Equipment

Best British Tent Brands

This extensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about the best British tent brands.

There are many great British tent manufacturers, each with their own unique features and styles.

Tent and hills
©Clay Banks

British Tent Brands

When choosing a tent, consider the intended use, size, weight, and price to find the right fit for your needs.

1. British Tent Brands – Vango

Vango is a British outdoor equipment company that specializes in manufacturing camping equipment, tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor furniture.

The company was founded in 1966 in Glasgow, Scotland, and has since become one of the most popular and well-respected outdoor brands in the UK.

Vango’s products are known for their high-quality materials, innovative design, and attention to detail. The company offers a wide range of tents to suit different needs, including backpacking tents, family tents, and expedition tents. In addition to tents, Vango also produces sleeping bags, camping furniture, and camping accessories like backpacks, lanterns, and cookware.

Wall and mountain and British tent Brands
©Jonny Gios

Vango has won numerous awards for their products, including the Camping Magazine Editor’s Choice Award and the Outdoor Industry Award.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, including using recycled materials in their products and reducing waste in their manufacturing processes.

Overall, Vango is a well-respected and popular outdoor brand in the UK and around the world, known for producing high-quality and innovative outdoor equipment.

What Materials are Vango Tents Made From?

Vango tents are made from a variety of high-quality materials, each chosen for its specific properties and intended use.

Here are some of the most common materials used in Vango tents:

Flysheet fabric – The flysheet is the outer layer of the tent that provides protection from the elements. Vango uses a range of fabrics for their flysheets, including Protex® polyester and Sentinel Pro™ polyester. These fabrics are durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant.

Groundsheet fabric – The groundsheet is the layer of the tent that sits between the tent floor and the ground. Vango’s groundsheet fabrics are designed to be tough and waterproof, to prevent moisture from seeping through. They use a range of materials, including 70D polyester and 150D polyester.

Pole material – Vango uses high-quality, lightweight materials for their tent poles, including PowerFlex® fibreglass and Yunan Eco Alloy poles. These materials provide strength and stability while minimizing the overall weight of the tent.

Mesh – Many of Vango’s tents feature mesh panels to improve ventilation and reduce condensation. The mesh is typically made from polyester or nylon and is designed to be durable and breathable.

Zippers and hardware – Vango uses high-quality zippers and hardware, such as Duraflex® buckles and YKK zippers, to ensure their tents are durable and easy to use.

Vango uses a range of high-quality materials to ensure their tents are durable, waterproof, and able to withstand the elements. By using these materials, Vango is able to produce tents that are reliable and comfortable, even in challenging conditions.

Here are three examples of Vango tents and their features:

Vango Banshee Pro 200

The Vango Banshee Pro 200 is a lightweight, two-person backpacking tent that is perfect for hikers and backpackers who need a reliable and easy-to-pitch shelter.

It features a tunnel design and is made from Vango’s Protex RS polyester fabric, which is waterproof and durable. The Banshee Pro 200 comes with Yunan Eco Alloy poles that are strong and lightweight, and it also features a reflective webbing design to increase visibility at night.

Trees and sunset and shadow
©Jonny Gios

The tent has a mesh inner tent for ventilation and features a spacious porch area for storing gear.

Vango Stargrove II Air 600XL

The Vango Stargrove II Air 600XL is a spacious, six-person inflatable tent that is ideal for family camping. It features a versatile tunnel design and is made from Vango’s Sentinel Dura polyester fabric, which is waterproof and durable.

The Stargrove II Air 600XL comes with Vango’s patented AirBeam® technology, which allows for quick and easy setup without the need for traditional poles.

The tent also features a sewn-in groundsheet for added protection against moisture and insects, as well as a large front awning for outdoor living space.

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Vango Keswick 600DLX

The Vango Keswick 600DLX is a luxurious six-person tent that is perfect for family camping or glamping.

It features a spacious tunnel design and is made from Vango’s Sentinel Signature cotton-polyester fabric, which is breathable and durable.

