Top 5 Best Backpacking Tents UK 2024
Lightweight. Waterproof. Comfortable. Easy setup.
Choosing the perfect backpacking tent requires in-depth research, but at the end of the day, it comes down to those four essentials. There’s nothing more disappointing than finishing a long day hauling a heavy tent along the track to find it takes ages to set up (and it's raining), your sleeping mats barely fit, and you wake up in the middle of the night to a wet sleeping bag (did I mention it's raining? And windy, as usual).
We’ve rounded up our favourite backpacking tents that have been trail-tested by both beginners and experienced hikers, and stood up to the toughest conditions.
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
#3: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Looking for a complete set of backpacking gear? Here's our list of the Best Sleeping Bags of 2024.
Backpacking Tents Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the backpacking tent reviews UK.
Score
7.6
Open Size
223 x 132/107 cm (L x W head/foot)
Weight
1.42kg
Price
$$
Hiking Tent Reviews
#5: Kelty Wireless 2 Tent
The Kelty Wireless 2 is a roomy two-person tent that’s quite comfortable and has some good features for the price. While it’s not a backpacking tent due to its weight, it offers durability and warmth in varied conditions, with its price being a great draw for many campers.
Summary
Open Size: 220 x 224 cm
Packed Size: 60 x 15 cm
Weight: 3.31kg
Approx Price: £159.95
Pros: It’s a comfortable tent that feels spacious inside and it’s also made with durable materials.
Cons: Heavy and due to the fly, it collects condensation quickly.
Verdict: It’s a great tent, giving reasonable comfort for two on multi-day trips, especially for the price.
#4: MSR Elixir 2
That’s right, there are two MSR tents on our list. The Elixir 2 provides a good liveable space, and has those little MSR touches that we love, like sizeable vestibules, internal storage pockets, and sturdy glow-in-the-dark zip-pulls. Better for warmer conditions, it still stands up to a hefty downpour and offers great wind resistance. It’s much heavier than others on our list, but it’s also much more reasonably priced, and given its durable, quality construction, offers very good value.
Summary
Open Size: 213 x 127 cm
Packed Size: 17 x 51 cm
Weight: 2.77 kg
Approx Price: £305
Where to get it:
Pros: Good living space, packs down nicely, great value for the quality.
Cons: MUCH heavier than we’d like in a backpacking tent - we’ve included it because of its quality.
Verdict: A fantastic, reasonably-priced tent to suit most UK conditions.
#3: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
An update to the Copper Spur HV UL series, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 introduces lighter materials with durable double rip-stop mixed denier nylon breathable and polyester mesh, and easy to set up hardware. It provides ample living space with its expandable awning-style vestibules. True to its name, Big Agnes has enough room and storage for standing, sleeping, and organising your gear.
Summary
Open Size: 223 x 132/107 cm (L x W head/foot)
Packed Size: 50 x 15 cm
Weight: 1.42kg
Approx Price: £424.99
Pros: Two doors and two vestibules for better access, large storage pockets, easy set-up and packdown.
Cons: Narrows quite a lot towards the feet, poles not included for the awnings.
Verdict: A well-constructed tent for the price with innovative awnings and accessible vestibules.
#2: Lightwave sigma S22
When I was a kid, single-skin tents sucked. You got wet every time without exception. Enter the miraculous Lightwave Sigma 22, which has an amazing waterproof treatment on the fabric that will successfully keep you dry. It's an incredibly strong single layer between you and the elements, with all the benefits that a single-skin tent can provide (reduced weight, easier setup, more floorspace).
Summary
Open Size: 230 x 130 cm
Packed Size: 45 x 18 cm
Weight: 1.6 kg
Approx Price: £699.99
Where to get it:
Pros: Waterproof, roomy and lightweight.
Cons: Have to thread the poles through the tent, and a little darker in the morning than we'd like.
Verdict: A lightweight, roomy, waterproof single-walled tent - who would have thought!
#1: MSR Access 2
The MSR Access 2 is a 4-season beauty with 29 square feet of interior space and roomy vestibules. It stands up to the cold, but unlike many 4-season rivals it's breathable enough to be used in most conditions other than the very warmest. The lightweight fabric and double wall design does a great job at handling condesation, making this our top hiking choice.
Summary
Open Size: 213 x 127 cm
Packed Size: 46 x 15 cm
Weight: 1.84 kg
Approx Price: £624.75
Where to get it:
Pros: Roomy vestibules, great water resistance, good weight for a 4-season tent.
Cons: Could pack down smaller.
Verdict: A really versatile option for a four season tent.
Backpacking Tent FAQs
What time of the year is best to buy a tent?
Generally, the best time to buy a tent is during off-season sales, typically in late autumn or early winter. You might also want to look before the start of the camping or hiking season, when demand and prices might rise for any sales that pop up in stores or online. If you’re looking for the best budget backpacking tent, why not check out our review of the MSR Elixir 2?
What is the difference between a camping tent and a trekking tent?
Camping tents are typically heavier and larger, designed for car camping where weight and size are not as important. Trekking tents, also known as backpacking or hiking tents, are lightweight and compact, suitable for long-distance hiking and backpacking trips.
What is the best 2 person tent for high winds?
Tents designed for high winds often feature sturdy pole structures, low profiles and strong materials. From our list of the best hiking tents, the MSR Access 2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 are great in windy conditions.
Do you need to waterproof a tent every year?
We’d recommend and maintaining the waterproofing of your tent regularly, especially before the start of the camping season. How often you need to reapply waterproofing treatments depends on factors like the frequency of use, how you store the tent and the quality of the tent's original waterproof coating. Your tent’s manufacturer should be able to provide the best guide as to how often you should waterproof your tent.
How can you tell if a tent is good quality?
Look for features such as durable materials, reinforced seams, quality zippers, waterproof coatings and sturdy poles. Positive reviews from reliable sources and reputable brands known for producing high-quality outdoor gear are also indicators of a good tent.
What to look for when buying a tent for hiking?
Consider factors like weight, size, durability, weather resistance, ease of setup, ventilation and price. Look for lightweight materials, compact packing size, sturdy construction and features suitable for the terrain and climate you'll be in while hiking and when sleeping. This depends on what you’re looking for, though, such as if you’re after the best ultralight backpacking tent 2 person, we’d recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
How do you sleep in a tent when it’s windy?
To sleep comfortably in windy conditions, pitch your tent in a sheltered area if possible. Stake down the tent securely with strong pegs, most likely not the ones the tent came with, and use guy lines to reinforce it. Position the tent so the narrowest side faces the wind to minimise resistance and reduce the chances of the tent collapsing.
What tent is best for heavy rain?
Tents with waterproof materials, sealed seams and a bathtub-style floor are best suited for heavy rain. Our top tent, the MSR Access 2, is a versatile four-season tent that has great water resistance. The Lightwave Sigma S22 is also waterproof, so it might be one you want to look into, too.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.