How to Choose the Best Tent for Wild Camping, 1-2 Man:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Wild camping is about freedom, solitude, and immersion in nature
Wild camping is about freedom, solitude, and immersion in nature, but none of that matters if your tent fails you. Choosing the right shelter is critical for safety, comfort, and staying hidden. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to evaluate tents for wild camping, from weight and weatherproofing to stealth features, and share my top-rated picks for 2025, so you can get the best tent for you, for wild camping.
- How to Choose the Best Tent for Wild Camping, 1-2 Man: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Why Your Tent Choice Matters for Wild Camping
- Step 1: Understand Tent Types
- Step 2: Key Features to Prioritize
- 2.3 Season
- 2.4 Stealth Design
- Step 3: Budget Considerations
- Step 4: My Top 5 Best Tents for Wild Camping in 2025 (Affiliate Links)
- 1. Best Overall: MSR Hubba Hubba
- 2. Best Ultralight: Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW
- 3. Best Budget Tent Under £150
- 4. Best Tent £150-£300
- 5. The tent I use
- Step 5: Pro Tips for Wild Camping Success
- Final Checklist Before You Buy
- Final Thoughts
- Here's a couple of my other posts I think you'd like
Why Your Tent Choice Matters for Wild Camping
Wild camping isn’t car camping. You need a tent that:
- Weighs under 3kg (to avoid backpack strain).
- Withstands sudden storms (UK weather is unpredictable).
- Blends into the landscape (try to avoid bright colors).
- Pitches quickly (no fiddling in the dark).
Step 1: Understand Tent Types
1.1 Freestanding Tents
- Pros: Easy to pitch on rocky terrain; stable in wind.
- Cons: Slightly heavier
- Best for: Beginners or campers in exposed areas.
1.2 Non-Freestanding Tents
- Pros: Ultralight (under 1kg); packs tiny.
- Cons: Requires stakes; less stormproof.
- Best for: Ultralight backpackers
1.3 Bivy Tents
- Pros: Super stealthy; minimalist.
- Cons: Claustrophobic; limited storage.
- Best for: Solo adventurers prioritizing invisibility.
Step 2: Key Features to Prioritize
2.1 Weight vs. Durability
- My rule of thumb:
- Solo tents: Under 1.5kg (ultralight).
- 2-person tents: Under 2.8kg (2-person tents are good for 1 person with a little space and maybe a dog).
- Material trade-offs:
- Silnylon (lightweight) vs. Polyester (more durable).
2.2 Weather Resistance
- Hydrostatic head (HH): 3,000mm+ for rainfly and floor.
- Ventilation: Look for mesh panels to reduce condensation.
2.3 Season
- 3-season tent: Your all-rounder. Handles rain, wind, and the occasional existential crisis.
- 4-season tent: Built for snowstorms and campers who enjoy bragging about surviving -20°C nights.
Unless you are trekking the Arctic or deciding to winter camp, id stick to a 3 season Tent. I will write a separate post for 4 season Tents.
2.4 Stealth Design
- Avoid: Bright colors (Not essential but good practice, mine’s bright red… ).
- Choose: Olive green, charcoal, or camouflage.
Step 3: Budget Considerations
| Price Range | What to Expect | Example Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Under £150 | Basic weatherproofing; Heavier | OneTigris COSMITTO |
| £150-£300 | Lightweight; decent durability | Naturehike Tunnel Tent |
| £300+ | Ultralight; stormproof materials | Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW |
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
Step 4: My Top 5 Best Tents for Wild Camping in 2025 (Affiliate Links)
1. Best Overall: MSR Hubba Hubba
- Weight: 1.7kg | Seasons: 3 | Capacity: 1-2-person
- Why I love it: Unbeatable stormproofing + roomy interior.
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
2. Best Ultralight: Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW
- Weight: 1kg | Seasons: 3 | Capacity: 1-person
- Why I love it: Featherweight Dyneema fabric + stealthy design.
- 2-person tent
- Brand: Nordisk
- Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW FOREST GRN ONE
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
3. Best Budget Tent Under £150
- Weight: 2.3kg | Seasons: 3 | Capacity: 1-2-person
- Why I love it: Waterproof and durable material + Easy Setup
- ★ 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨: Waterproof and durable material – Lightweight but sturdy frame pole for sleeping overnight, even on a wi…
- ★ 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛/ 𝘿𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡: 20D Plaid Ripstop polyester construction with 75D nylon tent bottom offering rugged dura…
- ★ 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙥 & 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜: The rain fly, tent body, and aluminum alloy frame poles can be easily assembled for a quick and…
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
4. Best Tent £150-£300
- Weight: 2.4kg | Seasons: 3 | Capacity: 1-2-person
- Why I love it: 2 compartments + Good ventilation
- 【One bedroom and one living room】This winter tent is suitable for 1-2 people. The outer tent can be used independently a…
- 【Heat tent】The winter tent has a waterproof chimney opening and can be used with a wood stove. Please try not to let the…
- 【Lightweight】Naturehike camping tent uses 15D tear-resistant nylon fabric, PU1500mm+; the base fabric uses 20D nylon, PU…
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
5. The tent I use
- Weight: 4.4kg | Seasons: 3 | Capacity: 1-2-person
- Why I love it: Lightweight (yes its bright red & a bit heavier than the others, but it’s amazing) + Easy Pitch
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STABLE – This backpacking tent uses tough, lightweight components to provide versatile ultra stable campin…
- FULLY WATERPROOF – This berghaus tent has a 3000mm HH fly sheet, with fully taped seams, withstands the heavy rain, snow…
- EASY TO PITCH – This camping tent takes just 5 minutes to pitch. It can be pitched with the inner tent attached for spee…
I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links – at no extra cost to you.
Step 5: Pro Tips for Wild Camping Success
- Practice pitching your tent at home to avoid struggles in the dark.
- Use a footprint to protect the tent floor from sharp rocks.
- Arrive late, leave early to minimize environmental impact.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
- Weight under 3kg?
- 3,000mm+ hydrostatic head?
- Earth-toned color? if not consider a rainfly poncho
- Fits your budget?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best 1-2 man tent for wild camping is like finding a hiking buddy: it must be reliable, lightweight, and not prone to dramatic meltdowns in a rainstorm. Prioritize weather resistance over Instagram aesthetics, weight over vanity, and stealth design over looking like a traffic cone in the wilderness. Whether you’re splurging on a featherweight spaceship-tent or rocking a budget-friendly bivy, remember – the best tent is the one that gets you out there, sleeping under the stars (and not under a puddle). Go and enjoy it!, Pitch like a pro, and may your wild camping adventures be leak-free and sheep-approved.
Here’s a couple of my other posts I think you’d like
