Buying a tent isn’t just about picking something with poles and hoping for the best. Whether you’re planning a wild camp in the mountains, a multi-day hike, or a weekend at a family campsite, the right tent can make or break your adventure. Here at Crib Goch Outdoor, we’ve put together a no-nonsense guide to help you choose the tent that suits your style, trip, and budget. Any other questions? Just get in touch.
1. What’s Your Camping Style?
Before diving into deniers, hydrostatic heads and vestibules, ask yourself: how will you use your tent?
- Wild Camping / Backpacking – Go light and compact. Look for low-profile designs that handle wind and pack down small.
- Mountain / 4-Season Use – You’ll want something built for rough weather: geodesic or semi-geodesic structures with strong poles.
- Car Camping / Campsites – Space and comfort are key. Pack size matters less, so go bigger and think about standing room.
- Family Camping – Think rooms, porches, blackout bedrooms and ease of pitching.
- Bikepacking – Ultra-light and ultra-packable. Look for clever frame integration and small pack size.
2. Tent Capacity: 1-Person, 2-Person, or More?
Be honest: a 2-person tent fits two people… very snugly. If you like a bit more space, size up. Consider:
- Solo camping? Go for a lightweight 1-person tent – or a roomy 2P if you want space for your kit.
- Two people + kit? A 3P tent might be more comfortable.
- Family or group? Think about pod-style tents or large tunnel designs.
3. Key Tent Types Explained
- Tunnel Tents – Great internal space-to-weight ratio, ideal for UK conditions. Needs guy lines well pegged.
- Geodesic/Semi-Geodesic Tents – Excellent stability in high winds and on uneven terrain. Perfect for Eryri.
- Dome Tents – Easy to pitch, good for casual camping.
- Pop-Up Tents – Fun, but not for serious adventures!
4. Essential Features to Look For
- Hydrostatic Head (HH): Measures waterproofing. Aim for 3000mm+ for UK use.
- Vestibules/Porches: Space to cook or stash muddy boots.
- Ventilation: Stops condensation build-up. Look for mesh panels and adjustable vents.
- Pole Material: Aluminium poles are stronger than fibreglass. Carbon fiber boast and even greater strength to weight ratio.
- Inner-first vs Outer-first Pitching: Outer-first is better in wet conditions – keeps the inside dry.
5. Season Ratings
- 1-Season: For summer festivals and warm weather only.
- 2-Season: Light summer use with mild showers.
- 3-Season: The UK sweet spot – handles wind and rain spring through autumn.
- 4-Season: Designed for winter, snow loading, and serious mountain use.
6. Weight vs Durability
Lightweight is great… until the wind picks up. Ultra-light tents often use thinner fabrics and smaller poles. For exposed UK hill camping, balance weight with weather resistance. If in doubt, err on the side of durability.
7. Pitching & Packability
- Quick-pitch systems save time and stress (especially in rain).
- Pack size matters if you’re carrying it all day – check the packed dimensions.
- Freestanding tents can be pitched almost anywhere, handy on rocky or tight terrain.
8. Recommended Tent Brands at Crib Goch Outdoor
We stock quality tents that we’d trust in Snowdonia or the Cairngorms:
- Terra Nova – Designed in the UK, brilliant in bad weather.
- Wild Country – By Terra Nova, offering great performance at a more accessible price point.
- Fjällräven – Rugged, sustainable design with Scandinavian quality.
- Nordisk – Lightweight Scandi design with style.
9. Potential Upgrades to Your Tent and Camping Experience
Level up your outdoor adventures with a few smart additions:
- Footprints (Groundsheets): Extend the life of your tent floor and add insulation.
- Compact camping chairs and tables: Lightweight, packable comfort for longer stays.
- Lighting: Headtorches, lanterns, or tent lights can turn a basic shelter into a home.
- Comfortable sleep systems: Upgrade from a basic mat to an inflatable or self-inflating pad, and pair with a quality sleeping bag.
- Camping stoves and cookware: Brew, cook and enjoy – from minimalist burners to full camp kitchens.
- Power banks or solar chargers: Keep your essentials charged, even off-grid.
- Windbreaks and tarps: Add shelter and privacy to your pitch.
These small upgrades can make a big difference, especially on multi-night trips or when the weather’s not playing ball.
Final Thoughts: Test the Tent, Not Your Patience
The best tent is the one that matches your needs, your budget, and the type of trip you love. Don’t get too caught up in fancy specs if all you want is a dry place to crash after a day on the trail.
Visit us in-store or online at cribgochoutdoor.com to check out our full range, or get advice from our experienced team.
Shop quality tents at Crib Goch Outdoor – where your next adventure starts with the right shelter.
