Keen to get outdoors and enjoy a few cozy nights in the wilderness before the winter weather kicks in? You might need a new tent, and now is the perfect time to get one, as we've found a great deal on this model from Coleman.

Right now, you can get your hands on the trail-ready Coleman Peak1 2-person backpacking tent for just $191.99 at Backcountry, a whopping 40% off its list price.

With a packed weight of 6lb 1oz, this tent may not be the lighted - we'd recommend splitting it between two trekkers, but it's a great intro to wild camping and is designed to offer protection from strong winds and heavy rain, thanks to Coleman's Weathertec Plus system. It's kept up by 7000 series aluminium poles, capable of withstanding winds up to 45mph (72kmph), and features a 2,000mm hydrostatic head rainfly.

Once you've set up camp for the night, you can lie back and watch the stars, thanks to this tent's Star View window, which unzips from the inside.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Coleman tent deals where you are.

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures
• The best 4-person tents: spacious tents for camping with friends and family

Are you on the hunt for a cozy new tent to take the family camping? Act fast, and you can save loads on this large, three-season model at Backcountry. The Marmot Halo tent boasts living space for up to four people, and is now available for $389.99.

It's made from a combination of 68-denier polyester ripstop and 40-denier polyester no-see-um mesh, designed to keep you cool and cozy in spring, summer, and fall. When the weather worsens, you're protected from the rain by a PU-coated 86-denier nylon rainfly and 70-denier nylon floor, which boasts a hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm.

Hydrostatic head ratings indicate how waterproof your tent is, reflecting the amount of water, in millimeters, that the fabric can withstand before it leaks. Anything with a hydrostatic head rating over 1,000mm is considered waterproof, and a rating of 3,000mm is more than enough to withstand heavy rainfall.

Inside, there's 64sq ft (5.9m²) of floor space, and multiple storage compartments, so you can keep your belongings organized and maximize the available room.

This large Marmot tent is designed for heavy use with the family, or multiple friends. If you're looking for something a little smaller, you can check out our guides to the best one-person tents and two-person tents.

If you're not in the States, you can look below for today's best marmot tent deals where you are.

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

As someone who attended every rally and protest about the recent attempt by a wealthy landlord to remove the right to legally wild camp on Dartmoor, and a regular wild camper myself, I dread waking up to news reports such as this one, claiming there has been a surge in fly camping since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the general public retaining the right to spend the night on the moor.

The first thing that raises my hackles (after the fact that some people will stoop to such conduct) is the instant and seemingly gleeful conflation of wild camping with nuisance camping and general bad behaviour in the outdoors. Although the article does admittedly make an attempt to explain the ethics of wild camping as opposed to fly camping, the dots are neatly set out for the casual reader to join the two activities, as if one is an inevitable consequence of the other.

In reality, the fly camping described in the BBC piece has absolutely nothing to do with wild camping, and there are already laws in place proscribing such destructive behaviour. Wild camping involves hiking or biking some distance into a remote place with things you can carry in a backpack (ie not a generator, large speakers and a coolbox full of beer), and then leaving the area at least as pristine as you found it (many wild campers will remove litter left by others).

Going wild

Had the recent court case gone the other way, this problematic activity would very likely still be happening (especially in a summer that has seen four freakish heatwaves so far), but all the responsible wild campers would have been criminalised or deterred from spending time on Dartmoor as well, leaving fewer people to help clear up the resulting mess and/or alert authorities to serious wrongdoing taking place in the National Park.

To draw an analogy: it’s currently perfectly acceptable all over Britain to enjoy a picnic in a park with friends, but that doesn’t make it OK to drive across the grass, chuck empty soda cans and McDonald’s wrappers all over the place, bust out a sound system, hold an impromptu rave and leave your old sofa and busted fridge in the hedge.

These two sets of behaviors are pretty clearly distinct from one another, right? Well, it’s the same with wild camping and fly camping. Except no one is suggesting that a countrywide ban on picnicking is a good idea, or that responsible sandwich munchers should all be criminalized.

Under Pressure

Did the court case and media coverage of it draw attention to the fact that Dartmoor is the only place in the whole of England and Wales that you can legally camp in a natural setting without paying for the privilege? Yes, of course it did. And that has inevitably increased the numbers of people visiting the moor to do just that, which only goes to highlight how ludicrous that situation is.

Some people literally drive down the country to Devon from the North and the Midlands, passing all kinds of wonderful wild places, just so they can enjoy a night under the stars on Dartmoor without the threat of getting moved on. And the vast majority of these people proceed to wild camp completely responsibly, but they should be free to do this in myriad remote spots around the country.

To draw another analogy – currently anyone and everyone is free to fish from any publicly accessible beach or headland in Britain, without a permit (and, sadly, some of the people who interpret that right in entirely the wrong way leave broken beer bottles and fishing line laced with hooks behind on the sand for kids and dogs to find with their feet the next day). Can you imagine if ‘wild fishing’ was legal in just a couple of coves in one county – picture the pressure that would put that small piece of coastline under.

Optics and evidence

Part of the problem with fly camping is that it only takes a few groups of people doing it to create a massive and very visible mess. An increase in real wild campers is much harder to monitor, because they leave no trace (and therefore cause no problems).

“We have seen lots more wild campers coming to spend time in popular areas such as Postbridge recently,” says Gillian Heally – who is a Dartmoor Guide, running walking excursions across the moor, and a co-ordinator for The Stars are for Everyone, a group that has been at the forefront of the fight for the continued right to wild camp on Dartmoor. “But the next day you wouldn’t know anyone had been there.”

Sadly, the same is not true when you get an increase in vehicle visitation, whether people stay overnight in vans or tents (and, once again for those at the back, camping by your car is not wild camping), or just come for the day.

“I’m on a forum for outdoor leaders, and there has been a lot of talk this summer about the rise in problem behaviour like littering in popular outdoor areas across the country,” Gillian tells me. “And just look at the state festival sites are left in. We live in a throw-away culture. I think the best solution is through education – not through putting up barriers stop people going outdoors.”

Access and education

And this is the crux of the problem. If you make it hard, or impossible, for groups and families to take children out and legally spend quality time in the wilderness, how can you expect the next generation to know how to behave in, or to properly value, green spaces? And corralling campers into paid-for sites (as good as many of them are) just teaches people there’s a litter bin on every corner, which isn’t the case in the wild, where you need to pack everything back out with you.

The fact there’s still only one tiny corner of one county in the whole of England and Wales where you are allowed to do something as simple as sleep outside is staggering. And the attention that has been brought to this ridiculous situation has obviously increased pressure on parts of Dartmoor – especially in a post-lockdown era of outdoor online influencers (many of whom, to be fair, do stress the importance of leave no trace ethics) with enormous followings.

And this is why organisations such as the BMC are pushing for an expansion of the right to wild camp across the country, in a campaign I passionately support. But wherever you stand on the issue, make sure you leave the spot at least as green, clean, pretty and pristine as it was when you found it in the first place.

If you're new to camping, setting up your tent can be a bit of a mission. Detailed instructions, different connecting poles, and plenty of pegs can all seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you're only planning a short trip.

Beginner-friendly pop-up tents aim to eliminate the hassle by setting up in seconds, without the need for fiddling around. They're not as stable as dedicated camping and backpacking tents, but are well worth considering for rookies, and we've found one of our favorite models for a whopping 60% off!

The Regatta Malawi 2 tent is a compact and lightweight 2-person model that pops up instantly, and is now available for just $48 on the Regatta website. It's made from breathable 100% polyester fabric and comes with a 70-denier Hydrofort flysheet, which boasts an impressive 3,000mm hydrostatic head waterproof rating.

The Malawi 2 holds a place on our guide to the best pop-up tents as the best model for festival use, where we described it as an "archetypal tent" for festival goers and beginner campers.

"We found it to be a nice light weight, a compact and easy-to-store size and it pops up instantly and folds down quickly into a circular carry bag," continues our guide.

Not in the US? Look below to check out today's best Malawi 2 pop-up tent deals where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures

Keen to squeeze the last out of the summer with a few more camping adventures? Check out this insane deal on one of our favorite 4-person tents, which is now a whopping 63% off at Amazon.

The Sierra Designs Nomad 4 tent is a spacious and easy-to-use model with enough insulation for three-season use, and it's now available for just $159.95.

This well-rated freestanding tent is made from 15-denier no-see-um nylon material and uses a 68-denier polyester taffeta floor and flysheet to protect against rainfall in the wilderness. It's also very lightweight for a 4-person tent, weighing in at just 12lb 13oz (5.81kg). This is a little heavy for one person to lug around the wilderness, but it works well for four campers sharing the burden.

Along with its minimal weight and decent protection from the elements, the Nomad 4 stands out due to its super-quick and simple set-up. It takes only minutes to pitch after just "a glance at the instructions," according to camping expert Sian Lewis, who gave the tent a four-star rating in her review for Advnture.

"We were impressed with the bedroom size and dimensions when we tested out the Nomad on a multi-day camp on Dartmoor," she continued.

"It doesn’t quite offer room to stand but is still far roomier and taller than most lightweight four-person tents on the market."

Not in the US? Look below to check out today's best Sierra Designs Nomad 4 tent deals where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

Getting my hands on MSR's new Hubba Hubba LT tent several months before it’s officially released in Europe felt a bit like pushing to the front of a queue at a big gig or popular club… but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. And besides – you want to know what to expect when one of the world’s most iconic tents is re-launched, right?

If you’re not familiar with the Hubba Hubba – a tent so good they named it twice – you might be wondering what all the excitement is about. Isn’t this just another lightweight shelter? Well, no, not really – not if you’ve spent years wandering trails and hanging out in crags and campsites where the Hubba Hubba has been an ever-present feature for two decades, an immediate indicator that the people within it know what they’re doing in the outdoors and value quality kit.

Hubba Hubba History

Back in 2004, Mountain Safety Research (an American brand better known as MSR) launched the first Hubba Hubba tent, and promptly transformed overnight hiking experiences for a generation of multiday walkers, thru hikers and backpackers.

A freestanding hub-style shelter, with a semi-geodesic dome shape, the original Hubba Hubba was the first widely available 3-season packable tent to offer a large living space with decent headroom, plus two doors and spacious vestibules – all while being lightweight enough to take hiking and remaining easy and quick to pitch.

Besides the two-sided symmetrical hub, a major innovation was the ‘brow pole’, a short pole positioned perpendicularly to the main cross pole, which pushed the side of the structure out, vastly improving the useful space in both the inner tent and the vestibules. This, combined with the use of cutting-edge materials and some super smart design, resulted in a shelter that provided reliable 3-season protection from the elements, plus excellent comfort levels and enough covered outdoor space for hikers to store their walking boots and backpacks, and use a camping stove in rough weather. It was a game changer, and would go on to be one of the most popular backpacking tents of all time.

Hubba Bubbles

For the next 15 years, MSR incrementally evolved the design of the Hubba Hubba, adding little innovative elements such as internal drying/hanging lines, a loft and rain gutters on the fly, carefully refining what many regard to be the classic 2-person shelter to arrive at the MSR Hubba NX, which came out in 2019. The brand also adapted the Hubba design to produce a 1-person tent for solo campers , launched a 3-person Mutha Hubba, a 4-person Papa Hubba, and developed a 1-person and 2-person iteration of the tent specifically for bikepackers.

Earlier this year, however, came the exciting news that, after two decades, MSR had decided to substantially reconfigure the Hubba Hubba. The new design – the LT – would be on sale in January 2026 (in Europe, and a bit earlier in the United States), with 1-person, 2-person and 3-person versions available.

I was lucky enough to get a preview of the new designs at the Outdoor Trade Show in June, but having been teased with a tantalising glimpse, I couldn’t wait another six months to properly test this exciting new-generation tent out. So I travelled to Midleton in County Cork in the Republic of Ireland, where Cascade Designs (MSR’s parent company) have their European HQ, to get my hands on an early sample of the Hubba Hubba LT 2-Person Backpacking Tent, and then I took it out into the wilds in the Wicklow Mountains. Here is how I got on.

Ch ch ch changes

Before we get overexcited – please note that, at first glance, the Hubba Hubba LT doesn’t immediately look dramatically different to the NX – at least not on the outside.

It retains essentially the same shape and the flysheet’s neutral color scheme is a subtly different shade (the U.S. and European versions differ from one another in color slightly too). And to be fair, these elements didn't need to be tinkered with – the symmetrical shape works well for dealing with wind while offering good amounts of living space, and the natural color is ideal for discretion when you’re wild camping – so why change them?

There have been some changes to the design of the design of the DAC pole skeleton, however, with the four legs in the >–|–< shape being lengthened, and the brow pole being slightly extended, adaptations that have increased the internal living space and the usefulness of the vestibules. The corner hardware, where the ends of the poles slot into the feet at the four corners of the groundsheet, has also been upgraded, so the components are now all metal and highly durable. The new pegs are lightweight, but very sturdy, ‘mini groundhog’ stakes.

And although it looks similar, the materials used in the flysheet (and the floor and internal mesh walls) are now solution-dyed, a process that reduces carbon emissions by a minimum of 80% compared to the fabrics previously used by MSR (and other brands). The window vents have also been enhanced.

It's worth noting, however, that while the flysheet retain a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 1,200mm (the same as the NX), the HH rating of the tent body (ground sheet) has dropped from 3000mm on the NX, to 1,800mm on the new LT. For a hardier (but heavier) tent, have a look at the Hubba Hubba HD, which includes a rainfly with a HH of 3,000 and groundsheet with a 6,000mm rating.

In numerical terms the increases might seem minor – with the new pole design you get 1in (2cm) extra head space, and the rectangular inner has 4in (11cm) additional length and 2in (5cm) extra width (to give you 32 sq ft of space total) but these changes make a tangible difference to the comfort levels.

As soon as I pitched the LT, rolled out my camping mat and sleeping bag, and stashed my stuff in the vestibule, the tent felt substantially larger than the NX. And as I got changed out of my hiking pants and crawled into bed that evening, I certainly appreciated the additional headroom.

I was testing the 2-person Hubba Hubba LT on my own this time, but you can very easily lay two large rectangular Thermarest Neoloft camping mats side by side in this tent (I’ve tried it), which is more than can be said for the vast majority of 2-person shelters. (As an aside, the new 3-person Hubba Hubba LT can comfortably work as a 4-person backpacking tent, if you use mummy shaped sleeping pads.)

The vestibules are also longer, and although they are slightly narrower, the useful amount of porch space has been increased, which comes in extremely handy when you are storing muddy hiking shoes and walking boots, or boiling some water for a brew.

Best of all, because of the change in fabric used for the inner, this size upgrade has been achieved for less of a weight penalty, with the LT weighing just 3lb 6oz (1.54kg), as compared to 3lb 13oz (1.72 kg) for the NX.

The main tent is now made mostly from solution-dyed micromesh, which is very lightweight but provides excellent breathability (vastly reducing condensation) and bug protection. You can pitch the tent and leave the flysheet off on cloud-free nights, to enjoy some stargazing before you drift into a slumber.

I was camping in the middle of a heatwave that was sizzling (even in Ireland), and I was very comfortable in a lightweight 2-season sleeping bag, but I can’t help thinking the use of this mesh will affect how warm the Hubba Hubba is during the colder months, lowering the internal temperature – this is something I’ll monitor as the seasons change.

Another alteration that becomes immediately obvious when you start looking more closely at the LT is to the internal doors. Instead of the old-style D-shape doors on the inner tent, there is a triangular shaped opening, with two separate zips meeting at the point of the right angle. The benefit of this is that the zips are more durable, easier to use with one hand, and the zipper always ends up in the same place, so you know exactly where to find it without scrambling around with a headlamp in the middle of the night.

One other change I noticed on the inside of the tent is the addition of cable ports in the wall pockets, so you can have things like mobile phones and smartwatches neatly plugged into powerpacks for recharging, without wires dangling all over the place.

I have many more adventures planned involving the new LT2, during which I will test the thermal properties of the redesigned inner tent (outside of a heatwave), and I will be uploading a full review here in due course.

You can purchase the Hubba Hubba LT2 in the United States now, and it will be available in the UK and across Europe from 1 January 2026. In the meantime, look out for deals on all iterations of the Hubba Hubba NX, which remains a superb backpacking tent.

Three-season tents are ideal for campers who want to steer clear of the winter cold and make the most of pleasant conditions during the rest of the year. The best combine a lightweight and breathable exterior with enough protection and waterproofing for when things get a little less comfortable.

