The 12 best tents for camping trips and festivals, tried and tested
Wild camper Phoebe Smith presents her pick of this year’s best tents, from two-second pop-ups to traditional canvas affairs
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As there is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, I believe there is never a bad time to camp, only the wrong tent. And I should know, I’ve slept in most of them.
As an adventurer, wild camper and host of the Wander Woman podcast, I often rely on a tent in the wildest places on Earth. From Antarctica’s snow to Welsh downpours and Everest’s winds, the right tent makes all the difference between getting through the night and actually enjoying it.
Prices for good tents range from less than £100 to over £1,000, so there is a model for every budget. For this article, I’ve tested this year’s best tents for a range of purposes, from Vango to Berghaus. You can read my reviews below, along with some advice on how to use them, but if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:
The best tents: At a glance
- Best Buy tent: Berghaus Air 600 Nightfall
- Best Value tent: Vango Voyager 400
- Best backpacking tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX
- Best festival tent: Coleman Festival BlackOut
- Best bell tent: Boutique Camping 3m Bell tent
How to choose the best tent
Walk into any outdoor shop and the sheer choice can be overwhelming. There are pop-up and inflatable tents that go up in seconds, roomy family tents bigger than my first flat, and domes, tunnels or geodesic styles which stand freely and are easy to move. Lightweight options like bivvy bags, tarps and canvas bell tents all offer something different.
Most modern tents are made from polyester with a waterproof coating like silicone or polyurethane. Traditional canvas options become waterproof only after a first soaking.
How to tell which tent is right for you? Consider weight, the total floor space and head height. Don’t forget the pack size, it’s no use if it won’t fit in your car boot. Go light if you’re heading into the wild, blackout or budget if it’s just for festivals, and choose space and easy pitching if you’re with the family.
But above all, go. Tents are not just a bunch of guy lines, collapsible poles and canvas. They represent a lot more: the freedom to explore. If you’re heading outdoors, you might also want to check out my reviews of the best camping stoves and best camping chairs.
How we test tents
I’ve slept in pretty much every kind of tent out there, both in the wilds and on campsites. Being as they represent the freedom that I crave, I take a particular interest in new technologies and always explore beyond the marketing spiel to find out if a particular model is fit for purpose.
I’ve visited gear shows around the UK and Europe every year, checking out the latest offerings in detail and drawn upon my 14 years of experience of camping in shelters from a variety of manufacturers.
Each tent style has its own criteria. In general, I look for a light pack weight to floorspace ratio, excellent waterproofing and temperature regulation, decent headroom and a tent that’s simple to put up and take down. Here I’ve chosen the best examples of tents for every kind of camper.
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The best tents of 2025
1. Best Buy: Berghaus Air 600 Nightfall
Score: 10/10
We like: Well-designed, easy to pitch and deflate
We don’t like: When packed it’s very big and heavy
When inflatable tent poles first arrived, many doubted their stability and durability. But when brands such as Berghaus adopted the design for their family tents, it was clear the concept would last.
This large family model comfortably sleeps six people across two bedrooms with space for inflatable mattresses or air beds. You can also remove the divider to create one big room. There’s a good-sized central communal space too. They claim it can be erected in minutes, which is technically true. It took me about 25 minutes (see below). It’s a workout, so allow time and patience.
Once inflated it’s durable and extremely waterproof, with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head rating. Useful features include a small roof over the side door, which keeps you dry while unzipping, and a dark bedroom lining that helps children sleep longer. The wheeled carry bag is essential for moving it.
The main drawbacks are the price, though it should last, and the packed size, which make transport difficult in smaller cars.
Key specifications
- Weight: Heavy (26.5kg)
- Packed size: Very large (W 48cm, D 48cm, L 86cm)
- Floor space: Very large (W 250cm, L 730cm)
- Head room: High (170cm)
- Pitch style: Five inflatable poles with stake pegs
2. Best Value: Vango Voyager 400
Score: 8/10
We like: A decent size for a good price, great for the occasional camper
We don’t like: It’s heavy for a backpacker’s tent
Everyone likes a bargain, and boasting a 55-year legacy of making a host of great value offerings for Duke of Edinburgh participants across the country, it’s no surprise that Scottish brand Vango strikes a good balance between cost and features.
This tunnel tent is easily pitched using two poles which are colour-coded to match the sleeves they slide inside. When pegged out correctly (there’s reflective tabs on the peg points so you can do it in the dark), it is a decent size for two, a bearable size when you add two kids and a bit of a squeeze for four grown-ups.
The waterproofing is good (3,000mm HH) and there are mesh panels for ventilation, though how well you pitch it can affect this. The groundsheet is made from a durable fabric and extends to inside the porch, which is an adequate size, but you’d struggle to fit in everything if four adults brought along large bags.
