Tents for the field and expeditions – military tents & bivouac tents at Recon Company

A tent in the field is not just a matter of comfort. It provides protection against hypothermia, the elements and poor sleep – and is therefore directly relevant to performance. With over 30 years’ experience as a development partner for government agencies, we know which tents perform well in field conditions and which give up the ghost after the first wet night. Our range clearly distinguishes between these two worlds.

Military tents, bivouac tents or expedition tents – which is right for whom?

The right choice depends on the mission profile, not the price. Three main categories dominate our range:

• Military tent / field tent: Designed for stationary use, often larger and more stable. Savotta stands for Finnish robustness, with decades of proven service in the Nordic military – including suitability for use with tent stoves in extreme sub-zero temperatures.
• Bivouac tent / Tactical tent: Compact pack size, quick to pitch, low-reflectivity surfaces. For operational personnel who are on the move rather than staying in one place.
• Expedition tent: Fjällräven offers tunnel tents and geodesic dome tents that can withstand Arctic conditions. No compromises in construction, maximum storm resistance and durability.

Tent construction – tunnel tent or dome tent

When correctly aligned with the wind direction, a tunnel tent offers a very good space-to-weight ratio and can be pitched quickly thanks to parallel pole arches with a coupled inner and outer tent. However, geodesic dome tents are the most stable design overall: multiple intersecting pole arches distribute wind and snow loads evenly from all directions. In changing wind directions or under heavy snow loads, the geodesic tent clearly has the edge.

The practical advantage of the dome tent lies in its freestanding design – it stands without pegs and can be pitched in any location. Standard dome tents from Mil-Tec are a solid basic solution for short nights under controlled conditions. Not high-end, but suitable for training and courses on a tight budget.

Savotta – field tents with a tent stove system

Savotta, based in Finland, manufactures military tents for Arctic conditions. The HAWU system is modular: the front section and central extension panels can be combined to create accommodation for groups. The accompanying Savotta tent heater transforms the field tent into a heated shelter – complete with a spark guard and its own pipework system. For long-term deployments in cold climates, this is not a luxury but an operational necessity.

Savotta tent pegs, telescopic tent poles and accessories are available as individual items in the range – making it easy to buy replacements and add to your kit. See all Savotta products on the brand page.

Fjällräven – expedition standard for demanding missions

Fjällräven offers several product ranges to meet different requirements. The Abisko range is weight-optimised and designed for trekking tours – very well made, but not designed for extreme Arctic conditions. For multi-day expeditions in alpine or Arctic terrain, opt for the more robust ranges such as Keb or Polar: heavier-duty materials, reinforced frames, designed for genuine continuous use in extreme conditions. Anyone who’s ever found themselves in a proper polar storm knows why these differences matter. All Fjällräven products can be found on the brand’s website.

Pitching a tent in the field – what matters

A tent that takes ten minutes to pitch in the dark when you’re tired is a poor design. With modern tunnel tents from Fjällräven, the inner and outer tents are linked – simply slide in the poles, stretch them out, and you’re done. Dome tents , on the other hand, are self-supporting and direction-independent: no need to specify a wind direction, and no ground pegs are required for the basic structure. Both systems have their merits – ultimately, pitching the tent depends heavily on the model and your experience.

A tarp , used as an extension or alternative solution, is a useful addition to the tent system. Find out all about it in the Tarp & Camouflage Nets category. For the complete system comprising shelter, sleep and insulation, it’s worth taking a look at the Sleeping Bags & Bivouac Bags section.

Purchasing criteria checklist

• Intended use: Stationary or mobile? Campsite or solo bivouac? This determines the size and design.
• Number of people: 1, 2 or a group? Tunnel tents scale better for larger groups.
• Temperature range: Summer bivouac or Arctic expedition? Check for compatibility with a tent stove in sub-zero temperatures.
• Wind and snow loads: For changing wind directions and heavy snow loads, opt for geodesic dome tents .
• Packed size: Mobile operations require a small packed size and low weight.
• Pegs: Use steel pegs on normal hard ground. On frozen ground or rock, use T-profile or hardened steel pegs. In snow, use special snow pegs with a wide profile.
• Tent stove: Only use in models explicitly designed for tent stoves with a stove pipe opening.

Services for emergency services

You’ll find all tents and bivouac equipment in the ‘Bivouac & Camping’ main category. If you have any questions about the right accommodation solution for your mission, the Recon team is available to advise you online, by telephone or in person at our Salzgitter store. Government agencies and departments are eligible for a government discount on request. Field post delivery worldwide. ISO 9001 certified.