Buying a tent

 

The secret to a standout camping trip? Picking the perfect tent. But with so many feature-packed models on the market, how do you even begin to choose? 

Find all the essential information you need for buying a tent in this guide.  

Things to look for when buying a tent

Size 

A four-man tent won't comfortably fit four men. The berth – the designated sleeping area – doesn’t take baggage into account. It is also important to keep in mind that you might want space for accessories like airbeds, too, and size up accordingly.

One tip is to pick a tent rated at least two people, or berths, higher than the number of campers it needs to sleep. 

Alternatively, choose your tent based on floor area. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there’s at least 1.8 square metres of room per person.

Think about height as well when buying a tent. If you’re camping for a week or more, you’ll appreciate the standing room. Length is also a factor: check each model's dimensions if you need to accommodate taller campers. 

Weight

Tents can weigh as little as just over 450 grams for a one-man backpacking model right up to 20kg for a huge 14-man tent, so consider how you plan to travel to your destination. 

If you’re hiking or backpacking, you'll need an ultra-light tent. Aim for a weight of no more than 1.1 to 1.4kg per person. 

When you’re driving to your destination and planning to park right next to your pitch, you'll have space for a heavier, larger tent with comfort-boosting add-ons like vestibules and awnings. 

Waterproofing

Check the Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating to figure out whether the tent you’re buying will keep you dry. Legally, a tent has to have a HH of at least 1,000 to class as waterproof. A rating of 2,000 will stand up to the wetter climates of Western Europe, although you may want to go for 3,000 HH and upwards if you regularly camp in bad weather. 

Seasonality

Season ratings can differ between brands, but as a general guide they fall into these categories: 

• 1 and 2 season tents are for fair-weather campers. Best in warmer, drier weather, these models won’t stand up well to strong winds or storms.

• 3 season tents are recommended for a mix of weather, including rain and wind. 

• 4 and 5 season tents are heavier, sturdier models designed to keep you warm and dry in extreme conditions. If you plan to camp only in summer or warmer climates, it is most likely you will not require this type of tent.

Tent poles

Tent poles keep the components of your tent upright and in place. They’re mainly made from four types of material:

• Fibreglass: Most tents come with lightweight fibreglass poles as standard. They fit together easily for a relatively quick setup. These poles are great for occasional camping in calmer weather but can break under pressure, so they’re not recommended if you frequently camp in bad weather. 

• Steel: Sturdier, more expensive tents often include durable steel poles. They’re pricier and heavier than their fibreglass counterparts but are strong enough to withstand tough conditions like high winds. 

• Aluminium: Commonly used for tent poles, this material is light and flexible yet more robust than fibreglass. As it bends instead of breaks, even in colder temperatures, aluminium is an all-purpose choice for camping in various weather conditions. 

• Carbon fibre: Usually found in higher-end models, these poles are ideal for campers who need a particularly lightweight tent. They’re perfect for backpackers and long-distance hikers. 

Tent parts

Tents come with all sorts of different components, some of which are essential. These are the most important features to consider when buying a tent. 

Flysheet  

The flysheet – your tent's outer cover – is designed to keep you and your belongings warm and dry. It tends to be made from one of these materials:

• Poly cotton: Airier than polyester, this fabric is an excellent option for summertime camping. It’s also very durable, standing up to the rigours of daily use by families. 

• Ripstop nylon: This robust material is lightweight, doesn’t tear easily and is easy to repair, making it a top choice for backpackers and hikers.

• Cotton canvas: This traditional fabric stays cool in summer and traps warmth in winter, so it’s great for multi-season camping. Cotton canvas also blocks noise better than modern materials. It's heavier and more expensive than contemporary fabrics, though, so it isn’t suitable for backpacking. 

Vestibules

A vestibule is essentially your tent's front or side porch – a section set off from the main sleeping area. Not all tents come with these rooms, which range in size from small spaces to store wet or muddy gear to large areas for relaxing in. Decide how important a space like this might be for you. For example, if you’re camping with kids we’d recommend a bigger vestibule to store toys and play in when the weather isn't so great.