There are a few niggles, as you’d expect at this price. The first is the weigh, this is not backpacker-friendly. The zip only opens from one side, so if you find yourself on the wrong end, nipping to the loo in the night could be awkward.
Key specifications
- Weight: Medium (5.4kg)
- Packed size: Medium (W 23cm, D 17cm, L 62cm)
- Floor space: Medium (W 240cm, L 302cm)
- Head room: Low (105cm)
- Pitch style: Two pole tunnel tent
3. Best Backpacking Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX
Score: 9/10
We like: It’s easy to set up, spacious and built to last
We don’t like: The supplied tent pegs are too weedy
At first glance, the price of this tent seems high. I was sceptical too, until I used it. It offers something rare: total freedom.
Weighting less than a laptop, it’s great for throwing in your backpack and going off-grid. Lightweight tents usually come with compromises, but not here. A single pole creates its dome shape, saving kilos while still offering enough headroom to sit up inside.
I’ve used it by myself for a spacious slumber. As a two-person tent, it has two porches and two doors, which makes sharing easier. You can store gear on one side and enter from the other, or take a side each. It’s waterproof (1,200mm) and freestanding, so on dry nights you can leave the fly sheet off and stargaze through the mesh ceiling, which also keeps it well ventilated.
Lining up the fly takes practice, and it can flap in wind if not pitched properly. I swapped the tent pegs for more heavy-duty ones. But despite that, there is no denying it’s a classic for wild camping aficionados like me.
Key specifications
- Weight: Very light (1.72kg)
- Packed size: Very small (W 15cm, D 15cm, L 46cm)
- Floor space: Small (W 213cm, L 127cm)
- Headroom: Very low (100cm)
- Pitch style: Single pole dome + guy lines
4. Best Lightweight Three-Person Tent: Nemo Dagger Osmo 3P
Score: 9/10
We like: Featherweight with a decent internal space
We don’t like: Poles can be a faff in windy conditions
Founded in New Hampshire over twenty years ago, NEMO (New England Mountain Outfitters) is still owned and run by its founder. The North American brand is known for creating gear designed for remote adventures with a focus on comfort and sustainable materials. The Nemo 3 tent reflects that ethos well.
It is one of the lightest three-person tents around and is made from fully recycled fabric. It’s quick to pitch, thanks to colour-coded tabs and poles, and offers solid waterproofing without using harsh chemicals (hydrostatic head of 2,000mm).
A single pre-bent collapsible pole with arms to each side creates width and headroom, making it a comfortable choice for a small group. It’s light and packable enough for remote adventures but still roomy.
My only concern is that while it handles high winds, pitching it alone takes effort. A thoughtful feature is the landing zone tub, a fabric through in the porch that keeps gear dry without using up interior space.
It’s not cheap, but then for such a lightweight, packable, family tent, that’s well-thought-through, it’s a small price to pay.
Key specifications
- Weight: Super light (2.1kg – same as a laptop)
- Packed size: Small (W 16cm, D 9cm, L 50cm)
- Floor space: Decent (W 178cm, L 229cm)
- Headroom: Low (106cm)
- Pitch style: Single pole dome + guy lines
5. Best Tent for Festivals: Coleman Festival BlackOut
Score: 9/10
We like: Truly blackout camping for long lie-ins
We don’t like: Gets very hot if pitched in full sun
Blackout walls are a popular innovation in tent design, promising longer sleep by blocking daylight. While I enjoy rising at dawn when camping, at festivals a lie in is often welcome.
Coleman has achieved the best blackout I have seen, claiming to block 99 per cent of daylight. Inside, it is so dark you need a torch to move around. This does create a little problem when it’s warm, it has a tendency to overheat.
Luckily there is ventilation in the form of mesh panels, but you may need to leave the door ajar in a heatwave. However, it’s still a good model, offering a generous-sized porch for gear and decent headroom inside (you can even sit in a camping chair and fit). It’s very easy to pitch, fire retardant and very waterproof (4,500mm). Just be sure to pack some patience, because getting it back in its bag is not an easy job.
Key specifications
- Weight: Medium (5.1 kg)
- Packed size: Small (W 16cm, D16cm, L 58cm)
- Floor space: Small (W 180cm, L 325cm)
- Head room: Low (120cm)
- Pitch style: Three pole dome tent
6. Best Bell Tent: Boutique Camping 3m Bell Tent
Score: 9/10
We like: All the pitch-appeal of canvas but the waterproofing of synthetic material
We don’t like: Much harder to pitch than other tent styles
If there’s a single tent that defines glamping it has to be the bell tent. Many campsites offer ready-pitched numbers to rent, complete with proper beds and rugs inside. For those who love the style, owning one can save money over time.
