Tent Buying Guide
Tent Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Tent for Your Adventure
Ever spent a night in a tent that leaked, flapped, or felt more like a wind tunnel than a cosy retreat? Or maybe you’ve stood in an outdoor shop, surrounded by a sea of tents, wondering: What’s the difference between all these shapes and fabrics? How waterproof is “waterproof,” really? Should I go lightweight or prioritise comfort? Is it worth paying more for technical features, or will a budget tent do the job?
This guide is your shortcut to understanding tents—from the basics to the technical details that make all the difference. We’ll break down the science, explain the features, and answer the questions you didn’t even know you had. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for—so you can spend less time worrying about your shelter, and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Before you dive into the world of tent shapes and technical fabrics, ask yourself:
Thinking about these questions will help narrow down your choices and ensure you pick a tent that truly fits your needs.
Choosing the right tent starts with understanding the main types available. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Best For: General camping, short backpacking trips, campsites.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Wild camping, mountaineering, and exposed or windy conditions.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Families, groups, and longer camping trips.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Traditionalists, solo campers, and those wanting a simple, stable shelter.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Festivals, garden camping, and short breaks.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Families and groups looking for quick setup and comfort.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Glamping, summer camping, and those who want a unique look.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Large families and groups wanting privacy and space.
Pros:
Cons:
Tent Type | Typical Capacity (People) | Best For |
---|---|---|
Dome | 2–6 (camping); 10–600+ (event domes) | General camping, events |
Geodesic/Semi-Geodesic | 1–4 | Wild camping, mountaineering |
Tunnel | 2-8 | Families, groups |
Ridge (A-Frame) | 1–4 | Solo/traditional camping |
Pop-Up | 1–4 | Festivals, short trips |
Inflatable (Air) | 4–8 | Family/group camping |
Teepee/Bell | 2–8 | Glamping, summer camping |
Pod/Multi-Room | 6–12+ | Large families, group trips |
Understanding tent features will help you compare models and find what’s right for you.
Type | Diameter | Strength (PSI) | Use Case |
---|---|---|---|
DAC Featherlite | 8.7mm | 18,000 | Ultralight backpacking |
7001-T6 Aluminium | 9.5mm | 25,000 | 4-season expeditions |
Fibreglass | 11mm | 12,000 | Budget family tents |
Fabric | Weight (g/m²) | Tear Strength | Best Use |
---|---|---|---|
Ripstop Nylon | 30–40 | High (crosshatch) | Alpine expeditions |
Polyester PU | 50–70 | Moderate | Family camping |
Dyneema Composite | 24 | Extreme | Ultralight backpacking |
Polycotton | 300+ | Low | Summer Glamping |
Hydrostatic Head (HH) → Indicates water resistance.
The materials and coatings used in your tent affect its weight, durability, and weather resistance.
Our Cotswold Outdoor specialists use 3D pitch simulators to match tents to your exact trip parameters—book a free consultation in-store or explore our curated tent range online. From featherlight backpacking shelters to family-sized palaces, we’ll help you find your perfect match.
Choosing the right tent doesn’t need to be daunting. With a clear understanding of the different types, features, and technical details, you’ll be well-equipped to find your perfect camping shelter—whatever the British weather throws your way. Happy camping!
Geodesic or tunnel tents with a high hydrostatic head (3000mm+) are ideal for handling rain and wind.
Always size up—if you’re a group of four, look at five- or six-berth tents for comfort and gear storage.
Most are only suitable for light showers and short trips. For serious camping, look for higher HH ratings.
Family tents are too heavy and bulky for backpacking. Choose a lightweight, compact tent for trekking.
10mm+ aluminium (e.g., Hilleberg Nammatj) supports 1.5m snow depth.
Risky—3-season tents lack snow valances and have mesh panels. Add a footprint and snow pegs for marginal use.
Weight (in grams) of 9,000 meters of fibre. 20D = 20g/9,000m. Lower denier = finer, lighter threads.
Yes—air beams match pole tents in stability and pitch faster.
A lightweight geodesic tent (e.g., MSR Hubba Hubba) with a 3,000mm HH.
A lightweight geodesic tent (e.g., MSR Hubba Hubba) with a 3,000mm HH.
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