If you are looking for a 3-person backpacking tent that gives you more room without turning into a heavy basecamp shelter, the Sydvang Skaring 3 is an interesting option.
It follows a Scandinavian-style tunnel-tent philosophy: keep the sleeping compartment relatively efficient, then use a large vestibule to create useful space for gear, cooking, wet clothing, and sheltering from bad weather.
That approach makes a lot of sense for real-world backpacking.
After years of camping in everything from lightweight summer shelters to heavier mountain tents, I've learned that a tent shouldn't be judged by weight alone. The real question is how much usable comfort and protection you get for every ounce you carry.
The Skaring 3 is particularly interesting because different generations and versions have slightly different specifications. The earlier Skaring 3P Ultralight was commonly listed around 2.55 kg, while the newer Skaring 3P Tunnel Tent LW 2.0 is listed at about 2.48 kg total weight, with a trail weight of approximately 2.27 kg. The newer version has a 20D fly, a 20D inner, a 40D floor, a 3,000 mm fly waterproof rating, and a 5,000 mm floor rating.
So, is the Sydvang Skaring 3 worth it?
Yes, for the right type of backpacker.
It is particularly compelling for two people who want extra room, hikers who camp in wet weather, couples traveling with a dog, and anyone who values a large vestibule more than an ultralight minimum weight.
For three adults, it can work, but the sleeping area becomes much more compact. And for fast-and-light solo backpacking, it is probably more tent than you need.
Let's take a closer look.
Sydvang Skaring 3 at a Glance
The exact specifications depend on the generation you are considering, so always check the model number before buying.
For the newer Skaring 3P Tunnel Tent LW 2.0, the key specifications are approximately:
| Feature | Sydvang Skaring 3 LW 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 people |
| Tent type | Tunnel |
| Season | 3-season |
| Inner dimensions | 230 × 165 × 100 cm |
| Outer dimensions | 435 × 185 × 110 cm |
| Trail weight | Approx. 2,265 g |
| Total weight | Approx. 2,479 g |
| Fly | 20D nylon/polyamide |
| Inner | 20D polyamide + mesh |
| Floor | 40D polyamide |
| Fly waterproof rating | 3,000 mm |
| Floor waterproof rating | 5,000 mm |
| Poles | Aluminum DAC |
| Doors | 1 |
| Vestibules | 1 |
| Zippers | YKK |
| Buckles | Duraflex |
| Stakes | Y-shaped |
| Packed size | Approx. 40 × 15 × 15 cm |
Earlier Skaring 3P Ultralight versions were commonly listed at approximately 2,549 g, with dimensions around 230 × 165 × 115 cm for the inner tent and a 15D nylon fly with a 2,000 mm waterproof rating.
That distinction matters.
If you're buying an older Skaring 3P Ultralight, don't assume its specifications are identical to the newer LW 2.0.
The Skaring 3 is best thought of as a livable three-season backpacking shelter rather than simply a 3-person sleeping box.
Its tunnel architecture gives it a large covered area at one end, while the inner tent provides enough room for sleeping and organizing personal gear.
It's particularly suitable for:
Two-person backpacking
Three-person backpacking
Couples who want extra space
Hiking with a dog
Multi-day trekking
Wet-weather hiking
Scandinavian-style trekking
Mountain hiking during the warmer seasons
Shoulder-season camping
Basecamp-style backpacking
Long-distance trips where camp comfort matters
For two people, the Skaring 3 is arguably more interesting than its "3-person" label suggests.
Think of it as a roomy 2-person tent that can accommodate three when necessary.
That is how I'd use it.
The first thing you notice about the Skaring 3 is its shape.
Unlike a conventional dome tent, the poles create a series of transverse arches, producing a long tunnel.
This architecture offers several useful characteristics.
Tunnel tent advantages
Excellent vestibule space
Efficient use of fabric
Good sleeping length
Low overall profile
Strong wind performance when correctly oriented
Efficient pole structure
Excellent wet-weather organization
Large covered entrance area
But there is a trade-off.
The Skaring 3 is not a fully freestanding tent.
The stakes are an important part of the shelter's structure.
This means you need to understand how to pitch it properly.
For an experienced backpacker, that's usually a small issue.