Boutique Camping was formed 12 years ago by two festival enthusiasts and has grown from one design to many. This is their classic model but with a twist. Traditional canvas needs to be wetted becoming waterproof, but this version uses a synthetic anti-mould polyester fabric with a waterproof coating, ready for rain from the start.
Pitching takes practice. A single centre pole provides height and a separate metal frame shapes the door. With two people it can be ready in half an hour. Ventilation is generous, with side panels that lift completely, and the heavy-duty groundsheet adds durability. An optional inner tent is available at extra cost. Plus, the price is nearly as attractive as the limited-edition rainbow design.
Key specifications
- Weight: Heavy (12kg)
- Packed size: Large (W 25cm, D 25cm, L 85cm)
- Floor space: Large (W 295cm, L 295cm, circular)
- Head room: High (200cm)
- Pitch style: Centre pole with steel A-frame
7. Best Teepee Tent: Eurohike Teepee Tent
Score: 8/10
We like: It looks good on the campsite or in the garden and won’t break the bank
We don’t like: There’s no inner lining so you have to be careful with condensation
Perhaps the most iconic of all the tent shapes is the teepee. Usually, you’d be looking at an easy £1,000 to have your own, but renowned budget brand Eurohike has come up with a more affordable alternative.
From the outside it looks the part, with the classic shape and single mast pole design, and inside the headroom is good and the floor space adequate, although four people and sleeping bags would feel squashed. There are low-level vents to help with airflow, plus a mesh door which can also help stop condensation. The only issue is that it’s a single-skin model, so no separate fly and inner.
The polyester fabric offers good waterproofing (2,000mm) however with no separate inner and four people inside, condensation could easily be an issue. For occasional use in summer, or a year-round addition to the garden this is a great option, but for the full glamping experience, you may need to pay a little more.
Key specifications
- Weight: Medium (4.6kg)
- Packed size: Large (W 38cm, D 30cm, L 62cm)
- Floor space: Medium (W 300cm, D 300cm)
- Head room: High (210cm)
- Pitch style: Single mast pole + guylines
8. Best Car Roof Tent: Quechua Roof Tent MH500
Score: 8/10
We like: Feeling as though we’re on safari
We don’t like: It’s very expensive
Can it go on any car? In short, no. I drive a three-door VW Fox, and it didn’t fit.
However, if your five-door vehicle can handle over 75kg, doesn’t have lengthwise roofbars, has at least 78cm between bars and over 7.5cm clearance beneath, and no roof aerial in the way, you may be in luck.
I borrowed my dad’s car – and my dad – to install it. The trickiest part was taking it out of the box, lifting it and slotting it over the roof rack, using special screws to secure it in place.
Once that’s done, the rest is easy. Secure the waterproof cover using the inbuilt bungee cords, then pitching involves undoing the bright yellow straps and, quite ingeniously, using the included telescopic ladder to pull the tent open and lock it into place. Inside it’s sturdier than expected. Though the roof is low, two people fit comfortably.
The inbuilt mattress is wonderfully comfy. The self-holding vents allow airflow through the waterproof polyester outer sheet and a black inner wall keeps it dark for lie-ins. On campsite, it’s a great conversation starter and kids love it. A five-year warranty gives peace of mind that it should be durable, too.
Key specifications
- Weight: Very heavy (48.5 kg + ladder 7 kg)
- Packed size: Very large (W 48cm, D 48cm, L 86cm)
- Floor space: Cosy (W 139cm, L 139cm)
- Head room: Low (106cm)
- Pitch style: Attach to roof rack, unclip and flip open, secure with ladder
9. Best Tent for Cycle Touring: Terra Nova Hoolie Compact 2 ETC
Score: 8/10
We like: It has a massive porch big enough for bikes, trailers and dogs (although not all at the same time)
We don’t like: The headroom’s not gigantic
Look at a picture of this offering and you may be surprised to see it classed as a two-person model only. That’s because it looks huge, and it is. With a whopping 6.8 square metres of floor space, a huge portion of the Hoolie is actually its porch. In fact, it’s so big you could easily sleep another two in here (albeit without a ground sheet).
This makes it a great option if you’re touring on bikes (you can store them safely in with you) or kids in trailers, or dogs. It also performs well in bad weather as you have an area where you can get organised and dressed in without having to get wet.
When it comes to rain you are more than covered with great waterproofness (4,000mm) and a thick groundsheet. Pitch-wise the three-pole tunnel is simple to erect with colour-coded poles and sleeves, and the inner and outer sheets are pitched as one, saving you faff.
If there are a couple of you the tent weight can be split easily (detach the above) which then offers an incredible amount of space for the weight. Inside the sleeping area is a mesh door for keeping out bugs and, for added ventilation, the porch can be opened both sides to keep things cool in warm weather.