If you're in the market for a model to see you through the summer and into the colder nights of fall, then this Big Agnes tent could be the one for you. The Blacktail 4 is built for trying conditions in spring, summer, and fall, and is now available for just $243.73 at REI.

The Blacktail 4 is made from a durable combination of breathable polyester mesh and lightweight aluminium poles, and features several fly vents, designed to increase airflow on sticky summer days. Inside, the sixty square feet (5.5m²) of floor area is large enough to sleep four, while the symmetrical pole structure increases head space, so everyone can fit in comfortably.

Good weather is never guaranteed in the wilderness, and the Blacktail aims to protect you from the rain with a waterproof floor and rainfly. Both are made from polyester and feature a 1,500 mm waterproof polyurethane (PU) coating to shield against the elements.

The Blacktail 4 sleeps four campers. If you're looking for something smaller, the Blacktail 2 and Blacktail 3 tents are perfect for two and three-person adventures and available for their list prices on REI.

If you're not in the States, you can look below for today's best Big Agnes tent deals.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best camping stoves: backpacking and double burner stoves

On the lookout for a new tent to shelter you from the elements? Then look no further, as there are loads of the best tent deals to check out in the huge REI Independence Day sale.

This giant sale runs until July 7, and has slashed hundreds of dollars from all sorts of outdoor equipment. Among the deals, you can save plenty of money on well-rated tents from outdoor experts like Coleman and Kelty.

Both brands are heavily featured in the sale and have excellent reputations for crafting reliable, sturdy tents for use on the campsite or in the wilderness.

If you're after something to pack up and take wild camping, then check out the compact Coleman PEAK1 backpacking tent, which offers room for two and is now over $80 off at REI.

Want a tent for the family? The Kelty Discovery Basecamp tent boasts enough space for six campers and is now available for just $169.95.

To save spending hours browsing, we've handpicked our favorite Coleman and Kelty tent deals from the Independence Day sale. Alternatively, you can have a snoop at the full sale for yourself.

Coleman deals

Kelty tents

After more epic offers? Look below for more of today's best deals on loads of great tents from Coleman and Kelty.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best four-season tents: backpacking shelters to protect you all year

Here at Advnture, we love to invest in the best 2-person and family tents that will last for years, but there's no doubt that festival culture is encouraging the habit of single-use camping gear. In the UK alone, around 250,000 tents are left behind at festivals each year, adding to the huge environmental burden of outdoor events.

As part of a campaign to curb the problem of waste camping gear, an international outdoor retailer is offering a refund on any tent purchased this summer.

Customers who buy a tent online or in-store between June 9 and September 14 this year can return it before September 14, with proof of purchase, to receive the full value back as a gift card.

The initiative, available only in the UK, targets festival-goers and summer-season campers who often buy low-cost tents and abandon them after a short period of use.

How to buy your fully refundable tent

French retailer Decathlon will be running its Summer Tent Pledge for 2025, which it says will help end tent waste. It has promised that if you buy a Decathlon tent this summer – we love the Quechua MH100 Fresh&Black because it stays cool in hot temperatures – you can return it and will get your money back no matter how many times you have used it.

However, check the terms and conditions because if the tent is "damaged, stained, wet, contaminated, altered, or in any circumstance where its resale value is significantly diminished, Decathlon will reject its return."

To take advantage of the scheme, you need to buy your tent online or in-store between June 9 and September 14, 2025. Once you've enjoyed your summer adventures, you can return it to any Decathlon store with proof of purchase before September 14, 2025. You'll receive the full purchase value of your tent back as a Decathlon gift card – you just need to be a Decathlon Member at the time of return.

Organizers say that as well as ensuring that tents stay out of landfill, the buyback scheme fuels Decathlon’s Second Life scheme, which gives campers the opportunity to upgrade their current setup at a new accessible price point.

Where possible, the used tents will be sold on second-hand online or in-store.

• Complete your overnight setup with one of the best camping mattresses
• Keep fueled with the help of one of the best camping stoves

First impressions

Big Agnes has built a strong reputation in the US for making lightweight backpacking gear that doesn’t compromise on comfort or performance – and the Copper Spur UL1 continues that tradition in fine style. It’s a solo tent aimed squarely at thru-hikers, bike-packers and wild campers who need something light and packable, but who also want to enjoy their time at camp (not just survive it).

The tent weighs in at just 2lb 6oz (1.09 kg), which is very respectable for a fully enclosed one-person setup, and packs down to around the size of a wine bottle – seriously impressive given the amount of usable space it provides. This makes it easy to stuff into the bottom of a rucksack without reshuffling all your other gear.

Price wise, it falls firmly in the premium bracket. For context, it's costs roughly the same as the MSR Hubba NX solo, and a lot more than the average one-person tent. But what you’re paying for here is comfort, liveability and ease of use – and in those areas, it more than delivers.

In the wild

I tested the Copper Spur UL1 over a number of months, in everything from sunny summer wild camps to stormy overnighters. My first outing was a solo mission to Dartmoor, where I pitched it atop one of the national park’s exposed tors. With gusts whipping across the moorland all night, it got a proper shake-down – but it held up remarkably well. For something this light, the structural integrity is seriously impressive.

I also took it on a multi-day wild camping trip across the Brecon Beacons in warm weather, where the excellent ventilation kept things dry and breezy, even during muggy evenings. Add in a few casual overnights in local woodland, and I’ve clocked up around 10 nights in total – enough to confidently say this is one of the most comfortable one-person backpacking tents I’ve used.

Features

The first thing that struck me about the Copper Spur UL1 was just how easy it is to pitch. The hubbed pole system is brilliantly simple – you just clip the corners into their colour-coded lugs, pop the poles together, and you’re done. It’s an inner-first pitch, which could be a worry in persistent rain, but I found it so quick to set up that even in a Dartmoor downpour, it didn’t matter. You’re inside and out of the weather in no time.

Once you’re in, the tent really starts to shine. For a solo shelter, the amount of usable space is impressive. Big Agnes has opted for steep, almost vertical sidewalls, which totally change the feel of the interior. You can sit up comfortably, get changed without contorting yourself, and move around without brushing against mesh or sagging fabric. It feels more like a compact two-person tent in terms of volume, which is a rare and very welcome surprise at this weight.

Those steep walls also bring some real-world performance perks. Because the fly sits taut and upright, rain just runs straight off – I never saw any pooling, even in heavy weather. And structurally, it holds its shape well in the wind. On Dartmoor, I had it pitched in the open on top of a tor, and it stayed solid through overnight gusts of around 30mph. It doesn’t just look stable – it is.

Living in the tent for a few nights also gave me a real appreciation for how well thought-out the interior is. There’s a large overhead pocket above your head – perfect for a lantern or keeping small items close to hand – plus corner pockets and a couple of stash points that help keep everything organised. If you’ve ever spent a night in a tent where you’re constantly fumbling around for your headlamp or trying not to lose your phone, you’ll know how valuable this is.

The door design is another clever touch. You can roll it back entirely to open up the tent and let the air in, or – my favourite setup – prop it up with trekking poles to create a makeshift awning. It’s great for a bit of extra shade or rain protection while cooking, and it keeps the air flowing without leaving you completely exposed. On warm evenings, I spent a lot of time lounging just inside the door, with the breeze drifting in and everything within arm’s reach.

Ventilation throughout is excellent. The lower half of the inner is solid nylon to block out draughts, while the upper half is mesh to let the air circulate. There’s a vent on the fly, and the door zips are two-way, so you can crack the top open to let warm air escape. Even in cool, damp conditions, I didn’t have any condensation issues – which is more than I can say for a lot of tents I’ve used over the years.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the Fast Fly setup, which lets you leave the inner at home and pitch just the fly with a compatible footprint (sold separately). I didn’t test the Copper Spur UL1 in this stripped-back mode, but I’ve used a similar configuration on Big Agnes’s Fly Creek model before. Personally, I found it a bit too exposed for UK conditions – there’s a lot of space between the fly and the ground, and on breezy nights it can feel pretty draughty, even in a winter bag. Still, if you’re heading out in reliably dry weather and want to cut your pack weight right down, it’s a handy option to have.

Durability

You don’t buy an ultralight tent expecting indestructible materials, but the Copper Spur UL1 still feels reassuringly well made. The silicone-treated nylon fly is tough for its weight, the stitching is tidy throughout, and the construction has clearly been well thought out. After 10 nights, mine still looks practically new.

That said, I’d still be cautious where you pitch it – thorns, sharp rocks or rough ground will always pose a risk to lightweight fabrics. I wouldn’t drag it across grit or throw it down on Dartmoor scree. But treat it with a bit of care, and I’m confident it’ll last years.

The bottom line

I’ve used plenty of solo tents over the years, but the Copper Spur UL1 stands out for how genuinely comfortable and well thought-out it is. It’s light enough for serious backpacking, yet roomy enough to actually enjoy being inside. The fast, intuitive pitch, clever storage, and excellent ventilation all add up to a tent that feels like a little home in the hills. Yes, it’s a big investment – but if you’re out often and value comfort as much as weight savings, it’s one that makes a lot of sense.

• How Advnture tests products

Around 800 people attempt to climb Mount Everest each year, braving extreme conditions for the chance to say they've stood on top of the world.

Along with rigorous physical and mental training, hopefuls need to prepare for the harrowing effects of altitude atop Earth's tallest mountain, where the amount of oxygen taken in with each breath is drastically lower than at sea level.

Traditionally, climbers have acclimatized by spending significant time in the mountains, heading up and down to prepare their bodies for the dizzying heights, and reducing the impact of altitude sickness. This tried and tested method has proven effective for the past 70 years of Everest expeditions, but comes with one major drawback: time.

Without four to six weeks to dedicate to acclimatization, many Everest hopefuls are now turning to modern technology to help them prepare, sleeping and exercising in specialist acclimatizing 'hypoxic' tents, which do away with the need to spend months in the mountains.

As alien as it may sound, hypoxic tents, otherwise known as altitude tents, have become increasingly common in recent years, used by alpinists and climbers to prepare for harsh conditions.

This year, a group of British veterans in their forties and fifties used hypoxic tents in combination with controversial Xenon gas to speed-climb the mountain, summiting a record four days after arriving in Nepal and effectively going from sea level in London, to the highest peak on the planet in 5 days.

The very next day, US-Ukrainian climber Andrew Ushakov claimed to have broken their record, after spending over 400 hours acclimatizing in a hypoxic tent. Ushakov says he went from New York to the Everest summit in just 3 days, 23 hours, and 27 minutes.

So what are hypoxic tents, and how can they help climbers achieve these once-unthinkable feats? Read on for everything you need to know.

What is a hypoxic tent?

Put simply, hypoxic tents mimic the low oxygen levels of high-altitude environments.

The air at sea level contains 20.9% accessible oxygen, a number that drops dramatically the higher you get. At Everest base camp, it falls to around 10.4%. By the summit, it's down to just a third of the accessible oxygen quotient at regular sea-level.

In healthy individuals, blood oxygen saturation levels sit around 98% to 100% at sea level. At altitude, that number drops to roughly 87% to 92% This has a weakening effect and can cause altitude sickness.

Hypoxic tents simulate this mix with a generator or pump, which removes oxygen and replaces it with nitrogen, reducing the amount of oxygen in the air to high-altitude levels.

Sleeping in the simulated altitude conditions of a hypoxic tent triggers your body to saturate your blood oxygen levels, releasing red blood cells and ready your system for conditions at 20,000ft (6,096m).

Why do climbers use hypoxic tents?

“As you expose yourself to altitude, your kidneys release EPO [erythropoietin], which starts this physiological change that leads to an increase in red blood cells, but more so into a better ability to transport and utilize oxygen,” Brian Oestrike, CEO of Hypoxico Altitude Training Systems tells us.

Climbers like Ushakov use hypoxic tents to ready themselves for the unforgiving mountain conditions atop the globe’s tallest peaks. Saturating your blood oxygen levels can be beneficial in several ways, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and preparing your body for the tiring effects of altitude.

“You improve your comfort and safety margin as you’re ascending up through the mountains,” Oestrike explains. “You sleep like garbage if you’re not acclimatized, you lose your appetite, so you wither away as those things happen. By acclimatizing beforehand and using this equipment, you can offset your expedition, it improves your safety and your comfort margin.”

By mimicking arduous alpine conditions, hypoxic tents can reduce the time it takes to acclimatize.

“Most people, if they’re going to the Himalayas, historically have a six to eight-week expedition itinerary,” continues Oestrike. “It takes that long for your body to slowly adapt and build the red blood cells that carry oxygen and allow you to climb safely."

Ultra-running superstar Kilian Jornet slept inside a hypoxic tent for eight weeks before his maiden ascent of Mount Everest, mimicking altitudes of 13,000ft (3,962m) to 16,000ft (4,877m) without leaving sea level.

He then became the fastest man to climb Everest alone and without oxygen, summiting the 29,000ft (8,850m) behemoth in just 26 hours.

The limitations of hypoxic tents

Although they're becoming increasingly popular with climbers and other extreme athletes, hypoxic tents do have their limitations and experts say they cannot be trusted as the sole method for acclimatization.

"It's not the full acclimatization. I would say it's the first step," says Grégoire Millet, Professor of Exercise Physiology at the Institute of Sport Sciences in Lausanne, France.

He explains that, even after months of sleeping in a hypoxic tent, "you will use some acclimatization, but not the full spectrum. You can be fully acclimatized in the tent, and not acclimatized to the real mountain".

In other words, hypoxic tents cannot fully prepare the body for the rigours and difficulties of climbing at very high altitudes. In the Himalayas, elite climbers (and paying clients) on expeditions aiming for the highest peaks enter what is known as the Death Zone, an extremely dangerous zone above 26,247ft (8,000m), where besides having to deal with temperatures potentially tumbling to -31°F (-35°C) and highly technical terrain, the oxygen in the air is so low it's impossible for humans to survive for long.

"You have to go to the real mountain for at least a few days before you travel," advises Millet, an expert in acclimatization technology.

He advises climbers to use the tents in combination with traditional acclimatization methods, like sleeping atop smaller mountains, before tackling any major peaks.

"It's better to use the tents, and then before you go to the Himalayas, it's recommended that you go for at least a few days to the Alps," he says.

He says your body acclimatizes differently at real altitude and, despite their many benefits, hypoxic tents cannot fully replicate the tough conditions and and lack of oxygen in the mountains.

Who else uses hypoxic tents?

It's not just mountaineers who put hypoxic tents to good use. All manner of sports people, from swimmers to footballers, use simulated altitude environments to expand their physical capabilities and access the benefits of altitude training.

“If you can transport and utilize oxygen better, that leads to better performance benefits, and literally just more ability to consume oxygen,” says Oestrike.

"Most of the elite athletes, they have a hypoxic chamber at home," adds Millet.

"It's not a tent, but it's a real chamber. It's the same idea, you decrease the oxygen concentration in the room."

By training and sleeping at altitude, athletes can increase what's known as their hemoglobin mass, which boosts the amount of oxygen they can utilize during exercise.

As Millet explains, this requires considerably more time than mountain acclimatization: "Every 100 hours sleeping in the tent, you will increase your hemoglobin by one percent."

Every member of the US Olympic rowing quad who won gold at the Paris 2024 games reportedly slept in hypoxic tents for six weeks before racing.

Do you need a hypoxic tent?

Although they’re designed for elite athletes, hypoxic tents can be useful to outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, helping to build fitness and intensify workouts.

When it comes to climbing, Oestrike suggests that hypoxic tents are even more useful to amateurs than professionals.

“Most people who are committed to an 8,000m (26,247ft) peak know what they're getting into, they know what the training looks like, and they know what it takes to prepare.

“High-level athletes are already training super intensively. So the person that's more modest and maybe needs to lose a little weight, they're going to see a greater upside.”

Of course, hypoxic tents are not required for easy-to-medium-difficulty ascents. Nor are they absolutely essential to climb giants like Mount Everest. Traditional, slower, acclimatization has proven itself as an effective, stress-tested method of alpine preparation.

Rather, hypoxic tents are an additional and convenient method of acclimatizing, to be used along with high-altitude climbing and intensive training.

You can read our exclusive interview with Andrew Ushakov here.

For more on climbing preparation, check out our expert guide.

• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain
• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out

Are you itching for a camping adventure out in the wilds this summer? If you're planning an overland trip somewhere remote, travelling prepared is key. Now Heimplanet is seeking to satisfy the needs of four-wheeled explorers, with an improved version of its Cloudbreak air pole tent.