For someone accustomed to simply throwing down a freestanding dome, it takes a little practice.
This is where the Skaring 3 becomes much more interesting than many conventional 3-person tents.
The newer version's inner tent measures approximately:
230 cm long × 165 cm wide × 100 cm high
That's approximately:
3.8 square meters of sleeping floor area.
For three people, that works out to approximately:
1.27 m² per person.
But don't interpret that as luxurious personal space.
Three adults can sleep inside, but you'll be sleeping relatively close together.
For two adults:
3.8 m² ÷ 2 = about 1.9 m² per person.
That's a much more comfortable arrangement.
And this is why I particularly like the Skaring 3 as a two-person backpacking tent.
You get the benefit of a relatively spacious sleeping area without needing to carry a much larger family tent.
If two people are sharing the tent, the extra floor area becomes extremely useful.
You can use the space for:
Two sleeping pads
Two sleeping bags
Clothing
Small personal items
Water bottles
Electronics
Books
Camera equipment
And importantly, you still have the large vestibule for larger equipment.
This creates a useful separation:
Inner tent = sleeping and clean gear
Vestibule = wet, dirty, bulky gear
That's a much better system than trying to fit everything inside the sleeping compartment.
Three people can sleep inside.
But I would describe the capacity as:
Three people = practical
rather than:
Three people = spacious
This distinction matters.
Three adults with lightweight sleeping systems can make it work.
Three adults with:
Thick sleeping bags
Large sleeping pads
Bulky backpacks
Multiple layers
Electronics
Wet clothing
will feel much more confined.
The large vestibule helps tremendously because most of the gear can stay outside the inner tent.
Still, if three people regularly camp together, I'd recommend trying the sleeping layout before committing to it.
If you're asking me to identify the Skaring 3's single most useful feature, it's the large vestibule.
The overall shelter is approximately 435 cm long, compared with an inner sleeping length of about 230 cm.
That means a substantial portion of the tent's footprint is devoted to sheltered space outside the sleeping compartment.
That's smart design.
You don't necessarily need more sleeping space.
You need somewhere to put everything else.
A large vestibule can become a genuine part of your campsite.
You can use it for:
Backpacks
Boots
Trekking poles
Rain jackets
Wet pants
Cooking equipment
Food storage
Water bottles
Dog gear
Drying clothes
The earlier Skaring 3P Ultralight was also noted for having a drying line in the vestibule, which is a particularly useful feature in wet conditions.
Imagine arriving at camp after several hours of rain.
Instead of bringing every wet item into your sleeping compartment, you can create a dedicated wet-gear area.
That sounds like a small convenience.
After five consecutive rainy days, it becomes a major quality-of-life improvement.
Many people initially think:
"More floor space means a more comfortable tent."
Not necessarily.
Once you have enough space to sleep comfortably, additional sleeping-area space has diminishing returns.
A vestibule, however, solves several different problems at once.
It gives you:
Storage
Weather protection
Cooking space
Gear organization
Transition space
Drying space
Privacy
That makes vestibule space one of the most efficient ways to add functionality to a backpacking tent.
The current LW 2.0 version has a listed total weight of about 2,479 g, or approximately:
5.46 lb
Its trail weight is approximately:
2,265 g
or:
4.99 lb
At first glance, that's not ultralight.
But again, the weight becomes more reasonable when shared.
Two hikers
2,479 g ÷ 2 = 1,240 g per person
That's approximately:
2.73 lb per person
For a shelter with:
Large vestibule
Aluminum poles
Double-wall construction
3,000 mm fly
5,000 mm floor
Three-person capacity
that's a reasonable load for many backpackers.
I wouldn't call the newer version a true ultralight tent by modern standards.
The older model was marketed as an Ultralight shelter, and its approximately 2.55 kg weight was impressive for the feature set at the time.
But the backpacking market has moved toward increasingly aggressive weight reduction.
Today, some 2-person shelters weigh well below 2 kg.
Some even approach 1 kg.
So the Skaring 3 should instead be viewed as:
lightweight for its size and features, but not an ultralight minimalist shelter.
That's an important distinction.
Here's the calculation I would use.
Imagine a 2-person tent weighing 1.6 kg.
The Skaring 3 weighs approximately 2.48 kg packed.
