Camping Tents

Camping tents come in a variety of designs, each suited to different styles of camping and group sizes.

• Touring tents: Versatile and easy to pitch, touring tents are suitable for short breaks or longer camping holidays. They balance space, weight, and durability, making them a popular all-round option.
• Backpacking and trekking tents: Lightweight and compact, these tents are designed for hikers and walkers who need to carry their shelter. They focus on low weight, small pack size, and quick setup.
• Family tents: Larger tents with generous head height and multiple rooms. Family tents often include living areas and vestibules, making them ideal for longer stays or camping with children.
• Pop-up tents: Designed for speed and convenience, pop-up tents pitch in minutes. They are well suited to festivals, short trips, or casual camping where ease matters most.
• Winter and mountain tents: Built for strength and stability, these tents use stronger poles and robust fabrics to handle wind, snow, and harsher conditions.

Each tent type supports a different camping style, so choosing based on how you travel and camp is key.

Materials and How They Work

The materials used in camping tents affect durability, weight, and weather protection.

• Polyester: Commonly used for flysheets due to its durability, quick drying properties, and resistance to stretching when wet.
• Polyamide (nylon): Lightweight and strong, often found in trekking tents where weight and pack size are important.
• PU coatings: Applied to tent fabrics to improve waterproof performance and protect against rain.
• PVC: Highly waterproof and durable, though heavier and less breathable, usually found in specialist or utility tents.

Together, these materials determine how well a tent performs in wet weather, wind, and repeated use.

Small design details can make a big difference during a camping trip.

• Taped seams: Improve waterproof performance by preventing leaks at stitch points
• Strong groundsheet: Protects against damp ground and wear
• Ventilation panels: Help manage condensation overnight
• Internal pockets: Keep small items organised and accessible
• Reflective guylines: Improve visibility around the tent at night
• Simple pitching system: Saves time and effort, especially in poor weather

These features help make camping tents more practical, comfortable, and reliable.

Matching your tent to your plans helps improve comfort and ease of use.

• Weekend trips: Lightweight touring or pop-up tents that are quick to pitch and easy to pack away.
• Family camping holidays: Spacious family tents with multiple rooms and living areas for comfort over longer stays.
• Backpacking and hiking: Compact trekking tents that balance low weight with reliable weather protection.
• Festivals: Simple pop-up or festival tents that prioritise speed and convenience.
• Winter or exposed locations: Robust tents with strong poles and higher weather resistance.

Choosing a tent based on how you camp ensures it performs well throughout your trip.