Wild camping has been in the news a lot lately, especially with the ban in Dartmoor and while its illegal across large parts of the UK, it is still legal in some parts and still a past time of many. So long as you ‘leave no trace’ it can be a great way to really explore our beautiful countryside. Reach those parts you can’t hike to in one day.
Having the right gear is crucial though, you can be in the middle of no where on your own. A tent is one the key pieces of gear you will need, it will allow you to shelter yourself in bad weather, give you a place to sleep and keep dry.
In this article we are going to look at some of the best wild camping tents on the market.
Highlander Blackthorn 1 Man tent
Let’s start with a great entry level tent, it comes in two sizes standard or if you want a bit more room the XL.
The Highlander Blackthorn 1 Man tent is a lightweight and compact tent designed for solo camping trips. It features a single hoop design with a breathable inner tent and a waterproof flysheet to keep you dry in wet conditions. The tent has a small porch area for storing your gear and a mesh panel for ventilation. It also comes with a compression stuff sack for easy packing and transportation.
Many users have praised the tent for its easy setup and lightweight design, making it an ideal option for backpacking and hiking trips. The tent’s small size and compactness also make it a great choice for wild camping and stealth camping. However, some users have reported that the tent can be a bit cramped for taller individuals and that the porch area is not big enough to comfortably store all their gear.
The cheapest place to buy it from is here, however if you prefer Amazon you can pick it up here for an extra £9.
This overall is a great intro tent. A tent costing less than £60 allows you to try wild camping without breaking the bank.
Vango Banshee 300 3 Person Tent
Next up we have the Vango Banshee 300 Tent, while this is advertised as a 3 person tent, we find it more useful for 2 and gear. In an emergency or if you have a gear store then it can fit three people in.
The Banshee 300 3 Person Tent is a lightweight and compact tent designed for backpacking and camping trips. It features a durable and waterproof flysheet with a waterproof rating of 3000mm, which can keep you dry in wet conditions. The tent has a spacious interior with enough room for three people to sleep comfortably. It also has a small porch area for storing your gear and a mesh panel for ventilation.
Many users have praised the tent for its easy setup and lightweight design, making it an ideal option for backpacking and hiking trips. The tent’s spacious interior and small porch area also make it a great choice for group camping trips. However, some users have reported that the tent can be a bit cramped for three people, especially if they have a lot of gear.
The tent can be purchased from Go Outdoors as well as Amazon and other retail outlets.
Terra Nova Starlite 1 Man Tent
The next tent in our review is the Starlite, but this tent is for more experienced wild campers who go out several times a year and know they love it. This tent is a bit of an investment.
The Starlite 1 is a lightweight, one-person tent designed for backpacking and camping. It has a single-pole design with a sturdy aluminium frame and a waterproof rainfly that can be quickly and easily set up.
The tent’s interior dimensions measure 88 x 38 inches, providing ample space for one person and their gear. The tent has a full mesh body, which provides excellent ventilation and helps to keep insects out. The rainfly is made of durable polyester fabric and is waterproof to keep the interior dry during rain or other wet weather.
The Starlite 1 tent also features an easy-access door with a two-way zipper and a vestibule area for storing gear or cooking. It has several internal pockets for organising gear and essentials and comes with stakes and guy lines for securing the tent in windy conditions.
The cheapest place we found the tent is here at The Expert Camper and they offer Clearpay and Klarna allowing you to spread the cost. It can be purchased from Amazon but it’s an extra £120. It can be purchased directly from Terra Nova but again this will cost you an extra £120.
These are three great tents on the market if you are looking for a new tent to go wild camping.
Still not sure if Wild Camping is for you, check out the benefits of wild camping:
Wild camping in the UK, which involves camping outside of designated campsites, can offer a variety of benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the benefits of wild camping in the UK:
- Remote and secluded locations: Wild camping allows you to access more remote and secluded locations, where you can immerse yourself in nature and escape the crowds. This can provide a greater sense of peace and tranquility than camping in more populated areas.
- Freedom and flexibility: Wild camping gives you the freedom to pitch your tent wherever you choose, and to set your own schedule without the restrictions of designated campsites. You can also tailor your camping experience to your own preferences, whether that’s choosing a scenic spot with a view, a sheltered spot to avoid wind and rain, or a spot close to water for fishing or swimming.
- Cost-effective: Wild camping is often a more cost-effective option than staying in designated campsites, which can charge high fees for facilities and amenities. With wild camping, you can enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
- Environmentally conscious: Wild camping encourages a more environmentally conscious approach to camping, as you are not relying on the infrastructure and resources of designated campsites. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, you can minimize your impact on the environment and help preserve natural spaces for future generations.
- Adventure and challenge: Wild camping can provide a sense of adventure and challenge, as you may need to navigate challenging terrain, carry all your equipment, and be self-sufficient in the wilderness. This can be a rewarding and empowering experience for those who enjoy pushing their limits.
Overall, wild camping in the UK offers a unique and rewarding way to experience the outdoors, with the potential for stunning views, memorable experiences, and a deeper connection with nature.