The Keswick 600DLX comes with a pre-attached awning for additional living space and features large windows for natural light and ventilation. The tent also includes Vango’s SkyTrack II® system for hanging lights and storage, as well as a fully sewn-in groundsheet for added comfort and protection.

Vango offers a variety of high-quality tents with different features to suit the needs of different types of outdoor enthusiasts, from backpackers to family campers.

2. British Tent Brands – Robens

Robens tents are known for their high quality and durability. Robens is a British outdoor gear company that specializes in producing lightweight and expedition-quality tents, and they have built a reputation for producing some of the best tents on the market.

One of the key features that sets Robens tents apart is their use of high-quality materials. Robens tents are made with premium fabrics, such as HydroTex® fabric, which is a lightweight and highly waterproof material that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

In addition, Robens tents often feature DAC Featherlite poles, which are made from high-strength aluminium and are both lightweight and durable.

Robens tents also feature advanced design and construction techniques, such as their use of Advanced Air Tube System technology, which allows for quick and easy setup of inflatable tents.

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Many of their tents also feature zip-in ground sheets, which provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and insects.

Robens tents are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a high-quality and durable tent that is built to withstand challenging conditions.

While they may be slightly more expensive than some other brands, the quality and attention to detail in Robens tents make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time camping or backpacking.

Here are three popular Robens tents and their features:

Robens Challenger 2 Tent

The Robens Challenger 2 is a lightweight, two-person tent that is designed for backpackers and hikers. It features a dome-style design that is easy to pitch and provides excellent stability in windy conditions.

The flysheet is made from HydroTex Core fabric, which is highly waterproof and durable, and the tent comes with DAC Featherlite NSL poles that are lightweight and strong. The Challenger 2 also features a mesh inner tent that provides excellent ventilation and keeps insects at bay.

Robens Klondike Grande Tent

The Robens Klondike Grande is a large, spacious tent that is designed for family camping or glamping. It features a classic tepee-style design that is both stylish and practical, and can sleep up to eight people.

The tent is made from HydroTex Polycotton fabric, which provides excellent breathability and helps regulate temperature, and features a zip-in groundsheet for added protection against moisture and insects.

The Klondike Grande also features a stovepipe port, making it easy to install a stove for heating and cooking.

Robens Arrow Head

The Robens Arrow Head is a lightweight, three-person tent that is ideal for backpackers and hikers. It features a tunnel-style design that is easy to pitch and provides excellent stability in windy conditions.

Rocks and river and hills
©Benjamin Elliot

The flysheet is made from HydroTex HD fabric, which is highly waterproof and durable, and the tent comes with Yunan Eco Alloy poles that are lightweight and strong. The Arrow Head also features a porch area that provides extra storage space and shelter from the elements.

These three popular Robens tents are all designed with high-quality materials and innovative features, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, from backpacking to family camping.

3. British Tent Brands – Terra Nova

Terra Nova is a British outdoor gear company that specializes in producing lightweight and high-performance tents, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment. They are known for their innovative designs, high-quality materials, and attention to detail.

Terra Nova has been producing high-quality tents for over 20 years, and they have built a reputation for producing some of the best tents on the market.

Their tents are designed with advanced features such as their TBS® (Tension Band System), which increases the strength and stability of the tent in high winds. They also use premium fabrics such as their Watershed™ flysheet, which is highly waterproof and durable.

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One of Terra Nova’s key strengths is their use of technology in their designs. For example, they were the first company to use titanium poles in their tents, which are stronger and lighter than aluminium poles.

They also use DAC Featherlite poles, which are known for their strength and durability.

Overall, Terra Nova’s tents are highly regarded for their quality, durability, and advanced features. While they may be slightly more expensive than some other brands, the quality and attention to detail in Terra Nova’s tents make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time camping or backpacking.

Examples of Terra Nova Tents

Here are three examples of Terra Nova tents and their features:

Terra Nova Laser Compact 2

The Laser Compact 2 is a lightweight and compact backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It features a single hoop design with DAC Featherlite poles, which makes it easy to set up and pack away.

The tent is made from high-quality Watershed flysheet and a breathable inner fabric that provides excellent protection against the elements. It also has a porch area for storing gear, and the TBS II tension band system helps to improve stability in high winds.

