When you plan to explore the wilderness and sleep under the stars, picking the right wild camping tent is key. From my own adventures, I’ve learned that keeping your tent compact and easily packed away saves so much space in your rucksack for other essentials like your camping kit. The key features to look for include low weight, solid weather protection, and enough size to fit you comfortably. A good tent acts as your shelter against tough outdoors conditions, whether you’re setting up your camp in the mountains, beside a secluded lake, or hidden deep in the forest. Always check for a compression bag to help share the load, especially if you’re hiking with friends.
Personally, I never head out without a checklist to prepare for my next adventure. A good wild camping tent should be lightweight and durable — ideally, around 2kg for a one-person tent or two-person tent, and about 3kg for a three-person tent. Look for weatherproof materials because staying safe, dry, and comfortable makes every trip more exhilarating. There are plenty of options, whether you want the best performance, budget-friendly deals, or just a simple 2-man tent. Choosing the right gear lets you fully enjoy the freedom and adventure that wild camping brings.
When choosing the best wild camping tents for 2025, it’s important to consider the shapes, features, and weather protection that suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for backpacking tents or a wild camping tent, there are plenty of tried and tested options available. This guide will walk you through the best choices for all types of adventurers, ensuring that you pick the perfect tent to keep you safe and comfortable in the wild. Keep in mind that different tents offer varying levels of protection and performance, so choose wisely based on your planned trips and conditions. With these recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared for your wild camping adventures in 2025.
MSR Tindheim 2
The Tindheim 2 is one of the best tents for wild camping, combining low weight, compact packed size, and three-season weather resistance. This tunnel tent offers a generous sleeping area and porch space, providing ample space to store your gear and even shelter inside if the weather turns foul. The pitching is straightforward with options for all-in-one or outer-first, both ensuring the inner stays dry. It’s a great choice for those looking for a wild camping tent that suits a pair for year-round use, whether you’re going on short or longer trips. The MSR Tindheim 2 was awarded Gear of the Year in 2024 due to its great balance of comfort, durability, and space.
Pros:
- Good stability
- Large living space
- Ideal for longer trips
- Outer-first and all-in-one pitching
- Stable
Cons:
- Not the lightest or most compact option
Vango Apex Compact 200
The Vango Apex Compact 200 tent is a great option for those new to wild camping. It offers exceptional value with the right ingredients needed for a solid camping experience. Although it’s not premium, the two-person 200 version is compact and easy to pack away. The single hooped pole design ensures it’s stable when pitched, and the groundsheet and flysheet come with high waterproof ratings of 3000mm and 6000mm HH, respectively, making it reliable in wet conditions. While the sleeping space is comfy enough for two, we recommend opting for the 300 version if you want a bit more comfortable space. It is a proven design that is both affordable and practical.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Proven design
- Stable structure
- Vango sells spares and offers a repair service
Cons:
- Not the roomiest
- Heavier than premium rivals
- Lower quality than more expensive rivals
Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Plus
The Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Plus is a standout in wild camping tents due to its lightweight package and superb liveability. With the unique cross pole design at the top, it creates more head space and shoulder space, making it perfect for those who need extra room. The apex design also enhances the porch space, giving you plenty of room for your gear. While it may not be the most stable in high winds, the ‘Plus’ version adds weatherproofing features, such as a solid fabric inner and a tougher fabric groundsheet. The waterproof rating is also improved, making it a great option for longer treks in various weather conditions.
Pros:
- Superb liveability
- Good headroom
- Spacious interior
- Clever design
- Impressive features
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not the best in high winds
- Hydrostatic head waterproofing rating could be better
- Materials are very thin
Wild Country Helm Compact 1
The Wild Country Helm Compact 1 is an excellent choice for backpackers in places like the UK, where the weather can change unexpectedly. It’s a 3-season tent that offers great weather protection and value. We’ve personally tested it and found it to be one of the best options for wild camping. The Helm Compact 1 has a freestanding dome shape, which gives it good stability, though it’s not as spacious as some rivals. The materials and components are top notch, including the polyester fly and groundsheets that boast 4000mm and 5000mm HH waterproof ratings. These high ratings ensure it can handle tough conditions, as we saw firsthand during a winter trek in Wales.
