Technical Glossary — Bedding & Shelter

Technical Glossary — Sleeping & Shelter

All technical terms related to tents, sleeping bags, and shelters, listed alphabetically.

4-season / 3-4 season
Indication of thermal versatility. A 4-season tent withstands temperatures down to -10°C and strong winds. A 3-4 season tent is suitable from spring to autumn.
Vestibule
Outdoor storage area under the flysheet of a tent. Allows storing shoes and gear without bringing them into the inner tent.
Anti-condensation
Property or system that limits condensation formation inside a tent (double wall, active ventilation).
Carbon poles / Fiberglass poles (Ø8mm)
Tent structure. Carbon is lighter and more resistant, fiberglass is more affordable.
Hood
Upper part of a sleeping bag that encloses the head to limit nocturnal heat loss.
Water column (mm)
Measures a fabric's water resistance. 2,000 mm = light rain, 3,000 mm = moderate rain, 10,000+ mm = intense rain.
Hollow fiber (insulating fill)
Hollow synthetic fiber imitating down. Lightweight, insulating, and retains its properties even when wet.
Sealed / Thermally welded seams
Seams sealed by thermal fusion for total waterproofing, preventing any infiltration.
Bionic design
Design inspired by nature to optimize a tent's ergonomics, resistance, or aerodynamics.
Ventilated flysheet
System with separate inner tent and outer awning, creating an air gap to reduce condensation.
Comfort rating (°C)
Temperature at which a standard user sleeps comfortably in a sleeping bag.
Limit rating (°C)
Minimum tolerable temperature without risk of hypothermia in a sleeping bag.
Reinforced insulation / Double wall
Additional insulating layer or double structure for extreme winter conditions.
Integrated mosquito net (gauze / B3 mesh)
Fine mesh net with ultra-tight weave integrated into the tent or hammock to protect against insects while maintaining ventilation.
Oxford 210D
Thick Oxford fabric with silver coating offering high waterproofing (3,000 mm+). Used for tent floors and walls.
Thermal reflection
Technology for reflecting body heat back to the user, used in sleeping bags and survival blankets.
Darkroom coating
Anti-light and anti-heat treatment on the fabric. Reduces interior temperature and blocks daylight.
Compression sack
Cover used to reduce the volume of a sleeping bag or tent for transport.
Chimney exit
Secure opening in a tent allowing smoke from a stove or cooking system to escape.
Pop-up system
Instant automatic deployment of the tent or hammock without manual assembly.