Difference:
2.48 − 1.60 = 0.88 kg
Split between two hikers:
0.44 kg each
So each person carries roughly an additional 440 grams.
The question isn't whether 440 grams matters.
It does.
The real question is:
What do you get for those extra 440 grams?
With the Skaring 3, you get a larger three-person-rated interior, a substantial vestibule, more sheltered gear space, and a design that prioritizes comfort in camp.
For a fast-and-light hiker, that's too much.
For a couple hiking in wet country for a week, it could be an excellent trade.
The newer version's fly has a stated 3,000 mm water-column rating, while the floor is rated at approximately 5,000 mm.
Those are healthy specifications for three-season backpacking.
The earlier Ultralight version used a lower-rated fly at approximately 2,000 mm, illustrating why it is important to distinguish between model generations.
But waterproof numbers are only part of the story.
A tent's performance in rain depends on:
Fabric coating
Seam construction
Pitch tension
Rainfly geometry
Ground conditions
Drainage
Wind direction
Wear
User behavior
A tent with excellent fabric can still leak if it is pitched badly.
Water-column ratings can sound mysterious.
They're actually easier to understand than they seem.
In laboratory testing, water pressure is applied to the fabric.
A 3,000 mm rating represents resistance to a hydrostatic pressure equivalent to a 3-meter column of water under the specified test conditions.
That does not mean you can place the tent underwater 3 meters deep.
It is a standardized fabric-performance measurement.
And it doesn't mean:
3,000 mm = three times as waterproof as 1,000 mm in every real-world situation.
Real weather is more complicated.
Wind-driven rain, abrasion, seams, pressure from your body, and aging coatings all affect performance.
The floor receives much more localized pressure than the rainfly.
When you:
Kneel
Sit
Move around
Press your sleeping pad into the floor
you create concentrated pressure.
That's why floor fabrics often have stronger waterproof specifications than rainfly fabrics.
The Skaring 3's 5,000 mm floor rating provides a useful margin against wet ground and pressure.
But even a strong floor isn't a substitute for good campsite selection.
One of the most valuable camping skills you can learn is reading terrain.
Before setting up your tent, look for:
Slightly elevated ground
Natural drainage
Stable soil
Protection from falling branches
Some wind shelter
No obvious water channels
Avoid:
Dry creek beds
Depressions
Muddy low spots
Areas directly underneath dead branches
Extremely exposed ridges during storms
Remember:
Water follows gravity.
If your tent is sitting in the lowest point around you, no waterproof coating can change the landscape.
The Skaring 3 uses adjustable ventilation openings at both ends, with mesh protection.
That's particularly useful in a relatively large double-wall tent.
Three people can produce a considerable amount of moisture overnight.
Even two people can generate significant condensation under cold and humid conditions.
Good ventilation helps move moist air out of the shelter.
Suppose the temperature outside drops during the night.
Your breath contains water vapor.
Warm humid air inside the tent contacts a colder fabric surface.
When the air reaches its dew point, water vapor condenses.
You wake up and see:
tiny droplets on the fly.
That's not necessarily a leak.
It's condensation.
Understanding this distinction prevents a lot of unnecessary frustration.
Use these habits:
Open the adjustable vents whenever weather allows.
Keep mesh areas unobstructed.
Avoid storing soaking-wet clothes next to your sleeping bag.
Don't cook inside the sleeping compartment.
Keep the vestibule reasonably ventilated.
Choose a campsite with natural airflow.
Avoid pitching beside stagnant water when possible.
Wipe down excessive condensation in the morning if necessary.
The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate condensation completely.
The goal is to manage it.
Yes, within the limits of a three-season tunnel tent.
The low, elongated shape can be very efficient in wind when the tent is correctly oriented.
But tunnel tents have an important rule:
The Wind Direction Matters
If strong wind is forecast, position the narrow end toward the prevailing wind.
Why?
Because reducing the frontal surface area reduces the amount of aerodynamic force acting directly against the tent.
This is one of the biggest differences between using a tunnel tent and a dome.
A dome can often be rotated less precisely.
A tunnel rewards careful orientation.
Don't think of guylines as decorative accessories.
They're structural components.
In stronger wind:
Stake all appropriate points.
Use the available guyouts.
