tents you can link them together. This is perfect for larger groups or an extra room. Nemo, the manufacturing company, built this tent with “advanced materials” making it 25% lighter in weight savings.

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The North Face Mountain 25 Tent

The North Face Mountain 25 Tent is certainly one of the strongest geodesic tents. The North Face has been making geodesic tents since the 1970’s. The tent offers a unique vestibule which can hold your gear outside the tent, or even great for a dog!

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Berghaus Grampian 3- Man Tent

The Berghaus Grampian 3- Man Tent is a strong durable geodesic constructed tent. It is waterproof and is built to stay strong through harsh weather conditions. The tent has a very large interior, it can easily hold 3 people and their gear. Sit up and relax in the Berghaus geodesic tent.

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MSR Stormking Tent: 5-Person 4-Season

The MSR Stormking Tent: 5-Person 4-Seasons unique feature is its overly large vestibule. This area is great for placing all sorts of gear for whatever your journeys entail. There are 2 doors which provide easy ventilation. Also, with 10 000 mm durasheild polyurethane, you will surely stay dry throughout the day and night.

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 Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 SP Tent

 The Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 SP Tent, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck geodesic styled tent. It is affordable compared to other geodesic tents while still providing quality. The fly material is polyester taffeta, which is known to have less leakage and wear. The polyester floor, as well as the fly, both are coated with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating. You can pay less for a Big Agnes and still get a top quality geodesic camping tent. Available in 6Person and 8Person.

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Inflatable Geodesic Tents

Heimplanet Mavericks Tent

The Heimplanet Mavericks Tent is one of the strongest geodesic tents against the wind. It is built to withstand 180km/h winds, which is unbelievable… The tent can hold up to ten people, so there is plenty of room. Its unique feature is that it can easily be set up by one person since it is inflatable, so someone can just start pumping! It is greatly used for a base camp in some harsh areas. The only negative to this tent is the super high price… It is the perfect tent, although it is truthfully made for special outside activities.

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Heimplanet Cave Cairo Camo Tent: 3-Person 3-Season (Inflatable)

The Heimplanet Cave Cairo Tent on Amazon is an inflatable geodesic tent. It is unique and very stylish. The great part about the Heimplanet Geodesic Tent is if you damage or break any parts they are replaceable. Pack up, unroll, inflate, and you are ready to stay a while when you choose the Heimplanet Cave Cairo Tent!

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Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic 2-Person 3-Season Tent

The Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic 2-Person 3-Season Tent is known to keep stable with it geodesic design. The poles are inflatable, however, there is no need to worry about them collapsing from a leak. Each inflatable pole is “Multi-Chambered” meaning each pole has another pole inside it to prevent any deflation. The tent tubes are easily replaceable.

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Heimplanet Nias Inflatable Geodesic 6-Person 3-Season Tent

The Heimplanet Nias Inflatable Geodesic 6-Person 3-Season Tent is a HUGE inflatable geodesic tent. It is perfect for a family or a larger group of people wanting to camp in almost any conditions. The structure of this tent is absolutely amazing, it will stay strong while keeping its unique look.

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Other Geodesic Domes and Tents

Vital 24 Survival Shelter – Vital Domes

The Vital 24 Survival Shelter on Amazon is a massive protective shelter. It can be used for a long duration tent camping trip. If you enjoy some glamourous camping, this is a perfect glamping geodesic dome idea! But it is certainly expensive…

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Garden Igloo – Stylish Conservatory

see through geodome tent

The Garden Igloo is not exactly a tent, however, it can be used as one! Set it up in the yard or any place that you can think of. The design will hold up strong in wind and rain. It is definitely an incredible idea to head out during a clear nights sky to watch the stars twinkle. The kids would love this idea.

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Geo Shelters 2 Door 24′ Geodesic Dome Tent

 The Geo Shelters 2 Door 24′ Geodesic Dome Tent provides a large space in case of an emergency. If some sort of natural disaster happens and people lose their home then this can provide shelter for a long period of time. However, if you wanted to this tent can also be used as a Glamping dome for some glamorous camping.

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Conclusion

By now you should be able to answer the question what is a geodesic tent? These tents are meant for the strongest, toughest, and most adverse weather conditions. If mountaineering, choosing a geodesic tent is a good idea because of possible high winds. If winter camping, a  geodesic tent can handle heavier loads of snow. We can go on and on, a geodesic tent structure is the strongest of them all. If you are an adventurer and you are seeking for a durable long lasting tent, invest in a geodesic tent. You will be impressed, these things are fierce.

 

Thanks for reading our article What is a geodesic tent? We hope we have fully answered your questions. If there is anything else you are wondering about, either more information on geodesic tents or any other tenting related subject, feel free to ask us in the comments below or email us at simpletenting@gmail.com.

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