Choosing a tent

There’s no doubt that a modern tent is much more protective, waterproof, comfortable and practical than their first simple designs. Tent technology advances with every year and there's now a bewildering array of options to suit every different use, number of people and situation. 

As you start out your tent search, it’s important to consider that buying the perfect tent is an investment, so getting the right fit for you could save you a lot of time and effort in the future. This is one area where you really shouldn't skip the research!

• Basic tent styles
• Types of tent
• Size options
• Layout options
• What to look for
• Must have features
• What to spend
• Popular brands and models

Tent styles

Family tents do exactly what you'd expect – they are ideal for families! You can select one based on the number of your nearest and dearest, they range from 3 to 10 berths and come in a range of designs and layouts. 

Typically, family tents have a large living space in the centre, surrounded by bedrooms leading off from the middle. Often, extras can be added directly to these tents for increased comfort, such as porches and tent carpets.

Large tents are normally similar in design to family tents and the sky's the limit when it comes to size! 

Pop up tents house 1-2 people and are perfect for those who want a quick and easy tent which takes literally seconds to put up. The idea is simple – throw the tent out of the bag, it pops up and you peg down the sides. 

Ideal as a hassle free festival solution, this is also the perfect option for a relaxed summer camping trip or keeping kids entertained in the back garden.

A weekend tent boasts a little extra room (suitable for a couple and child) and is also quick and easy to pitch and put away. You can comfortably chill out in your larger living space or porch area after a busy day of activities. Ideal for spontaneous trips, the weekend tent will cost you a little more than a pop up tent, but you’ll be thankful for the extra space.

An adventure tent normally houses between 3 and 4 people and typically boasts a built in porch, which is a great area for storing muddy boots after a busy day, while still keeping your sleeping area clean and dry. Perfect for groups at festivals and small families.

A pup tent is a small military style tent that normally has no sidewalls. Ideal for 1-2 people, this classic design is great for entertaining children.

Backpacker tents are designed to take up as little space as possible and are therefore are also light. These tend to be very technical and weatherproof, meaning that they offer wind resistance and stability, while still being easy to put up and down. 

Mountain tents (sometimes known as backpacking tents) are for adventurous souls interested in scouring mountains for their own secluded spots. They tend to be on the smaller size, to allow them to be packed down easily into rucksacks and weigh as little as possible. 

Their size makes them super easy to take on trips where you’ll be carrying all your kit, and are also designed in tunnel or geodesic shapes to allow the best wind resistance, stability and rigidity in open areas. Mountain tents tend to sleep 1-2 people. 

Types of tent

Tents come in all shapes and sizes to offer a range of options for campers of all styles. 

Dome tents offer flexible poles that cross in the middle of the tent, with the ends being fixed to straps or webbing at the corners. This creates a classic dome shape, which is great for withstanding windy conditions. Stick to small dome shapes for ultimate protection – the bigger they are, the less sturdy they tend to be.

Knuckle-jointed pole tents have something in common with pop-up models in that the poles are already threaded into the fabric of the tent ready for use. They connect with an elbow-style that has a spring, so be careful not to trap any fingers. The poles can be held either straight or bent with a nice, fast pitching process. 

Inflatable-tube tents take the work out of getting your tent up, since you use a high speed air pump to quickly get them into shape. The beams then become stiff, giving the solidity of poles and a quick set up time. 

Tunnel tents create a literal tunnel from arched over poles, rather than crossings. Tunnel tents always need to be pegged down and are normally taller than domes, so you can easily stand up. That could make them more comfortable, and once they're pitched they are nice and sturdy. Easy to pitch shapes like this get a thumbs up from us!

Vis-à-vis tents (meaning face to face, in French) means that the two sleeping areas are normally facing each other, separated by a shared middle living space that you can normally stand up in. Vis-à-vis tents can be either tunnel or dome shaped. It's a good option for families who want separate living areas, but consider that the inside may get a little less natural light than other options. 

Pod tents may be on the larger end and offer the luxury of a chill out area in the middle, with a selection of sleeping compartments.  You'll love the space, but bear in mind that it could require a larger pitch and is likely to be more fiddly, as you'll need to navigate its complex formation.

A geodesic tent has criss cross poles that form triangles on its surface, meaning that it is extremely stable in all weather conditions, even the most extreme ones. Known for their mountain persona, these tents are ideal for exposed areas or winter camping.