Make sure guylines pull in useful directions.
Maintain even fabric tension.
Check stakes after the wind increases.
Re-tension the shelter if necessary.
The goal is not to make every line as tight as possible.
The goal is balanced tension.
Over-tightening can distort the tent and unnecessarily stress attachment points.
The Skaring 3 uses DAC aluminum poles.
That's a significant advantage over inexpensive fiberglass pole systems.
Aluminum provides an excellent balance of:
Strength
Weight
Flexibility
Repairability
Durability
DAC is also a familiar name in the technical outdoor industry.
For backpacking, aluminum poles are generally preferable when you're looking for a lightweight shelter that still needs to cope with variable weather.
The Skaring 3 uses color-coded poles and channels, which reduces setup errors.
The inner and outer tents can also be connected and pitched together.
That's particularly useful in rain.
Imagine arriving at camp during a downpour.
With a design that requires you to pitch the inner tent first and then attach the rainfly afterward, the inner tent can become soaked before you're protected.
With a simultaneous inner-and-outer setup, you can establish a weather barrier much more quickly.
This is not just convenience—it can be a genuine advantage in wet climates.
If you're new to tunnel tents, use this sequence.
1. Check the Weather
Know:
Wind direction
Rain probability
Temperature
Expected overnight conditions
2. Choose the Site
Look for stable, well-drained ground.
3. Orient the Tent
Point the narrow end toward the expected wind.
4. Lay Out the Tent
Keep the vestibule facing the direction you want to use for entering and exiting.
5. Match the Pole Colors
Follow the corresponding channels.
6. Raise the Structure
Insert the poles and establish the tunnel shape.
7. Stake the Main Points
Start with the primary structural stakes.
8. Tension the Fly
Adjust gradually rather than tightening one point excessively.
9. Add Guylines
Use them when wind conditions justify the extra stability.
10. Open the Ventilation
Before sleeping, make sure air can actually move through the shelter.
The 230 cm inner length is helpful for taller backpackers.
However, length on paper doesn't always equal usable sleeping length.
The shape of the foot area matters.
If the sleeping bag touches the inner fabric, condensation can transfer from the tent wall into the insulation.
This is especially important for tall sleepers.
A useful trick
If you're close to the tent's length limit:
Keep your sleeping pad centered.
Avoid pushing the foot of your sleeping bag directly against the inner tent.
Adjust your sleeping position.
Check the fabric before going to sleep.
A few centimeters of clearance can make a surprising difference in wet weather.
The newer version is approximately 100 cm high inside, with an outer height around 110 cm.
That's enough for sitting up in the central portion for many adults, but it isn't a high-ceiling camping tent.
This is intentional.
A lower shelter generally offers:
Lower wind exposure
Lower weight
Better packability
Less fabric
But you give up some upright living space.
Again, it's a trade-off.
This requires careful judgment.
A large vestibule is useful for sheltering a stove from rain, but cooking inside a tent or vestibule carries serious risks.
The main hazards include:
Carbon monoxide
Fire
Melting synthetic fabric
Stove instability
Fuel spills
Never treat a tent vestibule as a normal indoor kitchen.
If you must use a stove in poor weather, follow the stove manufacturer's instructions and maintain substantial ventilation and clearance. Ideally, cook outside the tent when conditions allow.
The vestibule is primarily a gear and weather-management area—not an enclosed kitchen.
This is an interesting use case.
For one person plus a dog, the Skaring 3 offers a lot of space.
The dog can sleep inside while equipment remains in the vestibule.
For two people plus a dog, the tent becomes much more attractive than many conventional 2-person shelters.
However, dog claws can damage lightweight tent floors.
Consider:
Keeping claws trimmed
Using a compatible footprint
Clearing sharp rocks before setup
Preventing the dog from scratching the fabric
Keeping the animal away from zippers
A 40D floor is useful, but no lightweight tent floor is invincible.
For a parent and one or two children, the Skaring 3 can make sense for lightweight trips.
But there is an important distinction between:
family backpacking
and
family car camping.
If you're walking several miles with the shelter, every gram matters.
If the car is parked 30 feet away, you might as well choose a much larger family tent.
The Skaring 3 is best when mobility still matters.