This large four-person tent is designed to provide a comfortable and stress-free camping experience, with a separate sleeping cabin and common room area. It's 7.5ft (2.3m) high and 16.4ft (5m) wide, so there's plenty of room for multiple inhabitants to share.

The updated Cloudbreak is made from highly breathable 75D ripstop polyester and 70D nylon inner to stop you from overheating, and comes with a waterproof 75D recycled polyester ripstop flysheet to protect against the elements.

It comes preassembled, using a pump to inflate the single airframe, meaning you don't need to pump air into several different points and can have your tent ready quickly after arriving at your spot.

At 33.7lb (15.2kg), it's certainly on the heavier side, and suited to transport in the back of a car, truck or 4x4 rather than on foot.

We can't ignore the new Cloudbreak's list price. At $3,299 it's a considerable investment, and you'll need to pay more for the Cloudbreak groundsheet ($239), double-action floor pump ($57), and Stormline set of durable pegs and ropes ($57).

In comparison, our favorite four-person tent, the Kelty Dirt Motel, is available for just $380 (£370).

The latest Cloudbreak tent and all its accessories are available on the Heimplanet website.

Not in the US? Don't panic, Heimplanet ships worldwide. You can also look below for the best four-person tents where you are.

Heimplanet began on a Portuguese surfing trip, when its two founders, both named Stefan, became fed up with flimsy tents that couldn't cope in the rain and took ages to pitch.

Heimplanet's range of inflatable tents is built to withstand the elements and eliminate hassle. You can find the full range on the Heimplanet website.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

Can't sleep while camping? Coleman may have the answer. The outdoor brand has just released three new models of its popular Darwin tent range, featuring proprietary BlackOut technology. The tents employ special fabric that is designed to block out 99% of all light.

This should not only ensure a dark space for continued slumber when the sun rises, it also keeps the tent's interior up to 9°F (5°C) cooler during the day, according to the firm. With the summer camping season getting underway, these features are set to be extremely attractive to discerning campers.

As well as the benefits of the BlackOut technology, these tents provide SPF50+ sun protection, fire retardant fabrics and high levels of waterproofing.

Darwin 2 BlackOut

The Darwin 2 BlackOut Tent is the smallest and lightest in the range, weighing in at 7lbs (3.2kg). It's a compact, 2-person tent that's ideal for lightweight trips and wild camping, though it's a little heavier than some of the featherweight options around. It's easy to pitch, making use of fiberglass poles to assume its structure and providing stability in challenging conditions.

As you'd expect, the tent has fully taped seams and its PU-coated, polyester flysheet boasts an impressive hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 4,500mm, so it'll keep even torrential rain at bay.

The Darwin 2 BlackOut Tent is on sale now for £109.99 in the UK.

Darwin 3+ BlackOut

The Darwin 3+ BlackOut Tent benefits from the same great fabrics and technology as the Darwin 2 BlackOut, while offering a larger sleeping space and a peaked roof for additional headroom. This also provides a larger porch area by the door, complete with bathtub groundsheet – ideal for storing wet, muddy gear after a day on the trail. It weighs 11.5lbs (5.2kg), making it a great option for spontaneous car camping weekends and the like.

The Darwin 3+ BlackOut Tent has a list price of £169.99 in the UK.

Darwin 4+ BlackOut

The Darwin 4+ BlackOut Tent is the largest and heaviest in the range, weighing in at 15lbs (6.7kg). This 4-person tent has the same fabrics and tech as the others in the range and will accommodate up to four adults. Like the 3+, it benefits from a large porch area with a bathtub groundsheet.

The Darwin 4+ BlackOut Tent has a recommended price of £149.99 in the UK.

If you're a fan of minimalist, monochromatic style, then we think you're going to love these new Japanese-inspired tents from German tent brand Heimplanet.

They are part of its limited edition Neo Black Program, featuring reimaginings of its The Cave XL and Backdoor tents. The shelters take inspiration from minimalist Japanese camping culture, particularly the concept of Seijaku (静寂) – the tranquillity found in stillness. Indeed, Heimplanet say that the tents transform "any basecamp into a place of calm, order and intention".

The tents feature a striking all-black shell, as well as a black version of the brand's signature cairo camo pattern on the fabric of the inner tent. Heimplanet's distinctive inflatable diamond grid design is present, with the tent unit pre-assembled for fast pitching. Both are 4-season tents, designed to withstand even the harshest conditions.

The Cave XL, Neo Black

A robust shelter, The Cave XL, Neo Black's flysheet is crafted from a solution-dyed 75-denier ripstop polyester, while the inner tent makes use of 40-denier ripstop nylon. Its high-tenacity airframe has the benefit of quick pitching, taking less than 1 minute to setup using the additional air-pump ($55). Weighing 12.7lbs (5.7kg), it's too heavy for backpacking use but has all the hallmarks of a solid option for basecamps and car camping adventures.

The Cave XL, Neo Black is available for $1,349.

Backdoor, Neo Black

Heavier but significantly larger than The Cave XL, the Backdoor is the roomier option. Despite achieving a much greater footprint – 96.9 square feet as opposed to the Cave XL's 58.1 square feet – it only weighs an additional 2lb (0.9kg), at 14.7lb (6.6kg) in total.

It features the same polyester flysheet and nylon inner tent fabrics as The Cave XL, while the airframe is also of the same spec. It takes under 3 minutes to pitch with the additional floor pump.

The Backdoor, Neo Black costs $1,379.

Who are Heimplanet?

Launching the new tents, the company released a statement, saying: "The Neo Black Program [is] a limited all-black edition of two of [our] most popular tents, an homage to the minimalist and functional Japanese camping aesthetic. Because making a bold statement doesn’t require being loud."

Heimplanet is a German brand mainly specializing in premium tents and other camping gear. Its founders - both called Stefan - made it their mission to design and develop the tent of the future, having been frustrated with what was available at the time. They set about creating shelters that were "inspired by natural patterns and designs, following mathematical logic, and constructed to withstand the elements".

Fast forward a decade and today Heimplanet boasts a range of air tents, all sporting the characteristic exterior frame and minimalist aesthetic. The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet and it works hard to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing. Heimplanet tents are created using solution-dyed fabric and the water-repellent finishes used contain no harmful PFCs.

I recently had the opportunity to road test a rooftop tent, and the thought of sleeping on top of my car got me childishly excited. It wasn’t until I was in the tent, laying there in a pre-slumber contemplative state and staring at the stars through the mesh roof, that I started to question why. What is so appealing about camping out in such an unusual and elevated position?

Over the last three decades I’ve used and tested dozens of tents and camping set-ups in a personal and professional capacity, from lightweight solo backpacking shelters and minimalist bivy sacks, tarp rigs and hammocks, through to behemoth family tents with multiple rooms and a bigger footprint than Godzilla.

I’ve seen the technology and materials used evolve, and come across some truly impressive designs, but never before have I been quite so enthusiastic about testing a tent as I was at the prospect of putting the TentBox Go through its paces.

I wasn’t alone in this reaction either – everyone I sent a photo of the rig to started raving on about wanting one. (Well, everyone except my wife, which was disappointing, since I was already formulating an argument for buying one.)

Is it the thought of transforming your boring everyday vehicle into a virtual campervan that makes it seem cool? Undoubtably, part of the appeal is the novelty factor. Sleeping on the roof of anything feels more fun than being on ground level to me. Given the option, I’ll always choose top bunk over bottom. And what would you rather have in your garden: a shed or a treehouse? I’d pick the latter every time. (Again, my wife feels differently about this.)

Maybe I’ve not quite grown up yet. Or perhaps I’ve got a thing about ladders. (And the TentBox Go does come with the most amazing Inspector Gadget-style telescopic ladder, which I wanted to keep regardless of how well the tent performed.)

A few hours later, when I had to locate and negotiate said ladder, to clamber down from my car-top nest and make a call of nature, I started to see some downsides to my upstairs abode. And then I got to wondering whether the novelty factor would wear off after the first few outings. Some cracks started to appear in my purchase plan, and I’d never get it past the boss if I couldn’t convince myself.

So, silencing my inner child, I decided to properly assess the real practical pros and cons of camping in a rooftop rig, as opposed to a more traditional terra firma-hugging tent.

Rooftop tents vs ground tents

Speed and ease of pitch

There are some excellent pop-up tents on the market these days, and if you’ve weighed-up the pros and cons of pole tents verses airbeam shelters, then you’ll already know that speed of pitch is one of the most compelling answers to the question why buy an inflatable tent?

However, none of these options can really compete with the quick and easy convenience of setting up a rooftop tent. There are some larger and more complicated rigs out there, but most rooftop tents can be assembled in seconds after you have pulled into your pitch, leaving you free to get the camping chairs out, fire up the stove and get some coffee brewing (or grab a cold can from the cooler).

Staying warm

Obviously you are a long way from the floor in a rooftop tent, and there are several benefits to this. The ground is very often lumpy and frequently wet and cold.

Quality tents will have good groundsheet with a high Hydrostatic Head to keep you dry. Using a footprint can further mitigate against moisture seeping through, but no matter how expensive your tent is, cold will permeate the floor during the early hours, and unless you have a decent sleeping pad with a high R number, paired with a high-performing sleeping bag, you will feel the chill.

In a rooftop tent you are protected from all this, although cold winds whipping between the roof of the car and the bottom of the tent can create a chill factor, and you will still require a sleeping mat to stay warm and comfortable (most manufacturers produce tailor-made inflatable mattresses that fit the inside of the tent perfectly, but they’re not always included in the purchase price). And at the other end of the scale, be aware that the high tent will get steamy hot if you park and pitch somewhere that receives the full blast of the sun.

Comfort

Unless you are using a thick camping mattress, your comfort levels in a ground tent are dependent on how level and lumpy the terrain beneath your groundsheet is. Wisely choosing where, and more importantly where not to camp, is the only way to ensure a good night’s sleep.

If you’re using a rooftop tent, you still need to park on reasonably level land, but it can be covered in holes, puddles, rocks, sticks, spiky thistles, thorny scrub and scratchy weeds, and you won’t feel a thing. Typically the floor of a rooftop tent is stretched taught across slats, so it works a bit like a hammock and is very comfortable to lay on. When two or more people are sharing the space, you usually have to install a divider so you don’t both roll into the middle.

As per above, I still strongly recommend using an inflatable mat inside the tent, for comfort reasons.

Space

So far roof tents seem to be coming out quite literally on top, but when it comes to living space, these lofty eyries simply can not compete with large ground-based tents.

Although there are some bigger, more complicated roof rigs out there for families, which unfold like a Transformer to create a couple of bedrooms, the TentBox Go (and many of its close cousins) only have as much floor space as the average vehicle’s roof will allow, so they are typically about the size of a generously proportioned 2-person tent, or small 4-person tent.

While this is fine for sleeping, when the weather is bad and you want to eat under cover or sit around playing cards, reading or just chatting, there is no sheltered communal space for doing this. Also, there is precious little room for organising your gear – although you can of course stash kit and clothing in your car.

More annoying is the lack of a porch or awning area, where you can take walking shoes and hiking boots off, and keep wet-weather gear out of the sleeping space.

Convenience

OK, so the rooftop tents win when it comes to ease of set-up, but as much as I like having a ladder, it’s impossible to deny that it is much easier to get in and out of a ground-based tent, and this is an extra important consideration in the middle of the night.

For starters, you need to remember that you’re 6ft or more up in the air when you sleepily exit the tent (otherwise you’re going to wake up with a proper jolt), and then you need to locate the ladder and get up and down it, hopefully using a headlamp. Furthermore, if you want to head off for the day, or even drive to the store to restock on supplies, you have to drop the tent and take everything with you.

Versatility

On the face of it, this is a no brainer. Obviously you can only take a rooftop tent as far into the wilds as you’re willing to drive your car. If you’re roaming around in a monster truck or at least a decent 4WD, that might be quite far, but many people are effectively limited to using roadside camping spots and drive-in areas of national parks and nature reserves, whereas with a lightweight backpacking tent you can explore much further, go thru hiking and wild camping wherever the hell you feel like it.

However, in terms of price point and target demographic, a rooftop rig is more akin to a car-camping tent so that’s a fairer comparison, and you are equally restricted with a large, heavy ground-based tent, which you won’t be able to drag far from your vehicle.

Some campsites might struggle to decide whether to put you with the tents or the campervans, but generally speaking rooftop tents are a godsend for everyone, because they take up much less room than a vehicle parked next to a palatial ground tent.

Durability

Like any piece of equipment that comes in constant contact with the ground, a traditional tent will show signs of wear and tear after a while. Groundsheets can be torn and holed by sticks, stones and abrasive terrain, tent pegs get bent and left behind, poles weaken after repeated use, and flysheets can tear.

We have a whole guide to tent repairs, and strongly encourage you to try and rescue kit before binning or, infinitely better, recycling it, but in reality, most people will simply replace compromised equipment.

Rooftop tents are obviously not immune to damage, but being off the floor eliminates the risk of puncture from below, there are no pegs to worry about losing or bending, and the design of the rigs tends to be very robust, with thick poles and hardwearing canvas.

Elevation and views

No contest here – a rooftop tent offers that extra bit of elevation that lifts your shelter above obstructions such as bushes, scrub and hedges, often gifting you great views through the doors and mesh windows. The slight downside to this is that rooftop tents do get buffeted by the wind, and if you are sleeping atop a 4WD vehicle with soft suspension (as I was), then the whole shebang wobbles around and it can feel like you’re on a ship. I quite liked this, but it’s possible some people might get a bit nauseous).

One other important tip: either double lock your car, disable the alarm or leave the vehicle open, because movement (you tossing and turning) can trigger car alarms, and that is a nasty way to wake up, for you and everyone else in the vicinity.

Storage

One of the benefits of having a rooftop tent is that it goes straight on your roofrack, leaving you with plenty of room inside the vehicle for all your other gear, from tables and chairs to camp cooking burners and much more. However, you also need to decide whether you’re going to keep the rig on your vehicle all the time – so you can take off and go camping at the drop of a hat with minimal kit preparation required – or only attach it when you’ve got a trip planned.

There are pros and cons for both: leaving it on increases your fuel consumption slightly (or more than slightly with bigger models) and potentially subjects the tent to more weather damage (although most have a protective cover). It also impacts where you can park (because of height restrictions) and what else you can carry on your roof (like bikes and kayaks).

But if you take it off, you have to find somewhere safe and dry to store a large piece of equipment, and go to all the effort of installing it every time you want to go camping.

Safety and security

Being elevated off the floor has other benefits. It keeps occupants safe from the threat posed by other vehicles moving around in the area, which can be a serious concern in a ground tent in some scenarios. And, depending on where you are, extra height can offer some welcome protection from animals ranging from ants and other insects to free-roaming cattle and even wild beasts.

Originally developed for people driving across the plains of Africa, rooftop tents can deter (if not entirely shield you from) animals such as snakes, bears, big cats and crocs. Arguably rooftop tents are a little more secure too, since it’s harder for people to access them sneakily, but we still wouldn’t advise leaving valuables in them when you’re not around.

Price

Rooftop tents are typically a big-ticket investment. The TentBox Go I have been testing is a relatively affordable model, however, and doesn’t cost much – if any – more than a large tent, but remember it only fits two people and doesn’t offer enough room for doing anything other than sleeping.

Conclusion

I absolutely loved testing the TentBox Go, and I’m keen as mustard to try out some more rooftop rigs. I think this set-up is perfect for solo travelers and camping couples who spend a lot of weekends going on impromptu adventures, visiting festivals and going on extended road trips where they’re only staying in one place for a night or two.

For families, groups and people who like to set up a base camp for a week or so, going out for the day to explore the surrounding area, more traditional ground tents will work better (and there are so many to choose from you will definitely find one that ticks all your boxes). For me, as usual, I’m left greedily wishing I could have both…

Decathlon's perennially popular 2 Seconds pop-up tent is celebrating its 20th birthday and the outdoor retail giant has announced new, limited edition colorways to mark the occasion.

Launched in 2005, the 2 Seconds range's low-price point, coupled with its instant pitching qualities, has made it an immensely popular option for entry-level campers and festival goers. That it's still going strong two decades later underlines the quality of its design and the appeal of its faff-free pitching.

In a statement, Decathlon said: "Embodying simplicity, versatility and freedom, this groundbreaking invention has been the catalyst for new experiences in all four corners of the globe". Crafted from 50% recycled fabric, the brand say the new colorways pay tribute to "the roots of adventure and the timeless spirit of camping".

The tents

The new versions of the 2 Seconds tent from Decathlon brand Quechua come in two sizes: a 2-person option and a 3-person option. Both feature three brand new vintage-inspired colorways.

