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Hiking tents: how to choose the right one

Buying a tent for hiking or camping? Here is my guide to weight, waterproofing and size, so you find the right tent for the trip.

Camino King · · updated 7 November 2022 · 2 min read

Are you buying a tent before your next trip out? Then here is my guide to what to look for, so you end up with a tent you enjoy and not one you regret in the middle of nature.

Which tent should I choose?

A good tent is one that suits your needs. Cheap tents can be fine for a festival where you are sure of good weather. I have seen countless times that people head home on the first day of Roskilde Festival, or from other camping trips, because they did not get a waterproof tent. So it does matter which tent you choose.

One of the first things to ask yourself is: what will I use the tent for? Once you have answered that, you probably already have the answer to many of the other questions. How many people will sleep in the tent? That is stated clearly in the product descriptions, and there are many sizes to choose from. The price changes quickly depending on how many the tent is designed for.

How much should the tent weigh?

Weight is one of the most decisive questions for me. There are many different tents, and I usually use mine when I am out hiking. As a rule of thumb, I do not bring a tent when I walk the Camino Francés, because there are plenty of places to stay on that route. But there are many of the other routes on the Camino where you can easily hike with a small tent.

Different types of tents

Here it is natural to look at lightweight tents. It matters a lot for the hike that I am not lugging a tent that is too heavy. On top of that, I love it when the tent is easy to pitch and quick to pack away again, especially when I have to do it alone. A light tent that is also waterproof covers most needs on the route.

Find the right tent for you

The right tent depends entirely on your own needs. Whether you are looking for a cheap tent, a modern tent for several people or something else entirely, start by getting clear on what you will mainly use it for.

I have experienced myself that even the cleverest tents can bring challenges. We thought we had a lovely tunnel tent, but that too caused trouble. So remember to read the product description carefully, and ideally head out to the shops, look at the tents and get expert guidance before you buy. That way you do not end up carrying around a tent you do not like.

Our recommendations

For hiking Lightweight 1 to 2 person tent My choice for hikes where I carry the tent myself. Light, compact and easy to pitch after a long day.
Waterproof dome tent A solid choice when the weather can turn. The main thing is that it keeps the water out, so a rainy night does not ruin the trip.
Larger family tent Good room for several people on camping trips and at festivals, where you do not have to carry it far yourself.

Frequently asked questions

How heavy can a hiking tent be?
Weight is one of the most important points when you carry the tent yourself. Look for lightweight tents that fit down into the backpack, without a too-heavy tent ruining the trip. A light tent that is also easy to pitch and pack away is worth its weight in gold on a hike.
Should I bring a tent on the Camino?
On the Camino Francés I usually do not bring a tent, because there are plenty of places to stay along the way. On several of the other Camino routes you can easily hike with a small tent, if you want to sleep more freely out in nature.
What matters most in a tent?
Start by asking yourself what you will use the tent for, and how many people will sleep in it. From there a lot follows on its own. Waterproofing and weight are the two things I rate highest, closely followed by the number of people and how easy the tent is to handle.
Are cheap tents good enough?
Cheap tents can be fine for a festival where you are sure of good weather. I have seen countless people head home on the first day of Roskilde Festival because the tent was not waterproof. So it does matter which tent you choose if the weather might turn.
How do I choose the right size?
Choose based on how many people will sleep in the tent. The size is stated clearly in the product descriptions, and both price and weight go up the more people the tent is designed for.
CK

Camino King

The walker who never stopped

Michael walked his first Camino in 2016 and has kept going ever since. He writes about the routes, the gear and everything that makes a long walking day good. If it is here, it has been walked, worn or weighed.

Published 6 February 2022 · Updated 7 November 2022 The story behind Camino King

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