Earlier Skaring 3P Ultralight versions were equipped with four interior storage pockets.
That's a useful detail for a three-person tent.
Small items disappear remarkably easily inside a tent.
Use the pockets for:
Headlamps
Phones
GPS units
Glasses
Maps
Earplugs
Small first-aid items
Personal accessories
Keeping these items off the floor makes nighttime organization much easier.
The Skaring 3's drying-line concept is particularly practical in wet environments.
You can use it for:
Socks
Lightweight base layers
Gloves
Small towels
Damp accessories
But don't overload it.
Wet clothing can become surprisingly heavy.
And don't allow wet clothing to rest directly against the tent fabric.
The goal is to increase airflow around the clothing.
The newer version uses:
20D fly
20D inner
40D floor
"D" means denier, a measurement related to the linear mass density of the fibers used in synthetic fabric.
In simple terms, lower-denier fabric is generally lighter and packs smaller, while higher-denier fabric generally provides greater material thickness and potentially better abrasion resistance.
That doesn't mean:
40D is automatically twice as strong as 20D.
Fabric strength depends on:
Fiber type
Weave
Coating
Ripstop structure
Thread construction
Manufacturing
Tear strength
Abrasion resistance
Still, the 20D/40D combination makes sense.
You want to save weight in the upper shelter while giving the floor additional protection.
Nylon is popular in lightweight tents because it offers a strong combination of:
Low weight
Compact pack size
Good tensile strength
Flexibility
However, nylon can absorb moisture and change dimensions slightly when wet.
If the fabric relaxes after rainfall, you may need to retension the shelter.
That's normal behavior.
It's not necessarily a sign that the tent is poorly designed.
Experienced backpackers learn to check the tent after a period of heavy rain.
People worry about rain.
They often forget sunlight.
Ultraviolet radiation gradually degrades synthetic fabrics and coatings.
If you leave a lightweight nylon tent pitched in direct sunlight for days at a time, you're accelerating fabric aging.
To maximize the life of your Skaring 3:
Dry it completely before storage.
Store it somewhere cool and dry.
Avoid unnecessary long-term UV exposure.
Don't scrub coated fabric aggressively.
Inspect seams periodically.
Repair small damage before it becomes large damage.
Good maintenance can be worth more than buying a heavier tent.
If you're deciding between the two Sydvang tunnel tents, the difference is mostly about how much space you actually want.
| Feature | Skaring 2 | Skaring 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 | 3 |
| Best for | 1–2 people | 2–3 people |
| Interior width | Approx. 120 cm | Approx. 165 cm |
| Vestibule | Large | Very large |
| Solo use | Spacious | Extremely spacious |
| Couple use | Efficient | Comfortable |
| Three adults | No | Yes, but compact |
| Dog + 1 person | Good | Excellent |
| Weight | Lower | Higher |
| Packability | Better | Slightly bulkier |
| Living space | Good | Better |
For one person:
Skaring 2 is probably enough.
For two people:
Skaring 3 is the comfort choice.
For three people:
Skaring 3 becomes the logical option.
| Feature | Skaring 3 | Typical Dome 3P |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Tunnel | Dome |
| Freestanding | No | Often yes |
| Wind orientation | Important | Less important |
| Vestibule | Large | Varies |
| Sleeping width | Generous | Varies |
| Setup | Requires staking | Often easier initially |
| Weight | Moderate | Wide range |
| Gear storage | Excellent | Depends on model |
| Wet-weather usability | Excellent | Varies |
| Best use | Trekking | General camping/backpacking |
Neither architecture wins every category.
The Skaring 3 is particularly attractive if you appreciate large covered storage and Scandinavian-style weather management.
I would recommend it to hikers who:
Backpack with two people
Want more room than a 2-person tent
Regularly camp in rain
Carry substantial gear
Hike with a dog
Want a large vestibule
Appreciate aluminum poles
Don't mind staking a tunnel tent
Want a double-wall shelter
Spend long periods in camp
Prefer comfort over minimum possible weight
It is especially compelling for two people who want to live comfortably without carrying a huge family tent.