The 2-person Quechua Instant camping tent, 2 Seconds Limited Edition, Vintage comes in orange, aloe green and light blue colorways and has a list price of £69.99 (UK).

The 3-person Quechua Instant camping tent, 2 Seconds Limited Edition, Vintage comes in aquamarine green / lavender purple, pumpkin orange / mahogany brown and cappuccino beige / ash green / green colorways and costs £89.99 (UK).

Lab tested and feature rich

Of course, as well as an attractive price, the main selling point of the 2 Seconds range has always been the tents' ability to magically spring to life in an instant. Plus, as they're free-standing shelters, once they've been liberated from their circular carry bags, you can walk around with them until you find the best place to pitch.

The tents feature a single vent in the top to enable airflow and avoid condensation in the night.

In terms of waterproofing, the PU-coated polyester flysheet has a 2,000mm hydrostatic head rating. This suggests a shelter that'll cope with the majority of conditions, including sustained rainfall. As you'd expect, all seams are sealed for additional fortification against the elements. Decathlon tests its tents in the lab by subjecting them to 44 gallons (200 liters) of rain per hour for three hours, before approval.

As well as putting its tents through the wringer in the rain room, Decathlon also pits them against its wind tunnels. The tent is placed on a turntable to properly assess every side of the tent against the wind. Test results state that the "tent should remain habitable in wind speeds of up to 50km/h (31 miles per hour) measured near ground level".

The interior is large enough to take two adults – Decathlon recommends a self-inflating mattress or sleeping pad of up to 23.6in (60cm) wide. However, the brand state to avoid inflatable mattresses over 2.4in (6cm) thick, as this greatly reduces the overall volume of the interior and could lead to condensation issues.

What is the 2 Seconds tent's best use?

If you're wondering whether these sort of pop-up tents are the best option for you, it's important to consider their strengths and limitations. Models like the 2 Seconds tent are ideal for garden campouts, festivals, beach days and spontaneous car camping trips, thanks to how easy they are to pitch.

If you're a backpacker looking for a tent to roam the backcountry with, a pop-up tent like this isn't ideal for a few reasons. Firstly, the large, circular carry bag isn't designed to be neatly stashed in a backpack, so portability becomes an issue. Then there's the fact that this kind of tent isn't rated to withstand the harsher elements encountered in the mountains. For backpacking adventures, opt instead for one of the best one-person or two-person tents.

So, if you're looking for a convenient option for casual camping, the 2 Seconds tent has 20 years of success under its belt. Plus, Decathlon offers repairs in its workshops should anything befall the tent during its first 3 years of use.

With summer on the horizon and cold winter nights behind us, now is a fantastic time to stuff a one-person tent in your backpack and hit the trails for a peaceful solo camping trip.

With the right equipment and enough planning, solo camping can be a blast for adventure-lovers, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you're itching to head out on your own over the coming months, check out this bargain deal on a lightweight and portable one-person tent from Big Agnes. Right now, you can save 30% and snag the Sheep Mountain 1 tent for just $194.97 at REI.

This lightweight tent was built for lengthy backpacking and fastpacking adventures. It weighs just 5lb 11oz (2.6kg), and can be packed away into a handy 7.5in x 22.5in (19cm x 57cm) bag, which you can stuff in a backpack and carry around with ease.

Alongside portability, the Sheep Mountain 1 was designed with the elements in mind. Its polyester Oxford outer boasts a protective 1,500mm rating waterproof polyurethane coating to keep you dry.

Pitching should also be a doddle thanks to this tent's freestanding design with pre-cut guide lines and tensioners.

Once you're all set up, you have to option of zipping up the breathable mesh door or closing the tent entirely for complete protection. Inside, there are three mesh pockets to help store you're belongings.

You can still get a great deal if you're not in the US. Look below for the best Big Agnes bargains where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

With summer right around the corner, now is the time to dust off your old camping gear and head into the wilderness for a wild camping trip. Along with a snug sleeping bag and all the essentials, you'll need a dependable tent to pitch up at night.

After a long winter, your current model might be looking a little tired. Right now, you can get your hands on The North Face Trail Lite 2-person tent for just $209.73 at REI.

This lightweight 3-season tent is built for backpacking and 2-person camping trips and folds into a small pack that you can carry around the wilderness with ease.

It's made from polyester and ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating and non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish, so you can sleep comfortably without worrying about the weather.

Inside the tent, there's plenty of room to move around and ample pockets to store your belongings.

In his review for Advnture, camping expert Craig Taylor was thoroughly impressed by the storage on offer.

"You have pouches to the left and right for storing things you want in reaching distance through the night, and there are two gigantic pockets above you for keeping other bits and bobs out of the way (or for mounting a lantern)."

Craig was also pleased with his tent's performance on the windy plains of Dartmoor National Park.

"The Trail Lite 2 is quite the workhorse," he continued.

"During one of the nights out I spent in the tent up on Dartmoor, the Trail Lite 2 confidently stood up to gusts of around 30 mph, and I’d be happy to hunker down in this tent in any three-season storm the trail throws at it."

You can still get a great deal if you're not in the US. Look below for the best Trail Lite 2-person tent bargains where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

With sunnier skies overhead and warm weather fast approaching, now is the perfect time to head into the wilderness for a multi-day mountaineering, camping or backpacking trip.

Along with a snug sleeping bag and other camping essentials, you'll need a lightweight, dependable tent to pitch up at night. The best lightweight tents blend a sturdy, weather-resistant exterior with minimal bulk so you can take to the trails with ease.

If you're in the market for a minimalistic, wilderness-ready model, check out the Advance Pro 2 tent from MSR, which is now available for just $559.73 at REI - 30% off its hefty list price.

This tough 4-season tent is made from strong ripstop nylon and durable water repellent (DWR) materials, designed to keep you comfy and dry in extreme backcountry conditions.

When you're ready to settle down for the night, the unique pole-sleeve design can be set up quickly by just one person.

After a cozy night's sleep, the 2lb 14oz (1.3kg) Advance Pro 2 tent packs into a modest 6 x 18in (15 x 46cm) pack.

Don't worry if you're not in the US. Here are today's best MSR tent deals wherever you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

Outdoors brand Nemo Equipment has produced the world's first bluesign-approved backpacking tent, marking what it says is a significant achievement in tent manufacturing, which often relies on harmful chemicals to produce high-performing gear. The news comes just two months after we reported the brand had released the lightest insulated inflatable sleeping pad on the market.

The Nemo Dagger Osmo tent is already a bestselling model for the New Hampshire-based brand, but over the past 18 months, it has been reimagined to make it more sustainable throughout the entire production process.

“In the fall of 2023, our product team set out to take Dagger further by not only using 100% recycled fabrics that are free of PFAS and added fire retardant chemicals, but by creating the industry’s first bluesign tent,” says Gabi Rosenbrien, Product Development Director at NEMO.

Ordinarily, high-end backpacking tents like the Dagger Osmo rely on chemical treatments like PFAS to repel rain, and flame retardants to make them safe to pitch by the campfire. These treatments and the high use of highly technical fabrics to make these tents both lightweight and durable have traditionally involved the use of substances that pose significant environmental and health risks to those involved in the manufacturing process.

To be bluesign-approved, brands and manufacturers must disclose all relevant production and sourcing information and ensure full transparency and traceability of all steps in the processing and production chain. Bluesign designation includes a commitment to reducing water, energy and chemical use, improving health and safety in the workplace by eliminating harmful chemicals, meeting bluesign's high standards for pollution control, and ensuring products meet the group’s stringent chemical safety requirements.

“Achieving bluesign product for the Dagger Osmo tent demonstrates the progress we can make when brands are willing to challenge the status quo in product design,” says Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of bluesign.

“By prioritizing clean chemistry and sustainability, Nemo is setting an inspiring example for the outdoor industry, proving that exceptional performance and responsible manufacturing can go hand in hand.”

While the brand was going through the approval process, it took the opportunity to also improve the performance of the tent, which is already well-loved by campers. A newly updated pole structure is said to expand its already roomy interior and increase the door opening and peak height. Both vestibules now have 22% more usable storage space thanks to what the brand calls a "volumizing strut".

For even easier pitching, the Axial corner anchor allows tensioning without re-staking, which could make a difference when you're trying to set up in a hurry. If it performs as well as its predecessor and has a smaller footprint, it could be a huge boon to the outdoor industry.

The 2-person model weighs 3lbs 15oz (1.7kg), which places it among the lightest 2-person tents we've tested and is almost identical in weight to the awesome MSR Hubba Hubba NX. The 3-person version weighs only a little more at 4 lbs 7 oz (2kg).

We haven't got our hands on the new model for testing yet, but it's already garnered a couple of five-star reviews from happy campers at REI, with one writing: "This tent is an absolute must buy!! From its light weight and durable materials, to its extremely spacious interior there is no quantifiable downside to this tent."

The new-and-improved Nemo Dagger Osmo is available now, priced at $499.95 for the 2-person model and $579.95 for 3-person capacity.

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures
• The best one-person tents: solo shelters for backcountry epics

Camping with the family can sometimes be stressful. Cramped conditions, restless little ones, and hours spent putting up the tent seldom add up to a fun time.

If you're eager to camp without the stress, check out this large and simple-to-set-up model from Coleman. The Skylodge 6-person Instant tent is currently available for $202.93 at REI - 30% off its list price.

This family-sized tent is made from water-resistant nylon held up by telescoping, pre-attached poles, which Coleman claims can be set up in roughly a minute. Without the stress of assembling the tent, you can relax inside its roomy interior, large enough for six sleeping bags or two queen-sized air beds.

There's also plenty of pockets for all your belongings and a handy E-port, which makes it easy to connect an extension cord and bring electricity into your tent.

When the weather closes in, you can keep yourself dry thanks to the Skylodge's WeatherTec welded corners, inverted seams, and dependable rainfly. Strong winds are also not to be feared, as the aluminium frame is tested to wind speeds of 35 mph(56kph).

If you're not in the US, here are today's best Coleman tent deals where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

With longer days and warmer weather finally here, now's the time to dust off your old gear and head into the wilderness for a peaceful solo camping trip.

Alongside a snug sleeping bag and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, you'll need a cozy, lightweight tent to carry around the backcountry and depend on for shelter. So check out this discontinued model from MSR, now reduced by over $140 in REI's spring sales.

If you're quick, you can bag yourself the MSR Hubba Hubba 1 tent for just $328.73 - a handy 30% off its list price.

Like the best one-person tents, this lightweight model aims to combine portability and ease of use with ample space for all your belongings. It's made from durable 20-denier ripstop nylon and weighs just 2lbs 2oz (0.96kg).

The Hubba Hubba 1 has been discontinued by MSR, so get yours before it sells out forever.

Inside the tent, there are various pockets and separate sections to hold your backpack and other belongings, while 37 inches (94cm) of headroom provides plenty of space for you to sit up.

When wet weather closes in, you'll shelter under the waterproof 20-denier ripstop nylon rainfly, which features a DuraShield polyurethane/silicone coating for additional protection from the rain.

Look below for today's best MSR Hubba tent deals where you are:

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

With April right around the corner, campers across the globe are dusting off their gear and getting ready to head out into the wilderness for another camping season.

With months of campfires and stargazing to look forward to, now is the time to stock up on all the essentials, including a snug sleeping bag, trusty headlamp, and reliable tent to shelter you from the elements.

If you're in the market for a new camping tent and want to really stretch your spend, check out the Habitude 6 from MSR, which is now available for $489.73 at REI Outlet.

This spacious three-season tent has a high ceiling and is large enough to sleep six. It's made from strong polyester taffeta and held up by sturdy aluminum poles.

Ready for rainfall, the Habitude 6 features a durable water-repellent (DWR) ripstop rainfly, to fend off the elements, while a steep canopy quickly sheds water.

This 83sqft (7.7m²) tent is 30% off, saving you a whopping $210 off its list price.

Look below for today's best MSR tent deals where you are:

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

With the camping season right around the corner, now is a great time to buy a dependable tent to keep you sheltered and secure in the wilderness.

Whether you're looking for a cozy one-person tent or something a little bigger, you can prepare for warm spring and summer nights with massive savings at GO Outdoors.

Right now, the UK retailer is offering up to 70% off tents of all sizes and varieties, like the snug Eurohike Rydal 400 Air Tent which is now just £199, a massive saving from its list price of £650.

For something on the spacious side, take a peak at the 8-person Sendero 8XL tent which has its list price of £550 slashed to just £159.

To access these, you'll need to become a GO Outdoors member by heading to the GO Outdoors website and entering a few details. Membership costs £5 a year and entitles you to epic savings in GO Outdoors' various sales.

Our favorite deals

We've handpicked our favorite deals from the GO Outdoors sale so you don't have to spend hours searching.

You can also make huge savings on snug sleeping bags, warm jackets, and other camping essentials in the GO Outdoors sale.

Not in the UK? Look below for today's best deals on top-end tents where you are.

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures
• The best sleeping bags: for comfort in camp

If you're planning a lengthy hiking or bikepacking trip to the wilderness, take a look at this light and portable two-person tent from Big Agnes. Right now, you can snag the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent for just $314.93 at REI - 30% off its list price of $449.95.

This versatile camping shelter was designed for on-the-go adventures. It weighs just 2lb 8oz / 1.1kg and packs down to a small, portable size. This tent is made from breathable ripstop nylon / polyester mesh materials and comes with a protective nylon rainfly to ward off the elements.

In our expert guide to the best two-person tents, we ranked the Tiger Wall UL2 as our favorite model for bikepacking. Alongside its minimal weight and portable design, expert reviewer Matthew Jones praised the roomy inside.

"The double-door, two-vestibule set-up offers gear storage and easy access. Overhead pockets keep smartphones and headlamps off the tent floor and close at hand when needed," said Matthew.

Like what you see? Act fast, as the Tiger Wall UL2 tent has now been discontinued, so when stocks sell out it's gone for good,

Not in the U.S? Don't stress; look below for today's best deals on Big Agnes Tiger Wall tents where you are.

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures
• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping

High-quality ultralight tents aren't a dime a dozen, especially when they're large enough to sleep three people. The right tent has to be light enough to pack up and carry around the backcountry without discomfort, and large enough for a comfortable night's sleep.

This ultralight three-person tent strikes the perfect balance, weighing just 52.5oz / 1.49kg with ample room and durable outer materials.

Right now, you can snag the Nemo Hornet Osmo tent for just $335.73 at REI, a sizable 35% off its list price of $549.95.

The tent's polyester nylon ripstop fabric is light enough to carry around the backcountry in comfort and durable for frequent use. You can opt to sleep under the stars by pitching just its see-through inner or cover up with its waterproof rainfly when the weather worsens.

Similar to other three-person tents, the Hornet Osmo uses a simple hubbed pole design, which is super-light and can be set up in seconds.

Our expert reviewer Alex Foxfield took Nemo Hornet Osmo tent to England's Lake District to test and was thoroughly impressed.

"Occasionally, a product just oozes high-end quality, surprising you with the little design touches and the very feel of its fabrics. The Hornet Osmo is definitely in this camp," said Alex, who rated the Hornet Osmo four-and-a-half stars.

"Every element of this superb shelter felt modern, cutting edge; its design felt fresh and exciting."

Don't panic if you're not in the US. Take a look at today's best deals on Nemo Hornet Osmo ultralight tents where you are.

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping
• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup

Dreaming of nights in the wilderness this winter? Right now, you can save more than $200 and snag The North Face Mountain 25 expedition tent for just $482.93 at REI.

Whether you're heading out for a chilly winter camp or setting up in the summer, this four-season tent has you covered with multiple insulation and ventilation options.

In the winter months, its tough nylon body and ripstop weave canopy are built to withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and snow. The Mountain 25's fly and floor are also water-resistant, and its strong, easy-to-pitch poles keep you in place.

When the seasons change, you can remove the insulating canopy to reveal a lightweight and breathable two-person tent. At a minimum trail weight of 6.3lb / 2.7kg, the Mountain 25 can be packed into its small, portable sack and carried around the backcountry with ease.

The Mountain 25 expedition tent is available in the sleek Summit Gold/Asphalt Grey colorway, but hurry as there are only a few left.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on tents from The North Face where you are.

• The best pop-up tents: backpacking and camping tents for speedy setup
• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping

As we announced earlier this week, Colorado brand Big Agnes has just launched its new eco-friendly waterproof tent fabric, HyperBead, coming this spring, and that means some of their most popular tents are now going cheap. Right now, you can pick up the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution-Dyed Tent for just $199.83 at REI. That's a staggering discount of 50% off the list price for this ultralight, two-person tent that we found to be surprisingly rugged when we took it out into the wild.

