Picking the Right Size Tent
Manufacturer 'sleeps' ratings assume shoulder-to-shoulder mat space - fine for a quick festival, tight for a long holiday. Drop one or two off the rated number for genuine living comfort.
Air Tents
Inflatable beam tents go up in 10-15 minutes with a single hand pump. More expensive than poled, but the time saving when arriving in rain is hard to beat.
Poled Tents
Traditional fibreglass or aluminium pole tents. Lighter, cheaper, easy to repair - the smart pick if you stay several nights in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a tent do I really need?
Add 1-2 to the manufacturer's rated capacity for proper holiday-size living space. A tent rated 'sleeps 4' fits 4 in sleeping bags side by side - and not much else.
Are these tents waterproof?
Yes. All our tents have a hydrostatic head of at least 3000mm (most are 5000mm+), with sealed seams and bathtub groundsheets.
Air or poled - which is better?
Air for ease and speed; poled for weight, price and easy repairs. Air tents pack up smaller too. Most tourers eventually move to air; backpackers stay with poled.
Can the tent stay up in the rain overnight?
Yes - all our tents are fully waterproof and designed for multi-night camping in changeable weather. Use guy ropes and full pegging for any windy forecast.
Do I need a footprint groundsheet?
Strongly recommended - a footprint extends the life of the integrated groundsheet by years and adds insulation from the cold ground.