Consider another design if you:
Want a sub-2 kg three-person tent
Need a fully freestanding structure
Want two doors
Prefer extremely compact shelters
Mostly camp in hot and dry climates
Only ever sleep in the tent and don't use vestibule space
Want a dedicated four-season shelter
Primarily car camp
If you're carrying the tent alone, the approximately 2.5 kg packed weight may also feel excessive.
Pros
Excellent space-to-weight balance
Large vestibule
Comfortable for two
Can accommodate three
Aluminum DAC poles
Good three-season weather protection
3,000 mm fly rating on the newer version
5,000 mm floor rating
Good ventilation
Mesh insect protection
Color-coded pole system
Inner and outer tents can be pitched together
Useful interior pockets
Drying-line functionality
Compact packed size
Good choice for wet-weather trekking
Particularly useful for couples and dog owners
Cons
Not ultralight by today's most aggressive standards
Not freestanding
Single entrance
Three adults will be relatively close together
Tunnel orientation matters in strong winds
Requires proper staking
Not a dedicated winter expedition tent
Older and newer versions have different specifications
The best way to use this tent isn't complicated.
1. Practice Setup at Home
Don't wait for a storm to learn the pole system.
Set it up several times.
2. Learn to Read Wind
Tunnel tents reward good orientation.
3. Keep the Vestibule Organized
Create specific areas for:
Wet gear
Shoes
Cooking equipment
Backpacks
4. Ventilate Every Night
Don't seal the tent completely unless conditions demand it.
5. Retension After Rain
Nylon can relax when wet.
6. Use a Footprint if Conditions Demand It
A compatible footprint can add abrasion protection, especially on rough ground.
7. Dry It Before Storage
This is one of the most important maintenance habits.
Here's a useful framework I recommend.
Instead of asking:
"Is 2.5 kg heavy?"
Ask five questions:
1. How many people share the weight?
Two people make 2.5 kg much easier to justify.
2. How far are you walking?
Five miles and fifty miles create very different weight priorities.
3. How much time will you spend inside?
If you're only sleeping, you may not need a large shelter.
4. What weather will you encounter?
Wet and windy environments increase the value of robust shelter design.
5. What does the extra weight buy you?
If 500 grams buys dramatically better livability, that can be a smart trade.
This is the principle I use when comparing backpacking equipment.
Don't optimize the number. Optimize the experience per gram.
The answer depends on the price of the particular version you're buying.
The newer Skaring 3 LW 2.0 has a useful feature package:
DAC aluminum poles
Technical nylon fabrics
Large vestibule
Double-wall construction
Good waterproof ratings
Quality hardware
Three-person capacity
Reasonable packed weight
That makes it more than a basic budget tent.
However, if you're comparing it against very lightweight premium tents, you need to decide what matters most.
If your priority is:
lowest weight
there are better options.
If your priority is:
livability + weather protection + useful storage + moderate weight
the Skaring 3 becomes much more interesting.
For Two Backpackers: Yes
This is arguably the best use case.
Two people can split roughly 2.5 kg of shelter weight, bringing the individual burden to around 1.24 kg each.
In exchange, you get:
More sleeping room
A substantial vestibule
Better gear organization
Good rain protection
A comfortable camp environment
That's a very sensible trade for many multi-day hikers.
For Three Backpackers: Yes, With Reservations
Three people can fit.
But don't expect luxury.
Three lightweight hikers with compact gear will have a much better experience than three people carrying large sleeping systems.
For One Backpacker: Probably Too Much
A solo hiker could enjoy an enormous amount of space.
But you'll carry the entire shelter yourself.
Unless you're specifically looking for a roomy solo basecamp-style shelter, a lighter 1- or 2-person tent makes more sense.
The Sydvang Skaring 3 is worth it if you value usable space, weather protection, and camp comfort more than absolute minimum weight.
Its biggest strength is the way the tunnel design separates the sleeping area from the living-and-storage area.
Its large vestibule is not just a convenient extra.
It changes how you use the tent.
You can keep wet gear outside.
You can organize backpacks without filling the sleeping area.
You can create a better transition between the trail and your sleeping space.
And when rain continues for hours, that additional sheltered space becomes extremely valuable.
The approximately 2.5 kg packed weight isn't ultralight, but for two people it becomes a reasonable shared load.
The newer version's 3,000 mm fly and 5,000 mm floor, aluminum DAC poles, mesh ventilation, and double-wall construction also give it a solid three-season backpacking specification.
