Planning a camping holiday? You'll need a decent shelter to protect you from the elements, but with so many on the market how do you know which are the best tent brands for you?
We'll share our favourite camping tent brands and a few of their top tents that will cater to all your wildest adventures - hiking, bikepacking, packrafting, mountaineering and anything else you can think of. So jump in the car - camping adventures await!
Sustainability is super important to us when it comes to outdoor gear, so we've included this as a major factor - we vote with our cash, so we should support those tent brands who are doing the right thing.
After a larger tent for those family camping trips? Check out our best family tents.
Next up is our buying guide followed by the brands and some of their top tents.
The best tent for you will depend on considerations such as:
If you're thru-hiking, wild camping or backpacking you'll need to go ultralight, but if you're cycle touring or staying in one spot, weight won't be as important. Family tents are naturally bigger and more weighty, so if you're looking for a family tent that you can chuck in the back of the car, consider how much room you'll have.
If you're likely to encounter particularly gnarly weather conditions or snow, you'll need a more stable and durable tent. Only go as many seasons as you need though to avoid carrying too much weight.
You'll also need to consider how many of you will be going on the trip and whether you're willing to share. Choosing a tent is usually a trade-off between price, weight, durability and comfort.
The fabric is all that's between you and the elements. Cheap tents are often made using thin nylon that tears easily. No-one wants bad camping gear, it only means you spend more money in the long run and its certainly not fun getting wet in the middle of the night! A higher quality nylon will have a better tear strength and will be more waterproof. Hilleberg tents use a hydrostatic head waterproof rating and their fabrics are amazing!
The inner should ideally be breathable and keep you as comfy as possible, and tent floors should be waterproof and strong enough to withstand punctures. Some models offer a separate footprint to protect against extra rough surfaces.
Colour resistance to light is another factor to consider - you don't want your smart red tent turning orange in the sun!
It's the poles that create the tent's structure, and the type you use will depend on where you go and what conditions you'll face.
Aluminium poles are stronger than carbon or fibreglass so will withstand rough conditions, however they are heavier so unless you're doing something particularly extreme, aluminium poles may not be the best choice for backpackers or hikers.
You could also check out the inflatable tube tents on the market, they're becoming increasingly popular these days and don't require any poles whatsoever, easy peasy!
Pegs are usually titanium - lighter pegs mean less weight but possibly less stability.
Zips - should be durable enough to withstand repeated use without breaking. YKK zippers are the strongest.
Look for guylines that stay taught and are easily adjustable - you'll appreciate this when trying to adjust the tension with numb fingers.
How practical is it? Are there enough storage pockets? Is there a big enough porch area, floor space or areas where you can stow large rucksacks or dirty boots? These are especially important considerations for family tents.
How easy is it to put up? Can you do it on your own? Is it simple to pack away?
Are there enough straps and loops? You'll need these to fasten doors, secure poles and open door and porch flaps for ventilation.
Your tent is your only shelter so will it withstand the weather conditions you intend to throw at it? Will it be roomy enough? Do you need to be able to sit up?
How durable is it? Sometimes it's worth paying more for something that you'll still be using in several years' time.
How is it made? Are the materials used non-toxic? Will you be able to repair and reuse it if anything breaks? Does the company advocate a fair wage for all workers and suppliers? How committed are they to ethical trading with developing countries? These are all questions we should be asking ourselves as consumers when buying outdoor gear.
What about their manufacturing processes - if they use animal products, are these humanely sourced? Do they use clean, renewable energy to power factories? How committed are they to continue to develop sustainable practises in the future?
We should all be considering this before we buy anything; fortunately outdoor brands tend to be better at this, but some go further than others.
A Swedish family-owned company with over 45 years of experience in selling tents. Founder Bo Hilleberg became frustrated with the tents available at the time, so he and his wife designed and created their own range.
They only manufacture tents which makes them well-respected specialists. Their tents are exceptional; pretty much bombproof and some of the best on the market, however the trade off is a higher price tag.
Hilleberg have created a colour labelling system for their tents, according to weight, intended use and durability.
Aimed at: wild campers, arctic explorers and hardcore adventurers in gnarly weather conditions.
Some top tents:
Sustainability
All Hilleberg tents comply with REACH - the European Union's European Chemicals Agency regulation.
They choose suppliers who will work within their requirements and that fit into their Responsibility Code.
Their tents are built to last – you'll be using yours for years.
Big Agnes was founded in 2000 with the idea of making the best gear possible to help folks to get outside and chase their dreams. They successfully took on the already saturated tent brands market by producing great quality gear. Oh, they make fantastic sleeping bags too.
The Big Agnes philosophy is that their gear should be pushed to its limits and they are inspired by stories from people using it on adventures. Getting down and dirty in the backcountry is their passion. They make some of the most lightweight tents out there too. Right up our street!
Aimed at: thru-hikers and backpackers, with the emphasis on ultralight.
Some top tents:
Sustainability
Their Re-Routt range was introduced in 2008 - products constructed using recycled fabrics, fills and hardware and/or environmentally sensitive manufacturing practices.
Big Agnes partner with many non-profits such as LNT, National Forest Foundation and Outdoor Afro.
MSR was formed in 1969 by engineer and lifelong mountaineer Larry Penberthy. He had the idea that better, safer, more reliable equipment is the key to unlocking greater adventures, a philosophy that drives the brand today.
MSR are a close-knit team of outdoor enthusiasts devoted to designing the most reliable, high-performance gear possible to fuel outdoor adventures. Their motto is ‘precision engineering inspired by unruly dreamers'.
I've always had a good experience with MSR kit so rate it highly.