Pros:
- Freestanding design
- Tough, durable construction
- Good value
Cons:
- Not the lightest option
Near Zero Dynalite 2-Person Backpacking Tent
The Near Zero Dynalite 2-Person Backpacking Tent is a lightweight option from the Arizona-based company, offering excellent gear at great prices. Ideal for summer backpacking, this tent is designed with a mesh inner material, which provides superb ventilation. The light coloured flysheet helps keep the tent cool and prevents it from getting too hot. You can even use it without the flysheet for some peaceful stargazing on clear nights. The pitching is straightforward, and the tent is freestanding, making it convenient for quick setups. Inside, the two-person model offers ample space for a pair and their gear. While the weather can sometimes turn foul, the tent is built to cope, with floor waterproof ratings of 3000mm HH and decent flysheet coverage.
Pros:
- Good value
- Lightweight and compact
- Two porches
Cons:
Not the most weather resistant
OLPRO Solo 1 Berth Tent
The OLPRO Solo 1 Berth Tent is a great option for price-conscious backpackers. It provides excellent value for money, performing admirably during our test at an unbeatable price. The tent offers full flysheet coverage and a stable shape, ensuring you’re well protected from the elements. While the sleeping area is spacious enough for a 6ft adult, the vestibule is small and can struggle with larger rucksacks. Setting up the tent is simple with options for all-in-one or outer first pitching. Plus, the eco credentials are impressive, as it uses a fully recycled main material, and OLPRO is a certified B Corp.
Pros:
- Best value solo tent on the market
- Pitches outer first or all-in-one
- Good weatherproofing
- Reasonably sustainable
Cons:
- Isn’t as lightweight or compact as some more premium rivals
NEMO Dagger OSMO 3P
The NEMO Dagger OSMO 3P tent is a great choice for wild camping, offering a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. It uses the brand’s OSMO fabric, a mix of recycled polyester and nylon, which combines the wet conditions resistance of polyester and the lightness and strength of nylon. This PFC/PFAS-free fabric ensures a more eco-friendly option without compromising on performance. The tent features cleverly shaped vestibules, doors, and a clip-on storage tub for added internal space and easy storage. Inside, the cross beam at the ceiling boosts internal space, making it comfortable for a three-person group. While the flysheet has cutouts for ventilation and weight reduction, it might not provide the best fly coverage, especially in blown rain.
Pros:
- Excellent internal space and storage
- Landing Zone gear mat
- PFC-free and recycled materials
Cons:
- Plastic fly clips aren’t very durable
- Not the best fly coverage
What to Look for in a Wild Camping Tent?
When choosing a wild camping tent, the size and balance between compactness and liveability are key factors. If you’re a solo hiker going on multiday hikes, you’ll need a one-person wild camping tent that’s lightweight, easy to pack down, and suitable for carrying in your bag. For wild camps lasting a night or two, consider a tent that weighs very little and has a compact design. However, if you’re going on longer treks with a pair, a two-person tent might be better, or a three-person tent if you need a little extra space. The NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 and NEMO Dagger OSMO 3 are good examples, with just a 240g weight difference between them, offering a balance between weight and packed size.
Another important feature to consider is weather resistance, especially in areas like the UK where the weather can change quickly. Look for a tent with a good hydrostatic head rating, such as the OLPRO Beckford 2 Berth Tent with a 5000mm waterproof rating, which provides excellent waterproof protection for all-season camping. Depending on your trip, you may also need a quick setup tent. The OLPRO Stafford 2.0 Tent is designed for quick pitching, which is essential when setting up in bad weather or fading daylight. Also, check the tent’s frame and design. If you’re interested in stealth camping, the OLPRO Hawford 2-Person Tent is a great option with its discreet design and strong frame, blending well with the natural surroundings.
