The best hiking tents in the UK 2023

Hiking enthusiasts don't limit themselves to the paths used by the majority of people. They usually prefer to be alone in the wilderness and sleep there. For this, owning a hiking tent is essential. To find out which ones are best, check out our guide to the best hiking tents.

Marmot Limestone 4 places 1
8/10

Best value for money

Marmot Limestone 4 places

The best backpacking tent in 2021

This 4 person dome tent is sturdy and spacious. It even has a doormat and a kitchen area!

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The Marmot Limestone 4-seater is without a doubt the best tent for camping today. It lasts an average of 5 years, even if you camp regularly. This high-quality model has all the qualities required to make it a pleasure to use. The integral roof window against rain and wind should inspire the competition, as should the color-coded pegs and ties. There's even a doormat!

Compared to the Marmot 3-person, the materials used for the fabric and the pre-folded structure are slightly heavier. But the sturdiness has also been taken up a notch and the fabric seam is heat sealed. This all-in-one model is a risk-free purchase. For those who are interested, you can add a small kitchenette in the large vestibule at the front to prepare food away from the rain or cold.

Naturehike Cloud-up 2
7/10

Best value for money

Naturehike Cloud-up

The best entry-level backpacking tent

This tent is light and practical for hiking. However, the canvas is not durable and the capacity is limited to 2 persons.

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Designed to ensure a minimum of bulk and especially suited for hiking, the Naturehike Cloud-up is an ultra-lightweight two-person tent. Completely waterproof, it's made of 20D silicon-coated nylon fabric with heavy-duty 7001 aluminum poles.

Available in five different colors, the Naturehike Cloud-up is equipped with a scientific ventilation system, plus high-density mesh to keep the air inside the tent fresh and insects out.

Skandika Montana 8 3
7/10

A great choice

Skandika Montana 8

A great value for the money

This tunnel tent can accommodate 8 people. The 2 m ceiling and the light colors of the canvas allow for more light to penetrate.

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Ideal for family camping, this tent lives up to its name. Just like this northern region of the United States known for its vast landscapes, it's a true sense of space and freedom that comes over you when you enter the Montana 8 tent. Its interior is flooded with light thanks to the windows and light materials that let in the daylight, plus an impressive ceiling height.

Easy to erect and spacious enough to accommodate eight people, the Skandika Montana 8 is made of fiberglass poles combined with steel poles for stability. It comes with a removable, easy-to-clean floor mat, and even in the woods, it protects you from insects with mosquito nets covering the cabins and entrances.

Economy party tent INTENT24 4
8/10

Very good choice

Economy party tent INTENT24

The best party tent

This party tent may not be the biggest. But you won't find a more practical or sturdy tent.

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The result of over 30 years of experience in the manufacture of marquees, the INTENT24 Economy Party Tent is just what you need for your receptions or outdoor parties. Quick to set up thanks to simple assembly instructions and tube numbering, this model is made of the best quality PVC fabric available on the market, with a weight of 500g/m², which provides stability and resistance.

With a very solid structure made of 100% galvanized steel, the INTENT24 Economy party tent guarantees maximum protection against UV rays and rain with a perfect waterproofing. The 2m side walls can be easily assembled and disassembled as required for greater mobility.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best hiking tent

Any specific needs?

The best backpacking tent in 2021

The best entry-level backpacking tent

A great value for the money

The best party tent

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best hiking tents

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP EXCELLENT VERY GOOD
Marmot Limestone 4 places 5
8/10
Naturehike Cloud-up 6
7/10
Skandika Montana 8 7
7/10
Economy party tent INTENT24 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Marmot Limestone 4 places
Naturehike Cloud-up
Skandika Montana 8
Economy party tent INTENT24
This 4 person dome tent is sturdy and spacious. It even has a doormat and a kitchen area!
This tent is light and practical for hiking. However, the canvas is not durable and the capacity is limited to 2 persons.
This tunnel tent can accommodate 8 people. The 2 m ceiling and the light colors of the canvas allow for more light to penetrate.
This party tent may not be the biggest. But you won't find a more practical or sturdy tent.
Very strong canvas and folded structure
Ultra light tent
Large capacity of 8 people
Very stable construction
Price
Limited capacity
Materials not very resistant
Notice not very detailed

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Buying guide - hiking tent

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How to choose your hiking tent

Backpacking tents come in an amazing variety of models. Here are some criteria that can help you choose a model that best meets your expectations.