Aimed at: wild campers, mountaineers, thu-hikers, backpackers and hardcore adventurers facing gnarly weather conditions.
Sustainability
MSR's philosophy is to build their gear to last so that fewer resources are needed for replacements. They offer a repair service at their Seattle headquarters and will recycle any brand of fuel canisters.
MRS is a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group, dedicated to addressing the most important sustainability challenges faced today. They're one of the first brands to use the Higg Index, the sustainability measurement tool launched by the OIASWG.
98% of the energy used at their Seattle headquarters is supplied by renewable energy sources and they use BPA free and smart packaging materials wherever possible.
I really feel that sustainability is a biggie for MSR so hats off!
Vango was established on the west coast of Scotland in 1966 - the name is an anagram of Govan where their factory was based although they've now moved to Glasgow.
They created the Force Ten classic tent, which was taken around the world by traveller Alistair Scott and used by Chris Bonington for his attempt on the South West Face of Everest.
In 2008, Vango started working alongside the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, becoming official kit suppliers for expeditions. They also produce many a high quality family tent and have recently started making inflatable tube tents, for faff-less setting up (i.e. when someone forgets the poles...)
Aimed at: Vango have always been the go-to guys for larger tents and family tents with some great cheaper options, but for 2020 they've focused on producing a whole range of high performance super lightweight kit.
Some top tents:
Sustainability
Vango offers a spares service - if you need any replacement tent pegs, poles or bags they'll help you find them rather than ditch your gear.
Their tents are built to last, but they offer a repair and refurb service to minimise the impact on the planet.
Named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, the North Face was born in 1966 when hiking enthusiast Doug Tompkins and his mate decided to follow their passion and open a small mountaineering store in San Francisco, which is nowhere near any proper mountains, but he seems to have done alright for himself.
Throughout the 1960s, The North Face began sponsoring expeditions to some of the farthest-flung corners of the globe. This helped to define their motto ‘Never Stop Exploring'.
Well known for providing high-performance gear, they have developed into a global giant supporting many of the world's top athletes and mountaineers.
Aimed at: wild campers, climbers, polar exploration and hardcore adventurers in gnarly conditions.
Some top tents:
Sustainability
Although initially thought to lag behind its brother Patagonia, The North Face now put sustainability at the heart of what they do.
100% of their electricity is provided by renewable sources and they have developed industry-leading strategies with their Responsible Down Standard and Close the Loop apparel and footwear recycling program.
Their athletes empower students to act on climate change through Hot Planet/Cool Athletes presentations, and their Explore Fund helps young people across the country experience the outdoors.
Started from a table in 1957 in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, Black Diamond has now grown to cover three continents. They are passionate about climbing and skiing. Their innovative gear designs have set the standard in numerous areas and they describe themselves as the greatest dreamers about what could be, and the harshest of critics about what exists.
Aimed at climbers, ski tourers, thru-hikers and backpackers.
Sustainability
Since Doug Robinson's 1972 visionary essay on the virtues of clean climbing, Black Diamond's ethos has been rooted in the idea that the style in which they accomplish their goals is as important as achieving them. This means they make their equipment in a low impact way and have become a globally recognised voice for conservation and presentation ethics.
They've also received several awards including Zions Bank's Global Pacesetter Award and the Summit Land Conservancy's Conservation and Sustainability Award. Impressive!
They are committed to complying with the highest standards of social responsibility to ensure the safety and fair treatment for all suppliers and manufacturers as outlined in their Vendor Code of Conduct.
They are committed to complying with the highest standards of social responsibility to ensure the safety and fair treatment for all suppliers and manufacturers as outlined in their Vendor Code of Conduct.
Black Diamond were a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association's Fair Labor Working Group and carry out regular, unannounced audits of premises to ensure that standards are met.
Alpkit was born in the UK in 2004 out of a passion for the outdoors and a refusal to accept the high price of high-performance gear.
Their philosophy is based around developing high quality products that will be loved for longer. Gear is developed with a clear purpose, a technical benefit and with as much cross-over use as possible.
They keep things simple, and only sell direct to customers, keeping prices low but quality high.
Alpkit's affordable tents are a favourite amongst adventurers and backpackers, they were awarded online retailer of the year in 2019.
Many of the team use Alpkit gear and are very happy with it. I always enjoy a visit to their stores when passing by.
Aimed at: adventure seekers (wild campers, bikepackers, climbers)
Some top tents:
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Alpkit's philosophy and they work to their own principles:
In 2019 they started working with Ethical Consumer Magazine to help them be truly accountable. Good work!
The idea of Nemo was born one stormy night when Cam Brensinger spent a sleepless night on the side of Mount Washington in a poorly designed bivvy. Realising a gap in the tent market for creating thoughtful designs for outdoor adventures, he founded Nemo Equipment from a restored mill in New Hampshire.
The brand quickly won awards for design and innovation, including the ISPO Brand New Award in 2005, and was named by TIME and Popular Science as among the 100 best innovations of the year.
They continue to innovate, motivated by a sticker in their conference room that captures their ethos - ‘Design Like You Give a Damn'. Love that!
Aimed at: the Ultralight market
Some top backpacking tents:
Sustainability
Nemo are deeply committed to making the world a better place and a team driven effort is used to tackle challenges from the simple (let's use solar!) to the complex (reformulating durable water repellents).
We love Nemo's design philosophy - ‘We have vowed to only design and create things that provide a meaningfully better experience. And if they don't, we don't make them.'.
Their products are high quality and designed to last, which means less landfill, and they're great advocates of fix it up, don't throw it out. Their Director of Engineering, a Harvard PhD, is leading an industry-wide effort to develop safer alternatives for flame retardants and durable water repellent coatings. Bang on.