Advice We’d Give to A Friend

The Basics

How important is weight? - Weight contributes to the overall backpacking experience, but it is not the defining feature one should look for. Weight can often be reduced by sacrificing sleeping size or material quality, but the best available backpacking tents manage to find a happy medium. We have found that around 2kg is an ideal weight for a combination of quality and comfort.

How many season tents do I need? - It depends on when you want to go camping. A 3-season tent is best for warmer months in the UK, while a 4-season tent will stand up to harsher weather (get outside in Winter!). It is worth noting that 4-season tents trap the heat, so can get quite warm during summer. Essentially, these tent categories will help you identify what you need, depending on your activity.

Are backpacking tents easy to set up? - Yes, backpacking tents are built for ease of use. Most of the models we tested take only a couple of minutes to set up. The best backpacking tents for hiking are cleverly designed with instant pop-up features.

What features are important? - We prefer having double vestibules for extra storage for camping gear. Aside from that, single or double pole setup and at least 2 internal pockets definitely make a for more convenient use. Weight, durability, and a comfortable sleeping space are obviously the other key features for the best backpacking tents in the UK.

Budget

You can definitely get a decent 2 person backpacking tent for hiking without dropping a ton of cash. For a more detailed comparison, we can break the market into three budget categories:

Over £400 - This will give you the best lightweight backpacking tents.

£100 to £400 - Tents sold in this price range are still great and slightly different to high-end models. They are fairly priced given their similar quality to the ones over £400.

Under £100 - These tents are typically cramped or made from cheap materials that can fall apart over time. We suggest investing a bit more for the better options.

Purpose of Use

Think about how you will use your tent. Are you using it for backpacking/hiking or camping as well? Consider these questions when choosing a tent, whether it is solely for one activity or something more versatile. For instance, if you’re planning on using it often for car camping rather than backpacking, you may be willing to get a heavier tent that offers a larger sleeping space.

UK-Specific Considerations

Backpacking in the UK comes with its own quirks, so here are a few things worth thinking about before you pick a tent:

Rain is a given - Even in summer, showers are common across the UK, so water resistance is a must. Look for tents with a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of at least 3,000mm for the flysheet and around 5,000mm for the groundsheet if you want to stay dry during those inevitable downpours. Good seam sealing and a strong bathtub floor make a real difference in soggy conditions.

Wind resistance matters - Whether it’s the Scottish Highlands or coastal Wales, gusts can be strong. A tent with a solid pole structure (cross-pole or geodesic design) and strong guy lines will hold up much better than a budget pop-up. Lightweight is great, but not at the expense of stability when the wind whips up on an exposed ridge.

Condensation is a real issue - Cool nights and damp air mean condensation build-up inside tents is common. Double-wall tents with good ventilation (mesh panels, adjustable vents) really help here. It’s worth grabbing something with good ventilation over shaving a few grams off your pack weight.

Pitching on wet or uneven ground - UK wild camping spots often mean boggy patches, rocky soil, or lumpy grass, so a smaller footprint tent is often easier to pitch in awkward spaces.

Wild camping laws and access - In Scotland, wild camping is broadly allowed if you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. In England and Wales, it’s a different story, as wild camping is only legal in a few areas (like Dartmoor’s designated spots) and elsewhere you need landowner permission.

Storage and packability - Since UK backpacking often involves trains, buses, or smaller cars to get to trailheads, pack size matters just as much as weight. A tent that packs down small enough to fit inside your rucksack, rather than strapping it awkwardly on the outside, makes travel a lot smoother.

Local warranty and support - UK retailers like Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, or Ellis Brigham often stock major tent brands and can help with warranty claims or spare parts. This can save a lot of hassle compared to dealing with overseas-only support.

Safety Checklist

Check weather and flood warnings - The UK can throw all sorts at you in a day. Always check the Met Office for up-to-date weather warnings and Environment Agency for flood alerts before heading out. A sudden storm or heavy rain can turn a nice valley walk into a risky situation.

Plan your route and check local advisories - Footpaths and trails in the UK sometimes close due to erosion, wildlife protection, or local hazards. Sites like National Trails and Scottish Outdoor Access Code are great for checking any trail restrictions or updates.

Tell someone where you’re going - Whether it’s a quick overnight in the Lakes or a week on the West Highland Way, let a friend or family member know your route and when you expect to be back. It’s simple, but it can make all the difference if the weather turns or you get delayed.

Ratings By Category

Method

We selected the top backpacking tents in each category after evaluating the tents currently on the market and each tent instantly earned 50 points just for being chosen. In order to rank them out of 10 in the following categories — Comfort, Construction, Features, Size/Weight and Versatility — we conducted field tests and in-person evaluations.

Rankings are modified or weighted according to their significance and degree of variation, for example, certain categories will be rated from 1 to 10, while others will be rated from 4 to 9, etc. However, there are occasionally outliers. We have done our best to accurately depict how each tent ranks overall and why.

Here, we strive to give you all the information you need to find the best backpacking tent in the UK. At The Equipment Guide, we believe that thorough reviews of backpacking tents should provide you all the information you need to choose one.

Overall Ratings

Afterword

We hope our reviews have helped you pick from the best lightweight backpacking tents in the UK!

The main takeaway is that there is a tent fit for every purpose and budget. You’ll certainly find one among our reviews. If you have any feedback or product suggestions, feel free to drop us a note.

If you happen to buy one of the tents we’ve recommended, do share some pics with us - we’d love to see you in action!