The best tents for 2024 (2024)

Our list of tents, chosen by our camping and outdoors experts, is a diverse collection that reflects people’s various motivations for camping. Among some tried-and-tested picks, we have one, two and three-person tents - these fall into the remit of hikers, wild campers and backpackers.

The best tents for camping in 2023 at a glance:

• Best two-person tent: Berghaus Cheviot 2 - View on Blacks
• Best family tent: Vango Osiris 500 - View on Amazon
• Best festival tent: Coleman Darwin 2 - View on Amazon
• Best backpacking tent: Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 2P - View on Wildbounds

Moving on from these adventure-focused tents, we have more significant options suitable for family camping and traditional campsite holidays - we’re talking four, five and six people. These give you a lot more headroom and space to operate comfortably.

About our expertise

At What’s The Best, we’re big on getting outdoors. Among our team, we have pretty much every outdoor activity covered, from wild camping and hill walking, to kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing and mountain biking. Our team’s pursuit of adventure means that, yes, we spend a lot of our time in tents.

By combining our collective knowledge, experience and hands-on testing, we’ve made our choice of the best tents. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them feature in our own personal collections. That's because if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.

The best tents for camping in 2023

Whether you are new to tents and camping and looking for a buyer’s guide, or a experienced at pitching a tent for wild camping, you must take a moment to consider what you need from a tent before purchasing. Here’s what you should be thinking about before heading into our list of the best tents:

Tent capacity: How many people do you want the tent to accommodate? A tent’s capacity is measured in people - one-person, two-person, three-person and so on - and represents the maximum sleeping space. If you want a little more space, it’s always a good idea to pick a tent that one over your sleeping needs, unless you are backpacking or wild camping, in which case compactness and lightness take priority.

Seasonality: Most tents are three-season for use during spring, summer and autumn - when most people camp. However, for winter camping, there are four-season tents available. Four-season tents are very sturdy and intense weather - they also are considered specialist equipment and have a high price tag.

Waterproofing: Waterproofing is crucial to keep you dry during rain showers or wet conditions. Look for tents with a high waterproof rating for better protection - how robust a tent’s waterproofing is is measured as a hydrostatic head, or HH.

1,500mm is a basic level of water resistance, while 3,000mm is suitable for heavy rains. Some tents reach an impressive 10,000mm water resistance. You can read more about HH ratings below.

Features like a bathtub-style floor, taped seams, and a rainfly extending over the tent can enhance waterproofing.

Durability: Durability refers to how tough a tent’s materials are. Look for robust fabrics with ripstop features that prevent tears from opening up and good abrasion resistance to defend against friction on rocks and wood.

Weight and size: We’re talking here about the weight and size of a tent when packed. If you’re wild camping and backpacking, getting a compact, lightweight tent - under 2kg - is a must. If you’re travelling to your camp by car, you can afford to get a heavier, larger tent.

Weight and size will also dictate how you carry and store a tent - for example, if you want a six-person tent, do you have room for a massive 40kg bag in your home?

Additional features: We also recommend thinking about ventilation to prevent condensation, how easy a tent is to pitch, whether there are vestibules, porches and pockets, how many doors and, of course, budget.

Tent HH explained

HH stands for “Hydrostatic Head”. It’s a measurement used to determine the waterproofing capability of fabric, including tent materials. It represents the amount of water pressure the fabric can withstand before water penetrates it. The higher the HH rating, the more water-resistant the fabric is. It's something you will need to pay close attention to when looking through our list of the best tents.

The HH rating is typically measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the height of a column of water that the fabric can support before it leaks. For example, a tent with a HH rating of 2,000mm means that the material can withstand a 2,000mm (or 2-metre) column of water without leaking.

• 800mm to 1,500mm: Basic water resistance. Suitable for light rain and mild weather conditions. It may not be sufficient for heavy or prolonged rainfall.

• 1,500mm to 2,500mm: Good water resistance. Provides reliable protection against moderate rain showers and average weather conditions.

• 2,500mm to 4,000mm: Excellent water resistance. Suitable for heavy rain and more challenging weather conditions. It offers increased protection and reliability.

• 4,000mm and above Excellent water resistance. Ideal for extreme weather conditions, including heavy downpours and prolonged rainfall. Provides a high level of protection against water penetration.

It’s important to note that the HH rating is not the only factor determining a tent’s waterproofing capability. Other factors, such as material treatments, seam sealing, quality of zippers, and design features, also contribute to the overall water resistance of a tent.

When choosing a tent, consider the typical weather conditions you may encounter during your camping trips. A higher HH rating is generally recommended for wild camping or camping in areas prone to heavy rainfall. However, remember that higher HH ratings may also result in slightly heavier tent fabrics.

To ensure you are using the HH rating entirely, you must set up your tent to maximise its waterproofing performance properly.

A buyer's huide to tents: Your questions answered

What is a vestibule in a tent?

A vestibule is an enclosed area typically located outside the main sleeping area. It provides extra space for storing gear, muddy boots, or cooking in poor weather, keeping the main tent clean and organised. It’s sometimes called a porch.

The vestibule is likely to be snug in one-person and two-person tents. However, larger family tent vestibules are much more considerable in size.

How important is ventilation in a tent?

Ventilation is crucial to reduce condensation inside the tent. Condensation from our breathing is often why the inside of a tent feels damp after a night’s sleep, rather than rain leaking in. Ensuring air is free to move in and out of the tent is essential for condensation to a minimum.

Look for tents with mesh panels, vents, or windows that allow airflow while keeping insects out. Tents often have a small velcro-tipped pole or support to help the flap above vents stay open while protecting them from rain.

Are there tents suitable for different seasons?

Four-season tents withstand extreme weather conditions, including snow and strong winds. Three-season tents are suitable for spring, summer, and fall but may not handle heavy snow loads.

What are the advantages of a freestanding tent?

Freestanding tents are self-supporting, meaning they don’t require pegging or guyline tension to stand up. They offer greater flexibility in choosing the camping location, making setup and takedown faster. They are a good choice for wild campers.

Can tents be repaired if they get damaged?

Many tents come with repair kits, and minor issues like small tears or broken poles can often be fixed. Learning basic repair techniques or consulting professionals for major repairs is a good idea.

How should I care for my tent?

Proper care includes:

• Storing it clean and dry.
• Avoiding direct sunlight when possible.
• Regularly inspecting for any signs of damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Can I use a tent in extreme weather conditions?

While tents can withstand various conditions, choosing the appropriate tent for the weather you expect is essential. Proper pegs and guylines and reinforcing the tent can improve stability in harsh conditions.

William Lobley is a Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in technology and outdoors.

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