What size do I need?

Kick things off by thinking realistically about what you are going to be needing your tent for – are you a family looking for space in abundance? Perhaps you’re the adventurous sort who needs extra space for gear, or maybe you’re a couple looking for the perfect summer portable home for weekend trips. 

Tents are classified in berths – meaning sleeping spaces - so you’ll normally hear them described by the number of people who can sleep inside. But, when you’re not snoozing, you’ll also need plenty of space for living and going about normal activities.

It’s worth buying a tent that is at least one person more than you may need, to account for kit and that extra bit of comfort. Tents are available from as small as 1 berth, so you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice.

The usual rule of thumb to get plenty of comfort and space inside your tent is: number of people +2 for a weekender tent, number of people +4 for a long stay tent. 

If you’re looking for a tent with ample headroom, opt for a tunnel or vis-à-vis tent. The large central living space will offer plenty of headspace and makes changing and socialising easy.

What is a standard pitch size?

When you stroll past an aisle full of tent options, don't forget to think about the space that'll be available at the campsites you'll be visiting. Will your tent fit in a standard pitch or will you need a special pitch which might involve an extra charge? Will some campsites not have space for you?

There is no ‘one’ standard pitch size- it's a bit like asking the length of a piece of string! You'll find different answers across the country. But, keep the footprint under 5m wide and 9m long (guy ropes not included) and you'll fit on a standard Camping and Caravanning Club pitch, plus most of the rest. 

As another example, Forest Holidays (campsites within the Forestry Commission estate) allow 5m x 8m per standard pitch.

Really if you want an oversized tent, there's an element of compromise for the luxury of the space. You could either pay the extra on some sites to have two pitches or, at some sites they may offer you an unmarked space without EHU because you don't fit onto their lovely marked pitches. That could be a shame!

A great idea is to have a backup plan. You could pack a smaller extra tent for short stays or call campsites on your route in advance to check they'll accommodate you. If you are worried, you could take some tie wraps and take a section out from your tent by tying the poles together for a quick overnight fix. 

The case for larger tents

Being able to stand up inside is a nice feeling for holiday camping, and adds to the comfy vibe inside. It’s very hard to judge this from a picture online, better to head to a shop and pop your head inside the show model. Don’t forget that kids will often love having their own sleeping space, and there could be fewer squabbles, too. 

In general, campsites don’t tend to charge extra for a 6-man tent that 2 people are staying in so long as it doesn’t overstep pitch boundaries, so the extra space could end up a bonus. There could be exceptions, of course, and don’t forget to factor pitch sizes into the equation, too!

You might find yourself removing a porch or downsizing to get your tent onto the pitch- and some sites will require the measurements in advance, to allow for a fire safety distance between tents. Try emailing the site staff before you go with your footprint to find out how to fit in your space. There are also plenty of sites that offer informal style camping without rigid pitch outlines.

If you do opt for the larger end of the scale, think carefully about multi-site trips and how long you’ll be at each site. Each site may have different requirements from your tent, so it’s worth calling ahead before you leave. Now let’s dig into the pros and cons of smaller and larger tents.

And the benefits of downsizing

Big tents can mean big muscles needed to lift your new home, so make sure you can comfortably get it in and out of a car.

Smaller tents are likely to be faster for pitching, which might be very welcome after a long drive.  

Anything over 7m on any dimension of a tent could be considered ‘large’ and could potentially attract some issues. 

The solution could be to pick up a big tent for long stays on big pitches and a smaller one for weekends and small pitches.  A small tent is also a fantastic option for festivals, where space is often limited and mud plentiful, so you might like to keep your priciest tent safe at home. 

If in doubt, remember that your car could provide some handy extra storage. 

What are the best layouts?

Again, this is completely down to the groups you will be camping with and what you are planning to do. When you start out, you might not want to invest too much dosh, but as (without a doubt) you will get more and more hooked on camping, it’s worth have different types of tents to cover all bases.

Layouts with multiple wings and a central living space are great for big groups needing space to socialise and store kit. Families with kids could try tents that include a zip between the compartments, which offers the best of both worlds – privacy and being close to the little ones.

Having separate sleeping areas for each camper could be a luxury and if the weather takes a down turn, you might love having a communal indoor space to hang out in and grab a cuppa!

Smaller tents with one large area are perfect for relaxed summer trips or solo adventures. A festival perhaps, or a summer weekend when you don’t fancy any hassle. 

