VST Tents: Designed in Colorado, Built for You

       A tent is often the biggest investment you’ll make as a backpacker. And when it’s your home for five months or more on a thru-hike, it needs to be exactly right. That’s why our product design and development team spent nearly two years refining every feature and construction detail of the new VST tents.
They may not be the lightest or least expensive on the market—but they deliver the performance that thru-hiking demands.
Let’s take a closer look at the thoughtful details on VST that will enhance your backcountry experience.

Fabric and Construction 

Thru-hiking is tough on gear. Fabric and method of construction was a huge focus for VST. Could we have used existing fabrics? Sure, but none met the durability, or dimensional stability demands that VST required. We developed our latest HyperBead™ fabric, a 20D recycled polyester base fabric with a 20D high tenacity polyester rip stop that offers superior strength, puncture resistance, dimensional stability, and waterproof performance.

Because the String Ridge and Pitchpine tents are non-freestanding, fabric tension is critical for stability. Polyester’s natural hydrophobic properties and low stretch—especially when wet—make it ideal for maintaining pitch integrity. Paired with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (the world’s strongest fiber) guy lines, VST tents stay taut and stable even in extreme weather.

Our proprietary coating on HyperBead™ also allowed the team to fully bond the seams, creating a rainfly free from needle holes and seam tape. When you are deep in the backcountry, the last thing you want is failed seam tape and a leaky tent.

VST, featuring our latest HyperBead™ fabric, is built to go the extra mile.

Color and Reflectivity

Every color on VST tents was chosen with purpose. Thru-hikers often camp in less-than-ideal or sensitive areas, where stealth matters. The dark, asphalt-colored rainfly helps you stay discreet, while the mint leaf green interior adds a refreshing pop of color inspired by the wonderfully beautiful and mysterious glow of the Aurora Borealis.

We also minimized unnecessary reflective elements for added stealth, keeping reflectivity only where it matters—on the guy lines. VST’s intentional color palette helps you rest easy, even when you’re camping where you’d rather not be seen.

Efficient Footprint Design

When designing VST tents, our team set out to maximize livable space while minimizing footprint size. A smaller footprint not only reduces weight but also allows for easier pitching in tight or uneven terrain.

On trails like the Appalachian Trail, where dense forests and rocky ground are common, a compact footprint can make the difference between a frustrating setup and a restful night’s sleep.

With VST’s thoughtfully engineered floor shapes, you’ll find a comfortable home no matter where you set up camp.

#5 YKK Dynapel™ ErgoZip Fly Zipper 

Waterproof zippers are essential for weather protection, but common #3 PU-coated zippers often fail under the demands of long-distance backpacking. The coating wears down, and the small coil simply isn’t durable enough. Even with a weight savings, we said no to that.

For VST, we worked with YKK to be the first to bring their latest waterproof Dynapel™ technology to market. Dynapel™ eliminates the need for a PU coating, resulting in a zipper that slides smoothly like a standard zipper yet meets the same strict waterproof standards as Aquaguard™.

We also chose a more durable #5 coil for long-term reliability, even in the zipper-clogging Pacific Crest Trail deserts, and designed ErgoZip, a zipper path that follows your shoulder’s natural rotation—no more awkward reaching to close your tent.

VST’s fly zippers are built for the long haul—smooth, waterproof, and made to last.

Easy Set-up

After a 20-mile day of alpine climbs and rocky descents, the last thing you want to do is fuss with tent set-up. That’s why our team engineered the VST tents to set up with just six stakes (String Ridge VST 2.5 requires seven) and a built-in ventilation system that’s integral to the tent’s structure—no extra setup required.

The ventilation incorporates a high and low vent that work together to reduce condensation while maintaining storm-worthiness, so you can rest easy knowing your tent will stay dry and comfortable through the night.

With VST’s superior, fuss-free set-up and ventilation, you can set up quickly and get more zzz’s.

Designed by Passionate Adventurers

Our design and development team is a passionate group of creative problem solvers who believe everyone deserves transformative outdoor experiences. They work tirelessly to craft gear that enables those experiences—and the VST tent line is the latest expression of that ethos.

VST is inspired by you.