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The Ultimate Tent Buying Guide - Which Tent Should You Choose?

Is this your first time camping or has your old camping tent just seen better days?

With so many options out there, buying a new tent can seem confusing – so check out this tent buying guide for the UK and worldwide for top tent advice and information on the best camping equipment out there.

Choosing the right tent

Coming in different shapes, designs and colours, from novelty tents to a standard dome tent they are not only proving to be an essential item for camping these days, they are also showing signs of becoming a fashion accessory. There are pink ones for the girls, blue ones for the boys and many that have famous cartoon characters on for the kiddies - so in terms of variety, there is so much choice. Have a read of this tent buying guide and then browse our helpful page on comparing family tents to view the good value ones on the market today with a useful one-stop price comparison page.

Aside from the fun aspect of appearance however, tents also come in a variety of sizes and types and are made from different materials so that regardless of what it is you require them for, there is one to suit your every need.

Whatever type of tent you opt for however, make sure you have remembered several factors that will help you get the best tent for your requirements. For instance, make sure that the tent is the right size and gives you enough space to move around.

Also ensure that the material of your tent is designed with strength and durability in mind - there are many types of tent materials however, so the choice has to be based purely on what the tent is to be used for, and when.

For instance, Polyester withstands extended exposure to the sun, Nylon is lighter weight and Canvas is durable but ultimately heavy, so depending on where you're going and how long for, be sure to take the time out to purchase the tent that best suits your circumstances.

Different Types of Tents

Pop up tents

Do you want practical outdoor fun without the fuss? Then camping pop up tents are for you. It is as simple as it sounds, take it out of its bag, place it on the ground and watch it spring up in front of you. Available in a range of colours, sizes and styles, they are sturdy models with the reliability of the traditional tent style.
We would recommend these for camping weekends away and festivals.

Novelty tents

From the bell tent to the VW camper van tent, to kids play tents and other funky styles - there really is something for everyone here. The VW camper tent is actually one of our favourites, simply because it is officially licensed by Volkswagen, so you cannot get closer to the real thing than this. You can get it in VW camping tent bundle too.

If you are looking for a funky addition to your garden for the kids, or something that stands out on the camp site or in a festival field, then novelty tents are the option for you.

Festival tents

We have a huge variety of tents for festivals - from the pop up festival tent, to cheap festival tents and funky festival tents too, so you are bound to find one here.

All of the options are durable, lightweight, quick to erect and bright enough to stand out in the middle of a busy festival field. We do 2 man and 4 man festival tents as well as a variety of other sizes too. Check out our festival bundle for even more camping gear at a bargain price.

Blow up tents

The inflatable camping tent will have you set up in the site within just minutes of arriving on the scene. Unpack the tent, get the pegs in place and then let the pump do the rest of the work, it really is that easy. Essentially, blow up tents are ideal for people who want an easy start and a touch of luxury in their camping experience.

Complete with pump, repair kit and great new features including darkened bedrooms for a better nights sleep, this tent has all the durable properties of the original tent too.

Family tents

We pride ourselves on listing the best family tents on the market here because we focus on quality. That is why we list Outwell, an experienced manufacturer who has been producing quality camping gear and winning awards for years.
Your family camping tent needs to be durable investment, spacious and great value for money - that is what Outwell tents provide. Visit this section for quick pitch family tents with darkened bedrooms and zipped dividers too so you can get the kids off for an early night, ready for another day of adventuring.

Tent packages

Building up a great hoard of camping essentials can get expensive, so it’s a great idea to take advantage of bundle offers. That’s why we offer festival tents and novelty VW camper van tents in great tent bundle deals, so you get the most for your money.

As you can see, there are several different types of tents, that makes it important to first have a look at this guide to buying tents before deciding. 

Who are the Big Name Tent brands?

Outwell Tents

Outwell for the last twenty years have lead the way in the family tent market. Producing  high quality premium tents that have gone through rigorous testing to provide owners with a true investment.

Easy Camp Tents

Easy Camp make quality tents with great value. Their products are always funky with bright colours and cool designs catering for all ages.

Robens Tents

If you want a tent with great dynamic features and to last a long time Robens is the brand to look at. With innovative designing and quality manufacturing Robens is hard to beat.

Choosing the Correct Tent Equipment

When choosing the tent of your dreams, you need to consider the following factors.

Tent Size

Is this your first time camping? Our camping tent size chart guide goes as follows, happy with a cosy night in the tent? Get the 2 man tent for 2 of you. Want a little more space to star fish? Get a 3 man tent for 2 of you. Simple!

Tent Frame

Your tent frame really depends on which of the above styles you choose. Want a curved frame? Choose the pop up tent style. After a festival tipi tent frame? Check out our festival tents section.

Fairly new on the market now are the tents that have air pole frames which offer flexibility in packing up very nicely in a compact way and inflation / deflation is where they really do come into their own. Generally speaking at the moment, this being a newer concept, these style of tent structures ted to be for the higher end family tent market.

Whatever you choose make sure all the right tent frame joints and accessories are included before you head off on your adventure.

Expected Camping Conditions

Looking for a tent for windy conditions? Or maybe you’re just after the best winter tents you can find. Check out the item descriptions for whether your chosen style is a 2 season tent or 3 season tent, to establish what you really need.

Tent accessories

• Camping gear
• Camping equipment
• Camping supplies
• Wall tent accessories
• Tent stakes
• Tent parts
• Tent set

We’ve said it once but we’ll say it again, make sure you have all the right camping equipment and tent parts before you set off. We’re talking about extra tent pegs, the best tent stakes and even replacement tent poles. You never know when you might need them.

When it comes to camping supplies, always make sure you have enough to guarantee a stress-free outdoor break! That’s it – you’re ready to go. Happy camping!

This was our Tent Buying Guide so that you can Find the Best Tent for Your Needs!