Camping tents: a complete guide
If you're considering buying a camping tent, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned camper, making the right choice is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the various types of tents, their designs, and factors to consider when making your selection.
Page contents
- What are the different types of tents?
- Tent designs
- Poled tent or inflatable tent?
- What to look for when buying a tent
- Final thoughts
- About our magazines
Words by Iain Duff
What are the different types of tents?
Watch our "Tent Styles" video guide
Watch our video to make sure the next style of tent you buy is the perfect match for you to make your camping experience the best it can be.
Family tents
Family tents are ideal for extended trips with larger groups. They come in inflatable or poled versions, accommodating four to ten people. Most have separate living and sleeping areas with sufficient headroom, providing comfort for longer vacations. Some even feature front porch areas for added utility.
Weekend tents
Also known as touring tents, weekend tents are perfect for short breaks. They are quick to pitch, designed for couples or small groups, and offer ease of transportation due to their compact size. Consider the headroom when choosing, as taller designs provide convenience.
Adventure tents
For adventure enthusiasts, technical tents designed for trekking, backpacking, and similar activities are the way to go. Lightweight and quick to pitch, they accommodate one to four people and use specialised materials for portability.
Trailer tents
Trailer tents are towed behind your vehicle, offering convenient mobility and set-up.
Roof tents
Roof tents mount on your car's roof, making them suitable for on-the-go campers who value simplicity and speed.
Tent designs

(Photo by Iain Duff)
Tunnel tents
Tunnel tents are popular for families. They provide spacious living and sleeping areas with almost upright side walls. Extended porch sections can be used for various purposes, such as cooking or storage.
Vis a vis tents
These tents have two inner bedrooms facing each other, separated by a central living section. They offer privacy and flexibility, allowing for increased living space by removing one inner tent.
Dome tents
Dome tents use flexible poles to create free-standing structures with reasonable headroom. They are stable in smaller sizes but less so as they get taller. Some feature extended porch sections.
Pop-up tents
Quick to pitch by unleashing the frame from its bag, pop-up tents are perfect for festivals and small groups. Keep in mind that they can be challenging to pack back into their bags.
Pod tents
Pod-style tents offer personal space for everyone, making them suitable for family camping. However, their large footprint can lead to extra charges at campsites, and they may be challenging to set up.
Geodesic/semi-geodesic tents
These designs are favoured by mountaineers and expedition enthusiasts due to their exceptional stability. They use multiple poles to create a dome-type structure.
Ridge tents
Classic triangular tents with A-shaped poles and a ridge pole between them are called ridge tents. They are straightforward in design and set-up.
Tipi/bell tents
Tipis and bell tents are fast and simple to pitch, making them ideal for weekends away. They lack separate inner tents but work well for short trips.
Poled tent or inflatable tent?
Poled tents
Traditional poled tents come with two, three, or four poles, offering spacious living and sleeping areas. They are lighter and pack smaller than inflatable tents, but they take longer to set up.
Inflatable tents
Inflatable tents rely on air-filled chambers for support, allowing for rapid set-up, even with large models. However, they can be heavy and bulky, with higher costs.
What to look for when buying a tent

(Photo courtesy of Sierra Designs)
Size of tent
Consider the size that suits your needs. Larger tents provide more comfort but require more set-up time and storage space, and can incur extra charges at campsites. It's often better to choose a tent with a berth size larger than your actual group.
Groundsheet
Most modern tents have sewn-in, waterproof groundsheets to keep out insects, animals, and weather. Some have "bathtub" designs, and using a tent footprint can protect the groundsheet.
Flysheet materials
Traditional cotton tents are heavy and take time to dry. Most modern tents use man-made materials like nylon and polyester, which are lighter and more compact. Polycotton combines natural and synthetic fabric for better waterproofing and breathability, but it's more expensive.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is measured by the hydrostatic head rating, with higher values indicating better performance. Most tents have ratings over 1,500mm, making them waterproof. Consider seam sealing for added protection.
Cost
Tent prices vary. Budget-friendly options start at less than £100, while higher-quality models range from £300 to £800. Premium models, especially canvas or polycotton tents, can cost up to £2,000. Poled tents are generally more affordable than inflatable ones.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right camping tent is crucial for a memorable outdoor adventure. By understanding the various tent types, designs, and key factors like size, materials, and waterproofing, you can make an informed decision that suits your camping needs.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a weekend getaway, or an adventurous expedition, having the perfect tent ensures comfort and enjoyment in the great outdoors. Take your time, do your research, and find the ideal camping tent that becomes your home away from home.
Expert Camping advice!

Camping magazine has been the voice of campers for over 60 years!
Camping is the UK's only magazine devoted to the wonderful world of life under canvas and the freedom it brings. Every issue is packed with inspirational travel, the top camping sites to stay on, reviews of the latest tents, camping gear reviews, practical help and much more to help you get the most out of your camping adventures.
Want to know more about Camping magazine?
About Camping magazine
Recent Updates
How to pack away your camping gear for winter
A complete guide to packing and storing your gear at the end of the season ...
Camping guide to trailers
Trailer stash or trailer trash? Being able to carry lots of other gear when you go camping isn’t such a bad ...
Winter camping: all you need to know to keep warm
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of the camping season. With good preparation and the right gear, there’s ...
Camping toilets: a complete guide
If you are wild camping, camping off-grid or the campsite you book onto doesn’t have toilet facilities, you ...
Top tips for camping in windy weather
How to make sure your tent stands up to gusty conditions ...
Camping sleeping bags and beds: a complete guide
When it comes to camping, there's one essential item that can make or break your outdoor adventure: the ...
Camping gas: how to use gas on the campsite
A complete guide to using camping gas appliances safely on the campsite, from choosing the right stove to ...
Camping storage: a complete guide
Having problems knowing where to put all your gear when you're camping? Read our top tips and see some great ...
Camping electric hook-up: a complete guide
This is everything you need to know about using electricity on a campsite, including how to hook up ...
How to pack all your camping gear into your car
Planning a family camping holiday? Find out the best way to fit all the kit you need into your car boot, roof ...
Other Articles
Camping stoves and cookers: the complete guide
Camping stoves are an essential part of any outdoor adventure, allowing you to prepare meals and hot drinks when you are out and about. ...
How much does camping cost?
At a time when everyone’s budgets are being squeezed, camping holidays offer great value for money. Shop ...
Trailer tents and folding campers: the ultimate guide
Everything you need to know about buying and enjoying a trailer tent or a folding camper ...
Roof tent guide: all you need to know
Camping Editor, Iain Duff, has a comprehensive look at roof tents, with everything you need to know about the ...
18 essential items for camping with your dog
Camping is for the whole family – including our four-legged members. Here's what you'll need to keep your dog ...
14 welly boots for camping trips
It might be April but that won’t stop the rain in the UK, so a pair of comfortable welly boots is still ...
Vango tents: 2023 essential guide
See what Vango has to offer in 2023 ...
Camping with dogs
Camping is for the whole family – including the four-legged members. Follow our tips for trouble-free camping ...
Gear to get active this April
Give your wardrobe a spring refresh with this selection of outdoor clothing and activewear ...
Wisper electric bike review
We put the Wisper 806 Folding Electric Bike and Tailwind Trail to the test ...