Lastly, think about durability and compactness. If you’re looking for a budget option, the OLPRO Solo Tent at just 1.8kg is a good choice for solo adventurers. Keep in mind that your tent needs to be durable enough to handle different conditions while staying lightweight for remote locations. Whether you’re on a solo adventure or hiking with a pair, selecting a tent with the right weather resistance, liveability, and weight balance is essential for a successful trip.
How to Clean a Wild Camping Tent?
Cleaning your wild camping tent is important because it keeps the fabrics in the best condition and helps maintain their waterproofing. The right cleaning products also protect the tent fabrics from UV damage, which can degrade them over time. The easiest way to clean your tent is by setting it up at home. Once pitched, you can spot clean it with a cleaning solution to remove dirt, then apply a proofing solution to restore the waterproofing. For more detailed steps, you can refer to our full guide on how to clean a tent.
If you notice any damage, it’s best to get repairs done as soon as possible. You can often buy spares from the brand, which may also offer a repair service. Sometimes, you’ll need to go through the retailer you bought it from to handle repairs. Alternatively, there are specialists like Lanchashire Sports Repairs that can help fix your tent and keep it in top condition.
FAQs: Wild Camping Tents
How Lightweight Does a Wild Camping Tent Need to Be?
The weight limit for a wild camping tent largely depends on the type of tent and the conditions you’ll be facing. For summer backpacking, a solo tent should ideally be under 1kg to keep your pack weight light and easy to carry. If you’re considering a three-person tent, you can expect it to be slightly heavier, around 3-3.5kg, but it will offer more weatherproof protection and space. Each model has its own balance between weight and comfort, so pick one that best suits your trip’s length and conditions.
What’s the Best Tent Shape/Type for Wild Camping?
When choosing a wild camping tent, there are a few categories to consider: freestanding, semi-freestanding, and tunnel tents. Freestanding tents like dome and geodesic models are ideal for tough weather because they stand without the need for guy lines. These tents are stable and wind resistant, but can be a bit heavier. If you want something lighter with better internal space, a semi-freestanding model might be your best option. They use a hubbed pole and crossing poles, offering more space than freestanding tents, but they aren’t as stable in wind. For those looking for excellent internal space, tunnel tents are a great choice as they are lightweight, weatherproof, and popular among campers. However, they do require guy lines to pitch, which means you’ll need a larger campsite.
How Weatherproof Does a Wild Camping Tent Need to Be?
When choosing a wild camping tent, it’s important to consider how well it can handle the conditions you’ll be facing. If you’re camping in bone dry, balmy weather, weatherproofing may not be a key issue, and you could even go out with just a tent inner for stargazing. However, for those who often camp in all weather conditions or frequent mountain ranges, a tent needs to be well-prepared to withstand wind and rain. A good weatherproof tent will keep you safe and dry, even in the most unpredictable conditions.
How do I know which size wild camping tent to choose?
A: The size of your wild camping tent depends on your needs. If you’re a solo hiker and prefer to travel light, a one-person tent is ideal as it’s compact and lightweight. For longer treks or if you’re sharing with a friend, a two-person tent might offer the right space. Consider a three-person tent if you want a little extra room or for added comfort. Make sure the tent you choose fits your gear and offers the necessary weatherproofing for your trip.
Conclusion: Wild Camping Tents
Choosing the right wild camping tent is essential for an enjoyable and comfortable outdoor experience. Whether you need a lightweight option for a solo adventure or a spacious tent for a group trip, there’s a variety of tents to suit every trek and weather condition. From freestanding tents for tough conditions to tunnel tents offering excellent internal space, make sure to select one that balances weight, weatherproofing, and liveability. Remember, the best tent for you will depend on the conditions you plan to camp in, so choose wisely for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
