Wild camping tents – buying guide
What is a wild camping tent?
Wild camping tents are suitable for pitching up just about anywhere in the great outdoors. Being small, lightweight and sturdy, many will have the same or similar components as backpacking and hiking tents.
Features to look for when buying a tent for wild camping
Lightweight: It's good practice to wild camp far enough away from houses and buildings. This might mean walking a fair while with your tent, especially if you’re camping without a car, so try to buy one that weighs less than 1.5 to 2kg per person travelling. Here’s more info on lightweight tents.
Smaller size: Wild camping is about being stealthy, so you won’t want a large tent that draws attention. Choose a smaller and shorter two- or three-man option.
Colour: As it’s best to blend in with the environment when wild camping, try to opt for muted colours like khaki green.
Windproofing: You’re often more exposed to the elements when wild camping than you would be on enclosed campsite pitches. A tent with a semi-geodesic or geodesic structure should keep its shape in strong winds.
Rain resistance: To stay dry, look for a tent with a hydrostatic head rating of at least 1,500 HH. This means the model is waterproof. Keep cosy on your trip by checking out our guide to camping in bad weather.
Easy to pitch: Unofficial wild camping protocols dictate that you should set up shortly before sunset, take down early in the morning and not stay in the same place for more than a day (unless you have permission from the landowner). As you'll want to move from pitch to pitch regularly, a tent in a simple shape – like a dome model – that's easy to set up and pack away is essential. Pop-ups are quick to erect but aren’t particularly portable enough as they don’t pack up small enough.
Extra features: If weight allows, it’s worth buying a tent with a porch or vestibule. You can remove your wet clothes in these areas and keep them separate from your dry sleeping space.
Wild camping tent FAQs
Can you wild camp with a big tent?
It’s not advisable – really you want a small, light tent that's extremely portable for wild camping. This is because you won’t want to leave your belongings unaccompanied in the wild as they could get stolen or damaged by animals. A larger tent is too heavy and takes too long to pitch.
Are wild camping tents reliable?
Yes, if you choose the correct one. Start by picking a tent that’s lightweight, sturdy, weatherproof and compact. We’d recommend you buy a reliable dome, semi-geodesic or geodesic tent for wild camping from a reputable brand.
How much do wild camping tents cost?
A wild camping tent can set you back anything from under £10 to several hundred pounds. It depends on how simple or technical a design you choose. It’s worth spending a little more on a sturdy, reliable option that will last, however. This is because lightweight materials and newer technology tend to be more expensive than basic tents that may not stand up to the elements.
For more information on the features to look out for when buying a tent, check out our tent buying guide