A tent is one of the most critical pieces of equipment for a wild camping expedition. It’s your shelter, your protection against the elements, and often the difference between a comfortable night and a miserable one. When choosing a tent, you need to weigh up three key factors: budget, weight, and season rating.

Wild camping often comes with unpredictable weather, so a solid tent choice is essential. I’d personally avoid 1-season tents altogether, as they simply won’t stand up to wind and rain. You also need to consider size—many 1-person tents won’t have enough space for both you and your rucksack. If you can’t store your gear outside while keeping it dry, it may be worth upgrading to a 2-person tent for comfort.

Key Tent Considerations

• Weight – If your tent weighs over 3.5kg, it’s too heavy for wild camping. Lighter is better, as you’ll be carrying it for miles.
• Stealth – Anything bigger than a 3-person tent can be harder to pitch discreetly in wild camping spots. Stick to a 1-3 person size for practical reasons.
• Pitching Style – There are different ways to pitch a tent, and this affects how easy setup will be in bad weather:
  • Outer-first (or integral pitch) – The outer flysheet and inner tent pitch together, keeping the inner dry in wet conditions. Best for UK wild camping and, in my opinion, the easiest method. You can leave the inner and outer attached, making it quicker to pitch next time.
  • Inner-first – The inner tent is pitched first, with the flysheet added afterward. Risky in wet weather, as the inside can get soaked before the fly is secured.
  • Freestanding – These tents don’t require pegs and are easy to pitch on rocky ground. Good for versatility.

Price Guide

To help you choose a tent within your budget, here’s what we classify as cheap, mid-range, and expensive:

• Cheap – Under £150
• Mid – £150-£300
• Expensive – Over £300
• Very Expensive – Over £600 (for extreme conditions and expeditions)

This guide will walk you through the different tent season ratings, price points, and the best brands to consider for wild camping.

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2-Season Tents (Light Use in Mild Conditions)

Best for summer camping with little risk of bad weather.

2-season tents offer minimal weather resistance and are best suited for light rain and mild wind. They’re not ideal for wild camping in unpredictable climates but can work for fair-weather summer trips.

Recommended 2-Season Brands:

• Quechua (Decathlon) – Cheap – Budget-friendly and great for beginners.
• Coleman – Cheap – Reliable, low-cost options for casual camping.
• Naturehike – Cheap-Mid – Affordable and lightweight choices for summer use.
• OEX – Cheap – Good for occasional use in mild conditions.

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3-Season Tents (Best for Most Wild Camping Trips)

Spring, summer, and autumn camping in varied weather.

If you’re wild camping in the UK or similar climates, a 3-season tent is your best bet. These tents offer a balance between weight, durability, and weather resistance. They handle wind and moderate rain well but aren’t built for heavy snow.

Recommended 3-Season Brands:

• MSR – Expensive – High-end, lightweight, and durable.
• Big Agnes – Expensive – Super lightweight and roomy.
• Vango – Mid – Reliable and affordable for UK conditions.
• Terra Nova – Expensive – Ultralight and high-quality.
• Naturehike – Cheap-Mid – Budget-friendly with good performance.
• Lightwave – Mid-Expensive – Built for durability in harsh conditions.
• OEX – Cheap-Mid – Good value for money and solid budget options.
• Alpkit – Mid – Lightweight and great value.

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4-Season Tents (For Winter & Harsh Conditions)

Designed for year-round use, including snow and strong winds.

A 4-season tent is necessary if you’re camping in extreme conditions. These tents have stronger poles, more robust fabric, and less mesh to retain warmth. They’re heavier but essential for winter camping or high-altitude expeditions.

Recommended 4-Season Brands:

• Hilleberg – Expensive – Premium and ultra-durable.
• The North Face – Expensive – Bombproof expedition tents.
• Black Diamond – Expensive – Lightweight yet strong for alpine camping.
• Mountain Hardwear – Expensive – Built for tough expeditions.
• Lightwave – Expensive – Excellent for UK winter conditions.

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5-Season / Expedition Tents (For Extreme Cold & Mountaineering)

Used for polar conditions and high-altitude expeditions.

These are highly specialized tents built for sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds. If you’re not venturing into extreme winter conditions, you won’t need one of these.

Recommended 5-Season Brands:

• Hilleberg – Very Expensive – Trusted in polar expeditions.
• Samaya – Very Expensive – Ultralight mountaineering tents.
• The North Face – Very Expensive – Legendary expedition tents.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tent is a balance between weight, durability, size, and weather resistance. For most wild campers, a lightweight 3-season tent is ideal. If you’re heading into winter conditions, consider a 4-season tent for extra protection.

Investing in a quality tent will make your wild camping experience safer and more enjoyable. Happy camping! 🏕️