If a sleeping bag doesn’t fill you with joy, check the size of your air bed and see how tight the squeeze is to get it inflated in your tent bedrooms.  Remember that, if your tent ceiling is lower than you are, you won’t be standing up to get changed - unless you fancy doing it in the open air! Take a moment to think of any tall campers who might come with you, too. 

A porch is also extremely handy for storing any particularly bulky gear and making sure muddy boots don’t creep into your sleeping space.

What to look for when choosing a tent 

Double skinned tents

A double skinned tent offers an outer, waterproof layer and a separate, non-waterproof layer which are clipped together to offer fantastic double walled insulation. 

The inner layer is often made from mesh and so also offers good ventilation to rid of condensation. There’s usually no choice of materials for this part.

The outer layer is usually fabric, kept well away from condensation by its inner companion, and you can choose the tent material type. 

Outer layer materials

Your first thought when picking the material of the tent should be: who's putting it up? The materials will have a big effect on the weight of the tent. Cotton is bulky and heavy, and steel poles will add pounds.

Next, be prepared to measure your boot space to see if the tent will fit. Thicker materials are going to hog more of your boot, while tents made from polyester can melt into small packages in the back of your car.

Canvas is the traditional option and what your mind may jump to when considering purchasing a tent. It is extremely naturally breathable and regulates temperature well, however it is typically more weighty that more modern fabrics.

Poly-cotton is also very hard wearing and resists mildew more than canvas. It’s breathable and moisture absorbent qualities means that condensation is kept to a minimum, while it will also keep cool on sunny days and retain heat as the temperature drops. Lighter than canvas too, poly-cotton tents have a long lifespan, if looked after properly. This option offers a good compromise between full on cotton canvas (heavy, takes ages to dry) and nylon (hot in better weather, tends to flap around).

Polyester tents are much more lightweight and will pack down to virtually nothing in your rucksack. Also durable, they offer good strength however no protection from temperature variants and are non-breathable which can lead to condensation.  Family tents today are mainly polyester.

Nylon is a durable and lightweight material for your tent that, thanks to a coating can have rain beading off it beautifully. UV rays can cause wear and tear to your nylon tent, reducing its lifespan and nylon can ladder, a bit like tights, causing a small hole to turn into a bigger problem. 5-7 years is an average lifetime, if not used frequently.

Inflatable tents

With promises of 12 minute pitches and ample living space, tents like the Vango Eclipse 600 are tempting. They can be pitched solo, so there’s no need to rely on anyone else! Plus, they could be the solution to pitching arguments, as tiffs are common when fighting with heavy canvas, but these are more of a ‘pump and go’ option.  

Other tents can be heavy and take up a lot of space but the light feel of air tents means they bend in the wind to offer a bit of give against the breeze.  

Taking the air out of these tents while striking camp could be bit of a faff, however, wrestling with them in the wind and fighting the air currents.  Overall, tunnel tents are still considered the easiest to put up solo, but air beam tents have a lot to recommend them. 

Tent poles

As with almost everything in camping, you can choose the material and type of poles you want to bring with you to the outdoors.

Glass reinforced plastic or the well-known fibreglass type of poles, have plenty of advantages in being light, pretty bendable for the curves of your tent, and cheap. The downside is that if they crack, the splinters will be sharp glass and nothing you’d like near your fingers. 

Alluminium alloy poles are also quite bendy and light in comparison to steel.  They offer strength without excessive weight, so great for a lighter tent.

Steel poles are the heaviest and strongest of the bunch, but also not meant to bend like other options. The pole will be covered or coated to keep it away from rain, and you’ll need to protect that coating. You’re likely to find these in a large, heavy tent.

Choosing tent features

What is 'hydrostatic head'?

Not all tents are completely waterproof, and if the weather turns, a rating of ‘water resistant’ just isn’t going to cut it. To make sure you get a waterproof tent, go for one with the minimum recommended hydrostatic head for the UK: 1500hh, or more, to be on the safe side!

When you see the term ‘hydrostatic head’ or 'hh' floating around on tent websites, that’s a measure of how water resistant for tent is. The higher the number, the higher amount of water the tent could withstand before leaking. 

Awnings, porched and event shelters

Whether there’s rain or bright sunshine, it’s always lovely to have somewhere outside where you can sit or cook in the open air, but be sheltered from the elements.

