Out & About Live Camping Tent Awards 2026
Tent of the Year
Our editors test and review as many new tents as possible, which makes them perfectly placed to judge which models are worthy of extra attention – and this award for Tent of the Year is given to the tent that stands head and shoulders above its rivals.
Best Family Tent
To stand out in this class, a tent must be spacious enough for a family to enjoy long holidays but we also expect a high standard of comfort, practical features and design innovation to lift it above the average.
See our Camping Gear Awards 2026 winners
The Out & About Live Camping Gear Awards take all gear and accessories launched during the new season into consideration. Each decision is made using a thorough examination process by editors with decades of experience. Discover the best of the other awards here!
Best Large Family Tent
If you really want to spread out on the campsite then it might be time to go large with an XL tent. These are perfect for longer holidays or for those with a few children, where space is at a premium even if the sun's out!
Best Small Family Tent
For smaller families, massive tents aren’t essential, even for longer camping holidays. But you still want to have enough space and features to relax and enjoy your trips in comfort. Our winning tent gets the balance right.
Best Value Family Tent
Good value in a tent is not just about the lowest price. The best value tents are those that give you the most bang for your buck, and our winner in this category certainly does that.
Best Weekend/Touring Tent
Quick and easy to pitch, weekend and touring tents are designed for campers – often couples or solo travellers – who want to get set up as fast as possible and get on with enjoying their time on the campsite.
Best Camping Innovation
With plenty of competition out there, camping brands have to work hard to stand out from the crowd, which results in some truly unique bits of gear. Here, we highlight the best that we've tested!
Best Glamping Tent
Glamping tents come in sumptuous materials and striking designs, and are packed with features that turn camping into an unforgettable experience – whether you’re on the campsite, at a festival or even in the back garden.
Best Festival Tent
Festival tents – like festivals themselves – come in all different styles. In general, though, you're looking for something that's easy to pitch and reliable in poor weather, offering good value for money.
Best Lightweight Tent
For backpacking and cycle camping trips, the size of your tent is vital. You will want to keep the weight down as much as possible, without compromising on comfort during your overnight adventures in the great outdoors.
Best Value Lightweight Tent
Lightweight and technical tents have specialist features but they don't have to cost a fortune. Wilderness adventures can be done on a budget, and the tents in this category are firmly in the affordable bracket.
Best Roof Tent
A roof tent attaches to your car roof and gives you the freedom to pitch up anywhere you want. Find a spot you love, park up and your tent can be ready to go in under a minute.
Best Trailer Tent/Folding Camper
Fancy sleeping under the stars but want a little more comfort? A trailer tent or folding camper is the obvious choice, offering the freedom of a tent combined with the luxury of a caravan – they are the best of both worlds.
Campsite of the Year
While our expert judges decide the winners for most categories, the decision on Campsite of the Year is settled by a public vote, giving you to chance to support your favourite campsite and its owners!
Camping Lightweight Gear Awards
Heading for a walk on the hills or camping in the wilderness is a great way to get in touch with nature. But you need specialist gear to say safe and warm. For backpacking and lightweight camping trips, you’ll need to keep weight down as much as possible, without compromising on comfort.
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