Pop Up Tents

Pop up tents are a popular choice with festival campers who are looking to pitch up and party as quickly as possible. Unlike other tents, they have a coiled frame to instantly pop into shape and can be pitched in less than a minute. However, they’re smaller than other tents and aren’t as waterproof, making them better suited to shorter trips during the summer months. They're also a practical choice for overnight camping.

Dome Tents

Dome tents have poles which cross in the middle, forming a large dome shape with plenty of space. Also, the crossing poles provide extra strength and stability, making them more wind-resistant than other types of tent. Not only are they easy to pitch, but they have a bedroom and front area to store equipment. As a result, they’re great for weekend campers who are looking for extra space.

Tunnel Tents

Searching for something bigger for a group or family outing? Look no further than a tunnel tent. Unlike other tents, they have arched poles which form a spacious tunnel shape. As well as being tall enough to stand up in, most have a living area which is big enough for a table and chairs. Plus, multiple bedrooms for extra privacy while sleeping. Because of their size, they're great for longer camping trips.

Terminology

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Sleeping Capacity

Put simply, the maximum number of people who can sleep in a tent. For extra space, some people prefer to choose a tent that is one size up. So, if they’re looking for a tent for two people, they’ll choose a three man tent instead.

Living / Storage Area

In addition to bedrooms, some dome and tunnel tents have a separate area at the front to store equipment. Because tunnel tents are bigger, the area often has enough room for a table and chairs, so you can use it as a living area to relax with your fellow campers.

Flysheet (Outer Fabric)

A flysheet is the outer fabric on a tent which is usually made from durable polyester with a waterproof coating. Although its primary focus is to shelter you from the wind and rain, it’s also breathable to eliminate condensation.

Bedroom Pod (Inner Fabric)

Most tents have clip-in bedroom pods with a zipped door for extra privacy and easy access. As well as keeping you insulated for a warm and comfy sleep, the bedroom pod provides an extra barrier to sunlight infiltration.

Mesh Vents

Most bedrooms have air vents with mesh fabric to keep out insects. The vents also have covers, so you can close them up on colder nights to keep the bedroom warm. Conversely, you can open them on warmer nights to keep the bedroom cool and reduce condensation.

Electrical Access Point

Some tents have an electrical access point in the living area, so you can hook up electrical equipment, like a charger for your phone or a kettle for your morning cuppa. However, this is only useful if your campsite has an electric hook up point.

Ceiling Hook

Tents with a larger living area often have a ceiling hook attached to one of the overhanging poles. As well as hanging a lantern to illuminate your tent at night, you can use the hook to dry out clothing. Or hang a piñata!

King Pole Canopy

Some larger tents, such as tunnel tents, come with steel poles called king poles. These can be used to turn the entrance into a sun canopy – perfect for letting light and air into the tent while shading the interior from intense sunlight.

Storage Pockets

Some tents also have slip pockets in the bedroom pods. Although the pockets aren’t big enough for larger items, they’re an ideal size for smaller items, such as a phone and wallet, which can easily get lost inside a tent.

Dark Zone Technology

Most of our tents have Dark Zone bedroom pods which are made from a darker fabric to block out up to 90% more sunlight. As well as helping you to enjoy a longer, deeper sleep, they also absorb less sunlight to keep the bedroom cooler.

Hydrostatic Head (HH)

A hydrostatic head (HH) indicates how waterproof a tent is. By law, a tent must have a hydrostatic head of 1500mm or more. However, if you’re after a tent that can deal with heavier downpours, choose one with a 3000mm HH. Or better still, a 5000mm HH.

Entrance Doors

Although smaller tents tend to have a single door with two way zips, larger tents usually have multiple doors to provide extra access to groups and families. Some also have secondary mesh doors to allow light in while keeping insects out.

Sewn-In Groundsheet

Usually, tents will come with either a sewn-in groundsheet or loose fitted groundsheet. Because a sewn-in groundsheet is sewn into the walls of a tent, it keeps you fully sealed off from rain, draughts, and pesky insects.

Bathtub Groundsheet

Conversely, a bathtub groundsheet is a loose groundsheet which has toggles for easy fitting and raised sides to reduce draughts. Although it provides less protection than a sewn-in groundsheet, it’s removable, making it easier clean out dirt and water.

Fibreglass Poles

Most tents come with fibreglass poles, which are lightweight, but extremely strong. Because the poles come in sections, which are connected by elasticated shock cords, they’re easy to pop together and can be collapsed down into a compact size.

Hi-Vis Guy Lines

Most tents come with pre-attached hi-vis guy lines to keep them taut and improve their strength, stability, and wind-resistance. Because the guy lines are luminous, they’re easier to spot at night, so there’s no risk of tripping over them.

Windows

Larger tents usually have PVC windows in the living area, so you can let sunlight in and admire the view of your campsite. Also, most windows have Velcro or zipped covers, which can be pulled down to block out light and increase your privacy.

Oversized Travel Bag

Most tents come with a bag to easily store and carry. However, trying to fit a tent inside a bag can prove to be a struggle. Hence why we’ve made our bags slightly bigger. Because they have extra space inside them, they make it easier to pack our tents away.

Budget Choice: Pop Up 2 Man Tent

It might be on the small side, but if all you need is a place to crash, the Pop Up is a perfect option. What's more, it clocks in at 1.2kg, making it easy to carry on festival adventures.

Our Choice: Hartland 4 Man 2 Room Tent

As well as a living area to store booze and equipment, the Hartland has two bedrooms for extra privacy if you’re camping with friends. Also, it’s compact to carry and easy to pitch.

Budget Choice: Finlake 6 Person Tunnel Tent

Searching for a family tent that won’t break your budget? Look no further than the Finlake. As well as a large living area with space to stand up in, it has two bedrooms to sleep up to six people.

Our Choice: Ashbury 6 Person Family Tent

Similar to the Finlake, but with a sewn-in groundsheet and higher waterproof rating, making it great for all-year camping. It also contains a ceiling hook and electrical access point.

Budget Choice: Bracken Dome Tents

The Bracken is a spacious dome tent with a bedroom and a living area to conveniently store your gear. Lightweight and easy to pitch, it also comes in three sizes for two, three, or four people.

Our Choice: Elsford 3 Man Tunnel Tent

The Elsford has a spacious bedroom and a living area that is big enough to accommodate a low table and chairs. It also has three entrance doors to fully open it up on hot, sunny days.

Budget Choice: Lydford 5 Man Tunnel Tent

Because it’s not too big, but not too small, the Lydford is perfect for both longer and shorter trips As well as a bedroom, it has a living area with standing height and room for a table and chairs.

Our Choice: Meldon 5 Man Family Tent

As well as a sewn-in groundsheet, the Meldon has a 5000mm HH, making it great for all-year camping. It also has a ceiling hook, electrical access, and a bedroom divider for extra privacy.