#1 - Touring tent capacity

Backpacking tents are categorized by capacity from 1 to 4 people. Two-person models are the most popular and are designed to fit two standard width sleeping mats side by side. Opting for a one-person tent is a good way to save weight, although it's best to choose a size up to 2 people, as this allows for extra space inside.

#2 - Seasonality

Winter explorers and those camping on snow have completely different requirements and should look for a true 4-season tent model. But ultimately, 3-season tents are what most people choose and should provide adequate protection from wind and rain in most non-winter conditions.

#3 - Weather protection and ventilation

The weather can be unpredictable in the wilderness, even in the middle of summer, but the good news is that almost all backpacking tents can withstand a mild summer storm. Common features of the vast majority of designs are coated, waterproof rain flies, raised bathtub-style floors, and sealed seams to reduce the risk of moisture seeping in.

The more expensive models are generally more weather resistant than the budget options. Their materials are sturdier and hold up longer. And if you expect to see rain and wind, look for a tent with a rain fly that reaches down to the ground for maximum coverage and guy points along the outside to tie off the cord and increase strength.

#4 - Durability

A general rule to keep in mind is that as the weight of a tent decreases, the durability decreases along with it. For tent body and rain fly materials, most manufacturers will provide denier, which is a measure of fabric thickness. The higher the number, the thicker it is. It's a good idea to check the denier listed on all parts of the tent.

#5 - Storage

Even those who travel light will carry a good amount of gear into the backcountry, which is why storage plays an important role in tent selection. First, vestibules are the section of the rain fly that covers the doors. They provide a sheltered space for your bag or shoes during the night and in bad weather. Take a look at what tents offer in terms of interior pockets. At the very least, it's nice to have a few pockets along the roof or sidewalls to store things you want close at hand, like a headlamp.

How do you clean your backpacking tent?


It is essential to clean your backpacking tent after each use to keep it in good condition for future use. It is important to check the condition of your tent as there may be holes and stains on the fabric. To effectively remove dirt, it is recommended to sweep the inside of the fabric. In addition, it is not advisable to use solvents to clean the canvas to maintain its waterproof qualities.

It should be noted that cotton canvas should never be washed with a detergent to keep it waterproof. The simplest and most common method of cleaning a tent is to brush the fabric with a sponge soaked in soapy water. It is best to use a Marseille soap. Then, rinse it with a jet of water until there is no soap residue.

If you see pine resin stains on your tent fly, please note that resin requires special cleaning. Resin is tough and bakes the synthetic fibers, which will make the rain fly permeable to water. First of all, it must be dry before being cleaned. To remove these stains, place an ice cube on the inside of the fabric, at the resin stain.

For a grease stain on your canvas, the use of sienna is necessary and is the only effective method to remove it. Finally, it is important to wait until your canvas is completely dry before folding your tent to avoid mildew.

Hiking tent or tarp?

Hiking tent

A trekking tent is a kind of semi-comfortable camper's shelter. Its use mainly prevents draughts from entering. It is also effective in protecting against rain. The poles that make it up allow it to be self-supporting, to have more stability in the face of wind and snowfall.

It is especially practical to protect against insects, or to repel wild animals (foxes, rodents, etc.).

However, a trekking tent has a few bad sides that cannot be ignored. Since it is often made up of poles, its weight is quite heavy. This lack of lightness is a reason for some to give up hiking.

Sometimes, it can also happen that these supports break easily depending on the material of manufacture. Moreover, it is difficult to replace parts if they are damaged.

Tarp

Tarps are also used as shelters when hiking. It is a waterproof and robust tarp that serves as protection against bad weather and is fixed with cords and pegs. Its main advantage is that it is very light.

Its influence on the weight of your bag is therefore limited. Moreover, it is easy to fold and unfold. The tarp is appreciated by some hikers because it allows to get closer to nature. Indeed, it is not completely covered on all sides.

But this can be a major disadvantage for others, as it lets the wind in. In addition, it also forces you to spend extra money to manage to get enough comfort. In order to prevent insects from coming in and bothering you, you need to have a mat or a mosquito net. Moisture from the floor as well as small splashes from rain can bother you while using it. In addition, it is often unstable and does not stand up well to wind.