Our contributing writer Craig Taylor says one of his favorite things about the Fly Creek HV is its "tiny" pack size, squashing it down to about the size of a grapefruit to make his light adventures even faster. But don't be fooled – there's plenty of space for you and your gear.

"It provides more than enough space for one person and gear, and the roomy vestibule allows you to keep muddy boots and other bits of kit well out of the elements. You can also fully sit up in the tent and move around freely, which is a welcome feature for tents of this pack size and weight," says Craig, who admits that it would be a tight fit for two, but an excellent solution for a solo backpacker.

This deal applies to the Taupe colorway, and the model has been discontinued following the announcement of the new fabric, we suggest you act fast to lock this price down.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution-Dyed Tent where you are.

This waterproof, single-door tent has added head space and the solution-dyed fabric is both better for the environment and highly resistant to UV fade.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on today's best deals on the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL tent series where you are:

• Best 2-person tents: the finest shelters

If you've finally admitted to yourself that you need a new tent for camping this summer but worry about the environmental implications of buying yet more gear, Big Agnes might have a solution for you. The Colorado outdoor brand has announced the launch of a new tent fabric it says reimagines its ultralight camping gear in a lighter, more sustainable and higher-performing package.

The brand's new HyperBead fabric technology will be used in some of its most popular tent lines – such as the rugged Fly Creek HV UL2 – starting this year.

Though tents, like waterproof jackets, often lose their water defenses over time and need re-proofed, Big Agnes says HyperBead is 25 percent more waterproof than traditional ultralight technologies and offers permanent water repellency.

It also claims the technology is six percent lighter than its predecessors, and more durable to stand up against the trials of pitching, weather and overstuffed backpacks.

Big Agnes has made a name for itself as a sustainability-focused brand, and in that vein, HyperBead is made without what it calls any "intentionally added" PFAS – more commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" – or DWR.

"We've spent two years sweating over every ounce and every detail of this process and technology," says Michael Thompson, director of design and development at Big Agnes.

"HyperBead is a complete reimagining of ultralight gear – a technology that performs better, weighs less and is easier on the environment."

If you're in the market for a new tent that can fend off the elements without weighing you down, HyperBead is being introduced starting in the spring 2025 collection in Copper Spur UL, Tiger Wall UL and Platinum, and Fly Creek UL Tents starting.

• The best sleeping bags: for comfort in camp

MSR Hubba NX: first impressions

US brand MSR’s Hubba series has been one of the world’s bestselling and most well-known tent lines since it first hit the market in 2004. Revolutionizing the ultralight backpacking tent space, the Hubba series was one of the first models to offer good rigidity and plenty of room in a package that was light and small enough to carry multiple miles.

Since then, many brands have tried to imitate its design, yet few have had the success of the Hubba. Over the years, MSR have made incremental updates to its design – all to make the tents lighter, more liveable and stronger in poor conditions. This version, the MSR Hubba NX, has been available for almost a decade, yet still commands a ton of respect in the space. So what is it about the tent that’s so good? Or is this simply smart marketing?

The MSR Hubba NX is a one-person tent built by the same team that brought us the recent Tindheim. The Hubba is available in one-, two- and three-person versions, as well as a bikepacking-specific model that comes with some extra features for more easily carrying the tent on your bike.

Weighing only 1.3kg / 2.8lb, the Hubba NX is super light and tiny to pack away, all while being remarkably sturdy in the wind thanks to the high-quality DAC Featherlite poles and smart geometric construction. The Hubba NX tends to cost between £450 and £500 if you shop around online, though thanks to the tent’s popularity and reputation, you seldom see these at bargain prices anywhere on the internet.

MSR Hubba NX: in the wild

I’ve had my hands on this latest sample for quite some time now, and I’ve been lucky enough to use it on a handful of adventures up and down the UK. But my history with the Hubba series goes back a little further than that.

Over the years, I’ve used the original iteration of the Hubba, a couple of different Hubba Hubbas (the two-person version) and a range of different MSR lines, such as the cracking Tindheim series, MSR’s more budget-friendly Elixir line and their ultralight Freelite range. So I kinda know where I am with MSR tents.

However, this means that I approached my tests of the MSR Hubba NX with a certain degree of bias. You see, my one criticism of MSR over the years is that their tents never feel that exciting. They do the basics really well – perhaps better than most other brands out there. They keep you reliably dry, safe and comfortable and are a cinch to set up. But they often feel devoid of pioneering innovations, eschewing game-changing features for tried-and-tested tech. Amazingly, however, the Hubba NX seems to achieve the impossible: it’s a tent that makes tried-and-tested tech feel game-changing, and an age-old design feel like the next best thing.

As with the excellent Tindheim, that’s most likely down to how effortless everything feels about the Hubba NX. It goes up in a matter of minutes, can be taken apart just as easily, and looks great in a photo. Inside, the Hubba NX comes with more than enough space for one person, and the functional little vestibule offers ample room for kit. Coming with a 3,000mm hydrostatic head on the fly, the tent is also more than capable of keeping you dry in three-season storms and lower-level camping conditions.

The thing I love most about this tent, however, is its sturdiness. For a freestanding, three-season backpacking tent that weighs 1.3kg, it’s remarkably solid. On an impromptu camping trip up on Dartmoor’s windy Yes Tor in south west England, for example, it easily butted off gusts of around 30mph, and it performed on par with the ever-impressive Wild Country Helm 1 Compact, a tent that is substantially bigger and heavier than the Hubba NX.

In winds, it stays quiet, sturdy and surprisingly comfortable, and does a much better job than you’d ever expect considering its size and weight. In fact, in this class, I’d even go as far as to say that it’s the sturdiest lightweight one-man three-season backpacking tent I’ve ever used, easily beating the likes of the Naturehike Cloud Up series and Big Agnes’ cracking little Fly Creek UL1.

Honestly, this thing is tougher than it has any natural right to be, and my experiences with it have totally flipped my interpretation of MSR on its head. Now, instead of the brand with a phobia of ‘newness’, it’s the brand that gets the basics right before investing in unnecessary tech. And with the Hubba NX, they absolutely nailed the basics.

MSR Hubba NX: durability

For a lightweight backpacking tent that’s designed to be compact and light, the MSR Hubba NX is reasonably durable. The 20D ripstop silnylon fly is on a par with flysheets from other brands, so you’ll certainly need to treat it with a certain degree of care, whereas the cord peg-out points are remarkably robust, as are the DAC Featherlight aluminum poles. Therefore, I think this tent is surprisingly durable considering its pack size and weight and is certainly more durable than most ultralight three-season backpacking tents in this class.

Overall, I think MSR’s Hubba NX is an excellent shelter. It’s durable, easy to use and stronger than it has any right to be. It excels at the very things you want your tent to be good, all while leaving any unnecessary bells and whistles at the door. For me, it might be one of the best options out there for those three-season trips where you just want things to work – as long as you’re willing to part with around £500 for the privilege.

• How Advnture tests products

Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW tent: first impressions

The Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW is a super-lightweight, durable and incredibly well-thought-out two-person tent. It’s the latest version of the Danish brand’s popular Telemark series, which has been around since 2013, picking up a ton of awards in the process, and proudly calling itself “the most advanced tent in the world”.

Weighing in at a mere 2.2lb (1.02kg), the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW is one of the most impressively light and packable tents that can easily be stretched into UK four-season conditions. It’s a single-pole tunnel tent design which delivers enhanced stability in high winds and can easily sleep two (when the inner is expanded to its largest size). It also comes with a bunch of additional features that tangibly improve your experience of sleeping in a tent – all while being super-easy to use and a joy to play around with.

When bought directly from Nordisk, the Telemark 2.2 LW will set you back a rather steep £720. This puts it at the top end of the price spectrum, swimming in similar waters as the ultra-premium Hilleberg Akto, the rugged Terra Nova Laser Compact AS or the hyper-dependable Terra Nova Southern Cross. So how does the Telemark perform versus these brands, and is it really the “most advanced tent in the world”?

Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW: features

On top of the ability to expand the inner, the Telemark 2.2 LW also comes with a host of additional features that I particularly appreciate as a user. As well as a zip, for example, the storm flap comes with a snappy magnetic clip which holds everything tight. This prevents any rain from penetrating your zipper, and is such a joy to use that you can easily lose 20 minutes just playing about with it.

Additionally, to make maximum use of the vestibule in calm conditions, you can also combine three of the four corner poles into one longer pole for mounting the door. This holds everything up and out of the way, all while giving you an extra canopy to sit under, be it to cook a meal or simply enjoy the view.

Another nice touch are the tiny hooks that make it super easy to roll the door up. Though these are small, they make it simpler to get your door out the way, which in turn means I actually roll up the door on this thing (instead of just letting it flap in the wind like I do on most tents).

For me, however, my favorite feature is the double-door entrance. On a tent this small and light, it just doesn’t feel like it should be possible to have two doors (and two small vestibules). And whether you use the other or not, having two entrances to choose from always improves your experience.

Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW: in the wild

I received a sample of the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW earlier this year, and have since been able to get out and use it on a handful of multi-day and overnight trips. I used it in a couple of my usual spots out on Dartmoor National Park, on a two-day filming shoot in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) – where I had to carry it alongside a ton of additional kit – and on a three-day fastpacking trip. In that time, I’ve managed to use it in all conditions except driving snow, having put it up against heavy rain, beating wind and even the odd moment of surprise British sunshine. And, you know what? I’ve loved using it every single time. Here’s why.

The first thing I particularly appreciate about the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW is the level of detail that’s gone into every facet of this product. From pitching to packing away, every part of the user experience has been considered and optimized, starting with the carry bag.

Firstly, it’s tiny. It packs down to about the size of a rugby ball and weighs less than many three-season sleeping bags out there, so it’s barely noticeable in your pack. In fact, on a late fall fastpacking trip, I was torn between taking this or a bivy sack. But seeing as this is barely any bigger and only 400g heavier, the choice was obvious. Inside the bag, you’ll find the neatest tent you’ve ever seen. This is thanks to the fly wrapping up into its own internal stuff pocket (much like you see on many down jackets), which you then lash together with two straps to compress the package further.

Pitching the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW is also exceeding simple. Featuring a singular pole tunnel design, it’s just a matter of sliding in the central, high-quality DAC Featherlite pole, pegging out the corners and pulling the lashings tight to create its shape. You can then peg out the side guy-out points in order to give it maximum stability in windy conditions. Thanks to this simple shape, you really only need four pegs to get a good pitch, or eight if you want to maximize its strength in the wind. Thankfully, the tent comes pre-supplied with eight Nordisk lightweight pegs, meaning you can put this up against the worst of it out of the box. Which, considering most tent brands put too few pegs in the box as standard these days, was a nice surprise when I pitched this first time.

Inside the tent, you’ve ample room for one person and gear. The tent also comes with one main vestibule, which is easily big enough for boots, packs and cooking kit, as well as a smaller vestibule on the other side capable of holding smaller items. If you’re using this tent as a duo, you can also expand the inner to give you a good amount of internal space, easily enough for two. This does render the main vestibule mostly useless, however, giving you instead two smaller vestibules that you’d struggle to get a big pack into, let alone two. For that reason, I see this tent as a four-season shelter for one or a three-season shelter for two, but it depends on how close you are to your bedmate, and how much kit you tend to take with you.

Meet the reviewer

Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW: performance

Another thing that I find endlessly impressive about the Telemark is its ability to stand up to weather that a tent this small and light has no natural right to survive in. Over my months of testing, I’ve put it up against torrential rain and beating wind, and never once has this thing leaked.

For added security, the groundsheet is made from a PU-coated nylon ripstop material that comes with a hydrostatic head of 8,000mm. This is substantially more waterproof than most other tents of this style on the market, and I found that it kept me fully dry even when camping on waterlogged boggy ground during an impromptu overnighter on Dartmoor in southern England.

The flysheet, which comprises 100% ripstop silnylon with a 2,000mm hydrostatic head is equally waterproof and does a great job at staying quiet even when the wind picks up. Naturally, as with any silnylon flysheets, the material can stretch a little when it gets wet, meaning your tent may look a little saggier in the morning. However, unlike with many tents, the sagging has never gotten to the point where I felt the need to tighten the pitch at any point.

When it comes to wind, this thing is up there as one of the best-performing lightweight backpacking shelters I’ve ever used. In my mind, it’s easily on par with the likes of the Robens Starlight or the Terra Nova Southern Cross, even if the design is slightly more flexible and prone to a little bit of shaking in the night. Even when gusts of over 30mph hit the tent, I never once felt like it even noticed, let alone feared for its stability. Would I camp in it in a winter storm on the top of Helvellyn? Probably not. But aside from in something like the Nortent Gamme or The North Face Summit Dome tent, you’d never catch me up there anyway.

Overall, I think the Telemark 2.2 LW from Nordisk might very well be my new favorite tent. Its ability to perform in a huge range of conditions combined with its super-small size and light weight means you can take it on practically any style of adventure. Additionally, the level of consideration that the developers have put into the design makes this tent an absolute joy to use, and I still get excited every time I put this thing up.

Naturally, when bought for its list price directly from Nordisk, none of this comes cheap. But I think it easily stands out as one of the best tents on the market today – and I think it might just get my vote were I to have to pick one tent to use for the rest of my life.

• How Advnture tests products

Fjällräven Abisko Lite 1: first impressions

The Abisko Lite 1 has risen to be one of the most popular and highly-regarded and versatile four-season tents for backpacking all year round. Named after one of Sweden’s most northern national parks, the tent is designed to tackle the worst of the frosty Scandinavian tundra, being built to put up with howling wind and freezing temperatures, all while being super compact, lightweight and easy to use.

The brand behind this shelter is Swedish outdoor powerhouse Fjällräven. Known more for their clothing, such as the epic Keb walking pants, than for a deep catalog of tents, Fjällräven have become one of the top brands out of the region, leading the charge for the Scandinavian invasion we’ve seen penetrate the backpacking space over the last decade. Renowned for making kit that lasts, Fjällräven has long invested in quality over quantity, creating a strict line of exceptional products that do the thing they were built for better than anything else out there.

Weighing just 3.5 lbs (1.6kg), the Abisko Lite 1 is an ultralight yet durable four-season shelter that is easily capable of putting up with some brutal conditions. When purchased directly from Fjällräven, this tent will cost you $600 (US) / £600 (UK), which puts it firmly at the ‘premium’ end of the spectrum and has it competing against the likes of Hilleberg, Nordisk and Tarptent. Does it live up to the hype? And is it worth the hefty price tag? Read on…

Meet the reviewer

Fjällräven A​​bisko Lite 1: in the wild

Over the years, I’ve hunkered down in dozens of similar four-season tents, and even though I’ve got a handful of favorites, the Abisko Lite 1 has long been at the top of my list of tents I wanted to try. You see, few seem to have received the level of praise the Abisko has amassed across social media, YouTube and other review sites, with many pundits praising it more highly than the excellent Hilleberg Akto, the impressive Tarptent Scarp or the exceedingly good Nordisk Telemark. With that in mind, I couldn’t wait to get out and test the Abisko in some trusty UK wind and rain.

The first thing I particularly appreciated when I used this tent the first time was how easy everything was to use. And I’m not just talking about pitching. First of all, the stuff sack it’s packed in comes with handy lashing straps to tighten everything down, as well as a pull cord at the bottom of the sack which allows you to more easily pull the tent out of it. Underneath the main opening, the tent instructions are printed on an extendable sleeve, which avoids any unnecessary paper waste and means you’ll never lose the information.

Now, granted, these are super minor things. If the tent blows down in the first big gust, who cares about the stuff sack? But I always appreciate it when a tent has been designed with clear thought and consideration, which is exactly how I’d describe the Abisko Lite 1.

Unsurprisingly, pitching the Abisko is also a simple affair. It comprises four lightweight aluminum corner poles and one central ceiling pole that gives the tent its shape. As these are all DAC Featherlite NSL poles, they’re super sturdy, wonderfully light and a joy to use. They instantly instil confidence in you as a user even before the tent has properly been set up. Around the tent, eight guy lines allow you to glue this thing to the floor. That’s two more than both the Hilleberg Akto and the Nordisk Telemark 2 which, in my experience, makes a huge difference when camping in heavy winds.

