Choosing a tent for hiking and camping

A tent can be your base for a camping holiday or a shelter you carry on your back. Those are different jobs. Before comparing models, decide how you expect to travel, how many people will share it, and the conditions you are preparing for.

Space or low weight?

A roomy tent can make sense when you camp close to your vehicle. On a walking trip, the same space has to be carried all day. Compare the complete packed weight and the usable floor area rather than relying on the advertised number of occupants alone.

Bring your sleeping mats into the comparison. Check that they fit and that everyone has room to sit up, change clothes, and get out without climbing over another person. Two entrances can be convenient when several people share a tent.

Price and the trips you actually take

Tents span a wide range of prices. Construction, materials, weight, and repair options can all affect what you pay, but a higher price does not automatically make a tent the best choice for your particular trip.

For an occasional camping weekend, borrowing or renting is a useful starting point. It lets you try different layouts before buying. Avoid buying a tent with the intention of throwing it away after a festival: choosing something you can use again is a better approach.

For an exposed route, compare the manufacturer’s stated conditions of use carefully. Do not assume a tent intended for sheltered campsite use will be suitable in mountain weather.

Shape and construction

Tunnel and dome designs offer different compromises in space, weight, and pitching. Check how the tent needs to be anchored and how much ground space it requires, including guylines. A freestanding design still needs to be secured against wind according to its instructions.

Practise putting the tent up before leaving home. Try the zips, vents, and adjustments with cold or gloved hands. Check whether the inner and outer can be pitched together and how you will keep the sleeping compartment dry during setup.

Living with the tent

A vestibule can keep muddy footwear and packs outside the sleeping area. It is for storage, not stove use: cook outdoors away from the tent and follow your stove’s instructions. See our guide to hiking tent features for more on space and safe use.

Check the care instructions as well as the specifications. Dry the tent before storing it, clean it as directed, and repair small problems before the next trip. Available replacement poles, pegs, and repair materials can help keep a tent in use.

Choose something you can carry, pitch, and look after comfortably. A familiar tent suited to the journey is a better starting point than buying around a single impressive number.