A tent that fails in wind or rain is not a small inconvenience — it ends the trip. Most buying mistakes come from shopping by the number of people it sleeps rather than by the conditions it will meet. This guide covers what the specs actually mean and what to check before you commit.
How do I choose a tent size?
Ignore the headline number. A “two-person” tent means two people lying shoulder to shoulder with no room for bags, boots or movement. In practice, most people are comfortable in a tent rated for one more person than will sleep in it. If you camp with a partner and want space for gear, buy a three-person tent for two people.
What does the hydrostatic head rating mean?
It measures how much water pressure the fabric resists before it leaks, in millimetres. Roughly: 1,000 mm handles light rain, 2,000 mm handles steady rain, and 3,000 mm and above is for sustained heavy weather. The floor usually needs a higher rating than the fly, because it sits in water rather than under it. A high rating on the fly and a thin floor is a common false economy.
What is the difference between 3-season and 4-season tents?
A 3-season tent is built for spring through autumn: mesh panels for ventilation, a lighter structure, and enough weather protection for rain. A 4-season tent has less mesh, a stronger frame and a shape that sheds snow and resists wind. A 4-season tent is heavier and less ventilated, which makes it a poor choice in summer. Buy for the conditions you will actually meet.
What does “double-wall” mean and does it matter?
A double-wall tent has an inner tent and a separate waterproof flysheet. The air space between the two layers keeps condensation away from you and insulates slightly. A single-wall tent is lighter and faster to pitch but manages condensation less well, which matters in cold or humid conditions. Double-wall is the safer choice for most people; single-wall is for those counting every gram.
How much should a tent weigh?
It depends entirely on how far you carry it. If you are driving to a campsite, weight matters little and a sturdier, roomier tent is the better buy. If you are walking in, every kilogram counts, and the packed weight — not just the tent weight — is the number you want. Check whether the stated weight includes pegs, poles and the bag.
| Spec | What it tells you | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeps X people | Absolute maximum, no gear | Buy for one more person than you are |
| Hydrostatic head | Water resistance in mm | Check the floor separately from the fly |
| Season rating | Conditions it is built for | 4-season is heavy and hot in summer |
| Packed weight | What you actually carry | Confirm poles and pegs are included |
| Double or single wall | Condensation control | Single-wall is lighter but wetter |
What should I check about the poles and frame?
Aluminium poles flex and recover; fibreglass poles are cheaper but snap under load. For anything beyond fair weather, aluminium is worth the difference. Check how many poles and crossings the frame uses — more crossings mean better wind resistance but a heavier, slower pitch. Also check whether a repair sleeve is supplied, because a broken pole mid-trip is a common failure.
Does a footprint matter?
A footprint is a groundsheet cut to the tent’s shape, pitched underneath. It protects the tent floor from abrasion and from water coming up from the ground, and it is far cheaper to replace than the tent. If you camp on rough or wet ground regularly, it is worth buying. Some tents have a bathtub floor that already does much of this work.
Do I need a groundsheet or a tent carpet?
A groundsheet protects the tent floor and gives you a dry place to sit; a tent carpet is a comfort extra that adds warmth underfoot in cold weather and is popular with car campers. Neither is essential. If you pitch on rough ground or camp in shoulder seasons, the groundsheet earns its place; the carpet is a matter of comfort.
How do I check a tent before buying?
Read four numbers: sleeping capacity, hydrostatic head for both fly and floor, packed weight, and season rating. If a listing gives only one waterproof figure, ask which part it refers to. Then check whether pegs, poles and a repair kit are included, because those change the real weight and the real cost. See our outdoor range or ask us about a specific model.