Quoted By:
Freestanding Pros - smaller footprint, better weather protection, warmer, brainless setup, needs fewer pegs/lines to secure
Freestanding Cons - heavier, line-of-sight when inside, a pole bent/broken can ruin the trip, poles are dead weight when carrying
Trekking Pole Tent Pros - lighter, easier to repair in field, more compact when carrying, better views when inside, poles/structure is much stronger, poles are dual-purpose equipment or poles can be improvised from environment
TPT Cons - more finicky setup, more attention needed for site selection, cool/cold in night breezes, more pegs and lines to carry
Verdict: a bug tent and a tarp will narrowly edge out a freestanding tent in normal use and you are competent with setup. A freestanding tent is the usual choice if you camp in the shoulder season or winter. Though I haven't owned a freestanding tent for 14 years.