Terra Nova Voyager 2

The Voyager 2 is a two-person tent that is designed for a range of outdoor activities. It features a classic geodesic design with five poles that provide excellent stability and space.

The tent is made from high-quality Watershed flysheet and features an inner tent with mesh windows for ventilation. It also has a large porch area for storing gear and cooking, and the TBS II tension band system provides additional stability in high winds.

Terra Nova Quasar

The Quasar is a four-season, geodesic tent that is designed for harsh weather conditions. It features a five-pole design that provides excellent stability and space, and it is made from high-quality Watershed flysheet and a robust 70D nylon floor. The tent also has a mesh inner tent for ventilation, as well as multiple vents that help to reduce condensation.

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The Quasar is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and it has been tested in extreme environments such as the Himalayas.

Terra Nova tents are known for their high-quality materials, innovative designs, and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight backpacking tent or a durable four-season tent, Terra Nova has a range of options to suit your needs.

4. British Tent Brands – Wild Country

Wild Country is a British outdoor gear brand that is known for producing high-quality tents at an affordable price point. Wild Country is actually a subsidiary of Terra Nova.

Wild Country’s tents are designed with a focus on quality and durability, and they use high-quality materials and advanced features to ensure that their tents perform well in a range of conditions.

Wild Country’s tents are designed to be lightweight and easy to set up, making them a great option for backpacking and camping.

They use premium materials such as DAC poles and Wild Country’s Stormtex® fabric, which is highly waterproof and durable. Their tents are also designed with innovative features such as their TBS® (Tension Band System), which provides additional stability in high winds.

Overall, Wild Country tents are a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality tent at an affordable price.

While they may not have all the advanced features and technology found in some of the more expensive brands, they are well-made and designed to perform well in a range of conditions.

Examples of Wild Country Tents

Here are three examples of Wild Country tents and their features:

Wild Country Zephyros 2

The Zephyros 2 is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It features a single hoop design with DAC Featherlite poles, which makes it easy to set up and pack away.

Squirrel in the woods with British tent brnads
©Jonny Gios

The tent is made from Wild Country’s Stormtex fabric, which is highly waterproof and durable. It also has a porch area for storing gear, and the TBS II tension band system helps to improve stability in high winds.

Wild Country Hoolie 2

The Hoolie 2 is a two-person tent that is designed for a range of outdoor activities. It features a classic tunnel design with two poles that provide excellent stability and space.

The tent is made from Wild Country’s Stormtex fabric and features an inner tent with mesh windows for ventilation. It also has a large porch area for storing gear and cooking, and the TBS II tension band system provides additional stability in high winds.

Wild Country Coshee 3

The Coshee 3 is a three-person tent that is designed for backpacking and camping. It features a tunnel design with two poles that provide excellent stability and space.

The tent is made from Wild Country’s Stormtex fabric and features an inner tent with mesh windows for ventilation. It also has a large porch area for storing gear and cooking, and the TBS II tension band system provides additional stability in high winds.

Overall, Wild Country tents are known for their high-quality materials, innovative designs, and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight backpacking tent or a durable tent for car camping, Wild Country has a range of options to suit your needs.

5. British Tent Brands – Alpkit

Alpkit is a UK-based outdoor gear company that was founded in 2004. The company was started by a group of friends who were passionate about outdoor adventure and wanted to create high-quality gear that was both affordable and sustainable.

Alpkit’s mission is to inspire and enable people to go on outdoor adventures by providing them with high-quality gear that is designed to perform well in a range of conditions.

Alpkit produces a wide range of outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and clothing. They are known for their innovative designs and use of high-quality materials, and their gear is popular among outdoor enthusiasts in the UK and beyond.

Alpkit also has a strong commitment to sustainability and works to reduce their environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes wherever possible.

They are a well-respected outdoor gear company that is known for producing high-quality and affordable gear that is designed to help people go on outdoor adventures. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped them to build a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts in the UK and beyond.

Favourite Alpkit Tents and their Features

Here are a selection of our favourites.