Inside the tent, you’ve ample space for one person and kit. The one-sided vestibule is also easily large enough to house a full four-season backpacking setup, as well as affording a little space to cook. Much like on the Nordisk Telemark 2, you can increase or decrease the size of the vestibule depending on what you’re using, sacrificing internal space for more vestibule space or vestibule space for internal space.

When it comes to the interior, I also really enjoy how you can comfortably sit up in this tent, even when perched on top of a thick winter pad. Of course, this fully depends on how tall you are, but at 5ft 10in (1.78m), I can sit up inside the Abisko Lite without my head hitting the ceiling, which is a small but enjoyable characteristic that makes a lot of difference on those long winter nights.

Features-wise, the Abisko Lite is relatively ‘clean’. Despite there being a ton of technology ‘under the hood’, nothing feels overly game-changing about this tent once it’s up. It’s void of the many bells and whistles you get on a Nemo tent, for example, and it doesn’t feel as ‘rich’ as the likes of the Nordisk Telemark 2. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Inside the Abisko Lite 1, you’ve got numerous pockets for storing bits and bobs, a handy line for hanging up washing/getting things out of the way, and a ton of smart ventilation options that help to regulate condensation and optimize the inside feel in the summer. Take the ventilation ports at the head and foot end: in contrast to the Hilleberg Akto or the Robens Starlight 1, these can be fully opened and closed from inside the tent (thanks to a handy internal zipper), meaning you can regulate airflow without needing to get out of your tent.

Fjällräven Abisko Lite 1: performance

The Fjällräven Abisko Lite 1 is, without a doubt, one of the best-performing four-season backpacking tents out there. Thanks to the eight guy lines, this thing barely budges in the wind, especially for a tent weighing so little. What’s more, the flysheet comes down very close to the ground when pitched correctly, minimizing drafts and preventing spindrift from coming up under your tent.

The fly sheet comprises a mix of 20 and 40D TripleRip silicone-coated polyamide (nylon), which is remarkably durable for its size and weight. Super flexible and malleable, the material is some of the softest I’ve ever felt, and you might not think it would do as well as it does when you pitch it for the first time. But don’t worry – my own experiences reinforce just how strong this material really is, and it never leaked once even in torrential rain combined with gusts of well over 30mph.

As is often the case with silnylon, however, I did notice that the tent looked noticeably saggier in the morning after a proper lashing of rain. This is a common feature of silnylon and a small price to pay for its weight and packability. And even though it doesn’t impact the tent’s effectiveness, it’s something to be aware of before you make a purchase, as if it’s not pitched correctly the night before, the Abisko Lite 1 has a habit of looking a little sad the morning after.

Overall, I massively rate the Fjällräven Abisko Lite 1. It’s well thought out, hyper-dependable, tiny when packed and easy to carry. Everything about it just works, and I for one love the way it looks in a photograph. To me, this is one of the best options out there for dependable four-season adventuring. But I never expected any less from Fjällräven.

• How Advnture tests products

This deal has now ended, but you can still find some great savings on Mountain Hardwear tents here.

REI has slashed the prices on some great camping gear for Black Friday. Right now, you can pick up the "solid" Mountain Hardwear Meridian 3 Tent for just $24.73 at REI. That's a massive savings of 37% off this tent, and REI members can save a further 25% with the promo code CYBER24.

This tent's symmetrical rectangular design and pre-bent poles allow head-to-toe sleeping configuration to maximize individual space and comfort. Two large doors provide easy entry/exit and an expansive view with the vestibule rolled back, which also allows for stargazing on clear nights.

Two full-size vestibules provide plenty of space for gear and mucky boots and a top vent keeps condensation for building up inside. This deal applies to the Teton Blue colorway.

If you're looking for other camping gear, we're keeping tabs on all the best Black Friday camping deals where you'll find discounts on tents, sleeping bags and more this week.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Mountain Hardwear tents near you.

Campers love how easy this tent is to pitch, and note that with just two, it's really spacious.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Mountain Hardwear tents where you are:

• The best waterproof jackets: brave the elements

Exped Mira II HL tent: first impressions

The Exped Mira II HL is a two-person tent that strikes a near-perfect balance between space, comfort and ultralight design. Weighing in at just 2.54lbs (1.15kg), it’s ideal for lightweight backpackers looking for an option that doesn’t compromise on livability during short trips in moderate climates. Whether you’re out on a weekend fastpacking trip or a week-long backcountry adventure, the Mira II HL provides enough convenience and practicality to make it an attractive option.

Setting up this tent is a familiar process, thanks to its intuitive clip system and inter-connected pole structure. Even after a long day of hiking, I found myself able to pitch up reliably in under 10 minutes, even while wild camping on less than perfect ground conditions. The freestanding design means you don’t have to wrestle with awkward pegging points, and the large fine mesh canopy offers stellar stargazing opportunities if you want to ditch the rainfly on a clear night.

But porch space and livability are where the Exped Mira II HL really shines. Two generously sized vestibules, one for each door, provide more than enough space for gear storage, cooking in a pinch, or just giving you and your camping buddy some elbow room. The straightforward, color-coded cinch buckles also deserve a nod for how easy they make tensioning the guy lines, especially when you’re setting up in a hurry or with cold hands.

Inside, Exped has clearly thought about the small details that make a difference. The rear pockets and gear hanging line are ideal for organizing your essentials, from headlamps to water bottles, and the inner tent’s D-shaped doors make it easy to get in and out without disturbing your tent mate. The overall packed size is great, though it’s worth mentioning that the pole length is just a tad too long to fit widthways in most mid-sized backpacks, so you’ll likely end up packing them lengthways – a minor inconvenience, depending on your pack.

On the downside, the tent’s premium feel is accompanied by a premium price tag. The Mira II HL doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a quality ultralight shelter with enough room for two and top-notch durability, you’ll likely find the investment worth it.

Exped Mira II HL tent: design

Exped nailed the design of the Mira II HL in ways that make it perfect for fastpackers and backpackers who value both weight savings and comfort.

Ventilation in the Mira II HL is solid as well, thanks to the large fine mesh panels that cover the upper portion of the canopy. These offer excellent airflow, especially in warmer conditions, while the solid fabric walls help to keep out drafts when it gets cooler. Plus, the mesh does a stellar job of keeping out pesky bugs without feeling stuffy inside the tent. The canopy is also fully freestanding, which is a godsend when you’re setting up in rocky or uneven terrain, where pegging down every corner isn't an option – which was the case on more than one occasion for me.

The only minor trade-off I found when it comes to design is the packed size – or more specifically the pack shape. The poles fold down to a slightly awkward length (40cm), making them just a bit too long to stow sideways in a standard backpack, meaning you’ll have to carry them vertically. Depending on your pack’s dimensions, this could be a small but noticeable issue.

Overall, the design is well thought out, but it’s clear that Exped prioritized keeping things light, packability and simplicity, making this an excellent choice for lightweight backpackers looking to shave ounces without sacrificing practicality.

Meet the reviewer

Exped Mira II HL tent: value

You pay a premium for Exped tents compared to ones from MSR and Sea to Summit, particularly in the UK, and with a list price of $449.95 / £725, the Exped Mira II HL falls firmly in the premium tent category. That said, it's clear you're paying for high-quality materials and thoughtful design.

Exped Mira II HL tent: in the field

I was able to thoroughly put the Exped Mira II HL through its paces in a variety of different weather conditions and pitch locations thanks to a somewhat spontaneous trip to the Swiss and French Alps this summer.

Hikes to find camp spots ranged from hour-long jaunts along easy ridge trails to a six-hour T5 hike gaining over 2000m of elevation, so it’s safe to say I was pretty much always pitching up tired, and the easy-to-pitch nature of the Mira II HL was therefore paramount.

As well as passing the low-hassle pitching test with flying colors, the tent was also subject to everything from splendidly warm nights to more brutal sessions of thunder and lightning. Safe to say, it was a good mix of testing conditions – and the Mira II HL impressed me throughout.

Generally speaking, I always pitched the tent as intended – that being inner first, followed by pegs, then outer. This proved reliable and fast, thanks to high-quality tent poles and a simple tripod-style design. That said, I did have to pitch outer first on one rather rainy occasion, which was possible thanks to decent headroom, but not to be recommended unless you have no choice!

I used the tent both with a buddy and on my own, and there was adequate space to sleep two people comfortably (6’0” and 5’8”) and enough room to shelter three people in luxury for an evening game of cards. On my own, the tent was decidedly lavish, with no need to store gear in the porch. This may seem obvious, but for a tent that weighs just over a kilo, it's certainly worth remembering.

The fly sheet coverage also proved useful on wetter nights, when I didn’t have to worry about water ingress, even when the wind was blowing. You can also cinch the outer layer a decent way down for extra protection against the elements; for an ultralight tent, it was very weatherproof. Of course, you can’t totally have your cake and eat it too, and the lightweight nature of the tent did mean I was more careful about pitch locations. It wasn’t super warm either, though I think the self-proclaimed three-season rating is absolutely on the money.

• How Advnture tests products

With winter weather pending, outdoor retailers are offloading some great camping inventory in order to make space for ski gear and right now, you can pick up the ultralight MSR Hubba Hubba 3-person tent for just $346.47 at Backcountry. That's a whopping discount of 45% off the list price for this spacious, three-season tent.

I started camping with the slightly smaller two-person Hubba Hubba two years ago, and honestly, I've never looked back. Though it has plenty of room for me, my boyfriend and our gear, it's the same weight and packed size as my tiny one-person backpacking tent that's about the size of a coffin once pitched.

This version has a little more room so you could squeeze in three campers, two campers and a dog or just enjoy some extra space on longer backpacking trips. Despite the added real estate, it only weighs 3lb 13oz in your backpack including the stuff sack, which is much easier to use than a traditional stuff sack.

This deal applies to the Sahara colorway, but stocks are dwindling, so we suggest you act fast.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the MSR Hubba Hubba tent where you are.

With two doors, a pitch-first rain fly and breathable walls, you'll find plenty of comfort in this roomy home away from home.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the MSR Hubba Hubba tent where you are:

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping

Black Friday sales on camping gear are rolling in early this year and if you recently missed out on some seriously trimmed-down pricing on the MSR Hubba Hubba tent at Backcountry, don't worry – REI just slashed the price on the same tent.

Right now, you can pick up the ultralight MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent for just $384.72 at REI. That's a massive discount of 30% off the list price for this spacious, three-season tent.

I started camping with the two-person Hubba Hubba a little over two years ago, and honestly, I've never looked back. Though it has plenty of room for me, my boyfriend and our gear, it's the same weight and packed size as my tiny one-person backpacking tent that's about the size of a coffin once pitched.

After a long day on the trail, you can have the inner tent set up in well under two minutes and get to cooking dinner. Rather than the traditional system of two poles, it comes with single pole system that clips to the outside of the tent and because the poles stay in the grommets, you can set this up by yourself pretty easily too. Despite the spacious dome design, it only weighs 3lb 12oz in your backpack including the stuff sack, which is much easier to use than a traditional stuff sack.

This deal also applies to the roomier 3-person Hubba Hubba if you need a little more space for gear, kids or canine companions, and to the 1-person model if you want to move fast and light on a solo trip.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the MSR Hubba Hubba tent where you are.

With two doors, a pitch-first rain fly and breathable walls, you'll find plenty of comfort in this roomy home away from home.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the MSR Hubba Hubba tent where you are:

• The best 2-person tents: for backpacking and car camping

Can't wait for Black Friday? Right now, you can pick up the "beautifully designed" Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight 3-Person Backpacking Tent for $409.73 at REI. That's a healthy savings of $140 off the regular list price for this tent, which we found to be an excellent warm-season backpacking tent when we took it out into the wild.

Our writer Alex Foxfield took this tent out in the drizzly UK's Lake District National Park last winter and called it "a pleasure to live in." Alex noted how easy it was to pitch the first time around, the excellent quality of the sustainable Osmo fabric (made from 100% PFAS-free recycled yarns) and at just 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg), how gloriously lightweight it is.

"It works whether solo camping or bringing along a couple of mates and packs down into a tidy, small, trail-ready package," says Alex.

Nemo's proprietary Osmo polyester nylon ripstop fabric has four times the water repellency and three times less stretch when wet compared to previous Hornet tents.

This deal applies to the Birch/Bud colorway, but we recommend acting fast as REI has discontinued this model.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight 3-Person Backpacking Tent where you are.

With the included stuff sack, this tent packs down small enough to fit in the bottom compartment of your backpack with a sleeping bag, and allows you to split the weight with your partner.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Nemo Hornet Osmo Ultralight 3-Person Backpacking Tent near you:

• The best camping tents: for superb backcountry adventures

Meet the reviewer

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: first impressions

I’ve been using MSR products as go-to lightweight tents in mountain environments for many years, but had never encountered a technical, bikepacking-specific model like the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent. 

It’s designed to take up much less room on your bike and minimize common problems during riding such as additional drag and cumbersome tent poles that you struggle to attach to the bike frame. In theory its design should make things easier while traveling on a bike, but how would it fare in the windy, often unpredictable ‘summer’ weather conditions of the UK?

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: in the field

Pedaling down the asphalt road alongside Fairbourne beach, with the marshy plains of the Mawddach Estuary and the Snowdonian mountains looming in the distance, it was pleasantly dry for the start of a two-wheeled adventure. The sea breeze whistling through my hair, the waft of vinegared chips (the UK variety) and the incoming tide, and the caw of seagulls – punctuated by excited families taking the steam train – all formed a rather picturesque setting for a bikepacking ride on a lush summer’s day.

At the end of the day when we settled for the night, the MSR tent deployed with ease – even the assembly of the tent poles, made from a bright, shiny, red DAC alloy, reminded me of those high-tech camping chairs that click together in the blink of an eye.

Everything is kept in a green pouch whose top lid can be rolled down to avoid water getting in. The main compartment has built-in clips that can be attached directly to your bike’s handlebars, avoiding the need for a separate bag. The fly sheet and inner pack neatly inside, with a separate pouch at the base for the poles.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: functionality

The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent felt roomy enough to sit up in, thanks to a peak head height of 38in / 96.5cm that meant I was able to get dressed without feeling too cramped.

As for livable space, well, it didn’t feel like a coffin-like bivy sack! Far from it, in fact, as the tent gave just enough room for a sleeping pad and sleeping bag, plus space to put a dry bag or two on the side. Those with loads of kit might struggle to get enough footprint for bags to be evenly spaced out, but you’re probably on the wrong holiday if you go bikepacking with that much stuff.

For those who like a minimalist setup, it felt nice to see the tent still had the useful inner pockets you’d expect from an MSR tent, such as a cable port at the corners to allow phones to sit inside with power banks to charge overnight. The large overhead gear loft pockets, meanwhile, easily fit gloves, sunglasses, and other quick-access items. It’s also useful to know that the inside has attachment loops which can easily allow a washing line to be strung up to help dry wet gloves, socks and air spare layers – perfect for multi-day adventures when drying space is at a premium.

The overall interior has been constructed with a blend of mesh and solid fabric that’s a mix between the extra privacy you’d find on a MSR Hubba Hubba and the lighter MSR Carbon Reflex tents. This provides airflow, privacy and weather protection.

One thing to note: the MSR tent door isn’t cut on a curve. Having a ‘flat’ entrance makes it easier to get in and out of, and doors can be opened one-handed using the conveniently located colored zippers. These zip to a single point so they’re easy to open and close, even when you need to make last-minute loo trips before bedtime.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: durability

The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent features a fabric that’s thick enough to offer significant protection from the elements. The 20D nylon rainfly features a PU/silicone coating and taped seams for storm protection, and a light yet tough 20D bathtub-style floor keeps the pack weight low while protecting against ground moisture and dew. I’d still be hesitant about testing the tent in extremely windy conditions due to the risk of breakage, though.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: details

There are numerous things that make the tent stand out and the MSR design team have clearly thought about everything. I really like the handlebar bag, which is both durable and waterproof and fits on any bike. Optional spacers can be used to help extend the reach of the bag so it can be used with other handlebar bags, while tough webbing ensures it stays secure and stable. These can be a bit fiddly to adjust, though, and if riding on rough terrain it’s worth making sure the spacers sit snugly on the handlebars to reduce the risk of the bag jumping about.

It's reflective for extra visibility and has loops for extra gear such as lights and bike accessories – a great addition. The total packed weight is just 2lb 13oz / 1.27kg which for a tent that has 18 sqft / 1.67 sqm of floor space and an additional 9 sqft / 0.82 sqm of vestibule space, isn’t bad at all.