Your first option is to buy a professional matching awning or porch to fit to your tent. That’s unlikely to be the cheapest option, but ensures it matches perfectly and that you can get in and out of your tent in the dry and store some extra items. Or, you can buy a universal canopy to suit your style of tent.

For a little more flexibility, try an event shelter. These are incredibly easy to put up and open sided, great for shade on the beach too.

A gazebo can serve in place of using a tent extension for your cooking and eating area and will allow you to relax with friends. It’s worth knowing though that they are less secure in high winds and you could be liable for damages if it blows away.

For a budget option, pick up a canvas tarp and poles which could be used as a basic tent, if needed, but works better hooked to a nearby tent or tree as a fun outside space that can fit a lot of people. 

Many sites charge a small extra fee for these items, so do factor that into your decision. 

Windows and doors

You will find windows and doors to be an extremely vital part of your temporary house so it’s important that you consider them in your purchase. Ventilation is important and on warm nights you may wish to sleep with the doors and windows open, with the attached mosquito net zipped closed. 

Good tents have double zips to allow you to open doors and windows from either the top of the bottom.

Groundsheets

Most modern tents come complete with a sewn in groundsheet (SIG), which are excellent protection against bugs and pesky draughts or leaks, plus a way to make pitching easy without pegging something extra down. 

When it comes to packing away, air may be trapped inside thanks to the groundsheet, so rolling on the dismantled tent while unzipped to force the air out may be needed. Another great method for compressing the air out is folding in quarters lengthways, and then in half until all the air escapes. 

However, some sites won’t be fans of sewn in groundsheets, as they can damage grass. On balmy evenings, the SIG might add to the stuffiness of your tent and when you get home you won’t be able to remove the groundsheet for cleaning.  Some campers like to have areas of the tent without and without the sheet, too.

It all comes down to personal preference and weighing up the options.

If you don’t have an SIG, or would prefer a choice of when to use one there is another option.  You can buy breathable zip in groundsheets to fit your style of tent, and remove them as needed.

How much should I spend?

Tents vary wildly in price depending on features, and of course whether they’re shiny and new or a little used!

As a guide, you may be able to pick up a brand new family tent (say, a 5-berth) for £200-£300 if it is a cheaper style. For something with plenty of space and fancy bells and whistles £500+ isn’t uncommon.  

For a 1-person, backpacker tent that’s new, you might be looking at just £99-£150. A pop up 3-man tent for temporary stays at festivals and more might be as little as £50-£100 from brands such as Quechua. 

Who are the most popular and reliable manufacturers?

There are a range of manufacturers to suit all budgets, so shop around the get the most for your money. Outwell, Vango, Kampa, Coleman, Khyam, Sunncamp and Gelert offer both quality and affordability.

What are some good brands and models to try?

Try the Vango Solaris 500 for a family of 4, while the Hi-Gear Airgo Stratus 4 weighs in at a surprising 20kg but makes for very easy pitching. The Khyam Rigidome range gets good reviews for combining good living space with a tent that can be put up solo. Karsten have plenty of luxury models, if you're flush with cash.

What are the best family tents available at the moment?

For those willing to splash some dosh, the Vango Airbeam Inspire 600 has racked up brilliant reviews for its spacious six berth inflatable tent, whereas the Regatta Vanern 4 tent is also recommended for its tunnel design. At the budget end, consider the Freedom Trail Sendero 4 for warm weather family camping.

What to watch out for when buying a second hand tent

When purchasing a tent second hand on a website such as eBay, you may be pleasantly surprised to find a number of ex-display models for bargain prices. 

However, you may also run into some problems, too, if the seller doesn’t provide at least a photograph of it erected completely. If possible, ask to inspect it carefully and look out for rips, tears, missing pegs and stains.

How can I judge the quality of a tent?

Apart from reading expert reviews, which will give tents a thorough testing, here are a few simple hallmarks that you can look for yourself.

Does it zip from both the top and bottom and have a way to tie the flaps back? This could be a sign of quality design on the tent openings.

Does the fabric feel thick and sturdy? Give it a good once over and shine a light through it to find thin patches or worn spots that could one day spring leaks.

Do the seams look regular and well stitched? If there is a spot that bulges or gapes, can it be fixed with seam sealant?

Campers are usually looking for as many points to tie their guy ropes to as they can, for extra stability. So how many do you have and do they cover the tents angles? Would they stand up to a storm?