Ventilation

A tent with good airflow prevents buildup of condensation. When warm, moist air comes into contact with your cold tent surface, it turns into water and can drip onto your possessions. Look out for features like breathable vents, a double skin and mesh sections to minimise condensation.

Groundsheet

The tent’s groundsheet is its waterproof floor. In general, you’ll see two different types. Both suit all sorts of camping experiences but each has various benefits, so it’s worth deciding which one’s right for you: 

• Sewn-in groundsheets prevent insects from crawling into your sleeping space, and can help to keep the tent warmer in cold weather.

• Separate groundsheets let in extra air when it's hot out, reducing the risk of condensation inside your tent, and are often easier to take down and fold away as there are no pockets of trapped air to remove.

Multi-room compartments

If you’re planning on buying a tent to share with family or friends, look out for a model that splits into several zip-up areas for privacy.

Guylines

Guylines pull the outer layer taut and help to keep it in place during high winds or even storms. If yours are reflective, they'll help stop other campers from tripping over them and falling into your tent. Whilst all tents come with these as standard, we recommend buying additional guylines to help further support your tent in case you get caught in extreme gusts. 

Types of tents

There are lots of different tent types on offer, but here are three popular options.

Pop-up tents

If pitching the tent is your least favourite part of camping, consider a pop-up. These models take seconds to put up as all you need to do is remove it from the bag, shake it out and peg it down. 

Dome tents

Dome tents are easy to pitch and stand up to high winds as they have no edges for gusts to catch on. They do have less headroom, however.

Inflatable tents

Inflatable tents use air-filled beams, inflated using a foot pump, to stay upright and intact. Just as stable as pole tents, they're much quicker to set up. They’re also more resistant to wind – a winner if you prefer to camp in large open spaces.

What extra features do I need for my tent? 

As well as a tent, you might like to invest in camping accessories to make your new home away from home even comfier. Some tents include the following features, but if they don't then you can always buy them separately.

Tent footprint 

Add a footprint to your tent if you often camp in rougher, rockier areas. It helps to protect the floor from sharp edges, lengthening its life. 

Tent carpet

A tent carpet isn’t just a comfortable extra layer underfoot – it also protects your groundsheet from wear and tear. Like with many tent extras, however, it does add more bulk to your packing. 

Awnings 

An awning serves as an extra area of protection from the rain or sun, so you won’t have to stay cooped up inside your tent in intense weather conditions. An enclosed option is preferable for wet climates.

Windbreaks

If you’re camping in gusty weather, bring a windbreak to block the breeze. It will also give added privacy when you’re relaxing outside your tent. 

Tent spares

When buying your tent, it’s always worth picking up these spares, just in case:

• Tent pegs 

• Poles 

• Tent repair kit

• A mallet

Tent FAQs

Here’s everything else you need to know about buying a tent. 

Is it worth spending a lot of money on a tent? 

Yes and no. If you’re a weekend camper who just goes away a couple of times in the summer, you can get away with picking up an inexpensive one-season tent. Frequent campers will want to spend a little more on a model that stands up to wear and tear. If you’re camping in extreme temperatures, or need an ultra-lightweight backpackers’ tent, you’ll want a premium option. 

How long will my tent last? 

Tents should last between one and 10 years on average. But the longevity depends on how often it’s used, how well it’s maintained and what material the flysheet is made from. Rain and  sun will degrade the outer fabric, so a model with a high HH and UV protection lasts longer. 

Do I need to buy a tarp for under my tent?

If you'd rather not splash out on an extra groundsheet, tent footprint or carpet, you can certainly buy a tarp instead for an added layer of waterproofing and warmth under your tent.

What should I look for when buying a tent?

The top three things to consider are size, seasonality and waterproofing. While there’s also much more to keep in mind when choosing your tent, these are the key points for ensuring you have a comfortable camping experience.