Key specifications
- Weight: Light (3.15kg)
- Packed size: Small (W 22cm, D 22cm, L 30cm)
- Floor space: Large (W 160cm x L 230cm)
- Head room: Low (110cm)
- Pitch style: Three pole tunnel + guy lines
10. Best Tent for Admiring Scenery: The North Face Trail Lite 2
Score: 8/10
We like: The views from the oversized doors
We don’t like: Pre-connected X-shaped pole can be fiddly
The North Face Trail Lite 2 tent seems tailor-made for enjoying views and catching that unforgettable photo from your tent. Large doors on both sides open up the space and the flaps roll neatly away. Generous porches on each side offer room to stash gear.
The weight is backpack-friendly, for a spacious two-person offering. The freestanding, geodesic design gives a decent roof height and features, like a ceiling pocket, make setup practical. The label mentioned inside organiser pockets, though I couldn’t find any.
You pitch the mesh inner first, with a high groundsheet to keep rain out. On dry nights, you can skip the fly sheet and sleep under the stars. The twin poles form an X shape and are connected as one piece, but pitching solo in wind was tricky. Attaching the Velcro tabs also took time, though the horizontal bar adds useful space inside.
The fabric feels sturdy and the zip inside is solid. Although the pale yellow/beige colour is an interesting choice given it will show up dirt and let in a lot of light on summer dawns.
Still, this is a solid option for campers who love a view and rise with the sun.
Key specifications
- Weight: Light (2.01kg)
- Packed size: Medium (W 19cm x D 17cm x L 60cm)
- Floor space: Medium (W 51cm x L 213cm)
- Head room: Low (107cm)
- Pitch style: Single connected X poles, horizontal pole for more space
11. Best Budget Family Tent for Occasional Summer Use: Outsunny 5-6 Man Camping Tent with Bag
Score: 7/10
We like: Low price, decent amount of space
We don’t like: Zips a bit flimsy, prone to leaks
This tent is inexpensive for its size compared to others in this guide. The label says it sleeps six, but in practice, it is comfortable for four.
It has a window on every side for light and ventilation, and storage pockets for small items. The raincover can be removed for more airflow and even a night under the stars. In typical British weather, however, the clip on fly sheet can blow off and allow water in, so it is best used in mild conditions.
There is no porch, the finish is basic and the tent pegs are poor, so I would replace them for a better pitch. Instructions are unclear but the simple crossover structure is easy enough to figure out.
This is a decent budget option for family camping that will probably not last many years, but it does come with a six month guarantee for defect.
Key specifications
- Weight: Heavy (6.4kg)
- Packed size: Large (W 21cm, D 12cm, L 68cm)
- Floor space: Large (W 230cm, L 455cm)
- Head room: High (180cm)
- Pitch style: Four pole tunnel tent
12. Best Dome Tent for Groups of Friends: Teton Mountain Ultra 4-Person
Score: 7/10
We like: Headroom, ease of pitching
We don’t like: No porch and other similar options a bit cheaper
Teton was founded in Utah a decade ago with the aim of producing affordable and simple outdoor equipment. The Mountain Ultra 4 is easy to pitch with two main poles crossing to form a dome and a horizontal bar to support the fly for better ventilation. The inner is pitched first, then the fly is added.
The tent has impressive height for its size, making it feel more spacious. The fly goes on easily and can be left off in good weather for an open air sleeping experience. The finish is decent, although I would replace the tent pegs with sturdier ones for varied UK terrain.
There is no porch, which limits storage for wet gear or cooking space in bad weather. It is heavier than some similar sized tents and not the cheapest option. But it is worth noting that it comes in several sizes, from a one person offering (for as little as £60) to a two-, three- and four-person model.
Overall, it is a simple, reliable choice for friends who want room to sit and chat without feeling cramped.
Key specifications
- Weight: Medium (4.4kg)
- Packed size: Medium (W 19cm, D 19cm, L 67cm)
- Floor space: Medium (W 203cm, L 241cm)
- Head room: Decent (147cm)
- Pitch style: Freestanding dome
Tent FAQs
Gather up all the pole edges together in one hand and turn the whole thing vertically in front of you. Push down from the highest point, folding the poles in on themselves as they start to give and collapse into the base. It will eventually form the same shape it started as enabling you to easily pack it away in its bag. If all else fails there are videos on YouTube for most models.
As soon as you return from a camping trip, shake and brush off any dirt. Spray and scrub it with a tent cleaning solution, which will also restore waterproofness, prevent mould and offer protection from UV, then hang it out to dry.
It is legal to physically sleep in one, but it is classed as wild camping so you would need the landowner’s permission especially because you are technically in or rather “on” a vehicle. To play it safe it’s better to stay in a campsite.