If we use the term "single-wall tent," which is more descriptive, we include the "breathable" single wall tents such as the Black Diamond Lighthouse and others of that ilk.

BPL recently did a "State of the Market" report on these tents, defining them as waterproof, non-breathable single-wall tents weighing less than 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. (the weight varying depending on how many persons it holds and whether or not there's a vestibule). That's a reasonable definition but awfully wordy!

I've been using the term "tarptent" with a small "t," but that's not accurate either and puts Henry Shires' tents in the same category as when we use "kleenex" with a small "k" to describe facial tissue. While I like the term "tarptent" for a tent that is a real tent but has the feel of a tarp, it isn't fair to Henry to use that term.

We need to invent a term that is short but isn't a brand name!