The biggest compromises are equally clear:
single entrance, non-freestanding architecture, moderate weight, and a relatively close fit for three adults.
So my overall assessment is:
Best for: two-person backpacking, wet-weather trekking, couples, hikers with dogs, and campers who spend meaningful time at camp.
Less suitable for: ultralight fastpacking, solo trips where every gram matters, and serious winter mountaineering.
Overall verdict: Worth considering
If your ideal backpacking tent is light enough to carry but spacious enough to actually enjoy when you arrive, the Skaring 3 makes a strong case.
And that is ultimately the lesson behind good backpacking gear:
The goal isn't always to carry the least. It's to carry only what meaningfully improves the journey.
Is the Sydvang Skaring 3 a good backpacking tent?
Yes. It is particularly well suited to three-season trekking where a large vestibule, good ventilation, and practical weather protection are important.
Is the Skaring 3 good for two people?
Yes. In fact, two people may be the ideal configuration. The additional width and vestibule space provide a much more comfortable experience than squeezing three adults into the same shelter.
Can three adults sleep in the Sydvang Skaring 3?
Yes, the tent is designed for three people. However, three adults will have relatively limited personal space, so it is better to think of it as a functional three-person shelter rather than a luxurious one.
How much does the Skaring 3 weigh?
The newer Skaring 3 LW 2.0 is listed at approximately 2,265 g trail weight and 2,479 g total weight. Older Skaring 3P Ultralight versions were commonly around 2,549 g.
Is the Sydvang Skaring 3 waterproof?
The newer version has a stated 3,000 mm waterproof rating for the fly and 5,000 mm for the floor. Actual rain performance also depends on pitching, seams, campsite drainage, wind, and fabric condition.
Is the Skaring 3 freestanding?
No. It is a tunnel tent and depends on stakes and proper tensioning for its structural shape.
Is the Skaring 3 good in strong wind?
It can perform well when correctly pitched and oriented. Pointing the narrow end toward the prevailing wind and using the available guy lines are important.
Does the Skaring 3 have a large vestibule?
Yes. The large vestibule is one of its strongest features and provides useful space for backpacks, boots, wet clothing, and other equipment.
Can you cook in the Skaring 3 vestibule?
A vestibule can provide some protection when cooking outdoors in poor weather, but stove use inside a tent carries serious fire and carbon-monoxide risks. Follow the stove manufacturer's safety instructions and cook outside whenever practical.
Is the Skaring 3 good for hiking with a dog?
Yes. For one or two people traveling with a dog, the additional floor and vestibule space can be particularly useful. Protect the floor from claws and sharp debris.
Is the Skaring 3 a four-season tent?
No. It is fundamentally a three-season shelter. It may tolerate occasional cold or light snow when properly pitched, but serious winter and alpine conditions require a purpose-built four-season tent.
How do you reduce condensation in the Skaring 3?
Use the adjustable vents, keep mesh areas unobstructed, avoid storing wet clothing inside the sleeping compartment, and select a campsite with natural airflow. Condensation is normal physics and does not automatically indicate a leaking tent.
HillZero is a premium outdoor design brand focused on Livable Backpacking Tents. Its philosophy is simple: Carry Less. Live Better. Rather than viewing backpacking as simply moving from one destination to another, HillZero considers the entire experience—from walking and arriving to resting, organizing gear, staying dry, cooking, observing nature, and spending meaningful time outdoors.
At the center of the brand is one practical design question: How can a backpacking tent be easier to carry, without making it harder to live in?
HillZero's Livable Backpacking approach focuses on finding a more natural balance between lightweight efficiency and real-world comfort. Instead of pursuing the lowest possible weight at any cost, or simply adding material to create a larger shelter, the brand considers space utilization, ventilation, entry and exit, usable living area, privacy, and long-term camp comfort as part of one design problem.
Starting with the Scott 2P, HillZero is developing a focused approach to Livable Backpacking Tents for people who want to stay light, move freely, and still enjoy the time they spend after reaching camp.
HillZero — Livable Backpacking Tents.
Carry Less. Live Better.
Light enough to carry. Livable enough to stay.
Rethinking Backpacking. Beyond the Miles.