Alpkit Ordos 2

The Ordos 2 is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It features a simple and quick to pitch design with a single hoop structure and DAC Featherlite poles.

The tent is made from high-quality nylon fabric that is both waterproof and breathable. It also has a spacious porch area for storing gear and cooking, and the tent’s flysheet can be extended using trekking poles to create a larger living area.

Alpkit Jaran 3

The Jaran 3 is a three-person tent that is designed for a range of outdoor activities. It features a classic tunnel design with two poles that provide excellent stability and space.

©Danny Lau

The tent is made from high-quality nylon fabric that is both waterproof and breathable, and it also has a large porch area for storing gear and cooking. The Jaran 3’s flysheet can also be extended using trekking poles to create a larger living area.

Alpkit Kangri

The Kangri is a high-quality mountain tent that is designed for use in extreme conditions. It features a strong geodesic design with four poles that provide excellent stability and strength.

The tent is made from a high-quality silicone-coated fabric that is both waterproof and breathable, and it also has a large porch area for storing gear and cooking. The Kangri is also designed to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, making it an ideal choice for mountaineers and expeditions.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight backpacking tent or a durable tent for extreme mountain conditions, Alpkit has a range of options to suit your needs.

What Places in the UK are Good for Camping?

The UK is home to many beautiful camping destinations that offer a range of landscapes and outdoor activities. Here are a few places that are known for their camping opportunities:

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria, northwest England, is a popular destination for camping and hiking. The area is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, and forests, and there are many campsites throughout the region that cater to a range of budgets and preferences.

Scotland

Scotland is home to a wealth of camping opportunities, from remote wilderness areas to family-friendly campsites. The Scottish Highlands, in particular, offer stunning scenery and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Cornwall

Cornwall, in southwest England, is a popular holiday destination that offers a range of camping opportunities. The region is known for its stunning beaches and coastal scenery, as well as its charming towns and villages.

Wales

Wales is home to a range of camping destinations, from the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the scenic mountains of Snowdonia. The country offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and watersports.

Peak District

The Peak District, in central England, is a popular destination for camping and hiking. The area is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic landmarks, and there are many campsites throughout the region that cater to a range of preferences.

These are just a few examples of the many camping destinations that the UK has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience or a family-friendly campsite, there is something for everyone in the UK.

Does the UK Have Good Hiking Routes?

Yes, the UK is home to many great hiking routes that offer a range of landscapes and challenges. Here are a few examples:

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile hiking trail that runs from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The route takes hikers through a range of landscapes, from lochs and forests to mountains and moors, and offers stunning views throughout.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84-mile hiking trail that follows the historic Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman fortification that runs across northern England. The route takes hikers through beautiful countryside and historic landmarks, and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia is a mountainous region in north Wales that offers a range of hiking opportunities. The area is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, as well as many other stunning mountains and valleys.

The Lake District

The Lake District in northwest England is a popular destination for hiking and offers a range of trails for all skill levels. The area is known for its stunning scenery, including lakes, mountains, and forests, and there are many well-marked trails throughout the region.

Large tree in the gardens.
©Andy Watkins

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile hiking trail that follows the coastline of south-west England. The route takes hikers through a range of landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to quaint fishing villages and historic landmarks.

These are just a few examples of the many great hiking routes that the UK has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain hike or a leisurely coastal walk, there is something for everyone in the UK.

Is British Camping Equipment Good Quality?

Yes, British camping equipment is generally known for its good quality, durability, and reliability. The UK has a long tradition of outdoor recreation, and many companies have been producing camping equipment for decades, with a focus on quality and innovation.

British camping equipment brands such as Vango, Terra Nova, and Robens, to name a few, are highly respected for their quality, functionality, and design. These brands use high-quality materials, such as lightweight and durable fabrics, and design their products to withstand the often challenging and unpredictable British weather.

Additionally, many British camping equipment companies offer a range of products to suit different budgets and camping styles, from lightweight backpacking tents to spacious family tents.

Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality camping equipment that is designed to withstand the rigours of the British outdoors, you can’t go wrong with equipment made by British camping brands.

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