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent: affordability

At just shy of $500, the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack One-Person Tent isn’t cheap – but then again, MSR isn’t a brand you’d associate with entry -level kit. I am a firm believer in the old “buy cheap, buy twice” adage – and for kit that is well designed and built to last, MSR delivers well-thought out, well-built tent equipment that meets a need while also being extremely lightweight and packable.

Cycle touring is an expensive sport but I believe that for those who want to combine minimalist living and also want to buy from a reputable brand, this is one of the best tents I’ve seen for bikepacking. It would also be great for other space/weight conscious expeditions, including kayaking.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: first impressions

The Terra Nova Southern Cross 1 is a premium four-season tent, designed for the solo adventurer looking to balance comfort and practicality. 

With enough headroom to sit up comfortably and a compact pack size, it’s perfect for sub-6ft hikers needing a reliable, all-weather shelter. It strikes a solid balance between durability and portability, making it easy to pitch right out of the bag.

The Southern Cross 1 from UK-based Terra Nova is closely related to the Helm Compact 1 by Wild Country, which is also under the Terra Nova banner. At first glance, you could easily mistake it for a more expensive variant of the Helm. But there are key design features that quickly place it in a league of its own.

This is a free-standing, quick-pitch, four-season tent with adjustable ventilation and enough room for you to comfortably sit up. It’s sturdy, well thought out and gives you the confidence that it can take on pretty much anything the weather throws at it.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: price

This tent usually retails for £700 on the Terra Nova website, but it’s currently available for around £490. That places it in a pretty reasonable price range, especially when compared to similar one-person tents on the market, such as the Hilleberg Soulo (which you’d be hard-pressed to find for under £900). Considering the premium design and the four-season durability, £490 feels like a solid deal for those serious about their gear.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: in the wild

After hearing several rave recommendations from a few mountain leader friends, I picked up the Southern Cross 1 myself to see how it compares to the best 1-person tents on the market, and it’s been my go-to tent for the last year. I’ve got more backpacking tents than I probably need, but if I had to narrow it down to just one solo tent, this would be it. With another British winter around the corner, I’m already packing this up for the snow, rain and wind that I know I’ll be facing. Whether I’m up on a blustery hillside on Dartmoor or down by a soggy lakeshore in the mountains, this tent has kept me dry and sheltered through it all.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: weight and size

When you hear ‘one-person tent’, you immediately wonder whether you’ll be be able to fit yourself in, let alone with your gear. But the Southern Cross 1 really delivers – there’s plenty of space for both you and your kit. At 84cm (approximately 33in) in height, it gives you enough room to sit up and comfortably get your gear arranged without feeling claustrophobic.

Packed down, the tent measures about 42cm x 15cm. One clever design touch is the integrated peg bag in the pole bag, which saves even more space. The poles and pegs fit perfectly inside most 40L hiking backpacks, making it easier to pack efficiently for longer trips.

Coming in at a cool 1.77kg (3lb 14oz), the Southern Cross 1 is lightweight for a four-season tent. It’s perfect for solo adventurers who like to keep things light but still need a robust tent that can handle a range of conditions. Anything under 2kg for a shelter this sturdy is a win in my book, especially when you’re heading into less-than-ideal weather conditions and don’t want to be weighed down by heavier alternatives.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: pitching

One of the biggest selling points of the Southern Cross 1 is its ease of pitching. The red ‘Yunan’ Reflex pole forms the exoskeleton, allowing the shelter to take shape in less than a minute or two. You simply clip the fly to the frame, slide the blue pole through a traditional sleeve, and boom – you’ve got yourself a solid, free-standing tent. Peg it down with the 13g Terra Firma pegs, and if the wind picks up the reflective Dyneema guy lines provide extra stability.

The inner is already attached, which is something I personally love. The fewer steps when pitching the better, especially in cold or wet weather. It’s also adjustable via webbing straps to ensure the perfect tension. I’ve been able to pitch this tent quickly and efficiently in all sorts of conditions, which is crucial when it’s freezing out and you don’t want to be fumbling with poles and pegs for too long.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: the interior

As we all know, not all one-person tents are created equal. The Southern Cross 1 gives you a lot more interior space than options like the Laser Compact 1 or other low-profile single-pole tents on the market. You’ve got enough height to sit up (84cm / 33in), and the floor space offers room for most sleep systems, plus a little extra for your kit. It’s 52cm / 20.5in wide at the narrowest point and 100cm / 39.5in at its widest, so you can comfortably fit your sleeping pad, some gear and even bulkier items like camera equipment if you’re carrying it.

The vestibule isn’t enormous, but it’s enough for boots, a backpack and a camp stove. Just be careful not to cram too much in, especially if you need to hop out of the tent during the night.

The inner tent features adjustable vent panels at the head and foot, along with a thicker or thinner mesh option for the inner door, allowing you to manage condensation effectively. There are also handy loops above your head to hang a camping lantern or string up some wet hiking socks to dry overnight.

Terra Nova Southern Cross 1: durability

This tent easily earns its four-season status, thanks to the 30D nylon ripstop flysheet and its 5,000mm hydrostatic head. I’ve taken it out in some pretty rough weather and never had a drop of rain get inside. You can also add a separate groundsheet for even more durability, but the 70D nylon PU barrier is sturdy enough for most conditions.

It handles high winds like a champ, and the design, materials and guy lines ensure that it stays rock solid when the weather turns nasty.

• How Advnture tests products

Right now, you can pick up The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent for just $209.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of $90 off the list price for this lightweight backpacking tent that we gave nearly full marks in our field tests.

Our resident tent tester Craig Taylor took this tent out in the wild and found it to be a cleverly designed dome tent that offers maximum space for two backpackers, while still being small and lightweight enough to easily carry over long distances. 

It comes with two doors and two reasonably-sized vestibules, as well as a host of smart storage pouches for keeping things tidy inside. It’s also incredibly easy to pitch and pack away, and does a surprisingly good job in changing weather conditions, including high winds. In fact, the only gripe he had was the number of tent pegs it comes with, but that's an easy fix.

This model has been discontinued, so we recommend acting fast if you want to get your hands on this tent. If you're looking for a larger tent, you can pick up The North Face Trail Lite 3-Person Tent for just $209.73, or 40% off right now at REI too.

Not in the US? Scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent near you.

This tent is a true two-person shelter, offering plenty of space for two people to sleep comfortably, as well as ample storage space for kit. Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent where you are:

• The best 2-person tents 2024: for backpacking and car camping

When camping somewhere windy, it’s very important to ensure your tent is pegged out properly. We all know this. But what does “properly” actually mean? Should tent pegs go into the ground at a 45° angle? Or are you better off driving them straight into the soil? In our latest Mythbusting article, we take a deep dive into proper peg etiquette to answer a burning question that’s been keeping the world awake at night: what’s the best way to stake out pegs?

Meet the expert

The myth

How many times have you pushed your pegs in at an angle when staking out a tent in calm conditions? Irrespective of the ground, the peg or the weather, it just feels like the right thing to do. If your guy line is pulling at the peg at, say, a 45° angle, then surely offsetting those forces by putting the peg into the ground at the equivalent 45° angle is the way to maximise strength. After all, Isaac Newton’s third law of motion tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. And even before he had his apple-flavored revelation, campers all over the world had long since being following their gut and driving pegs into the ground at an angle. But are they right to do so?

The evidence

When you push or pull something, the same effect occurs in the opposite direction. That’s to say that if Object A were to exert a force on Object B, Object B must exert a force of equal magnitude back onto Object A. Got it?

“If you put a tent peg in dead straight… your guy line will pull it out quite happily,” says Mark Turnbull, the developer of Titan Ground Anchors. “Guy lines run at about 30°, and you want the anchor at about 90° to the line of pull ideally. So if it’s coming in at 30°, you want the peg at 30° so it always stays at about 90° from the line of pull. But that’s mainly for shepherd’s hook pegs or Y-shaped pegs, such as the MSR Ground Hogs.”

Unfortunately, however, it’s not as simple as that. As Mark goes on to explain, the ground, the terrain and the force that’s being exerted on the peg all play a huge role in how the peg performs. Y-shaped pegs, for example, don’t let moisture pass through the peg as it presses through the earth. This can result in a pooling effect that can increase the chance of the peg being pulled out of the ground once the forces exerted on the peg hit a critical mass.

“Ultimately, the peg is only as good as the ground it goes in,” says Mark. “So if you put [a peg] in really slushy mud, it isn’t going to hold. And with sand, your best option is to use proper sand anchors that look like mini spades. If you clear the top sand and drive your pegs into the compacted sand below [at an angle], then add some sand on top and stamp down, so that your pegs are actually underground, then they should hold. But [conventional pegs] are only designed for meadow grassland, moorland or anywhere where you’d normally expect to pitch a tent when out wild camping.”

Therefore, it’s clear that not all surfaces (and not all pegs) are created equally. If you’re pitching in loose or wet ground, the way the ground responds to the “equal and opposite reaction” will differ, meaning your peg might ping out even when pitched at a perfect 90° from the line of pull. Additionally, in many parts of the world, the ground underneath the initial layer of topsoil can be rocky or – as in the case of Dartmoor National Park in the UK – comprise expansive sheets of flat granite. Therefore, when you’ve only got three inches of soft soil through which you need to drive seven inches of peg, you sometimes have to drive your peg in at an angle in order to get it in at all.

Which pegs deliver the best performance?

Considering that the best angle for staking out pegs depends on a host of factors, how about the pegs themselves? To find out I caught up with Oliver Edwards, who’s one of Terra Nova’s product designers. Working at one of the most reputable brands in the business, Oliver is helping to build the next generation of Terra Nova tents – and knows a thing or two about what types of pegs hold best in which conditions.

“To be honest, it often comes down to what [the pegs] are made from… before the surface area and the angle of the peg come into play,” Oliver tells Advnture. “[In general], standard steel shepherd’s hook pegs are the weakest, prone to bending under heavy load or in rocky soil, and best for light-duty use in soft to moderately firm soils. But if pegs are made from some sort of alloy, then you start to see more benefits. Terra Firma Pegs are great because they have that Y shape, which gives them additional strength from all three sides while also having a much higher surface area.”

In that sense, then, the surface area of a peg is perhaps a more important consideration than the angle at which it’s staked out, as resistance is the great equaliser in this scenario. If you push a nail into loose dirt, you can probably move it in any direction with little resistance. But swap out the nail for a spatula and you’ve suddenly got an issue. The added surface area increases the amount of resistance, meaning that you suddenly need a lot more force to drag that spatula through the dirt – that relationship between surface area and resistance is the whole reason parachutes work, after all. So what is the best all-rounder?

“We feel that the best option is something like a Y-shaped Terra Firma Peg. It delivers a balance between being lightweight, packable and very, very strong,” says Oliver. “It’s basically impossible to bend [one], unless you’re whacking it with a hammer! And as long as the peg is used in the environment it’s designed for, that’s almost never going to be the thing that fails first. What’s more likely to happen is that the guy-out point would probably tear off [the tent].”

Fact or fiction?

All in, then, it seems that this one is generally true. Pegs that go in at an angle will be stronger than pegs that go in straight – when using the same pegs in the same conditions, at least. For the biggest benefits, you should stake your pegs out at an angle that is exactly perpendicular to the line of pull. The good news? There are many affordable protractors on Amazon that’ll let you get your angles right, and all for an impressively ultralight 10 grams.

The bad news? The great outdoors never delivers laboratory conditions, and the way your pegs perform is more a result of their individual design and the conditions of the soil than the angle at which they’re poking out of the ground. So even though staking your pegs at an angle is a habit you should consider keeping, it doesn’t seem to be quite as important as you might think.

Chamonix has long been heralded as the epicenter of the European outdoor scene. It’s home to some of Europe’s highest mountains and world-class ski resorts, and the mountain village even serves as the starting point of the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc – the most prestigious trail running event in the world. 

It’s no surprise, then, that French sports powerhouse Decathlon has made Chamonix the home for all of its outdoor brands. It’s here, in a workshop just out of town, that they design everything from hiking boots and backpacks to trekking poles and tents; all before testing everything they make in the breathtaking mountains that encompass this vibrant mountain location.

It goes without saying that when I was invited to visit their facility earlier this year, I jumped at the chance to see where Decathlon designs all of their tents – and to investigate first-hand just how they ensure their designs are sound.

Meet the expert

Decathlon’s Mountain Store

To find out all about how Decathlon designs and tests its tents, I headed to Chamonix during a late spring snowstorm to visit the brand at its purpose-built outdoor workshop. 

Located in Passy, a short drive out of Chamonix, this compound is home to 550 team members and acts as a hub for worldwide teams of engineers, designers, product managers and sportspeople. Known as the Mountain Store, the facility is an ultra-modern design-and-testing playground built to impressive sustainability standards; the perfect place for the world’s biggest sports retailer to bring their boldest outdoor gear ideas to life.

The Co-Creation Platform

Working towards their overall goal to ‘move more people through sport’, products go from first conception through to prototyping at the Mountain Store, with most coming to life thanks to Decathlon’s Co-Creation Platform. This purpose-built tool allows them to speak directly to up to 220,000 active sportspeople, outdoor enthusiasts and industry pros. It gives Decathlon’s design team direct insight into what people need, the challenges they need to solve and the type of products they’re looking for.

Based on this information, Decathlon is able to work on designing the exact products end-users want – even if some ideas might initially sound a little crazy. When it comes to tents, this has resulted in designing shelters that are quick and easy to pitch (such as the famous Quechua 2-Seconds tent which pops into life at the press of a button), the UV-resistant Fresh&Black range, or the recent ‘Skyview’ line, which allows you to properly sleep under the stars (thanks to a retractable blind that you can pull back over a transparent ceiling).

Prototyping

Once a specific need has been identified, the team gets to work building early prototypes. This process, which may involve numerous teams of engineers, seamsters and interactive designers for 3D demonstrations, is all conducted on-site inside Decathlon’s Mountain Store. 

Once they have an idea that’s functional and solves the specific problem they set out to address, Decathlon claim to work to reduce the product's environmental impact as much as possible – long before the initial prototype even gets a whiff of the outdoors. This is all to ensure that everything Decathlon sells is minimally harmful to the environment, working towards the goal of reducing their carbon emissions by 20% by 2026 (in comparison to 2021 levels).

As a part of this, Decathlon pays a lot of attention to the repairability of every item the team designs. That means that tent poles should be replaceable, seams stitchable and zips repairable. The thinking is that a product that needs to be fully replaced at the first signs of wear and tear is always going to be more harmful than one you can fix, regardless of the production practices.

The tent rain-testing facility

Once an initial concept has been designed and its eco-credentials have passed Decathlon’s tests, it’s then on to testing, which was the part of the tour I was most excited about. To experience this first-hand, we left the Mountain Store and went on a short drive up the valley – and straight into an old abandoned car yard.

In stark contrast to Decathlon’s ultra-modern outdoor design hub, their testing facility is much less glamorous. A singular gray unit surrounded by the remnants of countless rusty Renaults, the whole place felt more like the type of secret lair you’d see in a James Bond movie rather than the proving ground for Decathlon’s long line of tents. 

But lo and behold, once you squeeze through the solid metal door, you find a mind-bending array of pipes and taps wrapped around a huge transparent PVC cube.

Rain testing procedure

To rigorously put their prototypes up against exaggerated real-life conditions, all of Decathlon’s tents are pitched on a platform underneath regimented rows of shower heads. Here, they’re pummelled with rain for a minimum of three hours. 

The approval process is then a simple one: if there’s a single drop inside, the tent has failed and it’s back to the drawing board. But if the inside has remained bone dry after three hours under intense rain, it’s a pass and the tent goes on to the next phase of the design process.

To ensure the tents will perform optimally in the real world, however, Decathlon doesn’t hold back. They soak each shelter with 200 liters per hour per meter squared.

To put that in perspective, a sustained rainstorm that produces 50 liters per hour per meter squared is considered a 1-in-100-year event in the UK, which equates to only a quarter of what Decathlon tents are put up against. 200 l/h/m² is more like your shower at home, which vastly outdoes anything you’ll (hopefully) ever experience in the great outdoors.

What does this much rain feel like?

To my delight, I was invited to jump in a Decathlon tent during one of their regular rain tests. Having already witnessed a few drenchings from the viewing platform, I was excited to see what this was like from the inside. 

And better yet, I got the chance to experience this from inside a Forclaz MT900 Trekking Pole tent, a model I’m already very familiar with. I’d previously reviewed a sample for this very website and remained impressed by its weight, price and performance. I’ve also used it several times in very heavy British rain, so I already had many real-life benchmarks to compare the experience with. 

