Choosing a camping tent: practical buying tips for camping, trekking and backpacking

Your camping tent should suit the way you spend the night outdoors. A spacious tent for a family is ideal on a campsite, but awkward if you’re walking with your rucksack every day. An ultralight trekking tent saves weight, but usually offers less living space. If you focus only on the price or a bold marketing claim, you could quickly end up making the wrong choice.

Three pitfalls to avoid when buying a camping tent

1. A high hydrostatic head isn’t a guarantee of complete protection

A rating such as PU2000mm or PU4000mm tells you how much water pressure the material is specified to withstand. In practice, performance also depends on taped seams, the condition of the coating, correct pitching and the ground beneath the tent.

So check:

• Whether both the flysheet and groundsheet are water-resistant.
• Whether the seams are taped or sealed in another way.
• Whether the groundsheet extends beyond the flysheet, where rainwater could run underneath.
• Whether the tent is suitable for the season and the conditions you expect.

A waterproof tent for summer camping isn’t automatically suitable as a 4-season tent for snow or severe storms.

2. “Pop-up” doesn’t mean you can leave it unsecured

A pop-up or quick-pitch tent can save time, but it still needs to be secured with pegs and guylines on level ground. Wind, wet ground and a poorly tensioned flysheet can all affect its stability.

Pay attention to the packed size, too. An automatic frame makes pitching easier, but can make the tent heavier and bulkier. That may not matter if you’re travelling by car, but it can be less practical for backpacking.

3. The stated capacity doesn’t mean there’s room to spread out

A 2-person tent often has just enough sleeping space for two sleeping mats. A porch or extra living space is useful for storing luggage and clothes, or sheltering from bad weather. The same goes for family tents: a model for 4 or 5 people may have enough room for everyone to sleep, but not always enough space to sit comfortably inside.

So look at:

• The inner dimensions and peak height.
• The number of sleeping compartments.
• Whether the tent has a porch or awning.
• Ventilation openings and mosquito netting.
• How much space the tent takes up on your pitch.

Key specifications explained

Weight and packed size

For walking and cycling, a lightweight tent is usually more important than maximum interior space. A trekking tent weighing around 1 to 3 kilograms is easier to carry than a spacious camping tent weighing 7 to 12 kilograms. Check whether the stated weight includes the poles, pegs and carry bag.

According to its product specifications, the Mobi Garden YADEEN UL2 weighs around 1,18 kg and has a packed size of 48 × 11 × 11 cm. This makes it well suited to long walks and lightweight backpacking. By contrast, an automatic camping tent from Mobi Garden weighs around 7,8 kg, but offers an interior measuring 240 × 240 cm and capacity for 2 to 5 people.

Waterproofing, materials and seams

Many tent fabrics are made from polyester, nylon or ripstop nylon. Nylon can be lightweight, while polyester is less prone to stretching when wet. However, the choice of material isn’t the only thing to consider. Look at the combination of:

• Hydrostatic head ratings for the flysheet and groundsheet.
• Taped seams.
• The quality and condition of the coating.
• A bathtub-style groundsheet with sufficiently raised edges.
• A flysheet that provides good coverage of the inner tent.

According to the product description, the Mobi Garden LUNTA 68D has a flysheet rated at PU2000mm and a groundsheet rated at PU4000mm. NatureHike Cloud-Up models are listed with ratings from PU3000mm to PU4000mm, depending on the material variant. Check which version you’ll receive when you order.

Ventilation, UV protection and blackout fabric

A tent with UV protection can be useful on sunny campsites, at picnics or during festivals. A rating such as UPF50+ is a specification for the fabric; your actual experience will also depend on factors such as openings, shade and where you pitch the tent.

Blackout fabric can reduce the amount of light inside the tent, but it doesn’t rule out ventilation. Large mesh doors and windows help with airflow and insect protection. Always keep windows and doors open when cooking or using fuel, and never use an open flame inside the tent.

Which camping tent is right for you?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Bestway Active Mount Camping Tent, 3-person

Why it suits this type of camper: A practical choice for weekend camping, with room for three people and an awning for luggage or shoes. According to the product information, the tent can be pitched in around 15 minutes.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The product specifications list a PU2000mm flysheet, separate inner and outer tents, and included guylines and pegs. The awning means you don’t have to keep all your belongings in the sleeping area.

Key benefits and features

Dimensions of 350 × 240 × 130 cm, weight of around 4,51 kg, awning, mosquito net and 15 pegs.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

NatureHike Cloud-Up 1P Ultralight Dome Tent

Why it suits this type of camper: This lightweight tent is designed for solo backpackers, hikers and hillwalkers who want to carry a compact place to sleep.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The listed specifications include 7001 aluminium poles, fully taped seams and a packed weight from around 1,5 kg, so the low weight isn’t based on the fabric alone.

Key benefits and features

1-person dome tent, 210 × 110 × 100 cm, suitable for 3-season use, mesh panels for ventilation and a PU4000mm hydrostatic head rating for the 20D version.

Suitable for: Specialist use and frequent adventurers

Mobi Garden YADEEN UL2 20D Tent

Why it suits this type of camper: For two people covering long distances who want to keep weight to a minimum. The tent is designed for 3-season use and lightweight mountain treks.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The specifications list ripstop nylon, taped seams, aluminium poles and a mesh inner tent. This lets you assess the materials for yourself, rather than relying on the term “ultralight” alone.

Key benefits and features

Around 1,18 kg, two doors, dimensions of 216 × 100 cm, PU2000mm and a packed size of 48 × 11 × 11 cm.

Use and care for a longer lifespan

Pitch your tent on level ground, away from sharp stones, branches and thorns. Tension the flysheet properly, but don’t pull too hard on lightweight nylon. If your tent gets wet, let it dry completely at home before storing it. Moisture trapped in a closed carry bag can cause mould and damage the coating.

Don’t machine-wash your tent. Follow the product instructions and use water, a soft cloth and, if needed, a mild, non-alkaline cleaning product. Avoid cooking, smoking and open flames inside the tent. Even a tent with UV protection is vulnerable to prolonged sun exposure, so check the fabric, seams and poles regularly.

Frequently asked questions about camping tents

How do you pitch a camping tent quickly?

First, choose a level, sheltered spot and check the ground. With a pop-up tent, unfold the frame, position the corners and secure the tent with pegs. With a trekking tent, assemble the poles first, attach the inner tent and then put on the flysheet. Always read the instructions for your specific model.

How long does a camping tent last?

That depends on the materials, how often you use it, UV exposure and how well you look after it. A tent that’s cleaned and dried after every trip may last longer. Check the seams, zips, pegs and water-repellent coating before each season.

Which tent is suitable for rain in the Netherlands?

Look for a flysheet and groundsheet with a stated hydrostatic head rating, sealed seams, adequate ventilation and a flysheet that sheds water effectively. No tent can make up for incorrect pitching: poorly tensioned fabric, open zips or water running underneath the groundsheet can all cause problems, even with a suitable waterproof tent.