Five types of tent assessed for Mafate, Piton des Neiges, the Plaine des Sables and the southern trails, with the key technical features, a full comparison, bivouac spots and how windy they get, and where to buy on the island.
The big difference from camping in the Alps is humidity. Nights at 1,800-2,600m stay cool (5-12°C in the southern winter, 0°C on the summit of Piton des Neiges in July), but the constant humidity and the showers that build over the mountains mean you need good waterproofing and good ventilation to avoid condensation. Add to that the wind, which often picks up in the highlands in the late afternoon.
This page compares the five main types of tent suited to Reunion Island (dome, tunnel, ultralight mid, 3-person family, 4-season), explains six key technical features, lists bivouac spots and how windy they get, and gives my recommendation for a first tent.
Many locals buy their gear online from camping specialists. For 3-person models in particular, see the range of 3-person tents on tentes-materiel-camping.com, handy for a family bivouac at the Plaine des Sables or Piton de l'Eau.
Weight, price, wind rating, rain rating and typical use. Each type has its own sweet spot.
| Type | Weight | Price | Wind | Rain | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-person freestanding dome (MSR Hubba, Quechua MH900, Forclaz MT500) | 2.2-2.8kg | €150-450 | ★★★ (moderate) | ★★★★ (≥2,000mm) | All-rounder: Mafate, Plaine des Cafres, Piton de l'Eau, weekends |
| 2-person tunnel (Vaude Lizard, Hilleberg Allak) | 2.5-3.5kg | €300-900 | ★★★★★ (excellent if pitched into the wind) | ★★★★ (≥2,000mm) | Windy bivouacs, exposed summits, the Grand Raid route |
| Ultralight mid / pyramid (Black Diamond Mega Light, Locus Gear) | 0.6-1.2kg | €250-600 | ★★ (weak if exposed) | ★★★ (condensation) | Fast trail running, fastpacking, ultralight |
| 3-person family (Quechua MH500, Forclaz MT900) | 3.5-5kg | €180-500 | ★★★ (moderate) | ★★★★ (≥2,000mm) | Families (2 adults + 1 child + bags), Plaine des Sables, Piton des Neiges |
| 4-season / high altitude (MSR Access, Hilleberg Soulo) | 2.5-3.5kg | €500-1,200 | ★★★★★ (extreme) | ★★★★★ (maximum waterproofing) | Overkill for 95% of bivouacs in Reunion Island. Only worth it for exposed trips in the southern winter |
Whatever the type, these six features make the difference between a tent that holds up and one that gives way in the first tropical storm.
A flysheet's waterproofing is measured by its hydrostatic head (water column). In Reunion Island, aim for at least 2,000mm on the flysheet (showers are frequent at altitude as clouds build over the mountains), or 3,000mm on higher-end models. Check the groundsheet too (≥3,000mm ideally), as the ground in the highlands is often damp.
Aluminium is lighter, bends less and costs more (€350-500 for the tent). Fibreglass is cheaper (€150-250 for the tent) and more flexible, but can snap in a strong wind. For a typical bivouac in a valley or a cirque, fibreglass is fine. For exposed summits (Piton des Neiges, Roche Écrite), go for aluminium.
A flysheet that comes right down to the ground keeps out driving rain. High side vents let condensation escape (very important in the humid tropics). Avoid mesh-only models with no flysheet, which turn into a sauna.
A door on each side so you don't wake your tent-mate, plus two porches (one per door) to keep rucksacks and boots out of the weather without cluttering the sleeping area. It makes a huge difference over 2-3 nights.
In Reunion Island, mosquitoes are rare at altitude (above 1,500m), but there's a risk of chikungunya and dengue lower down. A built-in mosquito net (a mesh inner tent) is the bare minimum, especially for bivouacs near the coast.
T-section pegs (hard to pull out), adjustable guy lines and reinforced tension points. A solid set-up can take 60-80km/h gusts without tearing, and Reunion Island's summits do get winds like that.
The right tent depends on where you pitch it. An entry-level dome is fine in a cirque; on exposed summits, a well-pegged tunnel tent is a must.
| Spot | Altitude | Wind | Recommended tent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mafate (Marla, La Nouvelle, Roche Plate) | 1,000-1,600m | Moderate (valley) | A 2-person dome or a 3-person family tent, 3-season. A standard 3-season tent is enough. |
| Cilaos cirque (Bras Sec, Îlet à Cordes) | 1,000-1,200m | Moderate | A 2-person dome, 3-season. A gîte (mountain lodge) is an alternative to camping. |
| Plaine des Sables (at the foot of the volcano) | 2,200m | Strong, exposed | A tunnel or dome, 3-season, aluminium poles. Peg it down well. A 3-person tent works for families. |
| Piton des Neiges (summit, near the Caverne Dufour hut) | 3,070m | Very strong | A 4-season tunnel or a sturdy 3-season tent with aluminium poles. Wild camping is banned at the summit, so use the hut or the authorised areas lower down. |
| Plaine des Cafres (forest road) | 1,500m | Moderate | A 2-3 person dome, 3-season. A great spot for your first bivouac in Reunion Island. |
| Trous Blancs / Bébour-Bélouve | 1,600-1,800m | Light (forest) | A 2-person dome, 3-season. Expect high humidity (rainforest), so ventilate well. |
For a first tent that covers 95% of bivouacs in Reunion Island, go for a freestanding 2-person 3-season dome weighing 2.5-3kg, with a hydrostatic head of ≥2,000mm, two doors and two porches. Budget €150-300 for a good Decathlon model (Quechua MH900) or around €400 for an MSR Hubba. It sleeps one or two, with all your gear kept dry.
For a family with a child, step up to a 3-person model (Quechua MH500, €200). For fast trail running, step down to an ultralight mid under a kilo. A 4-season tent is unnecessary in Reunion Island, except for an exposed trip in the southern winter on Piton des Neiges or Roche Écrite.