Verdict

The choice between these two types of camper shelters is yours. However, it is wiser to opt for a backpacking tent if you are looking for comfort. Choose the tarp if you want to admire the nature around you a bit more.

Tips

Strengthen your tent against the wind

Stabilize your tent to better withstand high winds. Have equipment that allows for better anchoring. Tent leg weight plates are very convenient and easy to carry for party tents. Use stakes so that the tension cable and tightening straps are secure to the ground.

Have fun with your family in the tent

Enjoy your family vacation in a backpacking tent. Share quality time and friendship while strengthening your bond for a few weeks with a family backpacking tent. When it comes to comfort, camping spaces offer various packages to make your stay enjoyable.

Protect your hiking tent from the weather

Setting up a tent requires some basic precautions so that it doesn't fall on you during the night. For example, remember to orient it properly by making sure the opening is not facing the wind. Also, tighten it as much as possible. Finally, so that no bugs get inside, consider raising a low protective wall at its base using materials at hand such as dirt, rubble, etc.

Enjoy the best accessories

Opt for a floor mat to protect you from ground moisture inside the tent. Mats or tarps are important for camping in rainy areas or just as a precaution against inclement weather. Easy to carry, it is an accessory not to be forgotten for your stays in the mountains.

Enhance your garden with a hiking tent

In the middle of your gardens, leave a place to pitch a tent. For a change from the routine, enjoy a moment of relaxation as if you were in the middle of nature. The fresh air is a great way to recharge your batteries and fight off daily stress. The fresh air is a great way to recharge your batteries and combat daily stress. It's also a great change of scenery, if you decide to sleep in the tent instead of at home for even one night!

FAQ

How to choose your hiking tent?

To choose the best hiking tent, you need to consider the space offered, the type of roof that will affect your comfort, the resistance to the elements of the material used, and the weight and bulk of the tent. In this comparison, we offer you a shortcut: all the proposed trekking tents passed our test.

What weight for a hiking tent?

To calculate the ideal weight of a tent, whether for camping or hiking, assume a minimum of 1.5kg per person. With this in mind, a 2-person backpacking tent should weigh just over 3kg. Of course, the heavier the equipment, the more difficult it will be to clean the tent, but a high weight is a guarantee of quality.

How waterproof is a hiking tent?

The waterproofness or impermeability of a backpacking tent is measured in water column. A waterproof rating of 500mm means that the fabric can withstand light rain, whereas a tent that can withstand up to 5000mm of water column will withstand torrential rain. You should therefore choose according to the rainfall in the area where you are going to be trekking, and we offer tents with different waterproof ratings.

How to avoid condensation in a hiking tent?

It is not enough to clean a touring tent properly to avoid condensation. After careful drying and packing before departure, you should ensure that the tent is tightly packed when you arrive at your destination. Avoid creases and maximise ventilation; this will prevent condensation.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , consumersearch.com
  2. , bestreviews.com
  3. , thewirecutter.com
  4. , agreekadventure.com
  5. , slant.co
  6. , thespruce.com
  7. , bigagnes.com
  8. , mountainhardwear.com
  9. , evanela.com
  10. , altituderando.com
  11. , go-sport.com
  12. , auvieuxcampeur.fr
  13. , rayonrando.com
  14. , aventurenordique.com
  15. , sports-aventure.fr
  16. , cyclo-randonnee.fr
  17. , monbivouac.com
  18. , blog.snowleader.com
  19. , decathlon.fr
  20. , monbivouac.com
  21. , lagertha.fr
  22. , auvieuxcampeur.fr
  23. , snowleader.com
  24. , ennaturesimone.com
  25. , tente-randonnee-legere.com
  26. , trekmag.com
  27. , chullanka.com
  28. , choisirsage.com
  29. , chullanka.com
  30. , cabane-du-randonneur.com
  31. , go-sport.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Marmot Limestone 4 places 9
Marmot Limestone 4 places
Naturehike Cloud-up 10
Naturehike Cloud-up
Skandika Montana 8 11
Skandika Montana 8
Economy party tent INTENT24 12
Economy party tent INTENT24

Lecteurs

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