The second the taps were opened, the whole tent started to shake under the weight of the rain, and the noise was more akin to an aeroplane taking off than to camping in a sudden onset of rain. From inside the tent, you could see giant water droplets sliding off the fly and numerous channels quickly developed in the material. It was like sitting under a spontaneous network of emerging rivers that funnelled water into thick waterfalls at the foot of the flysheet. 

Thankfully, the MT900 did its job valiantly and kept me completely dry inside. Even after around five minutes not a single droplet had penetrated the flysheet, which gave me renewed confidence in my own version at home. 

Real-life rain tests

For Decathlon, this rain test is a crucial part of the tent design process. If any water makes it in, the tent is immediately sent back to the drawing board. If it remains dry inside, however – as the MT900 Trekking Pole tent did for me – it’s ushered on to the next round of the design process. 

As a part of this, prototypes get sent out to individuals signed up to Decathlon’s Co-Creator Platform who then test these items in rigorous real-world environments. For tents, this means weeks of testing on real adventures, being used on long-distance treks, overnighters, and climbing trips in the glorious mountains that surround Decathlon’s Mountain Store. 

Testers then give feedback not only on the tent’s performance in wind and rain, but on the small details that can make or break an experience. If necessary, this feedback results in further iterations and design tweaks, before a renewed round of testing begins. Then – if the tent performs well and the feedback is positive – the product will slowly start making its way onto shelves across the world. 

After the rain test, we headed back to Decathlon’s Mountain Store for a final recap and a walkthrough some upcoming products. And with that, my tour was over. For me, that meant heading back to the UK with renewed confidence in my growing collection of Decathlon tents – and with an unusual amount of excitement about the prospect of camping in the rain.

• How to stake a tent the right way

Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to stock up on camping gear or replace your old equipment, and this year we've seen some particularly great deals on Coleman tents. If you're not familiar with Coleman, it's one of the biggest names in affordable camping equipment (the pop-up Galiano tent is a particular favorite of ours), and the prices are even better than usual right now.

Below you'll find our pick of the best tent deals under $100 this Amazon Prime Day. Bear in mind that stock may be limited, and Amazon tends to end Prime Day deals early if supplies run low, so don't wait around if you see one that you like.

Need some other camping gear? We're hand-picking all this year's best Amazon Prime Day camping deals, so stick with Advnture to make sure you get the best prices.

• We're also gathering together the best Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar has long been one of my favorite sports watches, and it's down to a record low price of £199.99 right now for Amazon Prime Day. It's the first time this epic watch has ever dropped below £239, and if you've been thinking of upgrading, it's an offer not to be missed.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a seriously tough sports watch that boasts impressive GPS accuracy, a full suite of training tools particularly aimed at runners, and remarkable battery life. It can run for up to 28 days in smartwatch mode, or indefinitely with sufficient exposure to sunlight, making it perfect for multi-day adventures.

When I reviewed it for Advnture's sister site TechRadar, I gave it a full five stars out of five, noting that it "takes the best features of the original Instinct, including its super tough case and high-contrast dual-screen display, and gives the whole package an overhaul that makes it fun rather than austere."

We're rounding up all of this year's best Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals, so if you're looking for something else, take a look at our full guide to see what else is available.

The only potential drawback of the Instinct 2 Solar is its screen, which is a monochrome memory-in-pixel (MiP) display. This has high contrast and uses minimal power (it only draws on the battery when a pixel changes), but isn't ideal for maps. Other than that, though, this is one of the best watches I've ever tested in my many years of reviewing sports tech, and comes highly recommended.

If you're not in the UK, here are today's best deals on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar near you:

• We're also rounding up the best Amazon Prime Day running shoe deals

Amazon Prime Day is still a few hours away in the US, but if you're looking for a great deal on a tent then there's no need to wait. Amazon has cut the price of masses of Coleman tents in a special early sale, with many models now less than half price. Whether you're looking for an extra large family tent to sleep 10 people, or a lightweight backpacking shelter for solo adventures, we've (literally) got you covered.

Below we've picked out a selection of the best deals to save you time, but you can also browse the whole Coleman tent sale yourself.

Can't see what you're looking for? We'll be rounding up all the best Amazon Prime Day camping deals in the US and UK, including offers on tents, so stick with Advnture to make sure you don't miss out.

If you're not in the US, here's a selection of today's best deals on Coleman tents where you are:

• We're also hand-picking this year's best Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals

Scottish camping gear brand Vango changed the game in 2010, when it unveiled its AirBeam technology, ushering in the age of air tents. Rather than using traditional poles, air tents use inflatable air beams to provide structure, making large, family tents quicker and easier to pitch. Other brands quickly joined the party, but Vango remains one of the leading manufacturers of air tents and its range is impressive.

In the Joro Air 450 Sentinel Eco Dura Package, Vango has crafted a 4-person tent that’s ideal for family camping vacations. It’s part of the brand’s Earth Collection, as it features the proprietary Sentinel Eco Fabric, which marries sustainability and durability thanks to its use of recycled, single-use plastic waste. The tunnel design features a large awning, spacious living area and twin blackout bedrooms, perfect for a family of four.

I was delighted to test the Joro Air 450 this season and it was provided by the experts at Outdoor World Direct, where it is available to buy now.

Meet the reviewer

First impressions

This is no ordinary tent for four. The Joro Air 450 is designed to be lived in as well as slept in, meaning that, with a bit of an investment in camping chairs and the like, you can create an experience akin to glamping once you've hooked it up to the power grid. It also weighs a lot more than a standard four-person tent, at 24.2kg (53.4lb), which makes its carry sack quite an effort to lug around, even getting it from storage out to the car.

I loved pitching the Vango Joro 450, finding the AirBeam system really straightforward to work with. Once up, it’s superbly spacious, with loads of headroom, and I even had the option of creating a master bedroom by removing the partition fabric between the two blackout bedrooms.  

Sustainable fabrics

One of the big selling points of the Joro Air 450 is its use of Vango’s Sentinel Eco Dura Fabric, which as its name suggests is both eco-friendly and durable. Constructed from recycled yet tough 70D polyester, it boasts an impressive 4000mm hydrostatic head, enough to keep downpours at bay, while all flysheet seams are factory taped to provide that all-important, watertight seal. As it’s a family tent, it’s not designed for extremes. Vango state that ‘storms and extreme weather should be avoided’.

Even the best tents’ colors have a habit of fading over time, which is why Vango has treated the fabric with its ColourLok technology, which aid color retention from UV light. This not only retains the tent’s aesthetics but also increases its lifespan. It’s early days in terms of my own test, so it will be interesting to see if the Joro Air 450 is still as bright and bold in five years’ time. As you’d expect, the fabric also meets the ISO standard for fire retardancy.

Easy-peasy pitching

Vango can not only boast about being the pioneers of air tents back in 2010, but the brand also introduced single point inflation in 2021. On most air tents, each beam has to be inflated separately, which takes longer and isn’t as convenient. Here, the AirSpeed S.I Pro valve enabled me to inflate the structure from one point with the included pump. Pretty neat. This makes setup a doddle; Vango quote a pitching time of 10 minutes.

With a bit of practice, I was managing to get everything inflated and the most important pegs into the ground in this kind of time. However, if you’re using the additional footprint, adding the front vestibule’s groundsheet and pegging in all the guy lines, I’d say setup takes around 15 minutes. Still, pretty impressive for a shelter of this size.

The foot pump comes with a pressure dial and its own carry bag. It’s wonderfully easy to use and it slots into the AirBeam valves like a dream. It takes a fair bit of effort to pump up the beams to 7psi, but it’s a load more convenient than assembling poles and threading them through the tent.

Despite inflating together, once in play the air beams are isolated from each other. This means that the shelter’s structure remains intact should the worst occur, and you suffer a puncture. The beams are pre-shaped, providing an arch-like structure that creates steep walls and maximum living space.

High visibility guy lines provide additional support, while extra secure storm anchors at the front and rear can be deployed when the weather turns. Speaking of which, the tent comes with a Tension Band System, which braces the structure at three separate points, reducing sideways movement. When not needed, the system is simply stowed away.

The main groundsheet is fully sewn into the flysheet, which stops draughts and bugs in their tracks. Then, there’s an additional groundsheet protector, which is designed to protect and extend the lifespan of the tent. I really love the fact that this footprint is included, as it makes pitching even easier and should mean the tent is still in top-notch condition for many years.

Take down is just as easy and quick as setup. To deflate the AirBeams, all I had to do was remove the valve cap and push and turn the valve’s spring inwards. It puts one in mind of a bouncy castle being deflated, which is usually a depressing sight, representing the termination of enjoyment. However, here, it's a positive sight, as it means you can be on your way relatively quickly. 

The main challenge after this was rolling it into a small enough unit to fit back in its carry bag. However, after a bit of a struggle first time around, I had it down to a fine art on subsequent takedowns. The carry bag has a couple of straps that can be deployed to compress and hold the folded tent in place before you zip it all up.

Living space

This is a tent in three sections, the front awning, the main living space and the bedrooms. You get 205cm of headroom, comfortably enough for most to stand up, while the bedrooms are 210cm long.

A huge door opens into the awning and can be tied up and away when the weather’s playing ball. There’s also a side entry door straight into the living space, while the opposite wall boasts a cable entry point for electrical hook up. Overhead, the Skytrack flexibile hanging system allows for versatility when choosing where to hang a lantern, while it can also be used to keep electric cables off the floor.

For hotter days and nights, the living room doors feature integrated mesh, providing ventilation while keeping the mozzies and midges out. Privacy is supplied by the tinted windows, which can be blocked off all together with a sheet of fabric.

Camping with kids is often a magical experience but it can also be a tiring one. The last thing you want is your little cherubs waking with the first light of dawn, unless you’d planned a sunrise hike. The Joro Air 450’s bedrooms feature a blackout fabric to assist the slumber of both kids and adults alike. 

The size of each bedroom can also be adapted by adjusting a wall of fabric separating the two rooms, providing flexibility depending on numbers. It’s not the most robust barrier and it’s easy to slip through the side between the two bedrooms, which is good if you want to check on the kids, not so good if you want a lie in come the morning. This can be removed entirely if required, creating a large, master bedroom. There are storage pockets for valuables and hanging points for a camping lantern or similar.

The camping experience

Camping in the Joro Air 450 is a pleasure. Pitching is wonderfully quick, the design is well thought out and the use of blackout bedrooms means everyone is able to sleep soundly. A fair bit of light does, admittedly, seep in through the mesh ventilation, but I’d rather this than wake up in the wee hours with condensation dripping on my face. When divided into two, the bedrooms are a little snug for two adults, but then it's not like you'd be using them to store anything, as you would in a backpacking tent.

I like the way the tent can be customized depending on the weather. Every door, window and mesh panel can be tied back out of the way when its warm or zipped up tight when the conditions take a turn. The option of adding a groundsheet to the front awning is also welcome when camping in damper conditions.

Speaking of which, the Joro Air 450 stood up to all the rain and winds the British springtime could throw at it. This is often the aspect of air tents that people who haven’t tried one first ask about: “What? Air beams instead of poles? Won’t it collapse in high winds?” While I wouldn’t recommend setting this tent up in a gale, it was perfectly sturdy and was able to cope with strong gusts.

Weighing 24.2kg, it’s certainly not the lightest 4-person tent around and it’s very much a car camping tent. In its carry bag, it’s a bit of a struggle for one adult to carry alone, though obviously not impossible. Still, I’d say moving it any considerable distance is a job for both parents.

Amazon Prime Day is only a few days away, but you don't have to wait until next week if you're looking for a new tent for family getaways. Right now there are limited-time deals on heaps of Coleman tents at Amazon, with over 60% off selected models that will sleep up to six people in comfort.

Coleman makes some excellent camping gear that stands up to the elements outdoors but won't break the bank, and its tents are an excellent choice if you're on a budget. 

Can't see what you're looking for? We'll be rounding up all this year's best Amazon Prime Day camping deals as soon as they land next week, including offers on sleeping bags and camp stoves, so stick with Advnture to make sure you don't miss out. 

If you're not in the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for a selection of the best deals on Coleman tents where you are.

If you're not in the UK, here are the best deals on Coleman tents near you:

• The best pop-up tents: our top recommendations tested and rated

Right now, you can pick up the Coleman Skydome Camping Tent with Dark Room Technology and Screened Porch for 50% off at Amazon. That's a massive savings of $115 for this 4-person tent, and the lowest price we've ever seen on it. Hurry, as this is a limited-time deal and stock is already 30% gone.

This deal applies to the four-person model, which will comfortably sleep three adults, or two adults and two children in the main compartment. However, a weatherproof screen room converts into an additional sleeping area for one person, space to store your gear, or a room to chill out in away from the mosquitos. There's lots of room to stand up inside and move your gear in and out.

Camping in summer can mean early starts and stuffy sleeping quarters, but this tent comes equipped with blackout technology for a better night's sleep. And if the weather doesn't match your plans, it will fend off the rain and wind. The whole thing sets up in under five minutes for hassle-free camping.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Coleman Skydome Camping Tent where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Coleman Skydome Camping Tent  boots where you are:

• Best 4-person tents: for camping trips with friends

This year's Glastonbury festival is just two weeks away, and the event organizers are asking campers to bring good quality gear and take it back with them to use again, rather than picking up the cheapest tent they can find and leaving it behind at Worthy Farm for someone else to deal with.

In an Instagram post, the organizers asked attendees to love the farm and leave no trace when the event is done. 

Thankfully, a sturdy tent doesn't have to be expensive. The Quechua MH100 from Decathlon costs £30 and is a favorite with festival campers for its simple pole setup and waterproof fabric. It's a budget-friendly option you can use time and time again.

To help prevent camping gear being left behind in fields, Decathlon is also offering refunds on 10 of its tents, even after they've been used at a festival. Just bring your tent back to the store, and you'll get a full refund in the form of a gift card to spend in store. Returned tents will be refurbished, cleaned and resold through Decathlon's Second Life programme.

The EuroHike Pop 400 DS is another great budget-friendly tent that will serve you well at Glasto and beyond, and it's currently on sale for £65 at Blacks. It's essentially a pop-up tent with an extra waterproof flysheet, which makes it extra versatile.

"For a few minutes of extra pitching, you essentially get a weatherproof twin-skin tent, making this a versatile choice if you camp in varying locations and conditions over the year," said our reviewer. "Inside, we found that there was loads of room for two or three plus our gear (but four people would find it too snug), and two doors make it even easier to share with others."

Tents you can trust

But can you really trust a budget tent outside the safety of a festival campsite? If you choose the right one, yes. In September 2022, we sent writer and tent expert Alex Foxfield to spend a wet and chilly night at the top of Pen Y Fan with a £30 tent from Aldi, and he descended the following morning hugely impressed after his budget shelter (the Adventuridge 2-Man Tent) punched well above its weight.

"It’s durable, lightweight, easy to pack and simple to pitch," Alex concluded. "It’s also large enough for an average-sized person (including gear) and comes with a vestibule that’s suitable for some simple cooking/storage."

It's worth testing your tent before heading out to make sure you're confident pitching it and to identify any potential issues (the Adventuridge benefits from better tent pegs than those supplied, for example).

Sadly the Adventuridge is no longer available, but it's proof that 'cheap' doesn't have to mean 'disposable'.

"In 2023, 98% of all tents were taken home," said the festival organizers. "Let’s see if we can beat that this year!"

Festival camping season is kicking off in the UK with Glastonbury, Leeds and Isle of Wight music festivals all looming fast on the horizon, and if you've got tickets, you're probably looking for a tent. Well we've got great news – Aldis has announced it's launching a line of camping gear with nothing over £20 this summer and lots of gear for anyone who's planning on doing some non-technical camping.

The budget retailer will be selling two-person tents for just £17.99 and they are pop-up so you can spend less time pitching and more time bopping. They're also promising air mattresses for £16.99 to ensure a good night's sleep and camping lanterns for just £7.99 so you can add some mood to your campsite after dark.

For the party, there's a wine bottle holder for £6.99 and you can charge your phone while you sleep with a portable power bank for £9.99. Finally, if you like to bring everything but the kitchen sink, you can pick up a camping trolley to lug in all your gear for only £9.99.

The new camping range is available in Aldi stores starting on Thursday, May 23, and the tent will be on sale from the following Thursday, May 30. These items are on sale on a first-come-first-served basis and when they're gone, they're gone, so act fast.

Skeptical about how an Aldi tent will hold up? Read what happened when we sent one of our journalists up a mountain with Aldi’s Adventuridge tent.

• Last-minute festival camping checklist