I look forward to this.
My concern when people post about these ultralightweight single skin or all mesh inner tents is that someone inexperienced will buy one on the back of a recommendation because they are so light, not knowing that they may not be suitable if they want to use them wild camping on the higher mountains in the UK or in bad weather. I know people do use them in the hills but the you tube videos I've seen show people freezing their b*ll*cks off and looking miserable if the weather isn't great. Let's face it, the warm dry weather we are having at the moment is not normal. Saying that it was really cold on the higher fells in the Lake District on Saturday, maybe 6 degrees and the wind chill made it even colder. I am so pleased we have a double walled tent. People using these single skin/all mesh tents would have to take warmer sleeping bags or extra clothes to keep warm. So the weight saving on the tent is lost. Or perhaps others don't mind being cold?
Agreed. As I see it, it is 'horses for courses', April; single skins and mesh inners might be a good choice for the South Downs Way in the summer, or for the south of France, but NOT for camping high in wild places, especially out of season (in my humble opinion).
If a newcomer to the game is to spend money on a tent, then far better for it to be a good all rounder, preferably at a budget price, rather than an expensive thoroughbred that will be found wanting in some situations. They can go on and buy that thoroughbred once they have the experience to know what they want and can expect from it.
For example, many years ago I lent an old classic Force 10 MK 4 to a friend, and he completed a Scottish coast to coast across the wilds of Sutherland, from Helmsdale to Lochinver, with his two teenage children. It may have been heavy (8kg), and thus far from ideal for backpacking, but it did the job!